It appears to be a stripped-down, controller only version of the MP10:

www.kawaivpc.com

I like the little platform for the laptop.

I'm only getting one page there, no blurb at all. Have you heard news elsewhere?

No - this was posted in a thread regarding 88-key controllers with flat tops on the Keyboard Corner. This is all I've seen.

...mmmmm (drool), I think I want one. My fear is if it's going to be pure controller then it would have to be without compromise which suggests quite a heavy beast.

Speculation should reach fever pitch.

That is drool-worthy indeed. If only there was some information there, not just a link.

So you have information that it will feature the RM3 action, rather than GF or RH2. Is that right? Could you include the keyboard corner link? I'm cool with weight, but I would like to have the latest and greatest action, if possible.

That is what I'll need, and what I am waiting for now, if it is GF or RH2.

RM3 would be a non-sense (neither for me nor for Kawai I think.)

But price tag will be an interesting question too.

Although this is not necessarily unlikely. Remember, they came out last year with the CE220, which they outfitted with the AWA PRO II action, even though RM3 was well-established and in fact was about to be replaced with the GF action. I'm not sure if they are trying to burn through inventory or what, but it appears that Kawai is very comfortable putting out new products that use older actions.

My fear is that this will be a great product but for whatever reason Kawai America will decide not to sell it. Non-US customers have had access to several very interesting pianos---the CS9, for example, and CA13. The CA13 is a scary example because it's kind of along the same lines as this controller: a more basic version of more expensive products that nonetheless has what we are really going for: the good action. You can't get it in the US.

If the controller is announced at NAMM, I guess there's little chance it will not be available in the US, though. Right?

And as you point out, if the price difference between it and the top stage piano is very small, I will be extremely disappointed as well. When there are no good alternatives, we're always at the mercy of the people who decide what price these will be.

Here's a link to the Keyboard Corner VPC thread:

http://forums.musicplayer.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/2461641#Post2461641

Cool. Want one ; be it rm3 II (with third sensor ) or GH. Price probably bit above ES7 in some countries, bit below or equal to ES in other places. I really doubt it'll be RH II, almost certain GH or similar. Goal: best possible keybed in a sleek and well thought through design for people who want the best respons , but don't care about internal sounds and other gadgets . Space to put you laptop; big big plus. Have been waiting for a design that takes the placement of your laptop in consideration right from the beginning. iPad stand is nice (Acuna, Akai) , but tablets are just not powerful enough (yet). Details will probably follow at NAMM. Unless Kawai wants to have a scoop and does a press release before the show. Can't wait ;-) Need any beta-testers Kawai ???

James is that your netbook on top of the VPC :-)

I don't know about it being his computer, but I think it's his Nord on top of what may well be the VPC in this thread...

http://www.pianoworld.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/2002263/3/New%20Nord%20Italian%20Grand.html

It was this of him: New addition, but it's not red...

anotherscott: Good point! HOWEVER, looking at the image of the VPC, it looks different to the keyboard in that other thread. However, maybe it was a prototype.....

Unless that VPC image isn't actually how it really looks? (it looks too clean - no knobs or anything)

Greg.

Perhaps this is the photo of the VPC1 with his Nord:

Yup! Looks more like it...

Pretty cool combo, huh?

Yes indeed!

Note to self:
In the future, do not buy big expensive console piano a few months before NAMM, only because of its great action to use it solely with VSTs and headphones.

I think this is the keyboard I would buy if I would have to buy one... Damn it! I'm getting the GAS right now... must... breath... deeply...

Regards,
Kurt.-

it would have to be without compromise which suggests quite a heavy beast.

For sure it looks like a good controller to have in home. Looks solid like a tank. Probally best for home. I'm very curious about how it feels. Never played either MP6 and MP10.

You know ... one of the things you need to come to grips with in the midst of all this technology and "cool" keyboards, etc ... is this ...

Are you in this to learn to play the piano really well ?

OR ...

Are you more interested in playing with all sorts of "cool" sounding equipment and always on the lookout for the next inovation ?

There is absolutely no end to the technology.

But, if you wish to learn to play well ... you have all you need right now.

I am interested in both - as quiet typical in this forum: piano art (just music) and technology.

In digital you cannot make serious mistakes, you can always updgrade. We don't acquire digital gear for life - our purchases should be considered more as renting decision's for a limited time span (typically 3-5 Ys.) Amortisation has to be calculated with, both financially and technologically.

You are better off with the second highest range but up-to-date product than have the best but wait three or more update cycle with an update.

On the other side, while not having the latest thing might be not optimal, we have a development behind us where current tools (keybeds) have already accumaleted a plenty of engeneering quality .Progress with the next generation is evolutionary and often improving marginal nuances only.

Temp: You're right about the slow progress ... evolutionary, etc. But as for treating a piano as a temp or as a rental, you speak for yourself.

From whence comes your 3 to 5 year estimate? Perhaps that's your pattern, and so be it. But how can you conclude that this is somehow typical? I bought a piano four years ago, and, if it lasts, I'll keep it for another fifteen or twenty years.

Please let this have at least a mod wheel, please please please, without one how do you do all the neat things with LASS or East West, Symphobia, Adagio or any of the other orchestral libraries that a buyer of this type of controller will use along with pianos. Im paranoid because it really doesn't look like there is room for one in the picture, if however there is one then Im probably standing in line already, unless Roland really wows us with a complete supernatural workstation, but even then I think I'd rather have less cost since a Roland workstation would probably set me back 4 grand.

origen, I think you may be disappointed...

However, there are plenty of relatively inexpensive MIDI control surfaces to add knobs, buttons, and wheels out there - take you pick!

As for a SuperNatural workstation, I believe Dr Popper recently eluded to a new Fantom, so it's possible...

James
x

Which, also, is probably not typical.

Also, the availability of VSTs now enables one to make changes periodically to the sound without swapping out the keybed/piano. That is ... if you find VST sounds satisfying. I have not been able to get to that point.

If this keybed is really really good and it has some way of smart interfacing with your software solution(s) - be it laptop and/or tablet - there's no more need to buy a new set of keys every few years, just because the sounds get boring. Update your SW and off you go for another round of years. The keys can then stay and last for a loooooong time....(additional controllers you can add and replace when needed). Just my idea..

It is a GREAT idea !

However, in my case, I have not been able to embrace the sound I hear using the software generated sounds. I may sound a little muffled, distant, latent, or some other perceived flaw.

So, the theory is great. But, my reality ... not so much.

I think that's largely the point!

Is there anything like a stand alone x/y joystick or modwheel that can just midi or usb into the controller for the purpose of articulations? Ive got a novation remote zero 61 key, but I'd rather not have to reach too far, so if I can sit something right on the vpc that would be a great solution, or would an expression pedal be able to simulate the articulations, as well as having a sustain pedal plugged in at the same time?