Need a realistic 88key weighted MIDI controller

[cortexx]

Yea Fraser I ask about studiologic gear and none of the guys in the store had used it and they had none there, shame because I really like to try everything before i make a purchase.

I am pretty happy with the fantom though because the feel is pretty much what im after as it compares to the thing i play at my lessons. Plus its a good opportunity to replace my karma. I like the karma but had a hard time trying to control and understand the Karma functions and the GE section, it always felt like results were unpredictable and the damn thing wanted to run off and play itself. This is fun the beginning but when im trying to create a specific goal it becomes intensely frustrating.

The fantom is also a great marriage with my v-synth, the one piece of equipment i think ill be buried with

Im still amazed how good the Casio piano was , $700 and felt very realistic, It was just ... well.... a casio, i was kinda walking around and plonked a few keys on my way past and was taken aback by how solid it felt.

I think ill just buy a piano one day to get the perfect piano feel

 

[Anthony]

I want as close to a piano as possible for feel ( weighted 88 keys ) for my piano practice. I have a problem where when i go for piano practice it takes about 15 monutes to adjust to the weighted feel as everything I have at home is synth action.I dont need necessarily piano sounds as i have a plethora of synths for that , just need the best quality weighted 88 key keyboard that i can lay my sweaty little hands on.

You've made this search, as simple one...

As said earlier, being happy with your own piano sound sources. This makes your choice almost perfectly simple.

While we can debate about sound merits of each piano, there is really no dispute who offers presently the best available mechanics : Kawai 9500 : http://snipurl.com/zdiv

And you will notice once you play and read more about it. The word WOOD has new meaning when it comes in regard to Kawai 9500. Whether you ask European or one from the states. Every informed and experienced dealer would draw a line between 9500 and all the rest. It is that good and so evidently (at the moment) better then anything else. Go and try it, anything else before you experience that grade, is simply pointless. Two new models are from what I've seen, some sort of replacement.

Haven't played them so really can't validate how good they are compared to 9000 series? But 9000 series is still available from many dealers, so you should really investigate as soon as you can. Also form what I can see here : http://tinyurl.com/y7vh8x , MP 8 is as good as 9500, with mentioned refinement and very, very promising polyphony. New sample is said to offer great improvement compared to previous samples, so you might end up with full cake. Without any exaggeration, this is the best available mechanics found in stage pianos today !

Already spoke of this here : http://snipurl.com/zdjq

 

[warble2]

You've made this search, as simple one...

As said earlier, being happy with your own piano sound sources. This makes your choice almost perfectly simple.

While we can debate about sound merits of each piano, there is really no dispute who offers presently the best available mechanics : Kawai 9500 : http://snipurl.com/zdiv

And you will notice once you play and read more about it. The word WOOD has new meaning when it comes in regard to Kawai 9500. Whether you ask European or one from the states. Every informed and experienced dealer would draw a line between 9500 and all the rest. It is that good and so evidently (at the moment) better then anything else. Go and try it, anything else before you experience that grade, is simply pointless. Two new models are from what I've seen, some sort of replacement.

Haven't played them so really can't validate how good they are compared to 9000 series? But 9000 series is still available from many dealers, so you should really investigate as soon as you can. Also form what I can see here : http://tinyurl.com/y7vh8x , MP 8 is as good as 9500, with mentioned refinement and very, very promising polyphony. New sample is sad to offer great improvement compared to previous samples, so you might end up with full cake. Without any exaggeration, this is the best available mechanics found in stage pianos today !

Already spoke of this here : http://snipurl.com/zdjq

All this aside, Cortexx still made a good investment with the Roland. IF all it's functions are really usable for him.

 

[warble2]

In addition, I think the Yammie P250 is pretty good competion for the Kawai board mentioned. Seen a few sites with reviews and the comparison comes up a bit - in general that the Yammie has a little better of a feel (but not by vast margins). Again, I haven't tried the Kawai, and am certainly not bashing it.

Tried the P250 and loved the feel. Haven't tried the Kawai though, but my interest is peaked.

 

[Anthony]

All this aside, Cortexx still made a good investment with the Roland. IF all it's functions are really usable for him.

My apologies, Somehow missed this part with purchasing the X8. Good thing
you've made a note of this.

Well I went to toronto and tried out a few keyboards , kurzweil , roland , maudio , yamaha and a few others , after about 4 hours of playing around , a pair of sweaty ears from headphones and a salesman suffering from drymouth syndrome because of all the help he gave me, i impulse bought a Roland fantom X8

Well done.

I wont recite my praise for X8 again. For we have covered this earlier, you bought the most attractive workstation out there. My favorite recommendation to anyone who is looking for one self contained creative production keyboard.

But you have to be honest, you did travel a bit from your original designation, of what you were looking for

You wanted the best action, you purchased the best workstation

The crown of X8 is simply the best piano sample, only bettered by RD-700SX.
I'm certain it has captured you in hours of playing the moment you opened the box. Beautiful samples. Lest I be also not thought guilty of remarks to the keyboard action. Very good but not perfect for my own taste. Nevertheless, you've made the best workstation choice. Fantom X8 is a pure joy.

 

[Anthony]

In addition, I think the Yammie P250 is pretty good competion for the Kawai board mentioned. Seen a few sites with reviews and the comparison comes up a bit - in general that the Yammie has a little better of a feel (but not by vast margins). Again, I haven't tried the Kawai, and am certainly not bashing it. Tried the P250 and loved the feel. Haven't tried the Kawai though, but my interest is peaked.

