Almost a year ago, I bought a white Roland F701 thanks to the advice from this channel. I'm happy to say that I'm very satisfied with my purchase, I enjoy every time I get to play on it!! So, thanks a lot!! That Casio looks really nice too!
Love your videos Stu! Been a long time subscriber and always look forward to new uploads. I'd love to know what your thoughts are on the new Yamaha CLP-800 series digital pianos, particularly the 885 and 875 and how they compare with the Kawai CA901 and Roland LX-6 and LX-9.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you so much for the support! We really appreciate it. I know Stu does as well. :) Thanks for the question! Given how new the CLP800 series instruments are, we have not yet had a chance to try them out or review them. I imagine our production team will eventually tackle comparisons between the 875 and 885 models and the likes of high-end digitals like the CA901, LX6, and/or LX9. I will be sure to pass on the suggestion to our production team.
When Stu is saying that PHA-4 action is favoured by those who are used to heavy action on acoustic pianos, I beg to differ. Kawai acoustic pianos and Yamaha C7 (I regularly play) had light action. As a matter of fact C4 on Yamaha C7 needs only 47g of downweight. Michael
Action preferences are always subjective of course. But, with that said, a lot of high-level players that come through our showrooms seem to gravitate towards heavier actions when shopping for digital pianos.
Congrats on your F701! It is a wonderful piano. We're happy to hear that you've been enjoying it. I haven't personally noticed any issues with the damper pedal interaction in that range, but I'll have to pay closer attention next time I'm playing on an F701.
@@MattJ-n8n If this helps, here are my notes: Middle C (C4) - ~57.5g C7 - 45g C6 - ~53g C2 - 66g C3 - 60g C4# - ~50g - ~60g (middle of black key) to get the sound: 68g on C7; 76.5g on C6; 73g on C5; 80.5g on C4; 80g on C3; ~90g on C2 You can hear GrandTouch-S key noise in a short video I posted (Yamaha P-525 action noise test) Michael
Thanks for the enjoyable review. I do miss the mic'd up speaker episodes. In this respect the channel is losing its distinctiveness. At first I preferred the Roland sounds, but the mids and lower mids began to irritate me. From assorted models I've noticed that Roland bass notes are robust and cut through the mix, even on assorted patches, which is very helpful when there's no bassist on a gig, but is it pianistic? This could open a whole subject on stage pianos and their true purpose, but I digress... Anyway, I love the Roland F series minimalist shape, particularly when the light oak (?) finish is available, but of these two instruments I would probably pick the Casio, which to my ears is a little bland, but well balanced in its sound and features.
You're very welcome! Thank you for tuning in! We appreciate the honest feedback. With that said, the issue with capturing the speakers with microphones is that the room and microphone choices can colour the tone, which may depict a sound that is very disparate from what someone will hear from the instrument in their own home/environment. Roland's light oak finish is quite attractive! I particularly like the Kiyola KF10's light oak. It is a stunning little instrument.
We don't carry the F107 model, so I am not entirely sure if there are any differences. Based on the spec sheets for these two models, they look identical. "BK" usually stands for black and "CB" usually stands for contemporary black, which refers to the finish. I am not sure what the "X" stands for in this particular case.
@@MerriamPianos Ah sorry I was confused on my own.. BKX is 107 and it is definitely not 701. I thought there are sub model tag like BKX, CB and so on under F701. Even though my question was not enough, you explained so meticulously. Anyway currently I believe F701 is the most reasonable for me. Even I compared F701 and HP704 through test videos. Ironically, F701 looked better for its key action and sounds.
Thanks for the suggestions! I will be happy to pass them along to our production team. I'm sure they will do their best to tackle these comparisons for you. :)
Anyone has recommandations on easy parts/sample of music to learn and play to go try pianos with it? I played piano before but it has been 20 years. Thanks!
I don't like the F701 style cabinet for practical reasons. Every time you close the keyboard lid, you have to remove everything from the sheet music rest. Not to mention you can't "park" unused books on top of the piano. And I think it is a bit ugly.
