Thanks Merriam for this clever analysis and summary of these pianos. According to Stu's criteria, the Korg SV2S-73/88 deserved a mention too, but I would buy it without the speakers. I'm still sad for 73-key fans that the P-121 got deleted by Yamaha. Perhaps there'll be a P-221.
You're very welcome! As always, thank you for tuning in! We're glad you enjoyed Stu's summary of the top portable digital lines. I suppose we will see what the fate for some of those 73-key models are in the near future. Thanks again and happy playing! :)
@@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12 Well, I recorded a piece and when listening to my recording I heard clicks of keys. It is gone and there will be never digital piano with PHA-4 action in my possession 😀 RD-08 was otherwise good and its PHA-4 was better than in other Roland implementations. I know have Yamaha P-525 and I do finally like the action.
Can you give some insight into why the yamaha key action is considered worse than kawai and roland? What's missing, what's different? And what's considered here? Within brands the models shown have different actions I believe, at least on paper. It would be very interesting to be a similar video to this one, but fully focused on key action. Where I live I have no way of testing most of the models, so any kind of shopping is blind, buying online.
There are a number of factors when it comes to assessing actions. The pivot length, the number of sensors, the sensor system's processing speed, the key material, the key weight, etc. These are ultimately the parameters that we assess when comparing/ranking actions. We rate things based on how authentic/true they are to an acoustic piano experience, which is what digital piano actions are trying to emulate at the end of the day.
Probably mostly a difference in opinion. I was told the action in a Yamaha DGX was not very good., but I find it quite acceptable. And much more playable than the PHA-4 which a lot of people claim is the most acoustic piano like. I don't agree with the idea that a digital action has to perfectly mimic acoustic actions which go back to the 1850's.
@@JoeLinux2000Well said, particularly the bit about 1850s technology. I used to slate the GHS action, because I tried it on the P-45, which has finally been deleted. IMO it works better on some other models, including P-125 and P-121, though these two have been deleted as well. I have yet to try a P-225 (with GHC action) properly, but I'm very happy with my P-255 that has GH. My favourite Yamaha plastic action is probably GH3. Dunno whether that can work in portable pianos, but if it can (without adding too much weight) it should have been placed in all Yamaha portable pianos IMO. Did Yamaha lose an opportunity there?
I would like to understand too. I personally consider Yamaha GrandTouch-S action to be superior to all the actions of the pianos on Stu’s list. I compare it with Yamaha C7 grand piano action that I regularly play! To consider PHA-4 plastic action to be superior to Yamaha action is a big stretch.
@@mfurman thanks everyone for the replies and additions. I don't have access acoustic or grand pianos to compare. I'm going through a lot of reviews and it's really difficult to try to make up an decision like this. This video review really pushed the LX-9 up. I've been considering the CLP-885 on top of my list (waiting for it to be released in my area). There's an small yamaha retailer near, but he only have a handful of models in store. Seeing the GrandTouch-S being compared to an C7 grand piano does give me some confidence.
As i understand even more from the score in the end, the combination of action + piano sound is best found in Kawai ES 920. But, I see you are never making any videos about Nord pianos. Is it a matter of policy for your channel? I would like very much to see the comparison between Nord Grand/Nord Grand 2 with Kawai ES 920 from the perspective of Stu, regarding piano sounds and action. Even though you dont buy nord just for the piano sounds since the price you pay contains all the other features, it doesnt mean it doesnt have nice piano tones (maybe even better?). And since it has the Kawai action, it would be a nice comparisson to see. Thank you anyways for the great educational videos!
Thanks for tuning in! We really appreciate the support of our channel. We are not Nord dealers, so it is a bit more difficult to tackle reviews of Nord models. With that said, I will happily pass the suggestion along to our production team. I'm sure they will do their best to tackle a review/comparison of the pertinent Nord models if the opportunity presents. Thanks so much and all the best!
On Yamaha web site all of them are on Portable Digital Pianos page, but DGX-670 is completely different instrument. I have DGX-670 and I love it. It replaced my P-125.
@@FirstLast-nr6gf I have it too, and yeah it's amazing. Originally before I wanted to get the P125A, however when I tried the DGX670 it completely changed my mind🎹🎶
I wish yamaha releases a replacement of the discontinued P121 soon (P221?) I would be really interested in a compact version. But regarding actions I will prefer PHA4 to GHS. Higher end yamaha actions are probably at least as good. I find the nwx action in my P-515 quite premium.
