🎹Kawai MP11SE vs Roland RD-2000 Stage Piano Review - SuperNATURAL, Grand Feel, Virtual Technician🎹

[@TopWorldPiano]

THANKS FOR YOUR EXCELENT REVIEW! I'm a professional pianist, very difficult to be pleased by any digital keyboard. I've always been fan of Yamaha, and have had almost all their stage pianos (CP-4 my last one). My last Roland was the RD-600 which made me promise myself I'd never buy Roland again (sound was good in its time, but key system was weak and cheap, breaking in every performance!). All I look for when buying a keyboard is a GREAT AND NATURAL piano sound that responds EXACTLY to what I picture in my mind in terms of sound color and intensity. I've owned the RD-2000 for one year. Though in the store I wasn't crazy about the sound I fell in love with the most FABULOUS ACTION ever found in a digital stage piano. Although this action is not a heavy as I would've liked, it is extremely responsive, and I decided to buy this instrument not just for this, but because after a thorough exploration of the manual in the store, I realized it was posible to PERSONALIZE every single V-Piano Technology sound (the best ones in the instrument), not just in terms of EQ, effects, hammer noise, string resonance, damper noise, cabinet resonance, lid, etc., but specially in terms of INDIVIDUAL VOICING of each of the 88 keys! You can change in every key, separately, the timbre OR CHARACTER of the sound, from dark and mellow to bright and crispy, the individual VOLUME and even the individual TUNNING of each note you play!! This is just fantastic and never before found in any other keyboard. I've spent hundreds of hours doing this during the last year in just my 6 favorite acoustic pianos. The results are just AMAZING!! IT FEELS AND SOUNDS just like a REAL GRAND PIANO (actually like 6 different real grand pianos!), exactly designed to my personal taste, but ONLY AFTER ALL THIS WORK. At the end I'm really happy now with this instrument. I can make MUSIC with it and be able to communicate my feelings and emotions almost as exactly as I do with a real quality grand. Obviously it is possible to save all these personalized sounds in an external USB. My only question/complain is... Why Roland musicians and designers didn't do this in the Factory and released an instrument with gorgeous factory sounds??? I'm sure a lot of sales are lost because of this. A real shame! Most employees at music stores don't even now how configurable the RD-2000 sounds are! And most musicians don't have the patience or time to do it. Finally, I just want to tell you how much I enjoy your playing. You´re an excelent pianist with enormous sensitivity. Congratulations!

[@paulmapp8306]

You should make those commercially available. Id buy a set-up. Im not a pianist (actually bought the RD to learn on) but I do play in a band (well 2) as a keys player (synth and organ mainly). I havent really played with the characture set-up. I have changed EQ (coming from an engineer background) and my favourite pianos are not the default (which is quite flat in the characture curve). Im fairly happy with the results for my needs BUT a common criticism of the RD is that it sounds flat - lacking dynamics (key touch is quite key here which many dont realise - were all different players) but also many are used to a sharper, more scooped pianos sound. All that said - Id REALLY appreciate a "tuned" piano or 2 from people who know and love real instruments. Id happily spend the time manually inputting the characture adjustments, Im just conscious I might totally mess us (or rather end up with something not realistic) if I do that myself. I have no frame of reference to a real grand.

[@NealNot]

Hey Alberto! Could you possibly email me your 6 self made piano models? I'd love to try them out! :) [e-mail] Thanks bro! :D

[@mr.c1989]

So the MP11SE isn't capable of this type of granular customization in the way that you have been able to achieve with the rd2000?

[@manoaramiarimanana5635]

Can you share your seetings?

[@johnnylong2023]

but how its the action campare to real piano??

[@toddmorrison7342]

Excellent, accurate comparison. I got the RD 2000 three months ago, and I just received the Kawai MP11se two days ago. Without question, the MP11se feels and responds like a grand piano, far better than the Roland and worth the difference. But when I played them both through my Yamaha HS8 studio monitors, I found that I could adjust the Roland to sound very much like the Kawai; however, the Roland simply cannot emulate the Kawai's action, feel, and realism - period, not even close. I decided to keep them both, using my Roland for gigs, and my Kawai to replace having a grand piano. As such, I think that Kawai should refer to the MP11se as a "studio Piano," verses a "stage piano." I'm just happy and blessed to have the best of both worlds. Lastly, the Kawai is quite elegant, which certainly enhances the experience. Cheers!

