In-depth Digital Piano & Keyboard Reviews (2021)

24 Comments

1. Artie Campbell March 23, 2020

   I have the right Ik Multimedia equipment to run to my I pad for Hammond B-3X software but my it drains the battery to my I-pad after 45 minutes of playing. Is there any lighting adapter with a power accessory to keep my I-pad charge while playing through a full size keyboard such as a MOXF8. Any suggestions.

   Reply
   • Lucas Welter March 27, 2020

     Hi Artie, well, the fact that your iPad discharges within 45 minutes tells me that there might be something wrong with the setup, as it’s just too fast.

     The only solution that comes to mind is to use a dual lighting splitter (such as this one) to be able to charge your iPad and use Ik Multimedia at the same time. However, I haven’t tried this, so can’t confirm that it will work with your setup.

     Reply
2. Ash March 23, 2020

   Old Clavinova Clp 920 vs Newer Arius YDP 142?

   Reply
   • Lucas Welter March 27, 2020

     🙂 That’s a tough one. I would probably go with the YDP-142 simply because it’s a fresher model with more modern tech. The CLP-920 is just too old (wasn’t it introduced in the 2000s or something?)

     I suppose both instruments are in used condition? But since the CLP-920 is a much older model, is it in the same condition as the YDP-142?

     Reply
3. Vidas July 4, 2020

   Hi Lucas,
   On “Stage Pianos and Synths” section you put Dexibell Vivo S9 picture.
   Just by coincidence or review forecast?

   Reply
   • Lucas Welter July 5, 2020

     Hi Vidas, it’s a random picture, but we do have plans to review Dexibell instruments in the future.

     Reply
4. Peter Nader July 20, 2020

   can I ask about the Roland RP-30 what do you think about it ? I think it’s a new model and I wasn’t able to find any solid reviews for it

   Reply
   • Lucas Welter July 23, 2020

     Hi Peter, well, it’s not really new. It’s one of Roland’s entry-level digital piano (similar to the RP-102 and RP-501) available only in certain regions (the Asian region, I believe).

     Reply
5. Steven Bindley July 21, 2020

   Hi Lucas,

   Thanks for these very deep reviews. As many, I’m looking to start learning piano and I think buying the very good RP-140 that I tried at the store. But a friend of mine have a 12 years old Yamaha P-140 to sell. This piano look equvalent to the P-45 with 64 notes of polyphony, and with P-125 for some others features.
   The P-140 was used for piano lessons and playing for about 5 years by her son. I was wandering how long this piano can still be good before broking mecanical parts or electronic components, and if it’s easy to repair. Also, how much this piano could be sold today? I was thinking about $300 with the furniture base.
   Thanks for your time.

   Reply
   • Steven Bindley July 21, 2020

     Sorry, I was looking for the Roland F-140R, not RP140!!!

     Reply
   • Lucas Welter July 23, 2020

     Hi Steven, the P-140 is a pretty old model (released over 10 years ago), but it may still have a lot of life left in it if it hasn’t been used too often. Repair may be a problem since this model was discontinued a long time ago and parts are not readily available. As for the price, yeah, I wouldn’t pay over $300 for it either, but a lot will depend on the condition of the instrument.

     Reply
6. Herbpiano January 12, 2021

   Hi Lucas, which key action si better for you?, faster, more confortable, responsive and reliable, between Yamaha NWX in P515 and new Grandtouch-S in CLP-745?. Thanks!.

   Reply
   • Lucas Welter January 20, 2021

     Hey, I find them quite similar in feel actually. You can read more of my thoughts on the new Yamaha key actions in this article (where I talk about Yamaha Clavinova).

     Reply
7. Thomas Phan February 7, 2021

   Hey Lucas!
   Which one would you pick for a classical pianist? The FP-30 or the Korg D1?
   Thank you!

   Reply
   • pR March 1, 2021

     Some time ago, while reading reviews here I decided to go with Korg D1. Amazing thing, but even though I had previous experience of having fun at the piano, I had no previous experience so I can’t compare or advise. But what I found after I bought Korg D1 is Korg LP-380. Difference where I bought them is around 100€, but… They’re very similar in design, pretty sure in in-built sounds, but LP-380 comes with 3 pedals, speakers and stand. You might not need speakers, but you’ll be happy with 3 pedals and stand – it took me a lot of time to figure out where to put my D1 and I’m still not happy. Key action is amazing and anyway you’ll be the one playing these instruments so it will be up to you to decide and key action on both of these two feels nice. What might make day/night difference though is in-built piano sounds. During Black Friday I bought Ravenscroft 275 sampled piano and… There’s no turning back to in-built sounds for piano sound.

     Reply
   • Lucas Welter March 8, 2021

     Hey Thomas,

     Both are good and approximately on the same level when it comes to realism. The Korg has slightly lighter/faster keys, so it’s a bit more versatile. Trills are also easier to do on the Korg, but Roland is also an amazing feeling keyboard for the price, especially if you don’t mind the heavier feel.

     Reply
8. George Villarreal May 9, 2021

   Which keyboard pianos have good organ sound

   Reply
9. George Villarreal May 9, 2021

   Pianos with good organ sound under $400.00

   Reply
10. Mia May 14, 2021

    Hi, Lucas, great website! Could you please tell me which you would choose for kids (and adult) to hopefully bring them through to intermediate level.
    Roland FP30x, Roland RP102,
    Kawai KDP100
    Casio PX770, PSX1000/3000, or AP270
    Thank you!

    Reply
11. phil August 21, 2021

    have you considered reviewing the studio logic compact keyboards

    Reply
12. Ash August 24, 2021

    Hi,

    Thanks for ths great comparison.

    Any suggestions between the ESR-373 and the PSR I400??
    For a adult beginner, with a lookout to use this til lintermediate level.. Next 2-3 years..

    Reply
13. Srećko December 16, 2021

    Hi Lukas,
    Can you tel me your opinion about these ‘Strauss Rottman’ digital pianos, can they be somehow a good choice? This is all on Serbian, i can provide a translation, but these seem to be some chinesse ‘no name’ models, (Strauss Rottman Company seems that don’t exist) although seller is trying to convince me that its a german Company and they are their official exclusive sellers …
    https://www.musicstop.rs/elektricni-klaviri/3737-grand-piano-digitalni-klavir-strauss-rottman.html

    Reply
    • Lucas Welter December 17, 2021

      Hey, I’d avoid any such brands. They all seem to be no name instruments manufactured in China with no track record and no reputation.

      Reply
14. Srećko December 17, 2021

    Great, thank you for this feedback! Yet my little daughter (that’s in the first grade of elementary music school) liked its color and appearance very much 🙂 so I need to find something similar but at an affordable price. Maybe you can suggest some model with a good quality/price ratio for the elementary-high music school knowledge purpose …? Many thanks in advance

    Reply