I suppose only time will tell if Yamaha decides to release an updated version of the P121. And I certainly agree with your comments about the PHA4. It is an excellent action! It is quite impressive that Roland is able to offer such a high-quality action in the entry level price categories. :)
Hi Stu, I know this is of no relevance to the video since i am not interested in a portable digital piano, however I really need your help. I have narrowed my choices down to the Kawai KDP 120 and the Roland RP107. Where I live, it is quite difficult to go and see these pianos in person. From watching your videos, I find myself drawn to the Kawai's sound more, however, there seems to be some differences in the action on the two pianos where the Roland seems to have more new technology. For reference, I am pretty much a beginner. I took some lessons when I was younger, and putzed around alittle bit on my family's old acoustic but looking to start from scratch. Any help would be very much appreciated!
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks so much for the question! At the end of the day, tone and touch preferences are highly subjective. With that said, I certainly understand that it is not always possible to test out these pianos in person. For me personally, the Kawai KDP120 has a more authentic piano sound and a more rewarding sonic experience. In terms of its touch, I would put it right in the middle in terms of weighting. It is not a particularly light action, nor is it a particularly heavy action. On the other hand, the RP107's PHA4 action is certainly on the heavier side, which some players may prefer depending on their tastes. Thanks and hope this helps! :)
Imagine there a piano with desent onboards, latest Casios’ looks, Kawai top action and Nord sounds… Oops, it doesn’t exist… I would get in line to have one.
I certainly understand the sentiments of being able to combine your favourite aspects of each piano line into one super line. Perhaps, that will be a possibility in the future. ;)
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you so much! We appreciate that. We have numerous videos on our channel that compare the Roland FP models with the comparable Yamaha P series models. :)
Hello, thank you for this contribution. Question: Minute 1:08 and some seconds after…what model does have this wooden side panels? The front sueface looks like my fp90x but the sidepanels look wooden, like I always desired to have them :) Is it a custom made panel? I really am thinking about building them myselfe since warrenty went over recently :) Thank you for a brief feedback. Kind regards, Martin
I don't know about other manufacturers, but the Roland PHA-50 (and I would assume the even higher end Hybrid Grand) action has the wood sides so you find it on any Roland piano so equipped (FP-90X, RD-2000 and Fantom-8 among others).
@@DMcC Hi, thanks for that feedback, but that was not my question. If you look closeley to the side panels of the housing of the whole piano, you recognize wooden color. This is not how a fp90x is beimg delivered. I do own a fp90x since two years and thought all the time how kuch prettier wood would be compared to white plastic. Imam aware of PHA-50, PHA-4 amd all the other manufacturers Keybeds. brgds, Martin
Hi Martin! Brent from Merriam Music here! That would be the Roland FP90X, which uses the PHA50 action. It is a composite plastic/wood key. If you are referring to the side panel of the enclosure, it is just the lighting that makes it look like wood. It is not though. It is just a white plastic wood side panel like the rest of the enclosure.
@@MerriamPianos Dear Brent, thank you very much for your quick response. I was wishing for a second that you already are in posession of a fp100 :)....with 256 Styles, an 8 inch sliding Display, Line Outs without hiss and a Piano Designer that sends to Line Out, too :) No seriously, thank you very much and all the best!
They certainly do. We just personally feel that there are other options that offer a more authentic musical experience and better cost-to-value ratios. With that said, there will always be an element of subjectivity when it comes to making lists like this.
Hi Stu, great video, as always, but I expected something portable, like something I would take on a train on a daily basis or an airplane if I travel for work and I will be away for a month so I can practice in my free time. How about that Studiologic Numa SE (says 7kg) or Korg Liano or fill in the blanks. Not something that I need an SUV to make it portable :)
Hi! Brent here! Portable/slap style digital pianos range in size and weight of course. The term "portable" simply refers to any piano that does not have a built-in stand. Thanks for the suggestions! We will do our best to tackle those models in a future review/comparison if at all possible. :)
@@MerriamPianos I see you have a review of Yamaha NP32, but why buying that one when there is Korg Liano now with full-size 88 keys that has the same lenght, but why not buying Numa SE that has more features... not that I need all those features as I would be using just a few piano and electric piano sounds, but overal comparison of the weight, sound engine, built-in speakers and key action wouldn't hurt. :)
For portability I would go with a laptop (e.g., MacBook Air 13") and 49-key MIDI controller, e.g., M-Audio KeyStation, or maybe even mini keyboard. I own M-Audio KeyStation 49. It has decent key action especially for synths, organs, basses, strings.
