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Hi,
I plan to buy a Roland digital piano HP-102 or HP-103.
The price difference between them is about 500$ in my country (Poland/Europe),
but I can't find other difference between these models, except keyboards.
HP-102 has a Compact Progressive Hammer-Action Keyboard
HP-103 has a Progressive Hammer-Action Keyboard, without "Compact"
Can anyone explain the difference?
Is the difference worth the additional cost?
Did anybody try to play these models personally?

Zgred

I wondered the same thing about Roland's KR series.
The KR-103 has "compact progressive" and the KR-105 and 107 have "progressive" action. What's the deal? Is it a size thing?

Good question, maybe its the size of the hammer mechanism?

Hi,

Well, I own a HP103 and before I bought it I also tested the HP101 and 102, so maybe I can tell you a little bit more of both models.

I went to a store where the three models were side by side, so I could try them all. In my opinion, the difference in keyboard between compact progressive and progressive is very large and it was absolutely a big deal for me. The HP103 keyboard felt more like a grant while the 102 was more like an upright. When you compare the sound through headphones, they are almost equal, but through speakers the 103 is better ... there is just "more" sound. It is difficult to explain in English, and even if I could explain it, it is better if you try it yourself.

Although the HP102 fitted more in my budget, I decided to go for the HP103, since I know I would regret it if I didn't. A real grant is much better of cource, but for practising and working on technics, this instrument is wonderful!

Good luck with your choice.

Krista

In terms of the differences in action, progressive is supposed to be better than the compact progressive version. In the RD series, the RD300SX has the compact action to make it more portable as compared to the bigger RD700SX, which has the progressive action. Therefore, if cost is not an issue choose progressive.

Zgred,

If it is available near you, try Yamaha CLP 240 as well. I played both HP103 and CLP240 in store and I think they are comparable. I liked the action of HP103 in general, but my fingers (not too thick) got stuck between two black keys while playing HP (perhaps engineering anomaly? I presume).

Take it easy and give yourself ample time to go back and forth among the models in your list. Good luck.

TD

Thank you all. Your comments were very helpful.
I just needed something to make a decision.
The dealer gave me a $250 discount, so I ordered the HP-103 today.
Toda, I did it before I saw your post.
Unfortunately I haven’t any possibility to see Yamaha pianos near my town.
I tested HP-102 a few hours and I liked it, so I hope that 103 will be good for me.
Now I’m waiting
Zgred

Zgred,

Good luck and enjoy your new piano!

TD