Comments on: New Toy – Roland RD700GX Stage Piano

By: Mike

Mike — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 20:35:24 +0000

I have a small home studio with Tascam 24 track HD recorder, Korg Triton and Korg CX3.
These days I am leaning more toward acoustic piano, electric piano and organ based
lead lines. I am not sure if I should replace the Triton with the Yamaha CP5, Roland 700gx or Korg SV1. Any advice from anyone who has used or owned any of these would by welcome

By: Adrian

Adrian — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:45:26 +0000

You are most welcome, and thank you for taking the time to comment. That said, the majority of credit, however, is really owed to the amazing continued contribution of others just like us. Thanks everyone for taking the time to share your Roland GX and other experiences!

-Adrian

By: Nimrod Radian Gordon

Nimrod Radian Gordon — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:29:19 +0000

I can’t even describe how much your review helped me
excellent writing by the way:)
I’ve been wondering about this stage piano for a while
I’m a composer and I needed a stage piano for preformances and recording I’m about to do
since I’m playing from an early age I didnt want to settle on a cheap stage piano
and your review made it so much easier to decide.
I have tested this stage piano before but didnt have too much time to explore it
and after your review I realised that it suites all my needs

Thank you so much for this amazing review!
Nimrod

By: Grady Govindeisami

Grady Govindeisami — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:19:07 +0000

5 star article brilliant. I am not used to blogging and you simply used a langauge I could understand

By: Adrian

Adrian — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:57:14 +0000

Hello Mark,

Thanks for taking the time to stop by and post! I can’t say that I have tried mono with the GX because I’m recording straight into a studio environment, not using it for live performance. But I believe we do have people who are following this thread who are indeed live performers, and perhaps they can comment on any phase issues.

Cheers,
Adrian

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:14:29 +0000

Hi, great write up and responses to all on here. I hope I am not re-asking as I read most, but have you tried it in mono ?? We all have such a phase issue when going mono with so many stereo pianos especially through the likes of a Bose L1. Even when some are “mono” they are missing with the mids and getting all thin. I still use an old General Music pRP7 as it works better than my Yammy ES and XS. And I want something newer and this Roland might just be the ticket. Thanks.
Mark

By: juan

juan — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 06:31:06 +0000

Thank you for your reply
I am waiting to try the CP5 next few weeks, and may buy it because I was not too fond of the action Keys on RD700 and gx fp7 and prefers the Yamaha WR, the more will CP5 also keys in wood and ivory sensation!

By: Michael

Michael — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:51:06 +0000

Hi Adrian,

thanks for the nice homepage.
One question concerning the MIDI-capability of the RD-700 GX.
Is there a possiblity to use the original multi-effects when playing the RD via an external MIDI-sequencer?

Thanks a lot!
Michael.

By: Adrian

Adrian — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:19:28 +0000

Hi Juan, from a key perspective, don’t believe there’s any difference between the FP7 and 700GX. On the other hand, if I were in the market (as you appear to be), I would probably wait until the new Yamaha CP1 hits the street. On the surface, it sure seems to be Yamaha’s answer to the high-end Roland line-up. The CP5 (due later than the CP1) counters the 700GX whilst the CP1 counters the V-Piano. It appears that Yamaha has the same “ivory texture” concept but I’d to think it possible that the key wear issue might be less so? Plus, the fact that the Yamaha will have real wooden keys is what really has my interest. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoy the RD700, but if I were playing 3hrs/day (like you), I’d probably share your concerns as well! Let us know what you decide?

By: juan

juan — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:08:47 +0000

I just need a very good touch as close to a sound and a beautiful sound.
So thank you for your advice. Kawai MP8 or Roland FP7, rd700?