Looking to get a digital piano to play and practice on. Simply stock between Rolans fp30x and Kawai es120. I love the fun idea of Roland can record to pc and so on.... However the es120 is cheaper. Have rumored to have high quality piano sound.... However. Between these two with headphones on... what is the difference in their piano tones? While the es120 have a really rich tone, does it have the somber depth like a upright piano? To bright? How does the Roland compare??? In the end.. just asking. What would be your choice in my case?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! They are both excellent models, but they offer very different musical experiences. At the end of the day, this is a decision that will be based on the preferences of the player. For me, I prefer the sonic experience of the ES120. I find it to be a more authentic sounding piano. However, I prefer the action of the FP30X. Given that the action is the more invariable component (in other words, you can change the piano sound via VST plugins), I would give a slight edge to the FP30X in this particular case.
I am done with Roland PHA-4 clicky action. I tried a few times, with a hope the Stu may be right and PHA-4 got better. My last attempt was RD-08. I liked PHA50 in FP-90X but Roland piano sounds are inferior to anything Yamaha (and perhaps Kawai) offer. Casio has inferior action (short pivot). Kawai plastic actions are also clicky (perhaps ES120 has the most quiet and less bouncy action). Kawai digital pianos with the exception of some hybrids do not have Digital Audio Interface. Neither do Casio digital pianos. I am currently happy with Yamaha P-525. Yamaha GrandTouch-S is a great action (much better than anything Roland or Casio can offer)
There was a batch of PHA4 actions that had some lubrication issues, which led to clicky keys. With that said, Roland supported those units and resolved the issues. The new batches of PHA4 pianos do not have these issues. At the end of the day, everything comes down to personal preference. While the P525 might be the ideal instrument for you, there will naturally be many players with different preferences. Tone and touch preference is deeply subjective. Happy to hear you're enjoying your P525 though! It is important to find an instrument that inspires your playing. :)
@@MerriamPianos Since late 2020, I had the following PHA-4 based digital pianos (including a MIDI controller): FP-10, A88 mkII, FP-30X, FP-10, FP-10 ARC, RD-08. Each and every time I heard about “a bad batch with lubrication issue” or that “the clicking noise of PHA-4 has been resolved”. I heard the clicking noise of RD-08 in one of my recordings of a music piece.
@@MerriamPianosThe action noise can be considered objective. To hear the illustration of what I have been saying, please check FP-10 (PHA-4) Action Noise Test video on UA-cam Michael
"I am currently happy with Yamaha P-525. Yamaha GrandTouch-S is a great action (much better than anything Roland or Casio can offer)" please note that the black keys are entirely plastic made on the 525 too and that it is the only portable in the test that is not capable of sending variable note-off midi values. Good if you like it , but in my humble opinion this is not the pinnacle of piano actions.
On a scale of 1-10, 5.5 is the mathematical average so 5/6 are slightly below and above average respectively. To that point, I think the rating is aligned with Stu's commentary.
The mp series is generally considered more of a stage piano for playing gigs. No onboard speakers - you have to play through monitors or an amp. I’d say the mp series is nicer overall especially the 11, but you do have the drawback of no speakers and it’s also really heavy compared to the es series. I love the es series but for me I don’t care about sounds beyond the piano and e piano. If you care about the other sounds especially drawbar organ that’s when I’d start looking for a stage piano.
They're very different offerings. The ES series are designed to be at-home pianos, whereas the MP series instruments are designed for professional stage use. The ES series pianos have built-in speakers, whereas the MP series pianos do not.
We are very upfront with the lines that we are dealers for, but we always pay credit where credit is due. There are many reviews and comparisons where Stu discusses giving the edge to Yamaha models even over the lines that we represent. There is no denying that Yamaha make excellent instruments. They wouldn't have stayed in business as long as they have if they didn't. At the end of the day, so much about piano decisions comes down to subjectivity and the personal preferences of the player.
Dexibell are a bit tough to find here in Canada. To that point, we have not had an opportunity to thoroughly investigate their lines and review/compare their pianos. With that said, we will do our best to tackle them in the future. :)
Hello, I have a question. I have been wondering for months which digital piano to buy, so I would like to ask you which ph4 action piano I bought to connect a piano via midi and using external studio monitors (I am not so interested in speakers) I am more interested in feels like an acoustic piano and has most midi functions. ive heard that the fp30x is good i wanna thank you so much becauso of your videos, you´ve help to to decide and understand a los of pianos and their respective features. (i apologize for my english btw, im not native)
Hi! Brent here! We're glad the videos have been helpful during your process. Given your context of use (i.e. not using the onboard speakers), there won't be much of a difference at all between using the FP30X and FP60X. To that point, the FP30X would be the logical choice as it provides all of the functionality you need, while being a more cost-effective solution. :)
You did not mention Yamaha DGX-670. It is not as portable as P and CK series, but has better speakers and more sounds / voices including drum kits. Also it supports both MIDI and audio over USB.
