Hi Everyone! A general comment about Korg: this is a manufacturer we're looking forward to reviewing in a meaningful way in 2021; however, due to extreme product shortages throughout the industry, we have still been unable to access any instruments to include in our reviews. Hence, lack of availability (and our inability to properly experience the instruments) is the ONLY reason that Korg has not been mentioned in this video...nothing more less than that should be inferred by the exclusion.
Good to hear! Can't wait! Korg does not get enough love, I find their action much nicer than those of Yamaha, Roland and Kurzweil (have not had the chance to try Kawai or Casio)
I recently received my Roland FP-90 and accompanying cabinet w 3 pedal accessory board ($2400 USD) and, as a hobbyist musician only, this is the final destination for me as my needs will never go beyond this beautiful instrument.
FP90 is a killer combo of features for sure. Great action and sound engine, and a very capable onboard speaker system. A home-digitla version of this would be at least $1000 more. Nice buy!
@@MerriamPianos Thank you so much and I clicked your link on your FP-90 Review which took me to Amazon where I made the purchase. It is absolutely beautiful and more than my hobbyist musician skills will ever need. Thank you for all of your reviews, I am so happy with the FP-90! ☺️
There is now the FP90x …. I agree that there is no need to keep changing and I’m sure most digitals can last way more than 10 years if used properly - they’ve reached a threshold now where improvements are only very incremental now (and bizarrely I still think the best Roland action was the PHA III from ten years ago..).
I thought the same thing until I bought an NV5s! Unbelievable how far Digitals have come. I hope you won’t be easily swayed with the future versions of this. I know consoles aren’t for everyone, but for me it was the right choice and it inspires me to play longer and more often than ever before.
Wow, having learned piano exactly the way he described, i can vouch that he is giving the best and most honest introduction to purchasing a piano keyed musical instrument. I confirm everything he is saying. Parents listen to him this is accurate and correct info !
Stu, you talked me into ordering a Kawai ES920, but it's on back order. I think it was a good choice for me and an action upgrade from the Casio PX-150. I'm positive it is a better stand alone portable than the Casio; however much more expensive than the Casio which actually drives a Pianoteq voice which sounds great. I did want a portable piano that had onboard voice quality close to Pianoteq.
I went to Sweetwater in played on Kawai es920 it was cheaper made with plastic in didn't like the feel of it but the Kawai mp7se is whole different ball game it built like a tank in its sounds in feels awesome seems it was the best of all the keyboards I tried I did buy a Roland DS 88 I like Roland brand some of their keyboards but you should go try the KAWAI MP7SE hoping to get one soon
Surprised to see the Casio PX-s1 & s3ooo in the list of professional & studio pianos. I just bought one for my living room “3000”, but for the studio i have a Korg SV2, although the Casio does have some great sounds and it is lightweight enough to bring to studio if needed. Very helpful video. Thanks.
I love how you zapped the whole clavinova range beside the 735 ! 🤣🤣🤣 I guess this was because of the availability or maybe you just don't like that line of digital pianos.
IfMyStone: If Stu really does have more respect for the 735 than for other Clavinovas, I suspect he's right. I've examined the specs carefully, and the 735 now looks like the best value for money Clavinova. I want to try one.
Thank you so much for the informative guidelines for the buyers like me. I’m really anxious to make a final decision; if anyone can put some real reviews about the potential models I chose, appreciated in advance. - Kawai ca79, 99, nv5 - Yamaha nu1x, CLP 685
Ngl I have the PX-S1000 and it’s indeed a great Stage Portable Piano, it’s very lightweight and convenient, and has a really satisfying complex piano tone that sounds even better with big productions and professional PAs. The fact that it can run on batteries for at least two hours make it a very useful instrument I can also run as an acoustic piano with strings quartets at beach weddings. Of course I have to point out it’s not meant to be used as a piano for classical music recitals.
There are a plethora of manufactures of course. It is difficult to shed light on all of them, but our production team certainly does their best to feature as many as possible. :)
Very helpful, but I think you left out a really important advantage of digital pianos over acoustic ones - the volume knob. If you live in an apartment, or just a crowded household, the abilty to practice with headphones or to perform at a volume appropriate to the room is a really, really big plus. Real pianos are LOUD. Of course if you do need it loud (eg in a concert) it is just a matter of plugging it into a decent hifi (same if you are dissatsfied with the built in speakers).
You're absolutely right! The advantage of having a volume control on your piano gives a lot of flexibility for use in different environments or when silent practice is necessary. With that said, there is a certain magic to real strings and a real soundboard resonating. :)
Ya know, I just realized after decades that I’ve never seen a full acoustic piano with a small number of keys like sub 61 keys. That would actually be a pretty cool idea. An actual acoustic grand or upright style piano with 37 keys.
This is interesting stuff. I'm learning on the Clavinova which was 2nd hand in 1997. It has a slightly dickie key, otherwise sounds quite good. I play with headphones. Today I tried a piano in your early group and although the feel was on another planet compared to our 1997 version, it sounded terrible. I'm not going to match our ancient AWM version cheaply I think.
Hi! Between the Casio px 870, Casio AP-470, Roland RP-102, Kawai KDP110 and the Korg Air C1, which one do you recommend me to buy? What I really care is the authenticity of the sound and the feel of the keys. Thx!
In your experience, what portable digital piano is the closest to mimicking the sound of an acoustic? I've seen your video on the Roland FP-30X. Would you still consider the FP-30X one of the better options for a starter?
