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Thank you for the prompt reply James.
... On a seperate matter but still on topic of MP7, I have found that just in central to western Penn alone, there are several Kawai dealers who, for whatever reasons, do not have neither MP7 nor ES8 in their shop for demo or sale...
FWIW, if you haven't tried Pianos n' Stuff in Blawnox, at least give them a try. They're a wonderful family run music store with remarkably good prices on just about everything. There's a chance they may perhaps even be willing to bring an MP7 into stock for you to demo. If interested in buying, I wouldn't be surprised if they could match your best price found elsewhere. - OneWatt
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Hello drewrst, Is it likely this problem is attributed to normal wear? I'm not an engineer/technician, so am reluctant to speculate on what the cause may be, I'm afraid. On a seperate matter but still on topic of MP7, I have found that just in central to western Penn alone, there are several Kawai dealers who, for whatever reasons, do not have neither MP7 nor ES8 in their shop for demo or sale. Perhaps I should broaden my search to parts of Ohio, eastern Penn and New Jersey, but is the general recommendation for me to just shotgun phone call dealers until I find one who has either of these models on hand? I will be happy to drive a few hours in order to try/play these models prior to purchase but the trick seems to be finding a dealer who stocks or at least demo's the models in question; anyone? It's perhaps worth noting that Kawai America distributes digital pianos through two separate sales channels: - Kawai piano dealers (independent stores) - MI retailers (chains such as Kraft, Sweetwater, Musician's Friend, etc.) Kawai America's piano dealers typically sell the more home-oriented CA, CN, and CP series console models, while MI retailers are limited to selling instruments Kawai America categorises as 'Professional' models (ES100, ES8, KDP90, CE220, MP7/MP11, VPC1), which are priced very aggressively to compete with other stores, often online. Kawai America's piano dealers can (and many do) still stock the 'Professional' models, however due to the aggressive pricing of online retailers, may prefer to focus on the CA/CN/CP models. There's also a tendency in recent years for customers to visit a piano dealer, play-test the instruments they're interested in (occupying the salesperson's time, etc.), only to return home and purchase the product online for a little less. Under these circumstances, I can understand the reluctance of smaller independent dealers to stock certain, less profitable models - especially if they're having to price match with the larger online chains. However, I believe most dealers will still be happy to order a 'Professional' model, even if it's not a model they regularly stock. So to answer your query, I would first recommend checking the dealer locator on the KawaiUS.com website (including the 'Professional' stores listing), then, if you find that your local dealers do not stock the instrument you're interested in, ask if they would be willing to order the model for you. I hope this helps. Kind regards, James x
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...There's also a tendency in recent years for customers to visit a piano dealer, play-test the instruments they're interested in (occupying the salesperson's time, etc.), only to return home and purchase the product online for a little less. Under these circumstances, I can understand the reluctance of smaller independent dealers to stock certain, less profitable models - especially if they're having to price match with the larger online chains. However, I believe most dealers will still be happy to order a 'Professional' model, even if it's not a model they regularly stock. ... I hope this helps.
Kind regards, James x James - I don't know to what extent sales tax is an issue in other jurisdictions, but one of the additional challenges that brick 'n mortar retailers face vs online sellers is that in the U.S. sales tax (levied at the state level) is often not charged by online stores based in a different state. When you buy a keyboard in person at a traditional retailer, the state in which you are located typically adds another 5% to 8% tax to the cost, which makes it even harder for old line retailers to compete with online sellers even if they can match the nominal price. Not a level playing field under current sales tax arrangements. - OneWatt
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OneWatt, that's a great point.
Cheers, James x
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[quote=Kawai James
It's perhaps worth noting that Kawai America distributes digital pianos through two separate sales channels:
- Kawai piano dealers (independent stores) - MI retailers (chains such as Kraft, Sweetwater, Musician's Friend, etc.)
..... There's also a tendency in recent years for customers to visit a piano dealer, play-test the instruments they're interested in (occupying the salesperson's time, etc.), only to return home and purchase the product online for a little less. Under these circumstances, I can understand the reluctance of smaller independent dealers to stock certain, less profitable models - especially if they're having to price match with the larger online chains. However, I believe most dealers will still be happy to order a 'Professional' model, even if it's not a model they regularly stock. - end quote
This somewhat mirrors the conversation I had with Tony,the dealer at his shop in Greensburg. Also some nice-to-know insight on how the Kawai channels work, James; thank you! I told him that I prefer to experience the benefIts of the in-person - old school- manner of doIng this kind of business instead of via keyboard virtual and personally do not go for the aforementioned tendency exploit ..... yeah it is nice to save a buck now and then but ..... Living near Bridgeville at the time, had I been able to find such a local business as ... in Blawnox for crying out loud ... would have missed out on the business end of the Tim AZ Piano experience on the way to homing in on the ES7 ..... piano newbie is as newbie does.
