Roland HP505 VS Yamaha CLP 430

[goldolenu]

Hey, guys,

 I was researching some keyboards, and I was pretty satisfied with the tones from Roland HP505 and Yamaha CLP430, the price difference is about $1000 here in Brazil (I apologize for my English grammar, learned by myself).

 The Roland one presents key technology called PHAIII, which seemed better for me when compared to GH3, from the Yamaha Series, which was created in 2003, and I dont know if it has changed much since then.
 About these two, I have some questions :

 1 - Which key technology is better: PHAIII or GH3?
 2 - I've heard the Roland keys made a lot of noise, but I couldnt notice it since a drummer was playing next to me haha. Is it true when compared to the GH3?
 3 - As far as I know, yamaha keys last a loooong time, they're pretty good (I have had a Yamaha P85 for 2 years and a half now, the keys are still intact). What about the Roland ones?

 Thanks guys, I hope I've been clear enough. Since I've learned English by myself, I really suck sometimes.

[lhorwinkle]

Q1: Which key technology is better: PHAIII or GH3?
Decide for yourself. Try them both. Your own opinion is all that matters. Other people's opinions are simply not relevant.

Q2: I've heard the Roland keys made a lot of noise ... Is it true when compared to the GH3?
Again, try for yourself. You really need to try a piano before you buy. Judge for yourself.

Q3: As far as I know, yamaha keys last a loooong time, they're pretty good (I have had a Yamaha P85 for 2 years and a half now, the keys are still intact).
Roland had a design flaw ... a weak spot in the keys. There are You Tube videos that show the problem. I don't know if they've made any changes.

Yamaha keys can break, too. But they're easy to replace.

If I were buying a digital piano today, I would not consider Roland. Instead, I'd look at the Kawai pianos.

Side questions:
- What are you looking for in a piano?
- What are your expectations?
- Do you need a console, or will a slab keyboard be adequate?
- Do you expect good, authentic piano sound? You won't get that from a digital piano, but you can improve the sound by using external speakers.

[goldolenu]

Hey,

First of all, thanks for answering.
I really thought that Roland keys sounded more natural, but I've also found some great technical problems, which people here in the internet posted. I couldnt hear if the keys were noisy because I was trying the piano on a noisy instrument shop. People told me good stuff about Kawai pianos, but I couldnt find them here in physical shops (I mean, not virtual), unfortunately.
I've had a Yamaha P85 for 2 years now, and since I need a better key technology and sound, I was searching for a superior digital piano. I do have MIDI programs which sound like steinway, so I'm really worried about the keys. Of course, a good tone will also be helpful, but Im focusing on the reality of the key technology.

Thanks for answering. I'm hoping for someone who has a Roland model to help me here. Plus, I'll research more for Kawaii pianos. If I cant find them, I'm probably heading for the Yamaha ones, since I have security on its technology and support.

[hfmadopter]

Hey,

First of all, thanks for answering.
I really thought that Roland keys sounded more natural, but I've also found some great technical problems, which people here in the internet posted. I couldnt hear if the keys were noisy because I was trying the piano on a noisy instrument shop. People told me good stuff about Kawai pianos, but I couldnt find them here in physical shops (I mean, not virtual), unfortunately.
I've had a Yamaha P85 for 2 years now, and since I need a better key technology and sound, I was searching for a superior digital piano. I do have MIDI programs which sound like steinway, so I'm really worried about the keys. Of course, a good tone will also be helpful, but Im focusing on the reality of the key technology.

Thanks for answering. I'm hoping for someone who has a Roland model to help me here. Plus, I'll research more for Kawaii pianos. If I cant find them, I'm probably heading for the Yamaha ones, since I have security on its technology and support.

The problem in general with Kawai is finding them. If you do find one you will notice the keys are a bit heavy but accurate and the tone equal to Roland if not a bit better for the grand piano sound ( at least in the latest Kawais, like the MP6 and 10 for instance and to my ear).

But in the class piano you are looking at, IMO, there is no wrong answer or really bad instrument that stands out from the other of your choice.. You really have to go play them, buy what feels best, sounds best to you and fits your budget.

Roland had some broken hammer issues a while back, easy enough to replace though if the issue is even still current on later models.. Even at that who knows what kind of life these instruments were living ( could be heavy use rock bands gigging four nights a week for all we know).
David