Thank you for the deep dive. I was floundering between the two. I'm not a pianist and your input on the differences really helped me choose. Plus, them having the same sound engine, the MP7 having the organ and more voicings helped me decide to get the MP7.
Gary Hunt same big difference that made me choose the MP7 ... and the organ sounds are lovely ... other big plus... but the key feel on MP11 ... ah really great...... hard decision ... but no regret. MP7 have all the feature i was looking for on my next keyboard.
Hey PMC, thanks for all your work on this channel, it's truly helpful. As an aside to the MP11 with GF, what's the latest (if anything) on possible next generation VPC1 (VPC2?, VPC1 2.0??).
PianoManChuck Hi, thank you so much for your detailed video. I have one question: do you notice a difference between MP7 and MP11 when it comes to nuances and fine details in your playing? On another video, it seemed to me that MP11 was more subtle, as if there were more steps and possible nuances for each key. Was it just an impression?
Are EPs, clavs and Grand Piano keys like these too? If I buy the MPK11 will I have the same feel of a Rhodes or Wurlitzer, for example? As an upright too?
+Jonvs Oh, and you said in another video that the Nord Piano 3 crushes the two, but comparing both on Nord's website, it seems that they have very few differences (memory, keys and a few more). What makes it so much better for you?
PianoManChuck: Hi! I have just encountered with another quite awesome video review of yours! Tell me please, do you know the Roland V-piano (Extreme)? for long time I loocked that "monster" as the ultimate gran piano full control and defenitely awesome! (for as piano one could expect) are you in the position that this beautifl mp11 is better? or equal? or maybe v-piano is already dated? please, gimmi some "light" on this matter.. Ido thank you in advance. God bless you!
Roland V-Piano employs physical modeling (Roland’s trademark for it is “SuperNatural” instruments). The action on the Roland V-Piano probably isn’t any where near the level of realism in the MP-11. But, the physically modeled piano is arguably more versatile than the samples (albeit extensive ones) of the MP11. If you are on a budget, the Kawai VPC1 paired with something like PianoTeq on a general purpose computer (laptop or desktop) probably has the potential to be more expressive. That’s assuming you already have a suitable computer on which to run PianoTeq. But, then you’ve got several devices that have to be connected to actually produce any sound. The beauty of the MP11 for a home or studio environment is that you can just turn it on and voila ... really impressive digital piano ... and ... then there’s the uncompromising action of the MP11 (VPC1 has slightly shorter keys, I think ... Chuck did a comparison of those two at some point). Of course, you can drive PianoTeq (or other PC-based synthesis) from the MIDI out on the MP11. It’s just a more expensive way to go if you really intend to run a physically modeled piano synthesis like PianoTeq. Honestly, I don’t think anyone would be disappointed with any of these high-end digital pianos. Just a matter of getting the most appropriate solution for your particular environment and needs. If a Roland V-Piano fell into my lap ... It would become a permanent part of my instrument collection for sure! (i.e. They would have to pry it out of my cold dead hands. LOL) That being said ... I’m currently looking for something for my daughter (a very serious pianist) and the choice is between a Kawai VPC1 or MP11.
After seeing your vids Chuck I am biting the bullet and going to order my MP11 (Cant wait)!! I'll be using this in my studio so I won't have to carry this weight around!! In your opinion do I think I will need to Buy a Synthogy Ivory piano sound/NInst or Pianoteque for recording as well (matter of taste I know) but I'll be using it primarily as a controller for my Tyros 5 also to record stuff direct into Sonar. Many Thanks
+Paul Morgan Congratulations, Paul! As for the software pianos, that's entirely up to you... the Kawai piano in the MP11 is awesome in that you can use the virtual technician to change how it sounds to you.
