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I have left off playing piano around 2007 and hoping to resume, with more time at hand. At that time I had done some research and got Yamaha CLP-280 - due to relocation etc I sold it after an year though. I believe it was a mid to high end of upright model at that time and was left with a good impression of the instrument in terms of the key action (GH3 keyboard I think) and the sound. I was not happy about it being very portable though - which was ~100 lb.

Since then I have not followed the developments and curious to know if which current instrument have the equivalent/ or superior key action and sound compared to older Yamaha clavinova. It also seems that there are other players in the market and the share is well divided.

Obviously it is fairly subjective issue but I'd very much like to hear the experience from 'early adopters' to sense the key changes that made been made in the last few years!

The features of digital pianos, keyboard action included, filter down from the expensive end of the market to the budget end. GH3 is now found on their cheapest DP in the main Clavinova series, the CLP525. Other features such as fake ivory keys, stereo sound, at least 128 note polyphony, 3 sensor keys, which used to be premium features, are now found pretty well across the board.

Though progress is slow compared with other hi tech products, keyboards and sample sets have improved. Yamaha is generally the slowest to make changes: Roland, Kawai and Casio are more innovative.

Roland's 'SuperNatural' sound engine is perhaps the most advanced piano sound in standard range DPs. It is a mixed system of sampling and modelling. Their new PHAIV keyboard is also receiving a lot of positive comments.

Kawai is probably the most popular choice here. Their keyboards are well designed, wooden key based systems.

Interface and facilities are also improved - Roland offer wi-fi connexion to phone or pad so you can control remotely (and maybe record digital audio too, though I'm not sure about that).

Casio offer well designed pianos with lots of facilities at low prices. Most people rate their keyboard, used in their economic PX range, very highly.