[@daltonmarcellus8702]

dont know if you guys gives a damn but if you guys are stoned like me atm then you can watch all the latest movies and series on InstaFlixxer. Have been streaming with my brother recently xD

[@thiagouriel2966]

@Dalton Marcellus Yup, have been using InstaFlixxer for months myself :D

[@actie-reactie]

True, its a studiopiano, and because of its action and looks, it makes it a joy to practice.... like sitting behind a real acoustic piano

[@Instrumental-Covers]

The Roland RD 2000 uses the "acclaimed" PHA-50 action, which is a plastic action with two stripes of wood on the sides (wood inserts) of the plastic. This is an "upgrade" from their previous two-tone plastic action resembling wood. And that is the very best Roland has to offer in all their pianos. The Kawai MP11SE uses wooden keys that are about 75% the length of a grand piano key. Better than Roland, but still not like a real piano. In addition, it has the same fake mechanism that digital pianos in this range use, meaning the rest of the piano action is missing (hammers, shanks, whippen, etc). A strong competitor in the market that is often overlooked/dismissed (maybe due to lack of knowledge or bias) to the MP11SE would be the Yamaha CP88, which also uses all 88 keys made of natural wood, weighted graded, triple sensor, etc. Yamaha claims it has the fastest stage piano action on the market. I know many people feel the MP11Se has the best action, but that is a subjective opinion, and this channel in particular cannot be used for comparisons since Merriam Music is not a Yamaha dealer (which, of course, it means that if the two were ever compared here, the MP11SE must win anyway, since they are a Kawai dealer). One thing is for sure: the MP11SE is not a gigging instrument, it is huge and heavy.

[@musicaldracula2017]

I gather MP7SE would be more suitable to compare with RD2000... It is not Kawai's flagship model but honestly MP7 is for gigs and mobile applications like RD2000. MP11 for studios or houses like a furniture model CA99. By the way, I think the new key action on CA99 is much better then the first version so we are waiting for the MP12 :)

[@markwoodward836]

Best review on these models. I play both of these models plus a Yamaha CP88 and Korg Grandstage 88. The Roland RD2000 is my favorite for variety/number of tones, but the Kawai (keyboard action) is so great - but the weight what makes me leave it in the Studio all of the time. In the Studio, I play Kawai MP11SE with a Hammond SK Pro 73 on top (for organ tones).

[@mfurman]

Great review. It is the most relevant to my own preferences and needs. Roland FP-90X vs RD2000 would be an interesting comparison (even though these are different categories of instruments).

[@glennjeffries007]

Both were top of of my list - I chose the MP11SE - only thing is there is shortage of stock and I've been waiting 2 months.

[@dmitriyshpilchin4698]

Very professional review. Thank you!

[@MerriamPianos]

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

[@attilakovacs5803]

Two great iconic instruments. Love them both.👍

[@exerciserelax8719]

The Roland modeling is amazing, I can't believe it's not sampled.

[@J-FoxProductionsEDU]

They have definitely stepped up their game this patch for sure - I initially shared your same exact sentiments - the modeling is that good👍🏾

[@geoffk777]

own an RD-2000, which I got fairly early in 2017. For the most part, I totally agree with your assessment. But I do have some issues with it. First the good (most of which you mentioned): 1. It makes a great MIDI controller, and the mixing sliders are super convenient. Panel layout is excellent and build quality is great. 2. The keybed is one of the best, and better even than the Montage or Kronos 3. The V-Pianos are very good. Also, there are many Supernatural acoustic pianos, so if you don't like the V-Pianos, there are still many excellent choices. 4. There are many other sounds, most of which are fairly decent and usable, if not the absolute best 5. It's not too heavy and quite portable, although a little long for some cars 6. OS updates have added some more V-Piano presets and improved some early issues. 7. There's an excellent 3-pedal unit available as an option. Now the bad: 1. At least in my early version, the panel text is not white but is a medium grey color that's almost invisible, especially on a dark stage. 2. The display is Ok, but the viewing angle is very narrow. In a multi-keyboard stand, it's often difficult to read, since you can't view it from directly above. 3. The leslie for the organs is terrible--way too fast and unrealistic. Not a huge deal and it can be adjusted, but still annoying. Unfortunately, for me, disadvantages #1 and #2 are killers and really destroy the utility of the instrument as a master keyboard on stage. If you're thinking about buying one, carefully check out those two points. If I was buying it now, I'd probably spend the extra $1500 and get a Fantom 8, which has the same sliders, V-Piano engine, and keybed, but a much better display, white panel text and updated Zenology sounds (as well as many other capabilities). For studio or home use, I'd definitely also consider a Kawai MP11SE, which has an even better action. It's too big and heavy to use as a touring stage instrument, though. The RD-2000 is a great instrument in many ways, but buy with caution.

