Yamaha P515 vs Roland FP90 vs Kawai ES8 Direct Piano Sound Comparison

[@JS45678]

After listening very carefully and with incredible attention to detail, I have concluded that all 3 instruments sound like pianos. 👊😎🎹

[@RabbitConfirmed]

im not so sure yet, but you might be correct!👊😎

[@JS45678]

@@RabbitConfirmed Thank You dear friend! 👊🤠

[@constiffpiano2684]

The Yamaha has the most romantic sustain and most beautiful sound. It's like a piano with soft hammers but medium-bright sound. I really wanted to like the Kawai cuz everyone adores the Kawai sounds but Yamaha is my favorite!!

[@gusbakker]

3:45 Yamaha P515 4:45 Kawai ES8 5:48 Roland FP90

[@nezkeys79]

I think kawai marginally won this but imo cp88 is the best piano right now or even cp4

[@nezkeys79]

Also korg grandstage deserves to be tested

[@ferdearmas8732]

Hi, please friend, give more details about your experience with the key actions: NWX, RHIII and PHA-50. Thanks!...

[@juliopenaloza5655]

Thanks for this useful comment. I used your time stamps to jump back and forth between the 3 DPs to quickly compare short sections of notes using AudioTechnica headphones to carefully listen to the note quality. Below are my thoughts: I came in to this video after getting hyped on other videos explaining the technical achievement of the sound modeling in the FP90 and the great sound sampling of the p515. Unfortunately we didnt get to hear the sound of the Bosendorfer from the Yamaha so I cant comment on that. From my careful listening and to my surprise, the FP90 sounded the most synthetic and least expressive in the middle/upper range compared to the other 2. This is definitely due to them synthetically modeling the sound rather than sampling it from a real piano. Modeling is great, but they need to improve their real-time modeling algorithms to better catch the nuances in those middle to upper ranges. The Kawai is definitely is the most expressive in the middle range compared to the other two. It has a proper mix of the upper and lower tones you should be getting from the middle range. In the FP90, the middle range is too high and tinny. In the yamaha, it focuses a bit much in the low range and doesnt capture the high frequencies of the middle range in the same way the Kawai does. (This could just be the stylistic differences between the yamaha and kawai concert grands themselves). Yamaha pianos have always been coined as being "bright", so perhaps they purposely detuned a bit to try and mimic a "rich" sound like steinway, but it actually comes across as losing richness in that middle range instead. On a side note, the Roland has many ways to adjust their piano sounds due to the modeling engine so perhaps it's possible to get a richer, less synthetic sound if you play with it a bit, but based on the default piano sound alone, it lags behind the other two. Overall, based on careful listening with Audiotechnica headphones, the Kawai sounded the best in the middle range. All 3 sounded good in the low range. Yamaha and Kawai both sound good in the high range.

[@agaveboy]

nezkeys79 kawai sounds ugly lmao

[@Scharzkaempfer]

Man this video was so helpful and professional. Keep up the good work! You also have a nice taste in music :D

[@bobemchugh]

I have a Yamaha 515 and love it. Great piano sounds and action. I have other Yamaha pianos and they hold up really well.

[@darrylkirky]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmaVZ2Bsjb6smKs. Composition p 515 and kawai es 8 combinec

[@635atom]

I didn't want to go into this video thinking this way, but the es8 simply isn't measuring up to my expectations. It fills the room, but in a slightly artificial way. The sound just feels... stuffy, almost. The p515 is the clear winner in sound, for me at least.

[@swpderf]

They are all three good products. Hard to say who is better. Listening to the last part, I have a slight preference for the Roland. I myself have a kawai Mp7

[@namakudamono]

Excellent video as always Tony!

[@playmovingpictures]

Nice playing and demo. If I lived in uk I would pop into see you. Thanks from Australia 😎 very well done.

[@kram21]

They all sound good- I could be happy with either one or even all of them

[@rabbitBuBu]

Sometimes I wonder if it is not very useful to hear the sound differences online because the recording microphone, music player, earphone may affect then outcome of the sound from the different instrument ?. However this is already the best information that I can get while sitting at home. Thank you for your sharing and information! I’m struggling which to buy and your video is good for making reference

[@joeritchie8653]

I would take any of these instruments over the dgx 202 that I have to practice on. Also, for me the key action is really important because I would eventually use them to play virtual piano software.

[@sandscribbler]

I don't know how many of your videos I've watched over the past several weeks, but they have all been very helpful. Thank you, Tony! If I lived in the UK instead of the US, visiting Bonners would be at the top of my to-do list.

[@bonnersmusic]

Thank you Paul!

[@musicmixups66]

All keyboards sounding awesome. Thanks...

[@jetmatas]

I just discovered this channel. Great job! Which of the three feels and plays closest to an acoustic piano?