By: juan

juan — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:06:02 +0000

Hello
I hesitate between the 700GX and Roland FP7, a cause of the problem of wear on the 700GX gx.
What do you recommend?
I am a pianist and I play on average 3 hours a day, I try Yamaha, Kawai, but at the sound I prefer Roland.
What difference between FP7 and 700GX.
Thank you

By: Joe

Joe — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:08:32 +0000

Nevertheless,
Adrian, your stuff is truly inspired! I only wish I had half your
imagination and know-how….and this is only a hobby for you? Man, with
your talent I hope you are doing movie scores and the like!
I’ve been in a quandry until just recently as to what ONE keyboard I
can use for my live performances. I do mostly senior venues, private
parties, and really low-volume stuff. I was so hot on the 700GX until I
learned how heavy it is! The 300GX looked like a nice alternative and
sounds great, but then I had to consider the legnth of these machines
with the wheels at the end of 88 notes! Then, all of a sudden, Roland
comes out with this machine which should be available next month…
76-note VR700. It is piano, synth and drawbar organ all in one. I am
selling my Roland RD-170, Korg Triton, and Korg CX-3 for this! Can’t
wait to get it, wish me luck!

By: Adrian

Adrian — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:14:17 +0000

Hey Joe… Honestly, that’s way more credit than I deserve… but I sincerely thank you for the encouragement! Keeping up this humble blog (time permitting) has been a great experience largely because of this unexpectedly long running thread! We’ve had fabulous insights from people all over world on this “topic” for nearly 2 years now! I’ve read great things about the VR700 – I think that will strike a great balance. Even though the 700GX is clearly built for live performance, I sure wouldn’t want to lug this around every night! It sits happily in my studio and never moves an inch! Let us know how you get on with the VR700? All the best!

By: Joe

Joe — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:52:59 +0000

I’ve been in a quandary until just recently as to what ONE keyboard I can use for my live performances. I do mostly senior venues, private parties, and really low-volume stuff. I was so hot on the 700GX until I learned how heavy it is! The 300GX looked like a nice alternative and sounds great, but then I had to consider the length of these machines with the wheels at the end of 88 notes! Then, all of a sudden, Roland comes out with this lighter weight, 76-key board which should be available next month… VR700. It is piano, synth and drawbar organ all in one. I am selling my Roland RD-170, Korg Triton, and Korg CX-3 for this! Can’t wait to get it, wish me luck!

By: Adrian

Adrian — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:52:23 +0000

Hi Joe, I sincerely appreciate your compliment – but allow me to quell your (positive) anxiety and affirm that your suspicions of these sounds not being derived from the 700GX are spot-on. They are, in fact, live recorded acoustic instruments being played by professional studio musicians. Like many of you, I’ve spent a few nickles on my share of sample libraries etc, and finally resolved that there’s simply no substitute for the real thing. Don’t get me wrong, this is not meant to dish the 700GX, but even if the libraries existed, I lack the skill, time, and patience to learn the nuisances of articulation, even if the sampling technology was fully capable. Funny that you point out brass and guitars… I happen to believe these instruments are the most difficult to emulate so I use samplers (including the 700GX) to get my stuff to a certain point, and then I outsource to the pros to record their respective tracks with some added zip! Keep in mind, this is my hobby, so I also lean on these guys to bring the entire production up several notches :) As you can imagine, each song becomes a “mini-project” so that’s my excuse for taking my sweet time with each lol…

By: Joe

Joe — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:11:33 +0000

Adrian, your music on this site is out of site! Your horns and guitars…WOW! How much of this music is produced on the 700GX? I can’t believe all these sounds came from that instrument alone. Thanks….Joe

By: Adrian

Adrian — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:20:05 +0000

Hi Dan, thanks for stopping by! I agree, Yamaha has this uncanny ability to position and time a market just right… I too am leaning towards the CP5 because it’s a tad bit smaller and if the action and MIDI is control is truly the same, I can do without the high-end modeling features. I think the CP5 is more akin to the Roland GX whilst the CP1 is positioned against the V-Piano. That said, I’m not going to roll over on the GX… it’s been a great board and that (Yamaha) action is going to have to be damn impressive to make a switch worthwhile. If the action resembles more of the Kawai MP8-II (not original MP8) than count me out…. But, if its a fast responsive action like the Yamaha P-series or current CP series, hmmmm…. might be hard to resist!

