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#380746 - 01/11/04 10:08 PM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
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Iggy
Top 200 Poster
Registered: 06/04/03
Posts: 1049
Loc: Manheim, PA
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I play out alot and needed a keyboard that played, felt and sounded like a piano. Additionally, I needed something with realistic sounds such as a guitar.
For the price the Yamaha S80, no replaced by the S90 fit the bill.
It's a nice solid feeling keyboard for about $1400.00.
Don't even attempt to read the manual, however, as it is not user friendly.
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#380747 - 01/12/04 12:01 AM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
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WThe Big Train
Serious Contributor
Registered: 10/09/03
Posts: 71
Loc: Washington, DC
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"Mom and Papa bought a Chickering
Every day I'd sit and play that thing"
That's Warren Zevon. Not me. My baby plays a Boston. It's a Steinway design assembled by Kawaii. We couldn't be happier with our Starter Steinway. (Well, we would be happier with a real Stein, but at this price, we couldn't be happier.)
It's got the classical warmth (rather than the jazz brightness characteristic of many finer Asian-manufactured pianos) and the Steinway warrantees.
Thanks for this thread. A lot of useful stuff.
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#380748 - 01/13/04 12:02 PM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
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Kaley Willow
Top 10 Poster
Registered: 04/13/01
Posts: 10240
Loc: PA
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Hi Iggy  and Big Train ...
Thanks for sharing what you use.....
Having that piano feel...is really important to me.....because when I put my hands..on
some of the keyboards...It just plainly doesn't feel right...
hmmm...Kawai?...I really like what I've tried in that line also...
Best Wishes,
Kaley
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#380749 - 01/14/04 12:42 AM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
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Jean Larson
Serious Contributor
Registered: 12/03/03
Posts: 823
Loc: St. Louis, MO
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I learned to play on a Steinway upright. Nothing else I've ever played has quite matched up!
Now that I'm grown, I play on what I can afford--a really ugly but lovely-sounding Everitt. (It even has a coffee stain on the keyboard cover, but of course that never shows--it's always open and never dusty!)
I like my ugly piano, though. When I'm playing it, time seems to go by at lightning speed. This may sound weird, but playing my instrument feels like I'm spending time with a good friend who knows me really well.
There is nothing I enjoy more than making music--and the better the quality the more fun it is!
Now if I could just get my children and husband and work and chores and phone, etc., to leave me alone and let me play....only the cat is nice enough to just curl up under the bench and listen.
Good luck finding just what you want in a keyboard or piano. --Jean
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#380750 - 01/14/04 02:58 AM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
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Kaley Willow
Top 10 Poster
Registered: 04/13/01
Posts: 10240
Loc: PA
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Hi Jean... ...well, HEY....I have one of those....kinda ugly..Everitt's too. .......
and whenever I get it tuned....the piano tuner usually comments...on the fact it is
a very nice piano....just don't hear very much about them any more.
I really like having the digital...next to the computer though,..and being able to change things instantly....(uh..the few things i know how to change  )....
take care..happy..playing..
(I understand all what you said..and feel the same way..can get lost when playing..
till both kids are on either side of me..
explaining..WHICH direction...I should be going.... )..
i need to get the Everitt tuned up...and
there's a key that's very sluggish...
it's an older studio model.
best wishes,
Kaley
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#380751 - 01/14/04 10:11 AM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
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player4
Serious Contributor
Registered: 01/14/04
Posts: 125
Loc: Nashville, TN
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I have a Triton Pro 76 and I am very satisfied with its performance. Great variety and dependability.
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#380752 - 01/17/04 07:45 PM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
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Kaley Willow
Top 10 Poster
Registered: 04/13/01
Posts: 10240
Loc: PA
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Hi Player...
Thanks so much for sharing...
best wishes,
Kaley...
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#468348 - 01/26/07 08:17 AM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: Kaley Willow]
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Brian Austin Whitney
Bard of the Boards
Registered: 04/20/01
Posts: 16289
Loc: Indianapolis, IN USA
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So lets hear about more Keyboard rigs?
