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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1
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Joined: Apr 2009
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Hi guys
I have a Yamaha U3 for playing at home, it's lovely, no problems there.
But I play in a band too, at the moment gigging with a Korg N1. It's quite old, the action isn't great and it's a bummer to carry to rehearsals.
I need 88 keys, and I need weighted. I just can't bring myself to play on anything less - I start sounding bum notes and... you know.
But carrying the N1 - I think it's 23kgs, something like that - it kills me. I resent going to practise with the guys sometimes, I have a case too but I might as well not bother with that at all, it's another 10kgs at least.
So I need something lighter, hopefully better. I reckon I can swing £1000 from selling a guitar, so that's the budget.
Any advice gratefully received...
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,982
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I have a Yamaha CP33 that is 18 kg. It has no built-in speakers, though.
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 36
Full Member
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Joined: Oct 2006
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I'd say go for one of the Casio Privias either the PX120 or 320 would be good. Their dimensions are smaller than most other protable DPs because there are no pitch or control wheels. Even so, they have on board speakers that are convenient to have at times. The piano sample is really good as is the Rhodes and the weighted keys are better than just about anything under $1200 or so.
The awesome thing is the weight. It weighs only about 12kgs (26 pounds) so this thing easy easy to carry around and will easily fit in the front seat of your car if you only have a two-seater like me (I have a Honda S2000)... The other good thing is the price, they are affordable being priced much less than similar competitors.
Ciao, Big D
Last edited by Daniel Marsalone; 04/13/09 02:45 PM.
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 889
500 Post Club Member
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I love my PX-320, and though I don't lug it around to gigs or practices I did buy it partially for the portability and there's really not much sacrificed in the sound and feel areas. Try it out, see what you think.
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Joined: Jun 2004
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P85 is a slim and portable one (25 lb.) that you can consider, if you don't mind it as an low end model.
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Joined: Mar 2009
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My choice came down to the P85 vs the PX-320 and I chose the 320 due to better polyphone and a few other features. Feel was pretty similar but I think the Casio has a bit heaver feel.
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 53
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One thing about the Casios is that despite big improvements on their keyboard actions and their main piano voice, their isn't much else usable on them - e.pianos for example are poor and sound more like an elaborate doorbell... but that's what I think.
I'm in the same position, although no one has responded quite as enthusiastically as they have here... I want something that has a good piano sample but also has the versatility of having other quality piano samples. I am looking into the Yamaha CP33, the Roland RD-300 GX and the PC3X and SP3X from Kurzweil. They have all of this and are mature enough to pull off a stage gig without having to stick to piano sounds only. Mind you, the PC3X is about £300 more expensive than the next most expensive model on the list here, ie. the RD-300 GX. The other three should be within your budget, with the RD pushing slightly above. You could find one on B-stock online.
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Joined: Mar 2009
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One thing about the Casios is that despite big improvements on their keyboard actions and their main piano voice, their isn't much else usable on them - e.pianos for example are poor and sound more like an elaborate doorbell... but that's what I think.
... I would agree with that based on my PX-320. But I bought it for the piano only. I use a variety of software Synths for anything else (and even piano) I might want.
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 19,099
Yikes! 10000 Post Club Member
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At just 12 lbs., the Yamaha NP30 is surely the lightest piano instrument currently available, however the 'Graded SoftTouch' action is not weighted, and some may find the 76 keys a little limiting.
For what it's worth, I do not own a car, yet cycle to and from band practises with a Nord Electro 76 strapped to my back.
Cheers, James x
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Joined: Mar 2009
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Having one of those as well, I agree. In this case I bought it primarily for a midi input keyboard, but use it for a bit of practice touch is very light compared to the Casio PX-320.
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Joined: Mar 2007
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I have to agree with sparx about the Casio's supplementary sounds. However, within the budget and weight parameters, there is little to beat the PX-320. (I wouldn't go with the PX-120 as there is no line-out.) However, if you can stretch the budget, I think there are better pianos out there. The RD300GX is not a great deal heavier and offers a richer sound palette. The Kawai MP5 and EP3, although heavier, may be worth hunting down, and the new Yamaha P-155 is a possible contender, at around 40lbs. Open box deals might bring the price of these alternatives down to your budget (or very close).
On a personal note, I found the PX-320 lacking refinement and responsiveness when I tried using it in a band context. I actually preferred the older PX-310 in the mix. At the moment, I use a Roland RD300SX with a Nord Electro2 73 for gigging, and for smaller venues a GEM Prp800 on its own. I would not recommend the 300SX as its action is poor and I'm not overly fond of its EPs or organs (hence the Nord) - the GX seems much better on all fronts. The Nord is a great instrument but I'm not brave enough to use it for grand pianos due to its lightweight action and oddball velocity curves - but James is right, it's eminently portable. The GEM, at around 44lbs is a little heavier than the others but, with a little treble boost and some good amplification, sounds stunning.
"you don't need to have been a rabbit in order to become a veterinarian"
mabraman, 2015
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 101
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I have to add my vote for the RD300GX. Aside from its sounds and nice action it's a real "performance" board. Controls you need to access quickly are very well laid out. Transpositions, splits, layers, etc. are easy and quick, and you can tell at a glance what is going on thanks to very well thought-out interface. Don't let the size of the LCD fool you into thinking you don't get a lot of info from it. It shows you exactly what you need to know for the operation you're performing. You can control up to three internal voices and/or three external voices. LEDs change colour to indicate which voice you're working with. Well worth checking out if you're looking for a gigging board. I don't know of another DP at the price that comes close.
Last edited by MonksDream; 04/15/09 04:31 PM. Reason: thought of something else
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Piano
by Gino2 - 04/17/24 02:34 PM
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Piano
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