Cheap vs Expensive Digital Pianos | Is It Worth It To Spend More On A Digital Piano?

[@kingplays5369]

I actually can‘t believe how well structured, informative and helpful this video is for people like me, who just got into playing the piano and want to find a good entry level digital piano. Massive props for your objective and honest review, one can clearly see that you actually want to help people rather than solely trying to sell your most expensive pianos. I applaud you for that and hope that this approach pays off.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words! We are very happy to hear that you found the video helpful and informative and we appreciate your support of our videos and channel immensely! :)

[@yevheniialeonidova]

I agree, this introduction is really helpful! I'm very grateful.

[@divye.ruhela]

Which digital piano did you choose?

[@yevheniialeonidova]

We have bought Yamaha YDP145 for a kid who goes to musical school. I love it. Nice in touch and sound is good.

[@eposton9819]

Enjoyed watching your video. I have been so fortunate to still have my very first 88-key Yamaha PF-80 Weighted Electric Piano. I had purchased it brand new in 1986 and it still plays as the day I had purchased it. Never had to make any repairs so far. I’m self-taught and I was more worried that I would lose interest in teaching myself and playing it once I had purchased it. I’m thrilled that wasn’t the case. However, it doesn’t have a lot of fancy voices and features, but I’m more of a purist so it not a concern. It was one of the best long-term investment that I have ever made. It still gives me joy playing it after all these years.

[@MerriamPianos]

That is amazing to hear! I would say it has paid its fair share of dividends on your initial investment at this point. Thanks for sharing and all the best! :)

[@maicolll]

I'm currently in the position you were in 1986. Going for a Yamaha P-45 and hopefully I can end up just like you!

[@toddfarkman2177]

Interesting story. So recently I purchased a Casio Digital PX-s1100. It was at a piano store, not Guitar Center. They carried a $200,000 Fazioli. I told the clerk that I've never played a really good piano before. I've played a lot of pianos, mostly low-end, bad action, tinny tones. He let me play the Fazioli. I was so excited because I always imagined what a really good piano would be like. And it was then I realized how little I knew about pianos. But I sat down and I couldn't discern between my digital keyboard and a $200K piano. My new keyboard's grand piano sound was sampled from one of the best grand pianos so the Fazioli was very nice, but I've grown used to a nice sound. I hadn't been playing for awhile so I had to play some Billy Joel tunes on a really nice piano. I felt like an idiot after 30 years of playing. Since then, I've learned some harder pieces, e.g., Claire De Lune, Chopin's Nocture in E-flat, authentic rags like Joseph Lamb, Gershwin and I'm getting a better understanding of the nuances of what makes a good piano. One of the biggest drawbacks of my digital piano is the action. When my fingers get too high on the key, the keys are harder to press. Eventually, I would like to go back and play the Fazioli again.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for tuning in and sharing your insights! It is a very good and relevant point. It takes time for our ears and musical preferences to become more discerning, but it is almost inevitably going to happen for every player. Getting the opportunity to play as many pianos as possible is definitely helpful in developing one's tastes as well. :)

[@philipcooper8297]

Action/touch is the most important thing when it comes to digital pianos. If you are a complete beginer and you buy a digital piano/keyboard that has ''non-standard'' action/touch, even ''non-standard'' keys (spacing, size), ... you sure will learn how to play it, but once you try a real piano or a ''standard feel'' digital piano, you won't be able to play it properly.

[@MerriamPianos]

This is a very excellent insight! Many pianists and teachers will certainly agree that starting with a weighted key touch and full 88-note range will ultimately save a lot of relearning and readapting down the road. Thanks for tuning in! :)

[@dwbugher]

Excellent buyer’s guide! So much quality information. For my students I recommend the Yamaha Arius series. I find it to be a good balance between touch and sound that (with proper volume adjustment) transfers well to playing an acoustic. Thanks for the video!

[@Hephasto]

Absolutely true, I felt it myself. Been practicing for years on a cheap yamaha, light, soft keys, until I touched the real instrument. The difference is outstanding.

[@pasadenaphil8804]

I've been shopping around for a digital piano for about 6-8 weeks now and this is the video that really helped me narrow my search ( so I subscribed). I haven't played piano for 50 years now and wasn't formally trained nor any good the first time around. But I really miss the enjoyment I used to have of just figuring out how songs are put together. Learning to recognize talent, it steered me into jazz and classical piano. This time around, I plan to work on drills and music theory so maybe I can get competent at it. Thanks for the great video. I've pretty much decided to go with the Yamaha P225. Tough choice.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks so much for taking the time to tune in and subscribe! We sincerely appreciate the support. It's great to hear that you've decided to resume your piano journey. We're also glad to hear that you found our videos helpful in narrowing down your search. Wishing you all the best with the next phase of your piano journey! Happy playing! :)

[@DimitriosCharalampidis]

This is an exceptional video. Thanks Stu! Usually, the price increases along with quality and features, but after a certain point, the marginal benefit/cost comparison gets very personal. A beginner cannot make that decision while still a beginner.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you kindly for the nice words and for checking out the video! I think there is a lot of truth to the sentiments you've shared. As we become more experienced in our playing, we tend to get more fussy or at least a little more certain as to what we want and need out of an instrument to feel fully satisfied.

[@andreasvouzikis1426]

A beginner cannot make that decision while still a beginner...so true 19

[@matthewgaines10]

If your lessons are on an actual acoustic piano, a weighted, graded, hammer action, triple sensor digital piano is what I would select for practice at home. The feel is closer to an acoustic piano. The Casio PX-560 at $1,300 serves that need reasonably well.

[@MerriamPianos]

The Casio PX560 definitely presents a wonderful playing experience and value! I definitely agree. Budget permitting, a weighted, graded hammer action tri-sensor digital piano helps bridge the gap to an acoustic piano quite well. Thanks for tuning in and sharing your insights!

[@joseph-ow1hf]

I completely agree with you about the priority on digital being the key bed. That's why I went w/ the Korg D1 as it has the wonderful RH3 keyboard. And I agree with you that the sound is malleable. Because this has legacy MIDI, I could down the road massively upgrade that by running a Dexibell module. I am not sponsored by Korg, but I tried all the sub $1K units and this was winner to me for playability. Honestly my first inclination was to go Yamaha, as all my pro player pals use Yammie.

[@MerriamPianos]

I am very happy to hear that you found a piano that you connect and resonate with! It is a very personal and subjective thing, so that is fantastic that you've found the option that works for you! And given the fact that MIDI and external speakers/amps allow for variable tone and speaker power, it is common for players to prioritize action when shopping for a digital piano as that is the constant that you will be "stuck with" so to speak.

[@matthijsruhrup8869]

Like all your reviews Stu, I find this a clear, honest and informative presentation!

[@MerriamPianos]

We're glad you have been enjoying Stu's reviews! Thanks for tuning in! :)

[@dbssanchez11]

Thank you for providing your well thought out and valuable insight on this topic Stu!

[@MerriamPianos]

We're glad you enjoyed the video and found it helpful! Thanks for tuning in! :)

[@miahoover9225]

I recently bought a Yamaha P45. It fit into my budget and has a very nice sound which can be spiced up with reverb. I'm just a beginner who always wanted to learn piano and didn't realize digital pianos were so nice.

[@MerriamPianos]

Digital pianos have certainly come a long way! Even entry level models offer a wonderful playing/sonic experience. We're happy to hear that you found a digital piano that you enjoy and that fit into your budget. Thanks for checking out our videos! :)

[@africanhistory]

U cannot go wrong with a P45 but I think Roland do a better deal price for performance and Stu might agree.

[@miahoover9225]

I listened to a review of several digital pianos on the lower end of the price scale and at least to me, the P45 sounded the best and most like the real thing.

[@guyjordan8201]

A very respectful way to talk about refinement! I am constantly impressed with your careful delivery as you maintain your mastery while speaking to rank beginners. No hidden elitism here; you know your stuff and don't make me feel shame that I don't. At some point I'd very much appreciate you comparing the utility and the value of external keyboard amp combos and external monitors vs spending extra to get top end internal sound systems in a digital piano. Can I do better going to an external sound system?