Brian
_________________________
Brian Austin Whitney Founder Just Plain Folks jpfolkspro@aol.com Skype: Brian Austin Whitney "Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney 
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#468437 - 01/26/07 12:35 PM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: Brian Austin Whitney]
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korg4god
Casual Observer
Registered: 12/27/05
Posts: 22
Loc: Arkansas City, KS 67005
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Ok... here we go
On stage at the church I use:
Yamaha DGX-500 as a controller and for piano
Korg Pa1X-pro for the one-man-band and other keyboard sounds (I also run my mic through it for the vocal harmonies and effects)
Korg D16xd 16-track digital recording studio
Yamaha 16 Channel mixer, Ibanez digital effects, Peavey crossover to Yamaha and Peavey amps and Peavey speakers and sub.
In my office at the church I have:
Korg N264 music workstation
Dell Dimension 2400 desktop running XP with Cakewalk and assorted software
At my home studio: (Mostly for teaching) I have a console piano and a Yamaha PSR -GX76 keyboard
Dell laptop running XP and Finale Notepad for scoring
Have had:
Yamaha PSR-25
Roland JX-3P
Hammond mono synth
Arp Odyssey
Crumar traveler organ
Korg M1
Yamaha DX7
Yamaha YP-40 Clavinova (First clavinova to ever come out)
Korg Sg-1D Sampling Grand
Korg Dss-1 Sampler
(I think that's it for now)
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#468624 - 01/26/07 11:57 PM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: korg4god]
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Hepcat
Casual Observer
Registered: 01/26/07
Posts: 8
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Fender Rhodes Mark I. Great action. Fits into any ensemble.
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#469398 - 01/29/07 08:25 AM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: Hepcat]
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Brian Austin Whitney
Bard of the Boards
Registered: 04/20/01
Posts: 16289
Loc: Indianapolis, IN USA
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Hey Korg4God,
I have one of those PA1XPro keyboards too. The president of Korg gave it to me just before he passed away last year. I have barely touched it though. If you have any tips to share about it etc.. let me know. The thing is VERY noisy/buzzy I have noticed, especially when it is booting up. The hard drive buzz comes right through the audio which is not good. Do you have that same problem?
Brian
_________________________
Brian Austin Whitney Founder Just Plain Folks jpfolkspro@aol.com Skype: Brian Austin Whitney "Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney
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#471887 - 02/06/07 10:30 AM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: Brian Austin Whitney]
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korg4god
Casual Observer
Registered: 12/27/05
Posts: 22
Loc: Arkansas City, KS 67005
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Brian,
Yeah my Pa1x Pro does have hard drive hum trough my PA as it boots up or saves a program/ style / list, etc. but I usually do that before the gig, in my case the church service, or conference. There's hardle anyone around and it's not usually a big deal.
I love the PA1x pro because music is a huge part of the church and ministry I work for and it's just me and a guitar player, so I use the Pa1x as the entire praise band and let the guitar player do his thing over the top with licks, solos, etc.
Works great for me, I just wish it had better piano sounds and that they had put the CX-3 organ engine in it.....B3 is a BIG part of our sound....(bluesy, gospel, r&b, type)
Jeff
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#471986 - 02/06/07 05:07 PM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: korg4god]
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VASINGER
Serious Contributor
Registered: 05/23/06
Posts: 90
Loc: Richmond, Virginia, USA
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I know it sounds cliche- but I always liked the sound of baby grand Steinway pianos. They just have a rich texture you dont get out of many others. I also prefer pianos that have real ivory keys, but the fake plastic stuff.
At home, I know have an upright Baldwin. Its pretty nice. It has kind of a toffee colored sound to it. Its brighter than my other baby grand, but its not quite as vibrant, naturally because its an upright.
As far as keyboards go, I have a Yamaha and I really like it better than the Korg I had. Its piano sounds are more natural and better tonal quality. I only play weighted keys, and its worth the extra money. The synthesizers are like playing on chop sticks. But they're ok for practice.
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#472597 - 02/08/07 11:29 AM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: VASINGER]
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korg4god
Casual Observer
Registered: 12/27/05
Posts: 22
Loc: Arkansas City, KS 67005
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I agree with you on the Yamaha piano sounds. That is why I use the DGX-500 (Yamaha) as a controller for the 88 keys and much better piano sound. It is on the bottom in my pic.