Last edited by drewrst; 06/10/16 12:47 AM.
- Kawai MP7 and LSR308 monitors - Roland HP-508 - DT770 Pro-80 and MDR-7506 phones
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James - I don't know to what extent sales tax is an issue in other jurisdictions, but one of the additional challenges that brick 'n mortar retailers face vs online sellers is that in the U.S. sales tax (levied at the state level) is often not charged by online stores based in a different state. When you buy a keyboard in person at a traditional retailer, the state in which you are located typically adds another 5% to 8% tax to the cost, which makes it even harder for old line retailers to compete with online sellers even if they can match the nominal price.
Not a level playing field under current sales tax arrangements.
- OneWatt One point to note: every state that charges a sales tax, also charges a use tax at the same rate for goods purchased out of state. Not quite a level playing field, but theoretically a lot more even than it may seem. The key difference is that escaping in-state sales tax is difficult, use tax involves declaring purchased goods on the tax return and it's often "forgotten".
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Hello drewrst, Is it likely this problem is attributed to normal wear? I'm not an engineer/technician, so am reluctant to speculate on what the cause may be, I'm afraid. ... SNIP ... From what we know about the affected digital pianos, I dare to speculate: It "should" not be wear and tear being the cause of intermittently silent keys. Because all users (including myself) reported that the use was average only and in clean conditions and the affected pianos are quite young (my own 1 year only). No visible dirt found inside during the repairs so far. Therefore it would be most likely a material fault of the rubber contacts, or - hopefully not - poor technical design of some sort.
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Hi James, can i use the MP7 USB front panel for to feed the USB power for my Roland A49?... I would like connect the Midi Out from A49 to the Midi In to my MP7 to trigger B3 sounds from the unweighted Roland keys, while i enjoy play a piano sound from my MP7. Thanks. Cheers!.
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Hello Fer, please note that the ES100 features the best keyboard action under 15 kg!
Good day!
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Okay, I'm only toying with you, but do you see how frustrating it can be when people don't read the question, or post a completely irrelevant reply?
Anyway, with regards to your query, according to the A49 owner's manual, the controller requires 98 mA of power. The MP7's 'USB to Host' connector can provide up to 500 mA, so in theory, it may be possible to use this USB connector to power the A49.
However it should be noted that the MP7's 'USB to Device' connector is only designed for connecting USB memory sticks. Attempting to use this connector for other purposes is not supported, and may cause unexpected damage to the instrument.
Kind regards, James x
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I believe I just guffawed.
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Thank you Tim T. Yet another interesting word to learn at this occasion.
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Hi James, I know... but i´m a bit biased too; are you tried Roland FP30, Yamaha P115/155 and Casio PX160?. These DP´s are the direct competitors for the ES100 and their key actions are very similar IMHO, but Kawai AHA-IV is more quicker and responsive although lacks for the third sensor. Cheers!.
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Ok James, thanks for your helpful response...!. Regards!.
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Hi lophiomys, I hope you enjoy a lot the MP7 for a long time. I know that you prefer the Kawai RHII key action over the Roland PHA-IV in the RD800, despite the problems with your MP7. Honestly, I'm glad that you're already fully enjoying your Kawai, the best DP with hollow plastic key action period. Regards!.
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Tonight I finished a first read through this (presently 46 pages) of MP7 thread; wow! It feels like having done a whirlwind read ( somewhat draining .... exhausted) of a broad-themed novel that includes elements of Genesis, learning/teaching, drama, action/excitement, travail, info/tech dumps, conflict, good will, friendship, collaboration, joy, sorrow, fantasy and of course the unknown given that the whole story is still a work in progress. In the interest of consistency in due diligence, I really should go off and find and if they exist, read, similar threads on, at a minimum, CP4, RD800 and PX-5S/560. Coincidentally, by way of this very thread and the OP, has also started an RD 800 thread ...... sort of helps make Piano World a one-stop resource for enthusiasts trying to make an informed GA ( possibly full blown GA S as the case may be ) decision.