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you for taking the time to check out our channel and for your very kind and considerate words! We sincerely appreciate it! We try to tackle as many user-submitted video suggestions as possible, but, with so many piano types and models out there, it is difficult to get to every single one. With that said, I think a comparison of internal speakers versus external amps and studio monitors would make for a wonderful and helpful video. Thanks for the suggestion! We will certainly add it to our list. :)

[@Mainswitch55]

I really don´t know if there are people who are realising how precious these informations are. Thank you Stu, that is exactly what many of us need!! ♥ Kind Regards from Austria, Christian

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you so much for the kind words and for tuning in! We appreciate it. I will be sure to pass on your thoughtful words to Stu on your behalf. :)

[@teresatheng]

Thank u for this video! It is very informative. I'm a beginner to piano and I took the leap from a entry level piano to a Casio PX-S7000 within a span of 5 months. I am a late starter but i did have background in drums. I got a cheap piano to try out but I soon realised it is not enough for me. I've not looked back since i got my Casio. I've been practicing so many times a day because I really love the feel of the keys and the sound. The feel of the keys is def important. My teacher commented I've improved recently, it must be all the practices. The need to change came when I tried my frd's Casio AP 270. I never knew that piano can sound so good and I made the switch aft some online reading. I got the privia partly due to space constraints too. I'm not gg back to anything less than my Casio now. Thank u for ur review on Casio PX-S7000. I watch it when I was looking for a new piano. I got it in yellow. Like what u mention, it is really a great piano. 😊

[@MerriamPianos]

Amazing! Congratulations on your new PXS7000! The yellow finish is super striking too, so I know you will be thrilled with the piano both musically and aesthetically. Thanks for tuning in and sharing your thoughts! A better piano will have many benefits. There are technical benefits from playing a superior action, but one cannot rule out how effective the additional practice motivation can be for stimulating progress. Thanks again and happy playing! :)

[@neuspur]

wow: it's a nice piece of design! congratulations!

[@elky4x4]

I grew up with an old piano in the house that was always really out of tune so I never played. Just recently as an adult with a family we decided that we want to invest in an electric piano. We went into guitar center and played with all of the pianos on display and the one that stood out from all the other brands was the Roland RP501. The sound was pretty good but for my ear it sounded like the Casio and yamaha and most every other piano in there. But the action alone locked my wife and I in. We're pretty set on the rp701 and will be making the plunge soon. I just wanted to say first hand as a new player that a good key action is addicting. Bad key action feels like a disconnect and I concur with this video

[@MerriamPianos]

Congratulations on stepping back into the realm of pianos with your digital piano! I definitely agree with you in terms of the importance of action. In fact, it really is the only invariable aspect of a digital piano. You can always access different samples and sound libraries via MIDI and you can always access higher power and higher quality speakers with external amplifiers, but the action is the one element that you are stuck with. From that perspective, it makes sense to make it a priority for most players when shopping for a digital piano. :)

[@mariocampos1969]

Back in 2016, when my son started his lessons we purchased a PX350, at that time the second cheapest piano in Casio Previa line. It shown itself perfectly up to the task. I never noticed the instrument was somehow limiting the progress of the learning. My son love it and still play it every single day. And the only maintenance I did is to a quick fix on one of the pedals earlier this year. I also purchased an expensive Roland electric drum kit that is sitting idle. My dother got tired of being a drummer after 5 months. Do yourself a favor and don't overspend on something your are not even sure if it will be used for long. USD 700 piano is just OK for the beginner and I simply don't belive a USD 1500 one will make your kid learn any better or faster.

[@MerriamPianos]

Every piano shopper is different and has a different assortment of boxes they are trying to check off. With that said, there are wonderful entry level digital pianos out there, like you have experienced with the PX350, that not only offer a great value but also an impressive musical experience that one can get a lot of longevity out of. I am happy to hear that you have had positive experiences with the Casio Privia line! They are doing impressive things these days on the digital piano front. :)

[@navinadv]

@Mario for many like me even $700 is expensive. I am looking at the Alesis Prestige Artist, Yamaha P45 and Roland FP10 and even these exceed my $500 budget by about $100. Does Casio have something that competes with these 3? As a beginner my primary concern is tactile and sound. If these pianos can sound natural and feel like a more expensive piano I’d be happy. All the extra features don’t interest me as my goal is to learn the basics first. FYI I am retired and learning an instrument I think is good stress free way to pass the time.

[@mariocampos1969]

@@navinadv Hello Navin. I am not an expert and I am definitively not current with recent launches. I just wanted the people to know that a cheaper piano worked quite well for us. I took a look on Casio's site and I saw they no longer have the PX160, that was their direct answer to Yamaha P45. The cheapest piano in their Privia line in now in USD700 range. They have also the CDP line, but those seem to have less sophisticated mechanics. Yamaha P45 used to be a great choice, and I belive it would certainly do the job. But I really don't know if the competitors toYamaha had come up with even better value during the last couple of years.

[@alexbn024]

Great general introduction, as always. You can’t imagine how you videos helped me in navigating to my first digital piano purchase, and, eventually to the higher end upgrade. Thank you!

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! It makes us very happy to hear that the videos have been helpful to you throughout your piano journey! Thanks for the support! :)

[@waltertheus3467]

This was great. I just had a piano delivered today. It's a newer model Roland console--an HP704. It ran me right at $4000. I was quite taken with the reviews of the action and the speakers. I am not a beginner. I'm 69, and I started lessons at 4. I just recently retired from the practice of law. I have a Steinway L (recently replaced in the U.S. by the O) in our living room. It's wonderful, but it's LOUD.

[@waltertheus3467]

I wanted something that I could play late at night and early in the morning. I can't wait to get it put together and take it for a spin. I'm hoping to go back into the classical accompanying business at the University now that I'm not working on big bankruptcy cases. I feel good about my selection after having watched this video.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks so much for tuning in and congratulations on your Roland HP704! It provides an excellent balance of tone, touch, aesthetics, and speaker fidelity! I know it will serve you well musically. Thanks again and happy playing! :)

[@tobiasH1971]

I bought a Yamaha P100 in 1991, costed a fortune. After using it (Bach/Chopin/Ravel) for 30 years, I decided to replace it by a Kawai MP7SE. Reason was the sound of the Kawai, the more complex tone shaping possibility of the keybed and the weight to carry. Except for a slightly worn out rubber strip, the piano keys of the P100 still were as new. No broken plastic, no uneven keys whatsover. The MP7 was cheaper, but having the RHIII keybed, I expected quite something. And: the keybed feels indeed great, it comes with sort of a hammer release feeling and the sound is beautiful as you could wish for, but the keybed sometimes is emitting clicking noise, as if some plastic resistance would get triggered instead of a filt keystopper. Also, some keys were scratching. I returned the first MP7 and received a new piano, so this has less issues, but still, there are issues. I like the sound a lot, but I watch myself stopping in the middle of a piece because of that clicking keybed. After using it for several months now I think the final statement could be: it is very okay, but a digital piano is a digital piano is a digital piano. And if you do not have to bother about the weight, go for something such the Grand Feel Action (speaking of Kawai).

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi Tobias! Thanks so much for tuning in and sharing your insights and experiences! It is true that all digital pianos will have some semblance of mechanical/key noise. It is virtually unavoidable. Thanks again and all the best! :)

[@waynerowcliffe6585]

Really appreciate the depth you go into in your reviews. I know next to nothing about pianos, and most of the other channels I've come across basically just read the spec sheet for the different pianos without providing any information as to why any of that matters. I don't even know if we're in the market for a piano, but we've talked about it, and this is exactly the content I needed. So thank you. Also your hair is awesome.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks so much for the incredibly kind words and for tuning in! We're very happy to hear that you find the information helpful in your process. Thanks again for the support and all the best! :)

[@skeller61]

It may be outside the scope of digital piano shopping, but I would mention MIDI keyboards for people who may want to play piano, but also explore music production. It does require other equipment (computer, studio monitors, software), but it is a very versatile setup and easily allows you to record your playing. There are several good, 88-key controllers, including one from Kawaii, that have good, fully weighted keys. It is important to note that without a computer, software, and speakers, MIDI keyboards won’t make sounds, but for some shoppers, it may be something they would appreciate. I sure do. I bought a Native Instruments S88 MkII, and I have thoroughly enjoyed learning the piano on it, and toying around with producing music.