[@Yakumo00o]

Hi, I'm looking for a digital piano and wanna use it for creating loops with ableton live (most probably in combination with VSTs) at home, so portability is not a requirement. I mainly play other instruments and picked piano up later, so I'm not a great player (yet?), but learning day by day. At first I looked at cheaper ones like the FP30X (PHA-4 action), but a lot of people say, that their action isn't comparable at all and not as durable as PHA-50 or Grand Feel. Now I got a chance to get a used RD2000 (with pedals, case, stand) in a very good condition for 3/4 the price, so about the price of e.g. ES920. I can see that the RD2000 makes a great MIDI controller, but is it worth the price, when I would use it nearly exclusively at home, where I also got extra mixers, launchpads, PC etc? Is there something I cannot do with a FP30X+Mixer+PC, what I could do with RD2000 at home? Action is also a point, which I cannot clearly evaluate, since my level of playing isn't there yet, but I wanna be able to play classical pieces on a real piano at some point. Your experiences would be much appreciated! Regards

[@geoffk777]

@@Yakumo00o In the short term, the FP30X and RD2000 would be similar. But both the action and the sounds on the RD-2000 will be much better. So, as an instrument to practice and learn classical piano on, the RD-2000 will help you to become much better since it supports realistic pedaling, has a better keybed action and more realistic piano sounds and response. To the extent that you use the sounds in your recordings or loops, it will also make your music sound better and provide you with a wider range of pianos and electric pianos to choose from. If you can afford it, I'd definitely spend the extra money and get the RD-2000. It's an instrument that you won't outgrow, and you can get many many years of use out of it.

[@Yakumo00o]

@@geoffk777 ​ thanks for the quick response, much appreciated!

[@tonyromano5133]

I love your reviews. Thanks for taking the time to analyze and report on these.

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! Thank you for taking the time to check out the video and write in with your kind words! :)

[@manoaramiarimanana5635]

I bought a Roland RD-2000 six months ago after comparing a lot of stage piano and synth, RD 2000 is awesome!!

[@bunkeri]

Hey thanks for sharing this. I'm from Northern Indiana (South Bend, Niles Michigan). Went to Sweetwater in Fort Wayne Indiana trying to find a better upgrade from Yamaha keyboards gotten second hand (pawn shop and yard sale). I remember the Kawai vs. Roland challenge: finding a keyboard with the touch of a well-made acoustic piano. I ended up getting the Roland RD-2000 because of the sounds and versatility. I do remember the Kawai having better touch, but also being less portable and more for true 'pinanists.' That said, I've been happy with the RD-2000, it's combination of sounds within the context of trying to cover 60s to 90s and beyond music. Thanks for sharing this video, worthwhile to keep on developing fingers, technique, feeling and meaning.

[@maximlamoureux4129]

It was hard to compare them when only the Kawai was in stereo. Great video overall

[@RnBLover1997]

You’re great man, really detailed reviews.

[@ChuckS117]

When the Kawai started playing. Hell yes, that sound.

[@stephandosch8351]

You gotta own both.... I play Kawai for a couple of years now, and Piano Sound wise they are unbeatable in my book but Roland Pianos are great instruments in general and the E Piano Sounds are really high end... The Roland Piano sounds are great as well... I guess this is just a matter of taste... On tour with my Band I play the MP7 SE, because it is not so heavy...