A week ago I was strongly of the mind to trade an ES7 for an MP7 ( or ES8) and generally aware the MP7 is a lot more DP than what I need ( versus want) at the present but as I continue to learn piano playing there are lots of features, toys bells and whistles there waiting for me to learn/know how to make use of or otherwise enjoy.... something to grow old with. Tonight I still have the same basic inclination but now bouyed by the understanding that using an ES7/8 towards its full feature capabilities is intuitive and pretty easy to do, using the MP7 ( or any of the other aforementioned competitors) towards the same extent may be intuitive but will definitely require me to learn how to be more of an audio/computer/piano technician. Even as a still-anxious-to-progress low end intermediate pianist, I've developed a preference for adding other sounds .... layers as backing for grand piano. ES7 certainly allows this ..... like salt & pepper for the dinner plate, MP7 and similar stage models brings salt & pepper ...... and cayenne, lady slipper, curry, dill, mint, sugar, honey, dang gui, ginger, garlic, horse radish, wasabi, set on fire or sedated, with a cherry on top.
James, I have been thoroughly impressed by the job that you perform here ( on line) , especially knowing you have other Kawai job(s) and duties to do off line and suspecting that you have an other/real life / responsibilities outside of work at Kawai. Having spent over 30 years in computer support, the past 20 as a telephone pre/post LAN/WAN tech support call center agent, I can relate and appreciate how, over the course of day in day out, people, be they customers, potential customers or perhaps just lonely people with a tech fetish, can ask all manner of questions; I admire the way you answer with consistent aplomb.
Kudos to many of you regular posters here who collectively share a great wealth of piano tips, knowledge and experience, a genuine albeit small community of like-minded musicians ..... techs .... artists ..... characters ..... people; thank you.
- Kawai MP7 and LSR308 monitors - Roland HP-508 - DT770 Pro-80 and MDR-7506 phones
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Hi drewrst, Thanks for your post and kind words. Congrats on reading through all of the posts in this thread! ES7 certainly allows this ..... like salt & pepper for the dinner plate, MP7 and similar stage models brings salt & pepper ...... and cayenne, lady slipper, curry, dill, mint, sugar, honey, dang gui, ginger, garlic, horse radish, wasabi, set on fire or sedated, with a cherry on top. Wow, very nicely put! Kudos to many of you regular posters here who collectively share a great wealth of piano tips, knowledge and experience, a genuine albeit small community of like-minded musicians ..... techs .... artists ..... characters ..... people; thank you. Agreed! This forum is an absolute treasure trove of knowledge, with a great atmosphere - all thanks to the lovely folks from around the world that contribute. Long may that continue! Cheers, James x
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Hi drewrst,
Thanks for your post and kind words. Congrats on reading through all of the posts in this thread!
...
Cheers, James x James - Perhaps Kawai's marketing budget includes a complimentary MP7 for anyone who reads through this entire thread? Seems fair enough - OneWatt
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Hi drewrst,
Thanks for your post and kind words. Congrats on reading through all of the posts in this thread!
...
Cheers, James x James - Perhaps Kawai's marketing budget includes a complimentary MP7 for anyone who reads through this entire thread? Seems fair enough - OneWatt A complimentary MP7, would certainly go a long way towards making up my mind on upgrading to a stage model or ES8. As an alternative I would gladly accept a trip to Tokyo to visit piano HQ. 😜 Within the plethora of information I must now digest and sort through there is the potential that opting for the package of stage / performance features will distract from the primary goal of further learning and developing basic piano playing skills, something for which there remains a lot of ground to cover. In the shorter term, taking for granted the new unit arrives free from the kind of bugs, flaws or troubles that can occur with pretty much any make of such $2k gadgets, I would be happy with either model. Over the longer term, taking for granted that I develop the expected playing proficiency, the MP7 will give more room to roam and experiment. Either way involves a bit of putting a horse in front of the cart but some good news is, I have the luxury of time to contemplate.
Last edited by drewrst; 06/18/16 11:20 PM.
- Kawai MP7 and LSR308 monitors - Roland HP-508 - DT770 Pro-80 and MDR-7506 phones
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I don't know if this has already been covered before or not, but I'm having difficulty creating usable MP3 audio files on my MP7. The problem is that the audio level of the resulting MP3 file is always too low.
I've tried adjusting the "gain" parameter on the MP7 recording page, but it seems to have little effect on the resulting file. I've tried increasing the gain or normalizing the audio in a DAW running on a PC, but the result is less than satisfactory, since boosting the signal there creates distortion artifacts.
Can anyone describe the correct procedure for using the MP7's "MIDI -> Audio" feature in a way that will produce acceptable audio levels in the file that gets saved to a USB stick?
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