By Gary Phillips
With all the great sounding Digital Pianos on the market today, finding the one that is right for you can be a difficult task. Today's new breed of Digital Pianos are loaded with great features such as high quality built-in speaker / amplifier systems, many megabytes of internal ROM sounds, expansion slots and on-board effects processors. To make choosing the right Digital Piano easier, we have compiled a list of specifications and features of some of our best selling Digital Pianos (which are listed in alphabetical order). Still, the best way to make sure you get exactly the right instrument for your needs is to call your Sales Engineer for complete details and your special low Sweetwater price.
Alesis DG8 ($2,499 list): The DG8 is a professional quality digital piano that offers excellent sonic quality, open-ended expandability and incredible keyboard feel. The 24MB of internal sound ROM (88 preset programs) features stereo samples of Bosendorfer, Kawai, and other fine acoustic grand pianos plus other keyboard instruments and orchestral sounds. The DG8 is QCard expandable, so you can always add new sounds to those provided in its internal memory. The DG8 features an 88-key, fully weighted hammer action keyboard with velocity, release velocity and aftertouch. Three pedal inputs are included for sustain, soft / sostenuto and continuous control. Also included with the DG8 is a built-in biamplified set of two-way stereo speakers with 100 watts per channel. On-board reverb, chorus, and more, with dedicated effects sliders and built-in 5-band graphic equalizer are provided to further shape your sound.
Ensoniq Avista 7600 ($929): The Avista 7600 is an easy-to-use, great sounding keyboard, designed for musicians at any skill level. The 32-note polyphonic 7600 is loaded with over 128 colorful tones ranging from pianos, organs, flutes, strings, brass and percussion. The 7600 is also 16-part General MIDI compatible with a full GM sound set. The 7600 sports a top notch 16-bit digital reverb and chorus to add depth to your sound. To record your compositions, the Avista 7600 includes a 31,000 event sequencer. Songs can then be saved to floppy disk using the built-in floppy disk drive (convenient, eh?). To hear your music, the 7600 is equipped with a 10-watt per channel built-in speaker system. Foot switch, music rack, and keyboard stand are also included with the Avista 7600.
General Music Pro2 ($1,895): The Pro2 uses a combination of sampling and physical modeling to accurately reproduce the complex tonal environment of a real grand piano. The 48 internal sounds cover the most frequently used sounds in all music styles, including acoustic and electric pianos, vibraphones,
clavinets, tuned percussion, harpsichords, organs, choirs, strings, pads and basses. The Pro 2 is the first ever digital piano to offer an amazing 128-note polyphony. Also featured in the Pro 2 are two editable effects processors, giving you a large assortment of reverbs and modulation effects. Up to two effects can be assigned to each sound, and your favorite configurations can be saved and recalled instantly. A versatile 8-band graphic EQ lets you personalize your sounds. EQ settings can be memorized in any of the 64 on-board Performances. The Pro 2 also contains a two track 45,000 event "Scratchpad" sequencer. Sequences can be transferred directly to a computer via the built-in serial interface (a really nice extra). The PRO 2 connectors include stereo Audio inputs and outputs, a powered stereo mini speaker jack, MIDI In, Out and Thru, Pedal 1, Pedal 2 and Damper jack.
Kawai MP9000 ($2,195): The MP9000 uses Kawai's new Harmonic imaging technology to accurately reproduce all of the tonal characteristics of the world acclaimed Kawai EX Concert Grand. To recreate the feel of a real grand piano, the MP9000's keys are made of real wood and are perfectly weighted and balanced. The Kawai MP9000 offers 16 internal sounds that can be split or layered across the keyboard, and can be transposed into any key. For realtime control over your sound, the MP9000 features four front panel knobs, as well as Pitch and Mod wheels. On-board Reverb, EQ and other effects are included to further enhance your sound. The MP9000 also doubles as a versatile MIDI Controller. Two internal and two external MIDI zones combine to create one of sixty-four Performance Patches. In addition to the standard outputs, the MP9000
includes XLR outs, for direct connection to a studio console or live sound system.
Korg SGproX ($2,600): The 64-note polyphonic SGproX Stage Piano / Controller offers 64 on-board sounds (24 megabytes total) which include: 16 acoustic piano sounds plus electric pianos, clavinets, combo and pipe organs, basses, vibes and strings. All the sounds can be easily edited and stored in the SGproX's internal memory. The instrument also features a studio quality stereo digital multi-effects processor with 12 different types of effects. A five-band graphic equalizer is also provided for instant access to detailed tonal variations. Two sets of independent MIDI connectors allow you to control external tone generators from four MIDI Outs. The SGproX can play a total of ten timbres; two from the internal tone generator and eight on external tone generators. MIDI setups can be saved as a Performance, and 64 Performances can be stored in internal memory. The SGproX boasts numerous controllers, including two assignable wheels, four assignable sliders and six switches on the front panel, along with multiple pedal inputs.
Korg SP-100 ($999): Weighing just over 40 pounds, the 32-note polyphonic Korg SP-100 is a truly portable (and affordable) answer for the gigging musician. The 88-note hammer action keyboard is velocity sensitive with three selections for touch control: Light, standard and heavy. The SP-100 comes with the superbly sampled stereo piano sound that Korg is famous for. Additional sounds include electric piano, harpsichord, vibes, organ and strings. Two sounds can be layered together for even more sonic versatility. Chorus and reverb are also provided to add depth to your sound. The SP-100 is a great instrument for practice because of its built-in metronome and single track recorder. The SP-100 is also equipped with a variety of essential connectors like MIDI In and Out, headphone and damper. The SP-100 comes complete with a damper switch and detachable music stand.
