It looks like there are several choices these days for a good, piano type keyboard with 88 keys. I've been looking for something to replace my Technics P30 in my home studio. I think I've narrowed it down to three, but I would like to get some input:

1. Yamaha P80. I know, this is actually a digital piano, but I would use it primarily as a controller. I like the action. A little hard compared to what I now play, but something that I think I would get used to rather quickly, as it is does feel realistic. The sounds are OK, but again, I'm not really interested in the sounds.

2. Yamaha S80. This is a bit much for a controller, and the action is light. Still, it has lots of power, and the nice sounds would be a bonus of sort. As a controller, would do everything and more I need it to do.

3. Fatar SL880 or Fatar SL1100. Unfortunately, I have only been able to read about these. The price is right, and they do exactly what I need, yet I'm hesitant to buy something without actually playing it. If anyone with experience with these would offer some opinions, I would certainly appreciate it. I would be extremely interested in knowing how the action compared to 1 or 2 above.


The new Roland looks good, too, but most places are getting top dollar since they are brand new. The Kawai is decent, but heavy and noisy. And while I love Kurzweil sounds, their keyboards are terrible, at least to me.


Thanks for any help and/or advice you can give me on these.


Steve Porter