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Best Digital Pianos for Advanced Players
Choosing the right digital piano is crucial for advanced players who require a combination of high-quality sound, nuanced touch sensitivity, and advanced features. Whether you’re performing on stage, composing, or practicing, the market offers a range of digital pianos that cater specifically to the needs of experienced musicians. In this introduction, we explore the essential attributes that advanced players should consider such as key action, sound quality, polyphony, and connectivity options. Understanding these aspects will help in selecting a digital piano that enriches the musical journey and meets high performance standards.
Yamaha Clavinova CLP-795GP
The Yamaha Clavinova CLP-795GP stands out with its GrandTouch™ keyboard, featuring wooden keys and escapement, replicating the natural feel of a grand piano. The touch response and key weights are meticulously balanced, giving performers dynamic control and precise expression. Additionally, this model utilizes Yamaha’s VRM (Virtual Resonance Modeling) technology, enriching each note with the complex harmonic interactions found in acoustic piano tones.
YAMAHA P71 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano with Sustain Pedal and Power Supply (Amazon-Exclusive)
$434.23 (as of October 13, 2024 01:20 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Alesis Recital Grand - Digital Piano 88 Weighted Keys with Hammer Action, Sustain Pedal, 16 Premium Voices, Speakers, Piano Lessons, Sheet Music Stand
$449.00 (as of October 13, 2024 01:20 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Donner DEP-20 Beginner Digital Piano 88 Key Full Size Weighted Keyboard, Portable Electric Piano with Furniture Stand, 3-Pedal Unit
$498.99 (as of October 13, 2024 01:20 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Donner DDP-80 Electric Piano 88 Keys Weighted Piano, Hammer Mechanism II, Home Digital Pianos Full Size Keyboard with Stand, Triple Pedal, USB MIDI and Headphone Jack, Walnut Wood Colour
$659.99 (as of October 13, 2024 01:20 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Kawai CA99
The Kawai CA99, a popular choice among advanced pianists, integrates the Grand Feel III action with wooden keys, offering counterweights and a let-off mechanism that simulate the touch and rebound of a grand piano. Its Progressive Harmonic Imaging sound technology with 88-key sampling ensures that the CA99 delivers incredibly authentic piano sounds. The high-fidelity sound system, developed with audio specialists Onkyo, enhances the depth and clarity of music performance.
Roland LX-708
Roland’s LX-708 piano features the advanced Hybrid Grand Keyboard, which combines wood and molded materials for a durable, responsive key action. The LX-708 incorporates Roland’s PureAcoustic Piano Modeling and PureAcoustic Ambience technology to produce deep, immersive piano tones and environments. It offers a highly adjustable lid position and speaker system that adjusts the piano’s sound projection to mimic that of a grand piano’s soundboard.
Steinway & Sons Spirio|r
The Steinway Spirio|r is a luxury digital/acoustic hybrid that provides an unequalled acoustic experience coupled with digital versatility. It incorporates Steinway’s renowned acoustic action mechanism, but with integrated high-resolution recording and playback features, showcasing real-time performance reproductions at the touch of a tablet. This merging of traditional craftsmanship and innovative technology makes the Spirio|r both an artistic and a technological masterpiece.
Bösendorfer 290 Imperial Concert Grand
As a true blend of tradition and modern technology, the Bösendorfer 290 Imperial benefits from a design closely mirroring the acoustic properties of Bösendorfer concert grands. This includes the extended 97-key keyboard and a unique action tailored for precision and longevity. While it remains primarily an acoustic instrument, it incorporates state-of-the-art sensors, allowing artists to record and analyse their performance digitally, maintaining a tactile feel that mirrors the finest concert grand pianos.
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$10.95 (as of October 12, 2024 18:27 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Roland RD-2000
The Roland RD-2000 digital piano is equipped with Roland’s advanced V-Piano technology along with the SuperNATURAL sound engine. This blending provides highly realistic piano sound and response. The RD-2000 features over 1100 additional sounds, covering a wide range of instruments. Its dual sound engines allow for seamless combination and layering of different instrument sounds, making it highly versatile for live performances. The weighted action of the keys is designed to mimic the feel of an acoustic grand piano.