It is a matter of personal taste of course. The streamlined cabinet design isn't for everyone. I personally love the F701's form factor. I am also a huge fan with what Casio has done with the APS450 design as well though. :)
Roland is really too bright to my ears.I like the bright side like Yamaha pianos but this is pushed too far. I think a jazz pianist would prefer the casio, no ?
Almost a year ago, I bought a white Roland F701 thanks to the advice from this channel. I'm happy to say that I'm very satisfied with my purchase, I enjoy every time I get to play on it!! So, thanks a lot!!
That Casio looks really nice too!
We're so happy to hear that you've been enjoying your F701! They're awesome pianos and they look great too! Thanks for tuning in and happy playing! :)
Bought one of your recommended pianos last year, but I still tune in every time to hear Stu play. Wonderful.
Thanks so much! We appreciate the continuing support very much! :)
For blind users physical buttons are a life saver🎹🎶
Absolutely! Some models still use buttons and knobs, which is very helpful for visually impaired players.
Nice playing! The Roland sounds richer with more dynamic range to my ears.
They are both wonderful instruments! Every player will have their own preference between these two sleek digital pianos of course. :)
Love your videos Stu! Been a long time subscriber and always look forward to new uploads. I'd love to know what your thoughts are on the new Yamaha CLP-800 series digital pianos, particularly the 885 and 875 and how they compare with the Kawai CA901 and Roland LX-6 and LX-9.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you so much for the support! We really appreciate it. I know Stu does as well. :)
Thanks for the question! Given how new the CLP800 series instruments are, we have not yet had a chance to try them out or review them. I imagine our production team will eventually tackle comparisons between the 875 and 885 models and the likes of high-end digitals like the CA901, LX6, and/or LX9. I will be sure to pass on the suggestion to our production team.
@@MerriamPianosthanks Brent, you guys are seriously awesome. The best piano review channel by far. I wish I lived in Canada just to visit your store.
Tell Tsu to keep up with the good work defining the actions so we'll ... That's great
I certainly will! Thanks for tuning in. :)
Didn't he write the Art of War? ;-)
😂😂😂@@Martial-Mat
@@vicmartinez4532 🤗
Hey Stu, saw that you sold your, NV5. What did you replace it with?
0:08
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! I believe Stu replaced his NV5 with a Roland GP series grand.
@@MerriamPianos Interesting! I would LOVE to hear Stu's thoughts on why he made that move, especially knowing how much he loves the NV5... 🙂
When Stu is saying that PHA-4 action is favoured by those who are used to heavy action on acoustic pianos, I beg to differ. Kawai acoustic pianos and Yamaha C7 (I regularly play) had light action. As a matter of fact C4 on Yamaha C7 needs only 47g of downweight.
Michael
Action preferences are always subjective of course. But, with that said, a lot of high-level players that come through our showrooms seem to gravitate towards heavier actions when shopping for digital pianos.
I have a F701 and I love it, but around C4 and the damper pedal interaction sounds odd. You need to have Stu´s precision to avoid weird sounds.
Congrats on your F701! It is a wonderful piano. We're happy to hear that you've been enjoying it. I haven't personally noticed any issues with the damper pedal interaction in that range, but I'll have to pay closer attention next time I'm playing on an F701.
Any chance for video of new yamaha P525, as single review? GrandTouch S in comparison to PHA 50, makes me extremely curious
I don't believe there are plans to tackle a single P525 review. We did feature the model in several comparison videos though. :)
@@MerriamPianos Since I can't find any valid info about the action comparison - how GrandTouch S is performing versus PHA 50?
