I bought this recently based on yours and another YT’s recommendation. I bought it during the recent Black Friday sale, and I must say this is an amazing piano. I’m no professional-I play synths. I bought this so I can learn paino and improve my synth playing. It’s an amazing machine especially for my needs and purposes. Thank you for making this video.
I wish I found a video like this one when I bought it because I did it in a kind of a leap of faith. All people were keener on Roland and Kawai (I was scared of buying something worthless out of the great "piano-like brands"), but I had a crush on this keyboard, and I share the same feelings as you after having it for around 4 months. Great video and necessary to those in doubt.
Korg should release a D2 with more sounds, pitch bend and modulation wheels, usb connectivety, the ability to split the keyboard and an internal power supply and I'd buy it in a heartbeat.
I would have liked to learn about the keyboard's escape mechanism simulation. The ability to perform fast repetitions of the same note is what really defines a good keyboard action for me. Also, is there a difference between the weight of the black and white keys? Casio has a real problem with this. Thanks for the review!
Digital pianos by nature don't have escapement. If you mean the feeling of let off, this doesn't have any sort of bump at the end of its travel. I think it would be hard to do that on a digital piano. At least the ones I've played from Korg, Yamaha, Kawai, Casio, and Williams, don't have any let off bump. With my weights, it seems the black keys might be slightly lighter than the white keys, but it's pretty minor. I don't notice it by playing. And the repetition is quite fast in my opinion. I'd say on par with most grands, and as fast as I can play with 3 fingers. It has a slightly heavier action, which helps the keys come up quickly, but as much as I play, I'm not as picky as a concert pianist, most of whom probably don't like playing digital anyways.
I was recently considering the D1 as a controller for PTQ, some research though scooped out that it's got no note-off MIDI which is like a turn off compared to its main competitors like FP10 which still makes a perfect controller so far
Thank you so much for this review. That's what I was looking for. I'm planning to buy D1 and connect it with Una Corda, The Maverick, The Grandeur, Alicias Keys and Noire from NI. I have tried Roland FP30/30x and Yamaha P125 , personally doesn't like the Roland keybed, Yamaha was better for me. But Roland and Yamaha don't have Midi out so Korg is a better option for me.
Nice review. I bought this piano for the same purpose as you and I think I decided well. Keyboard is very good. I use Korg D1 as a main MIDI keyboard together with Alesis V25 for additional knobs and mod wheel.. Missing usb and onboard piano sound is a shame but for the price I cannot complain.
I agree, I didn't really care that it had no programmable knobs, but it would've been a nice touch. My main frustration has been the lack of multi-pedal support, but I built my own with an Arduino, so check back for that in a few days. It's pretty easy and cheap!
Hi! I just bought a D1 to use it as a midi controller but i can't make it work! I use windows 8.1, i install the korg's drivers, do you have any idea what could be happening? Thanks!!!
@@sinclairkaxon2063 It depends on your midi/usb cable and driver. I use BESPECO BMUSB100. Also don´t forget to connect your midi cable in to midi out port on your keybard and cable out vice versa.
You are very kind and essential! I have very strong hands, and I think that is the best for me, Thank you very much for this detailed video, I was convinced and I will buy it !!
Thank you for providing the weight measurements. I avoid Yamaha models because I have found so many too heavy for my taste. I almost bought an SL88 Studio but found out at last minute it is 119g. My old Roland FP8 is about 74g maybe 1-2 more and I really like it. I am thinking the Korg D1 will suit me pretty well.
How would you say the RH3 action in the Korg D1 relates to the NH action that was in your B1 ? I have a Korg Kross 2 88 which also has the NH action : it's a great 'all round' action, from pop piano to organ, to synth, but the moment you want to play something faster and more expressive, like classical, the NH really doesn't cut it : it feels sluggish, to say the least. I'm more or less looking for the same thing, an affordable piano/midi controller and have shortlisted this D1, the Kawai ES110 and maybe the Roland RD-88 (although that one is a bit more expensive)...
I definitely like it better. It feels faster and more realistic. The NH action was good, but the RH3 is a good step up. More fun to play and just all around better feeling. The trills can be quite fast, even faster than a lot of acoustic piano actions.
84g at Middle C is quite heavy but pretty similar to Yamaha GHS! Acoustic top tier Concert grands are configured to 50~65g at most, 70g is considered "heavy"! Yamaha has the same level of heaviness as I mentioned and I don't know why digital pianos are heavier them their acoustic counterparts. I really, really wanted to know from Korg, Yamaha designers why!!!
It is, though a Yamaha I measured came out to 88g at C4! Neither feel particularly heavy to me though. It is very possible that my scale or weights are not 100% accurate, though it should be close. They do have a much shorter key than a grand piano, so it's possible that the heavier weight is offset by that, though I'm not sure that would really affect the down weight. The actions don't feel light, definitely on the heavier side, but perhaps that's to make them feel more "real" and expensive. Since the action is already graded, they could certainly hit 50g or less if they wanted to, so I assume there's some other factor going into it, or people just prefer heavier feeling digital pianos.
Counterparts? Most pianists aren't really gigging pianists, just as most acoustic pianists aren't practising on grands. Upright actions are typically stiffer/heavier than grand actions. Perhaps it makes sense for digital piano actions to prepare fingers for the exigencies of upright pianos, particularly when practical examinations for pianists are looming.
@@orebeloIt's so easy for us all to fall into the trap of comparing digital pianos to grand pianos. But functionally, digital pianos are replacing upright pianos only, and they're doing a brilliant job of it. All the cheap nasty uprights are disappearing. This leaves only the mid to higher end uprights, which may well be replaced eventually too, but are currently the pianos favoured in piano exams. So, manufacturers should forget grand pianos when designing home piano actions. They should focus on matching up to the genuine acoustic competition - the quality uprights. Given time, digital home pianos will match and surpass the uprights, capturing their best qualities and even improving on them.
@@Zoco101 This is a great thread Mike and really helps me to decide if the Korg D1 is the one for me to learn piano (well, continue learning actually). Previously I used an upright and therefore that's the action that I am used to but moving to a smaller place I need a keyboard for convenience. Cheers!
Everyone has different needs and requirements. I bought this for the keybed right. I have owned nice NORD synths in the past. And no doubt having physical knobs right in front of you is a thing... anyways, I am thinking of buying a Faderfox PC12 to sit on the Music Stand of the D1.... 72 pots, 12 buttons!!! it's spendy but you know it won't feel cheap, which in my experience is the vast majority of midi controllers.
Nick: Thanks for the interesting review/report. A lot of people must be wondering whether the D1 works well with the V3 expander modules. Some of the extended banks/libraries would be hard to access (I know) but a smartphone hookup would fix that. The V3 Grand Piano module has some combined sounds, which effectively give you keyboard split and or layering, but I don't know how the split point is determined without the keyboard deciding. PS The styling of the D1 is very reminiscent of the old Yamaha P80. I still have one, but upgraded to a P-255.
I haven't tried that personally. I mostly use it with my PC and DAW, but I have plugged it into an old Triton rack unit and it works well, just had to make sure they were communicating on the right channels. The Triton has splits for many sounds and I believe that's decided by the module. The D1 menus can be confusing as there's not much of a screen, but there aren't too many functions, just have to look up everything in the manual.
So apparently the D1 uses some laminate over the wood frame.. has anyone noticed any fit and finish issues? Like imperfections in laminate, especially at edged.. and the top control panel not evenly seated all around (one side seems to stick above the frame more than the other).
No issues on mine, fit and finish are very nice. There is some kind of wrap over the wood that can get damaged, it's pretty durable, but if you were gigging with it, I could see it getting some battle scars.
@@NickLeonard Thanks. I just got the white one and noticed on the edges i can tell where the seams are and it's not perfectly neat.. there are a few imperfections but nothing significant. the control panel wasn't flush with the top surface tho.. left side pops up a little more than right. i read somewhere for the black one there is a texture to the wrap and on my white one I don't really seem to notice a texture.
@@StefanUrkel interesting. The texture is subtle, rough, not smooth. The top panel is about 1/4" lower than the edges, but that's clearly intentional, though it's even on left and right sides on mine.
@@NickLeonard i meant control panel on the top left of the piano. that control panel is not sitting flush with the wood upon which the control panel rests, that goes across the piano, and on the left side, the control panel seems to stick up a little more than the right side.. not sure if that was confusing or not, as it sounds like you were talking about the side panels relative to the top panel but i'm talking about the control panel relative to top panel..
I also bought it just for the midi output, such a pity it's the oldschool 5-pin and no usb-B. I love its fast and accurate keybed response but the dynamic control could be better (can't get very good pianissimo out if it). Overall highly recommended for stage use or studios.
@@antonyshadowbanned I agree, the dynamics could be better, I'm guessing it mostly has to do with the slightly heavy key weight. Thankfully, pianoteq has a velocity calibration program.
@@NickLeonard Legacy (Din type) MIDI is superior to USB. You can always adapt the Legacy connectors with the right cable, but USB-only stops you from hooking up to anything except a computer
@@antonyshadowbanned I like that P-515 action very much too, but so far I prefer the sounds and controls and carry weight of the predecessor, the P-255. The P-515 is more a home piano in my book.