[@scabbycatcat4202]

Thanks for an excellent comparison where you have brought out the dynamics of each instrument.On many Yamaha pianos ( don't know about the 515 ) the b and c one octave above middle c sound very weak and are inconsistent with the rest of the piano. They could almost be from a different piano. This certainly applies to all of the less expensive pianos , yet interestingly NOT their much older models. I wonder if you would care to comment ??

[@patatje1434]

i have an fp90 at home, beautiful machine, feels really nice

[@user-JM1967]

Excellent comparison! Very good!

[@jennychen5119]

You are kinda awesome. Your videos are so helpful! Thank you for making them. I still cannot decide which one I should buy. There are just so much choice out there. I am also a musician and I am looking for a digital piano that has the most similar action to a Grand piano. But some of the pitch really bugs me in the digital piano. This is really hard. But thank you for the video,

[@UngerTime]

I absolutely love all your videos, man. Been watching them all night. Such great information, love the quality of them as well. What a pleasure!

[@user-vx2dt3dx7c]

Actually I'm a big fan of YAMAHA though, I think I'll go with KAWAI in this time. But three of them are really nice.

[@sbharathimohan007]

This is the best way to compare the instruments..! Excellent Job..👍

[@jx7500]

The all sound convincing in your video. But when I tried the P515 with headphones I did prefer their 2nd sound, the Bösendorfer.

[@judsonmusick3177]

That opening bass chord was very loud on the Yamaha P515. Was that because the Yamaha had a very powerful bass, or was it because Tony hit the bass keys harder than he did on the Kawai and Roland?

[@TheKeyboardSam]

Bought a FP90 a few weeks ago, still no regrets on the decision, it’s beautiful

[@Thairpiano]

I would like to ask you about the sound volume with and without headphones ?? I have the roland fp-30 which sounds nice but the volume is really kow in any headphone I try.. Also the speakers, they are good enough for me but would not fill a large room !

[@TheKeyboardSam]

Thair Piano well in my opinion the internal speakers are great and can compete with the ones from Kawai or the Yamaha Calvinova. Also i‘d actually prefer using a PA for larger rooms, but I actually haven’t tried using it in a bigger audience so far... Headphones sound output is quite ok for me, around the same as the one in the Yamaha silent Piano series

[@fedeclases1451]

hi there guys! can you please tell me which of those have the heaviest action? thanks!

[@32NinerBravo]

I love the sound of all and feel you could not go wrong with either. I have only played the Kawaii ES8 and it feels and sounds phenomenal in person. Kudos to Tony at Bonner’s for always bringing us the best reviews. Thanks for this great comparison.

[@bonnersmusic]

Many thanks Don!

[@Darkosa1234]

Can you please tell how good are build-in speakers in ES8?

[@sarichable]

Hi, thanks for the useful video. What would make the sound-comparison even better would be to include the sound of a mid-market real acoustic piano.

[@exerciserelax8719]

Yes, all reviews should include this! To be able to hear the reviewer's style and touch on an acoustic instrument compared to a digital one.

[@ThePianoMan1953]

It would be interesting to have a few people wearing blindfolds listening to the three electronic pianos plus (as you mentioned) a quality acoustic grand in the mix for an in the room comparison.

[@peterdavis2305]

Excellent video, thank you. May I ask the make of the double stack keyboard stand?

[@timdb85]

No, you may not!

[@KIRRRRU19]

Kawai ES8 is the best by far. Incredible.

[@sobhan704]

Sheet music for the same version of "When she loved me" played please? 🙏 I loved this exact version of yours, I could not find it elsewhere. Thank you very much!

[@skyengeh]

The Kawai sounds rich and full flavoured, I need to check more as the Yamaha has good software etc for controlling and learning piano.

[@zwurltech9047]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@krugner]

Thank you for the opportunity to share your technical experience. Made my heart love music even more. Because you pass that in addition to being professional, you love music in your humility. Congratulations! I liked them all. But, I liked KAWAI more by looking more robust and strong. I just want to know which one has the greatest sensitivity and softness when playing. Hugs.

[@oktt3758]

Of course is the Yamaha

[@ferdearmas8732]

Hi Samuel, did you like key actions in this order of preference?, 1. Kawai, 2. Yamaha and 3. Roland... Thanks!...

[@douglesw]

Can anyone detail the pricing? Most to least expensive? I'm looking at the P515 in the states, from Kraft for $1499 but they will apply a $100 gift card to drop it to $1399. 36 month interest free financing. If the Roland and Kawai are significantly less I may have to try them, although I favor the P515 right now. Thanks

[@exerciserelax8719]

Very nice comparison. In terms of sounding like an acoustic piano, I think the Yamaha and Kawai were about equal, with the Yamaha perhaps having a slight lead.

