Hi Mark

I'm using the 700NX for both solo piano work and studio recording. Initially I struggled with the hard bottoming of the keys but 11 months on no longer a problem. I also initially noticed the harsh tones on the piano sounds when playing hard but again not so much now. What bothered me the most after 3 months ownership was the rough feeling I felt with scratching on some of the ivory type keys - this dosen't bother me much now as well. What I do love about it is the depth of sound it offers with each of it's SN piano sounds. It may not sound like a Steinway or Yamaha AP but it does allow for a satisfying musical experience that renders it a musical instrument in the true sense.

Marknz, you hit it right on the head! It sounds harsh! What I’ve trying to do every time I demo it is to smooth or warm the sound up a bit. I also believe I’m subconsciously comparing it to my CP300 that I have been accustom to playing with headphones for years. So, it's not that the RD700NX sounds bad; it’s just not what I am used to. In fact, I’m sure the RD700nx sounds significantly better than the CP300 to a trained ear. I guess Im not prepared to give it 3-11 months to grow on me.

That's the remarkable thing about the SN range. If I stop to think about all the characteristics of my FP-7F's piano sound, I can find a number of things to criticize. If I strike individual notes and compare it directly to the Kawai MP6, the Kawai sounds more like an acoustic. However, when I play the Roland, I don't have to go through mental gyrations to convince myself that I'm actually playing a musical instrument, rather than a computer. As a result, and because the action is so well designed, I'm able to use it as a direct AP substitute, and play it in much the same way.

Tuesday night, I did a gig on a Yamaha grand. No compromises on the action: I could play very fast repetitions, and control it with all desired nuances. The Roland is definitely not as good, but it is the closest I've come with any "ordinary" DP (not having access to either the V-Piano or Avant Grand) to that quality of experience.

Even though I've been somewhat remote from this forum for a while, I notice that the discussions remain like themselves here, I can see:

We all have our preferences, and there are no perfect DPs (and probably very few, if any, perfect APs). It is more a question of what matters most to you, and where you're OK to compromise.

I have a reasonably well maintained Acoustic Grand, which I enjoy playing despite some shortcomings here and there. It is not perfect, but as it is in our living room and I can play it as much as I like, it is better for me than most other Grands that I don't have access to

I also have a RD700NX that I use as my main portable piano, and it gets played live every week. It also has quirks, but is probably the best compromise for my use, and it replaced my aging Yamaha DP some 8 mo ago. I didn't actually spend much time adjusting to the RD700NX (and it very clearly revealed the problems with my older setup).

I really like the keyboard on the RD700NX, and the feel of playing it.

I use mainly the Concert Grand or the quite different Studio Grand voice, depending on the rest of the band and the songs. If you compare it to the Yamaha CP5 (I am not familiar with the Kawai, sorry), they have two very different approaches to the sound -- but both are quite musical to my ears. I'm sure the same can be said for the Kawai. I just happened to pick the Roland for the Yamaha in this case, where others would have done differently.

I also have a Nord Electro 3, and had been using the DP sounds from that also for a while, before getting the RD700NX. The Electro 3 lack the long feature release of the Nord Piano, but otherwise uses the same samples. These are pretty good -- but not perfect either: To be honest, I probably spent more time adjusting to those than to the RD700NX.

When I move between the Nord and the Roland AP sounds, I immediately notice the difference in character and some of their shortcomings -- but I also hear things I like in both, and after a few minutes of playing, I enjoy the interaction with them. The Nord is full of character and imperfection. I think the Yamahas are very well polished, close to perfection. The Roland SN sounds are probably somewhere in between, with their own character also, of course. In reality, however, the sound engineer and the amplification system may have a bigger impact on your sound than whether you play the top keyboard from Roland, Yamaha, Nord or Kawai.

For the record: I normally use the Electro 3 for organ and EP, but don't shy away from using the EP on the RD700NX, even though I like the Nord EP more. On the RD700NX, the Wurli works well for me live, and I have created a few Rhodes voices also that works well.

Whatever you pick, you may have a bit of buyers remorse when you get back home with it and notice some of the shortcomings. But there are shortcomings on the other keyboards too (IMHO) -- just make sure you know what they are before you buy. And then once you've bought, know you own one of the very best keyboards you can currently buy, and immerse yourself into the music and get the best out of the keyboard


-- Per.

