Piano Review | Korg SP-280 Stage Piano | 🇬🇧 An Honest Review and some Boogie Woogie!

Here's an honest review of my Korg SP-280 Digital Stage Piano - an instrument I bought years ago for touring with jazz bands I used to play with - to be honest, I only ever used the piano sounds - today is the first time I'm trying out all the other onboard sounds.
Piano: Korg SP-280
Audio Recorded with Logic Pro X
Video Recorded with iPhone 11 Pro Max
Video edited with DaVinci Resolve 17
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[@RalphLooij]

Haha. If you'll do 'honest reviews' of Hauptwerk sample sets like this, that would be fun 😂 "A Roerquint 5 1/3, what's this supposed to be, I don't even wanna know." That will get you 100.000 subscribers :)

[@MarcusB-qr1hk]

Your reactions were the best! Laughed out loud to some of your reactions 🤣🤣. Hope you’re well!

[@alwaysbearded1]

You can entertain us with anything. Your speed at figuring out how to get the best out of what you have there is amazing. Nice ending piece.

[@bobh5087]

Your reactive expressions are priceless: 🤔-🥴-🙄-🤪-🤮-🤒-😡,etc.

[@Lianpe98]

😂

[@chrismills2192]

Thanks Fraser. I came for the Korg SP-280 review. I stayed for the Boogie-woogie. You're great.

[@ShokaLion]

This is awesome to listen to. I know you're only noodling around but it's such fun. Those little bouncy riffs are just so compelling to hear.

[@jacquesmertens3369]

For a relatively low price you get the fully weighted RH3 keybed. It feels more like a piano than any other keybed I've tried, and it's very sturdy. You can even do alternative tuning and fine tuning, which is quite remarkable for a keyboard in this price range. I'm enjoying my trusty old SP-250 a lot, and its only serious downside is that soft notes are never really soft enough. But then again I would say this about any keyboard. And yes, I even enjoy the organ sounds, including the church organs. It's still better than no church organ at all if you don't have access to the real thing. There's countless church gatherings all over the globe that benefit from a small affordable instrument like this one. It could even spark some interest to find out what a real church organ is like. It certainly sparked my interest, and that's how I found your channel. All thanks to that Korg piano with the organ sounds you look down upon.

[@couchcamperTM]

I decided to buy the Korg D1 for that reason, in my opinion the RH3 is worth more than they ask for (with the D1). I almost fell over when I learned that I can have the RH3 known from much more expensive Stage-Pianos for that price. I don't care for sounds, I use external synths and high quality Piano VSTis.

[@sonofapollo6814]

I spent the whole videos laughing 😂 😂 at his expressions...

[@Charles-Reardon]

Your reactions make me laugh out loud!

[@michelvondenhoff9673]

Oscillators of a synthesizer are set by range (pitch) in foot. This unit is derived from (you may have guessed already) pipe organs. Nice demo as a in general nice sounding piano.

[@No_One_In_Particular_Today]

What a fun video! I had a Korg T-3 for many years. Had to part with it due to lack of space. Didn’t realize how much I miss it until now. Thanks for the memories.

[@james.flores]

I smell a new channel. Fraser and his Korg piano 🎹 😜

[@FraserGartshore]

Forget it!

[@catcancrunch7260]

Fraser thanks for your upload, your piano skills are exceptional, and as a novice this rig seems good value for me money...

[@stuartdickson6251]

Here I am in March 2022, after researching and auditioning on line for a year, looking for a basic digital piano to help me with my musical hobby of guitar, bass and drum playing, to help with my understanding of the theory of it all, ordered and took delivery of one of these very beasts. It’s rugged, with solid legs that don’t clutter the floor space. As for the gimmicky voices? It has full MIDI in to my DAW, now there’s even more cringeworthy adventures and time filling mental puzzles. Your review was a treat, this well made in Japan bare bones piano is exceeding my expectations. Thanks for the fun Sir.

[@martynbuzzing3327]

Loving your vids, I always appreciate anyone that can play good music, and with humor too. Thanks

[@Lianpe98]

Alternate title: Profesional organist *ROASTS* a Korg stage piano.

[@FraserGartshore]

I like it!

[@dylankelly1715]

Fraser: *shivers* "Yuchhh. Awful." Me: "that was actually awesome..." The boogie harpsichord was my favorite one! Works surprisingly well!