[@MerriamPianos]

Absolutely! That is a very good point. For anyone interested in music production or is simply technologically savvy, a MIDI controller in conjunction with a good piano VST is always an option worth considering. :)

[@SWATTECHNOLOGIES]

All great points Stu, especially about the wine. Yesterday I was at a friends house with a 6-7 foot Baldwin and it was a discernible difference from his 9 foot on the lower section of his home. But I’ve been playing 35 years so there you go to your point. And TRS beginners should not spend more than $800 I agree. An FP30 would be perfect

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for taking the time to check out the video and write in! We sincerely appreciate it! All the best and happy playing! :)

[@1959Friedi]

Hi Stu, I'm an adult beginner and initially bought a Kawai CA49, because the old school piano teachers and some KZbinrs were of the opinion that you absolutely need a keyboard made of solid wood to start with. But this Kawai CA49 had a keyboard that was much too heavy for me. And the keyboard wasn't precise enough for me either. Some keys had a very strong pressure point, some keys had no pressure point at all. Some keys had a lot of lateral space, causing the key to wiggle back and forth up to 2mm, some keys didn't wiggle. If you ran your hand very lightly over the keys, the keys were not of the same height! But the worst was that I got stuck between the black keys with my broad fingers, or pressed one of the black keys too. After 6 months I tested the Ymaha CLP-735 and what can I say. The GHS keyboard needs less than half the force to press the keys, I don't get stuck between the black keys with my broad fingers and all keys are equally precise. I assume that a wooden keyboard cannot be built as precisely as a plastic keyboard - but that is irrelevant in this case! Importantly, a Yamaha CLP-735 is much easier to play with a lot less power, and I think that's important for beginners. After 6 months, I still don't have the strength to press all the keys evenly on the Kawai CA49 for chords, although I've practiced between 30 and 45 minutes a day in these 6 months. This will be much better with the Yamaha CLP-735. This is very important: You should enjoy playing the piano and not have to fight against the instrument. Greetings from Vienna in Austria in the middle of Europe - Klaus Translated with Google translator because my mother tongue is German

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in and sharing your journey with us! At the end of the day, the playing experience is very personal and subjective. What works for one player may not work for another. The most important thing is to find an instrument that works for your style of playing and motivates and inspires you to practice as much as possible. It sounds like you have found that solution, which is fantastic! Thanks again and all the best from here in Canada! :)

[@VictorHuang88]

The CLP-735 is a great piano with the new GrandTouch-S action -- the action is two big steps up from the GHS (and two big steps up in price too).

[@Garrus4Spectre]

Really interesting, after playing for 9 months I've now switched from my Korg C1 Air to a Kawai CA59 (same keyboard as the CA49) because I found Kawai's Grand Feel Compact to be much lighter and more joyful to play on. Before, I had sent back an FP90x because the PHA50, about which I had read that it was relatively light and probably didn't spend enough time with at the store, because - you probably guessed it - I found it too heavy after a couple of hours. I didn't try the CLP 735 but found the 745 (same keys with wooden elements added) to be light but with too hard a keybed for my personal taste. I guess the problem is that there's much more than just the downweight of the key that shapes people's impression of the keys (upweight, design of the mechanism that influences the distribution of the required force along the movement of the key, touchcurve settings...). Moral of the story: Don't spend too much money without spending enough time with an instrument in person.

[@1959Friedi]

@@Garrus4Spectre That's true, but in my town the sellers think you're not intelligent enough as a newcomer. When I got my broad fingers stuck between the black keys of the Kawai CA49, the answer was: All keyboards are the same - and that's just not true. I don't get stuck with my fingers at the Yamaha CLP-735. In my opinion, the Yamaha NU1X has the same smooth-running keyboard as the CLP-735, although it comes from solid wood from a real upright piano, but the travel of the individual keys is 1/4 less. When I mentioned that, the answer was: There isn't! Then I said that the saleswoman should try it out - only then did she say: You're right - that's probably a variation in production. And it's not. Every manufacturer makes their own keyboards for their digital pianos. With my Kawai CA49, 100 g fit on the C1 key up to the pressure point. The Yamaha CLP-735 weighs less than 50 g, because the 50 g weight of the CLP-735 pushed the C1 key right through to the stop! It would be helpful if you could find this weight information in the descriptions - but you won't find it, but this weight information is certainly used during production. In any case, one thing is certain: the more a manufacturer adapts the keyboard to a concert grand, the tighter the keys become, because a grand piano simply has stiff keys. The length of the keys increases, making it easier to vary between pianissimo and crescendo, but this comes at the expense of a much higher weighting. I tried that. I was of the opinion that the Grand Feel III keyboard of the Kawai CA79 should be easier to press because the levers are longer (simple law of physics)! But I was amazed when I tried out the keyboard: the keys needed twice as much force to the stop as the Kawai CA49 - unimaginable You're right - you should definitely try it. But at the beginning you have no idea about pianos, you can't play them and you don't know what's important with a keyboard. So you have to believe the statements of the piano teachers, the sellers or the KZbinrs who test such pianos. Waking up from the dream comes much later when your fingers swell and pain extends to the middle of your hand. It is important that you only rent your first piano and do not buy it - then you can switch to another piano after a while 😉

[@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12]

I think you got a reagect🎹🎶

[@vdgitaliano]

I bought a technics SX-PX228 in 1998 for almost six thousand dollars. The weighted keys are so good you couldn't differentiate the difference between a Steinway baby grand and it. The sound was also fashioned after a Steinway, so amazing. Though the general weight action couldn't be adjusted, you could change the sensitivity to soft or hard and the tone from mellow to bright. This allowed a sort adjustment to what would be comparably done one an acoustic unit for the action and hammers. All these years later, it still sounds amazing though the power supply burnt out and a couple of the capacitors. I am having a specialist rebuild a custom power supply and new capacitors because parts can no longer be found. He is also installing a couple of cooling fans over the computer boards. The unit didn't have them and those are crucial to a healthy mother board. Turning the unit off and on frequently is what kills it fast. If you turn it on then leave it on for the day. Using it a couple of hours and then hitting that power button over and over is what wears it out. Sitting in power on mode isn't that hard on it. It's like leaving a light bulb on for years. Turning them off and on is what wears it out... same with electronic components.

[@MerriamPianos]

I'm sorry to hear that you've been experiencing some issues with your SXPX228. However, that is awesome that you have found a skilled technician that can service it and restore it to a playable state again. It is hard to find an instrument you truly connect with, but, when you do, it is certainly worth doing everything you can to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. :)

[@geraldjackson1782]

Stu you are without peer in your well balanced and articulate presentations. Watched a few and yes you lead the pack. Keep them coming. Applaud your skills and keyboard technique. You are a lovely ambassador for the piano business and you do your homeland proud. A fellow Canuck salutes you. Learned so much

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in! Stu is awesome and a man of many talents as you have come to know. We are lucky to have him! I will be happy to pass on your kind words and compliments to him on your behalf. :)

[@mickedavis3503]

I think your new hairstyle looks like Beethoven.

[@MerriamPianos]

If you are a pianist and getting put into the same sentence as Beethoven, it usually means that you are doing something right! I will be sure to pass on the compliment to Stu. :)

[@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12]

LOL🎹🎶

[@fatih9196]

Or boris Johnson

[@gamagames4311]

Beat-haven

[@eric.vice.01]

My thought was “squirrel”.

[@hvrijsse]

I was asked to check out some affordable digital pianos for a starter, sub $1000. Apparently one art has been lost in time: doing a good job on the ADSR part. Play a note or a chord without using the sustain pedal. The sound dies out way too fast when compared to an acoustic piano. The brand didn't matter much, although the Korg SP-280 seemed to do a slightly better job. My now ancient Roland HP-3000S, which I kept for sentimental reasons, is near perfect in that department. A beginner will probably not notice such details, but I would love to hear your opinion on this.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! I think part of this may have to do with the heavy transition from synthesis to sampling. This is a relatively common complaint amongst some players, particularly with the lower sample-based digital pianos. With that said, it is a constant process to improve and refine, so I imagine it is only a matter of time before these gaps are bridged in a meaningful way. :)

[@spareplanet]

I went with two boards: An Alesis Recital Pro ($380) and a Roland Fantom 08 ($2150, but I got one for $1800) The Alesis is my "beater" board. I do my exercises on it, and if the key contacts go in a few years, I won't be too upset. (The sounds and action are actually quite acceptable to me - I'm apparently not very discerning) The Roland is my performing and producing board. I figured If I was going to spend $900 on an FP-30X, why not spend $2000 and basically get an FP-30X, plus thousands of other voices, a sequencer, sampler, and DAW controller. Excellent video, tho. Well thought out, and sound, sensible recommendations.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for taking the time to check out our channel and for writing in! We sincerely appreciate it. Congrats on your two excellent keyboards! The Fantom 08 is an excellent investment if you're heavily into the production/composition realm. The quality and vast number of built-in voices along with all of the other production-oriented features make it an excellent choice within that context. Thanks again and all the best!

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

I guess you can say that I am a mid beginner and I went with the Yamaha P515 because I wanted to start off with decent action so I could develop good habits and techniques due to the action. I tested the P125 and do not like the feel of the action as much however there is a massive difference between pricing.