Hello! I’m looking for a hybrid digital piano that has the max keys possible and sounds like an acoustic for recording. Would you recommend a kawaii, Roland, or Yamaha?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! While the decision will come down to personal preference of course, I am a massive fan of the Kawai NV5S! The combination of the Millennium III carbon-fibre action and TwinDrive Soundboard system give it a spectacular piano experience. I have had a lot of customers purchase that piano for recording and production because of its wonderful touch and tonal capabilities. :)
I belong to the group of people whom the only family member to learn an instrument so I bought the Kawai ES110, for me as a begginer i think is a good choice but under which categorie would you list the Yamaha CLP 775 or CLP785? i felt they were ignored! and would you recommend one of those instruments to upgrade the ES110? thanks for answering
I have a question that revolves round the sound of digital pianos. Having been round a number of outlets i notice that very few ever talk about a unit that i have heard, played and payed atention to, that being models made by Kursweil, i think the come from the Chang line of instruments and i found that there were a range of piano sounds right up to 9ft grand pianos sounds the were both mellow and dimanic, so why are these never mentioned?
Kurzweil instruments are very solid. With that said, we are not Kurzweil dealers at this time, so it is a little tough for us to cover the company's models in our RUclips video reviews/comparisons. However, given that we get instruments come in on trade from time-to-time, we will certainly tackle pertinent Kurzweil models in one of our videos if the opportunity presents. :)
I am pretty much a beginner. I played for a very short time as a child. I want to relearn the piano, but I am also interested In learning music production. So I'm probably best off getting a DAW like Ableton Live 11 to begin with. But that alone is probably not going to be the most helpful/fun to learn the piano. I realize they are essentially two different things. Having said that, if I want to buy a good digital piano which is fun and pleasing to use that I can also use with DAW software/music production, what would your top recommendations be?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! It is awesome to hear that you are inspired to take the plunge back into learning the piano as well as music production. In terms of the best option to be used in conjunction with a DAW, it ultimately depends on the budget as well as the ways in which you will be using the instrument. If you are going to be relying on virtual instruments (VSTs) and simply need a MIDI controller, the Kawai VPC1 is incredible. If you're looking for an all-purpose digital piano that you can also use as a standalone practice instrument, the Roland FP30X / FP60X / FP90X and Kawai ES120 / ES520 / ES920 are some of my personal favourites! :)
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! That would ultimately come down to a number of factors, including budget and design preference (portable versus console).
Hi Derek! Brent here! The Roland LX706/LX708 and Kawai NV5S/NV10S would be the digital pianos on the market currently that have some of the longest keys/pivot lengths as well as a fast repetition. They are certainly worth checking out! :)
I play the Casio PX-5s for several years now. I’m not sure anyone has a better piano feel and resonance. It’s very light weight too. Anyone care to chime in? Also, I really wish I had an acoustic, but it just doesn’t make sense for me right now.
Hi, another nice video (as always :) I'm struggling currently in choosing between Roland FP 90 and Kawai ES 920. Could you please make a video to compare these two? I really appreciate it. Thx! 😊
I played and practiced classical piano when I was 4 until in my 20s..and stop once I started working, because I don't have the time.. But tbh now me in my mid 30s, I miss my piano (sold it many years ago) and is thinking to buy digital piano because it will be lighter and compact in space. Though I had forgotten any piano piece, when I play scale on digital piano, I hate the touch of it!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭 I feel that it's too light and always run when I play the scale fast. I didn't try the high end one, will it be better with it?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! That is fantastic news that you've decided to resume your piano journey! I think you will be surprised at how quickly things come back. ;) As for entry level digital pianos versus high-end digital pianos, there really is a meaningful difference in terms of the touch they provide. When you get into the higher-end models, they do come a lot closer to simulating the weighting and sensations of a real acoustic piano. With that said, if budget permits, there are also hybrid pianos like the Kawai NV5S and NV10S, which actually transplant acoustic piano actions (with some minor tweaks) into a digital package. Thanks for tuning in and writing in! We appreciate it. :)
@MerriamPianos with that price, I rather get K300 😭 but I like how compact the digital one and definitely to put it on my 2nd floor will be much easier. Maybe I will try to find 2nd hand acoustic piano but I must find way how to carry it into 2nd floor of my house (without getting any scretch) But thank you a lot for your advice. If I have chance, I will try that NV5S. Watched your review and play of it, it sounds wonderful.
I am thinking about buying a ringway tg8852 digital piano it has a 32 polyphony and costs new around 500 but i am gonna buy it used for have the price what do you all think i am a begginer by the way
First time buyers should also be aware that most digital pianos that use the rubber strip key pad contact (and that's most manufacturers) will suffer velocity/action key failure due to dust or debris accumulating on the sensor. This tends to happen anywhere between 2-4 years depending on use. They then need dismantling for cleaning or replacement of these rubber contact strips. Not all first time buyers are aware and I think its worth noting, once they buy a digital piano it's not going to last a lifetime. Not something manufacturers want you to hear, but sadly true.
Thank you for the excellent insights! It is definitely something that is worth mentioning and ensuring that digital piano owners are aware of. You can also mitigate these potential issues by regularly feather dusting the instrument and key surfaces as well as ensuring the key cover is utilized when not in use (depending on the model of piano of course). This combined with avoiding any spills on the keyboard will optimize the longevity of the sensors and contacts.
@@MerriamPianos Good tips, i guess for the price point its something we just have to live with. I would really love to invest in a Kawai, but I really want longevity so I may save a bit longer for something with a fatar keybed. I've heard they are very reliable.
An acoustic is best. Grand is usually used in concerts... uprights are great for sitting in a big living room. Or you could get a keyboard which require less maintenance, never need to be tuned, and cheap
@@AverageJoePlaysPiano7621 you confuse two different categories of instruments, for piano practice you should not go for a keyboard but a digital piano.... worst advice ive ever seen.