[@MerriamPianos]

I cannot agree more! The ideal "best of both worlds" solution here is...well...to own both! They are different animals with different strengths and features. Any professional player would be thrilled to have a two-tier stage or studio setup with both the RD2000 and MP11SE! Congrats on your MP7SE! It is also a wonderful top-tier stage piano. It ranks a bit better in terms of portability as well. ;)

[@jumpingman8160]

Kawai wipes the floor with the Roland. Great feel, superb Pianos and Rhodes and some good fx too.

[@MerriamPianos]

MP11se is killer...now if only it wasn't also a BACK killer. lol... Thanks for the comment! -stu

[@Zoco101]

Jumping Man, the MP11SE is fantastic, and you are probably right about the "quality". But what do the sound engineers say? On stage, they will decide your true sound, and they will probably mix your MP11SE to sound like a Roland or a Nord. And they may be right to do it, or not. I'm saying what works, works. When buying stage pianos, many people focus too much on "authenticity of sound" (similarity to an acoustic piano) and not enough on the dynamics of performance. If digital pianos find their own route, that is not a bad thing. There are lessons to be learned from Rhodes. One day, acoustic pianos may be considered obselete for modern music - not because of practical issues, but because the digital instruments might be more interesting on stage, even with their "piano" patches. There is always room for improvement, and there will be new niche markets too. A good acoustic piano is wonderful, but god didn't invent it and it can be equalled one day or even improved upon. Look at digital photograhy.

[@jumpingman8160]

@@Zoco101 I can't say I'm a fan of Roland digital/stage pianos [nor the vast majority of their synths, for that matter]. I've been a fan of Kurzweil though for almost everything [though they sure could address the arcane OS they still use]. On the other hand Kawai has been pumping out really good instruments for a more or less affordable price. They still need to think through what to actually include in their KBs, cause some of the sounds they put in are meh, while not putting some that are needed [organs, as per example]. In terms of structural quality, their stuff is not only pretty to look at but also really well made [to the point they developed the keybed for the Nord]. Yamaha seems to have refined the Nord aproach with their CP line but they also made that weird move of dividing their line nto CP and Organ counterpart, And all in one would be preferable. Korg's SV2 is very functional and groovy, soundwise is dull. I'm very curious about the new Viscount 70's modular aproach. As to sound itself, to me a Stage Piano has to have the same sound quality as the instruments you record with in the studio. After all, they are the tools with which you introduce yourself to the audience, and they keep getting better and better. The sound guy will be thankful if the sound that is innerent on your KB is easier to shape than one that has a very limited range. Just to think that up until recently you'd hardly find a "tone knob" or an easy access EQ on the front of your KB is bonkers.

[@Zoco101]

@@jumpingman8160 I have never really owned a Roland or a Kawai, but I respect them both and I've done hundreds of gigs on trumpet with Roland RD players right beside me. They seem very content, and they get such good results, with and without sound engineers. I love my "P" Yamahas, but they behave unpredictably for me on stage when I use line out. It might be because big stages use mainly mono sound and Yamaha P series pianos are very dependent on their stereo processing. I'm usually OK'ish so long as I have two monitors. Some of us fret endlessly over our sound, while it may be perfect for everyone else. Of course the RD series is more stage oriented than Yamaha's P models anyway. Yamaha's CP models would be more comparable - but they are so heavy. But even the new P-515 is overweight - hardly a "portable" piano. Is it replacing those sub 2000 dollar CPs (which have disappeared) I wonder? And Kawais are too heavy to move around much. Roland's RD88 is very light, and this fact alone could dent sales of the MP-7, the Yamaha P-515, and maybe one or two of the Nords. It is also very cheap for a proper stage piano with registers, zone control, on board controls and so on. Previously, only Kurzweil ever offered such features around this price.

[@jumpingman8160]

@@Zoco101 It's all a matter of taste really. If it works for you, than there's nothing wrong with it.

[@marvinkmooneyoz]

I dont know if this is a feasible engineering solution, but if they made an mp11 5 octave, and a three octave, with the ability to connect them, ideally seamlessly, so that there was no discernable compromise once setup and connected, that would push me over from getting something lighter weight instead. Have all the controls on the main portion, so people could bring just that to less important gigs if theyd like. And I do find that the best acoustic-style action is the best for rhodes as well

[@matthiaslocker2009]

Great to have a demo in the same style as I am playing! Many thanks

[@cesarformenti]

What about KAWAI MP7SE much cheaper than RD2000, same weight and quite better key action.