[@MerriamPianos]

That is definitely fair! Sometimes, getting a higher end instrument earlier on can have a lot of benefits as you've mentioned. :)

[@livepiano1]

I play the Yamaha P125…light, great sound options and nice touch. You did mention how many people will be playing the piano for durability. Also it should be always covered, no fluids or drinks around the keyboard , a good case if transporting it and handled with care. Not much is ever said about this in reviews. Careful buying anything used for these reasons as well. Be sure to budget thes items as well as a good stand when making a purchase.

[@MerriamPianos]

These are all very excellent and valid points! Thanks for sharing. We appreciate it. :)

[@MasonTorrey]

My personal opinion, the more expensive (and I mean the better feeling and sounding) digital piano (or any instrument for that matter), the more enjoyable and therefore easier to learn.

[@MerriamPianos]

The motivation/inspiration to practice that an instrument provides you with is certainly an important consideration! :)

[@realkoko-loco]

When I was a kid, I played a lot of ragtime and favoured the keybed of the Wurlitzer upright pianos at school. I enjoyed the light-ish touch, but still liked the feedback. I tend to get fatigued by heavier action while still disliking the ultra light, no-weight keyboards. I’ve been looking at the Roland FP series. The stores here don’t carry anything except the FP 39 and I dislike the controls. The new FP E50 seems to have a nice balance of everything-I like the accompaniment features, but I’d forego them if you thought I’d REALLY like say the 60x or even Kawai models. I saw your 60x versus E50 and I know you prefer the 60x keybed, but given I’m not a pro and what I’ve told you, what do you think as it relates to my situation specifically? Thanks in advance, Stu. You’re the best! Literally the best.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi Jason! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for writing in! The FP60X and FPE50 use the same PHA4 action. With that said, even the same action within different enclosures can have slightly different feels. I would say that the FPE50 might be a better option for you, especially if you disliked the controls of the FP30X. The FPE50 has a very intuitive control interface that you'd appreciate. The accompaniment features are awesome too and a lot of fun! :)

[@realkoko-loco]

@@MerriamPianos I was thinking the same. Thanks so much for your input and wonderful video reviews. ❤

[@Josepcarrion]

The big advantage from digital pianos for me are the volume control to play at home without having problems with neibourghoud

[@MerriamPianos]

For sure! Volume control and headphone capabilities are very useful functions for certain situations where noise constraints are a concern.

[@mirceaiancu2011]

And another advantage is that they don't need regular tuning.

[@skm206b4]

Great video. Very helpful. Comprehensive and informative. Great job. Thank you!

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks so much! We're glad you found it informative! Thank you for watching! :)

[@Iknowonlywhatimtaught]

I just bought a piano keyboard in the $600+ range and for me, I figure in 4 years I will have learned enough to move up to a high quality piano. It will give me time to budget and just buy what I feel is the best quality for my future playing should I live that long. I'm 66 now and I could live another 30 more years. Who knows I'm health so maybe I will get lucky. Thank you for you honest review.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you for tuning in and sharing your kind words! Congrats on your new keyboard! That will definitely provide a great starting point and give you time to figure out what the best instrument will be for the longterm. Thanks again and happy playing! :)

[@goodlookinouthomie1757]

The feel/action was my make or break when choosing. I have a real piano in the house which I've started messing around on over the last few weeks. But as I got more into playing and was practising late at night with the kids in bed, I needed another option with headphones for obvious reasons. I have a FP10 now for the last few days and I was sold on this because of multiple reviewers praising the feel and it really is a good representation of my old out of tune acoustic :) At least for the money I could afford.

[@MerriamPianos]

Absolutely! Every player will have their own priorities when piano shopping. With that said, action is paramount for many players. I am glad you discovered the FP10. It is a wonderful instrument with a fantastic touch. All of the value is packed into the action, which makes it a perfect candidate for what you were looking for. :)

[@klausjens2427]

After 5 years of playing piano I looked for a really good digital piano and bought a Roland LX 708 (about 4000 Euro) last year. This year I looked for a surprise present for someone who just had a small keyboard and thought of a low budget digital piano. I bought a Kawai Es 110 (about 500 Euro). The Kawai I liked best in the low budget range, it is small and light, has not many features but feels and sounds like a piano. I love my Roland LX 708, great sound, but it weighs more than 100 kilo, is very high and resembles an accoustic piano.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for tuning in and sharing your journey with us! The ES110 is undeniably a wonderful value at the entry-level price point. And, needless to say, Roland's LX708 is an absolute powerhouse of a digital piano! It sounds like you are well-equipped for the next phase of your piano journey. :)

[@klausjens2427]

@@MerriamPianos Your channel helped me a lot with both decisions!

[@enriqueruiz9680]

As honest as you are always, stud. I bought one year ago a roland fp30x based on your videos and have not regret it a simple second. Thanks for your work!!!?

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! I will certainly pass on the incredibly kind words to Stu. I know he really appreciates them! We're all very glad to hear that our KZbin channel has been helpful in your piano journey. All the best and happy playing! :)

[@WorstSanta]

I play at home Kawai 920 and it feels great, but when I come to my teacher who has acoustic piano, I struggle, it’s so much different. The other thing to consider is that even very simple acoustic piano sustain pedal allows you to really fine tune the sound while digital pedal is mostly on-off. Kawai tried to reach that but at this price point I have to say they failed.

[@MerriamPianos]

At the end of the day, even the finest digital pianos are emulations of the "real thing". With that said, the ES920 is a remarkable all-in portable digital piano that has a lot to offer musically, which is especially impressive given its reasonable price tag. Thanks so much for tuning in and sharing your insights! :)

[@WorstSanta]

@@MerriamPianos I wonder how different Nord Stage 3 is. All the jazz musicians I know play it and they say it’s fantastic. What do I get doubling my investments compared to Kawai 920? What playing level is required to really feel and enjoy this difference? Or maybe, they are so much different that this comparison makes no sense?

[@anonymike8280]

It all depends on where you stand. If you are a beginner with past experience or an intermediate player who wants to come back, and what you want is acoustic piano emulation above all, then the Roland FP-30X qualifies as a masterpiece at the top of the entry level price point. If you have other experience or other goals, consider your needs and do your own research. Keep in mind, every type of digital keyboard is an instrument of its own accord, not an imitation of something else. A digital keyboard can emulate some other keyboard instrument. It does not imitate. If you are buying for a child or you do not want to play on the heavy piano action of the Roland, and piano emulation is your aim, the Alesis Prestige Artist might be a good and very user-friendly choice. The Williams Allegro IV apparently has a weighted and graded keyboard and an even lower price point than the Alesis. Whatever you buy, do your kid or yourself a favor and get a full-feature keyboard. Full feature means weighted and graded keys and at least 128-tone polyphony. If you do not know what these terms mean, research the market until you do. The other instrument at the top of the entry-level price point along with the Roland FP-30X is the Yamaha P125/225. The Casio Previa SX-1100 is another instrument at the top of the entry-level price point. I am neutral on this instrument. It might be a good choice for someone who is already playing jazz or pop gigs or who is at that level. I am not sure if it is a good acoustic piano emulator. I got the Roland based on my needs as a past intermediate level acoustic piano beginner, but the Yamaha P-125 and the Yamaha P-225 are great instruments with a lighter keyboard action. Call me a researcher though. I am not an advanced musician.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in and sharing your insights and experiences! The FP30X is certainly an impressive instrument and one of my favourite pianos in that price category. With that said, it all comes down to a matter of personal preference and context of use of course. Different players will have different needs as you've mentioned. :)

[@brianthompson4480]

I love my 1927 Cable 52 inch upright, but the thing I love about digital is it stays in perfect tune!

[@MerriamPianos]

There are pros and cons to acoustic and digital pianos of course! Having one of each is a best of both worlds solution I suppose! ;)

[@francescotedeschi66]

excellent video: very informative and put togehter, thanks ! 🧡🎹

[@MerriamPianos]

You're welcome! Thank you so much for tuning in! :)

[@Instrumental-Covers]

I have always found an issue with the playability of vst pianos I own. The best two I have are Garritan CFX and Ivory II Grand Pianos. While they may sound good for recordings, they sound disconnected from me for live playing. So far, I prefer a digital piano internal sound to play live, even if it sounds worse than a vst. Digital piano internal sounds have been matched to that specific action and they give you a strong connection between your playing and the sound, whether is a Yamaha, Kawai, Roland, or Casio. But vst pianos always sound "detached" from my playing. I remember that, in vst forums, people always mentioned a downside of vst pianos and that was: playability. Each digital piano has a different action and the MIDI response is different, which affects the specific sample triggered by the piano software. There is a video of somebody playing a Nord piano sample using both the Nord's own keyboard and also an M-Audio 88-key keyboard (MIDI in/out). You can hear that, although the M-Audio is capable of triggering the Nord piano, it sounds strange and not as accurate as using the Nord keyboard. It makes sense, as the Nord engineers designed the action for that piano sample (velocity matched). In a similar manner, all good digital pianos are velocity matched. But when you use a software piano, you don't have any guarantee that you are triggering the most adequate samples, and I think it is reflected in the synergy (or lack of) between the sound and the action. After trying a few vst pianos, I prefer a machine that does it all. There are also very nice workstations that have great piano sounds.