I love that kind of review. Technical. I'm a keyboardist who wants a good piano action but I'm no grand piano virtuoso. I want a good velocity range for orchestral libraries like Stpifire. And use some synths. So, not too heavy, not too light. Like you said. Do you recommend it over the Studio SL 88 studio or grand with that purpose in mind? Have you tried them? Thanks a lot.
@@NickLeonard I'm sorry, I forgot to ask, do you know if the velocity range is from 0 to 127? Lots of digital pianos can't send under 10 and over 118. Have you been able to use it with the full range? The full range is useful for orchestral libraries.
@@NickLeonard Hi again Nick, I'd like to thank you very much for that great job on that reviews and for answering my questions by testing! So appreciated. In those days of 'we don't open boxes' in stores, it's so hard to find the great feel for our needs. The D1 is now in my home studio and I simply love it. Exactly the feel I wanted, perfect velocity range and curves for a variety of uses, like piano, synth, organs, orchestral. The feel really surprised me to be honest, it's fun to play. I'm a keyboardist more than a concertist and really, people totally underestimate that keybed. In comparison, I was able to try the Studio Logic SL 88 Studio and Grand and Arturia Keylab 88+, same keybeds for SL 88 studio and Arturia, it's okay. The SL 88 Grand is great for the price but less a generalistic feel like the D1. For all kinds of VST's, D1 is A1. Your help was very welcome since it's the only one that I was unable to test. I'm not a classically trained pianist but I play since 40 years so I don't feel I use it as an amateur either. BTW, I'm visually impaired and the controls are so minimalistic that the keyboard is toally blind proof. I wasn't going to use the onboard sounds until I realized they're quite decent! The first piano is great and and digital pianos are super nice. Nothing like Pianoteq or a good vst but since, for quick practice. Weird, I'm kind of reviewing it myself here but you already know that; it's for other people :) Have a great day, keep up the good work.
Interesting review. I have a D1 and I think the keyboard touch is supreme. However, all the keys have a quite audible click that I've never heard from any other keyboard. Korg and dealer support say it's normal so no help there .. Any ideas on what can be done to fix it?
There is a faint sound, maybe not quite a click on mine, but like a splat haha. It doesn't bother me. Don't think there's a way to fix it. I once refelted a super loud clavinova from the 90s that really needed it, but that was a whole different story. I think this is just the sound of the keybed.
@@NickLeonard Ok thanks. I tried another D1 and it was a lot better, so I guess some of them are just ... worse. I'll open it and see if anything can be done.
Hello. Do we by any chance know what piano was sampled (German, Japanese, Asian grand)? Is the Grand Studio and jazz piano actually the same sampled instrument with different treatment/settings? Thanks
It must be possible to connect 3 or more pedals via midi. In the manual there is a midi implementation table. Here you can see on page 66, that the D1 recognize control change for 64 Damper, 66 Sostenuto and 67 Soft. If there is no product on the market, you can definitely program a teensy or aduino to do this job.
I found this Meris MIDI I/O box designed for guitar pedals, but it has 4 TRS inputs and MIDI in/out. Should work with standard pedals, might just have to fiddle with it a little. I'll definitely make a video on how to do it assuming I get it working!
@@NickLeonardIt won't work that way. The TRS from the Meris are for MIDI. The device is an adapter to control guitar padel via DIN 5 MIDI. I think this is not what you are looking for. You need something like the"MIDI Solutions Pedal to MIDI Converter" but for 3 Padel.
@@Michael_Fischer well I have one coming tomorrow, we'll see. My sweetwater rep said it would work, but it's a bit of an obscure use. If not, I'll check out your suggestion
@@NickLeonard interested in this as well...I have a Kawai VPC1 and it comes with a super cheap sustain pedal...I mean they use a 5 dollar potentiometer and not made to last. I'd like to hookup a midi box and get a good quality pedal system instead.
@@zumadale I've been figuring out a solution - and I have one. I'll have a video coming soon on it. As Michael predicted above, the Meris MIDI I/O I tested out for this did not work at all, I ended up building my first Arduino MIDI controller and it does work. It's my first project on an Arduino, so that was the main hurdle, other than that it's very straight forward and cheap. You can make essentially any pedal rig, or other MIDI controllers you can imagine for a few bucks and use whatever pedals you want. The easier, but pricier solution is the AudioFront MIDIExpressions. I haven't used it, but they show it working with piano pedals and a lot more. Seems like a nice unit, but at $120, I opted to just build my own.
I really like the feel of the keys too, altough I liked my casio privia bk860 which I had to sell at the time of better feeling. BUT, the midi out is a mega plus! The on board sounds were kinda meh to me but I hook it up to my roland sc88pro and even the pianos from that synth sound better imo. But all in all great purchase
That's cool! I have an SC-33 but no AC adaptor, so I can't use it, but I'm looking to get one so I can finally play with it. Pretty dated unit, but I like the old synth sounds. I have a TG-33 too.
Similar, I didn't measure the B1 before I sold it. I prefer this action though, definitely smoother and more realistic. I'd say they're a similar weight, but the B1 was sometimes a little tiring to play and the D1 isn't.
Hey Nick, I was wondering whether you got the chance to play the Garritan CFX vst with this digital piano ? I am actually looking forward to buy a digital piano to pair up with my garritan CFX but I am very much in doubt as to whether this can generate proper velocity levels of this particular vst. Anyways if you did get a chance to play the CFX, please share your experiences :)
I don't have the CFX, but you can see my pianoteq videos for some more playing. The stock velocity of the D1 is pretty great, I make it a little in Pianoteq for my preference, but it goes from 1-127 no problem. As I said, it's a bit of a heavier action, so I like to boost the midpoint of the curve some, so I can play lighter/more naturally to a real piano. If I'm playing normally, 110 is about as hard as I play with this keybed, I can hit up to 127, but I have to really hit it full force.
Hi Nick, Hope you are well. I had a question, when it comes to polyphony on digital Pianos. For an Adult Learner, will polyphony ever become an issue with regards to classical pieces; just pianos. Thanks
With modern pianos, I dont see how you could ever reach the limit with any normal playing of even the hardest music. The D1 has 120 note maximum polyphony, which is more than the 88 notes so I'm not sure how it could exceed that. When a key is pressed multiple times it should be cutting off the old sample, unless I'm missing something.
@@Anonymous5611k Even though those are a bit low by today's standards, I don't think you'd really run into problems. 64 might be noticeable in some rare situations, like maybe a really long glissando, but probably not.
@@NickLeonard I guess it's because of the 2 stereo channels. each note consuming 2 polyphony units, ie 1 per channel. If you do a glissando with the sustain depressed, it will also trigger sympathetic resonance and you exceed 120, but this is rare.
Curious if you've tried the studiologic sl88 grand. Wooden keys and great weight and feel. USB. Etc. I'd say for the money the studiologic is a better buy. Even the studiologic sl88 studio is a good feeling piano. But the sl88 grand is damn nice
I haven't tried the Hammer 88, but I was about to buy it before going with the Korg. I figured the more expensive keybed was worth it, and I had some other Korg keyboards I liked. I think the Hammer 88 is probably a good alternative, but I have no major complaints with the D1 either.
@@Khdnah I haven't tried those, so I can't say. but the D1 is very nice. If you can, it's always good to try them out in person, but for what it's worth, the D1 is the most expensive keybed in this price range that I've seen
@@NickLeonard In some forum, one mentioned that he couldn’t play any pianississimo passages in pianoteq because he couldn’t get an accurate midi send lower than 10 even with different touch settings.
I haven't seen anything myself. I'm still using the D1 and it still plays like new. The RH3 keybed isn't new either, so that's unlikely to see any kind of update for years.
@@NickLeonard good to hear. that being said i was under the impression the same RH3 as kawai... but they actually mean something different. this is extremely confusing...
@@amaurythewarrior the Korg RH3 has been used in a number of their flagship models for a decade or more. I don't know why Kawai has the same model name, but there's no connection I know of. Kawai and Korg both have their own production facilities.
How does korg d1 compared with roland a88 midi or roland rd88? I know sound wise they are a lot better but compared as a action where does it stand? And Is it better to purchase a midi like a88 or a stage piano d1 Does the chords played on pc be slower or all the sounds won't be played or latency kind of issue?
I have no latency issues, but I am hooked up through an audio interface, you may be able to get away with a cheaper MIDI to USB interface, but i'd recommend a proper audio interface. I haven't tried the Roland A88, but Roland does make quality stuff. As far as the D1, it's the best action Korg makes at the best price for the RH3 action. I don't know if it's the best action on the market though, and a lot of that may come down to preference. As always, it's best to try them out in person if you can and see what you prefer. I think for the price though, the D1 is a solid buy, the stock sounds aren't amazing, (though usable) but software/plugins are the way to go for recording anyways. My one main gripe with it is the lack of multi pedal support, but I got around that with an Arduino build (I have a video on how) that's pretty cheap and easy and allows you to use any pedal you want, something that unfortunately few companies, if any, offer.