Hey there! Greattt video! I have a very important question for you. I am a pianist and I have a lot of external synthesizers that I must control. I have been using a Kawai MP 9000. I know it's an old beast. I had two of them at one time and some guy came and said there was a factory upgrade where he went in and did some sort of like I don't know what he added to the inside of one. I wound up selling that one and keeping the other. Anyway the important thing is unlike the injurious Hammond B3 with it's tremendous up pressure, The Kawai mp9000 passes the 50 g weight test. That was the key and setting up pianos I remember when I was a kid they would bring a 50 g weight and lay it on the key. It should just lay down and not be pushed up. If it pushes up there is too much of pressure and that can be injurious because overtime that overcomes the weight of the arm and then you start pushing with your fingers. So having said that...Does the MP seven pass the 50 g weight test? And do you think the MP seven is an improvement over the MP 9000.? My MP 9000 is still around but it is so big and sometimes the action can be a little slow but it is wooden and it is long so I'm wondering if there's going to be a tremendous change going from 9000 to a 7. I like the seven because it's small. Do you think I might need the 11 going from a 9000? I really appreciate it, thank you very much, Jason
Sorry, never played an MP9000, and the MP7 I had years ago was a review unit that I had for a limited window of time. I would suggest you post your question at www.PianoWorld.com (in the DP & Synth forum) where there seems to be a good proportion of Kawai fans. More importantly, I highly recommend going somewhere where you can try out the MP11 and MP7 in person.
Thank you. You are terrific in that you leave no one behind - and yet you are not draggy at all. Covers everything I wanted to know. Exquisite video.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for the deep dive. I was floundering between the two. I'm not a pianist and your input on the differences really helped me choose. Plus, them having the same sound engine, the MP7 having the organ and more voicings helped me decide to get the MP7.
This is a really really good video. Detailed explanation, love it! I will go for one of these, thank you!
Thanks!!
I have the MP8 - pulled it back from the brink of death. It was abused badly but it functioned fine. Very happy with it, great voices.
Many thanks for this detailed and insightful review. Your description of the keybed action was particularly valuable. Cheers
Chuck, you are a genius!
Adri from Holland
Really Good ! Congratulations for this video. Thank You Chuck
Chuck...you r so awesome Thank you so much for your guidance .I just made my final decision to get the lighter MP7 for road work!!
Gary Hunt
same big difference that made me choose the MP7 ... and the organ sounds are lovely ... other big plus... but the key feel on MP11 ... ah really great...... hard decision ... but no regret. MP7 have all the feature i was looking for on my next keyboard.
Excellent Chuck Many Thanks.
@9:33 mp7se action
great video.
Thanks!!
Thanks for the informative review. :)
Thanks, Chuck.
Hi Chuck! Have you had an Kawai ES7? Can you do a review of it? Tanks from Argentina!
Diego Alvarez I also want to see Kawai ES7 review. :D
beautiful piano bro
Hey PMC, thanks for all your work on this channel, it's truly helpful. As an aside to the MP11 with GF, what's the latest (if anything) on possible next generation VPC1 (VPC2?, VPC1 2.0??).
PianoManChuck Hi, thank you so much for your detailed video. I have one question: do you notice a difference between MP7 and MP11 when it comes to nuances and fine details in your playing? On another video, it seemed to me that MP11 was more subtle, as if there were more steps and possible nuances for each key. Was it just an impression?
How have these keyboards held up in practice, with 3 years having gone by?
I own the MP11 and ES8 models - both of which have held out just great!
All other models were just review units which I had for a limited time period.
Are EPs, clavs and Grand Piano keys like these too? If I buy the MPK11 will I have the same feel of a Rhodes or Wurlitzer, for example? As an upright too?
+Jonvs Oh, and you said in another video that the Nord Piano 3 crushes the two, but comparing both on Nord's website, it seems that they have very few differences (memory, keys and a few more). What makes it so much better for you?
PianoManChuck: Hi! I have just encountered with another quite awesome video review of yours! Tell me please, do you know the Roland V-piano (Extreme)? for long time I loocked that "monster" as the ultimate gran piano full control and defenitely awesome! (for as piano one could expect) are you in the position that this beautifl mp11 is better? or equal? or maybe v-piano is already dated? please, gimmi some "light" on this matter.. Ido thank you in advance. God bless you!
