Studiologic SL88 Grand Review (Compare with Korg Grandstage) - PIANIST REVIEW

[@ronrages5785]

Thanks for the great comparison and for some awesome excellent playing abilities.

[@halvardlundnorway]

Thank you - this was very beautiful and valuable. Greetings from Norway

[@Javid_74]

What a wonderful comparison! Long shots, not a lot of cuts, no sound or interruptions in-between the two comparisons. It allows for a very easy to compare immersive experience. If only I could feel the weight difference for myself! But you've done everything you can to communicate the differences through a video.

[@Pianology123]

thank you, thats also all i want to do, i will be comparing all the midi keyboards under $400 next video

[@kaisfp]

Actually I was interested hear your pianist opinion about the touch of the key, how does it feel when you are playing it, how the keybeds feel, how noisy or noiseless(?) are the keys compared to your old keyboard, etc. So how is it? How doea it compare in your experience to your old keyboard? All I can hear from this video is that the Studiologic is more dynamic, at least in this video it looks like that at the current settings, because you were able to play considerably quiter and considerably louder notes with the Studiologic compared to your old keyboard. What else impression do you have that we can't hear from this video? (because we cannot touch it, so you have to tell us your own experience that's happening under your hands and then we have the chance to try imagining it at least to some extent) I'm interested in your replies to my questions, thank you so much, and have a nice weekend.

[@Javid_74]

@@kaisfp I have played the SL88 grand now, and I have to say I'm not impressed. The key travel distance is like half what you would expect in an actual piano, it's so confusing. If it had a proper key travel length I imagine the action would be alright, but it's essentially unusable for any complex pianistic playing because that travel distance is so small.

[@GeodesicBruh]

Hi, I was wondering, how do you feel about their actions? How do they compare to each other?

[@riversilvers]

Thanks for the great comparison and review! 👏

[@dhoch]

In your hands and with your fingers they both sound wonderful! Thanks for sharing. But you end the show by sharing your thoughts and perceptions.

[@musicman102357]

I have had my SL 88 Grand for 9 months , just recently I had an issue with one of the keys, after its pressed it won’t come back all the way . Will be bringing it in for service. As for the action - moderately heavy but not squishy , mirrors a real piano. I purchased this because I play Classical Piano and wanted something close to the real thing and was not going to spend twice as much on the Kawai vpc1 which is the best you can get for real Piano action. The only real complaint about the SL 88 is the velocity curves , fast repeated notes on one key are difficult to play with the stock curve, you can adjust the curve in the software so this can be done however, it will also take away the dynamics and playing softly will produce louder then it should be. A perfect example of this is Billy Joels Angry Young Man where he does that repeat on the C key. Other then that I am very happy with the controller , if you play Classical or just want a great weighted action this is a great choice. FYI because you can’t try any of these out as no music store carries them ( unless you can find a used one) I did a lot of research on this before I finally purchased this. Many other controllers have more bells and whistles for Daw work but lack on the key bed when compared to the Sl 88 Grand.

[@Pianology123]

I agree, i also owned SL88 Grand for nearly 9 months now, finger cross haha. Say how do you compare Sl88 Grand keybed and touch to the Kawai VPC1, havent tried that so would like to know.

[@musicman102357]

@@Pianology123 I have yet to play the Kawai , comparison was only done based on what I have read . For guys like us who Play Classical I would say that there is little doubt that it is as close as you can get to a real piano. However nothing is as nice the 1916 Steinway Model B that sits in the living room off my parents house :-) . Unfortunately its needs so much work because its been siting there for 30 years without being tuned.

[@TP16862]

I also have my SL 88 Grand for 8 months, and some keys are won't come back as you said. Did you solve the problem?

[@musicman102357]

@@TP16862 The reason my key would not come back was becuase something got stuck inbetween the keys . I had another major issue after I posted this where one of the keys would not sound , becuase it was under warrenty I had all the contact strips replaced . Reason I had them all replaced was because there were many similar problems reported by other people who owned the Sl88 Grand. This decision was made by Studio Logic. No problems since they were replaced.

[@thomaspaul311]

Nice video. Excellent choice, Tan. I plan to purchase a SL88 Grand when I feel I can put it to good use. So, another year or two. My research tells me that you will need to experiment with the velocity profiles to get something you will find satisfactory. Liked.

[@Pianology123]

yes ofcourse, this video i just review it default right out of the box, the controller app will give me more flexibility even further.

