Buying a New Digital Stage Piano (w/ Speakers)

[Bitruder]

I did a search and read a lot of stage pianos on this forum but I have a couple more questions.

Just a little bit of background... I've been playing piano for close to 20 years and always prefer the real thing.  About 3 years ago I purchased a Roland RS-9 synth and had been using that for gigging, but the semi-weighted keys always threw me off and frankly, I hated playing the thing.  So, I'm in the market for a new keyboard.  The Yamaha P120S has caught my eye (I have yet to play it.  The local store had just ordered one in so I will go back and play it when it arrives) and I'm definitely considering it.  One of the reasons are the on board speakers.

The reason is that, whenever I use my RS-9, I hook it up to my Roland KC-300 Keyboard Amp (great amp).  When playing with other people in a public place, I find it often hard to hear myself since my amp is usually facing the audience.  Even if it is behind me, it's still usually not centered and it sounds different than playing a real piano.  So I figured having onboard speakers could act as a monitor.

But can I use the on board speakers AND an external amp at the same time?

Also, the biggest factor in my decision will be feel and portability.  I tried the Kawai keyboard with real wood keys and it felt great, but I think it would be too heavy to lug around everywhere. 

Thanks

[Brian Healey]

I think you should probably just get used to the sound, because no matter what, a keyboard played through an amp will always sound hollow and unrealisitic compared to a real piano. Technology may improve this in the future, but for right now you're stuck. As for the speakers, there is almost always a cutoff switch that is activated when you plug anything into a line-out. That means the on-board speakers automatically shut off when you plug in a set of headphones (or or amp). As far as I know, there is no way to use an amp + onboard speakers at the same time unless you have the thing physically modified by a keyboard tech.

Peace,
Bri

[Bitruder]

Thanks

This really makes me reconsider the benefits of the P120 over other keyboards!

[Chrysalis]

i have the p120s too...

it is good....
but just as u said; i always prefer the real thing

[chickering9]

...That means the on-board speakers automatically shut off when you plug in a set of headphones (or or amp). As far as I know, there is no way to use an amp + onboard speakers at the same time unless you have the thing physically modified by a keyboard tech.

The Kawai I never deign to use in lieu of the concert grand has lineouts on the back and internal speakers and I have used both the internal speakers and an external amp simultaneously during the brief time I bothered to play it.  But even with a powerful external amp and speakers, it was no match for a real accoustic concert grand.

[jr11]

As far as I know, there is no way to use an amp + onboard speakers at the same time unless you have the thing physically modified by a keyboard tech.

You should be able to get a non-power line out(s) wired in for less than $100. So you can monitor with the on-board speakers and send to your powered speakers, amps or PA. Just about any electrician or electronics person can do this if they have a schematic drawing.