Key Action on Novation vs Nektar vs Studiologic vs Roland

[stroker_ace]

There is a Blofeld local to me that I can get pretty cheap. I'm wondering if it's worth just using it for the keybed, and counting the synth part as an extra bonus. I'll be playing piano parts in addition to triggering samples.

That's what I did, as I didn't like the action on any of the MIDI controller keyboards I tried, but loved the action on the Blofeld keyboard.

And dat synth!

[Jim Y]

Many years ago, I think it was Korg and Yamaha co-financed keybed development and that's what ended up in boards like the M1 and even in entry level boards like the X5. It's a very easy and quiet action indeed. Maybe the tooling for those wore out? Injection moulding tools don't last forever.

X5 has terrible keys, not the same at all as M1 or DX7... Quiet action? No, they aren't, any of them.

My opinion is based on my old X5 which has an excellent synth action.

[EvilDragon]

I owned an X5D for several years and played on X5 more than once (they have exactly the same keybeds), that's a terrible synth action if you ask me. It's not nearly as good as M1's synth action which is great.

[rotini]

I'm still really interested in the PX-5S. I imagine I will be using this through my new SPL Crimson audio interface (which has a handy analogue mix knob between the live and DAW return signals) through my Equator D8 monitors.

In addition, I'd like to output MIDI at certain times or even simultaneously for VSTi's.

What really draws me to the Casio is the effects and sounds. I love that I can adjust EQ with the knobs, tremolo's/other effects with the sliders, at ease.

It's not a workstation, so I'm really wondering if I should look into whether I would use/need workstation features when I work primarily through a DAW. The Korg Kross seems interesting since it has the step sequencer.

Is there anything comparable to the PX-5S that I should be looking at? I went from considering simple MIDI controllers to stage pianos/workstations

[bmrzycki]

Thanks for the reply. For some reason I've been straying from digital pianos (perhaps this is common with non-piano players) but after looking at the CP-150 which is identical to the CP-350 in terms of action/keybed, this looks like a strong contender.

I started taking proper piano lessons last year and needed a way to practice at home. I decided on a digital piano for weight, tuning, and the ability to wear headphones. It didn't hurt that the price tends to be less than an upright and you often get grand piano samples (the sound of a grand IMO is much nicer than an upright).

I tried out several models by Roland, and Yamaha at the music outlet. After showcasing a few of the better quality DPs, and experiencing the $4k+ sticker shock, the sales person suggested I tried the Casio Privia PX850.

I was very skeptical based on previous experiences with low-end casio toys. My reluctance turned to amazement after trying the piano out. I was doubly surprised when the price was just a hair over $1000.

I use it almost every day and still love it. It's not as nice as my teacher's baby grand Steinway (surprise, surprise) but I prefer my DP over her upright Baldwin.

It has an excellent hammer-action keybed and does a great job of filling my small condo with sound.

I have to say it's made me completely re-think Casio and I'm glad you're giving them a shot too.

Good luck with your final choice, whatever it may be!

[cornutt]

I'm very much a synth-action guy, and for me there's nothing better than the keybeds Roland uses on its synths. I think the A-series controllers use the same ones, but I'm not sure.

Studiologic stuff is nice but kind of spendy. You can usually find something else that's as good for less.

[rotini]

Thanks to everyone for their responses. I really appreciate it - I couldn't get one or two single sentence responses in another, more popular forum

Well, a couple hours ago I pulled the trigger on a brand new Casio PX-5S. I was able to get the price down a bit with some eBay best offer haggling. Once I had ruled out synth action controllers (I decided I want to learn piano seriously and might as well do it "right" the first time), I was left with the Casio Privia series, and the new Korg Kross 88 key workstation. The Korg really had some neat features I wanted, but since I primarily work with a computer I can see myself doing my sequencing on there, as well as getting a dedicated drum sequencer in the future (or just using software). I like the Casio because it seems it will be an instrument first and foremost that I can make adjustments to on the fly. It also has some controller functions with the assignable knobs/sliders. Also, I really love the sounds on it, but I might be biased towards the specific musicians/demos which reviewed it.

I'll admit I wasn't a huge fan of the action when I played it at the store, but that's primarily because I'm not used to the heavy action. I also know what a real piano should feel like so perhaps I was expecting too much. I did note that they are a bit loud, and that at the end of the key travel, the key tends to bounce back a bit.

I'm now looking for stand and bench recommendations

But perhaps more importantly, I'll be in need of either real or online lessons. My background is guitar, so I have a large repertoire of songs I can already play on the piano based on chords, but I really need to find the right place to start..

[Vectorman]

I found myself looking at the Casio PX series, among other things, when contemplating replacements for my CME UF-8 controller (which has always been serviceable if not totally spectacular, but does have a few intermittently sluggish keys now after getting wet due to a house fire over a year ago). The Casios seem to draw mostly very favorable opinions for their action, although some describe the action as being on the heavier end of the spectrum. I guess when the time comes, I'll have to try the Casios in a store to see how the action feels to me. Failing that, maybe I'll look into some older used pieces like Roland A-90's.