[@earlwebb9032]

I wanted to like the Yamaha best because that’s what I was planning to buy but the Kawai had a great open string resonance thing going on there...

[@CarlyWaarly]

The Kawai, still outshines, noticeable on the high notes that have that nice ring to them the others do not have.

[@MsrAlaindeFerrier]

Geat vidéo Tony really great thanks

[@Joo22218]

Thank you for your sharing. Which one is the most suitable for preparing grade 8 exam, tks,?

[@brunoarrabal3720]

It is important to mention how did you recorded... LINE outs, mics, which Mic, interface model, etc.

[@RVDB-nz9gu]

You play so well!

[@claytonroot806]

I'm not a particular Yamaha fan but in this case, I found the new Yamaha P515's sound to be the most "realistic" in comparison to an acoustic piano. I could only wish that Casio would bring their fantastic GP500 sounds and action down to a stage piano at this price point for comparison. Searching Casio's website, I thought that perhaps their CGP700 might be it, but not even close as far as their piano sound goes and the other instruments were even worse. There may be hope for Casio going forward if they were ever to incorporate the innards of even the GP300 along with the AiX sound engine from their new fantastic CT-X5000 61 note keyboard into an 88 note stage piano.

[@ristomaattanen3156]

Very informative video, thanks.

[@charlespatrick8650]

Yamaha sounds most like a real piano to my ears, really wanted to like the Roland, but the P-515 is closer to what I'm looking for to start playing again

[@charlespatrick8650]

butter fingers gave it another listen on hq speakers, and the Yamaha still wins, Kawai is doing something different, and their digital piano probably sounds closest to an acoustic piano in some ways, but something's missing and just not right

[@wesleythompson451]

I get what you mean, dude. I love all 3 of these for sure, and there are really big positives for each. They all sound premium. But the yamaha has a sound, especially during sad music, that just sounds more like it's crying out the way you need it to. The other ones just sound both slightly muffled and like they're almost autotuned. Not that they're tuned better but that it sounds somewhat artificial in the way that the note hits you. Not quite as live.

[@JitinMisra]

I love the yamaha sound, it’s such a distinct sound, but beautiful. The action on the es8 is really nice though, I own p515 and have tried both !

[@eldevx5528]

Can you PLEASE explain, what keyboard-stand you are using for the Roland/Yamaha-Combination? I have never seen this before …

[@bonnersmusic]

Quiklok QL695

[@eldevx5528]

Thank you!@@bonnersmusic

[@karlburchill2704]

You're playing is exquisite 👌

[@welshsynthesizerlabs6552]

They all sound great. The Yamaha is warm, The Kawai has a very rich tone (sounds like church). The Roland is in between and probably would be my pick.

[@Cyb3rAssassine]

It does appear warm, yet it can get crisp too. The Bösendorfer which is also included is very warm indeed, but the CFX felt balanced last time I played. *Edit* Roland is currently rolling out a new Digital Piano series with new sounds, which may also be available in a portable version in about a year?

[@datly13]

as a new owner of Fp-90 (just arrived home yesterday), i have a few questions that i'd love to hear quick responses. My first impression of the sound is muffled, it lacks clarity and is even worse than my old cheap $500 digital piano, also there is a slight hiss out of the speaker (can you check if yours has one too? It should be noticeable if your surrounding is quiet, otherwise just put your ears close to the speaker); the key action is not of any different to my previous piano, i was expecting a significant difference between the two, but this can be ignored temporarily, my main concern is still the sound quality, it's just really dull and synthetic. As i blind bought it abroad after having read many raving reviews of it, placing the fp90 among the best digital piano at ~$2000, returning it to USA (i live in Asia) wouldn't be ideal. Thanks!

[@ronnyd011]

I have the same "problem" with my FP 90. I had an FP 30 before and the internal speakers sounded so much better than this of the FP 90. Other than that, I do love my FP 90. I just am disappointed in the internal speaker sound.

[@RabbitConfirmed]

hey, what's your thoughts 3 years later?

[@ferdearmas8732]

Hi Tony and Bonners, excellent video as always from you...!, please tell me which one is your favorite key action, rank them 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, and why!, please take in consideration fast passages and thrills, more responsive keybed, best expression or finger to sound connection and articulation for jazz and classical music in first place... Thanks!...

[@bonnersmusic]

Hi There! It is almost impossible to rank these pianos because they all have different things that make them excellent to different people. It would entirely depend on what an individual is used to playing in the first place, and of course personal taste as well as the technical specifications. The action on all of these pianos is excellent for a portable stage piano, but of course, the Roland and Yamaha have a wooden keyboard whereas the Kawai has a plastic key action. This makes the Kawai action slightly lighter than the others, which may or may not be preferable to you. You will also need to consider which ones you prefer the sound on. Yamaha Digital Pianos typically sound brighter than their Kawai and Roland counterparts, and this is accentuated with the smaller portable units. If you would like more information then please come and see us in our Reigate or Eastbourne showroom where you can try all three side by side.

