I found some older posts on the Gem Pro-Mega and the PRP-700...people saying that the company went out of business. The PRP-800 is being sold on several web sites for just over $1,000. I haven't read this keyboard being recommended here, but some people really love it.

Also wondering about the Nords.

Pity about GEM... they made good stuff. I still play a PRO1 (have had it over 6 years) and like it a lot. The GEM Pro-Mega series is better still and I'd buy one if it was close... but there's still the service problem. Who does it now?

I haven't heard anything about that, but their websites are still up, and it seems that they recently introduced new pianos. I'd call them if it's a concern: http://www.generalmusic.us/contact.htm I wouldn't go by teh internets.

On the other hand, I wouldn't be surprised. Them, along with Studiologic/Fatar, have very poor representation in the US. It's hard to justify taking the plunge with such relatively poor customer support.

I played a few of their digitals a few years ago (and I believe the place I tried them at no longer carries them). They're nice, and their prices are about right for what they are. I can't say they're better than Yamaha, Kawai, or Roland.

Take one for the team!

ah, i almost bought the PRP800. it was just USD600 in singapore. if only the dealer answered my enquiry on its availability earlier by 3 days, i wouldn't have bought the clavinova.

i like the italian sound a lot. japanese pianos are bright

Buy it, it's a beautiful instrument.

I've got mine a month or two ago on Italian eBay for less then 750 € with postage and everything. I'm still blown away, it sounds great. You really can't go wrong with this one.

Clarification please... did you buy the GEM PRP-800 or the Clavinova? Sounds like he GEM... I would have! Thanks.

Isn't it obvious that I was talking about GEM Prp800

The Nord Stage is fine for playing pop/rock, but classical/and upfront jazz stuff...forget it.
It lacks half-pedalling and, and has a very light action.
To me it's a perfect tool for a gigging pop/rock-musician, but not really a home-practice DP.
I've never been a big fan of Clavia to be honest. I think the SQ of their keyboards are mostly overrated, maybe people are slightly blinded by the great, practical design. (Not trying to troll here.. )
The only keyboard I was impressed by was the C1, fantastic hammond/leslie clone, sounds MUCH better than the Electro.
Anyway, the piano samples on the Nord Stage have been greatly improved and are very good, so are the rhodes samples, the rest from good to so-so.. The synth engine is really weak, but works fine for layering sounds (pianopads etc.).

The demos of the GEM Pianos are awesome and they seems to be cheap instruments.