Hello,
After a few months of reading the internet and testing DPs in stores I'm about to buy CLP-340. But lately some doubts arised related to opinions about CLP-340 (or generally Yamaha).

First thing, people tend to claim that sound of CLP (Yamaha) is to bright even if brilliance (in CLP-340) is set to mellow. I've never played acoustic piano, but when I compared the sound of CLP-340 to acoustic pianos in stores, the sound is brighter and not as warm as acoustic sound. BUT do you really think that when brill. is set to mellow it is still to bright?
And what do you think about VARIATION of the Grad Piano 1 sound in CLP-340? - It's noticeably more mellow and warmer, isn't it?

Second thing - touch. Basically, the touch of CLP-340 is nice. But does nice mean authentic (by authentic I mean similar to acoustic piano)? I've found in this forum that the touch of GH3 is unnaturally heavy, and also that the sound is not perfectly controlable (compare to Rolands). What can you say about it? I've been always thinking that GH3 is better that PHA-II, but yesterday when I tried RP-101 (I couldn't find HP-20* in my city) I tought that maybe it's more like acoustic piano keyboard even if GH3 is nicer.

I'm very confused and I don't have any clear way what to do because of the things I mentioned. I would like to buy DP which is as close as possible to the acoustic piano.

CLP-340 is cheaper than HP-203 in my country (being honest, I would someone to convince me to buying CLP-340 ;)).

I'd like to hear especially acoustic player who tried CLP-340.

Thanks for any anwser!

Your problem is to first decide "which acoustic piano". There is a huge range of variation in the sound and touch between acoustic pianos.

I have a Yamaha P155. I think it's nearly identical the CLP340 in terms of touch and sound. I think all around it is a prety good simulation, especially considering the price. But it does not have the same dynamic range. The acoustic piano sounds different when played very loudly.

But if you don't like the Yamaha sound then a Yamaha DP is not for you. Yamaha tries to capture the sound of their own acoustic pianos in their DPs.

Try looking at some Roland DPs. Their "PHA II" keys have a very different feel than Yamaha's and the tone is models after a more mellow brand of grand piano. Roland claims to use a composite of several grands but people think it sounds a bit like Steinway.

The Roland RD700GX is excellent, better key action then the Yamaha and from what you say, you might like the sound better. The RD700 is a stage piano but I'm sure Roland sells the same thing in a wood case and stand for home use. (from memory) that might be the HP307.

There's way too much variation in acoustic pianos to speak in absolutes, but in general the Yamaha digital pianos sound similar to the Yamaha acoustic pianos, since their digitals sample their own acoustics. Same with touch - the GH3 isn't the lightest nor heaviest action. It's probably in the ballpark of an average grand piano. In general, Yamahas are known for sounding bright, though.

Considering how subjective the choice is, it's really up to you to decide whether you like the sound and action of the CLP-340. Nevertheless, I would second the suggestion to check out the Rolands if you can, particularly the HP-207 or 203/RD-700GX/Fantom-G8 since they all share the PHAII action.

I think the only people you need to satisfy are yourself and your audience (if any). So, as Chris says, look for an acoustic that **you** like, and compare to a digital.

Yes, people say the Yamahas are more brilliant. But have you tried the 2nd variation of the piano sound? Just push the variation button. Variation 1 is brilliant. Variation 2 is mellow.

In any case, bright or not, Yamaha or Roland ... the sound from the internal speakers is not very good. The only pianos with good, native sound (IMO) cost two or three times what the CLP340 costs.

The solution ... add your own sound system. For just a couple hundred dollars, I added an amplifier, and equalizer, and speakers (all used). The sound is much improved.

You cannot do that while you're out shopping for a piano. So, bring along headphones. Phones will give you a better idea of what the piano **can** sound like.