By: Dan

Dan — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 03:48:13 +0000

I too am very interested in the new Yamaha CP models…

It’s what I’ve been waiting for.. Wooden Keys and Yamaha Sounds.

I’m leaning toward the CP5 for money reasons.

By: Adrian

Adrian — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 14:58:51 +0000

Hi Dan… Thanks for stopping by… The one constant in all of this is that the “sales guys” will probably remain beyond useless. Your concerns about the key wear are so noted, and shared amongst many of the readers herein. Roland claims to have fixed this in later models – I have one of the earlier models and the key wear hasn’t been overly excessive, but to be sure, it’s there. That’s one of the reasons I intend to give the newly announced Yamaha CP1 a try. Just posted a summary article on that with several videos. The so-called NW ACTION should be interesting!

By: Dan

Dan — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 03:05:38 +0000

One more thing I noticed on the store model RD700GX was once the key surface was worn down and pitted… you could see dirt get in the surface..

I know the store model are heavily used by all kinds of nasty fingers…but…over time ?

By: Dan

Dan — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 23:37:31 +0000

I’ve been considering the Roland 700GX vs the Yamaha 90XS.

The one thing that is holding me back on the Roland is the key surface problem.

I’ve been playing the Rolands @ both my local Roland dealers and each piano has significant surface wear. On a scale from 1-5; I would say the issue is a 4.5. An absolute deal breaker for me. But I don’t like the plastic keys on any digital piano so I’m caught in a pickle. If the Yamaha had an Ivorite or wood key surface I would get the Yamaha because of it’s additional features. But the Yamaha plastic keys are a deal breaker for me.

As per usual the sales guy know nothing and choose to ignore the obvious wear marks on the Roland 700

By: Peter

Peter — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 02:45:10 +0000

Hi again Adrian, your replies along with the input of others have greatly helped me make the right decision. Your last post was most helpful to a newbie like myself. I gather there are two types of users who value the acoustic piano keyboard action on their digital keyboard. Firstly, those coming from an acoustic piano playing experience, wanting to retain their ability for expressiveness and familiarity with the acoustic keyboard action. Secondly ( I fall in this group) those looking to practice/learn on a digital piano and transition to an acoustic piano with the least amount of growing pains. The GX seems to provide a 8.5/10 acoustic piano action experience, while offering much more in other areas (space, midi, etc). Other keyboards may provide a close to perfect 10 in keyboard action, but lack in the other areas of consideration. For these reasons the GX seems like the natural choice for both a professional such as yourself, and amateurs like me. Thanks again to you and all the contributors!

Let’s see if this thread can run well into 2010 :-)

Peter

By: Adrian

Adrian — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:25:51 +0000

Hey Peter… Thanks for taking the time to stop by and post. It has indeed been a great (and very long running) thread, but credit really owed to all those, yourself included, who have made contributions! Actually, I’m quite happy with the Roland action… I tried to characterize it as being a faster action vs. a heavier more weighted of the MP8. The difference for me is akin to comparing a Yamaha to a Steinway. I happened to grow up playing on Steinway so the heavier action is something my fingers relate “authenticity” to… and the MP8 (owed to its wooden keys) resembles that heavier feel more so than the GX.

But when you take all of the other GX benefits into account (better MIDI, space, arguably better sounds, clearly something designed for performance), I opted to use it and still do. The concept of using the +6 heavy setting doesn’t represent a workaround for me because while that will indeed affect the pressure one must apply to trigger a MIDI message from the key, it doesn’t affect the physical weight of the key (the sensation you feel when you’re playing)… I guess the easier way to explain it is the “feel” you have on a keyboard with the power off, just playing it physically on the keys… When you do this (MP8 vs. GX) the MP8 has a heavier physical action – what you feel between the time your finger hits the key and the point where the MIDI message is triggered – that’s what I was referring to in my original post.

