Topic by rjawad1

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Topic: Best Keyboard Touch

Hi all,
I've read a little about keyboards, but haven't found a chart comparing different keyboards on the internet.

Probably like most of you, I don't really care about how the keyboard sounds, since I use pianoteq.

I have a Yamaha P-140.  It's pretty good.  I've been basically happy with it (though I had to get a more sturdy stand).  However, I have to work pretty hard on passages with fast repeated notes.  For example, var. 12 of mendelssohn's variations serieuses.  P-140 just doesn't have the 'spring' of a real piano.  Just wondered if anyone has played on this keyboard and knows of a better (more realistic) one. 

Thanks in advance,
Ryan

Last edited by rjawad1 (30-03-2010 19:50)

Reply by jsmthjsmith83

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Re: Best Keyboard Touch

I put some details about your need,the P-140 offers both the authentic feel of an acoustic piano and the advanced
features of today's digitals,whether you are an accomplished or aspiring musician,if you need more information than you can visit the website, the P-140 has the simple operation and superior style you need to showcase your abilities.

Last edited by jsmthjsmith83 (08-04-2010 10:51)

Reply by ChrisM

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Re: Best Keyboard Touch

Hi Ryan:

Here's what I've tried:

The new Yamaha CP1/CP50 have a new "NW-STAGE wooden keyboard" action. I find it to be rather nice (and much better than their P series) but I understand it's not graded. Mind you, these are expensive.

The Kawai "AWA PROII wooden-key, graded hammer action" can be found on their MP8. I have an older MP9000. It's nice as well. But as with Yamaha, this action is found on their pricier models.

For a lot less money, you may consider the Casio Privia series. I use an earlier model and it's pretty good. Their latest action is found on the PX-330. Keyboard Magazine likes it and has a review here:

http://www.keyboardmag.com/article/casi...009/101537


Chris

Last edited by ChrisM (09-04-2010 01:26)

Reply by skip

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Re: Best Keyboard Touch

Nit: the CP1 and CP5 have the new NW-Stage action (not graded), whilst the CP50 retains the older GH action. (and this one is graded)  This creates a slightly strange situation, where the cheapest model in the new range is the only one with a graded action.   It remains to be seen whether the NW-Stage action is triple-sensor (like the older NW action and GH3) - I doubt it because I think Yamaha would have advertised this feature by now. The CP50 is definitely not triple-sensor because it has the GH action - not GH3.

Greg.

Last edited by skip (09-04-2010 05:27)

Reply by Cellomangler

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Re: Best Keyboard Touch

IMHO - Until the manufacturers get away from the old triggering technologies and move into areas like the VAX is pursuing, controllers are going to stay limited in their actual response time and expressiveness.  That's why I like the Yamaha KX8 because it does respond quickly and is expressive -but it does not feel like an acoustic piano.  It has nice weight if a tad light, with a shorter key fall.  To make a more realistic key fall, the manufacturers sacrifice speed.  I've only played a hand full of controllers so I suppose I'm generalizing.  But I believe my premise has some merit.  (...and I'm not a Yamaha salesman lurking on this forum )  So I'd go to the biggest retailer nearby with a laptop & headphones during their off hours and promise not to buy off the internet if they'd let you test drive a few.

Last edited by Cellomangler (09-04-2010 06:39)
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Reply by ChrisM

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Re: Best Keyboard Touch

skip wrote:

Nit: the CP1 and CP5 have the new NW-Stage action (not graded), whilst the CP50 retains the older GH action. (and this one is graded)  This creates a slightly strange situation, where the cheapest model in the new range is the only one with a graded action.   It remains to be seen whether the NW-Stage action is triple-sensor (like the older NW action and GH3) - I doubt it because I think Yamaha would have advertised this feature by now. The CP50 is definitely not triple-sensor because it has the GH action - not GH3.

Greg.

Hi Greg:

Thanks for correcting my reference. I meant the CP5.

Chris

Reply by JerryKnight

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Re: Best Keyboard Touch

I've really enjoyed the PHA II action on my Roland HP-203.  Some may question the benefit or even the noticeability of the escapement mechanism, but I like having it there.  I don't play on big acoustic grands often, but when I do, I want the touch to be as similar as possible.

I've played classical piano most of my life, and for a while before I got the Roland, I felt limited by the response of the pianos I was playing on (uprights, digitals, and abused practice room pianos).  I may not be as sensitive to the touch of a piano's action as some people here are, but I feel almost no limitations playing on my piano, as long as PT is running.  I almost have to laugh at how ridiculous the built-in piano voices are in comparison.

Last edited by JerryKnight (14-04-2010 14:58)