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Just back from 2 weeks in the cabin in the far north. No power, no phone, no cellphone coverage, just a cabin, woodstove, and propane lights. (Good thing it was -2 C Thursday night. The only problem was the 10 hour drive home (sigh).
My current keyboard is a Roland/Rogers W50, and I have it hooked up to the Ketron Sd2, and use either the direct out to the board or the Ketron, depending on my needs.
The wife plays piano, she took an Honours Music degree in Music Ed with piano as her major, but won't play the keyboard, no 88 keys.
So we want an 88 key keyboard to share, with lots of good sounds, hope it lasts 15 years or so, and probably connect it via usb to biab.
What do you suggest and why?
The only main parameter is that it not be a back breaker to move.
John Conley
Musica est vita
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Hey John, Roland has a new line of stage pianos like this Quote:
The Supreme Piano for Stage Performance
Step onstage and step up to the world’s most impressive stage pianos, with amazing pianos and EPs onboard, plus audio-play and master control features.
The RD-300GX is powered by Roland’s latest sound engine for incredible sound quality.
Stunning 88-key stereo multi-sampled piano sounds
Highly portable stage piano, equipped with PHA alpha II 88-key weighted keyboard which provides the excellent touch.
Audio playback of WAV, AIFF, and MP3 files via USB memory; easy onstage control with Audio Key feature
Piano Designer function for creating the perfect custom instruments
Multiple zones for master-control functionality
Perfect Piano
The RD-300GX features two sets of 88-key stereo multisampled pianos sounds from the popular RD-700SX. In addition to their super-expressive onboard piano sound-sets, other essential instruments are built into these new pianos, including EPs. You can even customize and save your sounds for instant recall.
Perfect Touch
The RD-300GX features an excellent PHA alpha II weighted keyboard, which simulates a real grand piano by providing a heavier touch in the lower octaves that gets increasingly lighter in the upper range. This keyboard has many of the same design elements as Roland’s acclaimed PHA II keyboard, but its keyboard-action mechanism is much more compact and lightweight.
USB Audio Enhancement
Play audio through the RD-300GX directly from a USB memory key. Flexible file compatibility enables playback of Standard MIDI Files, WAV, AIFF and MP3s. The "Audio Key" feature lets you use the bottom 15 keys for controlling start song, song length, etc. In addition, you can connect directly to a PC via USB and tap into Cakewalk SONAR LE software, included in every RD-300GX package.
Custom Shop
For those who like to get inside an instrument and customize its sounds, the RD-300GX’s Piano Designer feature is your key to unlocking and personalizing the sound-set, down to the smallest details such as Hammer Noise, Damper Resonance, Duplex Scale, and more.
High-Quality Effects
For subtle sweetening or complete transformation, the RD-300GX offers a wide lineup of 78 multi-effect types to choose from, plus independent effects such as reverb, 2-band digital EQ, and Sound Control. Add sparkle to your grand piano sound, deep-fry an electric piano, add depth and spatial movement to strings ― the choices are vast.
Lightweight, Compact
It has an impressive, heavy-duty body (with sophisticated black brushed metal finish) but the RD-300GX is actually one of the lightest 88-note piano in its class. It’s ultra easy to transport at about 36 pounds (16.4 kg), — yet built tough enough for the rigors of the road.
Included:
Owner's Manual,
Audio Key Utility 2 Quick Guide,
CD-ROM (Audio Key Utility 2, SONAR LE),
Damper Pedal,
Power Cord
I think the is around $1500-$1700.
Our church has the earlier sx model and I wish we had some of the extra USB features this on has. It might be worth a trip to a local Roland dealer to check them out.
Hope this helps Wyndham
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I have a Roland M1+,two Roand M3R's and a Roland G-1000 arranger...just mentioned these for I do personally prefer the Yamaha sound chips and own a Motif 88-key weighted ES model, which can be had now for less than the above mentioned board.
You can look up the specs on the Motif ES88, and they are quite feature-filled, with lots of room (if not present in a used model) for additional PG-based sound cards. The weighted action is great, but this keyboard weighs like a tank and would be difficult to schlep-around-with to gigs, altho I've seen many on the live stage and well as the studio. Out of six keyboards, it's the only weighted 88 I own...wish I had a Clavinova? No!
Yamaha...Motif ES-8, Motif Rack, CS6X
Korg...Karma,Triton Classic, PA-80, M-1+
AkaiSampler-S5000, Roland.. X5080 Rack/G-1000 Arranger
Various Guitars/Basses Amps Pedals Rec.Equip.
