I'm utterly swamped by the posts here. I apologize if this is an old issue.

I have roughly $2k (US) to spend, in the Greater Boston area. I love my Yamaha CLP-340, but I am hardly a fine connoisseur of touch or sound.

I need decent MIDI and/or Internet functions, for transcriptions and the like.

Space is at a premium: this goes in my office at work, for research stuff. (Long story, don't ask.)

I don't care about voices or looks, so long as it's not a total joke.

I would prefer that it look sorta like an upright, the way the Clavinovas do, but that's minor.

The main thing is that I have always hated electric keyboards. I want a touch that is passably close to the real deal. I grew up with a Steinway baby grand. The Clavinova is very close, but closer is better.

I will mostly use headphones, so the speakers as such don't matter much (but the sound engine is a big deal).

I have no preferences or loyalties to speak of.

Suggestions?

Your Yamaha CLP-340 already has GH3 with ivory feel ... hrm

Indeed.

clehrich, what aspects of your Clavinova's GH3 action are you unsatisfied with?

You could perhaps consider an alternative brand/model, such as a Roland FP-7F or HP-503, or a Kawai ES7, CA15, or VPC1.

Cheers,
James
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Hi Clehrich,

Im in Boston and I have a great Kawai connection just north of. Almost all Kawai digitals (and acoustic) are on display to try and usually in stock. I bought the Kawai ES7 and extremely pleased with it. Dealer is outstanding to work with. Not sure if Im allowed to give a plug and accolades on the forums, so pm me if you want details of my experience with dealer and my ES7.

I know you love your Yamaha, and rightfully so. However, you really need to try a few of the new Kawais.

Hi Clehrich, you have great options in the Boston area, Londonderry piano is the Kawai dealer he has just about all of the current offerings (I was in there a few weeks ago) and he's in salem NH 20 mins north of boston, then Darrells music hall is in Nashua Nh 25 mins north of Boston, and he carries all the Rolands and Yamahas, acoustic, digis and hybrids, and then you have Guitar Center in Boston, the one on Boylston street carries every non-cabinted DP/synth under the sun. We are very lucky in this area to have all of this within 20mins.

That is indeed a fantastic selection - covers all the bases!

James
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Londonderry, NH was the dealer I was referring to. OUTSTANDING Kawai dealer! He has my business forever (ask for John the owner.) The best no bullsh** salesperson I ever met. Zero pressure to buy, extremely informative, and wants you to hang around and play any piano you want for as long as you want. He has a "buy when you are ready, comfortable, and well informed" attitude. Also, I had an issue with my first purchase and he took it back and replaced with brand new no questions asked.

Love my ES7 and the dealer that stands behind it.

Marko, Indeed, that is a good Kawai dealer. Londonderry Piano is in Salem NH as Origen mentioned. They must have started in Londonderry and moved to Salem while keeping the name.

I have the ES7 and could not be happier with it. Nice sound and keybed.