I can't measure inertia, but upweight is much higher (my brass weights go up to 64g and it can lift that up to the top octave) than a grand piano, which explains why it doesn't feel as heavy as the downweight would suggest. Another factor is the top of the stroke has the most resistance, opposite an acoustic action.
Hi!!! i just bought a korg d1 but i'm struggling to connect it trough midi to pianoteq, it seems like the drivers aren't working, i use Windows 8.1, can you help me? (Sorry for my english!)
Hi, Sinclair. The D1 itself doesn't need any drivers, that will all be happening in the interface. What kind of audio interface are you using to get MIDI to the PC?
I couldn't find it in the manual, you can layer multiple sounds, though, so I feel like it should be possible. Of course, as a MIDI controller, anything is possible
I spent a little while playing a Kawai once, the CA79 I believe, with the touchscreen on the side. That goes for around $6000. It was very nice, no complaints, I didn't want something with a big stand like that, nor do I care about the software, since I'm using mine with a PC already. I previously owned a Korg B1, which I liked and inspired me to buy the D1. The D1 is a similar, but a nicer action. I also had a Korg M50, but that was a synth action and I didn't like that. I've tried a few Yamaha Clavinovas as well and those are also good. The D1 seemed to me to be the cheapest top-quality action, anything more expensive should be just as good, it all depends on what other features you want to pay for. No digital I've played really gets all the nuances of an acoustic action, but I'm still happy with the feel of the D1, it could be a little lighter, but it's not too heavy either.
@@NickLeonard Thanks Nick. Lastly, did you buy locally or have it shipped to you? i guess the reports of key damage were from shipments. i may bite the bullet and order from Guitar Center since I can return it to the local store if it is DOA. was looking at Roland FP-30X, Yamaha P125 & DGX-670, and the Kawai ES110. Action seems to be best/most realistic on the D1, but the DGX-670 is packed with features. Ultimately, going to go with the Midi ports and key bed above all and hope it's the right decision for me.
@@StefanUrkel I bought mine from Kraft music om Reverb, shipping was no issue. For me it, the action was most important as I don't need a lot of onboard features. What would be nice is proper support for a 3 pedal system, but I managed to hack that anyways, as you can see in my videos on that.
I'm not sure since I've only measured a few, but I was talking about this with a fellow piano tech today and he's noticed the same thing, but one thing he pointed out is the fulcrum is much closer to the front of the key, so the way we normally measure touch weight may not be accurate on digital pianos. I'd need some kind of digital pressure scale that could measure the force needed at each part of the keystroke... Another thing is the action responds different. On a digital piano, it takes more force to get the key started, but then it gets way lighter, where as an acoustic piano starts lighter and gets heavier as you hit escapement. I was working on a piano with a very stiff action today, probably around 65g touch weight which is very heavy, but it felt way heavier than my Korg, even though that measures much heavier! An unweighted or synth action keyboard would be much lighter, but less realistic and I personally hate the feel for playing piano.
I heard it from other reviews and it does do feel like it when I tried it. It has the same RH3 that Korg Kross 2 has. Still, I lean on getting one in a week or two, I am just waiting for the white version. It does do feel premium, far from other weighted keys on its price range. Its simplicity and functionality suit my needs, especially its price. This is going to be my first weighted key. =) Thanks Nick!
I have a Korg SP250, with RH3, and a nord electro 3. I really need a stage piano for jazz with weighted keys. Every time I play a bad acoustic or a Yamaha p125, I want to return to the Korg, it just feels better. I will probably buy a D1
If you like the D1 feel, consider upgrading to a Korg SV2. Same action, but everything else is better. I would get the SV2 with 73 keys and no onboard speakers. The price and weight and size are big advantages for a travelling musician. It has some killer epiano sounds too. But if you're on a tight budget, and you don't need keyboard splits (then according to my research, haven't been able to try one) the D1 is a great buy.
Hey, my question is that am getting a used korg D1 for half the price after bargaining..the piano is 3 years old and in pretty good condition...so should I buy it or buy a new casio CDP s100/ Yamaha p45? Please reply asap am buying one today and it's a great video !!! Cheers! ;)
@@NickLeonard ok and thanks for replying this fasttt , you are awesome 😄 just a last question is it a good deal ? 3 years old piano for 50% of its original value
@@NickLeonard thanks a lot for your advice, I bought it and it's really really good but is it normal that the side panels wobble upside-down a little bit ? ( When I hold them and shake they move) . I asked the seller that if he has ever opened the piano he said he hasn't. Sorry for my bad gammer..! ;)
@@vansh5872 I bought mine new, if I try to, they move a little. Maybe 1mm, not much. They aren't 100% immovable but pretty much. You could always tighten the nearby screws and see if that fixes it, that's the only thing that holds it
FP30X has PHA-4 standard keybed which is sluggish, with slow response and unreliable & non-durable. After a while you may have sticky keys, some keys may knock louder esp black ones. Being in a showroom I encountered with defective keys in FP10 and RD-88. PHA-50(FP90(X), RD-2000) is much better and silent, has built-in noise reduction but also has slow response
so many RUclipsrs said Korg D1 is a really good keyboard, but then today I tried a Korg Kronos 2 in a local piano store (they don't have a D1), and the Kronos 2 has the same RH3 keybed as the Korg D1. I tried and the keys are really heavy, and then it felt like it had a "click" moment, so the key felt like a heavy mouse click... so that was pretty weird. The store had a Roland RD-88, and it is the same PHA-4 keyboard as the Roland FP-30X or FP-10, and the keyboard was quite good. I'd say it is better than Yamaha DGX670, and Yamaha DGX-670 is better than Yamaha P125 for some reason, even though they both have GHS (Grand Hammer Standard). I am suspecting the DGX-670 has an improved version of GHS. So... I suspect that the Korg Kronos 2 probably has a bad keyboard at the store? Maybe it was just abused for a couple of years in the store? I don't know. But since so many RUclipsrs said they like the Korg D1, and one RUclipsr even said he can play on it for hours and he won't feel tired, so I am still suspecting the Korg D1 has a good keyboard similar to the Roland RD-88 or FP-30X, or better. If you own a Korg D1, what do you think? (it is the same opinion in this video that it is "heavy"... but the description is "I don't feel it is heavy" 4:49 ) oh... could Korg be making it for the American market? Many guys in Japan can be 155 lbs to 180 lbs, while in America, it usually is more like 170 lbs to 220 lbs
It's possible that the store model was a bit worn out, it shouldn't have a click unless the felts are going bad, I've seen that before on an old yamaha from the '90s. My D1 and a different Korg I play on with an RH3 both feel the same to me. I like the feel, but it is heavier than most grand pianos, and I could see that being an issue for some. Even if lots of reviewers like it, it may not be the right keyboard for you and you should find the one you like the feel of! From those I've measured, it seems common for hammer-action digital pianos to be a bit heavier than a well-maintained acoustic grand, so I don't think that's exclusive to Korg, but there are also lighter ones I'm sure. My best theory is that a heavier digital piano feels more "real" and expensive/high quality and so that may be the reason.
@@NickLeonard and then, while exploring the Korg D1, somebody said he sold his D1 and got the Arturia keylab 88 MKII, and said it is even heavier keys. On Amazon, it has 80 reviews and 95% of people gave it a 5 star rating, which is rare, and Sweet Water had some reviews saying it is unplayable, or "like pressing on a sponge or memory foam"... most videos I saw on RUclips, the players were like pressing on the keys so hard or they are playing some gallant type of music... so I thought you can't play soft melodies or Chopin on it, and I only saw one video where a guy was able to play some soft melody on it... (I can't find it right now), but I'd bet it must be too heavy for me, if people say it is even heavier than the Korg D1 (note that 88 key version is the heavier keys... the 61 key version is a different design)
@@winterheat I know some Yamahas are also slightly heavier. I don't know of any that I've seen that are right around the 50g mark we shoot for in a grand piano, but there's got to be something I imagine. I'm not much of a classical pianist, so I'm not as picky about some things if I like the feel, but I do appreciate graduated weight. Feels weird if all the keys feel identical.
@@NickLeonard Thanks! Last question: any damper pedal will fit? I saw that you use a generic pedal (I have the same) but I thought only Korg damper pedal will works in this piano. Do I understand correctly? The pedal is plug and play? Thank you!
@@j.m.860 you can see my other video on making a pedal system for it. Basically any generic non half-damper pedal should work. It's half damper pedals that get tricky, only one I know works is the Korg DS1H. I built my own custom 3-pedal rig though and it was pretty cheap and I documented everything
@@j.m.860 non haha Leonard is of Irish origin in my case. I'm only fluent in English. I know a fair bit of Spanish, but I wouldn't say I'm anywhere close to fluent.
I haven't played that one, the Korg has their top of the line keybed, where the Roland is just their mid tier. Which one works better for you is ultimately up to your taste. I'm happy with the Korg, but if you want a very light action, this isn't one!
You will need either an audio interface with standard MIDI input or a dedicated MIDI interface. An full audio interface will probably get you lower latency as well.