What is Roland fp 90x Suitable for.? Which category of user? Cos Its name isn't listed anywhere in the video , alThough both Roland 30x and 60x have been named and listed in multiple categories in the video above
I'd say if ur looking in the fp category, ppl usually switch between the 90x and 30x, as the 60 is an odd middle as it's increased in price but not alot of extra specs. If ur budget allows, I'd definitely recommend the 90 or 90x (the only difference between them is of polyphony, 90 has 356 and 90x has unlimited) but all in all they're both great. The fp30x could be a beginner level great piano, sound and feel. And the fp 90/90x is more of a piano that you can settle down with iykwim, either at home or for gigs or even for stage
I have a CN39 and I like it a lot. Stu described this as a category in the $1500 to $3000 range. The CN39 (about $2600) is in that range, but the piano he recommended, the CA79, is selling "on sale" right now at $4100. So that's about $1500 more than the CN39. So to me that makes the review a little misleading. There is always going to be a "better" piano at a higher price. Don't let that get you down. The CN39 is a great value at $2600. I like it a lot
I have also CN39 and I love it, I will not sold mine even a person offer switch me for ps5(ps5 will be hardest to get in 6 month period). Not a gamer but I miss The Last Of Us and tried too avoid spoilers on part 2.
Another fantastic video by one of my favourite reviewers. I only heard the unfortunate "real piano" expresion used twice, so the videos just get better it seems. The categorization is very interesting - brilliant in fact. Logically there are a few interesting exceptions on the market, largely with respect to price. The Yamaha Arius 164 costs a bit less than most other Japanese digital console home pianos and it looks and feels great. It is ideal for schools or in the home, but the cabinet is nothing special. The Roland RD88 is surprisingly inexpensive for its category of Professional Stage Pianos. Maybe that's because it actually straddles two categories, also having some aspects of the Professional Portable category, which is cheaper - such as a light build, light action, and built-in speakers. If you're on a budget, or you need a light instrument, it could be a good way of getting most of the functionality of the Pro Stage Pianos.
Sweety Gupta: In case you still haven't decided... I have tried this instrument several times. It's great. It lacks proper line outputs, but the speakers are pretty good. You can rehearse with this against a big band. The action is reasonably firm, and I like that, but not everybody does. It's basic (not feature rich) but great as a first family piano or in a school. It's the only sub €1100 home digital piano that I like so far. Correction. I have just seen the Kawai KDP120. Great spec. Wonder about the action.
No specific reason, was intended as a sampling of the category rather than a full list. P515 is certainly a popular one, no intent to exclude it purposefully. Thanks for the question/comment!
Hey is the cn39 ideal for classical repertoire? I'm just exhausted of searching for pianos online. I can't try any myself as there are like zero stores near me.
@@pianoenthusiast6649 The CN39 looks very promising. It is probably the only Kawai Home Piano I would consider buying. It's on my list of pianos to try. The Yamaha CLP-735 probably has the edge over it, particularly for classical music, but it costs a bit more and has fewer extras. In theory you need an acoustic piano for the higher exams preparation, but then you need to spend €3500 min just for a secondhand upright, which probably sounds inferior to these lovely digital pianos. In your position I'd probably go with one of those two I mentioned, but like you, I haven't been able to try them.
@@I.K.2013 Fortunately, I have tried both pianos not so long ago, that is since making my earlier comment. While on paper, the CN39 is superior due to having many extra features, I am not overly impressed with the basic sound or actions on either - which do seem to be the same. Under the circumstances, the CN29 is the better purchase IMO, since it is cheaper, and truer to the concept of a budget or lower-midrange digital home piano. The CN39 pretends to be better but isn't, except for having more features. Everybody has their own set of priorities, but I want a really satisfying sound and action before I'll spend a lot on extras. Don't be dismayed - I'm a demanding musician, so I look for good pianos, but I can also appreciate value for money. The CN29 seems good for its price. But, if like me, you want better than the CN29, it might be wise to jump to the CN49. I think this has a wood key action. I quite like the Yamaha Arius 164 home piano. This is very simple and austere and inexpensive, but I like it for its sound and its speakers. The action could be a little too light for serious classical music students, but I use the same action on my P-255 for all my jazz gigs, and I do play some fast licks. It keeps up with me and even allows me to do things that might be impossible on a stiffer action. I also respect the Roland RP701.
im not sure why someone would spend over 1-3k for a digital piano for the purpose of studying piano... here in australia we can get a decent yamaha acoustic upright second hand for about 2-3k usd... at least i think it's good enough having studied classical piano on one of these since young
@@TheAatupaatu the CA99 has a hybrid key action. So it is incorrect to claim that it is not hybrid. People need to be specific when using the word 'hybrid'. Context matters.
Good stuff, as always, Stu, but I was surprised to see the CA49, CA59 and CA79 listed as hybrids. Of all the models in the CA line, Kawai classifies only the CA99 as a hybrid.
@@shaolin95 I think it is now, but wasn't originally? The 'hybrid' thing I don't think was ever clearly defined, and now it's being mis-used. To me it means that the keys have full length, and a pivot with fake hammers to mimic real keys. Now it seems anything with wood keys is labelled hybrid, and the meaning is lost really?