I just happen to believe it’s a trade-off… and to be fair to the GX, I can play at faster speeds with less fatigue on the GX. But I feel I can play more “expressively” on the MP8. I would just never use the MP8 for practicing technique and some of the thread contributors were inquiring from that perspective. When I was using the MP8, I found it equally suitable for practice — today, I jump on the Steinway for scales, etc. Hopefully this clarifies? Of course, I’d welcome opinions to the contrary coz maybe I’m missing something!

Again, appreciate your inputs and encouragement!

-Adrian

By: Peter

Peter — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:59:30 +0000

Hello Adrian,

Great thread you have going here. Your responses have proved so valuable for so many, my hat off to you. My situation is that I want a stage piano, to save on space, max midi and my top two must haves are action & sound. Regarding action, I want something as close to the real thing as possible. Your top choice seems the MP8, with the 700GX second, were it not for the lighter feel. Steve Rose mentioned bringing the touch level up to heavy + 6 and his problems were solved. I’m wondering if you’ve had a chance to try the heavier touch settings and what your take is any improvement this setting offers to match the weighted feel of the MP8? Thanks

By: Adrian

Adrian — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:37:06 +0000

Local Control is indeed a nuance on the GX! It is buried way beneath the menus. Here’s how:

From the GX, Select the EDIT pad (on top of the unit):

next, select Utilities….

next, select Rec Settings…

There, you will see Local Control which defaults to Yes (meaning you have to switch it off for use in the studio world)…

Here’s the kicker… the GX does not save this setting so one must repeat the above every time the GX is power cycled. Not convenient, but guaranteed you’ll memorize the command.

I asked Roland about this and their reason was that the GX is primarily designed for stage/live use – I still don’t like the inability to save your own preferences, but alas, it’s not a perfect world.

Hope this helps!

-Adrian

By: David

David — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 19:34:28 +0000

Thanks for this post Adrian. Question: How do you turn the local control off? I’m using my recently purchased RD700GX as a studio controller and can’t figure out how to turn off local control. The RD700GX is a great keyboard, but the manual isn’t very well written. Either that or I’m missing something very simple. Thanks for any help!

By: Adrian

Adrian — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 20:49:16 +0000

Thanks Wayne! And Happy Holidays to everyone! All the best, Adrian

By: Wayne

Wayne — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 18:57:44 +0000

Hi guys. I haven’t stopped by here for a while now and I have to say, it’s been an interesting read since my last visit. I hope Johan went for the used MP8. Like Adrian, I have not (and will not) sell mine … EVER! Coupled with Ivory, it’s simply the best combination for the most realistic piano ever. I did purchase the Roland HP 207 about 9 months ago and, while I’ll admit it’s a very nice home piano, it still doesn’t come close to the Kawai MP8/ Ivory combo. It’s actually up for sale now. I haven’t played it enough to experience the “wear” issues that folks here have complained about but I CAN tell you that the local Guitar Center has had a couple of GX700’s that have had noticable keyboard problems on their floor models. Keep up your search guys. Merry Christmas and I wish you all well but in the end ???? MP8!!! Hands down!!

By: Deen Fox

Deen Fox — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:50:26 +0000

I said I’d postan update on the HP207 replacement ivory keyboard after a few weeks. I’ve not played it that much since my update in August, prefering to play my other Roland keyboard with plastic keytops. Unfortunately in spite of low recent usage some of HP207 white keys are now flaking. It does seem to be confined to 5 or 6 keys this time, and whilst they are visibly flaking they do not suffer the roughness feel as before, and the rest of the keys are still visibly ok. I really don’t know where this is heading so I will refrain from re-contacting Roland yet as I have 2+ years of warranty left. The new ivory surface is definitely an improvement over the original but still not perfect. I have little confidence in its longevity at the moment. The black key surfaces have rubbed off just as quickly as the original, I just do not know why they put that powdery finish on the black surfaces, but at least it rubs off to a smooth finish. I really wish I’d gone for the HP204 which has plastic key tops.

