I am looking for opinions about which keyboard would have the closest feel/action to a real acoustic piano:

Roland FP-7f (PHA III Ivory Feel-S)
VS
Kawai EP3 (AHAIV-F graded hammer action)
Thanks for any suggestions.

Depending on your budget, don't rule out the MP6 (RH action) for less than the FP7-F and MP10 (RM3 action) for more (how much more we still don't know).

Since it seems we all are playing the same guessing game about these products that hardly anyone has seen or touched in real life , I think the best option is to wait and see until these units hit the shops. My guess list in terms of real acoustic feeling is (in order):

RM3
PHA-III
RH
AHAIV-F

But it's just guessing...

Well I've tried RM3, PHAII/III, RH and Yamaha actions. Note that I tried the PHAIII present in the HP-307, so I cannot comment on the specific differences with the -S model.

IMHO RM3 and PHAIII are really close, I think I prefer RM3, is quieter and "rebounds" a little bit more than the Roland (useful for tremolos) but in the other PHAIII allows much faster repetition and is very pleasant to play. RH is also very nice, but IMO I'd choose PHAIII.

The best advice: try them youself.

Thanks ‘JFP’ and ‘egallego’ for your expert comments. Although budget is not an issue, I do have a need for a portable keyboard with the most realistic feel but also with built-in speakers. Based on your comments, it appears that the Roland FP-7f is my best choice at present. I would prefer the Kawai RM3 action but (as far as I can tell) currently Kawai does not offer their high-end, RM3 action in a portable design with built-in speakers. So for now, I’ll plan to order the Roland FP-7f (PHA III Ivory Feel-S). Thanks again for the help!

is the RD700Nx going to have the exact action as the FP-7F then???
if soo why not buy the NX ?

He said he wants built in speakers..


Regards. Rimmer

The FP7f is on my shortlist at the moment however i'm holding out until January (or that's the plan!!!) for the possible release of an RD300NX (obviously no built in speakers) and the probable FP4f...

‘Rimmer’, if Roland releases an FP4'f’ with PHA III action, that would probably be my top choice: 15-20 pounds lighter than the FP7f and I can live without the more advanced features of the FP7f and its 3-pedal option. Hmmm….now I’m wondering if I should wait to see if Roland announces an FP4-f model with PHA III……

I'm itching to get stuck in to a new piano but I can't feel that comfortable about buying one until I hear whether there will be any info on this at NAMM..

I played the FP4 and the FP7 and the keys did feel different. From what i've read, a lot of people seemed to prefer the FP4. To me, it felt a bit plasticy, as did the FP7 (and the 300GX and the Korg LP350). The 700GX felt different (better) but didn't exactly bowl me over. I actually liked the FP4 for some reason. I kept getting dragged back to it.

It's hard to say what they might do about the FP4 but the FP7 upgrade suggests quite a lot to me about what they 'might' do with the FP4. 700GX keys and the SN engine could be the ticket?!? The FP7F is slightly above my budget but I can do it if it's the right machine. I prefer the idea of liking the Kawai MP6 as much, not due to the price but.. well, I don't know why to be honest..

The bottom line is. It's a bad time to buy an FP4 or FP7 new. Or for that matter an RD300GX. Good price used? maybe, but i'm trying to hold out until i've tried all of them out.. Which is easier said than done..!

Regards. Rimmer

The different actions account for most of the weight difference. The PHA III (and PHA II) weighs substantially more than the PHA (alpha II) action from the FP-4. I don't think you're going to see your combo of lighter weight + PHA III from the next generation.

As for Rimmer's comment, I'm not sure its a bad time to be shopping. Sure the new ones are on the way, technology is always driving new models, but you're seeing clearance prices on the current ones that could save you some real money.

I haven't seen this in the Uk at all yet but maybe that will change. I am under the impression it's an odd time for DP technology though as this Roland SN thing seems more of a leap than we've seen over previous years. I'd feel uncomfortable trying to save myself a few hundred pounds buying in to technology from just before a technological leap. That's why i'm drifting quite hard towards an FP7f at the moment, or even a used 700GX as I can add the SN board later..

We shall see which way the wind takes me..

Many thanks for the sage advice. Since, as Sam Bennett points out, the added weight of the FP7f is needed to achieve the more realistic, PHA-III action - and therefore an FP4’f’ with PHA-III (assuming Roland even releases such a model) would be closer to the weight of the FP7f anyway - I will return to my original plan to order the FP7f. The dedicated speaker box in the FP7 should also produce a much richer sound from the 8X12cm speakers compared with the FP4.

I think it's 2 x 8cm and 2 x 12cm speakers for what it's worth...

If the key length of PHA III and key weights on any Roland keyboard is the same as the V piano - (i read in a thread they could be different ) -

you will be happy with the PHA III .

Now go and play music.

V Piano Man

If the actions are different, how can you be sure that someone will be happy with a version of PHAIII that is different/inferior to that on your VPiano?

I read it that he said, if it's the same as the V-Piano you will be happy..

You are correct Rimmer.

The inference was - if identical actions in every way (in my comparison - both ways).

V Piano Man