Yamaha CLP 340 versus Kawai CA-63 versus Roland HP-302?

[hbofinger]

Hi,

I am an avid classical player who has stopped for a few years, and then went digital about 1 1/2 years ago with a Kawai CN 21. As I now bring things up to speed again, I feel that (a) the transition to a true grand is still too difficult because the action is too light, and (b) because of the action's lightness I am having some difficulty at high speed passages.

So I heard about that wood-action Kawaii digital, and I was thinking of upgrading. But then I stopped at my local Yamaha dealership, and got to play the Yamaha CLP 340 and the Roland HO-302. I felt the Roland's action was a touch more responsive, but the Yamaha's heavier, with overall the tone of the Yamaha being better. The salesman, whom I explained my dilemma to, told me that the wood-actions Kawai (which he is not the dealer of) would pose a problem, because of my large hands, an the fact that the black keys on the Kawai were much fatter, making the white keys between the black keys harder to play.

Well, that prompted me to go back to the dealer who sold me the original Kawai, and I tried the new wood-actioned one. I found that (a) the proportions of the keys where absolutely perfect, just as they had been on the grand I used to own, and (b) the touch was also heavier, which I was looking for. (The Yamaha dealer did not look to wise with his remarks!)

But I am still confused between the three models, and would like others' insights. The speed issues manifest themselves in such passages as the beginning of (run up to) the exposition in Beethoven's Tempest sonata.

[toner22]

If you like the sound of the kawai id say it's one of the nicest piano's to play. The keys are really just amazing. Even played silently you get that nice soft touch.

Roland's can get a lil annoying especially when you really getting into it and using that touch sensitivity to the max. Yamaha's especially the GH3 are very nice. The main difference is that they don't have the escapement that the Roland has. (Personally I could live without it)

Action though. It's like night and day. Some people outright swear to god above the yama GH3 is THE action. Another guy comes up and says I didn't like it, I thought roland hp had THE best. Then the kawai guy comes up, yall are crazy my wooden key action is kickass. And then all 3 chuck tomatoes at the casio guy before he can say something lol.

Point being, only you can tell. Id go to each individually and play your damnedest outa them. Go all out put em to the test in the extremes. Or if you can't do it, see if the dealer can. It's also nice to hear what the piano sounds like from a ways away.

Me personally I thought the kawai had the best feel and touch out of all 3. The yama and roland were pretty much the same, but the yama was a little heavier.  Though I didn't like the roland hp302's keys. It seemed to glossy and my fingers noticeably slipped on them a bit. (Sounded like a squeegee.)

[hbofinger]

Toner 22 - thanks for the reply. I am leaning the same way. All three are great, but I think the Kawai is going to be the winner. But I am going to take all of them through the ropes again, just to be sure.

[jimbo320]

Before you take the plunge see if you can try a Yamaha P95 or a CP5. Both of these models have awesome action and sound. As a nut on Yamaha I tend to be always leaning there way but I know through experience you'll be amazed if you try them...

Musically, Jimbo

[hbofinger]

Jimbo320,

Thanks for the hint, I will try to get to play those models!

[jimbo320]

You're welcome. Let me know what you decide on......