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Hi guys,

Is anyone here using a VPC1 for live performances? If so, how do you manage the transportation and logistics?

I'm considering the option, but it seems impossible cumbersome.

Thanks!

I don't have a VPC1 but was thinking about getting one when going to Japan and bring it back. Apparently there is a hard case made for it but man, I'm pretty sure it's gonna be heavy. Need not to mention you'll probably carry your laptop as well, though you can probably just use a VST on your phone to free up the trouble.

Michael

Several questions spring to mind, including:

• What are you using now for live performance?
• How heavy is your current gigging keyboard?
• What type of music are you playing?
• Solo? In a group?
• How much road crew help can you expect?
• And how reliable is this help?

For me, weight trumps most other concerns, since I carry my own gear, and at 59.999 yrs old, I have to watch my back. Also, since I mainly do rock and blues with other jammers and performers, the quality of the piano sound isn't as important as the keyboard weight (well it is to me, but honestly, most listeners can't tell and don't really care). If I were doing solo classical performance or jazz in a small combo, then these priorities would of course change.

That is exactly why I very recently changed my KAWAI MP7SE order for a YAMAHA CP4 STAGE.

The YAMAHA CP4 has really good piano, pads, strings and synth sounds, a terrific wooden keybed and weights 5kg(!) / 11 pounds(!) less than the MP7SE.

Don't do that to yourself!!! Only if you have a crew.

There are lighter weight keyboards that have just as good of a feel + monitors - like the ES8 or the Roland FP-90.

I can't imagine gigging with a 70 pound controller.

Honestly, I think the VPC1 should be marketed more for home use. I really wish Kawai sold it with a stand that made it look like a real piano. It looks kind of ugly with third-party metal stands.

Pete raises some very good points. I'll try to answer:

- I'm 32, but I'm kind of a small guy, so size and weight are a concern.
- My current board is a Nord Electro 5 HP, which is light as a feather.
- Live gigs are normally duos or trios, usually with a wind player (sax or flute mainly), and maybe a singer.
- Music genre is mostly pop and jazz. Classical is not out of the question, but definitely not the rule either (think Ave Maria at a wedding)
- Road crew is usually limited to myself, and maybe a helping hand from time to time.

I'm looking for something that will be enjoyable to play at home as well, since I don't currently own an acoustic, which is why the VPC1 was so appealing. The CP4 has certainly caught my eye, but it is wicked expensive here in Argentina (I can get a Nord Piano 3 and a QSC K8.2 speaker for the same amount of money). Otherwise it would be a no brainer.

The VPC1 weighs 30Kg.
I honestly don't see a lone gigging musician carrying sth like that from place to place.

Maybe get the VPC for home use and use the Nord you have for gigs? Not sure whether that would work for you.

I purchased a Kawai ES110 for gigs specifically for the weight. It weighs about 27 pounds, I think. In addition to lugging your gear from the car to the venue, sometimes you have to play in tight spots and just getting the keyboard into place is an issue. I'm 62 and, unless I hated the keyboard, weight is crucial. I've never had back problems and don't want to start now!

Fwiw, between the ages of around 53 to a little over 57, I schlepped the Yamaha CP300 around, which is almost identical in weight to the MP11. I replaced it with the 52 lb. Yamaha CP5 for a few years after that. I finally threw up the white flag of surrender around age 60 when I purchased the original Nord Piano 88.

Actually it was less about the weight then the bulk. It was getting too unrealistic trying to squeeze into small bars and restaurants with tiny set up areas with this huge beast. In addition to a pair of speakers.

I had a Yamaha branded soft bag/case that fit the CP300 and CP5. It's no longer made because I'm guessing they got tired of messing with returns from people hauling around 72 lb. keyboards with it. The bag had wheels but I mainly would use my Magliner Gemini Jr. dolly. I could always manage it by myself except for a few instances I recall where there were a lot of steps.

I still have the CP5 but it resides strictly in the home office now with the CP4 seeing all gigging duties. Before I got the CP4 I was looking at a more substantial soft bag and found the German made Soundwear -- actually recommended by someone on this forum who was using it for his CP5.

You might contact them directly as I'm guessing they'd have a model that would fit the MP11.



Wow, this is really something ! If that's the case, I would go with the Nord. It's the same weight (which you probably already know) as the CP4.

Exactly. Home use or studio use. For home use a nice wooden stand with integrated Grand Feel Pedals would help a *LOT*.

If I were gigging a lot, I'd probably opt for the 30 pound and under "class" of keyboards/pianos. Yeah, you end up with a compressed, lightweight action that doesn't feel as much like the real thing, but even the (admittedly better performing) 50 pound "class" of slab pianos is a chore to move frequently without a hard case and wheels...or helpers.

I'll be 65 in June and I still find 38-40 lbs. acceptable and certainly doable. 40 lbs. is the limit for me though. Just have a lightweight case/bag that offers good protection. In addition always handle the keyboard yourself and also make sure it rides in your car -- no "band vans".

Good idea to keep your speaker or speakers under 30 lbs. too.

Sage advice. I would get a lightweight stage piano or an inexpensive model like a Casio, Kawai ES100, Roland FP30. You can get a lot of expression out of the cheap digital pianos, and with a VST, even more. Unless you're getting paid real $$ for the gig or it's an opportunity to make real $$ in the future, I would keep the heavy equipment at home.