Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Digital Pianos - Electronic Pianos - Synths & Keyboards Advice on which DP to buy (how long is a piece of string)

Deleted

Deleted

I know the shop and it's a very good one. Enjoy your visit!

Joe, the VPC1 definitely ticks nearly all of your boxes, however it's intended purely as a piano controller, and therefore lacks the mod/pitchbend wheels. There are ways around this, such as adding an inexpensive micro-controller with the extra wheels, knobs, and buttons that you need and MIDI-ing it up to the VPC1, or even using an iPhone/iPad with the relevant apps to replicate the mod/pitchbend wheel functionality. For more information, you may wish to read section 8 on the Q&A page, here: http://kawaivpc.com/questions

The MP6/MP10 will do everything you need out of the box, however if most of what you're doing is computer-based, a lot of the boards' built-in sounds and features will probably be redundant. Also, bear in mind that the action on those two boards - while still excellent - uses a 2-sensor system, not the more responsive 3-sensor system found on newer models such as the VPC1.

By all means, please give them a try though. Fingers crossed the Kawai dealer in question has them hooked-up to a half-decent set of monitors. It might also be worth asking if they have a CA15 available, as this uses an identical action to the VPC1.

Best of luck,
James
x

Deleted

Keep in mind that summer NAMM is around the corner; July 11-13. There is a slim possibility for KAWAI to release the follow-up to the MP 10; perhaps an MP 11.

The CA15 is a console digital piano, so the keyboard, speakers, pedals, etc. are all built into the cabinet.

But definitely pop into Cookes and give it a play. As I say, the keyboard action is identical to the VPC1, so if you like how it feels, there's a strong chance the VPC1 could be what you're after.

Cheers,
James
x

Deleted

Deleted

You are right about the availability of the instrument being a few months away, if KAWAI did indeed release a follow-up to the MP10; however, the price usually remains the same as with the older board. On the other hand, the price for the MP 10 will drop.

Deleted

I went to the store thinking MP6 or MP10 but after trying a Kawai with action somewhere between those two (they didn't have MP6 or MP10) I skipped the idea and ended up with a Yamaha CP5. See here for the long version: https://www.pianoworld.com/forum/ubb...gic%20ex%20jazz%20playe.html#Post2113338

I think you're looking for basically the same thing I was, so If you find a CP5, I warmly recommend to try that. I heard that the acoustic piano teachers over here recommend that to students who insist on DPs (acoustic being preferred) but whatever feels good...

The CP1 and CP5 are both excellent instruments, with a very playable keyboard action that is ideally suited to stage use. However, I wouldn't personally recommend these boards to an individual seeing an acoustic piano-like action on which to study classical piano.

Kind regards,
James
x

Deleted

No no, you got to spend 4 hrs of quality time with your wife and also got a story to tell

When you saw how bad the traffic situation was did you consider 'phoning ahead to the shop?

Deleted

Deleted

Ok, I take your points. I've had a good relationship with Cookes. It's an old fashioned, service-orientated business. Although I can see I might have some difficulty persuading you of that!

D`ya know, I was in my local piano shop looking at certain actions. The Roland PHA 111 seemed the best and was found on the FP7F and HP 507. Nice feel. The GHE Yamaha action was good too. Found on pricey stuff, mind. As you might expect. Now tucked away unloved in a corner was this Kork LP 350 at a substantial knockdown, to £695 new.

The action was great. It had a minimalist stand and sounded good against the wall.