Supposedly the really upper level Korgs (Oasys, etc.) have really nice pianos, which I thought I would get on the $4600.00 PA1Xpro but didn't. Well, everything else is good though.
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#472809 - 02/09/07 03:30 AM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: korg4god]
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Brian Austin Whitney
Bard of the Boards
Registered: 04/20/01
Posts: 16289
Loc: Indianapolis, IN USA
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You spend $4600 dollars on the PA1XPro? I didn't think it was that expensive?
Brian
_________________________
Brian Austin Whitney Founder Just Plain Folks jpfolkspro@aol.com Skype: Brian Austin Whitney "Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney
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#472956 - 02/09/07 05:50 PM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: Brian Austin Whitney]
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korg4god
Casual Observer
Registered: 12/27/05
Posts: 22
Loc: Arkansas City, KS 67005
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I didn't spend 4600.00 that's the suggested retail. The one I use belongs to the church and it was a whole lot cheaper than that, I just didn;t want people to know how much we really paid for it. I was usingthe price as a reference to a higher end keyboard.
What I really want is an Oasys to go with it. If I could have a an Oasys as a controller and the PA1x Pro....then I'd have something.
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#485393 - 03/22/07 08:25 PM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: korg4god]
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Butterfingersbeck
Casual Observer
Registered: 03/22/07
Posts: 4
Loc: London, England
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Casio WK-3000. Has great acoustic piano and Wurlitzer electric sounds, plus a dedicated drawbar organ/Leslie simulation. I call it "the poor man's Nord Electro"!
_________________________
"Communication is everything"
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#487081 - 03/28/07 10:47 AM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: Butterfingersbeck]
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Gerry Manning
Serious Contributor
Registered: 02/27/07
Posts: 171
Loc: Dublin, Ireland
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Looks like a very long standing thread but let's keep it going! I use a Roland G-70 workstation. It has an onboard 16 track sequencer but I find that if you want to add vocals or other instruments in Cubase SX3, it's better to retain the flexibility to keep all the tracks separate so I don't like exporting a ready mixed arrangement from the keyboard.
As for the why: Well the Roland G-70 has everything you need to sound like a musician when you're not really!
Gerry
_________________________
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#487368 - 03/29/07 04:58 AM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: Gerry Manning]
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SteveHVasil
Serious Contributor
Registered: 05/03/06
Posts: 119
Loc: Rome, GA, 30161
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Hi,
I have a Fatar Studio 900(weighted action) which I midi into two different sound modules, a Peavey dpm-V3 and a Korg Wavestation. I'm doing hard drive recording with MOTU's Digital Performer(Mac platform), pretty much the latest version.
While folks have their favorite sounds and I respect that, the availability of wonderful sounds is available in most sound modules/keyboards. What makes a keyboard pricey is the weighted action-a must for me. Oh, I also have a Hammond and two leslies, a Kurzweil K-1000 which has seen better days, and a few guitars.
Steve
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#521078 - 07/10/07 05:12 PM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: SteveHVasil]
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Robert W. Oliver
Casual Observer
Registered: 07/10/07
Posts: 4
Loc: Georgia
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Here goes:
1. Korg Triton Pro-X (w/ Bosendorfer expansion card). Used mostly for piano, strings, & horns.
2. Korg CX3. EXCELLENT Hammond B3 clonewheel!
3. Korg Triton Le61. Useful for gigs, but the piano sound is for the birds!
4. Korg MS2000. Analog synth modeling.
5. Wurlitzer Electric Piano 200A. Original owner since 1976.
6. Roland Fantom X (61 note). Newest member of the family. Awesome piano sounds, with adjustable resonance. Rhodes samples are spot on, and the synth sounds are much fatter than those on the Triton. Lots of fun to play.
7. Yamaha PSR1500. Arranger workstation, used mostly at church. More intuitive than the old Korg Arranger workstations.
I must add that I have a very supportive & understanding wife, who merely smiles when another keyboard comes through the door!