[@gwp3608]

I'm going to suggest this, but haven't played them. I think the Roland resolves ppp, and the other two, just pp

[@gwp3608]

And I think it causes him to soften his touch

[@douglesw]

Just did my own search Dec 25, 2018. P515 is the least expensive so the search is over! Few more days before year-end to see if anyone has a VERY SPECIAL offer!!

[@galaxam]

Thanks for the comparison. I think all 3 pianos sound fantastic and would be happy with any of those sounds. I own a Kawai MP11 which I love for the action of the keys more than anything. They feel very realistic to me. I've owned a Yamaha digital piano but didn't like the action on the keys. They seemed too stiff . I will be buying an addtional digital piano for my house and it will be a Kawai. I know that sound and it's rich and beautiful. I can't imagine taking a chance on anything else.

[@juliopenaloza5655]

I used time stamps from a comment below to jump back and forth between the 3 DPs to quickly compare short sections of notes using AudioTechnica headphones to carefully listen to the note quality. Below are my thoughts: I came in to this video after getting hyped on other videos explaining the technical achievement of the sound modeling in the FP90 and the great sound sampling of the p515. Unfortunately we didnt get to hear the sound of the Bosendorfer from the Yamaha so I cant comment on that. From my careful listening and to my surprise, the FP90 sounded the most synthetic and least expressive in the middle/upper range compared to the other 2. This is definitely due to them synthetically modeling the sound rather than sampling it from a real piano. Modeling is great, but they need to improve their real-time modeling algorithms to better catch the nuances in those middle to upper ranges. The Kawai is definitely the most expressive in the middle range compared to the other two. It has a proper mix of the upper and lower tones you should be getting from the middle range. In the FP90, the middle range is too high and tinny. In the yamaha, it focuses a bit much in the low range and doesnt capture the high frequencies of the middle range in the same way the Kawai does. (This could just be the stylistic differences between the yamaha and kawai concert grands themselves). Yamaha pianos have always been coined as being "bright", so perhaps they purposely detuned a bit to try and mimic a "rich" sound like steinway, but it actually comes across as losing richness in that middle range instead. On a side note, the Roland has many ways to adjust their piano sounds due to the modeling engine so perhaps it's possible to get a richer, less synthetic sound if you play with it a bit, but based on the default piano sound alone, it lags behind the other two. Overall, based on careful listening with AudioTechnica headphones, the Kawai sounded the best in the middle range. All 3 sounded good in the low range. Yamaha and Kawai both sound good in the high range. I hope this helps and is informative to someone.

[@aserhas]

I wonder how biased we are when listening to the FP-90 knowing it's synthetic though. Also, not all acoustic pianos sounds the same either and I think it makes sense for Roland to have their own sound character.

[@juliopenaloza5655]

@@aserhas good point. Perhaps knowing its synthetic could be biasing my observation.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

I don't think Yamaha was trying in any way to sound like Steinway. I think they've incorporated some Bosendorfer characteristics into their pianos now and they've been voicing down the pianos for at least 15 years now. The CF combines "warm" and "bright" characteristics. I do find some Kawais and Euro pianos brighter than Yamahas newer grands (CX, SX and CF) from the mid-range up.

[@user-wf9wq9kq6u]

Many thanks for your lovely reviews Bonners Music. I would be pop in from time to time had I not lived so far away. Can I ask you, do you find the ES8 shortened keys pivot somewhat limiting / problematic when playing deep into the keys (think sharp octave chords)? I believe it's similar to the p515 but not as good as the fp90.

[@bonnersmusic]

Thank you Luca. I personally do not find it to be limiting. The Kawai actions tend to be very responsive across the range. I would say that the Roland FP90 has more travel and therefore does allow for lots of expression when playing. I would recommend making the trip to our Reigate or Eastbourne showrooms to try all three models side by side. This will help to ensure you purchase the right model for you. The action is only half the choice. The sound of these instruments varies greatly and I wouldn't recommend making a decision until you had compared them for yourself.

[@user-wf9wq9kq6u]

@@bonnersmusic Thanks for your fast reply. I actually just received the mp7se after comparing the fp90 es8 and p515. Personally I love the kawai sounds. To my surprise I'm getting more bothered than I thought I would about the keys feeling heavier near the back board (pivot point). You and other better musicians than myself perform well on it and praise its action, so I was wondering whether it came down to technique i.e. play closer to the edge of the keys as a general rule. Thanks again

[@ferdearmas8732]

Hi Luca, IMHO Kawai has the best key action in the DP market, even the older ES7/MP7 are unsurpassed today. Are you tried Kawai ES8, Roland FP90 and Yamaha P515, next to each other?, please tell us which one is your favorite key action, rank them 1st, 2nd and 3 place, and why!... Thks!...

