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I'm looking for a real piano keyboard and action in a digital piano, but not in the grand piano format, but in ideally a stage piano configuration, or failing that, digital piano (upright) style.

I want to use this to play piano samples, such as Art Vista Virtual Steinway.

Does such a beast exist?

I've found real actions in Yamaha and Bachman (General Music) but only in the Grand Piano style cabinet, which does not appeal to me, is too expensive, and I lack the room for such a machine in my studio!

Thanks,

Lawrence

I think the new Yamaha CLP280 with real wooden keys (called Natural Keyboard) will be perfect. Not sure of the price yet as itis justing hitting the States now. The piano is in an upright cabinet and looks like a spinet piano.

Try the Roland RD700SX.

I'm actually looking for digital pianos that have an actual real acoustic piano action in them, which I'm assuming would be better than any virtual attempt, including the CLP-280 Natural Keyboard.

I have played the CLP-280, and it is the best digital action I've played - that is an emulation of a real piano action, but I've only started to look at digital pianos. (For the past number of years I have used a Kurzweil K2500X, which has a Fatar action in it, I believe, and isn't cutting it any more.

Lawrence

Melodial,

There's only one that fits your description---and the fit is not perfect. It's the Yamaha GranTouch, which I think is only c.3' deep and has an action from a Yammy grand. I have a Bachmann GRPT 140 with a Detoa action from an acoustic upright. Even medium-fast repetition is a problem.

DavidH

PS, Really looking forward to your impressions of the Virtual Grand. I'd love to know about tone, balance, and latency, and will be watching this forum and Northern Sounds.

FogVilleLad,

Thanks. I've found info about the Grandtouch at:

http://www.yamaha.co.jp/english/product/piano/product/europe/gt/gt_m/gt_m.html

The GranTouch GT20 looks like the instrument I'm after.

Previous searches of the web had only turned up the grand piano style models. Now the trick will be to see if a (relatively) local dealer stocks this instrument. Google doesn't reveal much in my country, which is Canada.

Still, I'm quite excited about this. Thanks for the info!

Lawrence

There's really no such thing as a "real" action in a digital. The feel is always going to be simulated as you are not actually causing a hammer to hit a string, etc. The keys may be authentic, etc. But at some point, your keystroke is being translated into numbers -- the same numbers that are found on less "real" actions.

My personal opinion is that you're best off not worrying about the specs. Instead, play everything you can. The interaction between the tone module and the action is a tricky thing. You may not end up choosing the most "authentic" option. The good news is that it shouldn't be hard to improve on that Fatar action youv'e been using.

Melodial,

GranTouches sometimes show up lightly used on eBay and Craigslist.

DavidH

Steve Y,

You put it beautifully, but I'd still go for that Yammy action. There's such a difference in the feel of an acoustic action---even the vertical one on my Bachmann---and that feeling is so much more real and ultimately even more relaxing to play.

DavidH

Melodial,

Have you tried Yamaha's Silent Upright?

Yamaha Grantouch GT20 is available in the UK, you could have it shipped to you in Canada?

I have the GranTouch DG2A for night practice, as well as a 6' grand. The GranTouch feels pretty close to the action on smaller Yamaha Grands and I think it might even be better than the small Yamaha uprights. If you plug-in a set of headphones, the keyboard is fairly sensitive and authentic in the sense that slight uneveness in touch becomes fairly apparent. I am not sure digital actions are this sensitive, but I have not played the latest offerings. The sound of the GranTouch is nothing to shout about, but my priority is for an authentic touch.

Very good advice, indeed!

Today I played three instruments, and it was amazing just how different they were. So, yes, the bottom line will be how it feels, responds, inspires, sounds etc., which may or may not be "authentic" according to the specs!

One instrument I'm interested was not at the store, and they expect one in by the end-of-the month. At that time I'll comment on my findings.

Lawrence

Looking forward to your comments.

Melodial,

Nobody would object to your waiting to try that remaining instrument, but I hope that the waiting will not prevent you from posting your impressions of the Virtual Grand;-)

DavidH