By: Mark Randall

Mark Randall — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 01:53:15 +0000

Hello Mr. Sakashita,

I recently purchased a Roland RD700gx and have been searching the internet trying to enable a function I cannot find in the manual. You and your site seem to be a wonderful resource.
I need this keyboard to TRANSMIT program change data to an external sequencer.
I have successfully mapped the sliders to CC controller numbers and they transmit perfectly.

Is there a way to use the 10 tone select buttons to transmit patch changes incrementally? I have mapped MSB to 0 and LSB to 32, and now would like a tone select key to send patch change 0-9.

Thanks for any help in this.

Mark

By: Deen Fox

Deen Fox — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:07:32 +0000

Just want to thank Steve for providing the update, even though it’s not what I wanted to hear about the new spec keys. I can tell there is some improvement in the new keys because the original keys had what I thought were dirty marks within minutes of using them, obviously things got a lot worse from there which is why I made the warranty call. But this time no ‘dirty’ marks after many hours use which is good and the keys feel a lot smoother, I suppose they would after using the roughened keys for a few months. Early days I know. I’m just hoping for the best. I definitely could not live with roughened keytops and it will leave me seeking resolution with Roland if it happens again. I mean this in a constructive way as I have many years of brand loyalty to Roland and have another Roland keyboard which I love using. I’d probably ask for another keybed if the new keys roughen up, surely they must get the formulation right at some point as they include ivory keys in all the top range pianos? Could be worth another try with Roland, Steve? I’ll provde an update in a few weeks time.

By: Adrian

Adrian — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:12:16 +0000

Hi Steve – Thanks for the update. Your story somewhat parallels my own re GX as I’ve opted not to replace the keyboard and “live with it”, but at the same time, I’ve noticed that the wear issue seems to taper off – meaning it doesn’t get much worse beyond a certain point. The ironic thing is that even real ivory keys do this and I figure as long as the action is solid, it’s fine. Your comments on the 700SX are very interesting, because I was certainly one of those thinking along the lines of the action being much “lighter” than the GX. I think you summed it up the best with “new isn’t necessarily better, just different”. Thanks for taking the time to share this.

By: Steve Rose

Steve Rose — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 16:52:06 +0000

I had the keyboard of my GX replaced by Roland in March, with one of the new spec. By July it had similar wear problems to the previous one. I have had correspondence with others who’ve had a similar experience with the replacement. Although it isn’t particularly satisfactory, I’ve decided to live with it. I love the precision and feel of the keyboard, even if it is a bit flaky! I bought a second hand RD700SX to fill in while the GX was away being fixed. It has been fascinating having the two side by side. IMO the biggest surprise is the keyboard on the SX. Generally people say the SX is lighter than the GX. When you first touch it, yes that’s how it seems, but after spending many hours doing finger exercises on both I’d say that it is probably the other way around. The GX gives you more feedback and so enables you to control the key movement with less effort. The SX seems to demand more from your muscles to achieve a balanced performance. It isn’t a problem, in fact it’s like seeing the world though different eyes! Your playing gains practising on both because the control centre becomes you and not the keyboard. Beyond this I’d say that each instrument has its own character. The SX is more jovial the GX is more moody. I was really surprised by how good the SX is. New isn’t necessarily better just different.

By: jeffrey Suyat

jeffrey Suyat — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 12:58:57 +0000

how can i purchase that roland rd 700gx. do you know of someone who can deliver here in riyadh, Saudi Arabia??

By: victor

victor — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:30:20 +0000

slight diversion……just tried a roland fp-7, and the action seemed quite good….have you tried it, adrian?….sounds not too bad too……like it better than the rd700gx

By: Deen Fox

Deen Fox — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 06:05:15 +0000

I have just had my HP-207 keyboard replaced by Roland UK owing to wear of the ivory key tops, exactly as described by other users in your very informative web page. Apparently, the replacement keyboard has an approved resin on the keytops. My concern is if the new keys will wear in the same manner as the ‘faulty’ keyboard. It would be really appreciated if anyone who has had their keyboard replaced by Roland could provide an update on the durability they are experiencing with their replacement keys. Does it appear to have solved the problem?