[@user-wf9wq9kq6u]

@@ferdearmas8732 action p515 es8 fp90, sound es8 p515 fp90. p515 action is not better, but being wooden it gives me the illusion of being better than the es8. fp90 is probably better if you like slightly heavier, deeper action with more pleasant lighter action at the back of the keys due to the slightly longer pivots. i prefer the es8 though. please note the es8 mp7se mp11se action to sounds connectivity is way above anything else. and they sound great. the only thing I'm not happy about is the heavier feel of the keys at the back of my mp7se. I've been thinking of returning it for this reason amongst other things. but i might keep it

[@user-ph6dc4we4s]

好

[@kingpetra6886]

For your fourth location, please open a store on Rt 17 in Paramus, NJ.

[@joeritchie8653]

I prefer the P515 because I play more soft rock genre of music. The ES 8 was my second choice.

[@marcosquito]

I have an Yamaha entry level, p115, and was convinced to move to Roland (in the next big investment). But after this demo, I really think about Yamaha or Kawai.

[@ThePianoMan1953]

I own the earlier P-105 and am a big fan of that keyboard. I don't know whether it is because it sits in my entryway with tile floor and a 17' ceiling but it just sounds awesome! I really like the CFIIIS sample, however, I am not crazy about the plastic, noisy keys. For that reason (among others) when it becomes available again, I am strongly considering the P-515. I would just hope that I like the CFX sample as much as their CFIIIS sample. While thinking about it, you know that "thud" we hear from the key-bed when the key hits bottom? Of course, you only hear it when the volume is low (when the volume does not cover is) but I'm guessing that is present in all lightweight weighted keyboards. But, I wonder if the heavier P-515 is quieter because of its weight and design?

[@OO7FLiiP]

1) yamaha 2) es8 3) fp90, but they all sound well and almost identical. Can’t go wrong with any of the three you choose to buy. At this point, you’re really just looking for which one feels better and has more features or bang for your buck. If you’re buying for the most features, I’d say either fp90 or p515 because of the bluetooth connectivity.

[@jgmedium]

Kawai is a beast and won by far! The sound was spectacular and flavorful! Yamaha is ok but the sound just seems similar to prior models with just better speakers, meh... Roland just seems to be, well, the little engine that could. I’ve even tried all 3 in a music store and the key action of the Kawai is also superior and closest to a real grand piano.

[@agaveboy]

Jose Gonzalez do you know anything about how digital pianos are sampled?

[@jgmedium]

cOO0le Yup

[@agaveboy]

Jose Gonzalez I don’t think you do, to me it is obvious the P515 is much more rich and natural than the Kawai. The Kawai sounds lifeless.

[@jgmedium]

cOO0le You can think whatever you want if you a yamaha fan. I also played both kawai and yamaha grand pianos and kawai always sounds and feel much better. How u gonna tell me what sounds and feel better for me cOOLe. That was a poor opinionated argument u made. You buggin. Lmao.

[@Deemieboi]

Kawai Yamaha P515 Roland. Imma go with the Yamaha. Ive heard the Kawai has had electrical problems in the past. Any info?

[@jamespadgett2537]

Deemieboi I heard about in some of their pianos (only the models featuring the grand feel 2 key action) have dead spots which means some notes are louder than others or sometimes softer than others. I am looking into buying the Kawai CA48. I personally think kawai is hands down the best sounding piano company. Look at their piano models and check which one you like best. Stay away from grand feel 2 key action and try and go for their grand feel compact key action. It’s a wooden key but a little bit shorter and has no record of dead spots. Good luck finding the piano right for you!

[@knmyak]

Very nice demo. I think I go for the Yamaha.

[@Cyb3rAssassine]

I think overall it's a very good choice, however you should play and hear them for yourself.

[@knmyak]

@@Cyb3rAssassine I have played on Yamaha instruments for over 50 years now, and like that brand best.

[@klausrapoen1531]

In my opinion it sounds most naturally, ore more naturally than the other two.

[@calikokat100]

kawaii took it on this test...but barely over the Yamaha...slightly more bright...but neither of these 3 shone...you play great

[@raydenhakeem3279]

I don't know about Yamaha, but for me, between Kawai (plastic keybed action) vs Roland FP90 (wood keybed action, PHA 50 same as on RD2000) its not apple to apple comparison. The price margin is also huge in my country (ES8 a LOT cheaper). In terms of actions, which one feels more "natural" for you ?

[@marvinwarkentin5765]

Hi, does anyone have experiences?? Which one would you find best for classical piano pieces?

