Pianos

BOP

Well-Known Member
I wasn't sure where to post this, but does anyone have any experience with Roland pianos? I saw a video at youtube where the pianist is using a Roland RD-700sx, which is a stage piano. I'm not sure I need a stage piano, particularly since a) I haven't played in years, and b) don't intend on giving up my day job. Besides, I can only guess at the price, and I'm pretty sure it would make me :cds:
 

hvp05

Methodically disorganized
I had to check the price, and you were right, it made me :yikes:.

I also saw the price on the next model down, which resulted in a mere :shocked:.


:lol: Good luck.
 

BOP

Well-Known Member
I know, right? I have a hunch that the expensive stage models like that one (featured in my Saturday night music thread) pretty much only do piano. Not like the keyboard I have which will do drums, trumpets, and almost every other instrument known to man. It only cost a few hundred.

The newer models of Roland have been designed to have the same action and "feel" as a regular wood piano, which is my second favorite thing about the instrument.
 

PsyOps

Pixelated
I wasn't sure where to post this, but does anyone have any experience with Roland pianos? I saw a video at youtube where the pianist is using a Roland RD-700sx, which is a stage piano. I'm not sure I need a stage piano, particularly since a) I haven't played in years, and b) don't intend on giving up my day job. Besides, I can only guess at the price, and I'm pretty sure it would make me :cds:

What do you want to do with a piano: hobby at home to plunk around on, write and record your own music, start a band... ?

Roland makes a huge range of keyboards that can range from a couple hundred dollars to several thousand.
 

BOP

Well-Known Member
What do you want to do with a piano: hobby at home to plunk around on, write and record your own music, start a band... ?

Roland makes a huge range of keyboards that can range from a couple hundred dollars to several thousand.

Mainly to plink around with. Kind of like this:

 

Myuzishin

New Member
I may not be much by way of helping you decide, but I can give you a few things to consider that may help.

As mentioned above, pianos/keyboards/synths/stage pianos/workstations.....definitely alot of choices out there. Having said that you just wanna get back into 'plunking around' should make the decision a bit easier, at least would rule out some of the higher-end gear that contains features you may never use or understand.

But you also may not want to jump to the other end of the spectrum, either, by getting something cheap with cheesy unrealistic sounds.

Roland is certainly a top name in the business, along with Korg and Yamaha. All of these companies (and many others) make a wide range of instruments that range from battery operated 'toys' to full-function digital workstations. But even for recreational plunkage, there are some features you'll want to consider.

Brand - 'You get what you pay for' definitely applies to instruments. Take your time, do your homework, and find out who's been a leader in the business. Reputation (especially nowadays) is paramount for success in the instrument manufacturing business, as serious musicians will run crap right out of town in a big fat hurry.

Features - One key feature in a digital piano is SOUND. If it can't sound like a true (or even realistic) piano, preferably a number of variants as well, you're not gonna get much enjoyment out of it. Many keyboards can mimic concert and studio grands, clavinovas, various organs, harpsichords, vibraphones, accordions, etc., and with a great deal of realism. Other features may be things like reverb, equalization, and other effects that allow you to tweek the sound to your taste.

Environment - Is this just for you, or will it be in a house full of kids splashing Kool-Ade all over it every week? Will you want built-in speakers, play thru an amplifier, or plug it into your computer? Do you need MIDI capability (even if you know nuthing about MIDI, I recommend seeking it as a feature. If you decide to delve into it, it will EXPONENTIALLY increase the flexibilty of the instrument and what you can do with it, and most decent keyboards come with it)?

Specs and styling - Things like # of sound fonts, polyphony, key response (weighted, semi-weighted), ease-of-use, portability (or not), etc.

Price - This is where the 'you get what you pay for' again comes in handy. But also make sure you get something you're likely to use and be happy with.