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#521326 - 07/11/07 01:35 PM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: Robert W. Oliver]
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Mikey Cunningham
Serious Contributor
Registered: 02/08/06
Posts: 55
Loc: Keller, TX USA
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I have several laying around my studio, but my main workhorse is still the Kurzweil PC1x. There are some amazing sounds in there - including some fantastic vocal patches sampled by Take 6.
And I still use the 110-yr. old Schumann upright piano that I grew up with... the sound is fantastic!
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#523675 - 07/19/07 11:58 AM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: Mikey Cunningham]
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John Stoecker
Serious Contributor
Registered: 07/13/07
Posts: 71
Loc: Nashville, TN
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Hi, Mikey,
My friend James talked me into a Kurz when I finally decided I had to have a weighted controller - he has the PC2x, and after playing his I played the Yamaha S09 and Roland RD700. I steered clear of things like the Triton or other workstations because I just didn't want to pay for all that other stuff that I was never gonna use.
I picked the Kurz strictly because of the feel of the action, intending all along to use modules for the sounds if I decided I didn't like the sound. So the controller started out as a PC88mx, and then James found me a good bargain on a PC2x. The PC2x piano sound is definitely better than the PC88mx, although the PC88mx isn't awful-sounding to begin with.
(edited to add: I also tried the m-audio "I make no sound at all" controller, and I think the Fatar too. None of those would articulate a repeated single note cleanly, too much rubbery bounce. The Kurz just seemed really tight and playable.)
For just piano/vocal stuff the PC2x is usually fine; sometimes I'm in love with it, and sometimes I find it's not the right choice. But I still have available my first love for a usable digital piano sound, which is the Korg SG-Rack - it's a pretty basic box, but for a solo or layered piano it's fantastic. I have a Motif Rack, which also has a good piano sound. But I tend to gravitate towards the Korg or PC2.
Don't have room for a real piano. But I don't miss having to get it tuned regularly, either. 
John
Edited by John Stoecker (07/19/07 12:03 PM)
_________________________
"Mojo" is in the mind of the beholder.
A.K.A. "Steck"
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#523704 - 07/19/07 02:18 PM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: John Stoecker]
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Mikey Cunningham
Serious Contributor
Registered: 02/08/06
Posts: 55
Loc: Keller, TX USA
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There is something to be said for not having regular tuner visits. I keep the humidity/temperature pretty uniform, and the piano's not against an outside wall, etc. but there's just no way around the need for occasional tuning.
One of the reasons I picked the Kurzweil was the feel, as you mentioned. The feel, the sound, the flexibility - I end up using it far more often than my real piano in my recordings. For the most part, my real piano just gets used for private lessons.
Believe it or not, I ended up buying a cheap Casio Privia piano for some of my more simple gigs. http://www.casio.com/products/Musical_Instruments/Privia_Digital_Pianos/PX-110/
The sound is not bad, the action is actually pretty good, and - best of all - it only weighs 28 or 29 pounds!!
There are some serious downsides: it's not my Kurzweil, folks make fun of me, there's only a few sounds that are worth anything, folks make fun of me, and ...well.. folks make fun of me. But the fact that I can put the keyboard and the stand in a gig bag and carry it easily with one hand makes it very nice for fun easy gigs where I don't need the big guns.
And the fact that I'm 6'5" and 400 lbs certainly keeps the 'making fun of me' issue more than bearable 
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#523930 - 07/20/07 03:55 AM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: Mikey Cunningham]
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John Stoecker
Serious Contributor
Registered: 07/13/07
Posts: 71
Loc: Nashville, TN
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It's a amazing to have a hammer-action board that weighs 29 pounds. IIRC the PC2x is almost 60
(RANT ON and feels like 90, who in their right mind would design something THAT heavy and not put any stinkin' handles on it??? oh, wait, nevermind. Everyone thinks you're always gonna have a helper! DUH! stupid me! RANT OFF)
I looked at the Casio specs and it has a MIDI in and out. "action is pretty good" - OK, how does the action compare with the Kurz in your opinion?
_________________________
"Mojo" is in the mind of the beholder.
A.K.A. "Steck"
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#524004 - 07/20/07 11:35 AM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: John Stoecker]
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Mikey Cunningham
Serious Contributor
Registered: 02/08/06
Posts: 55
Loc: Keller, TX USA
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Yeah, I guess 'pretty good' isn't terribly helpful, is it?