[@brianbernstein3826]

Yes I am a classical pianist myself. The es8 plays and sounds the best, but I would never buy one because so many people report them breaking in just a year. Even my music store has broken ones on the show floor - keys don't sound etc. disappointing! The fp90 has a great action, including real wooden keys, but it sounds tinny and bad, not like a real piano at all. It's also the heaviest of the 3 at 52 pounds. The Yamaha p515 is the most affordable, and I have nothing negative to say about it. Plays well, I won't lie it doesn't play as well as the kawai. But they last unlike the kawais, and the piano piano sounds good unlike the Roland. Winner? Yamaha. After trying all 3 in the store one after the next.

[@marvinwarkentin5765]

Brian Bernstein thank you👍🏽 I have try the Roland and Yamaha. But i think the Yamaha have bad boxes, especially on the bass... I Need a Stage Piano to try Classic pieces. I have a Piano, but i can‘t practise there every time.

[@marvinkmooneyoz]

if you wouldnt mind describing the differences of the actions? I know all three have good reputations.

[@marvinkmooneyoz]

my main comment on this category, is that i really feel the Kawai and Yamaha are lacking sliders or knobs, despite having some relevant parameters, such as in the technician/piano room, as well as compresser and other effects, and also as a controller for external gear (also they could find a way to get mod/pitch wheels on these things!) Obvious aimed at pianists who arent usually riding sliders while playing, but that leaves some of us with no current offerings.

[@brucegavin7614]

I appreciate the comprehensive comparison. My listening environment is a Pioneer HPM-100 system driven by a high quality Yamaha amplifier. To my ears, they are very close. The Kawai sounds the most "muddy" for lack of a better description. My ears like the P515 the best. To my ears the Kawai is #3, the Roland #2 and the P515 is #1.

[@charlespatrick8650]

Bruce Gavin first speakers I ever bought were HPM-100s! using modern Pioneer (Andrew Jones) surround speakers now, and to my ears, the Yamaha sounds most like a real piano 🎹

[@paxwallacejazz]

FP90 no hard edges a round long string sound there's more spaciousness in it's sound especially at the top and bottom. Large well engineered pianos have the space on the sound board for every note producing a more blended sound the Rolland has that. Next is the Yamaha no complaints. But for jazz trio or solo piano it's the FP for me.

[@tanks.6352]

fp90 has the best action and sound. In this sample, Kawai is just being loud. The sensor on Roland is definitely better as you can control the sound easily compare to yamaha and Kawai

[@baldheadtim02]

I find the Kawai better if you choose heavy as the action, otherwise the transition between piano and forte is a little abrupt.

[@baldheadtim02]

I kind of know what you are talking about - playing pianissimo is not that easy on the Kawai

[@demiani6237]

Price drop on kawai es8 to $1650 this weekend at least. Just placed my order. Used a 20% coupon on top of that. $1320 plus tax. Here in California.

[@ehbob85]

Where did you purchase with a 20% coupon?

[@dmiffo5128]

Congratulations, how are you finding your es8 now that you've had it for 3 months?

[@alxcross1850]

Es8 sounds most Alive and filled the room

[@ferdearmas8732]

Hi, which key action is more confortable, reliable and which feels more balanced and better playing near at the fulcrum between this P515 and Roland FP90?... Thanks!.

[@agaveboy]

Fer De Armas the p515

[@ferdearmas8732]

@@agaveboy Ok thanks, and between Kawai ES8 and P515?.

[@agaveboy]

The Yamaha has wooden keys with synthetic ebony and ivory key tops. The Kawai ES8 has fully plastic keys with plastic key tops. Obviously, the Yamaha is much better. They both feature triple sensor action, though.

[@ferdearmas8732]

@@agaveboy Thanks again. and between Kawai ES8 and Roland FP90?.

[@ferdearmas8732]

@@agaveboy Thanks again. and between Kawai ES8 and Roland FP90?.

[@OnlineMD]

I'm pretty sure this is a direct line or USB recording and not using a microphone...pls correct me if I'm wrong! 🤔😁

[@piotr8929]

Which one of these has the best keybed? (vitally important)

[@manoloespitia1898]

FP-90

[@salcee1750]

KAWAI ES8 takes the Cake!

[@jimmyjoey]

El KAWAI ES8 , TIENE MAYOR PROFUNDIDAD EN SU SONIDO , BRILLANTE Y NÍTIDA , YO ME QUEDO CON ESA ELECCIÓN.

[@FlikkieFloekieFlakkie]

I've always been a huge fan of Roland piano's but I've got to say that Kawai does an outstanding job with their newer models!! I think I will go for Kawai instead of Roland now. Although the Roland sounds still a bit better than Yamaha, Kawai wins as it sounds very natural from the very low notes to the very high notes!!

[@tollundman436]

Are you going to let us know if the Korg SV2S is in this league please?

