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I had planned buying the Yamaha P-95, but having previously played classical piano for 12 years, after doing some research I realised the GHS touch would probably make me regret it...
So, I was told the P-155 is the next real step up.
Here in Norway the Roland FP-4F is pretty close in price though, being only about $200 more.
I understand the 7F comes even more recommended on the forum, having the very best key touch, but it's an extra $500 from the 4F and $700 more than the P-155. It's getting to the point where I have to draw a line (but if the 7F is really the only sensible option of course I'll consider skipping the 4F)
So I need some input! What's the key differences between FP-4F and P-155? Which do you like better?
I'm especially interessted in how Yamaha's "GH" key touch compare to Roland's "Ivory feel G".
Oh, one more thing! Beside wanting quality piano sound as well as good touch, some good organ options are appreciated as well. I have no idea who's better at this!
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People say good things about the new Roland action, PHAIII. The action in the FP4F is not that version. It's very common to hear people say that the grand piano sounds in Rolands sound better than their equivalent in Yamaha and Kawai, though there can be varying opinions there. With the action, though, each camp has its followers. My perception is that the group of people who feel that the Roland action is the best is less than 1/3 of the people here. That's particularly true since the FP4F does not feature PHAIII.
What I'm trying to say is that both are fine pianos, but keyboard action is not necessarily the strong point of the FP4F. Roland actions tend to be lighter and less substantial feeling than those of Yamaha. Personally I've never played a Roland action I liked. I do like their sounds, though.
You're going to have to try a P155 (the GH action is in many Yamaha models so it's very easy to find an example to play) and the Roland to know whether you are a fan or not.
Bottom line: I don't think one can conclude that the FP4F's action is better than that of the P155 from online reviews alone. If you must use reviews alone to guide you, I think you would come up with the opposite conclusion.
Last edited by gvfarns; 12/18/11 02:38 PM.
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I had planned buying the Yamaha P-95, but having previously played classical piano for 12 years, after doing some research I realised the GHS touch would probably make me regret it...
So, I was told the P-155 is the next real step up.
Here in Norway the Roland FP-4F is pretty close in price though, being only about $200 more.
The FP4 has Roland's "Alpha" key action. This is their low-end and very light piano keys. I think it's like the p95. If you like the FP4 then buy the FP7-F and it will come with piano keys that are very good. I have a P155. I think it is still the best value in a home practice piano. It has both good keys and "good enough" sound. But the FP7F is a big step up and is useful for other thing than home practice. The P155 and FP7 have good key actions that many people like but they are very different. I'd but them on opposite ends of a spectrum. Roland is a light action that can still take a lot of force, Yanaha's GH action has much more weight or mass. If you have played for years you'd know quickly which you like. Play each for 15 minutes
Last edited by ChrisA; 12/18/11 03:05 PM.
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FP4 had PHA alpha 2, FP4-F has "Ivory feel G".
For me "Ivory feel G" is not that light, compare to other Roland action. And not very responsive (no quick at play).
The action of keybeds is really a subjective feeling, for me the attack of sound (throwing of hammer) is a bit too high (too early), and so the bottoming is a bit too long, and key is slow to come back . So I don't know how to explain, the pendulum break is too high, and the motion is too frictious, while not being enough weighted (no momentum).
The action of GH is more "usual" for me, the key appear more weighted, and the bottoming is late and the descent seem "firmer" for a longer time.
Completly different feel... But once again, this is really a subjective area...
Last edited by zack!; 12/18/11 05:16 PM.
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strictly speaking from an action perspective I favor the action of the yamaha I cant say anything about the piano sounds
I think yamhaha has been able to really produce a very natural feeling piano they have really gotten that part down.
I would suggest really taking some of your music with you to the store and spending a few hours there just playing when you finally decide you will have decided based on hours of getting used to the boards.
if you play well the sales people will be happy for you to hang around they may even buy you lunch
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if you play well the sales people will be happy for you to hang around they may even buy you lunch Haha, you must play very well indeed.