[@Kougeru]

RHIII is a trash action tbh

[@Zoco101]

I thought about the MP7 too, but it's more comparable with the Roland RD88, particularly on price.

[@diogomanteu7148]

@@Kougeru isnt it the same a the es8? its regarded as really good

[@namakudamono]

@@diogomanteu7148 I don’t think he knows what he’s talking about.

[@jazzualdo]

@@Kougeru Absolutely agree! Totally unnatural, and SO shallow in feel. Real dissapointment.

[@takaliuang]

Love your playing and understanding about them, any video link to adjust the RD2000...?I am using it now

[@rolandpichler7781]

Great !!! Very good and personable performance - good work - thanks for that, made my decision easier!

[@kpsholinder]

How have you done two comparisons and no dedicated review of the MP11SE! would love one of your in depth reviews on this piano. Thanks for another great video.

[@MerriamPianos]

Sometimes, we bypass individual reviews if the comparison videos feel like they've assessed an instrument thoroughly. With that said, I'll be happy to pass on your suggestion to our production team. Thanks so much for tuning in! :)

[@philipbrown2225]

it would be awesome if you had an opinion once in a while. youre a great player and your reviews are thorough. I would love to see, for once, a reviewer say which one they would buy between the two and why

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi there! Brent from Merriam Music here! Our goal is always to be objective as possible in order to let our viewers arrive to their own conclusions based on their particular musical preferences. Also, it is tough to choose sometimes as is the case here. Both pianos are phenomenal, but offer different flavours musically. Each of them might be more appropriate in certain musical situations. :)

[@rolexmarcelo3218]

And this why we keep on watching, as Stu and Merriam's opinions become more and more important and persuasive.. It will never happen tho. Still, I remain hopeful and continue to follow haha.

[@aarta8743]

I left Roland after many many years for an MP7 ES KAWAI. Simply for the better sound. Now after few years never regret.

[@MerriamPianos]

That is certainly fair. Kawai and Roland both make exceptional pianos. It comes down to a matter of musical taste and preference. The MP7SE is quite the powerhouse though. :)

[@aarta8743]

@@MerriamPianos Yes, I still love Roland`s warm, fat, kind of "juicy" sound. However, Kawai bring a more sophisticated tonality, clear, natural sound for more wider range of interpretation ability. Open new and more colorful, vibrant level of play.

[@Zoco101]

"It's been bashed around, I've been doing it for several years... ' 😂

[@geraldfrancke9439]

Is the KAWAI MP11SE still a good purchase in 2024, or should we wait for a successor?

[@MerriamPianos]

The Kawai MP11SE is still an absolute powerhouse! We have not received any word from Kawai on an update to the MP line. You can be sure that we will keep you posted if we hear anything from Kawai. :)

[@geraldfrancke9439]

@@MerriamPianos thank you 🙏

[@joedaq6678]

Wish you could share your thoughts about Dexibell Vivo S7 or S1 or their P series Vs the Kawai's or Roland's Samples / Modeled and the Fatar TP action etc. Either way, Your videos area Extremely Helpful and Appreciated. Thanks

[@bobaasmr9347]

Hi stu. What do you use live for speaker system?

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! I'd have to ask Stu as to whether he has a goto keyboard amp when performing live. Perhaps, it is time for a follow-up Q&A video with Stu! ;)

[@FingersKungfu]

Stu just loves his Roland so much.

[@MerriamPianos]

Stu is definitely a fan of the RD2000, but I think he also has a lot of love for the MP11SE too! They're both wonderful pianos! :)

[@FingersKungfu]

@@MerriamPianos True! God bless you all at Merritt Music. You guys’ videos are super informative and a pleasure to watch.

[@jcribbs5819]

what "home" speakers or set up do you suggest for the MP11SE? I want it for the acoustic feel. Also is there a way to use two sets of headphones on the MP11SE?