[@spada60]

No it isn't not the pianos sounds electric yes

[@neonwilliams5300]

I was a bit bummed...I was gunning for the SV2, but then realised the Ap's are superior on the Yam 515, better poly, better sound system, sequencer, and better keyed. Plus Yam is 25% cheaper. Which all adds up to really a better value piano. The SV is clearly way more pleasing looks-wise, and certainly holds its own EP-wise, but those are probably the only 2 real things it beats the yam on. Love the Nord Grand, but it is ridiculously priced, and doesn't even have a sound system on board. I figured I'd buy a 515, and down the track, maybe an SV...for the best of both worlds!

[@RA-el6zj]

Great comparison video! Personally I think not one really stands out, their all great and so close it's a very hard choice. I have to play them in person to be really able to say wich one i like the best. Judging from the video i think for me the roland has the (very slight) edge, that was actually the one i least expected it from. I do really like the kawai piano sound, but there is something about the.. sample quality? I don't know, it sounds like it's compressed somehow or of slightly lower sample quality? It seems to me out of these 3 the kawai has the most beautiful piano sound, but also the worst sample quality, wich makes it sound more digital/less realistic. The Yamaha seems nice but at the same time there is nothing that really makes me want it over the others, I do like the fact that it has (from what i read) the heaviest action out of the 3, i think it will therefore be better practice to play (upright) acoustics. Something about the roland seemed more alive and more realistic to my ears, im impressed by that since it's not an actual sampled piano. Does anyone know wich one has the best (most powerful) amp/speaker system, and would therefore be best suited for playing outdoors? Judging just by this video i say: 1: Roland 2: Kawai/Yamaha (can't decide, kawai better piano / yamaha better sound quality)

[@davidsussman7476]

The Kawai sounds most piano-like, hands down. But that doesn't mean that others are bad. I owned a Roland RD-700 in the past, and Roland generates such a rich sound that you forgive whatever nitpicks you might have about authentic acoustic.

[@playpiano2913]

All sound good but I would need to get in front of these and play them. Action and sound through the speakers would be main selling points for me and despite these demos being really helpful, they can't substitute playing them yourself. I'm gonna try all three of these out myself.

[@villiyo4918]

Try the Roland before you get it.I've had it for 2 weeks and I decided to return it back. Because of the physical modeling it creates a lot of sustain when pressing the pedal and the piano sound becomes very muddy

[@playpiano2913]

@@villiyo4918 that's good to know because I was seriously considering the Roland. Not tried it yet though so I will definitely check it out. Thanks

[@loveliesbleeding]

Justin Stretch k

[@instrumentalmusic5744]

I love the sound of kawai!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@JoseAPerez-nq9vu]

At the very beginning of the last piece you played, at 6:58, you played the left hand one octave LOWER than the very same beginning part that you played on the Roland FP90 at 8:30 ...Why?! It makes a very clear difference...and it is pretty suspicious.

[@dmiffo5128]

I own a kawai es8. I'm not sure if I'm biased because I own one, but I still think the kawai has the best natural piano sound of the 3 followed by the yamaha with the roland last. The yamaha is a better spec instrument and is worth consideration. I'm not a fan of the roland because of its synthetic sound.

[@MusicalMissCapri]

Believe it or not Roland actually sounded better years ago. Around 2010 it was tops as far as I was able to find on KZbin, but the models since have gotten more digital sounding.

[@teamchivers]

I agree and I’m biased to Yamaha. I was pleasantly surprised by the ES8, but the Yamaha’s features would probably win the day for me. Tone is critical for solo playing, but I mainly play in groups, and practice on my acoustic at home. I like having built in speakers so I only need to bring an amp when competing with electric guitars

[@dmiffo5128]

@@teamchivers I think all the features of the yamaha p515 is awsome and this model sound is great too. I wish the kawai had the blue tooth and the wooden keys as well as the software available to the p515. To be honest, the type of piano sound I use more often on my es8 is the second piano option which is EX concert grand as it has a brighter sound than the first option of the SK concert grand. But this really depends on the music being played. The other thing I like about the kawai is its 5 year warranty, which gives me peace of mind.

[@demiani6237]

@@dmiffo5128 does that warranty have to be purchased separately?

[@dmiffo5128]

@@demiani6237 In Australia Kawai offers 5 year warranty on new ES8's. No additional cost apply after buying the ES8, However, their warranty is not transferable. So if you sell your Kawai ES8, the warranty is no longer valid to your buyer.

[@ferdearmas8732]

Great!..., but i`m worried for the uneven keybed, cheap feel on black plastic keys against the wooden whites keys, the short pivot point and high static touch..., this P515 or Kawai ES8 or Roland FP90?..., decisions!, decisions!..., please help!

