Hi,

I'm going to buy a MIDI controller, mainly to learn to play piano and I have seen these two at a good price ($350 the Fatar and $400 the Yamaha). Which one do think is the best choice? I'm looking for the closest feel to a piano. Seems that the Fatar has a very good action, but I have read bad reviews in terms of reliability. Anyway I new to piano and I would like to hear your opinions/experiences.

Many thanks.

I used to own a Fatar 1100, and my friend had a KX88. I suspect the 990 is similar to the 1100, though possibly updated. Anyhow, the Fatar was great for programmability (4 separate zones, lots of midi parameters, etc), whilst I always felt that the KX88 was sturdier, and more pleasing to play.

You really need to try them both using the sounds that you intend to use, because the keyboard can feel very different according to the sample set you're using. Anyhow, it's all very subjective, so you really have to find what works for you.

Good luck and happy hunting,

Jonathan

The new KX8 is not at all like the old 88. The new one uses the "GHS" key action and is in a light weight plastic case.

IWhy not buy a low-end digital piano. then you could use it as a MIDI controller and also play it without the computer. The low-end Casios are in your price range and don't sound bad as pianos

Thanks for the update, Chris

The SL990 Pro has almost not programming features, http://www.fatar.com/Studiologic/Pages/SL_990PRO.htm

I have tried both (the Yamaha was really a P85, which has also a GHS keybed) in a shop and seems the Fatar looked more realistic, anyway I new to piano so I prefer to have more opinions on this. And I also have read bad things about the fatar reliability...



What difference is between the old and new Yamaha action? The P85 keys felt a bit plasticly to me, I'm used to play in the school piano and when I tried it I ended with some fatigue in my fingers... anyway as above I'm new to piano and I really don't have a good criteria for this.

I also tried an Casio CDP100, but it didn't felt as good as the Yamaha or the Fatar, I would not call it bad, but it was not the same.

Thanks.