[@KandMe1]

Congrats on the keyboard, it’s 2 years after you posted. SL73 Studio to me here in Australia. They seem really good going by reviews like yours, probably the studio versions are not as good as the Grand but I am expecting a very playable keybed. Been using a Roland FP10, it’s ok and realistic enough but not altogether happy with it and although it has midi via usb connection I greatly believe the studio logic setup will work much better with my iPAD Pro. I don’t know yet but it seems to be that studio logic keyboards are the better choice.

[@angelbecker]

Hi!, how do you like the action compared to de Roland FP10? I own an FP10 and I’m looking forward to get an SL88 Studio. I would appreciate any info thanx!

[@KandMe1]

@@angelbecker It arrived yesterday, the action is better. I like it much better but probably there is not much difference. For some reason the Farah keybed makes me want to play with more depth and feeling. The FP10 I tend to want to hammer the keys. It is heavier to lift than it looks but am thinking that is because of the weighted keys, which feel really good to play. I haven’t figured out the digital read out onboard on the keyboard screen. It’s all very new to me and no instruction manual with it.

[@TamirOrkobysPiano]

So which is heavier? Conclusions?

[@snowandcoal]

Well done demo. Subbed :)

[@CBass75]

Beautiful playing. I was kinda hoping to get you opinion of the SL 88 Grande

[@Pianology123]

Sure, what do you want to know?

[@CBass75]

@@Pianology123 just your opinion of the action. How did it compare to a higher level instrument? Did you find the action heavy? Light? It’s an older board, is it still relevant today in comparison to other offerings in this price range?

[@Pianology123]

@@CBass75 I have played most if not all 88 keys heavy weighted midi keyboard, the SL88 Grand is top notch still. Ofcourse, there is a whole range of stag piano with great touch as well but considering the price that usually double the SL88 Grand, I says it has the best price/performance. You see i use Grandstage which is also Korg flagship stage piano around 3 years ago, and even that its on the same par with SL88 Grand the key action wise.

[@CBass75]

@@Pianology123 thank you for your reply. I really appreciate you taking the time in giving me your opinion. 🙏🏼

[@amanshrestha2147]

@@Pianology123 korg d1 uses the same keybed from what I have heard

[@explrr22]

Thanks for the comparison. Love your playing! One bit of confusion arises from your comments on Korg's D1 keybed. I think you commented that it's not the same as in their higher priced models. I recently was investigating the serviceability of various keyboard models, and it seems the Korg part numbers for the components of all these Korg "RH3" models are the same... and from videos of tear downs they sure appear the same. I'm wondering if it's just the mounting, build QC standards, or something like wear and lube that's responsible for your noticed difference. I suppose it might just be that a unit that's a keybed that's a little off, would get pulled rather than installed in more premium models. Design and parts seem the same and it's a rather klunky design compared with much from competition. It appears nothing has been redesigned for either good or bad. They seem quite adaptable to cleaning and repairs, but also somewhat of a pain to work on (repair wise).

[@Pianology123]

Well, here is the thing, i tried many Korg D1, because many of my piano students bought it. I am also friend with the owner of Korg distributor here in Vietnam so i have been to their showroom countless time to play their digital pianos. Pretty sure its consistent across the board that D1 touch/feel is inferior than Grandstage. Keyboard is about feel, dont just look on specs and sheet of papers alone. Strategy wise, why would you put the same feel/touch from you flagship stage piano to your $500 range digital piano, it makes no sense.

[@explrr22]

@@Pianology123 Thanks for replying. Unlike you, I unfortunately do not have a Korg dealer with a showroom nearb. I also have a limited budget to spend on what I'd almost exclusively use as a MIDI controller. I like the feel I've encountered on Korg's higher models which Korg claims share the same RH3. However, I am always suspicious of such claims as I know manufacturers play marketing games. OTOH: Why wouldn't you design something cheaper to build, ship, repair and build it in a cheaper manufacturing country than Japan. (The D1's showing up here have the same keyboard sticker as the upper models). You could always do something like Roland and designate one with a "4" and another a "IV", rather than explicitly advertising it's identical. The only explanation I could see, is Korg doesn't have same scale to devote to changes and alternatives as Yamaha, Roland, Kawai, and Fatar and is reusing a old design. For that matter Yamaha and Roland use same middle quality keybeds across models varying 2 or 3 price multiples. It's only on top of line products you find rapid variations. Fatar has benefit of mostly building and shipping keybeds to other brands... It's a mystery I'd like to solve as, I also really like the Studiologic SL Grand you showed. But it's considerably more costly, less available here, and it has a record here of poor QC, easily encurring damage, and service work often taking long and being expensive. As you experienced, people seem to really appreciate the SL Grand playing experience. (All this matches stereotypes or reputation here regarding Italian manufacturered products.) One other speculation, maybe Korg has done some silent market segmentation, and ships to your local market, D1's with the same RH3 design, but manufactured separately in facility with notable poorer manufacturing quality. I just hate the idea of having something as big and heavy as these keyboards shipped to me, just so I can try them and then try to ship them back safely. Which is why I was trying to get hints from people like yourself. Thanks again!! 👍😉

[@bastiaanw3519]

Came here for the review, stayed for the music.

