Three questions about the Roland FP-30x

Thanks, that thread is helpful!  I was indeed looking at the FP-10, and the store said if I was just using it as a controller, then choose the 10 over the 30x.  The reason I was considering choosing the FP-30x was because the keys have a different, better finish, because it offers more pedal support, and because the 30x has more polyphony (which I suppose is only important if I use the onboard sounds, right?).  It also gives one the choice of using the onboard sounds and speakers if one ever wanted to.  In any case, the price isn't radically different between the two models.  Originally I had been looking at the A-88, as the user in the other post was, but the store said that indeed it had the same action as the FP10/30x.  And the VPC1 seems to have some issues as well.  I agree with the post you referred to, it doesn't seem worth it to get a pure controller...

(I am more than open to other suggestions, although that's a bit off-topic...)

You don't need the Focusrite or any DAC. You can just connect the FP30x directly to the computer running Pianoteq. That's what I did with my RP 501, which is one model older than the FP30, in a console instead of a slab. It works flawlessly.

I just turned the piano's own volume down to zero. I connected my headphones to the computer instead of the piano. If I want to play through the separate speakers (to record, etc.) I just plug the cord from the main speaker into the laptop, instead of the headphones.

Very simple.

The FP30x has better connectivity tham my piano. You won't have any problems.

Yes, the Roland PHA4 action is on many of their piano. In the FP series, only the 90x has the better hybrid action, with wooden keys. I can't speak to playing rapid trills on it because my skill level isn't there yet.

I love the PHA4 and it has worked perfectly for me. Not everyone feels this way, but it's a very popular and respected keyboard/action. One problem many people have had is that the keys started to click. Kawaii's ES110 has this problem, too. I hear that it's common among keyboards with plastic keys.

I've had my piano for a year, and never had this problem, so it's not universal.

If you can afford the FP90x, it's really a piano of the first order. It would do everything you want it to do. People I know who have it say it's incredible, and it has gotten superb reviews.

Hi Doremi,
Which Kawai, which Roland?
It's somewhat meaningless without that detail. In the "slab" models only the top of the range model has a different key action.

I watched a few minutes of the videos on the Casio GP hybrid grand pianos. Those lacked the escapement of the much more expensive top Roland hybrid grands but were actually regarded as being a little faster for trilling with their real Bechstein concert grand keys, and still a big step up from the digitals most of us will experience.

A second hand Casio GP might be a sound purchase - if it's in good condition, and you take the risk with the lack of warranty. That said they are physically too imposing for a lot of users - more of a piece of furniture, less studio friendly.
Most of us probably want something that's a slab to combine with other studio gear, and other keyboards.

VPC1 still looking the best bet for a genuine substantial step up if we want to use it in a studio setting, but the negative stories here don't instill much faith!

Then there's the cost no object light sensor keyboard Modartt promote - haven't won the lottery yet though, playing it might help - the lottery not the keyboard!