Roland V-Piano employs physical modeling (Roland’s trademark for it is “SuperNatural” instruments). The action on the Roland V-Piano probably isn’t any where near the level of realism in the MP-11. But, the physically modeled piano is arguably more versatile than the samples (albeit extensive ones) of the MP11. If you are on a budget, the Kawai VPC1 paired with something like PianoTeq on a general purpose computer (laptop or desktop) probably has the potential to be more expressive. That’s assuming you already have a suitable computer on which to run PianoTeq. But, then you’ve got several devices that have to be connected to actually produce any sound. The beauty of the MP11 for a home or studio environment is that you can just turn it on and voila ... really impressive digital piano ... and ... then there’s the uncompromising action of the MP11 (VPC1 has slightly shorter keys, I think ... Chuck did a comparison of those two at some point). Of course, you can drive PianoTeq (or other PC-based synthesis) from the MIDI out on the MP11. It’s just a more expensive way to go if you really intend to run a physically modeled piano synthesis like PianoTeq. Honestly, I don’t think anyone would be disappointed with any of these high-end digital pianos. Just a matter of getting the most appropriate solution for your particular environment and needs. If a Roland V-Piano fell into my lap ... It would become a permanent part of my instrument collection for sure! (i.e. They would have to pry it out of my cold dead hands. LOL) That being said ... I’m currently looking for something for my daughter (a very serious pianist) and the choice is between a Kawai VPC1 or MP11.
Chuck can you suggest what speakers to use with the mp7
Ronald Tamburrini I'm using JBL LSR308s.
After seeing your vids Chuck I am biting the bullet and going to order my MP11 (Cant wait)!! I'll be using this in my studio so I won't have to carry this weight around!! In your opinion do I think I will need to Buy a Synthogy Ivory piano sound/NInst or Pianoteque for recording as well (matter of taste I know) but I'll be using it primarily as a controller for my Tyros 5 also to record stuff direct into Sonar. Many Thanks
+Paul Morgan Congratulations, Paul! As for the software pianos, that's entirely up to you... the Kawai piano in the MP11 is awesome in that you can use the virtual technician to change how it sounds to you.
Thank you chuck thats more to learn again.I love it.Many Thanks.
Hey there! Greattt video! I have a very important question for you. I am a pianist and I have a lot of external synthesizers that I must control. I have been using a Kawai MP 9000. I know it's an old beast. I had two of them at one time and some guy came and said there was a factory upgrade where he went in and did some sort of like I don't know what he added to the inside of one. I wound up selling that one and keeping the other. Anyway the important thing is unlike the injurious Hammond B3 with it's tremendous up pressure, The Kawai mp9000 passes the 50 g weight test. That was the key and setting up pianos I remember when I was a kid they would bring a 50 g weight and lay it on the key. It should just lay down and not be pushed up. If it pushes up there is too much of pressure and that can be injurious because overtime that overcomes the weight of the arm and then you start pushing with your fingers. So having said that...Does the MP seven pass the 50 g weight test? And do you think the MP seven is an improvement over the MP 9000.? My MP 9000 is still around but it is so big and sometimes the action can be a little slow but it is wooden and it is long so I'm wondering if there's going to be a tremendous change going from 9000 to a 7. I like the seven because it's small. Do you think I might need the 11 going from a 9000? I really appreciate it, thank you very much, Jason
Sorry, never played an MP9000, and the MP7 I had years ago was a review unit that I had for a limited window of time.
I would suggest you post your question at www.PianoWorld.com (in the DP & Synth forum) where there seems to be a good proportion of Kawai fans.
More importantly, I highly recommend going somewhere where you can try out the MP11 and MP7 in person.
You didn''t start with your intro!
M.p11
What's with that shirt? Did you lose a bet?