Recommendation for 88-key Full-Weighted Digital Piano

[z_z]

Ok, I'm pretty sick of sharing an acoustic piano with my sibling, so I am on a lookout for a digital one that I can use in my room. Here are some of the good-to-have requirements:

1. Budget ~1k-1.5k
2. Graded hammer action so I can practice classical pieces
3. Can work as a USB midi-controller in Vista 64 bit to control Reason
4. No cabinets!

Not too particular about the sound but I need a decent heavy feel from the keys. Any recommendations?

I have tried the fp-4 (the touch is good but a tad light?) but it seems to be out of my budget.

 

[tiyok]

hi,
i'm using korg sp250 (bought from citymusic for slightly more than 1k) and very satisfied with it..it has built in speakers (which are good quality IMO)..not sure about your point no (3) tho.

 

[z_z]

hey thanks for the recommendation! The sp250 is definitely on my radar. Planning to drop by citymusic to try it out. However, it doesn't seem to have a usb port right? I need the connection to my PC to control sampled piano sounds in my DAW. Without 1, I have to purchase a seperate midi-USB inteface.

Anyone knows where I can get the Studiologic VMK188 plus locally?

 

[Cheez]

Studiologic/Fatar is a controller, hence no built-in sound. It's not a digital piano.

Do consider Yamaha P series. Good touch.

If you are going to play classical pieces, please just share with your sibling. You can get the digital piano for playing other things. But too much focus on digital piano will affect your classical playing.

 

[z_z]

Hi, thanks you! Yup the Yamaha P-series and Korg SP-250 is pretty much within my budget.

The reason why I prefer a pure midi controller is because I have piano sample packs with sounds that I am used to inside Reason (this actually ties in to my question about the keyboard amp earlier on). Would be great if I can play those sounds with solid real-weighted keys. Have you tried the Fatar controller before? How is the feel compared to the P-series.

My sibling is the one with the piano grading, I am just a casual player. I am more into electronic stuff, but I got other gears for that.

 

[kongwee]

Yamaha got controller. Dunno whether got user define touch action.

 

[Cheez]

For midi controllers with good touch, consider Yamaha KX8. For lots of controls (knobs and faders) but lousy touch, go for M-audio Keystation Pro 88. For somewhere in between, CME UF-8. These are the usual controllers.

Fatar is OK. Some like it, some don't.

 

[l0u5y]

Get the KX8 from yamaha. its has really great touch. u can get akoustik piano software from buy/sell section. someone's selling it. and u've got urself a digital piano with great sound and great touch for less than 1.3k

 

[edisontheone]

hmm...i know you're looking for a portable one but i would highly recommend Yamaha YDP-131...very value for $$.....the piano sounds very nice and the keys are weighted exactly the same as a acoustic piano. YDP-131 costs ard $1499 brand new..it can be connected using Yamaha UX-16 USB-MIDI interface cable which costs $145.

 

[edisontheone]

oh ya..and you have the 3 paddles too.. =)

 

[z_z]

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. Will drop by the usual places tomorrow to try them out. Cheers!

 

[z_z]

Just an update, after trying everything out (i think i was in a store for like 4~5hrs? zzz), I got a P140 in the end. It feels right.

 

[z_z]

Quick Question :

Given that the humongous p140 is pretty heavy (for me), is it going to warp / bow if I leave it on a x-stand?

 

[AoCheng]

Wow you got a P140 ? I called Yamaha today and they say that model is discontinued. How much you got it ?

 

[z_z]

Luthermusic was clearing a few sets, I got the 3rd last one. You may wanna call them to check on availability.