There are multiple types of hybrid (as Stu discussed in a previous video). E.g. 'hybrid key action' refers to a key action containing some acoustic parts. CA79, CA99, LX706, LX708, GP-310, GP-510 all have hybrid key actions. There is also hybrid sound - e.g. where both strings and speakers are included (e.g. trans-acoustic). I think other definitions of hybrid are confusing, meaningless, useless, and best avoided. E.g. the Novus NV10 is a digital piano that has a 100% real acoustic key action - it does not have a hybrid action, and does not have hybrid sound. Main point: hybrid does not mean better.
@@MerriamPianos ah, I was commenting on the phrase "the piano is known as the king of the instruments" - a title I've always heard associated with the pipe organ!
Great video, but I noticed that you do not mention even one KORG instrument. Did you do that on purpose? Are no KORG instruments are mentionable in your eyes?
Stu has replied of course, with proper explanation. Korg has some great actions I hear, particularly on the D1 (which even has a screen) but I suspect that its sounds need updating. I still think that the D1 & B2 are great value for money.
Stu was talking about home digital pianos being "musically more capable" than (basic) portable pianos. I take this to mean a better expressive capability (through better actions) and certainly a fuller sound due to better patches and better speakers. It's logical since home digitals cost more and their weight is unimportant. Stu did mention earlier that the portable pianos are typically unsatisfactory for classical piano playing, and implied that the home digitals are a little more acceptable. IMO most professional portable pianos and stage pianos are comparable to home digitals (of a similar pricepoint) in terms of action and basic piano sounds/patches. The home digital pianos often retain the edge on inbuilt speaker quality, but not in every case. I wouldn't buy a home digital with less than 2x20w speaker power.
Thanks for drawing my attention to the KDP110. Actually, I think it's replaced by the KDP120 now. Looks good. I've tried the Arius 164 and it's great, but simple. The KDP120 has many more features (and it's a bit cheaper) but I don't know the RH-CII action which it has. Seems to be an enhanced version of the RH-C on the ES110. I suspect that the 164 has the firmer action.
While the famous Mozart quote cites the organ as the "King of Instruments", more contemporarily, many pianists and musicians refer to the piano as the "King of Instruments".
@@MerriamPianos Sure, okay. Bach too called the pipe organ the king of instruments. I never heard the piano referred to as such. I suppose contemporarily, some folks might refer to microwaved mac and cheese as “fine dining’”. Cheers.
While Yamaha, Roland and Kawai are all Japanese companies, the vast majority of digital pianos are manufactured in Indonesia, Malaysia or China. With that said, I would personally argue that the country of manufacturing is secondary to the musical experience each instrument provides. Thanks for tuning in!
There are less expensive keyboards, but for proper digital pianos with weighted keys, the $500 to $1500 USD range is the going rate for many new models. There are of course exceptions to that rule and you can find used digital pianos for much less. Hope this helps clarify things a bit! :)
well well if you buy a poor piano you cant actually use it because you cant play any pieces on it so well if you want to buy a full piano that you can actually use in full you gotta pay 8000$+ dollars wow as always
Brent here! Thanks for tuning in! While I agree with the sentiment that an $8000+ budget can allow you to access professional quality instruments, I disagree that amazing pianos that provide an incredibly satisfying musical experience are not accessible for less. Here in Canada, models like the Kawai K15 or ND21 offer customers very impressive sounding/playing pianos for far less. Beyond that, you can often find some exceptionally affordable deals on high-quality used uprights.
Hi Everyone! A general comment about Korg: this is a manufacturer we're looking forward to reviewing in a meaningful way in 2021; however, due to extreme product shortages throughout the industry, we have still been unable to access any instruments to include in our reviews. Hence, lack of availability (and our inability to properly experience the instruments) is the ONLY reason that Korg has not been mentioned in this video...nothing more less than that should be inferred by the exclusion.
we will wait for your reviews
Thank you for this very good an helpful explaination and clarification. This avoids unnecessary speculation by the viewers of your marvelous reviews.
Cicuuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiuuuiiii
Good to hear! Can't wait! Korg does not get enough love, I find their action much nicer than those of Yamaha, Roland and Kurzweil (have not had the chance to try Kawai or Casio)
I recently received my Roland FP-90 and accompanying cabinet w 3 pedal accessory board ($2400 USD) and, as a hobbyist musician only, this is the final destination for me as my needs will never go beyond this beautiful instrument.
FP90 is a killer combo of features for sure. Great action and sound engine, and a very capable onboard speaker system. A home-digitla version of this would be at least $1000 more. Nice buy!
@@MerriamPianos Thank you so much and I clicked your link on your FP-90 Review which took me to Amazon where I made the purchase.
It is absolutely beautiful and more than my hobbyist musician skills will ever need.
Thank you for all of your reviews, I am so happy with the FP-90! ☺️
There is now the FP90x …. I agree that there is no need to keep changing and I’m sure most digitals can last way more than 10 years if used properly - they’ve reached a threshold now where improvements are only very incremental now (and bizarrely I still think the best Roland action was the PHA III from ten years ago..).
I feel exactly the same way with my FP90x. Built like a tank. It will most probably outlast me.
I thought the same thing until I bought an NV5s! Unbelievable how far Digitals have come. I hope you won’t be easily swayed with the future versions of this. I know consoles aren’t for everyone, but for me it was the right choice and it inspires me to play longer and more often than ever before.
Wow, having learned piano exactly the way he described, i can vouch that he is giving the best and most honest introduction to purchasing a piano keyed musical instrument. I confirm everything he is saying. Parents listen to him this is accurate and correct info !
I’ve always been impressed and infatuated with the piano.
Stu, you talked me into ordering a Kawai ES920, but it's on back order. I think it was a good choice for me and an action upgrade from the Casio PX-150. I'm positive it is a better stand alone portable than the Casio; however much more expensive than the Casio which actually drives a Pianoteq voice which sounds great. I did want a portable piano that had onboard voice quality close to Pianoteq.