Per, thank you for great writeup and advice.


Update: It looks like I missed the Pres Day sale. I did not buy anything yet. Waiting on Kawai dealer to try the MP10 and the new CE220. The rd700NX sill on top of my list HOWEVER, I am now VERY curious to hear what the FP7F sounds like. Just because I love the action of the RD700NX but don’t need all the features, but if I can get that same feel in the FP7F for a lot less $$, well worth a look. Also, interested on how those little speakers sound compared to Yam p155 and cp300 (im sure nothing close to cp300)

Any FP7F owners out there? A few comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

If you're prepared to make do with so-so EPs and no editable FX (for secondary sounds), the FP-7F is a great DP. I am happy with the speakers for home use; the action is a joy, and the SN piano sound is one of the best available. No regrets here.

I'm not a FP7F owner but have regular access to one. To differ from voxpops view I would not accept using the inbuilt speakers for myself at home. The bass overwhelms the treble, is muddy or boomy, and the thin treble sounds thin. Much much better on headphones or decent powered speakers. There are a few threads on speakers for the 7F but if like me you don't like the inbuilt speakers you might be back to considering the 700NX. Oh the joy of forums lots of different opinions - you have to see, hear, touch decide for yourself!

I love my CP300 on board speakers however I never turned up more than halfway. It is too much for my practice room 12x12. So, would the F7 speakers be ok in that situation. If need to get loud, I do I have Peavy KB3 and Fender150 PA that I use on rare occasion playing outside of home. Just like having the option not to use headphones or amps, but still have good sound when practicing

My CP300 is officially gone. It has been gifted this afternoon to my wonderfully talented niece.

With that done, I am going to buy one of the following DPs this weekend. Below are my thoughts and prices quoted

1.FP7-F $1,699 : I like the fact that it is portable if needed. Also, speakers can come in handy sice I am used to have speakers on board. Great sounds (SN) and feel. Good reviews. Good price

2.RD700NX $2,499 : Great features, actions, sound. One of best stage pianos out there. Still need to learn how to get the sound a little less harsh via headphones. High price

3.Kawai CA63 $2,895 : Best of all that I tried, but most expensive. Also, committed to home use only. But it is awesome in everyway.

4.MP10 $2,500 : Non in stock anytime soon and high price. Im sure its incredible.

5.CP300 $1,899 : Love it, but been there, done that… at that price not sure if it makes sense to purchase a circa 2006 DP. Just might be time to move on to newer technology, sounds, action, and features.

So, good chance I will go with FP7F. I feel it’s a good transition board coming of a CP300 into newer sounds and technology without breaking the bank fir $1,699. It’ll have “ok” onboard speakers when needed, same portability, but a ton of great new features and SN sounds that won’t make me miss the CP300 too much. Please hit me with any comments as soon as you can to encourage (or discourage) this choice.
Thanks for everyone’s help!

Check the "Prices Paid" thread and compare again. You can download a file that has all of the prices sorted by name.

The Kawai CA63 is closer in price to the RD700NX.

Thanks to everybody in this post. I just purchased the FP-7F for $1,699. Even though I bought it blindly, I feel that it was the right choice and price especially after playing the RD700NX that I initially loved (action mostly). Th FP-7F will be at my home on Tuesday. Funny, I already miss my CP300, but I need to move on. So, after a little soul searching this is how see it… I’m not a pro, Im just passionate about piano and want to play nonstop regardless of what is under my fingers. Hope it’s a good match for me based on that.

Again, Thank you for all your comments and please keep them coming. I truly appreciated it and will follow up on my experience with the FP-7F.

Mark

Congrats Mark - great choice!

James
x

Congrats! After playing the 700NX I don't think you can say it was blind. You made an informed decision!

Hi gvfarns, It was actually you that suggested the FP7F. I was so caught up in the power and beauty of the RD700NX that I was not even thinnking about the 7F. When I really thought about what I want for feautures the F7 had it all and at athe bottom of my price range. The RD700NX has way more feautures and edits than I would probably never use.

On small regret is that I wish I tried the MP10 per Roki, but for I hope the $800 I saved will make me forget about it