Nord Piano 5
The Nord Piano 5 is widely recognized for its exceptional sound quality, achieved through the Nord Piano Engine and the Sample Synth Engine, each upgraded for enhanced performance. The piano engine provides multiple layers of samples for dynamic and expressive playing, while the synth engine adds extensive options for digital sound synthesis. This model supports split functionality with optional crossfades and includes a Virtual Hammer Action Technology to simulate the mechanical movements of hammers found in a grand piano.
Kawai MP11SE
The Kawai MP11SE utilizes the Harmonic Imaging XL sound engine, providing a rich and detailed piano sound. This technology captures the broad dynamic range of the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano. The MP11SE is noted for its highly realistic grand piano touch through the Responsive Hammer III keyboard action, which includes grade-weighted keys and Ivory Touch key surfaces. It also offers a strong selection of additional sounds like electric pianos and organs, making it suitable for various musical styles.
Yamaha CP88
Yamaha’s CP88 stage piano stands out with its Spectral Component Modeling (SCM) and AWM2 sound engines, which provide a comprehensive library of sounds from acoustic to electric pianos. The CP88 is designed with a focus on playability and expressiveness, featuring a Natural Wood Graded Hammer keyboard. This model is particularly favored for its intuitive interface, which allows easy and immediate adjustments, suitable for both live and studio settings.
Key Action and Touch Response
The key action should mimic the feel of an acoustic piano with features like weighted keys and graded hammer action. Advanced digital pianos often include triple sensor technology, enhancing the responsiveness of each key press, allowing for more expressive performances and finer dynamic control. Touch response, or velocity sensitivity, is crucial, as it ensures the piano can accurately capture the nuances in your playing style, from pianissimo to fortissimo.
Sound Quality and Polyphony
High-quality sound engines such as Multidimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source and Pure CF Sound Engine are essential for realistic reproductions of acoustic piano sounds. Polyphony, or the number of individual notes a piano can produce at once, should be at least 128 notes, though professional models typically offer 256 or more. This high polyphony allows for complex passages and dense sustains without note dropout.
Detailed Digital Effects
Professional digital pianos include a range of built-in digital effects to enhance sound versatility. Reverb, chorus, and delay options can transform the sound, suitable for different genres or atmospheres. Some pianos also offer unique effects like rotary speaker simulations or phaser, empowering players to create distinctive sounds that stand out during performances.
Comprehensive Connectivity Options
Connectivity is vital for professional pianists. Features should include MIDI In/Out, USB to host/device, and sometimes Bluetooth MIDI or audio capabilities. This allows the piano to interface with computers, recording equipment, and PA systems, necessary for studio work and live performances. Advanced players will appreciate the ability to integrate their digital piano with software instruments and recording software.
Recording and Composition Tools
In-built recording functions, whether as simple as a two-track recorder or as advanced as a multi-track MIDI recorder, are crucial for capturing ideas and performances. Additionally, some digital pianos offer onboard songwriters’ tools like a metronome, transpose feature, and different rhythm patterns, facilitating complex compositions and practice sessions.
Expansion and Customization
Advanced players need digital pianos that grow with their evolving style. The ability to load new sound libraries and customize instrument voices and settings is essential. Some digital pianos offer editable parameters like string resonance, lid simulator, and hammer response, feature sets that allow pianists to fine-tune the instrument to their precise preferences.
Customizable Sound and Voice Options
The Yamaha Clavinova CLP-785 offers an extensive range of customizable sound and voice options that advanced players will appreciate. The piano features CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial piano samples, allowing players to switch between iconic piano sounds. You can adjust various parameters such as key-off samples, string resonance, and damper resonance to fine-tune the sound to your preferences. The Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM) simulates the complex interactions within acoustic pianos, providing an authentic playing experience.
The Roland RD-2000 boasts an array of sound customization features tailored for live performance and studio recording. With over 1,100 sounds, including pianos, organs, and synthesizers, you have a vast palette to choose from. The Piano Designer feature allows you to tweak individual elements such as lid position, hammer noise, and key-off noise to create your ideal piano sound. Additionally, the Tone Color knob lets you quickly adjust the tonal character without diving into menu settings.