[@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12]

+ it can be a hassel for people who have no space to put the PC or laptop🎹🎶

[@Instrumental-Covers]

@@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12 True. Plus not all laptops meet the requirement for vst pianos, and you still need a separate audio interface in many cases. On top of that, many vst pianos sound worse than the built-in piano sounds of reputable brands. An example is "The Grandeur" from Native Instruments. My DGX-670 internal sample sounds much better.

[@MerriamPianos]

This is an excellent insight and definitely one that a lot of digital piano players can relate to! The action, sensors and tracking will always be designed and engineered with that specific piano and the interconnectivity of those elements in mind (aside from out-and-out MIDI controllers). With that said, many of the upper end digital pianos have upped their game in terms of their ability to also be used as a viable MIDI controller. Thanks again and all the best! :)

[@Instrumental-Covers]

@@MerriamPianos I appreciate the feedback :)

[@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12]

@@Instrumental-Covers I would like to know? Do you agree that NY Steinways are inconsistant compared to Hamburg Steinways in terms of quality?🎹🎶

[@James.Justin-v1i]

I bought one of the last available Kawai cn29 in March and I cant find any faults with it. The touch and tone fit my style . Im an intermediate player.I also like the cosmetics.

[@MerriamPianos]

Congrats on your CN29! It is an excellent model with a fantastic touch, tone, and aesthetic. We're happy to hear that you've been pleased with everything it has to offer. :)

[@islandtony5009]

Fantastic video (as always)! Your comparison to wine totally rings true; the $20 vs. $50 analogy is a great way to look at mid-priced to more expensive digital pianos. The only thing I would like to add is ease of use/functionality - I traded in my FP-30 even though I loved the action and the sound, because the user interface is so clunky.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you kindly for tuning in! Glad to enjoyed the video! That is a fantastic point as well. The user-friendliness of the interface will also be an important detail for some customers. :)

[@neuspur]

that is exactly the reason why I dropped the FP30 off my list (hard decision, because the action is amazing compared to its costs.)

[@fuglbird]

Most digital pianos I have tried have clunky action. What did you get? Is the action still quiet? Are you happy with it?

[@janetburkett3496]

Thank you. I give piano lessons and this has given me some fresh ideas about talking to my families about buying a digital piano.

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! Digital piano technology has certainly come a long way! There are some very impressive models out there that are wonderful and more affordable alternatives to acoustic pianos. :)

[@MrGourd]

I'd like to add go and try out as many pianos as you can. Based of my own experience, I watched many reviews on potential pianos but after playing and listening them in real life, I ended up buying one I originally didn't even consider. Also, buy a digital piano from a local store with good service verses buying online. I bought a digital piano last year and it started to develop clicky keys, but thankfully I was able to bring it into the local music store in which I bought it and get a loaner while mine was being repaired. Good luck trying to get that quick and easy service online.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for tuning in and adding to the conversation! These are all very wonderful insights and words of advice to our community. Thanks for sharing! :)

[@jeremiahreilly9739]

Thank you so much for this great video. I have a peculiar need, which you may have already addressed or find interesting enough to address publicly. I am an adult who used to play the piano at an advanced intermediate level (think Haydn, Mozart piano sonatas) and intermediate jazz. For irrelevant reasons I have not had access to a piano for 13 years. I wish to resume playing and buy a grand piano. BUT, I think it is best to revive my dormant piano skills BEFORE shopping for a grand. Hence my interest in buying a digital piano. Action is paramount for me. I would practice 2-5 hours a day. I don't want to spend $3k, $5k, $10k+ for a digital only to buy a grand in a year. On the other hand, there seem to be pianos with relatively decent actions at the sub-$1k to the $2k+ range. Where is the sweet spot for action, durability, sound quality, and perhaps resale value?

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent here! Thanks for tuning in and writing in with your question! That is great news that you've rediscovered your passion to play piano. In terms of my top suggestion for the $1000-2000 range, I would personally say that the Roland FP30X is a very difficult piano to beat. It has a heavy action with escapement simulation, which is one of the closest things you'll find to a grand piano touch at this price point. If you want the same core piano experience with some fun bells and whistles, the new Roland FP-E50 option might be of interest too. :)

[@jeremiahreilly9739]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Exactly the clear advice I sought. To ALL KZbin viewers out there: I live in Switzerland and can't buy a piano from Merriam Music. I would if I could because of the courtesy and help I received. If you are looking for a piano, watch their many informative videos and give them strong consideration. Brent, thank you again. Jeremiah @@MerriamPianos

[@jeremiahreilly9739]

Again, to Merriam Music and interested KZbin viewers. Merriam Music gave me advice about choosing a digital keyboard. I took the advice and purchased (in Switzerland) a Roland FP-30X. I could not be happier. It does exactly what I want. The action is decent. I am making fantastic progress. And the price was super. I watch Merriam Music's videos and always learn something. I think you can trust these guys.

[@QuickQuips]

Yep. Touch is purely what I went for getting a VPC1. Pianoteq and studio monitors take care of the sound.

[@MerriamPianos]

For sure! The VPC1 is an impressive MIDI controller and has a heckuva action! :)

[@Ralphjons]

Yes action and feel is the thing. A beginner is going to want to play an acoustic piano when needed without being surprised too much. Mid ranged pianos will sound like piano to the inexperienced ear but even expensive digital pianos never sound like the real thing. There is too much going on with acoustic piano sound. They have "attitude". There is much more upper harmonics and ping. As a jazz player the test is with closed chord voicings. The tension between the two notes, a semitone apart in the middle of these chords is the ultimate test.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Thanks for checking out the video and for sharing your thoughts! Your insight about closed position chord voicings for testing the authenticity of the sound through the interaction of particular intervals is an excellent one. Sometimes, it is within these fine details that make it easier to discern and decide between multiple models/tone engines. :)

[@Thedustymichaels]

I agree. Thanks to Keyscape and Roland Cloud you can pretty much get any sound you want.

[@MerriamPianos]

Absolutely! It is an exciting time in the world of virtual instruments and pianos. :)

[@stenaldomehilli8809]

I recall in a documentary I saw not too long ago, a gentleman said. "The most important instrument in today's music is your laptop." He was right. One good thing in today's digital piano industry is that the low price range gives you a compact and very useful product most of the time. For example, a roland FP60X uses the same action and sound engine you'd find on an FP30X. If you're mostly a piano guy you probably won't need the bells and whistles FP60X has to offer... even if you're an accomplished piano student. Pianos in that price range such as FP-30 / 60X,and ES-520 / ES-920, offer great playability. I studied classical piano through my entire childhood and I definitely consider the PHA4 action better than what you'd find in some not so well maintained uprights, same goes for the equivalent Kawai action. The problem begins however when you want to own a more expensive digital piano. Because in my opinion what a pricier DP offers to the piano player, is mostly stage piano features. That means more sounds, better recording capabilities, better connectivity sometimes, and more complex settings overall. An FP90X does not necessarily have better piano sounds than its predecessors. The MP7SE has the same tone as the ES920. The DGX-670 has the same pianos as the P-515.. So not much! For someone to experience a considerable sound difference then a Nord, (a Nord Grand), would do. It would do indeed but a powerful laptop with a good DAW and some nice VSTs would do better. Even tough workstations offered by Korg and others can't bead a laptop pared with a good controller. I will always say that i'm surprised that DPs, workstations and arrangers alike fail to catch-up with VSTs and so on. Thanks for such an informative and professional video, Stu!

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you kindly for taking the time to check out the video and for sharing your insights! There are definitely some very good points that I'm sure our community members will find useful. When it comes to VSTs compared to built-in tone engines, I think many piano aficionados would tend to agree. One thing to consider is that when piano manufacturer's are designing and building digital pianos, they are responsible for many aspects and details (action, speaker system, aesthetics, tone engine, etc.). Because companies that are creating and modelling VSTs are focused on, basically, one thing: the piano sound/engine, it makes sense that they might have an edge in terms of the authenticity and detail they are able to offer.

