best KEYBEDS out there

ferchis · Post by **ferchis** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 8:02 pm

well, I've got a Kronos 61 and have been using it with the Casio Privia px330 for a while. the two main things I've always loved about this piano is that it has a great keybed feel and it only weighs 11kg, which has always made it a fantastic road companion.

but now I was wondering maybe I'd like to replace it with something similar, not too heavy, to have for a long time. it could either be a digital piano or an 88-note controller. the Casio is getting a bit old and I fear, due to my playing style, that it might start failing in its mechanism since I sometimes bash those keys like there's no tomorrow.

the question, then, is what you consider are the best keybeds in the market. this also goes as a kind of poll/curiosity quencher. I'm a classically-trained pianist, so keybed feel is really important to me.

I've been told the studiologic pianos and controllers are amazing. what about Roland, Yamaha? Kurzweil? CME?

Joe Gerardi · Post by **Joe Gerardi** » Fri Feb 01, 2013 2:39 pm

The new Casio PX-5S is getting raves all around on the Keyboard forum. And I think it's under 25 pounds.

..Joe

ferchis · Post by **ferchis** » Sat Feb 02, 2013 12:59 am

cheers Joe. did they mention anything about its key mechanism?

ravenmek · Post by **ravenmek** » Sat Feb 02, 2013 2:33 am

The keys are those of the best privia series!
And it's really good sounding!

Buenas, Fer!

ferchis · Post by **ferchis** » Sat Feb 02, 2013 3:03 am

thanks Raven. Argentina...?

I've got a px330, the keybed and mechanism are great, but I'm starting to feel some signs of very minor flaws in it (little mechanism noises, etc). it's nothing big, but I want to get ahead and change it before it get worse

but I'm using the Kronos live as my only sound source (especially looking for the future since I could upgrade its software and sample anything), that's why I'm mainly interested in the keybed, and it could go from a digital piano to a MIDI controller.

johnxyz · Post by **johnxyz** » Mon Feb 04, 2013 8:43 pm

Its the Fatar/Studiologic fully weighted key bed in my Kurz PC3X for me. (TP/40L i think its called)

The keys travel down a good way, which i don't find on the equivalent models from other top synths

The corners aren't sharp

The keys don't wobble side to side - all of which i find on other manufacturers.

I just wish the 76 model was fully weighted due to the weight of the 88.

I'm not 100% sold on the piano sound though… the PC3K8 has same keys and ability to load own samples, that might be the answer..

ferchis · Post by **ferchis** » Tue Feb 05, 2013 12:34 am

yeah, as a matter of fact I've always been misteriously drawn and attracted to kurwzweil (I don't know what it is exactly), but the pc3k8 is way more expensive than any MIDI controller I could get.

at least here in Argentina that's the case. I don't know, maybe a studiologic could be the answer, or just wait for the privia pro to come out and see how much that one is here. if it does indeed have the flagship privia keybed, then I can say it's really solid, since I've played the px730 and the mechanism is just outstanding, and feels more solid than the one in my px330

johnxyz · Post by **johnxyz** » Tue Feb 05, 2013 12:20 pm

I think the Studiologic 88 key fully weighted is the same thats in the PC3X / K8

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ferchis · Post by **ferchis** » Tue Feb 05, 2013 12:56 pm

Thanks john. In terms of hardness to press the keys (effort and heaviness), would you say it's sturdy and robust? I mean, that pc3k keybed...

Joe Gerardi · Post by **Joe Gerardi** » Tue Feb 05, 2013 2:02 pm

The NAMM Show demo of the Casio:

http://youtu.be/v8eEZxquKuk

..Joe

stuck · Post by **stuck** » Tue Feb 05, 2013 4:44 pm

I wouldn't be worried about the action going on your PX-330. I have a PX-300 which is 7 years old and has had near-daily use from me (I'm quite heavy handed). I've also tried the PX-330 and its build quality is comparable.

johnxyz · Post by **johnxyz** » Tue Feb 05, 2013 6:07 pm

ferchis wrote:Thanks john. In terms of hardness to press the keys (effort and heaviness), would you say it's sturdy and robust? I mean, that pc3k keybed...

I'd say the keys are just slightly heavier than other manufacturers - but i like that. I'm not a pianist who would play a lengthy classical piece and then possibly get wrist ache.
(some folk on the Kurz forum have complained of various ailments after playing it!!)

I also find the keys spring back quicker than other makes also.

Its very study i would say, and consequently heavier in weight.

rocklandpiano · Post by **rocklandpiano** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 11:58 am

This may help a little right here. We think both pianos are great. So, based on that, you should decide what you you can afford and what looks better for your home. Roland or Yamaha digital pianos will be great. Both have hammer actions feels. Roland calls their keyboard action PHA, or Progressive hammer action.

As far as pricing comparison goes, Roland tends to be a little higher priced in the middle range of digital pianos. Comparable pianos that Piano Gallery Direct has between a Roland or Yamaha digital piano is Yamaha Arius compares to Roland DP990 and F110.

Compare the specifications between Roland and Yamaha digital pianos. See what specs look better to you, then go with looks and price. We don't think you'll be disappointed either way.