OK, I'll throw this one out: I'm in the market for a digital piano which I may be bringing to some of my local sessions. (Yes, I realize that the whole concept of pianos and electric instruments in general in ITM is a whole 'nother big topic for discussion/argument which I'm sure has been dealt with before and which we'll undoubtedly get into later, but some of the local folks have told me that piano players are OK with them. Somewhat to my surprise.) That part aside, does anyone have any recommendations or suggestions?. I'm looking seriously at the new Yamaha P140. It's got built-in speakers which I presume will be loud enough so that I don't have to haul along an external amplifier, a sustain pedal setup so that you can do partial pedaling, and sounds pretty good. This instrument will have to serve as my main one at home, too, as a genuine real wooden piano is beyond my means right now.
Trouble with a keyboard Tomw is the volume! They are not the best at blending in. Had you perhaps thought of one of these keyboards instead?: http://www.patmissin.com/history/melodica.html
But seriously, a friend of mine brings her Yamaha down t'pub every now & then &, especially in a big session, it sounds great.
Now she's been playing her Yamaha for a few years but has been getting more & more fed up with it's 'non-real-piano' sound, so she told me last week that she has splashed out on a Roland, & this dude apparently sounds just like the real thing.
I have to say that, now & again, she does have probs finding a space to fit herself & her keyboard, & of course, she has to be near ye olde wall socket.
Oh yeah, her built in speakers are fine, for sessions.
Hey Pt:
Yeah, I used to have a melodica, which I actually used at gigs and such. I loaned it to one of my nephews a few years back....and the little bastard never returned it.
OK, it's story time again...
I played semi-professionally (aka weekends and at some festivals on weekdays when I could sneak out of work) for several years in a 'folk' duo-trio-quartet-quintet. The "non-real-piano" sound always made me nuts, despite all of my outlays of cash to get better equipped....Everybody else had real wooden instruments (fiddles, dulcimers, banjos, etc.) and I had to play this thing made out of plastic, metal, and semiconductors (which are technically just more plastic and metal, I guess)...kind of like playing a plastic guitar or violin.
So I got pretty frustrated with the whole deal.
Anyway, which Roland did your friend get?
Cramming the six-foot-long thing in is going to be a problem, I'm sure (there's a joke there which I'm not going to touch). Luckily, I've got lots of extension cords.
Melodica was invented in Japan, and is the very first instrument most kids here learn to play. I also played it in the kindergarten but gave it to one of my nieces. It's a lovely instrument and sounds like a concertina.
Roldan is a good choice. I have never tried a bad piece of equiptment with that name on it. I have a Korg T-1 Synth from back in the 80s, I would say avoid those.
I've played many, many hours on both Yamaha P80 and P120, and I love them. I don't think P140 would be a bad choice. The speakers on the P120 is generally (depends on the other musicians' volume) just loud enough to sound satisfactory in a band with drums, guitars and bass.
i have the p120. (i'm sure the p140 could only be better.) it's real good. from what i've heard (and i did my research!) it's the absolute best piano-sounding instrument in its price range. the feel is wonderful, too.
i'm actually a piano major at my university. this is the keyboard i use to practice on and it does me fine.
good luck!
Tomw, my friend decided against the Roland after all. Something to do with the fact that it was £1,500, I think! Although, the major down-side was the fact that if she had gone for the Roland, it didn't have built in speakers, so she would have had more stuff to lug into the pub & would have taken up even more room at the session!
She told me she decided to get another Yamaha, but she sadly doesn't remember the exact model.
Her old one had lots of effects but although her new one doesn't, it does have weighted keys & a good solid real Piano sound & the actual keyboard is bigger.
Whatever model it is, it sells for around £800.
Don't know if that's any help to you but this lady regularly plays sessions around here & the best bit of advice she gave me was that any keyboard player should get along early to a session, not stagger in at the 'Heel of the Hunt' & then have to struggle to get a space!
I believe most of the Cape Bretoners are playing digital pianos these days. I've found Tracey Dares and Mac Morin to be quite approachable in the past, so I imagine they'd be pretty willing to give you some recommendations and things to look for in a piano
If you want to go cheap and portable, consider the Yamaha PSR295/PSR293. The piano sound is not bad (decent, compared to a Technics digital piano that cost 1800US ten years ago) and the built-in speakers are adequate for a small session. Of course, it's only 61 keys, not 88. But it weighs only 7 kg (15 pounds 7 ounces) and costs only about 200US!
But if touch (real piano-like feel to the keys) and almost-real sound (as close to real piano as electronics can be) important, forget it. You don't get those for 200 bucks.