I want to buy the Roland FP-10 but it’s on back order so all I can do is just wait
I just ordered KDP110 and it’s on back order as well 😅
I went to Sweetwater in played on Kawai es920 it was cheaper made with plastic in didn't like the feel of it but the Kawai mp7se is whole different ball game it built like a tank in its sounds in feels awesome seems it was the best of all the keyboards I tried I did buy a Roland DS 88 I like Roland brand some of their keyboards but you should go try the KAWAI MP7SE hoping to get one soon
Surprised to see the Casio PX-s1 & s3ooo in the list of professional & studio pianos. I just bought one for my living room “3000”, but for the studio i have a Korg SV2, although the Casio does have some great sounds and it is lightweight enough to bring to studio if needed. Very helpful video. Thanks.
I love how you zapped the whole clavinova range beside the 735 ! 🤣🤣🤣
I guess this was because of the availability or maybe you just don't like that line of digital pianos.
IfMyStone: If Stu really does have more respect for the 735 than for other Clavinovas, I suspect he's right. I've examined the specs carefully, and the 735 now looks like the best value for money Clavinova. I want to try one.
Thank you so much for the informative guidelines for the buyers like me.
I’m really anxious to make a final decision; if anyone can put some real reviews about the potential models I chose, appreciated in advance.
- Kawai ca79, 99, nv5
- Yamaha nu1x, CLP 685
Ngl I have the PX-S1000 and it’s indeed a great Stage Portable Piano, it’s very lightweight and convenient, and has a really satisfying complex piano tone that sounds even better with big productions and professional PAs.
The fact that it can run on batteries for at least two hours make it a very useful instrument I can also run as an acoustic piano with strings quartets at beach weddings.
Of course I have to point out it’s not meant to be used as a piano for classical music recitals.
There are waaay more piano in the industry than what he touches on I found many Japanese made piano manufacturers very satisfying
There are a plethora of manufactures of course. It is difficult to shed light on all of them, but our production team certainly does their best to feature as many as possible. :)
Fantastic video!
So, what's the best piano, Casio Celviano AP710 or Yamaha YDP 144, at same price?
Tanks so much!
Probably Nord.
Very helpful, but I think you left out a really important advantage of digital pianos over acoustic ones - the volume knob. If you live in an apartment, or just a crowded household, the abilty to practice with headphones or to perform at a volume appropriate to the room is a really, really big plus. Real pianos are LOUD. Of course if you do need it loud (eg in a concert) it is just a matter of plugging it into a decent hifi (same if you are dissatsfied with the built in speakers).
You're absolutely right! The advantage of having a volume control on your piano gives a lot of flexibility for use in different environments or when silent practice is necessary. With that said, there is a certain magic to real strings and a real soundboard resonating. :)
Ya know, I just realized after decades that I’ve never seen a full acoustic piano with a small number of keys like sub 61 keys. That would actually be a pretty cool idea. An actual acoustic grand or upright style piano with 37 keys.
37 would be outside my current skill range.
This is interesting stuff. I'm learning on the Clavinova which was 2nd hand in 1997. It has a slightly dickie key, otherwise sounds quite good. I play with headphones. Today I tried a piano in your early group and although the feel was on another planet compared to our 1997 version, it sounded terrible. I'm not going to match our ancient AWM version cheaply I think.
Hi!
Between the Casio px 870, Casio AP-470, Roland RP-102, Kawai KDP110 and the Korg Air C1, which one do you recommend me to buy?
What I really care is the authenticity of the sound and the feel of the keys.
Thx!
In your experience, what portable digital piano is the closest to mimicking the sound of an acoustic?
I've seen your video on the Roland FP-30X. Would you still consider the FP-30X one of the better options for a starter?
Hello! I’m looking for a hybrid digital piano that has the max keys possible and sounds like an acoustic for recording. Would you recommend a kawaii, Roland, or Yamaha?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! While the decision will come down to personal preference of course, I am a massive fan of the Kawai NV5S! The combination of the Millennium III carbon-fibre action and TwinDrive Soundboard system give it a spectacular piano experience. I have had a lot of customers purchase that piano for recording and production because of its wonderful touch and tonal capabilities. :)
Sir, thank you for the explanation. I don't get the outgrowing the piano part, how is that possible?
I belong to the group of people whom the only family member to learn an instrument so I bought the Kawai ES110, for me as a begginer i think is a good choice but under which categorie would you list the Yamaha CLP 775 or CLP785? i felt they were ignored! and would you recommend one of those instruments to upgrade the ES110? thanks for answering
I have a question that revolves round the sound of digital pianos.
Having been round a number of outlets i notice that very few ever talk about a unit that i have heard, played and payed atention to, that being models made by Kursweil, i think the come from the Chang line of instruments and i found that there were a range of piano sounds right up to 9ft grand pianos sounds the were both mellow and dimanic, so why are these never mentioned?
