I'm looking for an instrument solely for practicing piano. I have read on the forum that the most important thing is touch, so I would like some advice on which instrument would have a better action for practicing the piano, Yamaha P105 or Roland A-88?

The Roland A-88 is a MIDI controller and therefore does not feature an internal tone generator (i.e. it does not produce any sound). In order to use it as a practise piano, you will either need to connect the board to a computer or MIDI sound module, or possess a very good imagination.

The Casio PX-150 would be a closer comparison with the Yamaha P105. I've yet to play either, however there are a number of threads discussing these entry-level board throughout the forum.

Kind regards,
James
x

I am aware that the roland does not produce sound by itself and I have read some of the other reviews on the yamaha, but none that compare the two keyboards.

I guess I am wondering personally if they had the exact same features which would be a better purchase.

Given that a majority opinion on this forum is that vst samples sound better than the inbuilt ones and the most important thing is touch.

If both models were connected to a computer as a practice piano, which would be better?

zessin, so you're essentially asking which board has the more realistic keyboard action?

That's a tricky one, really a lot depends on personal preference - why not try playing the two boards for comparison (turn the Yamaha off) then deciding for yourself?

Cheers,
James
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Sure, I am just a bit isolated here so probably won't get an opportunity to try out keyboards.

I understand that it may be subjective, but I thought that maybe there was an obvious answer if the yamaha is entry level and the roland is similar price but with less features then perhaps, it is because the keyboard action is superior.

I was hoping someone on the forum would have played both and if there is a big difference that would help me make a choice.

I've tried the P105 and the Roland F-120 which has the same keybed as the A-88
The difference is subtle
I like a lot the F-120 keybed but the P105 is not bad at all
As usual the Yamaha is slightly firmer

A very important point is that the A-88 has no sound, so if you're not familiar with computer it will be complicated

Cheers

James, you have made me laugh! I was reminded of the (for me at least) great movie "The Competition" with Richard Dreyfuss and Amy Irving when she can't stop playing and 'rehearses' on the folding table of the plane seat . Never found it on DVD, but remember it from my childhood with great fondness.

Best regards,
Rafa.

Sorry, I can't help with your original post, but I did see this, I had never heard of it but it looks, and from what you say, sounds good....


http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/B0088XQC4O/ref=dp_olp_0?ie=UTF8&condition=all

I haven't played those, but I have played models with what I understand to be similar actions (Yamaha p95, Roland FP-4F)... Neither is a great action, but I'd choose the Yamaha. I'd also look at the Casio PX-150, and if you prefer a heavier action, the Yamaha CP33/P155, or if portability isn't an issue, the Korg SP250.

If you're not interested in the internal tone generation, then you may as well go with the Yamaha P-35 rather than P-105.

I was starting to think if there is only subtle difference between actions then the cheapest unit is probably best for my situation.

With the p-35 does the 32 polyphony limit apply just to the sound generator or to the midi out as well?

I'd be pretty confident that the polyphony limit is just the sound generator, and not the MIDI, as MIDI is only sending messages like note on and note off. Even if it couldn't handle more than 32 keys down at once, most people would be running out of fingers first. All of layering of sustained sounds are dealt with by the sound generator.

Are you happy with the p-35? Do you know of any online retailers where I could get one?

just remember what you gain in action with the roland (and i've never played it so i wouldn't know) you might ultimately give up with the inherent latency of running a VST on a computer. I like VST's for their more authentic sound, but i think an organic onboard sample will usually play better. So part of your decision will be based on the computer you will use to run the VST. you will need something with some decent RAM and its advisable to get a 2d HDD for the sample library.

The P105 action is very light and fast. I like it a lot and am very interested in getting one as a portable board to tote around.

I've been happy with the P-35, as it does what I want. The biggest limitation is the onboard speakers, which is where the P-105 has the advantage. I had in mind using VST for sound generation when I bought it, but find in practice that I often just use the onboard sound for convenience. Just being able to press a button and be ready to go straight away is much less a barrier than having to start up or set up things on the computer. Sometimes I use the computer, but the onboard sound through the headphones is good enough for short practice sessions, so I'm glad to have it there as an option.

Probably the biggest difference for me over the PX-150 (for units that contain sound generators) was that the P105 uses the Pure CF Sound Engine. I listened to both and for the piano sound the CF Piano sound on P1 for the Yamaha sounded better. But I know very little:)