[@jslonisch]

You can see Fraser’s left leg going “this is too easy, give me something to do!”

[@AlessandroSistiMusic]

"Man vituperates instrument" makes for a much more fun video than I might have imagined. What faces you made at the "organ" and choir sounds!

[@jerrymartin79]

Fantastic!!!! I agree with Ralph. We need this format for Hauptwerk sample sets next!!!!

[@Chrishagen]

“Oh my God, this is a honkytonk piano 😣!”… proceeds to play perfect, rockin’ honkytonk! Bravo, sir.

[@therealdebater]

This is the most wonderful review I've ever come across! "It has a few buttons that do ... something." Fabulous.

[@WCM1945]

The "electric piano" sound more like the Wurlitzer electrostatic reed piano, designed for use in a multiple-student classroom. It allowed for many playable pianos in a small space at a fairly low coast. It had the very handy feature of a headphone output which was often adapted so that the teacher could push a button to listen to any of the individual students without disturbing the other students. It had a very buzzy and distorted sound at higher volumes. Better when played lightly, but that was NOT the popular way. The Rhodes used a variation on tuning forks coupled to a magnetic pickup (a'la guitar pickup) on each note. It had a much smoother sound, with bell-like treble and very "fat" bass. It also had a better action than the Wurlitzer, as it was actually made for professional performance. It also had far better amplifiers, and, incidentally, was available in a full 88-key model.

[@WCM1945]

Variation 3 of piano II reminds me of the time my sister tried a trick shown her by her piano TEACHER, believe it or not: installing thumb tacks in the hammer faces. The intent, I believe, was to mimic the sound of a saloon piano in the old West as generally portrayed in "B" western movies. Yeah. hard on the nerves. The tacks were removed much faster than when they went in.

[@IPapa-vl1pz]

Funny, honest and very helpful! May be switching from Yamaha.

[@peterking2794]

A few years ago, my wife and I 'sang' (I use the word advisedly) in the choir of a tiny French village. The accompaniment was a Roland keyboard set to a 'church organ' sort of thing. I was asked to repair the 12 volt power input connector, so took it apart. I was amazed at how little was inside! I expected lots of electronic stuff, but there was a few chips and a couple of speakers. I think that modern silicon chippery is capable of so much, that adding fancy (and sometimes useless) effects is very easy, and they then become an answer looking for a purpose. if you see what I mean.

[@map-reduce]

This may be the funniest video you've recorded. Also, you really showed your versatility, fantastic!

[@timmcnair6212]

16:39 "Don't they just tug at your heart strings? Probably not!" Hahahahahaha

[@88-fingers79]

Brilliant Fraser. A much needed comic break today. What happened to your “Scotland” lick in the wonderful closing improv. The audio interface/korg lost some volume and definition in the midrange and was overshadowed by your fabulous left hand!

[@medicussapiens]

Thank you, a very entertaining review and great Boogie Woogie. Considering the price tag and the purpose of this stage piano, it appears to be a pretty good deal to me. It even has build in speakers. How much more can one expect? An important information is missing: How is the key action?

[@daluclinic1588]

Best review plus excellent playing! Wisj I can learn from you!

[@davidcudlip6587]

some of the piano and Electric piano sounds were quite good for the price point of this keyboard. The Rhodes and Wurlitzer sound were doable. Some of the Grands weren't to bad. You could make them work in a band setting if you were short on funds. This was a great review coming from an honest owner and not a sales staff person.

[@bjorneolsen5026]

As a humble amateur, I'm actually quite fond of playing on this particular instrument. But yes, the pipe organ sounds just kills me whenever I turn them on haha

[@oleanderson3693]

You can make anything sound good!

[@ExAnimoPortugal]

I missed this when it came out... YT and it's quirks. :/ I'm actually thinking about getting a new stage piano and you gave me something to consider!

[@anthonyclegg1511]

The honky tonk sounds good, it's got a bit of character.

[@bydesign868]

You are absolutely HILARIOUS and very TALENTED! I've been searching for a keyboard to replace my Yamaha P-250 (old as dirt). At the church I previously played for, they bought a Yamaha CP-300 I absolutely fell in love with! However, they are out of my price range. I too wondered how this Korg felt while playing. The Yamaha P-125 is like slapping my fingers in mud. It's awful. Suggestions? I, like you, don't give a hoot about all those sounds. I play piano! Thanks so much for making me laugh out loud again and again!!