I'm almost certain this Yamaha has more then good chances to have better piano sample then Kawai. But even without playing it (from previous P models) I seriously doubt it can match the feel of 9500. Kawai is built from the scratch to have as little compromise as humanly possible. When I look at this onboard speakers on Yamaha

Don't hold it against me, but I can never take something like that seriously.
If there is some sort of allergy developed by stage pianos with onboard speakers, I'm sure I have zero immunity to that allergy

'

 

[brzilian]

Um, play it?

From my experiences with Maudio controllers, if it's playable at all it MUST be the newer model.

And how exactly am I supposed to do that with the one all boxed up that they pull out of the warehouse to ring up?

I was looking for other cues such as certain serial numbers...

 

[fraserhutch]

Sorry, I didn't think you would not be able to try it first. Personally, I would NEVER buy an instrument I did not get to try first

And how exactly am I supposed to do that with the one all boxed up that they pull out of the warehouse to ring up?

I was looking for other cues such as certain serial numbers...

 

[cortexx]

I finally unboxed it and didn't see daylight for a few days , its one friggin amazing machine.

For whatever reason the keyboard on mine feels tighter than the one in the store , maybe mine needs to be broken in it feels exactly how i want it to feel though so it's all good!

I am totally satisfied with my choice

Only downside is it's size and weight , but it'll stay put in my studio and it wont be gigged so no biggy.

 

[warble2]

It's about time

 

[cortexx]

anything i buy that costs around $4k is going to give me buyers remorse

plus i knew i'd need at least a few nights of good sleep before i opened the box

 

[Anthony]

In addition, I think the Yammie P250 is pretty good competion Snip/ Seen a few sites with reviews and the comparison comes up a bit - in general that the Yammie has a little better of a feel (but not by vast margins).Tried the P250 and loved the feel. Haven't tried the Kawai though, but my interest is peaked.

Had to look for this topic - instead of opening new - just to make this comments. A few days ago, I was playing a CP300 and let me tell you

Now I can verify for a fact. Kawai keyboard throne is still safe.

S90ES is excellent no question about it, neutral fidelity if you will. 700sx's darker side still appeals to me finer. But I was completely impressed with sound of the CP300 !

I forgive/forget about "entertainment" feature (onboard speakers) grade is clearly better then S90ES and since S90ES lightness was more to my taste then generally better keys of Fantom and 700sx, this keyboard is very impressive.

The piano has combination of sparkle but without lacking authority. One of those pianos that are resolved and consistent all the way. I doubt this piano would become boring for any player. I even no longer mind the speakers. Area they cover, they cover controlled in every way. Their decent fit is very pleasing with the keyboard look and there is so much space around, can I say around the platform?

Like S90ES and unlike Motif and Fantom … really much more intimate looking Yamaha for dimmed session when alliquoting that perfect tone of inspiration - then those might mainframe looking Motif and Fantoms.

Not the Promega 3 equal, but anyone looking for new stage piano, would make a serious mistake to overlook CP300.

Don't trust the pictures, looks much better in the flesh.

 

[cortexx]

I actually think that keyboard is very attractive looking , but there again i liked my electronics dream plant wasp with its touch membrane keyboard in the early 80's so you should obviously ignore anything i say in regards to looks

 

[Anthony]

I actually think that keyboard is very attractive looking , but there again i liked my electronics dream plant wasp with its touch membrane keyboard in the early 80's so you should obviously ignore anything i say in regards to looks

You are talking to the person with parallel living in 80's and presence (if there is such thing) , who used to wake up with the lightpen in his hand to check that waveform

You know how I fell about Fantom as complete machine toward existing rivalry.

I've just commented from the side of pure piano playing intimate atmosphere… as some owners elsewhere already stated. P250/CP300 has such a beautiful space for your better half, or someone equally adorable who applauds your unique talent

OT : Actually, your post reminded me about something I've wanted to PM you earlier. So check your PM.

 

[rokuez]

i also wanted to get close to a real piano as possible.

I read up a lot about the action. Found the Yamaha KX-88, and Roland a80/90
have the same oil dampening mechanism.

I found a used kx88, took it to a certified yamaha repair center. got the felt and internal battery replaced!!

cost extra for the felt to be replaced because they had to cut the felt to fit. They no longer make kx88 size felt.

 

[elenore19]

I have a Yamaha S08 synthesizer, looking to sell it. Relatively cheap. The action is perfect, I just don't take advantage of it enough for it to be worth it for me.
PM if interested.

-Elliot

 

[LemonTree]

I bought a Fatar Studio 90 from ebay last year when I was looking for a weighted full size keyboard. My jaw near hit the road when I went to collect it, what a beast of a keyboard that is. I love the way it plays it feels perfectly weighted to me. I have a fantom x6 and a nord lead 2 that never get used any more. I love my VSTi's

 

[tojo]

I live in ontario too!

I have an m-audio 61 key es. Works pretty well for me. I'm resting my arms on it right now as I type (I pulled out the drawers of my desk as a makeshift stand) My friends has the upped version of 88 keys; exactly the same. It's a solid keyboard. I got mine used for 80$ I saw the same one in my local kijiji for $100 too! ( I don't know if your from around southern ontario).

 

[Walter Mitty]

I really like the action on the Yamahas. If you just need piano check out their P series keyboards.

I have an old yamaha P80 and still love it.

 

[Alexbt]

If you don't mind going somewhat vintage, I've only heard good things about the Yamaha KX88 MIDI controller. It's got an actual piano action in it (wooden keys and all).
You'd find this used of course or on eBay.