Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Digital Pianos - Electronic Pianos - Synths & Keyboards Replacement for Kawai MP11?

I bought my MP11 for it’s keyboard feel - the closest to a grand piano that I could find several years ago. But I’m getting tired of fixing the sticky keys.

Any recommendations for a replacement? MP11SE? Kawai VPC1? Other?

Anyone know if the the MP11SE keyboard has the same keybed as the VPC1?

Thanks,

Dan.

P.s. I would love to get a Kawai Novus NV10, but it’s too large and too expensive for me.

Forgot to mention... I use Pianoteq7 ONLY on my MP11. And, since I’m not a gigging musician, I have no need for all the other bells MP11 bells and whistles. A midi keyboard only (like the VPC1) would work fine for me.

MP11SE - Grand Feel
VPC1 - RM3II

PWL,

Thanks. Appreciate the feedback.

Dan

What about the NV-5 then? It has a 'real' action, similar or the same as in my K300, and I like that action *much* better than the action in my previous CA-58, which had a Grand Feel Compact action (similar to Grand Feel, but slightly shorter pivot length).

Although I don't know when, but Kawai will release a successor for the MP11SE, which is highly likely to have the Grand Feel III keyboard installed, in which this known issue is fixed. At the moment, out of the entire current Kawai model range, MP11SE is the only one of the Grand Feel family that still has this drawback.

CA59/CA49 — Grand Feel Compact; CA99/CA79 — Grand Feel III
MP11SE — ancient Grand Feel (1st gen).

I have Kawai VPC1 for almost 3 years and do not have any "sticky keys" problem. When not in use, the keyboard is covered by some cloth to prevent it from dust or extra humidity.

Unless you can get hold of a Casio GP310 used or something, I don't think that you will find anything better to play Pianoteq on, ie, substantial enough to warrant an upgrade. My thoughts are that a longer-term savings plan with the goal of buying a hybrid piano would be the way to go.

You've got the Grand Feel II and III only in the Kawai line. You say that you can't afford the models with Grand Feel III.
The grand feel II is a tiny bit different. So even a used CA67 won't be much better.

Same here, for more than seven years now

Concerning the key actions - you should play-test them before buying. The VPC1 action is a tad heavier than the MP11 action, some prefer it over the other, some don't. I am going back and forth with a grand piano without problems (of course a difference remains).

Folks,

Thanks for the feedback.

If it wasn’t for the cost and my space constraints, I would jump on a Kawai NV10, after playing one for several hours at a local store. The keyboard action is the best I’ve encountered, even better than the Yamaha hybrids. (I’ve played those for several hours too.)

Until COVID 19 hit, I was fortunate to take lessons at a local piano store that specializes on consignment and new high end grand pianos. If I had the money, space, and a sound proof room, my first choice would be a 6ft+ Steinway or Yamaha C3. So those are my reference points.

Based on my experience, Kawai NV10 keyboard key action comes the closest to those acoustic pianos AND can be played through headphones. When the keys are working, my MP11 with Pianoteq 7 is not perfect, but it’s OK to meet my needs.

If Kawai built a VPC2 with improved keybed in the size and shape of a VPC1 at a comparable cost, I’d buy one immediately. Unfortunately, all of the other digital pianos and hybrids are too expensive, too big, and/or don’t have the key action I want.

Such is life. So it looks like I’ll keep repairing my MP11 and hope that someone brings out “my” piano.

Thanks for the feedback,

Dan.

P.s. I’ve used Pianoteq since version 5.x. Frankly, I thought the sound was thin and tinny compared to other VSTs like Ivory II, Galaxy Vintage D, and CFX. That changed with Pianoteq 7. The sound is MUCH improved, in my opinion. If you haven’t tried Version 7, you should consider testing it.

I think the VPC1 is closer to the NV10 than the MP11. Did you try the VPC or are you just "thinking" you need an improved keybed? I played all 3.

I would consider a move to the VPC1 only advantageous with regards to the custom velocity curves you get. The Grand Feel action is better in terms of playing the black keys.

What is the reason for sticky keys? Does VPC1 have it too? Or models with GF3?

Had my Kawai MP11 since 2015, play it at least 1 to 2 hours a day at home, NEVER had any issues with keys sticking🤷🏻‍♂️
Just an absolutely amazing action and sound through my headphones and studio monitors, it’s gets covered after I’ve finished using it every time

Thinking of selling it and upgrading to the MP11SE if it’s worth doing?

I’m based in the UK

[img]https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CeTsrJUs5FebL88o929flcxKbAFe7tww/view?usp=drivesdk[/img]

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nQKU0bwVkFFb2Ij9-ITeSh0s8QRV0OJz/view?usp=drivesdk

The reason is shown here:


This design was first changed in Grand Feel Compact action. And then in Grand Feel III action. Thus, GF3 does not have this problem.

Also, for a long time this has been constantly discussed in this thread.

VPC1 is built in the same way, so I assume it can have the same issue. My VPC1 do not have it, but I mainly use MP7SE so the VPC1 often rests.

I would try the Yamaha CP88. Absolutely love this board. After having multiple issues with the MP11se, I switched over and couldn't be happier. Also, it has a built-in audio interface and regular updates with new sounds from Yamaha.

What exact issues have you had with the MP11SE?

I have an MP11 and was going to upgrade to the SE

I have a post detailing the issues, but in summation, I had a broken internal component issue (probably from rough handling during shipping) and two motherboard/main cpu issues that triggered extremely loud notes on particular keys that would be abrasively loud no matter how softly I would press the key. My buddy has the same loud note issue with an MP7se right now. Kawai is great about fixing these under warranty, so I wouldn't worry too much. Just try to buy one from a local dealer if you can and test it in the store before taking it home. Just my opinion.