@@NickLeonard Thx for answer. I ordered it, then i read about usb and cancel the order, and now i am still thinking to order it. So if i would have it with some kind of internal pci midi interface or external usb midi interface you could say that it would work ok? I have currently Roland A88 (non MKII) and thinking whether this would work similar.
An interface unit might not be necessary. There are inexpensive MIDI Legacy to USB adaptor cables for sale everywhere. Buy a good one, such as from Roland.
I've previously owned the Korg M50, synth action, not a big fan, but good processor Korg B1, not quite as nice as the D1, but good. I'd recommend the new B2 instead as it has MIDI over USB Behringer UMX61, good for the price but not amazing I used to play a Williams Legato (I believe) at a school, another cheap one that's okay but not great, sound wasn't very good I've tried a few Yamaha Clavinovas and those are a similar quality to the D1, still not as nice of a keybed in my opinion, but comparable quality I tried a high-end Kawai digital, cost a few thousand, no issues with it, but for the price, I don't think the keybed is any nicer than the D1. I've also spent a few hours with the Korg SV-1, but it's the same RH3 action as the D1, just nicer (though fewer) stock sounds and effects and a much higher price tag. I've also worked on acoustic pianos from terrible, up to top of the line Steinway Model D's, and no digital piano is going to feel exactly the same. The D1 is a heavier action than a high quality grand, which some advanced classical players may not like, but most of them will be practicing on acoustic pianos anyways. That being said, I don't think the D1 is too heavy, it feels nice to me, and I prefer a little extra heft to an action that feels too light and toy-like.
@@NickLeonard I finished buying a Fantom O8. The standard 88 Roland action. Heavy but likeable. Nothing like a real piano but for digital it gets the job done all day long for me. Good luck in your tube career.
I don't have any other's to compare it to at the moment, but it's not especially noisy. It's a low thud, not a high-pitched click or anything. Probably a little louder than some flimsier keybeds, but about the same as any hammer-action. My dB meter shows about 20-30 dB from the keys being hit hard at ear level
@@NickLeonard I have a white-color D1. The key action is very comfortable, very well damped. Regarding key noise, well, there is squeezing fiction sound when you press any key down. Kind of annoying to me. At first I suspected D1's RH3 is "cost-down version" of RH3. I went to piano store to check other Korg RH3 piano (not D1). Surprisingly they all have that kind of squeezing sound. So, I have to turn up the external speaker volume. I use a Roland MIDI USB adapter which works well between my DAW and D1.
@@felixchen8295 i have a korg M50 88 with RH3 (buy in 2011) and i played a lot of classical music. I compared with the D1 RH3 and noticed that the action of the M50 (RH3 of ten years ago) is more softly, smoothy and lighty, its because the RH3 of ten years ago was dufferent or something like that?
@@AleejoP I have three e-pianos, namely Casio PX-350 with flagship tri-sensor keybed, Roland RP-302 with PHA-3 keybed, and Korg D1 with RH3 keybed. Therefore I can justify what I like and dislike about the actions. When I press a key down to the lowest, I should feel the resistance like hitting on a SOFT pad (or carpet) resistence. And when I release the key, it should bounce back up smoothlly and quietly, not to vibrate itself. The D1 RH3 is the best for me now because I am not not a fast piano player and RH3 release might be too slow to play fast. PX-350 is the worst. The only reason I keep PX-350 is because its functionality: arranger, Pitch bend, truely portable, L/R audio input.
(One more thing: its kinda sticking to your fingers, the surface is not that slippery like a regular plastic keye) Btw the feel of a real piano is what im missing the most since I quit learning at my piano teacher. I use just practise with headphones, I dont care the microphones or the midi part. So yeah, I tried a couple of pianos at a store, then touched a D1 and I eas like I NEED THIS ONE! But havent bougt it yet, still afraid that it might be tooo heavy
I don't find the plastic sticky, it's very similar to modern acoustic key tops. There's no reason they couldn't be made of the same material. Ivory is certainly a little extra grippy and textured which some prefer, but modern plastics aren't too expensive or anything. I do think it's good for practicing and learning on. Maybe not for a pro classical player, but they will often nitpick the details on a high end grand for that matter 😉
Great review. I'M trying out a D1 myself for a while, its a toss up between this and ES110 from Kawaii for me. Same as I'm a guitar person first. I think Bluetooth is the big mistake on this keyboard, by not having it that makes connection to pads a right pain. I will be using mine with VSTI's and not lugging it about. I think it works great if your hooked up to a PC but dire if not. Speakers, Amp, Leads, IPAD camera Kit, Midi to USB, Jack lead and trying not to tip over it all drunk or have the wife kick off. That's where the Kawaii ES110 kills this dead. However surely playing is all about the keybed right? I'd rather a guitar with great action and feel than bells n whistles. So I guess what you're buying here is the keybed. Also be gutting if you get good and really want 3 pedals and you cant and have to sell it. That's another big omission on this model if there is no workaround. Again brill review and really appreciate the info.
Mi2ter... I have to contest a few points here. The ES110 has a very antiquainted keyboard, which I absolutely hate. I understand that the renowned Korg RH3 action is a whole lot better. The cable connections on the D1 are clustered together because they should be on a stage piano. There aren't more connections because all the most important ones are there, and if you add more the price goes up. This is one of the cheapest luggable digital pianos (by a main brand) that includes a screen. The biggest shortcoming is no keyboard split. Korg should do itself a favour and produce a 73-note version of the D1 too.
I don't see the point of measuring the actual weight and then overrule that with your feel. 84 Gram ia 84 gram, no matter how it feels. What you may feel is reistance during travel when pushing.
I know it may seem odd, but there's more to the equation. One thing I should've measured is the up weight, which is higher too, so the keys spring back more. I've noticed where the resistance is changes more between acoustic and digital too. On an acoustic, they're lighter at the top of the stroke and build up resistance towards escapement, (which a digital doesn't have) and digital pianos are opposite that, resistance at the top which gets much lighter as you keep pressing. Hopefully that helps explain how feel and weight can be different. I'm sure there is a better test method that could take all this into account, but I don't have a way to do that.
He tocado el piano en muchos otros videos y hay muchas demostraciones de otras personas en RUclips. Solo quería hablar de cosas de las que otras personas no habían hablado ya.
I bought this recently based on yours and another YT’s recommendation. I bought it during the recent Black Friday sale, and I must say this is an amazing piano.
I’m no professional-I play synths. I bought this so I can learn paino and improve my synth playing.
It’s an amazing machine especially for my needs and purposes.
Thank you for making this video.
Glad you're enjoying it!
I wish I found a video like this one when I bought it because I did it in a kind of a leap of faith. All people were keener on Roland and Kawai (I was scared of buying something worthless out of the great "piano-like brands"), but I had a crush on this keyboard, and I share the same feelings as you after having it for around 4 months. Great video and necessary to those in doubt.
Korg should release a D2 with more sounds, pitch bend and modulation wheels, usb connectivety, the ability to split the keyboard and an internal power supply and I'd buy it in a heartbeat.
Couldn’t agree more! My wallet is open…
ikr
@@redmusichouse same
USB Audio would also be great. Exactly what you get with Korg LPU-380u.
Can the Korg D1 output MIDI to the computer? (to access software synths/VSTs)
I would have liked to learn about the keyboard's escape mechanism simulation. The ability to perform fast repetitions of the same note is what really defines a good keyboard action for me. Also, is there a difference between the weight of the black and white keys? Casio has a real problem with this. Thanks for the review!
Digital pianos by nature don't have escapement. If you mean the feeling of let off, this doesn't have any sort of bump at the end of its travel. I think it would be hard to do that on a digital piano. At least the ones I've played from Korg, Yamaha, Kawai, Casio, and Williams, don't have any let off bump.
With my weights, it seems the black keys might be slightly lighter than the white keys, but it's pretty minor. I don't notice it by playing.
And the repetition is quite fast in my opinion. I'd say on par with most grands, and as fast as I can play with 3 fingers. It has a slightly heavier action, which helps the keys come up quickly, but as much as I play, I'm not as picky as a concert pianist, most of whom probably don't like playing digital anyways.
I was recently considering the D1 as a controller for PTQ, some research though scooped out that it's got no note-off MIDI which is like a turn off compared to its main competitors like FP10 which still makes a perfect controller so far
Cheers Dude! Nice to see a techie perspective
First time I am watching a video which have much comments than likes. Great video sir please keep making review video like it.
wow thanks for your interesting report! so helpful
Thank you so much for this review. That's what I was looking for. I'm planning to buy D1 and connect it with Una Corda, The Maverick, The Grandeur, Alicias Keys and Noire from NI. I have tried Roland FP30/30x and Yamaha P125 , personally doesn't like the Roland keybed, Yamaha was better for me. But Roland and Yamaha don't have Midi out so Korg is a better option for me.
Yamaha has midi out and audio out
Roland has USB
Nice review. I bought this piano for the same purpose as you and I think I decided well. Keyboard is very good. I use Korg D1 as a main MIDI keyboard together with Alesis V25 for additional knobs and mod wheel.. Missing usb and onboard piano sound is a shame but for the price I cannot complain.