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent here! You could technically use a headphone splitter to be able to use two sets of headphones simultaneously. In terms of speakers, there are a number of ways to go. You could explore some studio monitors or a keyboard amp. We run the MP11SE through Roland KC series amps at our showrooms and the sound quality is excellent in my opinion. :)

[@jcribbs5819]

@@MerriamPianos thank you very much!!! :) Jenn

[@lshwadchuck5643]

This was so helpful to me! Thanks to your description of the Kawai's action I went and discovered the VPC1, so I can have that action and nothing else. When you compared the panel to the Nord Stage (which is what I have) I thought, that's exactly what I don't want to pay for. I just want those long wooden keys. (I use Pianoteq.)

[@Jacob_Shouse1984]

I love Roland❤️I’m team Roland❤️

[@jonos138]

I really like what the mp11se offers. The feeling and subtleness of a real piano. I wont be gigging, so it will just be fixed in my studio. However, the worry is.....will I be able on my own to lift this beast out of its box onto the stand by myself without slipping a disk in my back or getting a hernia??!! 😂 Thats the biggest hold back on a purchase.

[@MerriamPianos]

Haha I certainly understand the concern. It is a heavy piano, but the musical benefits are certainly worth dealing with the additional weight in my opinion. :)

[@Tracks777]

awesome video

[@Matthew_Conners]

1:08 Just to ask about you about your opinion. Whats about the nord? Or why isn't it in the top 2? Im stuck between the nord stage 2 and the Roland rd2000

[@mysticsailor9]

The Nord Stage 3 is an excellent keyboard.. by far and away the easiest to understand.. and as everything has a dedicated knob/button the manual is all of 56 pages.. Cannot match the complexity of routing etc of the rd2000 but thats a good thing to many people... also comes in 3 different keybed types...and by far and away the best organ of the bunch

[@musicaldracula2017]

Could you please make a comparison video between MP11se and CA77 or CA99? Thanks

[@MerriamPianos]

We try to tackle as many community-submitted requests as possible and will certainly add that one to the list. The MP11SE and CA99 are not exactly in the same category however (stage piano versus console digital designed for home use). Thanks and all the best! :)

[@musicaldracula2017]

@@MerriamPianos MP11 is a kind of portable piano which is hard to move so it is meant to be used as if a typical lightish console piano mostly. I think It will be interesting to compare their piano sounds and actions. Thank you for all those presentations which are enlightening for bound.

[@dinocaldera4018]

What type of Keyboard amp do you use?

[@Notmehimorthem]

The Kawai is getting hard to find (UK) I wonder if it wil be discontinued?

[@MerriamPianos]

We have not received any word from Kawai about it being discontinued. We still have them in stock here in Canada and they are still quite popular! :)

[@Notmehimorthem]

@@MerriamPianos There has been an issue with some tape internal to the MP11SE. Apparently it get's inmdented and interferes or stops the action. Kawai have addressed this with other similar boards, so maybe they are fixing this? Pure speculation of course on my part. Stil no stock until September in UK

[@causese2620]

wish you did a review of the vpc1 :) but I get why it's annoying to do... since it's only a midi controller still curious about the action

[@parabolic777]

Great review! MP11SE is for the pianist.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you! We appreciate that! The MP11SE is certainly one of the most authentic playing experiences one will find in a stage piano. :)

[@roberthurless4615]

The Kawai weighs about 70 lbs. it only has Kawai pianos in it as far as I know.

[@jastern949]

Stu - Great review with comparisons and reasons for using each board, and lots of details. Just 2 things: 1) Question: Why did you redo this comparison from the one you did 3 weeks ago -- kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHW4nnytjtGin6s ? I hear many of the same points being made, so why not just delete the old one, or make a much shorter video (this one) with only the additional points added? 2) Suggestion: When you are making your selections on the boards, it would be a great time to have an over-head view (a camera directly above each keyboard). Watching you from the side really adds no information to the content of the video. Also, frustratingly, you can see what you are pressing, but we can't. Why not show us the buttons and the screen output, etc.? (Same two points hold for the earlier video, too, of course.) Otherwise, once again, a great review, content-wise, and thank you once again.

