Portable Digital Piano with GSH Action?

[shingo]

Hi,

As I am away from home I cannot practice on my ususal piano and all of the practice rooms are constantly full (I am not doing a music degree nor is one offered where I study) and it is getting increasingly frustrating not being able to practice and wasting time going down and waiting etc only to come back later and still not had a chance to play.

I am looking for a portable digital piano so that I can have it in my room and get my practice done, when it suites me, for as long as I wish. So it needs to be of a discreet build (not with a huge wodden frame), although it definitely needs the full 88 full size with graded (standard) hammer action for a realistic touch.

Although most digitals these days come with a headphone socket and a pedal I will mention it just in case.

I would state a budget but I am more interested in hearing your opinions on which are the better models out there for this purpose and I can see how much this is likely to cost and whether I can afford it or not.

[bench warmer]

Take a look (and a Search) here

https://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/forum/6.html

If you can't find what you need ask the question there.. However your question (and various permutations of it ) are already there with answers.

[shingo]

Thanks for the link.

I had a search around and found some good information. I went to a shop today and had a look at some models and would like to ask if any one has any thoughts on them.

I have also searched them on the piano world site, but I would like to hear what ou guys think as well.

- Korg SP250

- Casio Privia PX320 (Quite a 'thick' action I felt)

- Yamaha P85 (had a lot lighter action than the other two and I don't want to develop weak fingers if you know what I mean.)

- Kawai ES4 (I havn't played et, but I am going to find somewhere that has them in to try, also I would have to get it at a reduced price as my buget is about £500 max)

So if any one has any experience of the above models I would be gateful to hear them.

Thanks.

[rob_the_dude]

I've got a Kawai MP8 and it is truly sensational. The detail on it is great, with the key action being the same as on the EX Grand. The sounds are great aswell. Their is also the MP4 and MP5 to choose from. I would definately go for these instead of the ES4. Here is the link to the Kawai site: https://www.kawai.co.uk/ The MP8 price is around about the £1600 mark new. These may sound to dear for your price range but they are great second hand buys. The older model to the MP8 - the MP9500 - has virtually all the same kit on it but can be bought for a lot cheaper second-hand.

Hope this helps!

Rob

[shingo]

I appreciate your help and I will certainly look out for one of the model suggested at a second hand price but £500 is really the area I am looking for. The ES4 is more than this new, i know, but I feel it will be easier to obtain at a seecond hand price nearer my buget.

Thanks again.

[0range]

I will just add, a bit belatedly, that due to study abroad, I had to spend significant time practicing on a Yamaha P80. My technique did not suffer at all (aside from the primitive on/off pedal, which was frustrating) in transition to various Yamaha and Steinway grands.

[williamhhay]

I would recommend the Yamaha P85 for this purpose. Reasonably priced and very portable but with a decent keyboard. I transport it from school to school everyday in the boot of my car in a bag from Thomann.de!

[shingo]

Thanks for the response but I have bought one now. I chose a casio (can't remember the model at the moment), it's less portable than I was initially looking for ghaving to actually be set up with a base and backboard, but it is quick to de-semble when neccessary.

I tried the P85 but I didn't like the action, it semed very light. This could have been a fault with the one in store but thats all the evidence I had at the time so I decided not to take the risk.