I agree, I didn't really care that it had no programmable knobs, but it would've been a nice touch. My main frustration has been the lack of multi-pedal support, but I built my own with an Arduino, so check back for that in a few days. It's pretty easy and cheap!
Hi! I just bought a D1 to use it as a midi controller but i can't make it work! I use windows 8.1, i install the korg's drivers, do you have any idea what could be happening? Thanks!!!
@@sinclairkaxon2063 It depends on your midi/usb cable and driver. I use BESPECO BMUSB100. Also don´t forget to connect your midi cable in to midi out port on your keybard and cable out vice versa.
You are very kind and essential!
I have very strong hands, and I think that is the best for me,
Thank you very much for this detailed video,
I was convinced and I will buy it !!
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for providing the weight measurements. I avoid Yamaha models because I have found so many too heavy for my taste. I almost bought an SL88 Studio but found out at last minute it is 119g. My old Roland FP8 is about 74g maybe 1-2 more and I really like it. I am thinking the Korg D1 will suit me pretty well.
How would you say the RH3 action in the Korg D1 relates to the NH action that was in your B1 ? I have a Korg Kross 2 88 which also has the NH action : it's a great 'all round' action, from pop piano to organ, to synth, but the moment you want to play something faster and more expressive, like classical, the NH really doesn't cut it : it feels sluggish, to say the least. I'm more or less looking for the same thing, an affordable piano/midi controller and have shortlisted this D1, the Kawai ES110 and maybe the Roland RD-88 (although that one is a bit more expensive)...
I definitely like it better. It feels faster and more realistic. The NH action was good, but the RH3 is a good step up. More fun to play and just all around better feeling. The trills can be quite fast, even faster than a lot of acoustic piano actions.
The much needed info..most of the people miss out this crucial information..good work buddy...👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽Subscribed
84g at Middle C is quite heavy but pretty similar to Yamaha GHS! Acoustic top tier Concert grands are configured to 50~65g at most, 70g is considered "heavy"! Yamaha has the same level of heaviness as I mentioned and I don't know why digital pianos are heavier them their acoustic counterparts. I really, really wanted to know from Korg, Yamaha designers why!!!
It is, though a Yamaha I measured came out to 88g at C4! Neither feel particularly heavy to me though. It is very possible that my scale or weights are not 100% accurate, though it should be close. They do have a much shorter key than a grand piano, so it's possible that the heavier weight is offset by that, though I'm not sure that would really affect the down weight. The actions don't feel light, definitely on the heavier side, but perhaps that's to make them feel more "real" and expensive. Since the action is already graded, they could certainly hit 50g or less if they wanted to, so I assume there's some other factor going into it, or people just prefer heavier feeling digital pianos.
Counterparts? Most pianists aren't really gigging pianists, just as most acoustic pianists aren't practising on grands. Upright actions are typically stiffer/heavier than grand actions. Perhaps it makes sense for digital piano actions to prepare fingers for the exigencies of upright pianos, particularly when practical examinations for pianists are looming.
@@Zoco101 You may be right. I have an upright that is heavy as a hell but I don't like too heavy action!
@@orebeloIt's so easy for us all to fall into the trap of comparing digital pianos to grand pianos. But functionally, digital pianos are replacing upright pianos only, and they're doing a brilliant job of it. All the cheap nasty uprights are disappearing. This leaves only the mid to higher end uprights, which may well be replaced eventually too, but are currently the pianos favoured in piano exams. So, manufacturers should forget grand pianos when designing home piano actions. They should focus on matching up to the genuine acoustic competition - the quality uprights. Given time, digital home pianos will match and surpass the uprights, capturing their best qualities and even improving on them.
@@Zoco101 This is a great thread Mike and really helps me to decide if the Korg D1 is the one for me to learn piano (well, continue learning actually). Previously I used an upright and therefore that's the action that I am used to but moving to a smaller place I need a keyboard for convenience. Cheers!
Everyone has different needs and requirements. I bought this for the keybed right. I have owned nice NORD synths in the past. And no doubt having physical knobs right in front of you is a thing... anyways, I am thinking of buying a Faderfox PC12 to sit on the Music Stand of the D1.... 72 pots, 12 buttons!!! it's spendy but you know it won't feel cheap, which in my experience is the vast majority of midi controllers.
Thank you!!!!
Nick: Thanks for the interesting review/report. A lot of people must be wondering whether the D1 works well with the V3 expander modules. Some of the extended banks/libraries would be hard to access (I know) but a smartphone hookup would fix that. The V3 Grand Piano module has some combined sounds, which effectively give you keyboard split and or layering, but I don't know how the split point is determined without the keyboard deciding.
PS The styling of the D1 is very reminiscent of the old Yamaha P80. I still have one, but upgraded to a P-255.
I haven't tried that personally. I mostly use it with my PC and DAW, but I have plugged it into an old Triton rack unit and it works well, just had to make sure they were communicating on the right channels. The Triton has splits for many sounds and I believe that's decided by the module. The D1 menus can be confusing as there's not much of a screen, but there aren't too many functions, just have to look up everything in the manual.
have you tried kawai es120? in terms of keybed. Would you tell me if you did which one did you liked the most and why?
So apparently the D1 uses some laminate over the wood frame.. has anyone noticed any fit and finish issues? Like imperfections in laminate, especially at edged.. and the top control panel not evenly seated all around (one side seems to stick above the frame more than the other).
No issues on mine, fit and finish are very nice. There is some kind of wrap over the wood that can get damaged, it's pretty durable, but if you were gigging with it, I could see it getting some battle scars.
@@NickLeonard Thanks. I just got the white one and noticed on the edges i can tell where the seams are and it's not perfectly neat.. there are a few imperfections but nothing significant. the control panel wasn't flush with the top surface tho.. left side pops up a little more than right. i read somewhere for the black one there is a texture to the wrap and on my white one I don't really seem to notice a texture.
@@StefanUrkel interesting. The texture is subtle, rough, not smooth. The top panel is about 1/4" lower than the edges, but that's clearly intentional, though it's even on left and right sides on mine.
@@NickLeonard i meant control panel on the top left of the piano. that control panel is not sitting flush with the wood upon which the control panel rests, that goes across the piano, and on the left side, the control panel seems to stick up a little more than the right side.. not sure if that was confusing or not, as it sounds like you were talking about the side panels relative to the top panel but i'm talking about the control panel relative to top panel..
@@StefanUrkel oh, I misunderstood, yeah. Mine does sit flush and even, it's supposed to!
I also bought it just for the midi output, such a pity it's the oldschool 5-pin and no usb-B. I love its fast and accurate keybed response but the dynamic control could be better (can't get very good pianissimo out if it). Overall highly recommended for stage use or studios.
My very favorite action on a portable e-piano is the Yamaha 515's though, it's crazy good.
@@antonyshadowbanned I agree, the dynamics could be better, I'm guessing it mostly has to do with the slightly heavy key weight. Thankfully, pianoteq has a velocity calibration program.
@@NickLeonard Legacy (Din type) MIDI is superior to USB. You can always adapt the Legacy connectors with the right cable, but USB-only stops you from hooking up to anything except a computer
@@antonyshadowbanned I like that P-515 action very much too, but so far I prefer the sounds and controls and carry weight of the predecessor, the P-255. The P-515 is more a home piano in my book.
I love that kind of review. Technical. I'm a keyboardist who wants a good piano action but I'm no grand piano virtuoso. I want a good velocity range for orchestral libraries like Stpifire. And use some synths. So, not too heavy, not too light. Like you said. Do you recommend it over the Studio SL 88 studio or grand with that purpose in mind? Have you tried them? Thanks a lot.
I haven't tried the SL88, so I can't say exactly, but the D1 has the more expensive keybed for what that's worth
@@NickLeonard Thanks!
@@NickLeonard I'm sorry, I forgot to ask, do you know if the velocity range is from 0 to 127? Lots of digital pianos can't send under 10 and over 118. Have you been able to use it with the full range? The full range is useful for orchestral libraries.
@@betov75 yes, it goes from 1-127 at least. From about 120-127 you have to really hit the keys, but it does register.
@@NickLeonard Hi again Nick, I'd like to thank you very much for that great job on that reviews and for answering my questions by testing! So appreciated. In those days of 'we don't open boxes' in stores, it's so hard to find the great feel for our needs. The D1 is now in my home studio and I simply love it. Exactly the feel I wanted, perfect velocity range and curves for a variety of uses, like piano, synth, organs, orchestral. The feel really surprised me to be honest, it's fun to play. I'm a keyboardist more than a concertist and really, people totally underestimate that keybed. In comparison, I was able to try the Studio Logic SL 88 Studio and Grand and Arturia Keylab 88+, same keybeds for SL 88 studio and Arturia, it's okay. The SL 88 Grand is great for the price but less a generalistic feel like the D1. For all kinds of VST's, D1 is A1. Your help was very welcome since it's the only one that I was unable to test. I'm not a classically trained pianist but I play since 40 years so I don't feel I use it as an amateur either. BTW, I'm visually impaired and the controls are so minimalistic that the keyboard is toally blind proof. I wasn't going to use the onboard sounds until I realized they're quite decent! The first piano is great and and digital pianos are super nice. Nothing like Pianoteq or a good vst but since, for quick practice. Weird, I'm kind of reviewing it myself here but you already know that; it's for other people :) Have a great day, keep up the good work.