[@revelationsoundstudio]

The Kawai is 72 pounds vs the Roland at 47 pounds. If I am gigging, the RD 2000 would be the choice on the weight alone. 72 pounds is too much for one person to carry all the time. With that said, if you were going to use mostly in a home or project studio, the Kawai MP11SE would be an excellent choice. The Kawai is $600 more money as well. But with that said, the Kawai sounds excellent for a digital piano.

[@gregtriplett9667]

Hi, Do you happen to notice any excessive key noise when your playing? I can here just a tiny bit. Is that normal for the RD 2000? I notice it alot on other Digital Pianos. Thanks , Greg

[@kayaramirez2263]

I was just messing around at guitar center and the Roland rd 2000 and fantom 8 had by far the best feel there (they didn’t have the mp11se) but there was still noticeable key noise on the rd2000.

[@cgmuso6619]

Having tried a few today. Rd2000, nord grand, yamaha cp88. No one ever mentions the v piano. But it still blows these new pianos away in my opinion. Does the kawai stand up next to the v piano, which is a question for anyone who has tried both??

[@spada60]

yes I have tried both and the kawai does stand up to the V piano. I would have bought the V piano but the used one I tested wasn't in the greatest shape and it is very bulky

[@spada60]

but this was before I tested the Kawai MP11se the action on the kawai is unmatched

[@cgmuso6619]

@@spada60 I nearly bought a v piano for a good price but I was too indecisive and someone beat me to it. Definitely need to try the kawai when I'm able to.

[@ChrisP3000x]

The v-piano is old modeling tech that sound very mediocre, and in some areas very bad.

[@ChrisP3000x]

@@alexcazares4868 read the comment I responded to.

[@jacobmorgenstein6788]

Roland sounds like my 70s Bontempi

[@paulallenMacca]

Im considering getting the Kawai CA99 does it sound close to an acoustic piano sound.

[@Kill0rbAg]

What has your previous experience looked like? What ePianos did you try? Nobody will be able to share his opinion on the CA99 yet but it's only and upgrade in certain areas to the CA98 anyway (better loudspeakers, longer lasting keyboard, better look). Let me say it like this: The Upright sample on the Kawai CA98 sounds scarily realistic and convincing enough that even my teacher of olden days who is an accomplished pianist didn't notice that it wasn't a real acoustic during a visit until she took a closer look at it. To say she was thoroughly impressed would be an understatement. She was used to the sounds of several years old Yamaha clavinovas at best when it came to e pianos. The Grand-samples sound "better" as in more like a grand-piano than an upright (duh) but you will still be able to notice the difference between the real deal and a loudspeaker system in a head to head comparison simply because of the way the sound is produced. The only ePiano that can convincingly produce a sound into any direction which rivals the actual grand sampled in a head to head comparison is the Novus line IMO. BUT: A CA98 still sounds like a grand on ideal angles and with a proper setup. Just maybe not the most dynamic grand out there and not in a direct competition, but if you would blindfold a person and sit him down to play on it, I doubt that someone who isn't already primed for the question "is this a real one or not" would actually notice that it's an ePiano unless he uses the left padle. The CA 99 has reportedly a better sound reproduction, coming closer to the actual sound of a grand, especially on odd angles. It apparently comes close to a Novus. IF that is true or not can only be judged after the line has been released. What it comes down to the most is that you set up the piano correctly. 2 examples: I tend to put the Fallback Hammer noise on 7 out of 10 on an ES8 while it's totally fine at 5 on a CA78/98. The first thing I do is configure the touch curve on any Kawai. An ES8 for example doesn't reach it's full dynamic capability on the preset "normal" and needs to have it user adjusted or set to "light" while this behavior is different on a MP11SE, CA78 or 98 (though honestly... I would never use anything lower than "light" on any of them).

[@Cyb3rAssassine]

Maybe you should consider using a VST setup.

[@ahsdiecb]

Do you have an opinion on the Roland new Famtom 8 key action?

[@edunabie]

its the same pha50 action as the rd2000 and fp-90

[@jacobmorgenstein6788]

Kawai all the way

[@camerademuzica]

which is lighter or havier?