By: Wes B

Wes B — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 21:20:36 +0000

On another matter regards the RD-700GX, does anyone know which pianos were sampled for the 3 main voices? Expressive, Superior & Ultimate are all very different and I was also curious to know the answer to this.

By: Stagepiano gesucht - Musiker-Board

Stagepiano gesucht - Musiker-Board — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:19:39 +0000

[...] Nr. 1! danke fuer die antwort hab mir mittlerweile auch dieses review hier durchgelesen … http://www.fastonkeys.com/studio/new-roland-rd700gx/ … er hatte anscheinend alle 3 (kawai mp8 (ohne II), roland rd700gx und yamaha cp300) u verwendet [...]

By: Adrian

Adrian — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:19:52 +0000

Hi Wesley,

Thank you for sharing your experiences re Roland warranty service and key clicking issue. Funny enough, I had the same problem with my GX early on (fortunately isolated to a single key in the upper registers). Did the same thing as you; took it in for repair, experienced the same high-level “no questions asked” service as you describe. Mind you, I live in LA so I went to the North American Roland HQ, but refreshing to see that the practises extend to the UK! They simply repaired my key since it was an isolated problem, but never mentioned that the GX was prone to degradation as described over time. But clearly, we had the same thing going on – your description fits exactly what I experienced, and it’s been fine ever since. The thing is, because it was the upper registers, my faulty key simply doesn’t get the same wear/tear as perhaps the keys affected in your case so please keep us informed?

Again, thank you for sharing your experiences!

Adrian

By: Wes B

Wes B — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:13:41 +0000

Hello everyone. A quick note from me on owning an RD-700GX.

A few weeks ago, mine was returned to Roland for some warranty work. I purchased the piano from new and after one year of 1 to 2 hours average practice per day (I’m quite a new player at Grade 3 Jazz), I noticed some of the keys were starting to sound “clicky” and “plasticy”. Having read elsewhere the new RD is susceptible to felt board wear, I reported the problem to Roland, who agreed the problem did indeed sound like felt wear and arranged to collect.

I was in contact with the Engineer at Roland UK by e.mail, who having inspected the unit, advised the felt was not excessively worn. He stated that after some use, all Roland PHA keyboards start to “loosen up”. Despite not finding any particular fault, Roland agreed to replace the entire keyboard assembly. When my piano was returned, it felt like new again: solid keys and perfect feel :-)

My dilemma is now on thinking 12 months ahead. If my RD starts to show the same “problem” again, it is for sale. No question. This “loosening” changes the feel of the keyboard entirely, from a solid, and obviously well engineered action.

Throughout this, Roland UK have been a pleasure to deal with. Responsive with correspondence and prompt with with the repair. They were prepared to order a new front panel from Japan, having noticed a very small dent that they took responsibilty for. In fact the dent had been there for some time, I think I caused it, so did not feel it fair to put them to any unnecessary expense or inconvenience.

PS. I notice when looking down the gap at the front of the white keys that the key number is embossed on the key itself, something I never noticed before!

By: Diederik de Bruin

Diederik de Bruin — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 19:35:39 +0000

Thanks for your elaborate (and fast) answer, Andrian.
Indeed leaning towards the RD700GX now. After I have bought it I will let you know how I like it.

Best regards,
Diederik

By: Adrian

Adrian — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:45:27 +0000

Hello Diederik,
Thank you for stopping by and joining our conversation! Clearly, you are considering high-end stage piano options and I believe you’ll find either choice from Yamaha or Roland to have its pluses and minuses, BUT having said that, I personally believe the RD700GX is first and foremost designed for precisely what you describe: live performance. Sure, it has great MIDI control features (better than the Yamaha) but it seems to me that its design is all about live stage performance… easy access, large buttons, very fast switching, and compact footprint – especially in contrast to the CP300. This is why you won’t find any built-in speakers etc on the Roland line; unlike Yamaha, the Roland units are geared for a specific audience and they don’t straddle between the two.

