Question about buying digital piano.

Hi,

I'm new to this newsgroup, I'm planning to buy a digital piano. I have some questions, it would be very thankful if someone can answer them.

I'm a beginner in playing piano, and my budget is only good enough for me to buy entry-mid range digital piano. I did some reseach on the internet and tested several candate models in music stores.

The models I had in mind are, Yamaha P120S, Roland F90, FP3, Korg SP200. From my experince in the test drive, I think P120S has the best sound quality and touching. However I also read from the web that FP3 is very good in feature, and SP200 is the worst of all but still acceptable with a price tag 1/3 cheaper than P120S.

What's your recommandation on those models?

Moreover, when I'm in the music store, the salesman very pushy on selling my the new Yamaha Calvinova series. I can't find many reviews on the new CLP-1xx series. The sales man keep saying that CLP120 (which is 10% more expensive than P120S) is better than P120S. However, after studying the specification at Yamaha's website, I think P120S is comparable to CLP130, I even wonder they share the same hardware. The CLP120 is definite worse than P120S in raw sound quality, the only advantage is a better speaker and the classical-look-alike chassis. Please give some comment on my investigation as well.

Thanks alot.

Rgds, Horace Chan

I do jazz gigs and find the FP 8 the best for feel. The fp1 is also good(no speakers). Yamaha actions do not measure up to this standard, in my view, buthey, it's only an opinion

Rick Hollett

I recently bought a FP-3 Roland... it is terrific... good hammer action... that's the reason I picked this model as opposed to othe digitals... not for the sounds cause I plug the FP-3 into my computer and use SoundFonts to record with... if you are looking specifically for a 'piano' sound I can't help you (although in my opinion the sounds on the FP-3 are very good) but if you are sold on a digital that has a good keyboard action the FP-3 is the best... I tried them all...!

Happy music making.

Peace...Dave www.Shemakhan.com

'Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.' Through the Looking-Glass Lewis Carroll

I think you're mixing models from different purposes, but I'll give you what I know about them. The Yamaha P series are all the same from the action and piano sound standpoint. (As I read their website anyway) Soo, the P120S should be the same as the P80 which I am very familiar with except for the addition of the little amp and speakers. The P80 is a professional grade stage piano that is generally highly spoken of in terms of sound, touch and durability. The Roland FP3 is a really cute thing, but it's appearance and design seem to come from their home keyboard line. It just doesn't appear all that sturdy, and the touch is not as good as the pro line Rolands. It is a neat machine, though. The F90 also comes from their home line. The RD series is their pro line equipment. The Rolands are very good for home use, though, which I believe is what you indicated interest in. They just aren't really robust for stage handling. I don't know the Korg model you mention.

what I know about them. The Yamaha P series are all the same from the action and piano sound standpoint. (As I read their website anyway) Soo, the P120S should be the same as the P80 which I am very familiar with except for the addition of the little amp and speakers.

I have read opinions that the P120 has somewhat better keys, definitely better samples and no time lag between hitting a key and hearing the note. It's more furniture like, a tad larger and the built-in speakers give reasonance feedback when playing. Other voices are reportedly better too.

I have to disagree. My fp8 Roland has been hauled around from gig to studio and the action is still amazing after 8 years-very rugged. I'm not sure how 'stage-worthy' this buyers purchase needs to be, but I'd love to hear a comparison between the fp8 and the fp3(i've tried the fp1 myself and it's similar in many ways to the fp8) It would follow that models in the 'fp series' should be similar. It's not plastic I hope!

cheers

Rick Hollett

It would follow that models in the 'fp

I think you'd be surprised. Gerry

Plastic, sure in places, but the case is metal.

Rick

I like the P120..it sounds better and it feels better to play then the P80 I have had alot of the P's in my home..i think i took 4 or 5 keyboards back to the store and ended up with the Pl20 and i like a good clean sound....yes they have small speakers on it so u don't have to hook up your amp to it when u just want to play a tune and be slient thats the good thing about it. I also have or sound modules to hook up when i get tired of hearing the same..samples...i made my mind up to purchase this..piano because the feel is very important to me..and the p120 feels alot better then the p80..this is only my opinion...u my like another style...hope this helps.