IrreteHiz
IrreteHiz Sept. 9, 2024, 9:07 a.m.

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!

Skib
Skib Sept. 10, 2024, 9:17 a.m.

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.

Unique Tha
Unique Tha Sept. 10, 2024, 1:22 p.m.

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.

AndyRB
AndyRB Sept. 11, 2024, 11:18 a.m.

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.

Tse Bella
Tse Bella Sept. 12, 2024, 7:18 p.m.

One thing to consider is polyphony. For advanced classical pieces, you’ll want at least 256-note polyphony so the sound doesn’t cut off during complex passages.

MC22
MC22 Sept. 12, 2024, 9:11 p.m.

Anyone here had issues with digital pianos not replicating the feel of heavier lower keys vs. lighter higher keys? I know it’s a problem on cheaper models. For classical music, you really need that graded hammer action.

kenen
kenen Sept. 13, 2024, 9:11 a.m.

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.

CILVA3357
CILVA3357 Sept. 13, 2024, 1:19 p.m.

Honestly, just get a cheap keyboard and call it a day. Classical music is overrated anyway – why not just switch to EDM? You’ll save a ton of money and won’t need to worry about key action at all.

Constantin Ginex-koss
Constantin Ginex-koss Sept. 14, 2024, 10:19 a.m.

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.

DorisLayem
DorisLayem Sept. 15, 2024, 5:10 p.m.

Something to consider when looking for the best digital piano for classical music is not just the key action, but also the sound engine.

Kris Kris
Kris Kris Sept. 17, 2024, 9:20 a.m.

Don't forget about the pedals! For classical music, a good sustain pedal with half-pedaling capability is crucial.

Cantata
Cantata Sept. 19, 2024, 7:20 p.m.

Yo, why bother with all this fancy schmancy key action stuff? Just get a synth and add some sick beats to your Bach! ddxDD)

bl5
bl5 Sept. 20, 2024, 1:29 p.m.

while key action is crucial, it's also about adapting to your instrument. Even the top digital piano for classical pianists will have a slight learning curve. Give yourself time to adjust to whatever you choose!

Lizer
Lizer Sept. 21, 2024, 8:28 a.m.

While I'm more into jazz, I've played classical pieces on the Yamaha. It's part of their Clavinova series, and man, the key action is smooth as butter. They use what they call the GrandTouch-S wooden keys, and it really does feel premium. The let-off simulation is great for those soft passages in classical pieces. It might be the best digital piano for advanced pianists looking for that acoustic grand feel.

vic84
vic84 Sept. 22, 2024, 7 a.m.

If you’re doing recitals or recording classical pieces, the onboard sound system is something to think about too. A lot of digital pianos have mediocre speakers.