Well, I may get hooted down here, but I had a really tight budget and I bought a Casio Privia PX-100, I think around US $750, but on salefor $500, and I like the piano sound on it just fine. There is some volume control thru the touch, but on-board speakers are generally directed at the person doing the playing and not out to the rest of the world, so they are better heard by the player. But I haven't tried it in a big room at a session - just when we've had a gig, when I plug into the band sound. On this model it hooks to the sound system thru the head phone jack, but that doesn't seem to be a limitation on the sound. It is a full-size keyboard, and therefore unwieldy, but sometimes there'd be no piano at all without it.
We also got my mother a Radio Shack LX-1500 (?) 61-key keyboard for Christmas that I like the piano sound on. It has less volume control thru the keys, but there is some. On smaller keyboards there is generally a way to shift the pitch of the whole keyboard up or down as much as an octave, which I do because I like having 3 octaves below middle C and 2 above rather than the other way around. I think it's price was around US $250, but again I got it on sale.
But my first requirement was that it sound like a piano, and for me both of these fit the bill.
I got the Yamaha P120 for my wife a couple of years ago and she is very happy with it. The P140 is it's successor and I think the only change was an improvement in the speakers. But the P120 sounds great and the feel of the keys is just like the real thing. My wife was biased against any kind of electronic keyboard but we tried one in a store and she was convinced they offer all the sound and feel of the real thing. Jeff W is right about the Cape Breton performers, they all use digital when performing, usually Roland or Yamaha.
It just makes so much sense: it never goes out of tune, it can be played silently with headphones so you don't wake anyone by practicing at 2am, it's compact and easy to move, it has a built-in recorder and metronome, and if it isn't loud enough you can always plug it into a sound system.
Jim
Thanks for all of the information, everyone. I haven't gotten in touch with the folks that jeff wilner mentioned. I've read some great reviews of the Casio and fiddled with one a bit at the store; a great deal for the price. No doubt much better than the setup that I have now (I haven't bought anything new in about 12 years). Jai me, it's good to hear that a classical player finds the Yamaha adequate, as I dabble a bit with classical music (mostly some of the Beethoven Variations and odd bits from the Carmina Burana - but I'd like to learn some of the Henry Cowell stuff), and like I said, this will be my primary instrument. Trevor, it's interesting that you should mention the Harpsichord, as there's a local guy here in Michigan that builds antique reproductions, including things like Beethoven-era pianos (Broadwoods?). I heard that he's gotten the size/weight down to the point where they're nearly portable. When I was gigging more, I thought about approaching him about designing/building some sort of reasonable portable acoustic 'piano' for people such as myself, or getting myself a clavichord or something like that. It sounds like maybe the electronic ones are finally catching up. CJ, a couple of years ago, for Christmas, their Grandparents bought my kids a Yamaha similar to the Radio Shack one that you mentioned. I keep telling them (my kids, that is) that I would have KILLED for something like that when I was an aspiring teenage rocker.
But I digress....Thanks again for all of the information. I'll let you know what I end up with.
this is to tomw: you said ***********
there's a local guy here in Michigan that builds antique reproductions, including things like Beethoven-era pianos (Broadwoods?). I heard that he's gotten the size/weight down to the point where they're nearly portable.
*****************Do you know this guy's name? This is exactly what I would love to have. I actually have an 1805 Broadwood square piano that sounds wonderful, but it's really hard to move. I mean, it's possible, but I don't want to do it, and it's kind of fragile anyway. If it were lighter I could move it more carefully. I have a station wagon with a seven foot long carrying capacity. This guy sounds like a real lifesaver. Thank you.
Lisa
Digital Pianos
Digital Pianos
OK, I'll throw this one out: I'm in the market for a digital piano which I may be bringing to some of my local sessions. (Yes, I realize that the whole concept of pianos and electric instruments in general in ITM is a whole 'nother big topic for discussion/argument which I'm sure has been dealt with before and which we'll undoubtedly get into later, but some of the local folks have told me that piano players are OK with them. Somewhat to my surprise.) That part aside, does anyone have any recommendations or suggestions?. I'm looking seriously at the new Yamaha P140. It's got built-in speakers which I presume will be loud enough so that I don't have to haul along an external amplifier, a sustain pedal setup so that you can do partial pedaling, and sounds pretty good. This instrument will have to serve as my main one at home, too, as a genuine real wooden piano is beyond my means right now.
