Thanks for the response! So we use Kawais in my piano class at school. I like everything about them, except I feel as though the action is a little on the lighter side. Have you noticed this in general about their keyboards? I'm fully aware it could just be the particular model we're using (the specific number of which I, unfortunately, do not have handy). The Bluthner looks pretty sweet, though it seems that they're not readily available in the good ol' US of A, so I'm not entirely sure how I'd go about acquiring one.
Thanks for the response! ... The Bluthner looks pretty sweet, though it seems that they're not readily available in the good ol' US of A, so I'm not entirely sure how I'd go about acquiring one.
To me sound is irrelevant though Kawai does a nice job and the replacement MP7 to my MP6 is supposed to be all the better. But where my Kawai is a stage piano it has no on board speakers, it's made to run through a sound system. It sounds good once you change the parameters from out of the box, it's tweekable in so many ways. But instead or most of the time I should say, I run Midi out through a computer into Pianoteq software and have about 50 adjustable grand piano sounds that are much closer to the real thing when played out through a sound system. I actually run the C Bechstein the most and have it set to about 90-95% in tune ( you can adjust the tune from pristine condition to old broken down . This gives some realistic overtones and cuts the sterile digital sound that to me ALL digital pianos exhibit to some degree... Food for thought anyway ! You can use any midi capable keyboard and my next keyboard may be just that, a keyboard/controller..
So essentially what you're saying is I could buy a midi controller (basically a keyboard that can only be played through a computer) and this Pianoteq software and play it through my computer's speakers? Is there any other software I'd need? And how easy is it to find a midi keyboard that has a realistic action? I did a quick search, and this certainly seems like the most cost-effective option.
If you're happy using the computer and computer speakers, all you need to add would be:MIDI controller with pedal unit: Kawai VPC-1 is usually considered the best for the piano action.Stand for the controllerPianoteq (no other software necessary)
OK, so I'll probably steer clear of Casios, then. I'm sort of getting the impression that Kawai is basically the industry standard.So essentially what you're saying is I could buy a midi controller (basically a keyboard that can only be played through a computer) and this Pianoteq software and play it through my computer's speakers? Is there any other software I'd need? And how easy is it to find a midi keyboard that has a realistic action? I did a quick search, and this certainly seems like the most cost-effective option.
I have a digital baby grand, a Yamaha CLP 465GP. I have also tried the upright version of the same piano, and the follower, CLP 545 and they are all very, very good. Two days ago I was practicing for a recital at a real grand piano, a very nice Kawai of bigger concert model, and my teacher was astonished to hear that I played so well. I told her that the action on this acoustic grand actually was very close to the action of my own digital model - and most of all, more close my digital than what her acoustic upright or her own simple digital are.Of course there will always be a difference, but I think this says something about the quality anyway.I also have the Pianoteq software, and I love it. It does not take up much space on your computer disc drive, and you can also adjust the parameters to get "less perfect" pianos, even pianos who are totally out of tune, with quirky pedals and all that. I am considering buying a Kawai VPC for the second home I will have next year. It seems to be a good choice. But I don't plan to pipe out the sound to anything but my computer headphones. Loudspeakers are a critical issue to every digital ... if you want a powerful and impressing sound, then I would definitely recommend an acoustic! This is a recording I made yesterday on Pianoteq, with the setting of a Steinway D, "close mic" with some personal settings. I don't share the link for you to admire my musical abilities, but to demonstrate how it may sound.https://soundcloud.com/christina-br-nnestam/a-maidens-prayer
I have a digital baby grand, a Yamaha CLP 465GP. I have also tried the upright version of the same piano, and the follower, CLP 545 and they are all very, very good.
Just to update everyone, I pulled the trigger on the MP7 about a week ago. I'm loving it so far. I've only been playing through headphones, but it sounds great. The action is a little heavier than my Korg, which is good, 'cause I'd prefer the action on my digital to be a little on the heavier side, anyway. The keys feel awesome--they did a good job with making them feel like ivory. They are, however, a little noisy. As of right now, it's almost imperceptible, so I'm hoping it doesn't get worse over time. (This, as some of you may recall, was one of my biggest gripes with the Korg.) All in all, very pleased with the purchase! Thanks for the recommendations, people.
I'm contemplating buying a Yamaha CLP 545 or 575 to replace my Casio WK 6500. It will need to sit in the middle of the room rather than up against a wall since I don't have enough wall space. Is that an appropriate placement? I know acoustic uprights need to be placed against a wall to sound their best.