[@nivaks1]

Your reaction on 14:41 is similar to mr. Bean's 😂

[@21stcenturyozman20]

Fraser: Many moons ago I saw on your desk what appeared to be a Native Instruments Komplete keyboard. Do you still have that, and would you do a video on it like you just did on this Korg? That would be cool.

[@amangogna68]

Thank for your review !

[@mauriciolacruz]

Is the key action of this Korg comparable, heavier or lighter than Yamaha digital pianos?

[@BigPinkJohn]

I absolutely love the sound of a proper Fender Rhodes. Have you ever owned one?

[@southpark4151]

The sounds from the SP-280 are good! Those other sounds ---- it's all subjective and circumstantial. It all comes down to what sort of music one is going to making. In the hands of some people that know what they're doing ---- all those sounds can come in useful for making music.

[@katerynasmyrnova4373]

you are awesome!)Thank you!

[@Cloxxki]

The stereo effects are a bit wild.

[@davidredmayne7269]

Love Korg tackle!!! Always have done...and yours certainly sounds nice!...mind you, your fab playing has much to do with that :)

[@nightwishlover8913]

EP1 var 3 is EXTREME Stereo...quite frightening at first!

[@KatePhiz]

I almost didn't watch. What a mistake that would have been. Definitely a fun video.

[@Notapotatoe]

You're showing your prejudices there Fraser! Cheese is bread and butter to some people

[@Lianpe98]

😂

[@davidredmayne7269]

Harpsichord does have a fairly decent 'release' sound.

[@niceride777]

Nice video, but how does it feel when you play it? How is the action compared to a real piano? Is there a sympathetic resonance simulation?

[@Freewheal]

I doubt it at that price ...

[@nonactiveemail8141]

Great video, thank you👍

[@jezm1703]

Oh what a 'larf and a harf' Fraser ! Really enjoyed that. Move over Jools Holland - so you can sit beside him ! - and do a Boogie Woogie duet !!!!!

[@Mikemixolydian]

Found your review here helpful.

[@rickbullock4331]

I kinda liked quite a few of the keyboard sounds you were cringing at. The Wurlitzer sound as you mentioned, really played back and forth between the left and right side of my headphones. I think that sound would’ve been great in the 60’s during the psychedelic period and LSD. I’m not speaking from experience though.😮🙄😁🇨🇦

[@FraserGartshore]

I’m quite sure I too have no idea what you’re talking about 😇

[@rickbullock4331]

@@FraserGartshore , I actually don’t either. I can honestly say I’ve never done anything that wasn’t prescribed by a Doctor. I did have Beatle records and listened to Sgt Peppers and there was reference to Lucy in the sky with diamonds and A Day In The Life. The music was fantastic to my ears. I’ve said it before, I really wish my Dad could have been around just to hear you play, he would have loved it. That must be where I get my love for music and specifically pipe organ music but definitely not limited to that.

[@tamis5926]

piano 2 v 3 is modeling a yamaha cp70, essentially a piano with pickups from the 70's

[@juanedwards691]

hi, I have the SP 250, a touch very much like a real piano. How is the touch of the SP 280? the hammers? Is it equal to 250? Thanks

[@throblet]

Much better lighting 😁

[@FraserGartshore]

The sun was shining!

[@justjoe7313]

Major discrepancy in level of spoken audio and PIANO MUSIC... don't ask me how I FOUND OUT WHILE HAVING MY HANDS FULL OF BREAD DOUGH and hunting for the volume knob :D Love the channel, looooove the piano and organ music and loooov the way Fraser presents it! :)

[@FraserGartshore]

Baking and Gartshoring at the same time? Dangerous!😂

[@johntaliaferrothompson6052]

The harpsichord, organ, strings, guitar and choir timbre of the Korg SP-280 is awful than my Yamaha STAGEA Electone ELB-02.