The action isn't quite as good as the Kurzweil, but it's better than the old Ensoniq, 2 Yamahas (Clavinova and KX88), and the Triton I used to have. The Casio really does feel pretty good.
And you're right on the money - any deficiency it might have in its sounds is made up for with the MIDI ports. And even so, the sounds aren't THAT bad. The main piano sound doesn't hold a candle to the Kurzweil, but it's better than the General Midi...
And again: 29 pounds!!!
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#524125 - 07/20/07 07:15 PM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: Mikey Cunningham]
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John Stoecker
Serious Contributor
Registered: 07/13/07
Posts: 71
Loc: Nashville, TN
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Mikey,
Thanks!
John
_________________________
"Mojo" is in the mind of the beholder.
A.K.A. "Steck"
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#542887 - 09/20/07 03:15 PM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: John Stoecker]
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Kaley Willow
Top 10 Poster
Registered: 04/13/01
Posts: 10240
Loc: PA
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So many neat replies here...and was fun going through both listening and seeing what some of you are playing on.....
I finally purchased...a little over a year ago....a GEM Pro-Mega 3.....and also was able to get a Boston Studio Piano...
After we moved from one home.....to another..., I was able to
use some money for these purchases.
I'd love to learn to use the equalizers...and mixers and things like that better....to get the cleanest sound I could...but...
so far..I don't think I'm asking the right questions to get the right answers.
Have enjoyed listening to those of you who've left links to your sites....
P.S. Mikey, I know what you're saying about the privia... I was surprised when I played on one recently too...Seems like it was
a lot of piano for the $...and light as a feather too....
best to ya all....
Hugs,
Kaley
Piano Melodies and Demos
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=8404
Kids Music:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=6469
Andy & Friends CD:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kwwg
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#547771 - 10/10/07 02:19 AM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: Kaley Willow]
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mattbanx
Serious Contributor
Registered: 06/22/05
Posts: 1384
Loc: Northern Minnesota
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I have played on just the pianos from synths.
What I have right now is a Casio CTK-411.
I have a couple other keyboards, but that sounds the most natural as far as synths.
Was thinking of an electric piano.
I would like to move up with keyboards.
But the sound on what I have cuts it.
And being in mainly listeners threads for the first 2 years on the net, what listeners think is listnable and what musicians think is often contradict eachother.
Because 90% of everyone does'nt like the same thing.
It seems to be more about establishing a sound.
If something cheap can do that, than that is better than throwing away money.
But what is better is always going to be a matter of the heart.
And what is the better sound is no exception.
But I have a Yamaha PSS-60 as well as my Casio.
They both serve their purposes for different things.
But I don't know even how well the greatest grand piano would transfer over with modern recording conventions unless someone had the setup for that.
It would be interesting to know in this topic if what would play in the recording setup would play just as much if not more of a crucial importance to the sound of the instrument or what brand that is.
It seems to be more of what is made of it and what people are looking for.
But what is more real sounding is often never agreed on.
Matt
Edited by mattbanx (10/10/07 02:24 AM)
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#554493 - 10/31/07 09:38 PM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: mattbanx]
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Kaley Willow
Top 10 Poster
Registered: 04/13/01
Posts: 10240
Loc: PA
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Hi Matt, nice of you to stop by....
Thanks for telling me what you're using....
It IS such an individual decision based on taste..and what $
we have at the moment....
I've visited a few of the piano boards around the net...and
some of the folks really get into arguments over brand names.. and are quite loyal and passionate about what they like best......to the point there were some flame wars going on about it...
best to you tonight, Matt...
Kaley
Piano Melodies and Demos
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=8404
Kids Music:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=6469
Andy & Friends CD:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kwwg
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#554572 - 11/01/07 02:44 AM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: Kaley Willow]
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mattbanx
Serious Contributor
Registered: 06/22/05
Posts: 1384
Loc: Northern Minnesota
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Thanks Kaley.
I have purchased a couple of new keys since.
A Yamaha and a Casio that is a little fancier and has eq features on them. A Casio-500 and a Yamaha PSS-470.
