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Which digital piano brand has the best digital piano sounds such as
Fender Rhodes, Wurly, Clavinet, Strings, Yamaha CP80

The music I like to learn is mostly popular and rock from The Beatles , Foreigner, EltonJohn, Pink Floyd etc .

So for me the electric piano sounds as important as the acoustic piano sounds.

Dan

I don't about 'the best' that's very subjective. But having owned a Korg SV1 - 73, I haven't played anything else that plays and sounds that nice for just EP's. I have a bit sellers remorse for that one! And I have owned a real Rhodes suitcase model. The finger to ear connection with the SV1 is excellent and the little glowing tube does make it sound warm. The Acoustic piano is acceptable for the music you want to play. But your not going to use it for solo jazz or classical.

The Kurzweil Forte is fairly close though to it for EP and has a nice Grand Piano sound as well as organ, a host of synths and other instruments.

I have also heard good things about the Crummar Seven but haven't played one.

Loads of good options:

1) Kawai MP7
2) Korg SV-1 / Kronos / grandstage
3) Roland RD2000
4) Yamaha CP88
5) Kurzweil Forte
6) Nord Stage 3 / Nord Piano 4 etc.
7) Crummar Seven,
8) Dexibel models.
9) Casio PX-S3000

I have the MP7 and the epianos IMO are stronger than the acoustic piano voices.

Now, sampled epianos are really good partly due to modelled effects.

There are some modelled epianos (notably Korg's epiano engine and Pianoteq).

Here's another vote for the Korg SV1. And download the optional soundpacks (free) for access to more sounds.

I've also heard good things about (but haven't played) a Crumar Seven, but it doesn't have strings sounds, and it uses a TP100 action which I think is not as good as Korg's RH3 action. Also, while neither is first rate for grand piano, the edge there probably also goes to the Korg.

Yes, Kurzweil Forte can be good here (and presumably forthcoming PC4), as I think can Kawai MP7SE, Nord Piano, Korg Grandstage... though specifically for Rhodes/Wurly/Clav/Strings/CP80, I think SV1 would be my first choice, and happens to also be the cheapest. For the task at hand, I don't think I'd look beyond that unless you need better acoustic piano.

Those out of my price range..
So between Yamaha P125 vs Roland FP10/30 , Korg B1 for electric piano sounds, pros and cons for each?

Dan

If spending more, Yamaha CP40 vs CP73?

If a Yamaha CP80 sound is important, then try a Casio before buying. It's rarely demoed, but apparently still pretty bad.

CP73 = $2000, and not as good for EP/clav as SV1 for <$1600.

If you need to stay in a lower price range, Kurzweil SP6 (which I forgot about before... for the purposes at hand, it's pretty close to the Forte).

If you need to stay in an even lower price range, Casio PX5S. There are nice additional EPs you can download into it from the casio forum, programmed by Dave Weiser, who also programmed lots of the EPs for the Kurzweils. Though I'd have to double check to see if it has a CP80 in it. It would still be a much better choice than the Yamaha P125, Roland FP10/30 , or Korg B1 you mentioned.

I've owned a PX5S for several years and, while the EP sounds are tolerable, would not highly recommend it. Like many keyboards, the number of velocity levels for the Rhodes and Wurli is sorely lacking - only 4 levels.

Totally agree, I have one and gig with it at least twice a month. And as Scott said its better than the others you mentioned. For the price its a real good value.

If "software pianos" is acceptable (I understand the gigging problems):

. . . Applied Acoustic Systems (AAS) "Lounge Lizard EP-4".

You don't get 15 examples of "Rhodes sound", chosen by someone else. You get the front panel (and some of the technician's adjustments) of a Rhodes, and you can set it up as you please. There are lots of presets, as well.

Against that, it is "modelled", not "sampled". Since the Rhodes was an electro-acoustic instrument, that might be OK even for sensitive ears.

When I sat down at a Korg SV-1 to try it out, my first reaction was:

. . . "Wow! These are all great sounds!"

But if it's out of budget . . . .

All good suggestions so far!

However, if you're on a tight budget, I would suggest the Yamaha P-125 and a secondhand iPad Air running some apps such as Korg Module, Gospel Keys, etc. The Yamaha has a USB audio interface built-in, allowing the iPad's sounds to be output through the built-in speakers.

Also, sure I'm biased, but +1 on the MP7!
http://www.kawaimp.com/mp7se/media/audio/

Cheers,
James
x

Here in Canada prices I see:
Yamaha CP73 $2499.99 Long & McQuade
Korg SV1-73BK $2149.99 Cosmo Music

How well would the Pianoteq 6 with these 2 instrument packs: C. Bechstein Digital Grand + Electric pianos:MKI,MKII & W1 work with 2019 Mac Mini used with Roland FP10 midi connection?

Dan

Pretty well?

The hexlayer EPs can be 6 level, though more likely, they will be less in order to reserve some of those hexlayer elements for other things (e.g. keyoff noises).

But did you download the free additional EP patches from the casio forum? If not, you may not have heard the PX5S at its best.

Regardless, I was suggesting PX5S if he couldn't swing even an SP6. I still think its is the best low budget option. What other weighted action board under $1k has EPs better than (or even as good as) the PX5S? Plus the PX5S sounds are highly editable, so you can tweak them in ways you can't on many low cost boards.


The difference isn't as big as in the U.S., but the SV1 is still hundreds less, and it's the better board for EPs and clav.

I’ve recently demoed a CP88 and that’s the best Rhodes I’ve ever played, really enjoyed it and the effects are great. Casio’s Rhodes is a joke IMO.

Vs. Rhodes

















RD2000 vs. Grandstage


@3.50 from bonners MP7SE showing the effects section




Casio @ 3.58


actual



Vs. Wurlizer











actual



Clavinet

@ 5.18








epiano reviews and comparisons

Crumar 7 epianos






Recent piano comparison video for those sick of epianos

You've played the PX5S Rhodes, including its free additional downloadable EPs?

(Though I have to admit, I even like the Rhodes in your CDP-100, if a "dark" Rhodes is what you're after.)

At any rate, again, I was saying PX-5S has best Rhodes under a grand. Even if you like CP88 better, it's $2500, pricier than the SV1, and I think most would agree, not as good.

You can buy plenty of used boards for under a grand in £ e.g., the MP7, the SV1 etc.