# Posted on February 26th 2006 by tomw
Re: Digital Pianos
Trouble with a keyboard Tomw is the volume! They are not the best at blending in. Had you perhaps thought of one of these keyboards instead?:
http://www.patmissin.com/history/melodica.html
# Posted on February 26th 2006 by Ptarmigan
Re: Digital Pianos
But seriously, a friend of mine brings her Yamaha down t'pub every now & then &, especially in a big session, it sounds great.
Now she's been playing her Yamaha for a few years but has been getting more & more fed up with it's 'non-real-piano' sound, so she told me last week that she has splashed out on a Roland, & this dude apparently sounds just like the real thing.
I have to say that, now & again, she does have probs finding a space to fit herself & her keyboard, & of course, she has to be near ye olde wall socket.
Oh yeah, her built in speakers are fine, for sessions.
# Posted on February 26th 2006 by Ptarmigan
Re: Digital Pianos
Hey Pt:
Yeah, I used to have a melodica, which I actually used at gigs and such. I loaned it to one of my nephews a few years back....and the little bastard never returned it.
OK, it's story time again...
I played semi-professionally (aka weekends and at some festivals on weekdays when I could sneak out of work) for several years in a 'folk' duo-trio-quartet-quintet. The "non-real-piano" sound always made me nuts, despite all of my outlays of cash to get better equipped....Everybody else had real wooden instruments (fiddles, dulcimers, banjos, etc.) and I had to play this thing made out of plastic, metal, and semiconductors (which are technically just more plastic and metal, I guess)...kind of like playing a plastic guitar or violin.
So I got pretty frustrated with the whole deal.
Anyway, which Roland did your friend get?
Cramming the six-foot-long thing in is going to be a problem, I'm sure (there's a joke there which I'm not going to touch). Luckily, I've got lots of extension cords.
Thanks for the info.
# Posted on February 26th 2006 by tomw
Re: Digital Pianos
Melodica was invented in Japan, and is the very first instrument most kids here learn to play. I also played it in the kindergarten but gave it to one of my nieces. It's a lovely instrument and sounds like a concertina.
# Posted on February 26th 2006 by slainte
Re: Digital Pianos
Roldan is a good choice. I have never tried a bad piece of equiptment with that name on it. I have a Korg T-1 Synth from back in the 80s, I would say avoid those.
# Posted on February 26th 2006 by Unseen122
Re: Digital Pianos
"Anyway, which Roland did your friend get?" - sorry, I have no idea, but I'll find out & get back to you tomw
# Posted on February 26th 2006 by Ptarmigan
Re: Digital Pianos
I've played many, many hours on both Yamaha P80 and P120, and I love them. I don't think P140 would be a bad choice. The speakers on the P120 is generally (depends on the other musicians' volume) just loud enough to sound satisfactory in a band with drums, guitars and bass.
# Posted on February 26th 2006 by Ostekjeks
Re: Digital Pianos
i have the p120. (i'm sure the p140 could only be better.) it's real good. from what i've heard (and i did my research!) it's the absolute best piano-sounding instrument in its price range. the feel is wonderful, too.
i'm actually a piano major at my university. this is the keyboard i use to practice on and it does me fine.
good luck!
# Posted on February 26th 2006 by jaime!
Re: Digital Pianos
Tomw, my friend decided against the Roland after all. Something to do with the fact that it was £1,500, I think! Although, the major down-side was the fact that if she had gone for the Roland, it didn't have built in speakers, so she would have had more stuff to lug into the pub & would have taken up even more room at the session!
She told me she decided to get another Yamaha, but she sadly doesn't remember the exact model.
Her old one had lots of effects but although her new one doesn't, it does have weighted keys & a good solid real Piano sound & the actual keyboard is bigger.
Whatever model it is, it sells for around £800.
Don't know if that's any help to you but this lady regularly plays sessions around here & the best bit of advice she gave me was that any keyboard player should get along early to a session, not stagger in at the 'Heel of the Hunt' & then have to struggle to get a space!
Good Luck
# Posted on February 26th 2006 by Ptarmigan
Re: Digital Pianos
Tomw.
I believe most of the Cape Bretoners are playing digital pianos these days. I've found Tracey Dares and Mac Morin to be quite approachable in the past, so I imagine they'd be pretty willing to give you some recommendations and things to look for in a piano
http://www.castlebaymusic.com or tracey@castlebaymusic.com
http://www.macmorin.com
Jeff W
# Posted on February 26th 2006 by jeff_willner
Re: Digital Pianos
If you want to go cheap and portable, consider the Yamaha PSR295/PSR293. The piano sound is not bad (decent, compared to a Technics digital piano that cost 1800US ten years ago) and the built-in speakers are adequate for a small session. Of course, it's only 61 keys, not 88. But it weighs only 7 kg (15 pounds 7 ounces) and costs only about 200US!