The piano still does'nt sound as real to me on those 2 new keyboards.
John Lennon's "Imagine" kind of sticks in my head when I am trying out the piano sound.
And only my Casio CTK-411 has come close to that piano in that song.
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#566477 - 12/10/07 05:53 PM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: Kaley Willow]
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Al David
Top 10 Poster
Registered: 02/21/01
Posts: 9175
Loc: Middle Tennessee
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Kaley,
A Casio LK-40...because it's really cheap ...$150.00 new with stand. If I played better keys, I'd invest a little more money. But, till then, this is it.
Alan
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#574938 - 01/12/08 03:43 AM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: Al David]
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Darius Babylon
Serious Contributor
Registered: 08/14/07
Posts: 201
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I have an GEM Equinox 76 for general type sounds, as well as thick pads.
http://www.synthmania.com/equinox_61.htm
I also have an old Proteus FX for orchestral type sounds
For analog-synth type leads, bass, pads, I use an Alesis Micron.
Had my run of Korg/ Roland / Yamahas, but got really tired of them. The best of the lot was probably the Roland JD800.
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#575326 - 01/13/08 03:54 PM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: Darius Babylon]
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Nova
Casual Observer
Registered: 03/01/05
Posts: 10
Loc: Ohio, USA
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Hey, been gone for quite awhile, actually, was a new member right b4 I became really busy..
have quite a few for different things, for live I was using a Roland FP3 w/various modules... large venues I add the Ensoniq ASR10 as that can be anything I want it to be.
Got a Roland RD700SX about 6 months ago, but may have to let that go.
This year am changing up my live setup, FP3 w/a Muse Receptor running Ivory and Pianoteq...just getting that together.
In my studio Im using the FP3 and the Ensoniq depending on what Im recording, fav samples are Ivory w/Italian Grand, Scarbee and a few others.
Had a Steinway upright for 20+ years, but sadly, we parted ways.
I think Ive owned just about every what Id call neat keyboard/synth thru the years. Of course, that depends on your age...
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#621773 - 06/01/08 07:26 AM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: Kaley Willow]
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Jim Offerman
Serious Contributor
Registered: 05/30/08
Posts: 694
Loc: Utrecht, The Netherlands
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I have a KORG Triton Pro and an M-Audio ProKeys88. The M-Audio was great value for money, until I broke the keyboard (hint: don't use it to punch in drums!). The KORG weighs a ton, but it is a real trooper, though.
For my piano sound, I use a software sampler of a Bosendorfer Imperial Grand. I'm still saving up for the real thing and the house to fit it in. 
More short term, I'd like to have a new sturdy but light 88-key controller, to replace the m-audio.
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#621919 - 06/01/08 05:33 PM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: Jim Offerman]
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SteveHVasil
Serious Contributor
Registered: 05/03/06
Posts: 119
Loc: Rome, GA, 30161
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Hi,
There are inherent challenges in recording an acoustic piano. Unless you have the luxury of a controlled environment, you'll probably have noise, anything from the telephone to rambunctious kids. Certainly nothing feels better than a real grand piano.
I use a weighted midi controller(it feels pretty good), using it to drive relatively inexpensive sound modules, giving me a pretty nice palette of different sounds(including useable bass voices). These are virtually noise-free and already pretty nicely eq'd. My controller was around $1000 20 years ago; second-hand sound modules are available for well under $200 on ebay. Results may vary.
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#622123 - 06/02/08 11:47 AM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: Kaley Willow]
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lherman
Casual Observer
Registered: 06/02/08
Posts: 1
Loc: Seal Beach, California
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Okay is an accordion considered a keyboard here? I have a Roland V accordion - FR7- midi to Ketron SD3 sound module. Does the job for me.
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#631993 - 07/09/08 04:10 AM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: lherman]
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Brian Austin Whitney
Bard of the Boards
Registered: 04/20/01
Posts: 16289
Loc: Indianapolis, IN USA
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We've been thinking of buying a Yamaha 6'1 Grand Piano... question for John Daubert: How often do you need to tune it and how much does a typical tuning cost?