[@AndrewMundellAndrewJMundell]

Jools Holland better watch out. I'm not expert on a lot of what you talked about but I enjoyed it all the same. I hope you're both well? P.S Technology really has moved on a lot for sure. P.P.S I hoped the Professor you talked about recovered from your antics ! Oh and remember you're a real musician but paying about with this sort of stuff is fun. It's no bad thank thing to be a bit more light hearted at times which you do really welll

[@grahamtwist]

One things is for certain, Fraser: you can make any keyboard instrument sound fabulous. I think the Korg SP-280 is a pretty impressive instrument (when you are demonstrating, it can't fail but to shine!) So here is a challenge! Could you play anything on the 'Otamatone'? (kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqHCd4tmbppkoNE)

[@rahang4126]

I intend to buy it. What's the price for the piano with your ten fingers ?

[@robt2151]

To me, this instrument in 'piano' mode sounds more like an acoustic piano than many others, especially under the fingers of a maestro. I wonder if the 'cheesier' voices might lend themselves better to a different style of music, such as 'The Lonely Shepherdess', the theme from 'The Godmother' or even 'The Foul-tempered Klavalier'. I'm sure that with your gift for improvisation you could turn the cheese back into cream.

[@aBachwardsfellow]

nice to see you noodling around "under the hood" so to speak. I was pretty sure the "organ" sounds would be fully as cringe-worthy as they were - still I would have liked to hear a snippet of demo d08 (Bach d-minor T & F - supposedly). I have a Yamaha P 125 which has a fairly decent harpsichord on it - equally good for WTC and boogie-woogie as you said!

[@davidtoth2622]

nice fraser but i didnt like that you used god name in vain but nice video

[@ricksell2877]

“AWFUL” “EVEN WORSE” “QUITE SIMPLY TERRIBLE “ LMAO !!!!! I can watch you demo gear all day.

[@kimeecleaton]

Came for a review, left with a subscription to the channel. Thanks!

[@FraserGartshore]

Thank you!

[@kimeecleaton]

@@FraserGartshore No worries! I'm back with a question - how is the key action and build quality? All the reviews vary... Light/heavy? Satisfying/leaves something to be desired? Has it lasted well? I'm looking for a keyboard for one of my choirs and this would definitely do the job, but I'm hoping for something that will feel good to play for a long time. Cheers!

[@Cloxxki]

Not a word about the keys? Did I miss it?

[@HJDV]

Voice is still too soft I'm constantly adjusting the volume when switching between piano and voice.

[@avpmobi]

No problem here.

[@aBachwardsfellow]

check your settings on your computer (or whatever device)for left and right balance and volume settings - the voice mic is on one side and the keyboard is on the other side.

[@HJDV]

@@aBachwardsfellow settings are all on point. No problems with other videos. When the volume of the voice and the piano is the same there is no problem at all....

[@aBachwardsfellow]

@@HJDV hmm - I'm not noticing anything except that sometimes when he turns to face the camera and speaks his mouth is turned away from the lapel mic and it's harder to hear (i.e. lower input level) - does that correspond to what you're hearing?

[@farfartom]

Started off inquisitive and ended foot-tapping yeah

[@fooser77]

The difference between you and Jordan Rudess is that Jordan would probably be completely lost on 100+ rank pipe organ ..

[@TheMuteSwan]

I knew you would cringe at the organ sounds!! Nothing electronic matches the sound of an 'acoustic' pipe organ or a Hammond B3. As a beginner learning to play the piano, I made the choice not to go for one with lots of bells and whistles that I would never use. Mine has 10 sounds (I think) and I have only used the default piano one so far, and the metronome on it. Maybe when I've been playing for a few years, I might experiment more!

[@maryse9661]

Est-ce que les touches sont bruyantes sans le volume? c'est-à-dire, lorsque j'utilise des headphones, est-ce que les personnes qui sont dans la même pièce que moi peuvent être dérangées pas le son mécanique des touches qui s'enfoncent. J'ai 2 pianos électriques Yamaha, et leur claviers sont bruyants.

[@FraserGartshore]

I suppose it depends how hard you play! I find the keys fairly quiet, but if you were playing “hard” music, you’d definitely hear the mechanical noise of the keys.

[@maryse9661]

@@FraserGartshore merci beaucoup pour votre réponse. J'apprécie.

[@MenelionFR]

One - Awful. Two - Even worse. Three - quite simply terrible 😂😂 Synth sellers should hire you to do official reviews for them, Fraser! Because no one will pay attention to the sounds, everybody will just wait for Fraser's boogies! 😁

[@87890-]

hahhhhhhahhah What a great review

[@laure8955]

Awful hhahahahah