[@Elazarko]

Which do you prefer between the Roland fp60x and Kawai es520? For me I play mainly piano 70% and Rhodes 30%. ?

[@Warren.I]

I appreciate this comment, Stenaldo. Since you know your uprights as well as several digital piano actions that are out there, maybe you could help me. I learned to play on a very basic upright, then on a clavichord. I like a soft action, not one that's modeled on a grand piano's. Do you know which ones might be more likely to suit a player like me? Thanks again for the comment.

[@Elazarko]

@@Warren.I I suggest the tp110 of the new Studiologic Numa x piano.

[@Warren.I]

Thank you, Elazar. I can't tell you how helpful this has been to me. I'd never even heard of the Studiologic Numa X before, but from what I can see they appear to have broken from he grand piano paradigm. My only question is whether you're familiar with Studiologic's GT action and could compare it to the TP 110. It seems to be a higher quality but it could easily be stiffer than the TP 110.

[@EdPin_]

Hi Stu & Crew. Informative and on point. Hairstyle "after serious Chopine session" fits well :-) Or was it just long night session with friends and delicious wine? If so, i hope that you keep in your vault raw recording of all of those. Every recorded sesion has a value. Field multitrack recorder always in your toolset...

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi there! Thanks for tuning in and for the complimentary words! We're glad that you found the video informative and helpful. I certainly agree with your sentiment! Every musical recording has its beauty and value. It serves as a time capsule of that one unique and specific moment. :)

[@Misteribel]

I’m a little surprised you didn’t touch on polyphony. One of my biggest issues as a beginner, after a few months practicing, was that big chords or long sustained pedalling clearly ‘lost’ earlier hit keys pretty quickly. Now this was many years ago, things may have changed, and I now solely play acoustic nowadays, but if I were to buy one again now: yes to touch (incl multi phase pedal sensitivity), then polyphony, then tone in terms of what I’d find important.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Things have certainly changed in this regard in recent years. Even most "entry level" digital pianos have 128 note polyphony as a minimum. There are some smaller non-weighted keyboards that may cap at 64 notes, but the vast majority have ample headroom for even the most advanced arrangements and repertoire. :)

[@titob.yotokojr.9337]

You're talking of digital pianos from yesteryears. Things have changed a lot.

[@Misteribel]

@@MerriamPianos thanks. It’s not just polyphony in the sense of the simultaneous notes. It’s also about how long they keep ‘singing’. On an acoustic piano, due to overtones, they never really die out. I’d have to try it out with more modern digital piano versions. It’s just very distracting if a certain sustained note just ‘disappears’.

[@chadley25]

@@Misteribel You're very correct, but as others have said, this was more of an issue in long-ago years, when plenty of high-priced keyboards had only 32-note polyphony, which of course halved if you were playing in dual/split mode, which yielded fairly diabolical results. Now, much higher polyphony is pretty standard, and more than adequate for the majority of players. Even entry-level Clavinovas from 10-15 years ago often had 128-note polyphony.

[@actie-reactie]

Hmmm.... I agree to a certain point... I started with a yamaha psr e 363.... I liked playing and practicing that much that I bought mysel a.... kawai mp 11se....but, here is the but..... the action is Great but vulnerable .... had to send it back twice because of sticky keys....its fixed now, but the repair cost me time, therefore I bought myself a yamaha p515 to go with it.... maybe overkill.... but if you buy something and you hardly ever use it, its a very expensive item....if you buy something and you use it a lot.... its worth every penny...

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for tuning into the video and for taking the time to share your experiences and thoughts! We appreciate it. :) I definitely agree with your assessment that a lot of the whole debate about how much to invest comes down to the amount of use that you will get out of it. However, the counterargument to that of course is a more satisfying instrument will stimulate more motivation and inspiration to practice and get more use of it. There is a balance to be met and that balance will be a little different for every player and person.

[@actie-reactie]

@@MerriamPianos Absolutely true!

[@peternemeth1777]

Excellent video. Very informative and absolutely on point what the essentials in each prize category are concerned.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks so much! We're glad you enjoyed it. :)

[@guidojanzen4865]

Here is my story as an "audiophile": After quitting the piano lessons forced on me as a child, I - 40 years later - decided to pick up playing again. I surfed the internet, got very confused over actions, soundprocessing, samples... and finally visited a local store. I looked at and listend to Yamaha, Kawai, Roland etc. and went home with a Kawai CA-49 bundled with a bench and headphones. Over one year I played a lot and learned a lot, but something was missing. So I visited an excellent hifi store and - after a very relaxing listening session - bought a pair of audiophile headphones by Focal. The sound of the CA-49 via these headphones was incredibly good! Quite a lot better than the internal speakers. The sound quality of the internal speakers compared to the headphones was so poor, I revisited my dealer and switched from the CA-49 to a CA-901. What a difference! And now I'm finally happy with my piano.

[@MerriamPianos]

Congrats on your CA901! The CA49 is an impressive instrument for its price point, but, needless to say, the improved speaker system, tone engine, and soundboard system combine for a meaningful difference in terms of the sonic experience. I think you will be beyond thrilled with what the CA901 offers musically. :)

[@Am71919]

I have a Casio wk-200 that I bought brand new in 2009, paid $400 for it, after 15 years and over 2000 gigs, it still works/sounds just as good as it did the day I took it out of the box, especially when I run it out of my Peavey KB 5

[@MerriamPianos]

That is awesome to hear! That is impressive longevity. You're certainly getting your money's worth out of the investment. :)

[@Am71919]

@@MerriamPianos a lot of cascio's gear is slept on but I'm an expert at pulling the best sounds out of inexpensive gear

[@douglaskeagle1034]

Happy with my Casio GP-510 after 35 years with a Steinway Model M. Not enough space after downsizing home.

[@MerriamPianos]

That is excellent to hear! The GP510 is a heckuva piano. The Bechstein-collaboration is very evident in the amazing touch and tone. :)

[@cindyleeson2817]

I'm a new player shopping for a digital piano and found this video helpful. My budget is in the $1000-1500 range and I wonder what your recommendation would be for touch and speaker wattage? I'm using a borrowed Yamaha P-45 and it's OK for now, but I find that the volume I can produce is minimal and the touch is only OK. You recommended the the Roland PHA4 system earlier - what Roland in this price range with that action would you recommended?

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in! The Roland FP30X would fit nicely within that price point and offer an excellent balance between tone, touch, and speaker quality. It features the PHA4 action, which is one of the best performing actions in its price category. :)

[@cindyleeson2817]

@@MerriamPianos thank you. I was searching on line and the FP-60X has a little more wattage - is it worth the extra money over the FP-30X?

[@UnreasonablyIrrelevant-gv8xx]

I've been strongly considering a Korg B2 as an upgrade from a semi-weighted to a fully weighted, and its in the $4-600, depending on the seller and if its the model with the furnished stand. I watched this video wondering if its really worth it to get something more expensive and I think I've made the decision to get a better one - for touch *and* tone. I'm not a beginner so I have tone and better touch in my mind. Thanks for helping me decide!!

[@MerriamPianos]

We're glad you found the video helpful! If you are a more experienced player, I agree that it is a very good idea to invest into an instrument that has a tone and touch that will satisfy and inspire you. :)

[@foolpersona_]

ngl for someone with that hairstyle and just wearing a casual tshirt talking about piano... you actually did an outstanding job. I though piano people normally wear tuxedos and stuff. You were well articulated, informative and knowledgeable with what you were saying. As a beginner trying to buy a piano, you have been so helpful. wow. I will watch your other videos but I want a good action with good sound. The Roland is enticing

[@MerriamPianos]

I will be sure to pass on the kind words to Stu for you! While I understand your point about the elitist stereotypes that can sometimes come along with piano or certain genres of music like classical or jazz. As you just pointed out with Stu's approach, the beauty of the piano and all genres of music are open and accessible to anyone that chooses to engage with it. :)

[@b-music9329]

For me the Yamaha P115 was the end of my search for the perfect digital piano that feels like a real piano to me - and it's the cheapest and lightest I ever owned - and I owned quite some

[@MerriamPianos]

The most important thing is that you found a piano that you resonate with in terms of touch and tone! :)

[@b-music9329]

@@MerriamPianos Yes exactly :-)

[@XxM1G3xX]

I wanted one for home use and that even if it was expensive it would be worth it along it’s years of use, and that it could hold on from beginner level up to intermediate maybe a little into advanced level, so I went for the Roland RP701, it is a good one?

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for tuning in and congratulations on your Roland RP701! The RP701 is a very solid instrument with an excellent touch and tone. It will serve you well for many years to come! :)

[@cesarveralatorre5198]

Hi, have you tried those Medeli Digital pianos? I think in some countries the name changes to Thoman. I do not know what to believe about them. Would you recommend some of their models?