Hi! Brent here! We are not Korg dealers at this time, so it is a bit tougher to tackle their models. With that said, we will do our best to feature their models on the channel if possible. :)
"Portable" simply means any slab style design, opposed to a console style digital (such as the KDP120, YDP145, or RP107). But, thank you for the suggestion! I will be happy to pass it along to our production team. Discussing the weight and portability will be an important concern for some players.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! We're glad you found this video helpful. :) In terms of the Casio PX5S, it is a bit of an older model, but, much like all of the Casio PX and PXS models, it is a super solid instrument that offers a very good cost-to-value ratio. The touch is certainly on the lighter side compared to some other manufacturers, but that is the preference for many players (especially those that are gigging with the instrument and use a lot of non-piano tones as well).
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for the answer Merriam! Now I have ±$500. Once I saw a seconhand PX-5s in my region at $399 and yes its a little bit old, then I saw secondhand Juno DS88 at $799, same as RD300 series. Another alternative is RD-08/88 at $1299/1399. Is it worth to take the PX-5s than Juno/RD300 or save more money to get RD08/88 because its newest model?
Buona sera Stu, seguo tutti i tuoi video di recensioni dei nuovi piani digitali in uscita, complimenti per la chiarezza e le spiegazioni dettagliate, grazie mille se per caso riuscissi a recensire anche i piani Numa studiologic x73 grazie
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for tuning in! We're glad you enjoy our videos. :) We are not Studiologic dealers, so it is a bit tougher to review their models. With that said, we will do our best to do so if the opportunity presents itself.
@@MerriamPianos Actually on the Yamaha web site both DGX and P serias are on the same page - Portable Digital Pianos. Yamaha CK series is different and was introduced recently. At the end of your video you mentioned Roland Juno and Fantom 08 which are different from FP line. Yamaha MODX+ was not mentioned, but it is in the same price range as Fantom and FP-90X. I think Yamaha still sells MX88, which could be cheaper alternative to CK88. There are so many instruments these days so you have to compare specs, watch different reviews, try in store if possible, before buying
@@MerriamPianosDGX is to P series basically what FP50e is to rest of the FP series. Roland just happens to use the same prefix. Also honorable mention?
Thanks so much for bringing up the FP series
No problem at all! They're excellent pianos. :)
Man i would run with the CK-88!!! It’s killing the bigger Yamaha’s out now too! The absolute best Rhodes sound out!!!!
The CK88 is a very solid instrument that offers some impressive value.
Thanks Merriam for this clever analysis and summary of these pianos.
According to Stu's criteria, the Korg SV2S-73/88 deserved a mention too, but I would buy it without the speakers. I'm still sad for 73-key fans that the P-121 got deleted by Yamaha. Perhaps there'll be a P-221.
You're very welcome! As always, thank you for tuning in! We're glad you enjoyed Stu's summary of the top portable digital lines. I suppose we will see what the fate for some of those 73-key models are in the near future. Thanks again and happy playing! :)
I like the addition of the scoring categories. And of course an excellent overview of the various instruments, as always.
Thank you kindly! We appreciate the kind words and feedback. :)
I love the Roland FP series!
My lovely wife has the FP-30X whilst I have the…FP-90X (😏).
Fp10 owner here, love the action
@@manu-singhNot clicking yet? 😀
@@mfurmanhow's the PHA4 on your RD08 holding up?🎹🎶
@@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12 Well, I recorded a piece and when listening to my recording I heard clicks of keys. It is gone and there will be never digital piano with PHA-4 action in my possession 😀 RD-08 was otherwise good and its PHA-4 was better than in other Roland implementations.
I know have Yamaha P-525 and I do finally like the action.
@@mfurman we meet again boss, not bothering me too much, I kind of got used to the sound of the clicking a little over the period of time
And once again..Stu is the man!
:)
I wish you also included Nord here like Nord Piano 5. But still great vid nonetheless.
