Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Digital Pianos - Electronic Pianos - Synths & Keyboards Mechanic: Roland FP-30 vs Casio PX-160

The PHA-4 on the FP-30 has 3 sensors.

The sensors have zero mechanical effect on the Key bed. They allow the retrigger of keys below the point of the escapement. This enables very fast repeats and quick play.

Jay

Thank you for the clarification

Jay -Thanks for clarification
Unaware I purchased incredible cheap and good piano, which has a triple sensor and possibilities to drive VSTs. Probably I'll order soon Ivory II.
I'm so happy

The ES100's 'AHA IV-f' action utilises 2 sensors.

Kind regards,
James
x

PianomanChuck had a very interesting video comparing (I think it was) one of the casio privia pianos to one of the recent kawai models, and he showed that not all 3 sensor setups are created equally. The Casio 3 sensor setup seemed not to be that much of an improvement over a 2 sensor model, whereas the kawai action gave much more difference. In any case, for most repertoire I don't think it really makes that much of a difference. I certainly wouldn't make it a deal breaker if I liked the sound and action of the kawai ES100.

Going back to the original question of this topic:

Do you think it makes sense to pay 200$ more for the FP-30 just for the keybed?

500$ vs 700$ is pretty significant for me.

For $2 a week, sure. Assumes you keep it for 2 years though.

I also believe it does. Plus the Roland also has the possibility to connect a continuous damper pedal, vs half-damper for the Casio, but in both cases it's optional.
Also, if ever needed, the internal sounds are significantly better in the Roland etc etc.
Spanishbuddha put things well into perspective. And that's assuming you'll use it for 2 years, although chances are it will be for significantly more.

You shouldn't. You can play a two-sensor action just fine like any upgright piano. The action feel itself is much more important than having that third sensor.

BTW: Nobody is going to buy an entry-level FP-30 for such advanced repertoire, which actually requires a third sensor (about the same the point where you must switch from an upgright to a grand).

I think it makes sense to buy the best piano that you can afford. And by best, I mean the one that you will enjoy playing the most. If you're a beginner, you want the keyboard that you're going to feel most connected to and most engaged with (as best you are able to determine) and even if you're a more advanced player you're likely going to spend at least hundreds of hours playing the piano you buy.

Now with that being said, for some people losing $200 dollars would be a minor annoyance and for other people losing $200 might mean they don't eat for a few days. whether you can afford that extra money is an entirely different question. And either board will do perfectly fine.

With that said, if you can afford to spend the money, why not get the one you like best? But if, as you say, the $200 is a significant amount to you then maybe you'd be better off going with the one that will let you keep that money and putting it to other more important uses.

Thank you very much guys, you've been very very helpful!

For which one you decided? PX160 or FP30?
Today I plug Pianoteq to FP30 and it works fine

I would go on the FP-30. Everything you guys say totally makes sense — I know that 200$ is not much more if you think to keep it for years. The fact is that I moved to U.S. from Italy 6 months ago and right now I have no idea for how long I will stay. It could be 3 years, it could be 6 months. That's why I'd hate to buy a 700$ piano to eventuallly resell it after a few months for 400$-500$.

But I think I'll go on the Roland

Right decision
...so - life, my Friend

very funny thread hands down

Just one more thing: what about the keybed of the FP-30 vs the Kawai ES100? Big differences except the 3 vs 2 sensors?

Yes, but not so big, like you suggest, however the escapement in FP30 makes noticeable difference for me.

Got it, thank you

Hi, Roland FP30 and Kawai ES100 has a very similar touch quality for a very expressive finger to sound connection and a very quieter, reliable and rugged keybed... you can´t wrong with either, but of course the Roland action has a third sensor while kawai has only two and the ivory finish is present in the Roland too... if you really need these key features go for Roland. IMHO both key actions are the best under $1500 price range, but Roland has a slight edge over kawai for the aforementioned. Regards.