I’ve owned the Yamaha P250, the earlier model of the CP300, and I really liked the action – it was tad heavier than the RD700GX (good), but the RD700GX still wins out in my book because of the overall features and playability. As far as sounds go, the RD700GX as a broader palette than the CP300 but in terms in piano, I would say they’re relatively close. You’re more than aware that the CP300 is a beast to carry I presume… So if it were me, and I was keen for stage performance use, the RD700GX would win hands down. Just happens to work very well in the studio as well!

Hope this helps,
Adrian

By: Diederik

Diederik — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 10:08:25 +0000

Hi Adrian and others,
Great blog!
I am about to buy a stage piano that also has other sounds (strings, guitar, synth pads etc). Plan to use it mostly at home, for playing and also recording songs. I am a piano player with affection for synthesizers but do want a piano-feel keyboard.

I hesitate between Yamaha RD300 and Roland RD700GX (about 100 euro difference). Yamaha has built-in speakers and 16-track recorder (these are convenience factors since I can use external speakers and a laptop for recording) and perhaps has better quality piono sounds. What I like about the RD700GX is that is is easier to control ‘live’ since not everything is hidden in soft menus but there are quite a few controls.

I am ‘worried’ about statements of using the RD700GX as controller mostly – seems like a mightly expensive MIDI controller! Surely this instrument is a worthy stand-alone keyboard (actually used by many big acts)??

Any insight in whether the CP300 or RD700GX would be better in my case? And yes, I should decide for myself but I have not seen much feedback on the Yamaha CP300 and an curious about owner’s experience.

Thanks,
Diederik

By: Adrian

Adrian — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 21:26:00 +0000

Hello Johan,
Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment (and question) – I must agree, the quality of this thread (really owed to the participants) has been very humbling. It’s been going on now for over a year!

You pose a very good question; particularly as you phrase it (a MP8 that you buy today at 70% of the cost of a new RD700GX) also taking note that you can always buy the Roland (or a successor) in the future. Candidly, the answer to your question as posed to me would be to go with the Kawai MP8. The biggest clue for me is the fact that I haven’t (and won’t) sell the MP8. Like you said, I appreciate (and still use) the RD700GX for different reasons. But simply put, the MP8 is the closest thing you’ll find to an acoustic grand. One common denominator between both the GX and the MP, however, is that *neither* has the sound quality of top-end software sound libraries (i.e. Ivory by comparison), but they are by no means a distant second. I make the point only to convey that the satisfaction principally comes from feel first and sound second; to get the best of both worlds, you may find yourself eventually resorting to an independent sound module like Ivory.

The reason I find myself personally endorsing your question on the MP8 is simple economics… at 70% of the cost of a GX, how can you go wrong? You can eventually buy the GX down the line as you rightfully state (or an improved successor), but I highly doubt you’ll lose money on the MP8.

I’d be curious as to what you decide so let us know?

All the best,
Adrian

By: Johan

Johan — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:56:03 +0000

Adrian and all Others,
The maturity of responsible views expressed in you site has benefited me greatly. My situation is somewhat unique, and your input will be greatly appreciated.
I’m a 64 years old South African; grounded in classical music and adapted to playing by ear in my adult years; regularly played together with my dad for shear enjoyment of music, him on an upright piano and me on the keyboards of the 70’s and 80’s and Hammonds. After his death in 1988 I acquired a new Kawai GS-60 (6′9″) and played it as a lonely musician up to now — but it’s getting very lonely!
Sooner or later I will have to move to premises too small for my Grand, and meanwhile my financial situation will force me to sell it in order to acquire worthwhile electronic gear…
Two days ago I stumbled across an advert for a MP3 in excellent condition; directly went to a shop to evaluate a new MP3-II, and then last night spent 2 hours playing and checking out the 2nd hand MP3. Just ‘digging’ into the keys I also agree it is the superior. Today I spent some time playing the RD700GX, and in a different fashion just loved it. That, regretably, is the essence of my current quandery: ‘the Roland or any other keyboard I can buy in the future, but not the MP3′!
Adrian says that he keeps the MP3, which he employs for different purposes. Which are these, Adrian, seeing that you have your Steinway? Say you had no other musical interest than playing for your own personal enjoyment, laying down some backtracts (maybe either hand of Bach, and then playing the other part together with yourself), or simply trying to be creative in a relatively simple and non-competitive way, which of the keyboards would you have kept? (Forget about the ‘weight’ and ‘touch’ issues — I can live with both).
I can get the 2nd hand Mp3 at approx. 70% of the cost of a new RD700-GX. More relevant, though, is which of these keyboards will give me maximum long term emotional joy at minimum brain effort (and expenditure on additional gear)?
Finally, I will not ask you when to sell my Grand — that would be unfair!