[@simbaking6338]

I like them both!

[@mollykeyzz8330]

does anyone knows how to factory set slgrand power went off on my laptop during an upgrade of frimware and everything not turning up anymore

[@jordanrazowskymusician8178]

Thanks for the vid

[@calikokat100]

i would say as far as action goes....TP/40WOOD Graded Hammer Action with Ivory Touch, makes studiologic the winner in this case...but thats subjective...which is why people should go to a store to purchase if possible ...and not order online...

[@bahrambahrami3999]

Perfect velosity sl88 grand

[@johnnylong2023]

nice ! but in terms of keybed wich its the best?

[@rickn4198]

Hi, don't you think the SL88 Grand is too noisy? I mean to the keys action.

[@menarj]

Hi… I have one and no, I don’t think it’s noisy. I mean, it’s not that is completely silent, but it is pretty well made. You don’t hear that “click-clack” sound.

[@rickn4198]

@@menarj Thank you, you're very kind.

[@ravivpavel4250]

Would you still recommend this keyboard today? I think it's 7years old. If money is no an issue would you recomment Nord 4, or SL88 Grand + VSTs? Thanks!

[@Pianology123]

if money is no issue i'd def go with Nord Piano 5 or Nord Grand, very similiar keybed and touch. SL88 Grand is for people wanting similiar key action to Nord but without internal sound, as in studio we use VSTi

[@JCox964]

Great presentation 👍🏽👍🏽

[@escapeentropy]

I just received mine and noticed something that bothers me: there are 40% of the keys do not reach the maximum velocity. Can you tell me please if this happens to you too?

[@keisaboru1155]

either wrong settings or you are too weak ? happens sometimes .

[@escapeentropy]

@@keisaboru1155 I like your sense of humor

[@specialdaidai]

I have a question. I directly connect my sl88 and PC with a USB cable. There's the sound, but the joysticks didn't work. How could I solve it? My DAW is studio one 5.

[@Pianology123]

which joystick, it has 3 joysticks

[@specialdaidai]

@@Pianology123 I have tried to setup a new keyboard in studio one 5, and there's the sound (both input and output by "SL grand" that works). In that situation, all three joysticks are not effective. Then, I removed the keyboard setup and added a new control both input and output by "SL grand." I saw the parameters changed when using joysticks, yet it became soundless. BTW, I have installed the latest SL editor, and set the functions for all three joysticks. I don't know whether it is necessary to connect a interface to activate joysticks?

[@boldstandard]

@@specialdaidai Depending on what operating system you are using, there is software available that will analyze the midi coming into the computer. This can be helpful for troubleshooting. On my MacBook I use an app called Pocket MIDI, but there are lots of others. With that, you can see what Continuous Controller messages, if any, are being sent by the keyboard, on which channels etc. Then it would be a matter of routing it in your DAW. (I don’t use Studio One, so not sure the process of mapping midi CC’s to instruments in that, but documentation or tutorials should presumably be available online somewhere).

[@stephane406]

What are the differencies between the SL88 Grand and the SL88 stodio ?

[@Pianology123]

Mainly the touch, Grand is heavier, more responsive to staccato and nice to play

[@stephane406]

@@Pianology123 thank you !

[@vishnualcyone9170]

Can I use plugins like Spitfire audio to make it sound like an Orchestra or is it just a Grand piano sound?

[@Pianology123]

its a midi keyboard, doesnt have any sound on its own, the sounds are entirely up to your libraries in your computer, so yes you can use it with any sound

[@shanecameron6182]

Hi nice video. Can the Studiologic SL88 be used as standalone or does it have to be connected to computer to make sound?

[@Pianology123]

has to be used with VSTi so its need to be connected

[@shanecameron6182]

@@Pianology123 Thanks

[@calebdany5085]

I'm planning to buy SL 88 grand, also I have Korg Nautilus 88 in my mind. I just want to know which key bed is closer to an acoustic piano. I have already used the RH3 key bed of Korg, it has heavier plastic key. I found the SL 88 grand with wooden keys with ivory tops so I have planned to go for it. please suggest which key bed is closer to an acoustic piano.