Thanks for the kind words! We appreciate it. We will do our best to tackle Nord models in the future. :)
Yup I searched Merriam music for Nord .. I would love to hear Stus impression of the KAWAI action and the Nord sound.. please 😊
Can you give some insight into why the yamaha key action is considered worse than kawai and roland? What's missing, what's different? And what's considered here? Within brands the models shown have different actions I believe, at least on paper. It would be very interesting to be a similar video to this one, but fully focused on key action. Where I live I have no way of testing most of the models, so any kind of shopping is blind, buying online.
There are a number of factors when it comes to assessing actions. The pivot length, the number of sensors, the sensor system's processing speed, the key material, the key weight, etc. These are ultimately the parameters that we assess when comparing/ranking actions. We rate things based on how authentic/true they are to an acoustic piano experience, which is what digital piano actions are trying to emulate at the end of the day.
Probably mostly a difference in opinion. I was told the action in a Yamaha DGX was not very good., but I find it quite acceptable. And much more playable than the PHA-4 which a lot of people claim is the most acoustic piano like. I don't agree with the idea that a digital action has to perfectly mimic acoustic actions which go back to the 1850's.
@@JoeLinux2000Well said, particularly the bit about 1850s technology.
I used to slate the GHS action, because I tried it on the P-45, which has finally been deleted. IMO it works better on some other models, including P-125 and P-121, though these two have been deleted as well. I have yet to try a P-225 (with GHC action) properly, but I'm very happy with my P-255 that has GH. My favourite Yamaha plastic action is probably GH3. Dunno whether that can work in portable pianos, but if it can (without adding too much weight) it should have been placed in all Yamaha portable pianos IMO. Did Yamaha lose an opportunity there?
I would like to understand too. I personally consider Yamaha GrandTouch-S action to be superior to all the actions of the pianos on Stu’s list. I compare it with Yamaha C7 grand piano action that I regularly play! To consider PHA-4 plastic action to be superior to Yamaha action is a big stretch.
@@mfurman thanks everyone for the replies and additions. I don't have access acoustic or grand pianos to compare. I'm going through a lot of reviews and it's really difficult to try to make up an decision like this. This video review really pushed the LX-9 up. I've been considering the CLP-885 on top of my list (waiting for it to be released in my area). There's an small yamaha retailer near, but he only have a handful of models in store.
Seeing the GrandTouch-S being compared to an C7 grand piano does give me some confidence.
What was the Kawai es keyboard you were playing in this video ? Was it the 920 ?
Yup - that is in fact the ES920! :)
As i understand even more from the score in the end, the combination of action + piano sound is best found in Kawai ES 920. But, I see you are never making any videos about Nord pianos. Is it a matter of policy for your channel? I would like very much to see the comparison between Nord Grand/Nord Grand 2 with Kawai ES 920 from the perspective of Stu, regarding piano sounds and action. Even though you dont buy nord just for the piano sounds since the price you pay contains all the other features, it doesnt mean it doesnt have nice piano tones (maybe even better?). And since it has the Kawai action, it would be a nice comparisson to see. Thank you anyways for the great educational videos!
Thanks for tuning in! We really appreciate the support of our channel. We are not Nord dealers, so it is a bit more difficult to tackle reviews of Nord models. With that said, I will happily pass the suggestion along to our production team. I'm sure they will do their best to tackle a review/comparison of the pertinent Nord models if the opportunity presents. Thanks so much and all the best!
When ever I had Yamaha brochures I always find the DGX660/DGX670 included in the P series for some reason🎹🎶
They seem to be grouped in with the P series due to some of the overlapping features/specs.
On Yamaha web site all of them are on Portable Digital Pianos page, but DGX-670 is completely different instrument. I have DGX-670 and I love it. It replaced my P-125.
@@FirstLast-nr6gf I have it too, and yeah it's amazing. Originally before I wanted to get the P125A, however when I tried the DGX670 it completely changed my mind🎹🎶
I wish yamaha releases a replacement of the discontinued P121 soon (P221?) I would be really interested in a compact version. But regarding actions I will prefer PHA4 to GHS. Higher end yamaha actions are probably at least as good. I find the nwx action in my P-515 quite premium.
I suppose only time will tell if Yamaha decides to release an updated version of the P121. And I certainly agree with your comments about the PHA4. It is an excellent action! It is quite impressive that Roland is able to offer such a high-quality action in the entry level price categories. :)
Yamaha P series has 3 entries? P145, P225 and P525. Also a bit confusing that Yamaha CK is called on the video as K line, KC line and CK line 😅
Yup - that is correct. And sorry for the confusion, but thanks for catching that! :)
Hi Stu, I know this is of no relevance to the video since i am not interested in a portable digital piano, however I really need your help. I have narrowed my choices down to the Kawai KDP 120 and the Roland RP107. Where I live, it is quite difficult to go and see these pianos in person. From watching your videos, I find myself drawn to the Kawai's sound more, however, there seems to be some differences in the action on the two pianos where the Roland seems to have more new technology. For reference, I am pretty much a beginner. I took some lessons when I was younger, and putzed around alittle bit on my family's old acoustic but looking to start from scratch. Any help would be very much appreciated!