Plus, BIAB 2015 and Sonar Platinum 2015 Upgrade from Cakewalk's Sonar X-3
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Since you have the Ketron have you thought about going with an 88 key controller. You will probably save a bundle. Here's a piano/controller combo that looks nice, with weighted keys. Might be worth checking out their demo sounds. http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/ProKeys88.html
My TunesPsalm 57:7 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
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. I have a Yamaha DGX. I bought it as soon as I heard its piano sounds. The model I have has been discontinued, but lives on in the YPG models. The different models have different numbers of keys, weight/nonweight, etc, and all have great sounds. All are outstanding value for dollars. Try out the YGP at a store and let me know what you think. Here is a link: http://keyboards-midi.musiciansfriend.co...RAND?sku=706176 .
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John, If you decide to go with the Ketron as an external module, the Studiologic SL-990XP 88-Key MIDI Controller is the most cost-effective and high quality solution of which I am aware. I have had my hands on a friend's and can attest to its piano-like feel and durability--he has had it for over three years and uses it constantly in his studio. It comes with a power supply, but you would need to add a sustain pedal. It retails for $380 USD at Guitar Center. Studiologic have two higher-end versions which retail for $520 and $700, respectively, also at GC. (Search keywords 88 key controller keyboard, then compare the three Studiologic models, which all come in slightly under their M-Audio equivalents.) R.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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BTW Guitar Center is going to have a sale labor day weekend.
Wyndham
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John, As a piano teacher who happily uses the SD2 for midi playback, I would not recommend a controller in your situation. The SD2's piano sound is just not a good as the multi-sample sounds in today's Roland, Yamaha, Kawai, Casio DP's. It sounds as though you want portability, so I'd recommend trying stage/slab pianos from those companies. I recently bought a Kawai DP myself but it's a console so probably wouldn't meet your needs. For very good bang-for-buck, I'd say take a look at the new Casio's which are being released this week in the US and I assume Canada as well. The PX-130 will be around $500 USD and the PX-330 around $700 but stands and three-pedal attachments are extra. There are pros and cons to these. PM me if you and your wife want more info. Meanwhile, I'd suggest the two of you do some reading at the Piano World Forum's DP thread. http://www.pianoworld.com/forum/ubbthrea...20&%20.html
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John,
If I were in the market for a piano/do all keyboard, I would definitely look at the Yamaha Clavinova line. Yes, they tend to be heavier, up to 200 pounds or more, so it's not something you're going to throw in the back of the car. On the other hand, the feel and playability of a Clavinova is the same as the Yamaha Grand Pianos. It just FEELS right, it doesn't bounce around on a stand, and it's solid. You can really dig into the keys, and not worry about it falling over or breaking.
There are two lines, the CLP and the CVP. The CVP is what I like, because it's an overgrown Arranger Keyboard, and the sounds are just awesome. Furthermore, the newest ones, like the CVP 409, are now coming with MegaVoices and Super Articulation, just like the Tyros 3.
They are expensive, expect to pay $5,000US or higher for a top end model, but it's something you'll keep for a long time, and your wife will love it.
Gary
I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
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Part of the problem is the thing needs to be portable. And I'd like to play it once in a while. Thanks for the suggestions. I'll know better about weight after the next bone scan. Until that comes back better no heavy weights, so I'm taking my calcium and supplements and doing light exercise.
We often play a piano at the venues, but it's often really high, and my wife likes to hide. Believe me, the guys would rather look at her than me.
The other angle is that the 'music' room does not have the accoustic piano in it. Moving stuff around is a pain. 6 months and we are going to start back at gigs together, with an eye to doing that in early retirement.
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll give the casios a try but they used to be toys compared to Rolands, and the Korgs have always intrested me. Price is not a huge issue. There was a Yamaha with a choir function using a mic I like in demos, but have yet to see one in a store.
John Conley
Musica est vita
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John, I researched this extensively about 6 months ago with an eye toward finding a lighter fully weighted board and for my requirements there's nothing and I tried them all. Virtually every pro quality 88 key weighted keyboard is from 55 to about 75 pounds and big. Very awkward for us older folks to haul around. However, if your wife is focused on just piano then this could fill the bill Casio PX-320 I agree with the comment that Casio's have always been basically toys but the new Privia series is pretty good. 88 weighted keys and it weighs about 30 pounds. It doesn't work for me because of lack of different sounds and no midi out so I can't control my Sonic Cell with it but it does have a USB connection so it could work for your wife. Since size and weight are important to you, I think this Casio is the only game in town unless someone has come out with something new in the last few months. Everything else by Roland, Yamaha, Kurzweil etc that is fully weighted and 88 keys is big and heavy. Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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