Kurzweil instruments are very solid. With that said, we are not Kurzweil dealers at this time, so it is a little tough for us to cover the company's models in our RUclips video reviews/comparisons. However, given that we get instruments come in on trade from time-to-time, we will certainly tackle pertinent Kurzweil models in one of our videos if the opportunity presents. :)
I am pretty much a beginner. I played for a very short time as a child. I want to relearn the piano, but I am also interested In learning music production. So I'm probably best off getting a DAW like Ableton Live 11 to begin with. But that alone is probably not going to be the most helpful/fun to learn the piano. I realize they are essentially two different things. Having said that, if I want to buy a good digital piano which is fun and pleasing to use that I can also use with DAW software/music production, what would your top recommendations be?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! It is awesome to hear that you are inspired to take the plunge back into learning the piano as well as music production. In terms of the best option to be used in conjunction with a DAW, it ultimately depends on the budget as well as the ways in which you will be using the instrument. If you are going to be relying on virtual instruments (VSTs) and simply need a MIDI controller, the Kawai VPC1 is incredible. If you're looking for an all-purpose digital piano that you can also use as a standalone practice instrument, the Roland FP30X / FP60X / FP90X and Kawai ES120 / ES520 / ES920 are some of my personal favourites! :)
I have Yamaha N3X. And it sounds just like an acoustic piano.
The Yamaha N3X is a fantastic instrument! The hybrid technology is certainly quite impressive. Enjoy your N3X!
Which would you(or any knowledgeable viewer reading this comment) recommend for an intermediate level classical pianist?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! That would ultimately come down to a number of factors, including budget and design preference (portable versus console).
@@MerriamPianos I'm leaning towards portable and one that has pedals, since I'm a student in Europe I'd like something at most €800/$850.
I’m looking for one that has rapid response and extended keys (like a grand piano) I mostly care about the action of the keys.
Hi Derek! Brent here! The Roland LX706/LX708 and Kawai NV5S/NV10S would be the digital pianos on the market currently that have some of the longest keys/pivot lengths as well as a fast repetition. They are certainly worth checking out! :)
I play the Casio PX-5s for several years now. I’m not sure anyone has a better piano feel and resonance. It’s very light weight too. Anyone care to chime in? Also, I really wish I had an acoustic, but it just doesn’t make sense for me right now.
Hi, another nice video (as always :) I'm struggling currently in choosing between Roland FP 90 and Kawai ES 920. Could you please make a video to compare these two? I really appreciate it. Thx! 😊
You guys should also review piano VST's
I played and practiced classical piano when I was 4 until in my 20s..and stop once I started working, because I don't have the time..
But tbh now me in my mid 30s, I miss my piano (sold it many years ago) and is thinking to buy digital piano because it will be lighter and compact in space.
Though I had forgotten any piano piece, when I play scale on digital piano, I hate the touch of it!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭 I feel that it's too light and always run when I play the scale fast.
I didn't try the high end one, will it be better with it?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! That is fantastic news that you've decided to resume your piano journey! I think you will be surprised at how quickly things come back. ;)
As for entry level digital pianos versus high-end digital pianos, there really is a meaningful difference in terms of the touch they provide. When you get into the higher-end models, they do come a lot closer to simulating the weighting and sensations of a real acoustic piano. With that said, if budget permits, there are also hybrid pianos like the Kawai NV5S and NV10S, which actually transplant acoustic piano actions (with some minor tweaks) into a digital package. Thanks for tuning in and writing in! We appreciate it. :)
@MerriamPianos with that price, I rather get K300 😭 but I like how compact the digital one and definitely to put it on my 2nd floor will be much easier.
Maybe I will try to find 2nd hand acoustic piano but I must find way how to carry it into 2nd floor of my house (without getting any scretch)
But thank you a lot for your advice. If I have chance, I will try that NV5S. Watched your review and play of it, it sounds wonderful.
What is your opinion on Yamaha CSP170 ? . I am really interested in that one.
It was so informative and helpful
Thank youu
Where does the Yamaha CSP-150 and CSP-170 slot in? Went to a store today and noticed they had a 150 but it felt a little cheap.
I am thinking about buying a ringway tg8852 digital piano it has a 32 polyphony and costs new around 500 but i am gonna buy it used for have the price what do you all think i am a begginer by the way
First time buyers should also be aware that most digital pianos that use the rubber strip key pad contact (and that's most manufacturers) will suffer velocity/action key failure due to dust or debris accumulating on the sensor. This tends to happen anywhere between 2-4 years depending on use. They then need dismantling for cleaning or replacement of these rubber contact strips. Not all first time buyers are aware and I think its worth noting, once they buy a digital piano it's not going to last a lifetime. Not something manufacturers want you to hear, but sadly true.
Thank you for the excellent insights! It is definitely something that is worth mentioning and ensuring that digital piano owners are aware of. You can also mitigate these potential issues by regularly feather dusting the instrument and key surfaces as well as ensuring the key cover is utilized when not in use (depending on the model of piano of course). This combined with avoiding any spills on the keyboard will optimize the longevity of the sensors and contacts.
@@MerriamPianos Good tips, i guess for the price point its something we just have to live with. I would really love to invest in a Kawai, but I really want longevity so I may save a bit longer for something with a fatar keybed. I've heard they are very reliable.
What’s the best piano from the sound quality? In CLP ?
An acoustic is best. Grand is usually used in concerts... uprights are great for sitting in a big living room. Or you could get a keyboard which require less maintenance, never need to be tuned, and cheap
A common great sounding 88 key keyboard would be the Yamaha P-125 Digital
@@AverageJoePlaysPiano7621 you confuse two different categories of instruments, for piano practice you should not go for a keyboard but a digital piano.... worst advice ive ever seen.
Отличный канал и очень обаятельный ведущий😊.
What is Roland fp 90x Suitable for.?
Which category of user?
Cos Its name isn't listed anywhere in the video , alThough
both Roland 30x and 60x have been named and listed in multiple categories in the video above
I'd say if ur looking in the fp category, ppl usually switch between the 90x and 30x, as the 60 is an odd middle as it's increased in price but not alot of extra specs. If ur budget allows, I'd definitely recommend the 90 or 90x (the only difference between them is of polyphony, 90 has 356 and 90x has unlimited) but all in all they're both great.