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The IvoryFeel-G action of the FP-4F is a world away from the old PHA-Alpha action of the FP-4 (which is awful). I like the FP-4F's action - I thought it felt pretty good although I've only spent 20 minutes on one.
Yamaha P155's action is heavier, more solid feeling perhaps. Having just got rid of a Yamaha CP33 (same action as P155) I can say I began to find the GH action a bit too heavy.
The Yamaha has much older technology tone generation but which is better in a subjective sense is purely a matter of personal preference.
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The IvoryFeel-G action of the FP-4F is a world away from the old PHA-Alpha action of the FP-4 (which is awful). I agree the IvoryFeel-G is far better than the PHA-Alpha action, but not responsive enough for me.
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I have not played the FP-4F or RD-300NX with Ivory Feel-G, so cannot comment on its sluggishness. However, I would like to say that the PHA Alpha II in the FP-4 gets maligned perhaps a little undeservedly. Given the fact that the FP-4 only weighs 33lbs, it really doesn't do too badly compared with boards of similar weight (and is much better than the Compact PHA action of the RD-300SX etc.). It is a very quick action, which some may prefer to the newer action of the 4F, if that is indeed as sluggish as suggested. It lacks the sense of control that you get with PHAIII, and so could never be described as a top quality action, but it is perfectly playable.
The newer, lightweight Fatar actions do pretty well, too, given the limitations on space in the type of boards in which they're installed. But for those that don't mind a heavier feel, the Yamaha GH action is possibly the best you can obtain at around the 40lbs mark.
Basically, I do think it's worth bearing in mind the overall weight/size of a keyboard when discussing the merits of the action.
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mabraman, 2015
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Basically, I do think it's worth bearing in mind the overall weight/size of a keyboard when discussing the merits of the action. Fair point.
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Thanks for all the help guys!
I went to the store yesterday and tried all three of them.
The Yamaha action feels like a normal, standard piano, very good.
The Roland 7F action is definitely lighter, but in a good way. It feels like one of those old grand pianos that's just ligher on the touch compared to uprights. I honestly can't say which one I like better, they're very different but both felt good to play.
4F on the other hand, just felt "cheaper" than its bigger brother -- it was actually heavier than the 7F, but it was something about the release of the keys that felt "sticky", and definitely worse than the GH action in the Yamaha.
I guess action should be the most important deciding factor, and when the 7F has better internal speakers as well (became clear when I played without headphones, and I'm going to at home) it's really nothing to wonder about -- it's worth the extra cash if gong Roland.
So now the choice stands between the 7F and the P155. I hear mention about better sound quality in the Roland -- I honestly couldn't hear the difference. One thing that's more important though is the sound selection, because I do want to experiment and maybe jam with a band etc. I didn't play around that much but the Roland has quite a few more sounds, right? Anything else besides touch that should have my attention?
It's $700 more but I'm beginning to think the 7F is actually worth it over the Yamaha. Any other options I should consider before pulling the trigger, or is the 7F my best choice for a stage piano under $2000?
Last edited by carlings; 12/20/11 12:51 PM.
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Well, if you can, you might look up a Kawai MP6. It's frequently talked about at this price point.
The FP-7F is a pretty sweet piano, though. I think many people do think it's the best under $2k. Though if I couldn't tell the difference in sound quality I'd be sorely tempted to save those 700 samolians and go with the Yamaha. The way I play, only a few voices are necessary. A few grands, a harpsicord, an organ. More voices are wasted on me.
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Interesting reported from your in-store tryout. I could almost have written the same thing although my comments would if anything be less kind toward the lower-end Roland. But you described the FP-7F touch exactly as I perceived it and I agree that the built-in speakers outclass the competition.
For me it was a pretty simple decision. The built-in sound and speakers were good enough not to require either running through a separate sound system or using it via MIDI and a software piano. Not true of any cheaper DP I tried. And the touch was not quite like an acoustic piano but was to my fingers equally comfortable and expressive to play than most acoustics.