Brian
_________________________
Brian Austin Whitney Founder Just Plain Folks jpfolkspro@aol.com Skype: Brian Austin Whitney "Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney
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#633213 - 07/13/08 11:24 AM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: Brian Austin Whitney]
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Johnny Daubert
Top 100 Poster
Registered: 01/27/01
Posts: 7185
Loc: New Jersey, USA
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Brian, Iggy let me know about this post yesterday. Just able to get on site his morning.
OK,,,first, that's a good piano...Older ones are better though. But still, even the new models of that size are good. Check out Kawai, for another Japanese made piano, as players are divided for both. (Personal taste for feel of action and tone. Both just as good.
Tuning? Depends on your house climate, location of the piano, (if near a heat source, or near a window, or a heavily used door), and how long and hard the piano is played per day.
The least of tunings should be twice a year regardless, in the middle of the winter and summers. Three to four times a year, (in the middle of each season), might be needed depending on all the above factors. Grands usually require more tunings than verticals, for their soundboards are out in the open, and will take in and lose air moisture more than pianos placed against the walls. Like fine cars, the more expensive, the more specialized care needed.
Cost of tunings: Around here, it's from $75. to $125., depending who is called. A store will generally be more, for they make something too, which is added on the average cost of a tuner.
Watch out for tuners that will say just about anything to get a higher price than most. Some will even do less for a higher charge! Check around by calling piano teachers first, not stores, for a tuner. The guild can have bad to great tuners, so that is not a reliable source as to the honesty of quality. Around here, it's political more than anything. Word of mouth by piano pros is best, (teachers and skilled/pro players).
Pianos should also be regulated a year after new, then depending on playing habits, every three to five years after. Regulation is the term for adjusting the action, from the key height, to all the moving parts of that action. The "action" is the term for all the moving parts, which is one removable section of the piano. The action can be completely removed from the body of the piano. Regulation at the home will have the technician pulling out and in the action for some of the adjustments being made to check on them. That cost starts at around 100, up to about 800, (minor to major regulation). A new piano of that quality should only need a minor one after a year of settling. Depending on playing habits, it could only need another minor one in three to five years.
If let gone to some time without having regulation done, like in ten years and more, then a major regulation may be needed. Best to have the regulation checked and gone over often. Might even be a lower charge than 100 if the tuner is asked to adjust regulation at each tuning. (Less and smaller adjustments usually). I sometimes throw it into the cost of tuning if a steady customer.
YOu nay call me at anytime on my cell if having a question, even at the moment. If the tuner is honest and skilled, he shouldn't mind being called into question if you tell him you have an out of distance friend who is a long time pro tuner. (Or just call in another room after excusing yourself for gas)! Ha!
Hope this helps. Do call anytime about this. No prob.
856-261-4106 (If you have Verizon mobile, calls may be free). Is on my plan.
Happy playing! That's a fine piano. Better action than the smaller ones, as they were at least. Not seen ones in a couple of years though. But Yamaha is a solid company, no matter what they make.
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#633215 - 07/13/08 11:41 AM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: Kaley Willow]
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SteveHVasil
Serious Contributor
Registered: 05/03/06
Posts: 119
Loc: Rome, GA, 30161
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Hi,
We might consider service as we contemplate purchasing an electronic keyboard. I had two frustrating experiences with Kurzweil, one trying to order a replacement key, the other getting a keyboard repaired. I've heard of challenges getting parts from Roland, though I have no first-hand experience with them.
If someone knew a reliable service tech, they might ask for their input. These days, the internet is a wonderful resource to check other folks' experiences with a given product prior to purchasing the same product.
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#642729 - 08/16/08 03:30 AM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: SteveHVasil]
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mattbanx
Serious Contributor
Registered: 06/22/05
Posts: 1384
Loc: Northern Minnesota
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I would love an authentic piano.
Since I do not have that, any keyboard that has been able to effect a more real sound or whatever sound I am looking for has been a Casio.
I have 3 of their synths.
I have 2 Yamaha's, great for what I am looking for.
But as far as an extended note and richness in quality with acoustic sounds, Casio has been the best.
Although I have never had any keys with a market price over $200.
Horn sounds seem to be the biggest obstacle with all brands of synths.
