Which digital pianos have the best key action for classical pianists?
Matt here, classical pianist in desperate need of a new digital piano. My old upright just died, and I'm lost in the digital world.
Looking for something that feels like a real piano - you know, for those Chopin nocturnes at 2 AM (sorry, neighbors). Need good key action for fast runs and soft passages.
Been checking out the Kawai MP11SE, Roland FP-90X, and Yamaha YDP165B. Any thoughts? Or other suggestions?
Budget's flexible, but I don't wanna sell a kidney :)
What are you all playing on? Any hidden gems I should know about?
Thanks!
Sorry, but I just don't think any digital can truly replicate the feel of a real piano. Nothing beats the real thing for classical music. Save up for an acoustic if you're serious about your craft.
I respectfully disagree. While acoustics are great, modern digitals have come a long way. Plus, with apartments and noise restrictions, sometimes a digital is the only option. Let's focus on helping topic starter find the best solution for their situation.
I’ve tested a lot of digital pianos, and I think the FP-90X offers the best balance between price and performance, especially for classical music. If you're looking for the best electric piano for classical music but need portability, it’s hard to beat. I’ve also heard good things about the Yamaha P-515 in terms of key action, though it might not feel as ‘grand’ as the Kawai.
Absolutely, the issue of inconsistent key weighting is quite common, especially in lower-end digital pianos that don’t feature true graded hammer action. In classical music, having that distinction between heavier lower keys and lighter higher keys is crucial for expressing dynamics and playing technique, just like on an acoustic grand.
If you're looking for a digital piano that handles this well, I’d recommend the Kawai CA-99. It uses wooden keys and their Grand Feel III action, which provides the most realistic graded hammer action I’ve encountered in a digital piano. You really get that heavy resistance in the bass and light touch in the treble, which is ideal for classical repertoire.
Another solid choice is the Yamaha YDP165. It has Yamaha's GrandTouch action with synthetic ivory and ebony keytops, and it also replicates the graded weight difference across the keys beautifully. Both of these models will give you that authentic feel that’s so important for classical pianists.
The struggle is real when trying to find a digital that feels like an acoustic! Have you considered hybrid pianos? They're pricier, but models like the Yamaha AvantGrand series use actual grand piano actions. Might be overkill for some, but for a serious classical pianist, it could be worth it.
Something to consider when looking for the best digital piano for classical music is not just the key action, but also the sound engine.