[@marshallartz395]

Fee De Armas: The feel of the keyboard action and the keys themselves are remarkably realistic on the Yamaha P-515. The keys are made of wood and don’t feel cheap or flimsy; quite the opposite in fact. 😎🎹

[@ferdearmas8732]

@@marshallartz395 Thanks for reply mate, and what about Roland FP90 and Kawai ES8 key actions?, they feels so cheap?...

[@marcosquito]

I liked the yamaha and kawai. To my surprise I didn't like the roland. Kawai seen to have more bass.

[@pianoman0609]

I like the Kawai, although 'touch ' would be important. How does this Kawai compare to the Kawai ES58? Which is the best digital piano on the market for touch and sounding like a good grand?

[@pianoman0609]

correction: I meant compared to the CA58.

[@hoangpiano3932]

CA58 has real wooden key, so you know, plus Kawai usually have prob with their plastic keybed after long time of heavy use, like click and unusual noise

[@pianoman0609]

Hoàng Nguyễn does the ca98 have plastic key bed problem too?

[@hoangpiano3932]

CA98 has wooden key also, so less problem compared to ES8

[@pianoman0609]

@@hoangpiano3932 Thank you for your guidance.

[@alanmonday9981]

I liked the Yamaha in every example.

[@janpospisilik7955]

To me the Yamaha sounds little bit blurred or faded, like there's a thin foil between me and the piano or I don't know how to describe it.. a bit more synthetic too.

[@vitalybedros7822]

Well, nothing about keyboard feel, touch speed response and other aspects of similarity to an acoustic piano keyboard.

[@jukarnarius]

I apologize for a question but what is the name of a tune at 5:59?

[@thesa542]

He says earlier in the video that it is his arrangement of "When She Loved Me," which is from Toy Story 2.

[@jukarnarius]

@@thesa542 Thank you. I kind of miss that point.

[@awakeamericanow]

Well; as far as the sound goes it's splitting hairs territory. A competent piano player would need to get the 'feel' of each instrument to judge one against the other, and again that would be subjective. I am drawn to the Yamaha on the grounds of the software Yamaha have produced available through the ipad.

[@nezkeys79]

@@brickmissing8295 doesnt the kawai es8 offer all that?

[@mgshow8596]

Yamaha has a warmer tone and feels more like a piano I GUESS.

[@klausrapoen1531]

Thank for that very good made clip. Never be your customer (I am from Germany), but if live in the US I think I would. Great stuff!

[@gertahnstrom784]

They are located in England...

[@franco5919]

Ho da poco acquistato il P515,ottima tastiera.Riguardo il suono,rispecchia quello che è il piano acustico.In genere il piano Yamaha ha una timbrica più "metallica", il KAWAI più dolce.Quindi penso sia errato dire che uno è migliore dell'altro.Tutto dipende dal gusto individuale.

[@musicaldracula2017]

You are wrong. That logic is not current anymore as manufacturers tend to put more than one individual piano sound in their digital pianos. Take P515 and there are two main piano sounds in the device and I actually like the 2nd one ( Bossendorfer ) much more...

[@marshallartz395]

I finally received my new Yamaha P-515 about a month ago. (They are apparently very popular and were on back order). I absolutely love it! If you want an instrument with a realistic keyboard action, I think the P-515 is a fantastic choice. The Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer piano samples are beautiful.

[@josemrivera6481]

I have been waiting for my P515 since June, I was told that there is a back order , and that the soonest It can be shipped is October. When did you order yours?

[@marshallartz395]

Jose M Rivera: I purchased my Yamaha P-515 from Kraft Music. When I spoke to a sales rep by phone in early June (2020), he told me they were out of stock and weren’t expecting any deliveries until late September or October. But on June 19th he called to say that they had just received several black P-515s unexpectedly. I ordered one then and received it on June 26. I guess I was just lucky. Since we’re already into September, maybe it makes sense to wait for your October delivery. Of course, you could try calling Kraft Music; maybe they have the P-515 in stock right now if you really need it fast and can cancel your other order. The people at Kraft were very nice to deal with. (Phone: [phone]) I continue to love this keyboard. One of the best purchases I have ever made. 😎🎹

[@josemrivera6481]

Thanks for the info. Marshall I’ll look into Kraft music. I’ve heard good things about them. Be safe.

[@ac-mb6gj]

Isn't the action too heavy?

[@joewger]

Kawai has killer tone. Sounds like a real acoustic.

[@agaveboy]

Everybody saying that Kawai is better is completely wrong or not using headphones. The P515 is clearly more brilliant and lifelike, and sounds very natural. The Kawai sounds muddy but still like a piano. I won’t even mention the key action - it’s obvious that Yamaha wins there

[@p1anosteve]

The Kawai definitely has the edge on the other two sound wise. It's a richer more complex sound, though I would have liked more contrasting dynamics in the demo to see how the timbre changes.