But I know that is another topic.
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#643129 - 08/17/08 07:40 AM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: Kaley Willow]
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Fine Tunes
Casual Observer
Registered: 08/16/08
Posts: 1
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Mark Whitty
I have been using an incredibly reliable digital system since 1990.
Casio 72 note electric piano as a controller keyboard. 15 note bass Pedals keyboard controlling a Yammy DX100 slave keyboard. Both units Midi out into a double-pole 2-way midi switch for piano/B4 organ.
(A) PIANO position: 2 midi leads go from switch to 2 inputs on a Roland A880 midi patcher-bay. Midi out from patcher-bay to Roland U220 (128 sounds +) sampler module. (I leave switched to grand piano). Left & right analogue out to 200 watt Yammy stereo mixer driving 200 watt 15 inch 3 way bins. Stereo effect gives left hand in left bin & right hand in right bin going mono as hands get closer together. Bins 12 feet apart give stunning sound.
(B) B4 ORGAN position: Organ midi leads from 2 way switch both go to UM2 USB midi interface. USB out of interface to laptop fitted with echo PMCIA sound card. left/right analogue out from sound-card to two channels on Yammy 200 watt mixer. B4 CD-rom in laptop gives you all the sounds of the fabulous B3 Hammond organ.
To avoid using mouse to change parameters fit mouse to stereo Swell pedal (just like B3) leave cursor on Leslie fast/slow switch. Fit USB touch-screen to lap-top in parallel with mouse.
Adjust draw-bars with finger while playing and touch finger to return cursor to leslie switch for foot speed control.
I can set up the lot in 45 minutes. Had piano 18 yrs organ 6 yrs.
Wanna see photos? More tech dope? (free of charge) Please email.
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#643369 - 08/18/08 01:57 AM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: Fine Tunes]
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mattbanx
Serious Contributor
Registered: 06/22/05
Posts: 1384
Loc: Northern Minnesota
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Whoops!
Wrong post!
Edited by mattbanx (08/18/08 02:10 AM)
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#655492 - 09/26/08 12:34 PM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: mattbanx]
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pRISCILLA
Serious Contributor
Registered: 06/11/02
Posts: 510
Loc: Barcelona, Spain
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I use mostly a roland fantom (has some nice sounds) as helper, and on stage a roland rd700sh with progressive hammer piano keys, i need to feel i'm playing a real piano if i'm using a keyboard.
then i have some other keyboards I use for certain sounds only, or as midi slaves of sound modules.
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#655498 - 09/26/08 12:57 PM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: Kaley Willow]
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RedEyeC
Serious Contributor
Registered: 05/30/08
Posts: 45
Loc: New Mexico, U.S.A.
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Hi Kaley -
At home a Steinway concert grand - in recording a Korg SP100 - at gigs - a Yamaha MM6 (I have a bad back and it only weighs 11 pounds). I might add - I do use the Roland Fantom Xa with the SRX-7 expansion board for the best B3 organ sounds.
TGIF Folks!
Bob
Edited by RedEyeC (09/26/08 12:59 PM)
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#867138 - 12/24/10 02:07 PM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: Jeff Van Devender]
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Jeff Van Devender
Serious Contributor
Registered: 04/24/03
Posts: 1243
Loc: Colorado
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Hey Kaley,
We upgraded our home piano this year to a Yamaha G1 and I absolutely LOVE it. The tones that resonate from it are so superior to what came from our Baldwin Howard.
Amazing thread here.
Merry Christmas!
Jeff
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#870510 - 01/10/11 11:26 PM
Re: What types of pianos and keyboards do you use and why?
[Re: Jeff Van Devender]
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Michael Downing
Serious Contributor
Registered: 05/16/09
Posts: 242
Loc: United States
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I play a yamaha S90ES and it is just great. Put on a pear of headphones and get lost in the sound (of the main grand).
I had a Kurzweil several years ago, and it sounded pretty good, but didn't hold up to abuse.
There's nothing like an old half-way in tune beat up upright piano, which I also have. Someday I'll get a nice yamaha upright. The shorter "grand" pianos just don't impress, and who can afford a 9 footer?!?
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