Which Digital Piano Action Packs the Most Value?

[@Gk2003m]

I tried the Kawai action a few months ago. That was a mistake, because nothing else comes close. So where I was seeking to upgrade from my old Casio, I now instead feel obliged to find (save) $4K to do that. Which means instead of it occurring this year, perhaps some time in late 2025.

[@JonFairhurst]

I agree that Kawai makes the best actions available. For me, the perfect solution has been the Kawai VPC-1, which is nothing but keys and pedals. It doesn’t even have sounds! Plug this into a computer with Pianoteq or Keyscape plugins and Gig Performer as the host, and the feel and sound is as good as you can get, shy of owning a real piano. The advantage is that this setup is somewhat portable for performing publicly or in a band. Of course, you need a good stand, an audio interface, and powered monitors to complete the system. It all depends on if you want portability and flexibility or a fixed piece of furniture. I have a synth keyboard controller on top for organ and other sounds. Is it ever horrible for piano playing! It really makes me appreciate the Kawai action. If someone were to take my VPC1, I’d buy another immediately. It’s perfect for my needs.

[@tedbarsalou833]

I'm gonna get one and make a video, you've inspired!!

[@JonFairhurst]

⁠I don’t know if you’re familiar with Gig Performer, but it’s very powerful. It includes VST hosting, set lists, PDF display, MIDI handling, MIDI and audio playback, metronome, and on and on. For a typical piano player, one could have a setlist, have it bring up score PDFs (or sync with Mobile Sheet, ForScore…), play the metronome or a backing track, and select the desired piano sound for the song. Maybe you go with a Steinway for classical, a Yamaha for jazz, and a tack piano for ragtime. It even supports scripting so it’s fully customizable. It’s built for live performance, unlike a DAW. For synth sounds Cherry Audio provides a free, lite version of Gig Performer with one of their products. I’m just a very happy customer. No financial ties to them.

[@halloola3636]

I own a MP10 and given their price as used stage pianos I´d never have the idea of buying the VPC-1, which isn´t even lighter...

[@JonFairhurst]

@ ​​⁠MP10, MP11… All good choices. I got my VPC1 used for a nice price. And yeah, all heavy. I have a 61-key synth controller on top of my VPC1. The (nearly) flat top is better for me.

[@EP-77o]

@@halloola3636 The VPC1 is $1000 less than a new MP11SE in the US. I’d wait till we see a VPC2 or an MP12 personally. But that could be years. And I already have an FP90X. Next order of business is an acoustic grand.