Interesting review. I have a D1 and I think the keyboard touch is supreme.
However, all the keys have a quite audible click that I've never heard from any other keyboard. Korg and dealer support say it's normal so no help there ..
Any ideas on what can be done to fix it?
There is a faint sound, maybe not quite a click on mine, but like a splat haha. It doesn't bother me. Don't think there's a way to fix it.
I once refelted a super loud clavinova from the 90s that really needed it, but that was a whole different story. I think this is just the sound of the keybed.
@@NickLeonard Ok thanks. I tried another D1 and it was a lot better, so I guess some of them are just ... worse. I'll open it and see if anything can be done.
@@EastVram did you manage to make it sound better?
@@Tofufufu
No, not yet. It looks rather complicated.. 🙄
Hello. Do we by any chance know what piano was sampled (German, Japanese, Asian grand)? Is the Grand Studio and jazz piano actually the same sampled instrument with different treatment/settings? Thanks
@@pamboscharalambous3770 I don't, and I don't think it says in the manual, but they're probably different instruments
Is it still a good buy November-December 2024 ? As a midi controller with top-of-the-line RH3 action and good keys ?
I think so! Digital piano technology doesn't change that fast
It must be possible to connect 3 or more pedals via midi. In the manual there is a midi implementation table. Here you can see on page 66, that the D1 recognize control change for 64 Damper, 66 Sostenuto and 67 Soft. If there is no product on the market, you can definitely program a teensy or aduino to do this job.
I found this Meris MIDI I/O box designed for guitar pedals, but it has 4 TRS inputs and MIDI in/out. Should work with standard pedals, might just have to fiddle with it a little. I'll definitely make a video on how to do it assuming I get it working!
@@NickLeonardIt won't work that way. The TRS from the Meris are for MIDI. The device is an adapter to control guitar padel via DIN 5 MIDI. I think this is not what you are looking for. You need something like the"MIDI Solutions Pedal to MIDI Converter" but for 3 Padel.
@@Michael_Fischer well I have one coming tomorrow, we'll see. My sweetwater rep said it would work, but it's a bit of an obscure use. If not, I'll check out your suggestion
@@NickLeonard interested in this as well...I have a Kawai VPC1 and it comes with a super cheap sustain pedal...I mean they use a 5 dollar potentiometer and not made to last. I'd like to hookup a midi box and get a good quality pedal system instead.
@@zumadale I've been figuring out a solution - and I have one. I'll have a video coming soon on it. As Michael predicted above, the Meris MIDI I/O I tested out for this did not work at all, I ended up building my first Arduino MIDI controller and it does work. It's my first project on an Arduino, so that was the main hurdle, other than that it's very straight forward and cheap. You can make essentially any pedal rig, or other MIDI controllers you can imagine for a few bucks and use whatever pedals you want. The easier, but pricier solution is the AudioFront MIDIExpressions. I haven't used it, but they show it working with piano pedals and a lot more. Seems like a nice unit, but at $120, I opted to just build my own.
I really like the feel of the keys too, altough I liked my casio privia bk860 which I had to sell at the time of better feeling. BUT, the midi out is a mega plus! The on board sounds were kinda meh to me but I hook it up to my roland sc88pro and even the pianos from that synth sound better imo. But all in all great purchase
That's cool! I have an SC-33 but no AC adaptor, so I can't use it, but I'm looking to get one so I can finally play with it. Pretty dated unit, but I like the old synth sounds. I have a TG-33 too.
Great review Nick
Are the keys on this heavier or lighter than your old B1 nw-action?
Similar, I didn't measure the B1 before I sold it. I prefer this action though, definitely smoother and more realistic. I'd say they're a similar weight, but the B1 was sometimes a little tiring to play and the D1 isn't.
Hey Nick, I was wondering whether you got the chance to play the Garritan CFX vst with this digital piano ? I am actually looking forward to buy a digital piano to pair up with my garritan CFX but I am very much in doubt as to whether this can generate proper velocity levels of this particular vst. Anyways if you did get a chance to play the CFX, please share your experiences :)
I don't have the CFX, but you can see my pianoteq videos for some more playing. The stock velocity of the D1 is pretty great, I make it a little in Pianoteq for my preference, but it goes from 1-127 no problem. As I said, it's a bit of a heavier action, so I like to boost the midpoint of the curve some, so I can play lighter/more naturally to a real piano. If I'm playing normally, 110 is about as hard as I play with this keybed, I can hit up to 127, but I have to really hit it full force.
Hi Nick,
Hope you are well.
I had a question, when it comes to polyphony on digital Pianos.
For an Adult Learner, will polyphony ever become an issue with regards to classical pieces; just pianos.
Thanks
With modern pianos, I dont see how you could ever reach the limit with any normal playing of even the hardest music. The D1 has 120 note maximum polyphony, which is more than the 88 notes so I'm not sure how it could exceed that. When a key is pressed multiple times it should be cutting off the old sample, unless I'm missing something.
@@NickLeonard Thank you. so its basically something companies say to sell different models. What if it was 96 or 64 ?
@@Anonymous5611k Even though those are a bit low by today's standards, I don't think you'd really run into problems. 64 might be noticeable in some rare situations, like maybe a really long glissando, but probably not.
@@NickLeonard cool, thanks for taking the time to answer my queries.
@@NickLeonard I guess it's because of the 2 stereo channels. each note consuming 2 polyphony units, ie 1 per channel. If you do a glissando with the sustain depressed, it will also trigger sympathetic resonance and you exceed 120, but this is rare.
Curious if you've tried the studiologic sl88 grand. Wooden keys and great weight and feel. USB. Etc. I'd say for the money the studiologic is a better buy. Even the studiologic sl88 studio is a good feeling piano. But the sl88 grand is damn nice
I was considering those, and have heard good things about them. Since I bought this online, I went with Korg, because I've liked their other keybeds.
Between Korg D1 and Hammer 88, what you would recommend for midi controller?
I haven't tried the Hammer 88, but I was about to buy it before going with the Korg. I figured the more expensive keybed was worth it, and I had some other Korg keyboards I liked. I think the Hammer 88 is probably a good alternative, but I have no major complaints with the D1 either.
Compared to Roland fp-10 PHA-4 standard key-bed which one is better ? Regardless of the additional features.
Looking for the best budget aesthetic piano feel
@@Khdnah I haven't tried those, so I can't say. but the D1 is very nice. If you can, it's always good to try them out in person, but for what it's worth, the D1 is the most expensive keybed in this price range that I've seen
@@NickLeonard In some forum, one mentioned that he couldn’t play any pianississimo passages in pianoteq because he couldn’t get an accurate midi send lower than 10 even with different touch settings.
@@NickLeonard did you had this problem ?
Is it because the 5-pin midi ?
good that's exactly what i was looking for, the best keybed to do everything else on the PC. unless there's been some new challengers since last year?
I haven't seen anything myself. I'm still using the D1 and it still plays like new. The RH3 keybed isn't new either, so that's unlikely to see any kind of update for years.
@@NickLeonard good to hear. that being said i was under the impression the same RH3 as kawai... but they actually mean something different. this is extremely confusing...
@@amaurythewarrior the Korg RH3 has been used in a number of their flagship models for a decade or more. I don't know why Kawai has the same model name, but there's no connection I know of. Kawai and Korg both have their own production facilities.
How does korg d1 compared with roland a88 midi or roland rd88?
I know sound wise they are a lot better but compared as a action where does it stand?
And Is it better to purchase a midi like a88 or a stage piano d1
Does the chords played on pc be slower or all the sounds won't be played or latency kind of issue?
I have no latency issues, but I am hooked up through an audio interface, you may be able to get away with a cheaper MIDI to USB interface, but i'd recommend a proper audio interface. I haven't tried the Roland A88, but Roland does make quality stuff. As far as the D1, it's the best action Korg makes at the best price for the RH3 action. I don't know if it's the best action on the market though, and a lot of that may come down to preference. As always, it's best to try them out in person if you can and see what you prefer. I think for the price though, the D1 is a solid buy, the stock sounds aren't amazing, (though usable) but software/plugins are the way to go for recording anyways. My one main gripe with it is the lack of multi pedal support, but I got around that with an Arduino build (I have a video on how) that's pretty cheap and easy and allows you to use any pedal you want, something that unfortunately few companies, if any, offer.
Could you comment on inertia and upweight?
I can't measure inertia, but upweight is much higher (my brass weights go up to 64g and it can lift that up to the top octave) than a grand piano, which explains why it doesn't feel as heavy as the downweight would suggest. Another factor is the top of the stroke has the most resistance, opposite an acoustic action.
Hi!!! i just bought a korg d1 but i'm struggling to connect it trough midi to pianoteq, it seems like the drivers aren't working, i use Windows 8.1, can you help me? (Sorry for my english!)