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Thanks for the question! While I am familiar with them, they are not particularly common in Canada, so I have not yet had an opportunity to play them. Perhaps, we will have to tackle a video on them down the road if the opportunity presents.

[@matiaserp]

Roland's PHA-4 is used from their entry level up to the higher mid level digital pianos. So spending more in their line brings better speakers, more features, maybe better finish, but not necessarily better action and more durable, right? That is not the case with other manufacturers: from what I researched, Yamaha and Kawai have different levels of actions in their entry level to mid level models.

[@MerriamPianos]

You are correct! While most other manufacturers have less overlap between different tiers in regard to action, this is actually something that makes the Roland models incredibly attractive at the entry and mid range price points. Thanks for tuning in and happy playing! :)

[@paulussantosociwidjaja4781]

Love the way you play the piano, thanks and GOD bless.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for tuning in and for the kind words! :)

[@maxheadrom3088]

Nice videos! Do you have some info on the Fatar keybeds? Thanks! I have a Keylab 88 MK2 controlling a Pianoteq 7, amplified by a Topping 22 connected to a pair of B&W hometheater speakers and a pair of active ht subwoofers. Oh ... an observation: my mom, who plays accoustic since 1949 was impressed with the Arturia but says it's not the same thing so she goes back to her 1949 Brazilian Essenfelder accoustic - which is in need of some adjusting.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent here! Thank you kindly! We're glad you enjoyed the videos! :) I have not had a chance to play Fatar instruments myself, so, unfortunately, I can't really comment on their actions and performance. With that said, I have heard some positive words about what the brand offers.

[@kikichris1437]

Thanks, you've helped me a lot ❤️

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! We're really happy to hear that! :)

[@jsanchezguerra]

Thanks you very much for the vídeo. I play piano with several Styles with my KORG krome ex88 but I look for a keyboard similar Classical grand piano. I had thought in Kawai VPC1 so I use pianotec8 . Is it a good election or I should think in Roland PHA50 or another instead of Kawai RM3?

[@MerriamPianos]

You're welcome! It comes down to a matter of personal preference of course. Personally, I would give an edge to the VPC1 over Roland pianos with the PHA50 action, but there are many players that favour the PHA50 action. My suggestion would be to test both out at a showroom to see which action you resonate with. :)

[@Steve-br7wt]

Great comparisons! Another thought, although in a slightly different category, is an 88 weighted midi controller. I use the Arturia 88 key Mk2 and paired with NI Kontakt and various sample libraries, it’s a combo that is hard to beat.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for the suggestion Steve! I know many of our community members appreciate it! Thanks for tuning and supporting our channel! :)

[@joseph-ow1hf]

Steve.....I like the way you think. But Brent was talking entry level pianos. I don't think the average suburban couple shopping for their kid is gonna go down this rabbit hole. But yeah......by going MIDI you can get into the Fatar key beds for a fraction of the price of a Nord or Dexibell sand alone.

[@adamyohan]

Great video. Always a pleasure to watch these. The biggest pain for a 3rd world citizen such as myself is how out of reach 500$ pianos are. That's kind of the baseline for weighted pianos and it's ridiculously expensive especially with shipping costing close to 40% of the full price.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you so much for tuning in! I am very sorry to hear of the expensive shipping costs that you have to deal with in your region. I sincerely hope that more local digital piano dealers pop up in your market that will help curb the expensive shipping costs for you.

[@adamyohan]

@@MerriamPianos 👍

[@naangalumvaasipomla554]

Hi Stu, If you had to choose between a used Casio Celviano AP260BK and a used Roland RP102, what would you choose? I already have a Yamaha moXF6, Korg PA 500 and Arturia MIDI for live and studio purposes. Thanks.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in and writing in with your question! While I can't speak on behalf of Stu, I am quite confident that he would opt for the RP102 given the fact that he is a fan of the PHA4 action. Personally, I would gravitate in that direction as well. While the Casio AP instruments have a very wonderful tone, the heavier action and triple sensor detection of the RP102 is what gives it the edge in my opinion. :)

[@naangalumvaasipomla554]

Thank you Brent! 🙂

[@benjaminsagan5861]

And once again, we have the same taste! (Although in this case, it's more like we share the same assessment...) Touch for digital; tone for acoustic. Fun aside #1: Aren't they all digital, in one sense? It's not like we play piano with our heels (Jerry Lee Lewis [RIP] excepted). Fun aside #2: My new phone struggled with the word 'acoustic' at first, and really wanted to make pianos either digital or acidic.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! I certainly concur with Stu's assessment as well. And that is a very good call regarding the term "digital". As for acidic pianos, playing one sounds like it may be a bit of a danger endeavour! ;)

[@DoloresSalomon-f8g]

I got it in my head that I HAD to have a digital piano. Once I get an idea like that it's really difficult to slow down and research. Your video certainly helped with that except an important feature I'm looking for is due to lack of space, I want it to look nice in my living room. I sure wish you had addressed that. I live in a small tourist town and stores and displays are very limited. Hope one of your links gives me an idea what's out there

[@MerriamPianos]

Aesthetics will an important consideration for some piano shoppers of course. With that said, beauty is very much in the eye of the beholder on that front. What one pianist might find beautiful may be considered unbecoming to another. If you are looking for attractive digital pianos with small footprints, there are a few models that come to mind: Casio PXS7000, Roland F701, Roland DP603, and Roland Kiyola KF10. :)

[@anonymike8280]

Headphone shock and awe. I plugged my dollar store earbuds into my Roland and they work. You can play your exercises and not worry about bothering the neighbor or worrying about what think about what they are hearing.

[@MerriamPianos]

Yup! Virtually any wired headphones will work in conjunction with digital pianos. :)

[@anonymike8280]

@@MerriamPianos I was surprised that the dollar store headphones worked adequately at all. The low notes sounded like something played on a saw blade but they came through down to note one. For a dollar, they get an A grade.

[@philinsydney]

I bought a Casio PX-S1000 for $1,050. recently. I need it for outdoor busking. The high price pianos might be too heavy to push around on a trolley.

[@MerriamPianos]

Congrats on your PXS1000! They're wonderful pianos and very portable! Many professional gigging players have relied on them for their excellent musical offering and portability. :)

[@jeffmcclure888]

Thanks for a great discussion!

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! Thanks for tuning in! :)

[@BolchenTheDrummer]

There is a correlation between Piano Touch and Sound. If you put premium VST on PC and plug it on Aux In of a CDP-S100, it will have a different touch, much better feel, than playing with the original sampler of the instrument. But, of course, only if you put 100% volume or a good headphone with no delay. The point is: Even Dexibell H1 having a mediocre piano key action, the superior sound and speakers overcome this issue and makes professional pianists think the key action is as good as a Clavinova.

[@MerriamPianos]

I definitely agree that, when it comes to piano, it is impossible to completely separate tone and touch. They are intrinsically connected. Thanks so much for tuning in and for sharing your insights! :)

[@MediaGrope]

What keyboards do you have Stu? Particularly Roland

[@MerriamPianos]

Stu had a Roland RD2000 for a while, but has recently switched to the new FANTOM-08 model. He also has a Kawai NV5 hybrid digital.

[@someguyfromarcticfreezer6854]

As always, best explanations, to people that may have bought or thinking about purchase their first digital piano.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you! That is an incredible compliment and one that we appreciate very much! :)

[@zecadudas8597]

What would recomend ydp 146 or rp 107

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent here! We have not received our first shipment of the Roland RP107 yet, so, unfortunately, at this time, I will not be able to offer any insights. With that said, once we do receive our first shipment, you can certainly expect some review and comparison videos. :)

[@SnaikHead]

i have a YAMAHA P-125, is it worth upgrading to something a lot more expensive, or should i invest in better speakers to pair it with?

[@MerriamPianos]

If you are looking to make a digital piano upgrade, I usually recommend to consider moving up to a piano that has a better and more authentic action/touch. You can always add speakers or change the sound through VST plugins, but the action is the invariable component of a digital piano.

[@jonathan130]

I bought a Kawai cn201, I’m a grade 8-9 player. Will this be enough for now and the next few years?

[@MerriamPianos]

The CN201 is excellent! It comes down to your own preferences. This piano has a lot to offer in terms of touch and tone, but you may eventually find that making the move to either an acoustic upright/grand or a digital piano with a longer key stick/pivot length such as the CA99 (or soon to be available update, the CA901) might offer more potential in terms of performance and expressivity.