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks so much for the question! At the end of the day, tone and touch preferences are highly subjective. With that said, I certainly understand that it is not always possible to test out these pianos in person. For me personally, the Kawai KDP120 has a more authentic piano sound and a more rewarding sonic experience. In terms of its touch, I would put it right in the middle in terms of weighting. It is not a particularly light action, nor is it a particularly heavy action. On the other hand, the RP107's PHA4 action is certainly on the heavier side, which some players may prefer depending on their tastes. Thanks and hope this helps! :)
@@MerriamPianos this helps a lot, thank you!
Imagine there a piano with desent onboards, latest Casios’ looks, Kawai top action and Nord sounds…
Oops, it doesn’t exist…
I would get in line to have one.
It exist, and it's called Nord Grand 2.
I certainly understand the sentiments of being able to combine your favourite aspects of each piano line into one super line. Perhaps, that will be a possibility in the future. ;)
Nice video Stu and team. How would you compare the Roland FP series action to the Yamaha P series? Thank you!
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you so much! We appreciate that. We have numerous videos on our channel that compare the Roland FP models with the comparable Yamaha P series models. :)
Hello, thank you for this contribution. Question: Minute 1:08 and some seconds after…what model does have this wooden side panels? The front sueface looks like my fp90x but the sidepanels look wooden, like I always desired to have them :) Is it a custom made panel? I really am thinking about building them myselfe since warrenty went over recently :) Thank you for a brief feedback. Kind regards, Martin
I don't know about other manufacturers, but the Roland PHA-50 (and I would assume the even higher end Hybrid Grand) action has the wood sides so you find it on any Roland piano so equipped (FP-90X, RD-2000 and Fantom-8 among others).
@@DMcC Hi, thanks for that feedback, but that was not my question. If you look closeley to the side panels of the housing of the whole piano, you recognize wooden color. This is not how a fp90x is beimg delivered. I do own a fp90x since two years and thought all the time how kuch prettier wood would be compared to white plastic. Imam aware of PHA-50, PHA-4 amd all the other manufacturers Keybeds. brgds, Martin
Hi Martin! Brent from Merriam Music here! That would be the Roland FP90X, which uses the PHA50 action. It is a composite plastic/wood key. If you are referring to the side panel of the enclosure, it is just the lighting that makes it look like wood. It is not though. It is just a white plastic wood side panel like the rest of the enclosure.
@@MerriamPianos Dear Brent, thank you very much for your quick response. I was wishing for a second that you already are in posession of a fp100 :)....with 256 Styles, an 8 inch sliding Display, Line Outs without hiss and a Piano Designer that sends to Line Out, too :) No seriously, thank you very much and all the best!
@@MerriamPianos...now after you explained it...I can see it, too ❤😊 thank you!
What about the Numa keyboards from Studiologic , they do not qualify a portable digital pianos ?
They certainly do. We just personally feel that there are other options that offer a more authentic musical experience and better cost-to-value ratios. With that said, there will always be an element of subjectivity when it comes to making lists like this.
@@MerriamPianos i heard that Studiologic are among the best key action for weighted controllers, is that not true anymore ?
Hi Stu, great video, as always, but I expected something portable, like something I would take on a train on a daily basis or an airplane if I travel for work and I will be away for a month so I can practice in my free time. How about that Studiologic Numa SE (says 7kg) or Korg Liano or fill in the blanks. Not something that I need an SUV to make it portable :)
Hi! Brent here! Portable/slap style digital pianos range in size and weight of course. The term "portable" simply refers to any piano that does not have a built-in stand. Thanks for the suggestions! We will do our best to tackle those models in a future review/comparison if at all possible. :)
@@MerriamPianos I see you have a review of Yamaha NP32, but why buying that one when there is Korg Liano now with full-size 88 keys that has the same lenght, but why not buying Numa SE that has more features... not that I need all those features as I would be using just a few piano and electric piano sounds, but overal comparison of the weight, sound engine, built-in speakers and key action wouldn't hurt. :)
For portability I would go with a laptop (e.g., MacBook Air 13") and 49-key MIDI controller, e.g., M-Audio KeyStation, or maybe even mini keyboard. I own M-Audio KeyStation 49. It has decent key action especially for synths, organs, basses, strings.