@@MattJ-n8n Merriam Music is a Kawai/Roland/Casio dealer, and not a Yamaha dealer so it's likely they won't make a solo P525 review🎹🎶
@@MattJ-n8n If this helps, here are my notes:
Middle C (C4) - ~57.5g
C7 - 45g
C6 - ~53g
C2 - 66g
C3 - 60g
C4# - ~50g - ~60g (middle of black key)
to get the sound:
68g on C7; 76.5g on C6; 73g on C5; 80.5g on C4; 80g on C3; ~90g on C2
You can hear GrandTouch-S key noise in a short video I posted (Yamaha P-525 action noise test)
Michael
Olá. É possível ver você experimentando o Casio px5s? É um campeão de vendas no Brasil. abraços
Thanks for the suggestion! We will do our best to tackle a review of the Casio PX5S. I will pass on the suggestion to our production team. :)
Thanks for the enjoyable review.
I do miss the mic'd up speaker episodes. In this respect the channel is losing its distinctiveness.
At first I preferred the Roland sounds, but the mids and lower mids began to irritate me. From assorted models I've noticed that Roland bass notes are robust and cut through the mix, even on assorted patches, which is very helpful when there's no bassist on a gig, but is it pianistic? This could open a whole subject on stage pianos and their true purpose, but I digress...
Anyway, I love the Roland F series minimalist shape, particularly when the light oak (?) finish is available, but of these two instruments I would probably pick the Casio, which to my ears is a little bland, but well balanced in its sound and features.
You're very welcome! Thank you for tuning in! We appreciate the honest feedback. With that said, the issue with capturing the speakers with microphones is that the room and microphone choices can colour the tone, which may depict a sound that is very disparate from what someone will hear from the instrument in their own home/environment.
Roland's light oak finish is quite attractive! I particularly like the Kiyola KF10's light oak. It is a stunning little instrument.
Do you know what the difference is between Rolands rd88 and rd88 ex?
The RD88EX has more built-in sounds, namely via the addition of the SuperNATURAL Acoustic Piano 3 Expansion. :)
@@MerriamPianos Tnx for the response:-) Quite a price difference for this expansion!
Can i ask what's the difference between this roland and RP-701? Is it just plain cabenitry or is there any other differences? Thanks
Hi! Brent here! The F701 and RP701 are virtually the same instrument with the exception of the cabinet design.
@@MerriamPianos Oh I see thank you very much.
Btw what's different between F107-BKX and F107-CB? quite big difference in price
We don't carry the F107 model, so I am not entirely sure if there are any differences. Based on the spec sheets for these two models, they look identical. "BK" usually stands for black and "CB" usually stands for contemporary black, which refers to the finish. I am not sure what the "X" stands for in this particular case.
@@MerriamPianos Ah sorry I was confused on my own.. BKX is 107 and it is definitely not 701. I thought there are sub model tag like BKX, CB and so on under F701. Even though my question was not enough, you explained so meticulously. Anyway currently I believe F701 is the most reasonable for me. Even I compared F701 and HP704 through test videos. Ironically, F701 looked better for its key action and sounds.
APS450 vs DP603?
AP550 vs CN301?
Thanks for the suggestions! I will be happy to pass them along to our production team. I'm sure they will do their best to tackle these comparisons for you. :)
Anyone has recommandations on easy parts/sample of music to learn and play to go try pianos with it? I played piano before but it has been 20 years. Thanks!
While the specific piece suggestion would depend on your skill level, I would recommend something that has a wide register and lots of dynamics.
I don't like the F701 style cabinet for practical reasons. Every time you close the keyboard lid, you have to remove everything from the sheet music rest. Not to mention you can't "park" unused books on top of the piano. And I think it is a bit ugly.
It is a matter of personal taste of course. The streamlined cabinet design isn't for everyone. I personally love the F701's form factor. I am also a huge fan with what Casio has done with the APS450 design as well though. :)
Roland is really too bright to my ears.I like the bright side like Yamaha pianos but this is pushed too far. I think a jazz pianist would prefer the casio, no ?
It is all a matter of subjectivity and preference. Different players will gravitate towards different sounds at the end of the day. :)
You are not the only one. I have the same opinion.
Exactly... I found Roland toooo sharp and bright which takes the joy of warm sound away...