For those seeking high-level customization, the Kawai MP11SE does not disappoint. It includes the Harmonic Imaging XL technology, captured from the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand, which offers a rich and detailed sound. The Virtual Technician feature provides an array of settings such as voicing, damper resonance, and hammer delay. These settings enable you to create a personalized sound that matches your playing style. You can also save your custom settings to different user profiles for easy recall.
The Nord Piano 5 is renowned for its flexibility and deep customization capabilities. It comes with Nord’s Sample Editor 3 software, allowing you to create and transfer your own samples. The piano library includes a range of acoustic and electric pianos, all of which can be tweaked to your preference. The Layer and Split function lets you layer multiple sounds or split the keyboard, with independent volume controls and effects for each section. This level of control makes it perfect for complex performances and nuanced studio recordings.
The Casio Privia PX-560 offers advanced customization at an accessible price point. The AiR Sound Source technology provides detailed grand piano sounds with damper resonance, string resonance, and Key-Off Simulator features. You can modify these settings to achieve the exact sound texture you desire. The Hex Layer capability allows you to build complex tones by layering up to six different sounds, adjusting parameters like attack, decay, and filters for each layer. This versatility makes the PX-560 suitable for both stage and studio use.
High-Quality Built-in Speakers and Outputs in Digital Pianos for Advanced Players
The latest digital pianos designed for advanced players incorporate high-quality built-in speakers and advanced output options to ensure optimal sound reproduction and connectivity for performances, recording, and practice. Here’s a detailed look at these features:
Yamaha Clavinova Series
The Yamaha Clavinova series, notably the CLP-795GP and CLP-785, feature built-in speaker systems that are specifically designed to emulate the acoustic properties of a grand piano. These speakers include multiple driver units positioned in such a way to project sound similar to that of a grand piano, creating a deep, rich, and immersive auditory experience. Advanced binaural sampling technology also enhances the headphone experience. Outputs include standard ¼-inch jacks, MIDI, and USB-to-host functionality, allowing for easy connection with recording equipment and computers.
Kawai CA99
Kawai’s CA99 digital piano utilizes their top-of-the-line 360-degree speaker system intended to replicate the ambience of a concert hall. This technology uses a complex array of speakers and sound projectors to envelop the player in sound from every direction. Outputs on the CA99 include MIDI, 1/4-inch line outs, and Bluetooth MIDI and audio, facilitating wireless connections with other devices for music sharing and more.
Roland LX-17
The Roland LX-17 is equipped with an Acoustic Projection System, which consists of several speakers strategically placed within the cabinet to mimic the sound dispersion of an acoustic piano. This system uses a three-way, six-speaker layout to deliver dynamic, high-resolution sound across a wide frequency range. The LX-17 also offers advanced connectivity options such as USB audio/MIDI, Bluetooth audio, and output for headphones, ensuring versatility for private practice and recording.
Nord Grand
The Nord Grand features a unique speaker system with its own dedicated set of amplifiers for each group of frequencies, ensuring a clear and meticulously balanced output across all levels of play. The Nord Grand extensively supports connectivity with balanced XLR outs, 1/4-inch jacks, and inclusion of Nord’s Triple Pedal offering dynamic control. This setup is particularly favorable for both stage performances and studio settings.
Korg Grandstage 88
Korg’s Grandstage 88 doesn’t have built-in speakers, shifting focus on stage performances primarily through its robust output options. It features balanced XLR and ¼-inch outputs providing stellar connection quality for live performance and recording environments. Also included is support for USB MIDI plus standard MIDI ports, enhancing its compatibility with a broad range of electronic instruments and recording equipment.
Conclusion: Top Choices for Digital Pianos Suitable for Advanced Players
Selecting the best digital piano for advanced players requires careful consideration of key action, sound quality, and features that promote a true acoustic piano experience. Models from Yamaha, Kawai, and Roland lead the market, offering exceptional realism, dynamic range, and durability. Advanced players should prioritize instruments that provide robust connectivity options for professional use and flexibility in various performance scenarios. Ultimately, the ideal choice will depend significantly on personal preference and the specific goals of the performer.
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