[@reynicolomarcelo8496]

Hello! Hope this get noticed. How do you record through audio source direct line-out?

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent here! You will need an audio interface that has a 1/4" input. That will allow you to take a line out from the digital piano and plug it into the audio interface, which will allow you to record the audio signal to your computer via a DAW. Thanks and hope this helps! :)

[@joshrainbow-IceTenor]

Wonderful video with amazing content. I have a question about digital grand/baby grands. I am a professional opera singer and vocal coach. I always wanted to have a digital grand but not have 20.000 euro to purchase a Yamaha NX3, I also am not such a good pianist that is probably worth such a professional instrument . Anyways, quality and budget. I saw on gear4music a digital grand 200 for 1500 euro, however it comes with 64 polyphony. My question is; can I use that piano to have a professional pianist accompanying my students playing opera arias and songs ect for home concerts! Or does the piano cut off notes when someone plays classical, opera ect. Also, does a piano like this sound thin like a child piano or are the sounds of nowadays piano ok to live with! You also spoke about quality of the material, the keys. Because of the furniture model which is expensive they will place a cheap piano in it, I get that, would this piano break down easily in 5 years when played on daily for a few hours? Probably te piano that is in the grand cost 500 euro and the 1000 euro is for the model I guess. The 64 polyphony is where most stores advise to get 256 always, but is that needed for the work I am doing with it as a vocal coach. Love to hear your idea so I have a better idea what to buy or not to spent the 1500 on this at all and simply continue with the piano I am using now which is a Korg Concert 800. Thanks in advance

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in and for your kind words and support! We appreciate it. :) The 64 max note polyphony should be suitable for most accompaniment playing and even most classical/romantic repertoire for that matter. However, when using the damper/sustain pedal, there could be some situations that lead to maxing out the polyphony and having some notes get cut off. However, maxing out the polyphony is usually a byproduct of using sounds that are layered. For instance, if you are using a patch that is simultaneously playing piano and strings, you are using two notes of polyphony for every note you play on the keyboard. While I would recommend slightly more polyphony to ensure that you are covered for all repertoire you would be required to use the piano for, you may be able to get by with 64 notes. In terms of the longevity of the instrument, it is really difficult to say without knowing the exact model (I am not familiar with the Digital Grand 200 model you mentioned). With that said, most digital pianos being made these days should be able to last beyond 5 years and closer to the 10+ year mark pending it isn't being played too aggressively. Thanks and hope this helps! :)

[@joshrainbow-IceTenor]

@@MerriamPianos Hi Brent, thank you so much for taken the time to answer, grateful for it. I will only use it for accompaniment for students and probably for recording/midi when a professional pianist plays or want to record his work. Question; when a professional pianist want to record his music that can be classical famous piano pieces or his own compositions and I will record it using midi (I use UAD equipment and UAD Luna workstation) would notes get cut off when it comes in my DAW. Maybe we don't hear cut offs when played in the room but do we notice it when we play back the midi track after recording? If that is noticeable maybe I should buy one from Thomas that's 1000 more expensive but has 256 polyphony. What do you think?

[@heylou]

Not a beginner, but my advice is to look at the, Alesis prestige. $400 range, fully weighted, action hammer and yes, even graded. Honestly people sleep on this brand. Truth be told, even their recital was better than most semi weighted keyboard for $200. Recommendation. Go to a guitar center or music shop and just have fun with the keys. This will allow you to understand the different styles and feels that's associated with the price.

[@MerriamPianos]

Very sound advice! Thanks for tuning in and for sharing! :)

[@yussef961]

hi many thx I have a very good setup Rd700 that I use as a master keyboard now ,the key press weight is at 60-80g with progressive hammer actions but the samples are no longer good from 2001.. so i use pianoteq with it which allows me to modify the hammer sound ,condition erc with a marantz amplifier and cabasse Mt 32 tower speaker .very good then and 3 pedals damper ,sostenuto and una corda

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! Thanks for sharing your setup and insights! We appreciate it immensely. :)

[@yussef961]

@@MerriamPianos thx a lot

[@Ejb5154]

In terms of companies, do you find the manufacturers that produce acoustic pianos are better at making digital ones (ex Yamaha, Kawaii).

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for the question! That is not necessarily true. A good example of this is Roland. I would say their digital pianos are top-tier instruments. For instances, despite the fact that they do not build acoustic pianos, they make impressively authentic feeling actions. :)

[@rbrtck]

Personally, at least from my limited experience, I would group synth-action and semi-weighted keyboards together, rather than semi-weighted and hammer-action weighted keyboards. This is because most (I believe) semi-weighted keyboards are designed more like synth-action keyboards, with the only difference being the force needed to depress the keys. Maybe there are exceptions, but generally semi-weighted keyboards are closer in price to synth-action keyboards, which I think tells us something, and some hardly feel different at all. Others are actually very heavy--even more so than typical hammer-action "fully" weighted keyboards--but feel rather different. The main reason semi-weighted keyboards exist at all is their lower cost, which means they don't have the more expensive mechanisms required to make them feel and play like acoustic pianos. If they did, then why not make them authentic-feeling hammer-action weighted keyboards instead? See what I mean? They're just synth-action keyboards with heavier springs and maybe, in some cases, something a bit fancier, but not the ones I've tried, which either feel exactly like synth-action or heavy but otherwise very much like synth-action or somewhere in between.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for tuning in and taking the time to share your insights! It al comes down to a matter of preference and context. Some players actually prefer synth and semi-weighted actions because they're not using their specific instrument for piano sounds primarily. The correlation between the touch and the attack envelope and sonic profile of the patches you are primary playing are an important consideration when shopping for a piano/action that is best suited for your needs and playing. :)

[@sirspongadoodle]

I got a piano that has less than 88 keys but its weighted, is the 88 key thing hugely important?

[@MerriamPianos]

That is quite rare! Most sub-88-note instruments do not have weighted key actions. The 88 key range can be important for certain styles of playing. If you're playing intermediate to advanced classical piano for instance, you will require an 88 key range.

[@masterwongshifu]

For 10 years, I didnt know what "feathering" the pedal was. I would be so confused why the sustain was so "messed up" on other pianos i played and everything would sound awful. I think this is a HUGE consideration in the playing experience and I wonder what the lowest cost of digital piano includes the ability to half pedal.

[@MerriamPianos]

Many entry level digital pianos have half-pedal support when using it conjunction with the right foot pedal. Often times, the pedal that comes with the piano is a basic, plastic square pedal that is merely an on/off switch for sustain. With that said, pedals like the Roland DP10 or Kawai F10H offer half-pedal support. :)

[@hawkeye7527]

Is Donner bad when it comes to touch?

[@MerriamPianos]

It is a matter of personal preference of course. I wouldn't say Donner piano actions are bad. However, in my personal opinion, companies like Kawai and Roland are doing a better job at simulating the feel of real acoustic pianos.

[@freddie1471]

Excellent review.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks so much! We appreciate you tuning in! :)

[@robertoyamakata6672]

A very smart review. Thank you very much. Greetings from Argentina.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hello from Canada! Thanks so much for the kind words! We appreciate it! :)

[@RY-fe3rt]

Very informative! Thanks! PS: Looking a little windswept in the black T-shirt there, Stu... 😁

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in! We're glad you found the information helpful.

[@7649angel]

That is a great review!

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks a million! We really appreciate it. :)

[@TheAMGReviewers]

I bought a yamaha p45 for £369 and the action feels sliky smooth compared to the Roland fp10, the Roland was £20 extra. As a noob I preferred the yamaha. I assume its an okay piano since my grandad was amazed by it, but confused why it had a noticeable tone difference around midC. Great piano tho

[@MerriamPianos]

At the end of the day, it comes down to a matter of preference. The best instrument is the one to invest in that is going to continually inspire you and motivate you to play and practice. Enjoy your P45! :)

[@markoconnell804]

Nothing about Yamaha’s CVP series?

[@MerriamPianos]

The CVP line is a very storied line of course. With that said, there are a lot of lines from a variety of manufacturers out there, so it is tough to cover them all in a single video. Thanks for tuning in! :)

[@markoconnell804]

@@MerriamPianos so nice of you to reply. I am honored.

[@waltertoner4317]

Slightly off subject, but related. I have various keyboards all

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi Walter! It is difficult to help troubleshoot or identify the issue without inspecting your exact setup. There are a number of reasons as to why this may be happening. Depending on the VST plugins you are using, this may be a very simple fix. Many VST synth plugins (as well as some piano VSTs) have a selectable "polyphony" value. This determines the total number of notes the plugin itself will sound. If you happen to be using one of these VST plugins, you can simply increase the "polyphony" value.