Thanks all for the replies!

I was able to spend a little time on a MP200 (PHA4) and a CK88 (GHS). Pehaps somewhat due to the (overly?) textured keys, wasn't crazy about the PHA4. While I'm sure PHA4 is technically better, the boring old GHS felt just as solid and comfortable. And certainly easier to find used for cheap.

The GHC seemed to be a slight but clear step down. The Casio 1100 seemed a bit soft and noisy. Whereas the GHS was the quietest of all.

I would love to find a D1 to try. Is their RH3 the same as Kawai uses? However, not having USB and only a single pedal input are two things I was hoping to improve from my current SL.

But so far I'm still thinking the best value for < US$699 is to find cheap used (< $300?) GHS. Then maybe later look into the higher ($2k+) controllers.

I've got a Korg D1. I'm really pleased with it. It was a noticeable upgrade from the previous Yamaha GHS.The Korg RH3 action is a different action to the Kawaii RH3. The Korg RH3 action is smooth and consistent. There is some extra resistance at the bottom end of the travel, giving a faux escapement effect.

You make a good point about not having USB, and only a single pedal. I bought an Audiofront midi box to overcome this, but that does bump up the price.

It's not easy to get the midi values nearing 0 and nearing 128. But nonetheless, it has worked well as a midi controller.

I was able to spend a little time on a MP200 (PHA4) and a CK88 (GHS). Pehaps somewhat due to the (overly?) textured keys, wasn't crazy about the PHA4. While I'm sure PHA4 is technically better, the boring old GHS felt just as solid and comfortable. And certainly easier to find used for cheap.

The GHC seemed to be a slight but clear step down. The Casio 1100 seemed a bit soft and noisy. Whereas the GHS was the quietest of all.

I would love to find a D1 to try. Is their RH3 the same as Kawai uses? However, not having USB and only a single pedal input are two things I was hoping to improve from my current SL.

But so far I'm still thinking the best value for < US$699 is to find cheap used (< $300?) GHS. Then maybe later look into the higher ($2k+) controllers.

They seem to be available used for around US$300s. Is there something else I'd be better off looking at in the under $500 range? Going up to $1000 might be a consideration if it's a substantial jump. It just needs to be a midi controller for Pianoteq, no need for further features or portability.

As KF and others have said, PHA4 is worth a look. Ideally, play it first. It's an excellent action for the price point, but can be a little fatiguing on faster pieces compared to more premium actions.

Those "premium" actions can be found for ~$1k used around my area (northwest USA) if you do a local pickup. Not sure what your local used market is like. The Roland FP90 and FP90X have the PHA-50 action which is light and quick, a noticeable step up from the PHA4, IMHO. Yamaha P515 has the NWX which is heavier but snappier (my personal preference between the two). I hear good things about the new Casio action, also. Action is such a personal thing, a bit like asking folks which shoes they like. Best if you can try for yourself.

Im planing on buying the roland fp-10 to use as a midi-controller. Its just the cheapest high quality keybed you can get in my opinion. SL88 should be a good option to in the same price-range but I think that one is a bit heavier.

Korg D1 might be a decent option too.

That's what I was implying might be the best on a budget. The most affordable PHA-4 action keyboard.

Expert players wanting something with more accurately weighted action and faster response might want to think about their real world prospects of ending up playing a grand piano on the regular basis anyway , or if the end goal is really to play what has become a normal household piano these days - IOW a digital piano/keyboard.

Korg D1 might be a decent option too.

Yes, thanks. I've been considering moving up to the FP-30X, or even the SL-88 Grand. But then I saw this:
http://www.stewartschultz.com/Music/Sel...9(535).png

If my objective is to find a lighter action, going for ones at the top of the list may not be the best idea! But then the Model D and SK7 are right up there too.

Good news is that I see that my local Guitar Center carries a few $699 models, including the Roland, Yammy and Privia. So now it's just a matter of going over and actually getting to try them out.

Take Pianoteq with you and hook it up is my advice.

Warmest regards,

Chris

If my objective is to find a lighter action, going for ones at the top of the list may not be the best idea! But then the Model D and SK7 are right up there too.

Good news is that I see that my local Guitar Center carries a few $699 models, including the Roland, Yammy and Privia. So now it's just a matter of going over and actually getting to try them out.

I'm currently working on Moonlight, and my old SL-990 has such a heavy action (over 100g?). It's great for 1st Mvmt, ok for 2nd, but 3rd? Fuggedaboudit.

My teacher has a P-105 which surely is nothing too special by today's standards, but to me feels at least in the ballpark of the half-decent acoustics I'm normally able to try.

They seem to be available used for around US$300s. Is there something else I'd be better off looking at in the under $500 range? Going up to $1000 might be a consideration if it's a substantial jump. It just needs to be a midi controller for Pianoteq, no need for further features or portability.