Hi, Sinclair. The D1 itself doesn't need any drivers, that will all be happening in the interface. What kind of audio interface are you using to get MIDI to the PC?
Can the D1 output MIDI to the computer? (to access software synths/VST)
@@red-baitingswine8816 yes, but you will need a midi interface, either an audio interface with 5 pin midi, or a USB midi interface
@@red-baitingswine8816 yes, but you will need either an audio interface that supports 5 pin midi, or a USB midi interface
@@NickLeonard (Btw found you at No Carb Life!)
can i split the keys ?
I couldn't find it in the manual, you can layer multiple sounds, though, so I feel like it should be possible. Of course, as a MIDI controller, anything is possible
Hola que pianos tienen la accion mas liviana? muchas gracias !
No he medido muchos, pero aquí hay una lista que encontré en línea:
www.reddit.com/r/piano/comments/cmtml1/digital_piano_key_weights_in_grams/
Thanks !
Hi nick did you consider the kuwai? They have a heavy digital piano…but it’s more expensive. Did u consider that?
I spent a little while playing a Kawai once, the CA79 I believe, with the touchscreen on the side. That goes for around $6000. It was very nice, no complaints, I didn't want something with a big stand like that, nor do I care about the software, since I'm using mine with a PC already. I previously owned a Korg B1, which I liked and inspired me to buy the D1. The D1 is a similar, but a nicer action. I also had a Korg M50, but that was a synth action and I didn't like that. I've tried a few Yamaha Clavinovas as well and those are also good.
The D1 seemed to me to be the cheapest top-quality action, anything more expensive should be just as good, it all depends on what other features you want to pay for. No digital I've played really gets all the nuances of an acoustic action, but I'm still happy with the feel of the D1, it could be a little lighter, but it's not too heavy either.
Nick: how reliable has this D1 been? any issues so far (like with the keys)?
I've used it a lot, no issues whatsoever
@@NickLeonard Thanks Nick. Lastly, did you buy locally or have it shipped to you? i guess the reports of key damage were from shipments. i may bite the bullet and order from Guitar Center since I can return it to the local store if it is DOA. was looking at Roland FP-30X, Yamaha P125 & DGX-670, and the Kawai ES110. Action seems to be best/most realistic on the D1, but the DGX-670 is packed with features. Ultimately, going to go with the Midi ports and key bed above all and hope it's the right decision for me.
@@StefanUrkel I bought mine from Kraft music om Reverb, shipping was no issue. For me it, the action was most important as I don't need a lot of onboard features. What would be nice is proper support for a 3 pedal system, but I managed to hack that anyways, as you can see in my videos on that.
@@NickLeonard thanks i will look into the pedal hack!
Which one is a lighter weighted keyboard on the market for your experience?
I'm not sure since I've only measured a few, but I was talking about this with a fellow piano tech today and he's noticed the same thing, but one thing he pointed out is the fulcrum is much closer to the front of the key, so the way we normally measure touch weight may not be accurate on digital pianos. I'd need some kind of digital pressure scale that could measure the force needed at each part of the keystroke...
Another thing is the action responds different. On a digital piano, it takes more force to get the key started, but then it gets way lighter, where as an acoustic piano starts lighter and gets heavier as you hit escapement.
I was working on a piano with a very stiff action today, probably around 65g touch weight which is very heavy, but it felt way heavier than my Korg, even though that measures much heavier!
An unweighted or synth action keyboard would be much lighter, but less realistic and I personally hate the feel for playing piano.
@@NickLeonard Thank you very much for your information 🙂👍🏻
How about the key travle? I learned that it travels down only about 3/8th of an inch, not the usual half inch. Does it bother the user or not at all?
Not sure who said that, but I measured it, and it's exactly 1/2 to the bottom, if you press hard into the foam it goes a bit further even.
I heard it from other reviews and it does do feel like it when I tried it. It has the same RH3 that Korg Kross 2 has. Still, I lean on getting one in a week or two, I am just waiting for the white version. It does do feel premium, far from other weighted keys on its price range. Its simplicity and functionality suit my needs, especially its price. This is going to be my first weighted key. =)
Thanks Nick!
Well, rest assured that the keys do travel 1/2", I measured it with a precise ruler. It is the same RH3 as the high end models. Hope you enjoy it!
If you haven't solved your 3 pedal problem yet, the MIDI converter should be a very easy to build. Let me know.
Not too long after this video, I built an arduino powered 3 pedal system, you can check out my videos on that!
I have a Korg SP250, with RH3, and a nord electro 3.
I really need a stage piano for jazz with weighted keys. Every time I play a bad acoustic or a Yamaha p125, I want to return to the Korg, it just feels better. I will probably buy a D1
If you like the D1 feel, consider upgrading to a Korg SV2. Same action, but everything else is better. I would get the SV2 with 73 keys and no onboard speakers. The price and weight and size are big advantages for a travelling musician. It has some killer epiano sounds too. But if you're on a tight budget, and you don't need keyboard splits (then according to my research, haven't been able to try one) the D1 is a great buy.
Hey, my question is that am getting a used korg D1 for half the price after bargaining..the piano is 3 years old and in pretty good condition...so should I buy it or buy a new casio CDP s100/ Yamaha p45? Please reply asap am buying one today and it's a great video !!! Cheers! ;)
I haven't played those, but I don't think you will be disappointed with the D1!
@@NickLeonard ok and thanks for replying this fasttt , you are awesome 😄 just a last question is it a good deal ? 3 years old piano for 50% of its original value
@@vansh5872 absolutely, so long as it hasnt been abused, that's a great deal
@@NickLeonard thanks a lot for your advice, I bought it and it's really really good but is it normal that the side panels wobble upside-down a little bit ? ( When I hold them and shake they move) . I asked the seller that if he has ever opened the piano he said he hasn't. Sorry for my bad gammer..! ;)
@@vansh5872 I bought mine new, if I try to, they move a little. Maybe 1mm, not much. They aren't 100% immovable but pretty much. You could always tighten the nearby screws and see if that fixes it, that's the only thing that holds it
Which is a better choice in term of key action and samples quality: Korg D1 or Roland FP30X?
Haven't tried the Roland, so I can't say, but the RH3 action on the D1 is the most expensive keybed in the price range as far as I know.
FP30X has PHA-4 standard keybed which is sluggish, with slow response and unreliable & non-durable. After a while you may have sticky keys, some keys may knock louder esp black ones. Being in a showroom I encountered with defective keys in FP10 and RD-88. PHA-50(FP90(X), RD-2000) is much better and silent, has built-in noise reduction but also has slow response
@@koticmorskoj6409 do you also have data on reliability of d1 keybed?
so many RUclipsrs said Korg D1 is a really good keyboard, but then today I tried a Korg Kronos 2 in a local piano store (they don't have a D1), and the Kronos 2 has the same RH3 keybed as the Korg D1. I tried and the keys are really heavy, and then it felt like it had a "click" moment, so the key felt like a heavy mouse click... so that was pretty weird. The store had a Roland RD-88, and it is the same PHA-4 keyboard as the Roland FP-30X or FP-10, and the keyboard was quite good. I'd say it is better than Yamaha DGX670, and Yamaha DGX-670 is better than Yamaha P125 for some reason, even though they both have GHS (Grand Hammer Standard). I am suspecting the DGX-670 has an improved version of GHS. So... I suspect that the Korg Kronos 2 probably has a bad keyboard at the store? Maybe it was just abused for a couple of years in the store? I don't know. But since so many RUclipsrs said they like the Korg D1, and one RUclipsr even said he can play on it for hours and he won't feel tired, so I am still suspecting the Korg D1 has a good keyboard similar to the Roland RD-88 or FP-30X, or better. If you own a Korg D1, what do you think? (it is the same opinion in this video that it is "heavy"... but the description is "I don't feel it is heavy" 4:49 ) oh... could Korg be making it for the American market? Many guys in Japan can be 155 lbs to 180 lbs, while in America, it usually is more like 170 lbs to 220 lbs
It's possible that the store model was a bit worn out, it shouldn't have a click unless the felts are going bad, I've seen that before on an old yamaha from the '90s. My D1 and a different Korg I play on with an RH3 both feel the same to me. I like the feel, but it is heavier than most grand pianos, and I could see that being an issue for some. Even if lots of reviewers like it, it may not be the right keyboard for you and you should find the one you like the feel of! From those I've measured, it seems common for hammer-action digital pianos to be a bit heavier than a well-maintained acoustic grand, so I don't think that's exclusive to Korg, but there are also lighter ones I'm sure. My best theory is that a heavier digital piano feels more "real" and expensive/high quality and so that may be the reason.
@@NickLeonard and then, while exploring the Korg D1, somebody said he sold his D1 and got the Arturia keylab 88 MKII, and said it is even heavier keys. On Amazon, it has 80 reviews and 95% of people gave it a 5 star rating, which is rare, and Sweet Water had some reviews saying it is unplayable, or "like pressing on a sponge or memory foam"... most videos I saw on RUclips, the players were like pressing on the keys so hard or they are playing some gallant type of music... so I thought you can't play soft melodies or Chopin on it, and I only saw one video where a guy was able to play some soft melody on it... (I can't find it right now), but I'd bet it must be too heavy for me, if people say it is even heavier than the Korg D1 (note that 88 key version is the heavier keys... the 61 key version is a different design)
@@winterheat I know some Yamahas are also slightly heavier. I don't know of any that I've seen that are right around the 50g mark we shoot for in a grand piano, but there's got to be something I imagine. I'm not much of a classical pianist, so I'm not as picky about some things if I like the feel, but I do appreciate graduated weight. Feels weird if all the keys feel identical.
