Kawai MP11 vs. Roland RD-2000

I still love my MP11 after nearly a decade I think, but haven't used the RD 2000 with apologies. But, if seeking some numbers, I'm happy to raise my hand to say that I don't regret the MP11, it's been inspiring. Not speaking directly about the the specific Roland - but I did shy away from them in those times when I was seeking my long-term next dpiano. If upgrading in future, I'd really wish to test all of the current good dpianos in various price ranges, incl. Kawai, Roland etc. (In many ways, best advice about comparisons can be made in person of course - but I know not always possible).

Action/playability
I preferred MP11 to all others - but others prefer different actions, maybe wanting them to be lighter or even heavy in different ways. Some will experience velocity very differently.. some achieve low velocities better with lighter actions, some with heavier. The MP11 seems heavy to some but for me, I feel like it offers realistic resistance at higher velocities (allowing really the capability to play well into the keys, as much as to strike fortissimo, or handle specific staccato). To me, many other dpianos felt like they'd be really good if playing music based on mostly calm contemporary chords or soft pop without need for vast dynamic range (and any dpaino though, can be altered with Pianoteq's velocity curve, which you prob. already know about).

Onboard sounds..
MP11 is a fine experience, just that Pianoteq really does have quite the edge in the above playability. I used this Kawai and a previous furniture Kawai dpiano for practice - though different, the onboard sounds were credible and the playability near the top range I expected for the price.. but at least in my case, teaming Pianoteq up with the MP11 was such an excellent decision - and I can't complain.

I'm certain others may prefer the RD 2000 and hopefully you get a chance to check out some in person - or on Youtube too.

Best of luck - and I hope you can get which dpiano gets you inspired!

I bought the MP11 more than 10 years ago , own a FP10 (PHA-4 action ) for when I travel and I have recently played on a fantom 8 pro  ( it has the same PHA50 action than the RD2000) on loan for a couple of months. Here is my feedback.

Action comparison regarding specs :

-MP11 action is non folded    ,  RD2000 action  is folded  (doesn't really make a big difference)
-MP11 action is wooden made both white and black keys, RD2000  keys are made of plastic with wooden sides add on for  white keys, and plastic only for black keys.

- Pivot length MP11 >  Pivot length RD2000

- Both MP11 and RD2000 send variable note-off velocities.

- Repeated notes (without using sustain pedal)  are played with no sound cut off as long as you hit the same repeated between middle sensor and top sensor, even though it is achieved differently . On the Kawai , note-off events are sent in a sequence after all repeated note-on events have been triggered. On the Roland every repeated note is preceded by a note- off event with a velocity = 0.

Action feeling
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The MP11 feels lighter but the RD2000 is as fast to play with and both action will allow you to play very advanced repertoire. It is more a matter of personal taste.

As midi controller
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Imho, this is where the RD2000 shines and surpasses the MP11

The MP11 has a relatively limited usable Midi output range   ( 25-30   to 110-115). Note that you can generate velocities lower than 25-30 but not consistently and it varies from one key to the next.
Of course , one could adjust it with a velocity curve, but  given the midi output range of the MP11 being roughly 80 discrete values which is only 60% of standard Midi 1  range, no curve will increase the number of discrete values.

The root causes for the inconsistencies of Midi output of the MP11 are rapid and unequal degradation of the slip tape ( below the capstan) and also inconsistent let-off simulation which is very variable from one key to the next.

When used with internal sound, the above issues are less noticeable and the quality of the samples coupled with a very nice action feeling compensate this inconvenient , but when used a Midi controller with Pianoteq or high quality sampled  software, the inconsistencies are much more present .

The RD2000 is probably one of  if not the most accurate midi controller in the market for portable pianos . You can play the entire range of velocities, reach 127 if you hit hard, and play velocities below 5 with impressive ease. Decrescendo are much easier to achieve than on a acoustic grand. Some argue it is even unrealistic.  Let-off simulation is better implemented than on the Kawai and very consistent across the keyboard.

Robustness
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Both keyboards are very solid and made to last. Here again the RD2000 is a winner as the MP11 requires regular maintenance if you are fussy with accurate midi output. Replacing the slip tapes is documented on YouTube , you can messagel me if you want advices on how to do it. The replacement of the slip tape for the 88 keys takes roughly 5 hours  and cost of the tape replacement is roughly 60 €.
The RD2000 doesn't require any maintenance and will resist the outrages of stage live session for a long time.

Bottom line, these two keyboards are excellent, If i had to choose one for Piano live playing using internal sounds, I would choose the Kawai without any hesitation as its sound is much better than the RD2000.  If I had to choose one off the keyboards for live playing with a virtual instrument such as Pianoteq , I would pick up the RD2000 because of its second to none midi output response.

If you get the German piano expansion it’s better, but you should really check the FP-90X

As I too said in the beginning that what comes to touch and sound or looks, it’s highly subjective. But still it’s nice to hear others preferences, experiences and opinions.

Things like size, weight and durability or features like multitimbrality or midi connectivity are more objective and affect too when you put it all together.

Personally I am not in a hurry and I am just checking many different options for my next digi piano/controller. I am a gigging musician so portability is one crucial issue. So all those home pianos or even this FP-90X is out question. (I teach too and I have FP80 in my class. I like it but I would not take it for my gigs). I must say the most interesting new thing is Nord Grand 2 which have new Kawai action. IMO Nord have invincible sample libraries - great grands, marvellous uprights and best e-pianos to choose from. Only thing to see is the actual Kawai action. I must say original Nord Grand (1) was a disappointment in this respect: Kawai did not clearly give the best action to its rival. Let’s see how things are different with Grand 2 or is it same situation…