Looking to get a digital piano to play and practice on. Simply stock between Rolans fp30x and Kawai es120.
I love the fun idea of Roland can record to pc and so on....
However the es120 is cheaper. Have rumored to have high quality piano sound....
However. Between these two with headphones on... what is the difference in their piano tones? While the es120 have a really rich tone, does it have the somber depth like a upright piano? To bright? How does the Roland compare???
In the end.. just asking. What would be your choice in my case?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! They are both excellent models, but they offer very different musical experiences. At the end of the day, this is a decision that will be based on the preferences of the player. For me, I prefer the sonic experience of the ES120. I find it to be a more authentic sounding piano. However, I prefer the action of the FP30X. Given that the action is the more invariable component (in other words, you can change the piano sound via VST plugins), I would give a slight edge to the FP30X in this particular case.
do u think roland fp 30x is good piano for playing classical music
Absolutely! The PHA4 action is wonderfully authentic feeling, which makes it an excellent choice for classical playing/studying. :)
I am done with Roland PHA-4 clicky action. I tried a few times, with a hope the Stu may be right and PHA-4 got better. My last attempt was RD-08. I liked PHA50 in FP-90X but Roland piano sounds are inferior to anything Yamaha (and perhaps Kawai) offer. Casio has inferior action (short pivot). Kawai plastic actions are also clicky (perhaps ES120 has the most quiet and less bouncy action). Kawai digital pianos with the exception of some hybrids do not have Digital Audio Interface. Neither do Casio digital pianos.
I am currently happy with Yamaha P-525. Yamaha GrandTouch-S is a great action (much better than anything Roland or Casio can offer)
There was a batch of PHA4 actions that had some lubrication issues, which led to clicky keys. With that said, Roland supported those units and resolved the issues. The new batches of PHA4 pianos do not have these issues. At the end of the day, everything comes down to personal preference. While the P525 might be the ideal instrument for you, there will naturally be many players with different preferences. Tone and touch preference is deeply subjective. Happy to hear you're enjoying your P525 though! It is important to find an instrument that inspires your playing. :)
@@MerriamPianos Since late 2020, I had the following PHA-4 based digital pianos (including a MIDI controller): FP-10, A88 mkII, FP-30X, FP-10, FP-10 ARC, RD-08. Each and every time I heard about “a bad batch with lubrication issue” or that “the clicking noise of PHA-4 has been resolved”. I heard the clicking noise of RD-08 in one of my recordings of a music piece.
@@MerriamPianosThe action noise can be considered objective. To hear the illustration of what I have been saying, please check
FP-10 (PHA-4) Action Noise Test video on UA-cam
Michael
"I am currently happy with Yamaha P-525. Yamaha GrandTouch-S is a great action (much better than anything Roland or Casio can offer)" please note that the black keys are entirely plastic made on the 525 too and that it is the only portable in the test that is not capable of sending variable note-off midi values. Good if you like it , but in my humble opinion this is not the pinnacle of piano actions.
@@johnleslie2315 What is your favourite action then? I have tested practically all the actions in digital pianos within $5000 range.
According to Stu, the Yamaha P series has 'above average speaker performance' and yet scored a low 6 for it. 😮
On a scale of 1-10, 5.5 is the mathematical average so 5/6 are slightly below and above average respectively. To that point, I think the rating is aligned with Stu's commentary.
Is the ES-series by Kawai considered superior to the MP-series?
The mp series is generally considered more of a stage piano for playing gigs. No onboard speakers - you have to play through monitors or an amp. I’d say the mp series is nicer overall especially the 11, but you do have the drawback of no speakers and it’s also really heavy compared to the es series. I love the es series but for me I don’t care about sounds beyond the piano and e piano. If you care about the other sounds especially drawbar organ that’s when I’d start looking for a stage piano.
They're very different offerings. The ES series are designed to be at-home pianos, whereas the MP series instruments are designed for professional stage use. The ES series pianos have built-in speakers, whereas the MP series pianos do not.
Internet: Merriam is not fair to Yamaha pianos because they aren’t a Yamaha dealer
This video: Yamahas are focused on value. Moving on.
We are very upfront with the lines that we are dealers for, but we always pay credit where credit is due. There are many reviews and comparisons where Stu discusses giving the edge to Yamaha models even over the lines that we represent. There is no denying that Yamaha make excellent instruments. They wouldn't have stayed in business as long as they have if they didn't. At the end of the day, so much about piano decisions comes down to subjectivity and the personal preferences of the player.