There are a number of websites that can get you a good look at the various instruments that are out there. Zzounds, Musician's Friend, Sweetwater, all have a large selection. Check out the sites and do some comparisons. Also, go to some music stores (HotLicks in Waldorf, Island in LaPlata, couple of Guitar Centers within a fair drive) and TRY THEM OUT. Don't be afraid to ask questions (but keep in mind their goal is to SELL you one and your goal is to PURCHASE one. Keep the ball in your court).

I have a home recording studio which includes a Yamaha Motif ES 6. Probably more than what you're looking for (they don't even make them anymore) but I've never needed more than one. Again, do your homework and balance what you need with what you can afford.

Good luck, if ya have any questions lemme know.

Myuzishin
LexPark
 

BOP

Well-Known Member
I may not be much by way of helping you decide, but I can give you a few things to consider that may help.

As mentioned above, pianos/keyboards/synths/stage pianos/workstations.....definitely alot of choices out there. Having said that you just wanna get back into 'plunking around' should make the decision a bit easier, at least would rule out some of the higher-end gear that contains features you may never use or understand.

But you also may not want to jump to the other end of the spectrum, either, by getting something cheap with cheesy unrealistic sounds.

Roland is certainly a top name in the business, along with Korg and Yamaha. All of these companies (and many others) make a wide range of instruments that range from battery operated 'toys' to full-function digital workstations. But even for recreational plunkage, there are some features you'll want to consider.

Brand - 'You get what you pay for' definitely applies to instruments. Take your time, do your homework, and find out who's been a leader in the business. Reputation (especially nowadays) is paramount for success in the instrument manufacturing business, as serious musicians will run crap right out of town in a big fat hurry.

Features - One key feature in a digital piano is SOUND. If it can't sound like a true (or even realistic) piano, preferably a number of variants as well, you're not gonna get much enjoyment out of it. Many keyboards can mimic concert and studio grands, clavinovas, various organs, harpsichords, vibraphones, accordions, etc., and with a great deal of realism. Other features may be things like reverb, equalization, and other effects that allow you to tweek the sound to your taste.

Environment - Is this just for you, or will it be in a house full of kids splashing Kool-Ade all over it every week? Will you want built-in speakers, play thru an amplifier, or plug it into your computer? Do you need MIDI capability (even if you know nuthing about MIDI, I recommend seeking it as a feature. If you decide to delve into it, it will EXPONENTIALLY increase the flexibilty of the instrument and what you can do with it, and most decent keyboards come with it)?

Specs and styling - Things like # of sound fonts, polyphony, key response (weighted, semi-weighted), ease-of-use, portability (or not), etc.

Price - This is where the 'you get what you pay for' again comes in handy. But also make sure you get something you're likely to use and be happy with.

There are a number of websites that can get you a good look at the various instruments that are out there. Zzounds, Musician's Friend, Sweetwater, all have a large selection. Check out the sites and do some comparisons. Also, go to some music stores (HotLicks in Waldorf, Island in LaPlata, couple of Guitar Centers within a fair drive) and TRY THEM OUT. Don't be afraid to ask questions (but keep in mind their goal is to SELL you one and your goal is to PURCHASE one. Keep the ball in your court).

I have a home recording studio which includes a Yamaha Motif ES 6. Probably more than what you're looking for (they don't even make them anymore) but I've never needed more than one. Again, do your homework and balance what you need with what you can afford.

Good luck, if ya have any questions lemme know.

Myuzishin
LexPark

Thanks for taking the time! Good inputs, lots to think about.

:buddies:
 

BOP

Well-Known Member
Well, if you're that good I'd suggest something fairly upscale like:

Kurzweil SP2XS | Sweetwater.com

I'd make a road trip to Chuck Levin's in Silver Springs. They have a huge inventory of keyboards.

I'm a hack compared to Dr. John! I listen to him and I want to burn my keyboard in effigy!

Still, one can dream, right?

Actually, that's a decent price on a stage keyboard, depending on the sound quality.
 
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