Thank you for this! Do you know if the keys have aftertouch?
It doesn't have aftertouch
@@NickLeonard Thanks! Last question: any damper pedal will fit? I saw that you use a generic pedal (I have the same) but I thought only Korg damper pedal will works in this piano. Do I understand correctly? The pedal is plug and play?
Thank you!
@@j.m.860 you can see my other video on making a pedal system for it. Basically any generic non half-damper pedal should work. It's half damper pedals that get tricky, only one I know works is the Korg DS1H. I built my own custom 3-pedal rig though and it was pretty cheap and I documented everything
@@NickLeonard Glad I found your channel. Many videos will be helpful for me. Thanks again. Leonard sounds French. Any chance you speak French?
@@j.m.860 non haha
Leonard is of Irish origin in my case. I'm only fluent in English. I know a fair bit of Spanish, but I wouldn't say I'm anywhere close to fluent.
Hello. How does it compare to the Roland FP-10?
I haven't played that one, the Korg has their top of the line keybed, where the Roland is just their mid tier. Which one works better for you is ultimately up to your taste. I'm happy with the Korg, but if you want a very light action, this isn't one!
@@NickLeonard Interesting! Does the Korg have the escapement feature on its keybed?
@@tioliak no it doesn't
@@NickLeonard Thanks Nick!
So i guess if it does not have USB i cannot just plug it in to my PC and play live with any digital piano imitating software or vsts? Or can I?
You will need either an audio interface with standard MIDI input or a dedicated MIDI interface. An full audio interface will probably get you lower latency as well.
@@NickLeonard Thx for answer. I ordered it, then i read about usb and cancel the order, and now i am still thinking to order it. So if i would have it with some kind of internal pci midi interface or external usb midi interface you could say that it would work ok? I have currently Roland A88 (non MKII) and thinking whether this would work similar.
@@udisports4390 yeah i would just get a midi to usb interface and see how that works. Roland has one for around $30
An interface unit might not be necessary. There are inexpensive MIDI Legacy to USB adaptor cables for sale everywhere. Buy a good one, such as from Roland.
How many did you try?
I've previously owned the Korg M50, synth action, not a big fan, but good processor
Korg B1, not quite as nice as the D1, but good. I'd recommend the new B2 instead as it has MIDI over USB
Behringer UMX61, good for the price but not amazing
I used to play a Williams Legato (I believe) at a school, another cheap one that's okay but not great, sound wasn't very good
I've tried a few Yamaha Clavinovas and those are a similar quality to the D1, still not as nice of a keybed in my opinion, but comparable quality
I tried a high-end Kawai digital, cost a few thousand, no issues with it, but for the price, I don't think the keybed is any nicer than the D1.
I've also spent a few hours with the Korg SV-1, but it's the same RH3 action as the D1, just nicer (though fewer) stock sounds and effects and a much higher price tag.
I've also worked on acoustic pianos from terrible, up to top of the line Steinway Model D's, and no digital piano is going to feel exactly the same. The D1 is a heavier action than a high quality grand, which some advanced classical players may not like, but most of them will be practicing on acoustic pianos anyways. That being said, I don't think the D1 is too heavy, it feels nice to me, and I prefer a little extra heft to an action that feels too light and toy-like.
@@NickLeonard I finished buying a Fantom O8. The standard 88 Roland action. Heavy but likeable. Nothing like a real piano but for digital it gets the job done all day long for me. Good luck in your tube career.
@@oscarsheen3045 thanks! Can't really go wrong with Roland
We clearly need to canvas Korg for "Amazing knobs". Childish comments - it's my gift.
You can tell a lot by the feel of a knob 😂
How noisy is the keyboard action compared to others?
I don't have any other's to compare it to at the moment, but it's not especially noisy. It's a low thud, not a high-pitched click or anything. Probably a little louder than some flimsier keybeds, but about the same as any hammer-action. My dB meter shows about 20-30 dB from the keys being hit hard at ear level
@@NickLeonard I have a white-color D1. The key action is very comfortable, very well damped. Regarding key noise, well, there is squeezing fiction sound when you press any key down. Kind of annoying to me. At first I suspected D1's RH3 is "cost-down version" of RH3. I went to piano store to check other Korg RH3 piano (not D1). Surprisingly they all have that kind of squeezing sound. So, I have to turn up the external speaker volume.
I use a Roland MIDI USB adapter which works well between my DAW and D1.
@@felixchen8295 i have a korg M50 88 with RH3 (buy in 2011) and i played a lot of classical music. I compared with the D1 RH3 and noticed that the action of the M50 (RH3 of ten years ago) is more softly, smoothy and lighty, its because the RH3 of ten years ago was dufferent or something like that?
@@NickLeonard what do you think?
@@AleejoP I have three e-pianos, namely Casio PX-350 with flagship tri-sensor keybed, Roland RP-302 with PHA-3 keybed, and Korg D1 with RH3 keybed. Therefore I can justify what I like and dislike about the actions. When I press a key down to the lowest, I should feel the resistance like hitting on a SOFT pad (or carpet) resistence. And when I release the key, it should bounce back up smoothlly and quietly, not to vibrate itself. The D1 RH3 is the best for me now because I am not not a fast piano player and RH3 release might be too slow to play fast. PX-350 is the worst. The only reason I keep PX-350 is because its functionality: arranger, Pitch bend, truely portable, L/R audio input.
(One more thing: its kinda sticking to your fingers, the surface is not that slippery like a regular plastic keye)
Btw the feel of a real piano is what im missing the most since I quit learning at my piano teacher. I use just practise with headphones, I dont care the microphones or the midi part.
So yeah, I tried a couple of pianos at a store, then touched a D1 and I eas like I NEED THIS ONE!
But havent bougt it yet, still afraid that it might be tooo heavy
I don't find the plastic sticky, it's very similar to modern acoustic key tops. There's no reason they couldn't be made of the same material. Ivory is certainly a little extra grippy and textured which some prefer, but modern plastics aren't too expensive or anything.
I do think it's good for practicing and learning on. Maybe not for a pro classical player, but they will often nitpick the details on a high end grand for that matter 😉
@@NickLeonard oh, im sorry, I confused it with the Roland FP10
Great review. I'M trying out a D1 myself for a while, its a toss up between this and ES110 from Kawaii for me. Same as I'm a guitar person first. I think Bluetooth is the big mistake on this keyboard, by not having it that makes connection to pads a right pain. I will be using mine with VSTI's and not lugging it about. I think it works great if your hooked up to a PC but dire if not. Speakers, Amp, Leads, IPAD camera Kit, Midi to USB, Jack lead and trying not to tip over it all drunk or have the wife kick off. That's where the Kawaii ES110 kills this dead. However surely playing is all about the keybed right? I'd rather a guitar with great action and feel than bells n whistles. So I guess what you're buying here is the keybed. Also be gutting if you get good and really want 3 pedals and you cant and have to sell it. That's another big omission on this model if there is no workaround. Again brill review and really appreciate the info.
There is a workaround for the pedals, and you can check out my videos on that. Nothing super hard, but not easy either!
Mi2ter... I have to contest a few points here. The ES110 has a very antiquainted keyboard, which I absolutely hate. I understand that the renowned Korg RH3 action is a whole lot better. The cable connections on the D1 are clustered together because they should be on a stage piano. There aren't more connections because all the most important ones are there, and if you add more the price goes up. This is one of the cheapest luggable digital pianos (by a main brand) that includes a screen. The biggest shortcoming is no keyboard split. Korg should do itself a favour and produce a 73-note version of the D1 too.
Does the korg d1 have the same key action as the korg kronos? Or is the kronos's key action and dinamic better?
the 71 and 88 should be the same as the D1, the RH3 action
I don't see the point of measuring the actual weight and then overrule that with your feel. 84 Gram ia 84 gram, no matter how it feels. What you may feel is reistance during travel when pushing.
I know it may seem odd, but there's more to the equation. One thing I should've measured is the up weight, which is higher too, so the keys spring back more. I've noticed where the resistance is changes more between acoustic and digital too. On an acoustic, they're lighter at the top of the stroke and build up resistance towards escapement, (which a digital doesn't have) and digital pianos are opposite that, resistance at the top which gets much lighter as you keep pressing. Hopefully that helps explain how feel and weight can be different. I'm sure there is a better test method that could take all this into account, but I don't have a way to do that.
Los pianos se hizieron para Tocar no para hablar de sus
Funciones.cuando se habla mucho es porque el instrumento no sirve.
He tocado el piano en muchos otros videos y hay muchas demostraciones de otras personas en RUclips. Solo quería hablar de cosas de las que otras personas no habían hablado ya.