[@Pianology123]

Korg Grandstage is also RH3, each has different feel tbh. But both excellent, you can't go wrong with either. SL88 Grand is highly recommended.

[@federicovalmassoni3827]

Which is the sound generator on SL88 Grand?

[@Pianology123]

there is no sound generator on SL88 Grand, it is simply a midi keyboard

[@federicovalmassoni3827]

@@Pianology123 Thanks for your reply 🙂. I know but I am referring to the external generator you used, which software/rack modul/expander. Which one?

[@Pianology123]

@@federicovalmassoni3827 i put it in the video, it is Noire, one of the best piano library currently.

[@federicovalmassoni3827]

@@Pianology123 Ok thanks, I missed it. 🙂

[@gemmygem]

How to connect sl88 piano to cubase?

[@boldstandard]

Have you tested the aftertouch functions on these? If so, how would you compare their responsiveness?

[@Pianology123]

i dont use aftertouch function so don't really care about it to be honest

[@johnnylong2023]

@@Pianology123 nice ! but in terms of keybed wich its the best?

[@MrRichie680]

SL88 it's only good for studio or also good for performance on stage or gigs?

[@Pianology123]

more of studio, gig wise can be used but as it doesnt have any sound, it mostly depend on your computer for the sounds, so wont be as flexible as a stage piano or workstation

[@kaisfp]

I am not a worship pianist or anything, but when I was searching Sl88 Studio specifically, there were se worhip piano gig setup videos showing up with the SL88 Studio, they even have follow up video like SL88 Studio 1 year later is it still worth the money? or something like that type of a title I can't remember exactly, and those worship piano gig guys probably want to use high quality sounds so they are going for a great "budget"(?) MIDI controller with no sounds and use it with quality sound VSTi in some church gigs or something. I think the channel name is Sunday something, or Sundays something, or something Sundays I cant remember sorry, but I hope this helps, yoi can trt to search on KZbin for worship piano setup studiologic and then Im sure those videos (follow up video too) will pop up somewhere on the top of the search video list. Good luck!

[@lordofakyab6054]

Is the SL88 Grand durable? I also want to buy one of these, but I have read some reviews about build quality.

[@Pianology123]

all metal build, the keys ofcourse are fatar top notch, so as far as i can see the build is great, and i'm not gigging so in my studio it sure will last for a long time.

[@PaulieDC]

They used to have problems. I truly believe that during Covid shutdowns they revisited and fixed things, because a few of us ordered them in July 2020 and had to wait for them to get built and shipped to the dealer, and two years later none of us are having problems. In fact, one complaint was how the LCD would grow dim. HA, that one is fixed, I wish it WOULD tone down a little!

[@aviromuziek]

Hi I have the old SL-880 (tp40gh) for more than 20 years now and its still going great a heavy robust beast and plays like a real piano... Yes it take some time to set the velocity curve fit your touch ..Afterthouch is triggert a bit to easy , the only thing i wish on this older model that it has usb-midi and a little bit more buttons for quick acces at the settings or at last a user memory bank ... A verry durable keyboard and easy service and clean 4 screws and its opens like a suitcase

[@cushie]

which keys of the two are heavier?

[@Pianology123]

SL88 Grand

[@joejohnson2814]

You should say what you would feel better at the of the video

[@galladebutcooler8645]

But which one has the best feel? Which one feels more like a real piano?

[@keisaboru1155]

they all are good . this one is good on its own [Studiologic SL88 Grand] they produce high quality . but they are not real pianos . so its just that you are limited by your pc or midi player .

[@darakhanstudio]

i love you

[@jocblues]

Love u too

[@zip7806]

This Video is Useless if You Didnt Share with us your Feeling about how much you like it or not.

[@Pianology123]

if i don't like it why do i bought it for and do the review? Also the feeling is subjective, more important is the demonstration, sound, touch and comparison, where the viewers will have a more unbiased idea of the keyboard. If you think its useless because you feel i didnt put out enough feeling to persuade you to buy (and in fact, under no obligation do i need to do that in my video), that is your subjective view and you can move on. Otherwise read other people comments and see if the video is useless or not. Tks

[@westwalnutrecords]

He's got a point. You could talk about the action and compare etc. That's my recommendation. With controllers it's always nice to talk about the features etc.... But most important is the action. So it wouldn't kill you to discuss that... Also it's really hard to get an idea of your playing etc since you're triggering via midi.....