[@MerriamPianos]

Most people find the MP11SE's GFI to feel lighter compared to the RD2000's PHA50 action. :)

[@salvjocorner]

I desire a comparativa tra Clavia Gran piano and Kawai mp11se

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for the suggestion! We try to tackle as many reviews and comparisons as possible and will certainly add that one to the list! :)

[@WeileeSOLO]

We need a Comparison for both as Midi Controllers 😅

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for the suggestion! We have had a few requests to tackle various portable digital and stage piano models through the lens of their capabilities as a MIDI controller. We will do our best to tackle that! :)

[@danidongio]

Nice review. One comment on specs summary. It seems from manual that Kawai mp11 se actually has usb connectivity.

[@actie-reactie]

I heard that in the setup on the right side There are about 80 more sounds.....and basic there are 40 sounds

[@ChristofRoeyaert]

I have the MP11SE. The MP7SE has 256 sounds, with another 128 sounds hidden. I wasn't aware the MP11SE has extra sounds as well. How do you access them ?

[@actie-reactie]

@@ChristofRoeyaert Sorry for the late reaction.... I saw this from another reviewer... ThePianoForever..... mp11se in depth review....starting at 29.15..... please keep me informed.... I am interested in this mp11se too...

[@actie-reactie]

@@ChristofRoeyaert If you have found those extra sounds on the 11se....could you let me know?😁

[@ChristofRoeyaert]

@@actie-reactie Haven't had the time yet, but when I do, I'll let you know !

[@actie-reactie]

@@ChristofRoeyaert Thanks for your reply...hope you are satisfied with the 11se

[@pedromeza9458]

Stu, you're 1 of 2 reviewers I follow respectively, your only drawback, that's frustrating, you hover over a plus or minus too damn long,get to the point,lets move on to YEA,or NAY... you're great, thanks for Sharing 🎹👍🎹

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you so much for tuning into the channel and for your complimentary words! While we always try to be succinct as possible, we are piano nerds at the end of the day, so it can be tricky not getting caught in the weeds with discussing every little detail. ;)

[@ChristoRussell]

What about the Nord Grand?

[@ChrisP3000x]

Total flop

[@mysticsailor9]

Nord don't pretend that its a stage piano... unlike the MP11..lol.. The Nord competitor here would be the Nord Stage 3 with 88 keys

[@lordbachus]

I think from their aproach, the RD2000 might be more a competitor od the MP7 se

[@tanzuko6416]

12:24 roland

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for checking out the video!

[@Jacob_Shouse1984]

Kawaiis piano tones are just far to mellow for myself, I love bold, colorful, bright full sounds. I just am never impressed with Kawaii. I am always Team Roland or Korg.

[@MerriamPianos]

Every player and set of ears is different! Some players love the darker, warmer tones of Kawai, while others prefer a brighter tonal profile. It also depends on the style of music you are playing. Certain tones seem to align better with certain styles. :)

[@yehudabortz]

Do these instruments have built in speakers?

[@MiregalForges]

No.

[@yehudabortz]

MiregalForges how do u record into the computer with it?

[@takaliuang]

@@yehudabortz portable recorder or audio interface

[@christinacary]

@@yehudabortz plugging the audio & midi outs into an audio interface. Each keyboard will have usually XLR outputs and these have midi as well, the midi you would use in your recording software with a VST instrument.

[@Mattmanutube]

Weight of the Kawai is 75 lbs

[@NuanDaa]

Without speakers :)

[@attilakovacs5803]

That adds to the playing comfort.

[@johnbostrom8467]

Mono sound. I immediately stop listening and watching. Shame on you.

[@MerriamPianos]

I believe both instruments were captured in stereo (as you can see by the dual connections coming out of the back of each instrument). Also, if you listen to the e. piano sound with the tremolo effect on, you can hear the stereo effect.

[@ColocasiaCorm]

So much talking

[@Jason75913]

notice "review" in the video title

[@ColocasiaCorm]

@@Jason75913 notice yourself in the mirror

[@Jason75913]

@@ColocasiaCorm u mad, your disappoint is your own fault

[@ColocasiaCorm]

@@Jason75913 yes

[@luca130770]

Too many many words

[@Jason75913]

never click on "reviews" if you don't like speech, duh

[@attilakovacs5803]

Chhose another review then. There's a lot to tell.