I currently have the DGX630 and definitely like it, but am considering upgrading to a model with more features. The touch and real piano sounds are the two items I want to focus most on. I am not as interested in a console cabinet but would not be opposed to one because I will not be moving it around much. Can you guys help with some ideas of some comparable models in the 1000-2000 range? I didn't originally consider Roland or Kawai and would like some advice on some comparable models. Thank you very much for your help!

-JT

If your budget goes that high, you could get any number of excellent models:

Yamaha Console
YDP-160
CLP-320
CLP-330

Roland Console
RP-101
HP-201

Kawai Console
??

Yamaha Slab
P-155

Roland Slab
FP-4
FP-7

Kawai Slab
ES-6

You'd really need to try to play these to decide which one you like best. All of the models that I listed are excellent and worth buying.

By the way, I didn't list the Roland RD-700GX, Yamaha CP-300, Kawai MP-5 or any other stage piano. These all require external amplification to play, which I assumed is a nuisance for you. But you can consider these also, if that isn't a problem for you.

Still considering the Yamaha 330 but tempted on the 340. Better piano Geoffk?

CN22
CN32

Cheers,
James
x

Oh yes, the 340 is *much* better. In fact, it's the real sweet spot of the current Yamaha range in terms of price and features. Over the 330, you get:

- 4-level sampling (vs. 3-level)
- twice as many different sounds, including pianos (a "variation" for each sound)
- Tweeters for much better sound. Also the amp is much better.
- key-off and sustain sampling.
- synthetic Ivory keys (not a big deal, but nice.)

The speakers and sample levels alone would make it worth the difference.

Think I'm going to hold out for the 340, maybe I can get a better price towards the end of the year..... thanks, I knew that's what you thought. Just wanted to verify it to myself.

Kawai MP8II can be picked for $1,900. It’s a serious piece of work but it does require external amplification and speaker system.

Wow! thank you all for your help. I cant' wait to get out to the local piano dealer *hopefully today* to check these out. Can anyone provide a little more insight on how the various Yamaha weighted keys, GHS, GHE, and GH3 compare to each other, as well as how they compare to the respective DPs from Roland, and Kawai? I always get so confused when it comes to these standards but it is one of the most important things to me with this purchase. Thank you again for all your help you guys.

-JT

Hello,

I want to back JT with his questions on the different digital actions.
Played a lot of them an all feel different.
It's wouldn't be bad to have a separate topic on this... on the playing experience, dynamics, how much noise they make. And of course the actual construction and if they are built to last (maybe with pictures).

I've seen a few piano's opened and the construction is so very different in quality:
the tank like all metal construction in a Roland RD150 is in sharp contrast with the almost toylike yamaha GHS construction.

Would be good to know the details behind all key actions...

Cic.