I would not disregard Dexibell pianos...
Dexibell are a bit tough to find here in Canada. To that point, we have not had an opportunity to thoroughly investigate their lines and review/compare their pianos. With that said, we will do our best to tackle them in the future. :)
Man I could listen to Stu play all day. Great video as always.
Thanks so much for supporting our channel! Stu is definitely quite the player! :)
Hello, I have a question. I have been wondering for months which digital piano to buy, so I would like to ask you which ph4 action piano I bought to connect a piano via midi and using external studio monitors (I am not so interested in speakers) I am more interested in feels like an acoustic piano and has most midi functions. ive heard that the fp30x is good
i wanna thank you so much becauso of your videos, you´ve help to to decide and understand a los of pianos and their respective features.
(i apologize for my english btw, im not native)
Hi! Brent here! We're glad the videos have been helpful during your process. Given your context of use (i.e. not using the onboard speakers), there won't be much of a difference at all between using the FP30X and FP60X. To that point, the FP30X would be the logical choice as it provides all of the functionality you need, while being a more cost-effective solution. :)
I think the CK-88 and Kawai ES are the best value for buck
They both provide excellent cost-to-value ratios - that is for sure. :)
You did not mention Yamaha DGX-670. It is not as portable as P and CK series, but has better speakers and more sounds / voices including drum kits. Also it supports both MIDI and audio over USB.
The DGX670 has excellent value of course, but it is a one-off model. This video is focused on exploring multi-model digital piano lines. :)
Yep, graphs and charts, visual language (with bullet point comments on the three most prominent characteristics in the background?)
Our production team is always experimenting with different formats and approaches. It is important and fun to always keep things fresh.
@@MerriamPianos Experimenting? That's the name of The Game!
Exploring is pretty fun too ;-)
ua-cam.com/video/bAIUX5s7hPs/v-deo.html
Why do you never review Korg, are they considered lower end? They're just cheaper in my country so wanted to know how they compare.
Hi! Brent here! We are not Korg dealers at this time, so it is a bit tougher to tackle their models. With that said, we will do our best to feature their models on the channel if possible. :)
"Top portable pianos" list... and you forgot to rate their portability
"Portable" simply means any slab style design, opposed to a console style digital (such as the KDP120, YDP145, or RP107). But, thank you for the suggestion! I will be happy to pass it along to our production team. Discussing the weight and portability will be an important concern for some players.
Thanks stu, I think the categories help other a lot!
Btw, what do you think about Casio PX-5s?, it seems similar with PX-560
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! We're glad you found this video helpful. :)
In terms of the Casio PX5S, it is a bit of an older model, but, much like all of the Casio PX and PXS models, it is a super solid instrument that offers a very good cost-to-value ratio. The touch is certainly on the lighter side compared to some other manufacturers, but that is the preference for many players (especially those that are gigging with the instrument and use a lot of non-piano tones as well).
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for the answer Merriam!
Now I have ±$500. Once I saw a seconhand PX-5s in my region at $399 and yes its a little bit old, then I saw secondhand Juno DS88 at $799, same as RD300 series. Another alternative is RD-08/88 at $1299/1399. Is it worth to take the PX-5s than Juno/RD300 or save more money to get RD08/88 because its newest model?
Buona sera Stu, seguo tutti i tuoi video di recensioni dei nuovi piani digitali in uscita, complimenti per la chiarezza e le spiegazioni dettagliate, grazie mille se per caso riuscissi a recensire anche i piani Numa studiologic x73 grazie
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for tuning in! We're glad you enjoy our videos. :)
We are not Studiologic dealers, so it is a bit tougher to review their models. With that said, we will do our best to do so if the opportunity presents itself.
What about dgx670?
The DGX670 is a one-off model and not part of a multi-model line, which this particular video is centred around.
@@MerriamPianos Actually on the Yamaha web site both DGX and P serias are on the same page - Portable Digital Pianos. Yamaha CK series is different and was introduced recently. At the end of your video you mentioned Roland Juno and Fantom 08 which are different from FP line. Yamaha MODX+ was not mentioned, but it is in the same price range as Fantom and FP-90X. I think Yamaha still sells MX88, which could be cheaper alternative to CK88. There are so many instruments these days so you have to compare specs, watch different reviews, try in store if possible, before buying
@@MerriamPianosDGX is to P series basically what FP50e is to rest of the FP series. Roland just happens to use the same prefix. Also honorable mention?