# Posted on February 26th 2006 by mickray
Re: Digital Pianos
But if touch (real piano-like feel to the keys) and almost-real sound (as close to real piano as electronics can be) important, forget it. You don't get those for 200 bucks.
# Posted on February 26th 2006 by mickray
Re: Digital Pianos
A 'digital piano', I presume, is a piano played with the fingers.
# Posted on February 26th 2006 by ragaman
Re: Digital Pianos
Try experimenting with the harpsichord setting instead. If you use this option switch off the touch control (real harpsichords don't have it).
# Posted on February 26th 2006 by lazyhound
Re: Digital Pianos
Well, I may get hooted down here, but I had a really tight budget and I bought a Casio Privia PX-100, I think around US $750, but on salefor $500, and I like the piano sound on it just fine. There is some volume control thru the touch, but on-board speakers are generally directed at the person doing the playing and not out to the rest of the world, so they are better heard by the player. But I haven't tried it in a big room at a session - just when we've had a gig, when I plug into the band sound. On this model it hooks to the sound system thru the head phone jack, but that doesn't seem to be a limitation on the sound. It is a full-size keyboard, and therefore unwieldy, but sometimes there'd be no piano at all without it.
We also got my mother a Radio Shack LX-1500 (?) 61-key keyboard for Christmas that I like the piano sound on. It has less volume control thru the keys, but there is some. On smaller keyboards there is generally a way to shift the pitch of the whole keyboard up or down as much as an octave, which I do because I like having 3 octaves below middle C and 2 above rather than the other way around. I think it's price was around US $250, but again I got it on sale.
But my first requirement was that it sound like a piano, and for me both of these fit the bill.
cj
# Posted on February 26th 2006 by cj
Re: Digital Pianos
I got the Yamaha P120 for my wife a couple of years ago and she is very happy with it. The P140 is it's successor and I think the only change was an improvement in the speakers. But the P120 sounds great and the feel of the keys is just like the real thing. My wife was biased against any kind of electronic keyboard but we tried one in a store and she was convinced they offer all the sound and feel of the real thing. Jeff W is right about the Cape Breton performers, they all use digital when performing, usually Roland or Yamaha.
It just makes so much sense: it never goes out of tune, it can be played silently with headphones so you don't wake anyone by practicing at 2am, it's compact and easy to move, it has a built-in recorder and metronome, and if it isn't loud enough you can always plug it into a sound system.
Jim
# Posted on February 27th 2006 by Jim Stetson
Re: Digital Pianos
Thanks for all of the information, everyone. I haven't gotten in touch with the folks that jeff wilner mentioned. I've read some great reviews of the Casio and fiddled with one a bit at the store; a great deal for the price. No doubt much better than the setup that I have now (I haven't bought anything new in about 12 years). Jai me, it's good to hear that a classical player finds the Yamaha adequate, as I dabble a bit with classical music (mostly some of the Beethoven Variations and odd bits from the Carmina Burana - but I'd like to learn some of the Henry Cowell stuff), and like I said, this will be my primary instrument. Trevor, it's interesting that you should mention the Harpsichord, as there's a local guy here in Michigan that builds antique reproductions, including things like Beethoven-era pianos (Broadwoods?). I heard that he's gotten the size/weight down to the point where they're nearly portable. When I was gigging more, I thought about approaching him about designing/building some sort of reasonable portable acoustic 'piano' for people such as myself, or getting myself a clavichord or something like that. It sounds like maybe the electronic ones are finally catching up. CJ, a couple of years ago, for Christmas, their Grandparents bought my kids a Yamaha similar to the Radio Shack one that you mentioned. I keep telling them (my kids, that is) that I would have KILLED for something like that when I was an aspiring teenage rocker.
But I digress....Thanks again for all of the information. I'll let you know what I end up with.
Tomw
# Posted on February 27th 2006 by tomw
Re: Digital Pianos
this is to tomw: you said ***********
there's a local guy here in Michigan that builds antique reproductions, including things like Beethoven-era pianos (Broadwoods?). I heard that he's gotten the size/weight down to the point where they're nearly portable.
*****************Do you know this guy's name? This is exactly what I would love to have. I actually have an 1805 Broadwood square piano that sounds wonderful, but it's really hard to move. I mean, it's possible, but I don't want to do it, and it's kind of fragile anyway. If it were lighter I could move it more carefully. I have a station wagon with a seven foot long carrying capacity. This guy sounds like a real lifesaver. Thank you.
Lisa
# Posted on September 19th 2007 by Lisa Davidson