By: Adrian

Adrian — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:55:57 +0000

Victor, the Kawai MP8 (has the older and much preferred/heavier action awa pro). Unfortunately, the MP8 is no longer in production having been replaced by the MP8II and the (IMO) inferior awa proII action. Wayne was referring to the MP8 and I wholeheartedly agree with his assessment of the MP8 vs. the MP8II and from an action perspective, the MP8 really has no equal. That’s why I’m not intending so sell mine, although for studio work, I find the GX to be more suitable especially from a MIDI controller perspective. The GX also has superior sounds – again just one person’s opinion. Between the Yamaha CP series, the Kawai MP8, and the Roland GX, you really can’t go wrong. I own all 3 and use them for different applications.

By: victor

victor — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:38:03 +0000

oh….what’s the difference between the awa pro and the awa proII action??

By: victor

victor — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:22:32 +0000

thanks so much for the heads up!!….would love to find one….they don’t sell kawai keyboards here in vancouver bc area at all…..would have to find one in the states, and shipping may be outrageous….but i’ll keep looking…..have discovered that extreme heavy legato praticing on my yamaha p80, is making it much easier to adapt to the grand, so it’s ok for now…thanks, vic

By: Adrian

Adrian — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 03:59:15 +0000

Hi Wayne… Thanks for stopping by and sharing your views. Suffice it to say that your post is a thorough explanation as to why I did not (and will not) sell my Kawai MP8 (that which the GX replaced). I agree, from an action perspective, the MP8 is the closest thing to an authentic concert grand. I have a Steinway grand in my living room and fully attest to your comments. Question for you: do you have any idea what Kawai had in mind with the MP8II??? I played that board when it hit the market and was thoroughly turned off within 30 seconds. All said, I do believe the GX is a better MIDI controller than the MP8 and the only other (very light) criticism is speed of the action (but that only comes into play in extremely fast passages). Regardless, I use Ivory for all of my recording so really it comes down to the action and the MIDI control for me.

All the best,
Adrian

By: Wayne

Wayne — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:00:15 +0000

Victor ….. try to find a way to play a Kawai MP8. You will NEVER find a more uncompromisingly realistic, wooden key, grand piano style action. I wrote a post here a while back about this keyboard and I’m standing by my previous comments well as my 36 years as a piano technician. MP8 is the one to own if you’re an accomplished acoustic pianist. Don’t even waste your time looking at lower end, spring loaded, “weighted” plastic actions. You can try them all and never be satisfied. The Kawai MP8 is a wooden key, mechanical action, much like the Fender Rhodes of old, but much more refined (and durable). Kawai has captured the touch of their concert grand beautifully and it’s worth a little extra money for that action as well as the peace of mind knowing you’ve got a key surface that won’t wear out on you after a few months of heavy playing. Mind you, I’m talking about the MP8, not the newer MP8ll. Find one, play it, fall in love with it and buy it. It will likely be the last money you spend on a keyboard so in the end … you actually save BIG time. Like me, you may wind up using a sampled grand like Ivory to do serious recording but with proper tweaking the onboard piano is very acceptable for live playing. Good luck,
Wayne