I think the '7F is worth its price tag relative to other digitals. I just could not justify that price tag relative to an acoustic piano since I do not need a digital per se.
Current Life+Music Philosophy: Less Thinking, More Foot Tapping
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Carlings, I think it's likely that after spending time with the 7F and the P155 you'd start to notice some differences. To me, the 7F has a much less static sound, and is capable of a more mellow, warm pianissimo, whereas the Yamaha has a clearer, brighter sound, generally (IMO it is more sterile). In terms of feel, the Yamaha is heavier.
As for extra voices, like many people I find myself only using a small handful of sounds in any DP, and once you get into GM sounds, they tend to be of rather poor quality.
I agree with gvfarns that $700 could be put to good use if you feel the Roland offers little benefit over the Yamaha. The P155 is undoubtedly good value for money.
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Yamaha P155 is "just a piano" TM at fair price. You get "clean" and "a bit brilliant" tones, with heavy/firm touch. Well, it is a yamaha.
Roland has generally a more darker/melow tone with a great dynamic range with very lively and long decay (superNatural), with its light touch, it has a great expressivity (almost "too expressiv" for some, for example sound may appear too different/uneven from bass to treble). This piano is really good for slow and delicate / pathetic pieces.
From a pure "spec" point of view, FP7 has huge bank of sound, accompaniement features, rythmic box, good connectivity (audio in / out), so far more than Yamaha...
Try Kawai MP6 if you can...
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The way I play, only a few voices are necessary. A few grands, a harpsicord, an organ. More voices are wasted on me. Perhaps I expressed myself poorly; I don't need hundreds of mediocre sounds and SFX. However, I do appreciate a tight selection of quality organs and rhodes in addition to the piano. But good ones -- all to often these extra sounds feel flat and uninspired and then they're never used, right? I remember I played the Korg SV1 a few months ago, and while the action was only fair, I remember being very impressed with the rhodes and jazz organs. They felt analog, warm, organic and full of life compared to the dull, static sounds found in most DPs. Now I know the SV1 is precicely aimed at this and I can't get it all... but for what the Roland and Yahama can offer, who's generally better here? Any experiences?
Last edited by carlings; 12/20/11 05:06 PM.
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Although, I'm now selling my FP7F, I had a P155 right before it.
The P155 is really a huge level below the FP7F in my opinion. Dynamic control on the P155 is limited and very difficult to control.
The subtleties possible with the FP7F are pretty far from the older model P155. The one in line with the FP7F is the CP50.
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If we are speaking about key actions, by sheets the P155 and the CP50 have exactly the same one: GH. A. Although, I'm now selling my FP7F, I had a P155 right before it.
The P155 is really a huge level below the FP7F in my opinion. Dynamic control on the P155 is limited and very difficult to control.
The subtleties possible with the FP7F are pretty far from the older model P155. The one in line with the FP7F is the CP50.
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The P155 is really a huge level below the FP7F in my opinion. Dynamic control on the P155 is limited and very difficult to control. It's really a shame. The Yamaha's just don't give much dynamic range. (This is not a rant against Yamaha. I simply don't know whether the Kawais or Rolands have limited dynamics. I've never tried a Kawai, and didn't notice the dynamics of the Rolands because I spent little time with them.)
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It's really a shame. The Yamaha's just don't give much dynamic range. The P155 has more dynamic range than you might think but you really do have to pound hard on the keys to get there. I tried an experiment where I read out the MIDI velocities on a computer and before I could get near 127 I though what I was doing was "piano abuse". There are five sample levels and you will not hear the last level if you are not using some real physical effort and forearm movement and bottoming ot those keys hard. I think reading the MIDI number off the computer is instructive with any DP so you can see just how much of the available range you are using. I do agree that the FP7-F is a big step up from the P155. But if you like first key actions the Yamaha is the way to go.
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