Hi,
I'm interested in buying a digital piano that will provide me the best grand piano sounds for around $2000. Some research lead me to the Yamaha CLP 130 and the Roland HP103 as the two top contenders.

I saw both at different stores so it was really hard to tell the difference. I believe the CLP130 has 40Wx2 amp whereas the HP103 has only 25W. I know when I was comparing the CLP120 the one thing that bothered me was the low volume.

As for features other than good sound, I really liked the CLP built-in songbook that lets you play along either track and at different tempos. I believe the HP103 has a similar capability.

The two prices I was quotes are CLP130-$2170+tax,ship; HP103 $2600+tax,ship. The salesman for the HP103 indicated the Roland sampled Steinway pianos while the Yamaha sampled Yamaha pianos and since Steinways are much more preferred, I should go with the HP103.

Any suggestions on which would be better and if there are other models I should also be looking at?

Thanks

I am also looking at the Roland HP-103 and comparible instruments. I can't help much because I'm still researching, as well, but I do know that you can get a much better price on the Roland. The highest price I've been quoted was $2195, including shipping and headphones but not tax. I found a place out of state that quoted $1795 if I pick it up (no tax, out of state).

I've also heard good things about the CLP130s, but haven't had a chance to check them out yet.

dtrobert,

Have a look at this thread, it is long but should answer most of your questions!

http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/topic/6/631.html

The search engine on this forum (top of the page, top right hand corner) is a fantastic way to find out what has been posted about individual models and what questions have been asked previously about them.

ProPiano

Thanks Pro, I read that thread. It sounds like you recommend strongly the HP103. My only remaining question is that of the difference in amplifiers between the two. It seems the Roland is quite a bit less powered than the Yamaha. Shouldn't that be a big factor?

Also, any idea what a reasonable price for the HP103 should be?

There is less power admittedly but less isnt always a bad thing, consider how loud an acoustic instrument can go???? Do you really want more volume than that???
The sound is clean at all volumes! Thats truly important!
Crappy but loud sound is just that! Crappy loud sound!
I am not trying to say anything against any product but I am just trying to say that if the core piano sample isn't of the highest quality and it is not coming out of the best speaker system (not neccesarily the loudest)it ends up being louder but inferior!
You will have to see which sound (Roland vs. Yamaha) pleases your ears the most at reasonable listening levels!
As to the pricing, I dont know what the HP103 is selling for where you are but here in Canada it is around $2600 or so.
ProPiano

dtrobert,

In the price range you are looking at for the HP103, take a look at the CLP-150. I think you'll be amazed at the quality of feel and tone. It is a significant step up from both the clp-130 and hp-103. Roland also has better models with better touch and tone but it appears that Roland gear comes at a price premium in your area.

I'm not really impressed with the built in amplifier and speakers of the HP-103 but this is subjective so you'll need to evaluate for yourself.

Rodney