Kurzweil SP-88 and 76 ($1,295 and $995): The new SP series stage pianos are the performance keyboards you've been waiting for. Lightweight, well-constructed and affordable, both the SP-88 (88-note semi-weighted version) and SP-76 (76-note semi-weighted) contain 32 of Kurzweils best sounds including their award winning Grand piano. The 32-note polyphonic SP-88 and 76 feature nine preset effects which include eight different types of reverbs plus chorus, with separate controllable wet/dry levels for reverb and chorus components. To add expressionto your compositions the SP series stage pianos come equipped with Pitch and Mod ribbons, front panel control slider, continuous control pedal input and a dual footswitch input (for two pedals). As a MIDI controller the SP series will allow you to transmit on two MIDI channels, and will allow you to store 32 of your own MIDI setups, each with two independent zones.
Kurzweil PC88 and PC88MX ($2,650 and $3,150): Brilliant Kurzweil sounds, plus a great feeling 88-note weighted master keyboard in one superbly integrated instrument. The PC88's 64 presets include Kurzweil's critically acclaimed Grand Piano, plus other classic keyboard sounds such as Fender Rhodes, Clavinet, harpsichord, organs, bass, acoustic guitar, vibes, strings and more. Everything a working musician can't live without. To further enhance the sound, the PC88 offers an on-board digital stereo effects processor enabling you to program reverb, chorus and other effects, for a total of 48 different combinations. The MIDI controller section can transmit on four MIDI channels simultaneously, is 16-part multi-timbral and offers four completely independent zones. Each zone has access to all controllers: Pitch and mod wheels, four continuous pedal controllers, two footswitches, four front panel sliders, three switches and keyboard mono pressure. The PC88 will even allow you to save 100 of your own MIDI setups. What's more, the PC88 can easily be upgraded with an optional expansion board (the VGM expansion board) to include over 200 more presets, as well as full GM compatibility. The expansion card also adds a second independent stereo effects processor and an additional 32-notes of polyphony, giving you a full 64-voice instrument. The PC88-MX is the PC88 with the VGM expansion board already installed.
Roland RD-100 ($1,495): The 64-note polyphonic RD-100 brings you Roland quality and excellence at a price made to suit the budget minded musician, but without making unacceptable sacrifices in sound quality (hey, if it says Roland on it, you know it'll sound good!). The 88-note hammer action keyboard has 3 touch sensitivity settings to suit your personal taste and individual style of play. Nine internal sounds are available on the RD-100 complete with built-in effects, which include seven reverbs and seven chorus algorithms. Front panel EQ controls let you further tailor your sound. A built-in two track MIDI sequencer is also standard on the RD-100.
Roland RD-600 ($2,495): Aimed at satisfying the truly discriminating pianist, the RD-600's 88-note hammer action keyboard faithfully responds to all the delicate nuances of your playing. With 24 megabytes of wave memory, the sounds range from stereo sampled grand pianos to strings, basses, organs and even synth textures. 64-voice polyphony ensures notes will not get cut off when layering one sound over another (piano over strings, for instance). The RD-600 also has a formidable assortment of high-quality effects, which include eight types of reverb, chorus and a special effects bank with 40 stereo multi-effects configurations. The 16-part multi-timbral RD-600 provides extensive control and output options for a variety of MIDI setups. You can select two internal and two external keyboard zones from which to control external sound modules along with internal tones. For even more control, four front panel sliders allow you to change Part levels, attack, decay, release, and brightness parameters directly without entering Edit mode. Also adjustable during performance is a "knob style" 3-band EQ.
Yamaha S80 ($1,995 list): The S80 combines the best qualities of a digital piano and a fully professional synthesizer. The 88-note full size weighted keyboard gives you the response and feel you need to capture all the emotion and dynamics of your playing. The S80 offers 64 notes of polyphony and 16 multi-timbral parts. With over 256 preset voices, the ability to store voices and performance setups to an optional SmartMedia card and expandability via the Modular Synthesis plug-in Boards, you will never run out of sounds. A huge selection of effects are available which are 12 types of reverb, 23 types of chorus and 93 insertion effects. Also included on the S80 is a built-in arpeggiator and playback sequencer.
Yamaha P-200 ($2,395 list): The P-200 is a professional digital piano that accurately captures the natural characteristics of an actual acoustic grand piano, including the full bodied bass tones and reverberating high notes. Also included in the P-200 are a variety of electric pianos, vibes, organs, strings, and bass sounds. The P-200's 64-note polyphony ensures that you will never run out of notes. The P-200's full range 88-key, weighted action piano keyboard is as close as it gets to an actual grand piano. Reverb and modulation effects such as Chorus and Tremolo are standard on the P-200. To further shape your sound, a three-band graphic EQ with front panel sliders lets you adjust the low, mid, and high ranges of the selected voice. A built-in stereo speaker system with 30 watts per channel eliminates the need for an external speaker system.
Yamaha P-80 ($1,295 list): The P-80 delivers amazing 88-key piano performance in a super slim design. It weighs merely 37 pounds, so you can easily carry it to and from a gig ideal for the musician on the go. The 64-note polyphonic P-80 is loaded with great sounding pianos (many of which feature stereo samples), organ, string and bass voices. The P-80's high quality digital reverb, chorus, and EQ let you add warmth and spatial depth to any of the preset voices. Also included on the P-80 is a two-track sequencer that will allow you to record an accompaniment on one track and then a solo on the second track. Once you have finished you can save everything to a PC via the "To Host" interface.
We hope this information will help you narrow down which digital piano(s) will meet your needs. For addtional information, specs and special Sweetwater pricing on any of these fine instruments, call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer today.