The fp30x could be a beginner level great piano, sound and feel.
And the fp 90/90x is more of a piano that you can settle down with iykwim, either at home or for gigs or even for stage
@@amitojsingh9229
thanks buddy.
I am currently in Mumbai.
where are u living these days?
What about the CN39 ? Where would it categorize?
Just when I thought I had made my choice! 😅
I have a CN39 and I like it a lot. Stu described this as a category in the $1500 to $3000 range. The CN39 (about $2600) is in that range, but the piano he recommended, the CA79, is selling "on sale" right now at $4100. So that's about $1500 more than the CN39. So to me that makes the review a little misleading. There is always going to be a "better" piano at a higher price. Don't let that get you down. The CN39 is a great value at $2600. I like it a lot
@@marjon1113 thanks a lot, appreciate it!!
I have also CN39 and I love it, I will not sold mine even a person offer switch me for ps5(ps5 will be hardest to get in 6 month period). Not a gamer but I miss The Last Of Us and tried too avoid spoilers on part 2.
Another fantastic video by one of my favourite reviewers. I only heard the unfortunate "real piano" expresion used twice, so the videos just get better it seems.
The categorization is very interesting - brilliant in fact. Logically there are a few interesting exceptions on the market, largely with respect to price. The Yamaha Arius 164 costs a bit less than most other Japanese digital console home pianos and it looks and feels great. It is ideal for schools or in the home, but the cabinet is nothing special.
The Roland RD88 is surprisingly inexpensive for its category of Professional Stage Pianos. Maybe that's because it actually straddles two categories, also having some aspects of the Professional Portable category, which is cheaper - such as a light build, light action, and built-in speakers. If you're on a budget, or you need a light instrument, it could be a good way of getting most of the functionality of the Pro Stage Pianos.
@@phoenixthepiano Glad you got the right instrument. It reminds us that sounds and (in this case) actions will always be a partly subjective issue.
Hey, what would you say about Yamaha YDP 164?
Sweety Gupta: In case you still haven't decided... I have tried this instrument several times. It's great. It lacks proper line outputs, but the speakers are pretty good. You can rehearse with this against a big band. The action is reasonably firm, and I like that, but not everybody does. It's basic (not feature rich) but great as a first family piano or in a school. It's the only sub €1100 home digital piano that I like so far. Correction. I have just seen the Kawai KDP120. Great spec. Wonder about the action.
Excellent review! It seems you answered my general question on market segmentation for digital pianos. Thank you 🙏🏻
Glad it was helpful!
Great video thank you
You're very welcome! Thank you so much for the kind words! :)
Very helpful overview. Is anyone making a competitor to the Kawai VPC 1?
Hi Stu, I'm wondering why you didn't mention the Yamaha P-515 in your list of professional portable pianos?
No specific reason, was intended as a sampling of the category rather than a full list. P515 is certainly a popular one, no intent to exclude it purposefully. Thanks for the question/comment!
The P515 might not be a good beginner piano because of the very heavy action.
@@rupe82 Indeed, it counts as a Professional Portable Piano, though it's not very portable. I think I would like the action.
Thank you ❤
You're very welcome! :)
Wonderful
Stu, could you review Yamaha N1X？
I'm crying even my Kawai CN39 is not in that category. 🤣
Hey is the cn39 ideal for classical repertoire? I'm just exhausted of searching for pianos online. I can't try any myself as there are like zero stores near me.
@@pianoenthusiast6649 The CN39 looks very promising. It is probably the only Kawai Home Piano I would consider buying. It's on my list of pianos to try. The Yamaha CLP-735 probably has the edge over it, particularly for classical music, but it costs a bit more and has fewer extras.
In theory you need an acoustic piano for the higher exams preparation, but then you need to spend €3500 min just for a secondhand upright, which probably sounds inferior to these lovely digital pianos. In your position I'd probably go with one of those two I mentioned, but like you, I haven't been able to try them.
@@I.K.2013 Fortunately, I have tried both pianos not so long ago, that is since making my earlier comment.
While on paper, the CN39 is superior due to having many extra features, I am not overly impressed with the basic sound or actions on either - which do seem to be the same. Under the circumstances, the CN29 is the better purchase IMO, since it is cheaper, and truer to the concept of a budget or lower-midrange digital home piano. The CN39 pretends to be better but isn't, except for having more features. Everybody has their own set of priorities, but I want a really satisfying sound and action before I'll spend a lot on extras.
Don't be dismayed - I'm a demanding musician, so I look for good pianos, but I can also appreciate value for money. The CN29 seems good for its price. But, if like me, you want better than the CN29, it might be wise to jump to the CN49. I think this has a wood key action.
I quite like the Yamaha Arius 164 home piano. This is very simple and austere and inexpensive, but I like it for its sound and its speakers. The action could be a little too light for serious classical music students, but I use the same action on my P-255 for all my jazz gigs, and I do play some fast licks. It keeps up with me and even allows me to do things that might be impossible on a stiffer action. I also respect the Roland RP701.
im not sure why someone would spend over 1-3k for a digital piano for the purpose of studying piano... here in australia we can get a decent yamaha acoustic upright second hand for about 2-3k usd... at least i think it's good enough having studied classical piano on one of these since young
Not everyone lives in a big enough Space of just needs to be quiter
I notice that the CA99 is listed in both the 3-5 year home category as well as the hybrid category - was that intentional?
