Until recently I had a rd300sx which was my main gigging dp which died when the locking system of a stand that a friend gave me failed and took my piano with it.

Long story short I'm looking for a piano that has a great piano sound, has a good feel and lets me control my motif module sounds effectively. I like the mp's, good price, but I don't know whether to go with the mp5 or shell out a bit more for the mp8II... or maybe there's another piano that's better at this. I have a budget of $1,200 USD but I'm willing to go up to $2,000 if it's worth it.

YadielOmar,

The MP5 and MP8II are largely identical but for differences in the action used (and consequently the instrument's weight and dimensions), and the absence of XLR jacks on the former model.

The MP5 features the plastic-key AHA IV-E action, while the MP8II features the wooden-key AWA Grand PRO II action.

Personally, I prefer the appearance (and weight) of the MP5, however in terms of touch, the MP8II is widely regarded as having the best action of any stage piano.

Fore more information, please refer to the respective product brochures:





Cheers,
James
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Thanks James! I had a question; I was told that the housing for the mp5 was plastic and the bottom was the same material used in the rd300sx and gx which is compressed cardboard and that the housing of the mp8II was made of a type of metal and the bottom was also metal. I was wandering to what extent this was true

YadielOmar, the MP5 and MP8II are both produced using the same materials:

- main body: aluminium (the MP8II has a brushed finish)
- side panels: wood
- base: fibreboard

Cheers,
James
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I'll check out the mp5 then, that was really my main concern with both keyboards. This was very helpful thanks James!

They're both pretty solid instruments, so I doubt you should have cause for concern.

I've actually heard the MP8 being described as a tank - it's certainly a beast, requiring two people to lift it.

Cheers,
James
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