CA99 is not a real hybrid but with the soundboard sound system you can put it in the upper category. Mine is satin black. 😎
@@TheAatupaatu the CA99 has a hybrid key action. So it is incorrect to claim that it is not hybrid. People need to be specific when using the word 'hybrid'. Context matters.
The CA99 has now been removed from the home category :)
Yes..... . typos happen 🤔(even when we try and be extra careful....OOPS)
Thank you
please make a video dedicated to professional keyboards
Hi Bryan! Thank you kindly for the suggestion! We are always looking for new topics to cover and we will certainly add that to the list. :)
Good stuff, as always, Stu, but I was surprised to see the CA49, CA59 and CA79 listed as hybrids. Of all the models in the CA line, Kawai classifies only the CA99 as a hybrid.
Is just a marketing term
@@shaolin95 I think it is now, but wasn't originally? The 'hybrid' thing I don't think was ever clearly defined, and now it's being mis-used.
To me it means that the keys have full length, and a pivot with fake hammers to mimic real keys. Now it seems anything with wood keys is labelled hybrid, and the meaning is lost really?
There are multiple types of hybrid (as Stu discussed in a previous video). E.g. 'hybrid key action' refers to a key action containing some acoustic parts. CA79, CA99, LX706, LX708, GP-310, GP-510 all have hybrid key actions. There is also hybrid sound - e.g. where both strings and speakers are included (e.g. trans-acoustic). I think other definitions of hybrid are confusing, meaningless, useless, and best avoided. E.g. the Novus NV10 is a digital piano that has a 100% real acoustic key action - it does not have a hybrid action, and does not have hybrid sound. Main point: hybrid does not mean better.
0:36 - as an organist, excuse me??? 🤣
I am not sure that I understand the comment. At that point in the video, Stu said "in front of an orchestra."
@@MerriamPianos ah, I was commenting on the phrase "the piano is known as the king of the instruments" - a title I've always heard associated with the pipe organ!
Great video, but I noticed that you do not mention even one KORG instrument. Did you do that on purpose? Are no KORG instruments are mentionable in your eyes?
Stu has replied of course, with proper explanation. Korg has some great actions I hear, particularly on the D1 (which even has a screen) but I suspect that its sounds need updating. I still think that the D1 & B2 are great value for money.
@@Zoco101 Thanks for your valuable input, I have read Stu's good explaibation in the meantime also.
What do you mean by a more "musically capable" piano?
Stu was talking about home digital pianos being "musically more capable" than (basic) portable pianos. I take this to mean a better expressive capability (through better actions) and certainly a fuller sound due to better patches and better speakers. It's logical since home digitals cost more and their weight is unimportant.
Stu did mention earlier that the portable pianos are typically unsatisfactory for classical piano playing, and implied that the home digitals are a little more acceptable.
IMO most professional portable pianos and stage pianos are comparable to home digitals (of a similar pricepoint) in terms of action and basic piano sounds/patches. The home digital pianos often retain the edge on inbuilt speaker quality, but not in every case. I wouldn't buy a home digital with less than 2x20w speaker power.
My FP90x! It was not listed . Bummer.
The FP90X is a fantastic digital piano and one that we have featured in many of our videos including one that is fully-dedicated to the FP90X! :)
Which one is better between ydp 164 and kdp 110? Could anyone please help me with a valuable suggestion!!!
Thanks for drawing my attention to the KDP110. Actually, I think it's replaced by the KDP120 now. Looks good. I've tried the Arius 164 and it's great, but simple. The KDP120 has many more features (and it's a bit cheaper) but I don't know the RH-CII action which it has. Seems to be an enhanced version of the RH-C on the ES110. I suspect that the 164 has the firmer action.
umm, I believe it is the pipe organ referred to as the “King of Instruments”,
While the famous Mozart quote cites the organ as the "King of Instruments", more contemporarily, many pianists and musicians refer to the piano as the "King of Instruments".
@@MerriamPianos Sure, okay. Bach too called the pipe organ the king of instruments. I never heard the piano referred to as such. I suppose contemporarily, some folks might refer to microwaved mac and cheese as “fine dining’”. Cheers.
What's wrong with YAMAHA CLP785? haha
DEXIBELL ? We don't talk about it at all.
Are all these MADE IN JAPAN?
The country of manufacturing should be the FIRST information for any instrument/gear review. Thanks.
While Yamaha, Roland and Kawai are all Japanese companies, the vast majority of digital pianos are manufactured in Indonesia, Malaysia or China. With that said, I would personally argue that the country of manufacturing is secondary to the musical experience each instrument provides. Thanks for tuning in!
Not a Nord dealer?
Aren't Nord pianos just for hipsters?
This is really a needed video..but Where is Nord??
500 to 1500 USD isn't cheap for beginners wtf
There are less expensive keyboards, but for proper digital pianos with weighted keys, the $500 to $1500 USD range is the going rate for many new models. There are of course exceptions to that rule and you can find used digital pianos for much less. Hope this helps clarify things a bit! :)
well well if you buy a poor piano you cant actually use it because you cant play any pieces on it so well if you want to buy a full piano that you can actually use in full you gotta pay 8000$+ dollars wow as always
Brent here! Thanks for tuning in! While I agree with the sentiment that an $8000+ budget can allow you to access professional quality instruments, I disagree that amazing pianos that provide an incredibly satisfying musical experience are not accessible for less. Here in Canada, models like the Kawai K15 or ND21 offer customers very impressive sounding/playing pianos for far less. Beyond that, you can often find some exceptionally affordable deals on high-quality used uprights.
@@MerriamPianos "impressive sounding/playing pianos" can I play any musical pieces on them so that they sound amazing (really ANY)?