probably a medium to medium+ digital piano, preferably one with no 'gadget' features (I want the price to reflect sound quality and 'playability' (quality keybed). I'm satisfied with my current primary keyboards, a Crumar SEVEN 'Rhodes' and KeyB Duo MkIII 'organ' (I have a Legend EXP midied to a Nord C1 as a backup). I also have a Roland BK7m which I use as a (very capable) drum machine for practice and rehearsals when no live drummer is available. I have a Roland VP770 (harmonizer) midied to the BK7m to access the BK7m's internal sounds (mostly Brass), some of which are quite good.

I have several dated Arranger keyboards which are not in use and I have no desire to upgrade them at this time. Although I'm sure it's feature-rich (from an arranger players POV), I have to admit that I was underwhelmed with the few demos that I viewed of the new PA5x. The sounds are very good (as expected) but the styles left me uh, un-impressed. To my ears, they don't sound any more LIVE than any previous iteration. Although a good player plus some knowledge-based tweaking can improve the 'live' quality, the same can be done on previous models. The question is; do the improvements justify a 5k cash outlay?.

In any case, MY next keyboard purchase will be the best digital piano I can get in the $2500-3500 range. I know that a number of you have DP's and I would welcome your suggestions.

SO WHAT WILL YOUR NEXT KEYBOARD PURCHASE BE?

chas

BTW, I haven't checked lately, but have keyboard prices suffered from the same inflationary price increases as everything else?

Like you Chas, I’m seeking a digital piano. Unfortunately my budget is much lower than yours, so I’m looking at the local used market.

I’d like something. very portable with weighted keys, good acoustic and Rhode type sounds. I’d actually prefer 73-76 keys and I’d like spend not over $1000.

I’m I asking too much ?

"Underwhelmed" sounds like my feelings about Pa5X so far as well. I often have an impulse to sell all the gear I have and to stick to a decent guitar and a decent piano (digital). But when I play my PSR as a piano, I start to add strings, controlled with a pedal, or chimes, using multi pads - things not possible on digital pianos...Then I want to play with styles "just for a moment, just to try it"... Then I want to play an electric guitar voice, which works only with styles.... Eventually, it tells me that I still need an arranger. Considering unpredictability of our world, hoarding doesn't seem like an unreasonable behavior. As for digital pianos, I'm tempted with stage pianos, like Yamaha CP73/88. It's closer to a traditional instrument than an arranger or workstation, but there's still a possibility to modify it, try different sounds, in other words, not only to play it, but also to play with it. But there are no speakers inside, eventually it happens to be a big deal.

Paul, if I were using it to gig, I too would prefer a 73-76, as I think it would cover 99% of your non-classical needs. Sadly, years of organ playing have left me with the finger strength of a two-year-old , so I would probably prefer a semi-weighted keybed (hard to find in a quality '88'). Pricewise, I'd be more than happy to go lower if the unit met my playing and quality requirements. You should have no trouble finding a quality used DP in the $1k range. Just make sure you check it out thoroughly before purchasing. No matter how much it annoys the seller, make him/her demonstrate that ALL functions work properly.

Also, isn't it interesting how many older synth, workstation, and arranger users, are returning to their roots, piano, even if in digital form. It truly IS the king of musical instruments.

chas

“Older” ?!? Speak for yourself my friend Just kidding!

But, as far as synth/ arranger vs a digital piano , as our friend from Russia points out,
there’s lots sounds and rhythms that can be so much fun to explore on an arranger, but sometimes I really crave the sound and feel of an acoustic instrument. Ideally it would be great ( for me) to have a fully weighted/ hammer action digital piano - but price and /or portability is an issue.

Chas
From your description I would recommend the Roland FP90. There are many DPs out there but I have this one so I know it well. Its where I go to get back to basic playing.
Sounds- not a million but just what you need with and extremely editable Grand Piano. I haven't done much with the editing as I'm very happy with the stock sound. I've have saved some nice layers and splits .
You can also download alternate tunings. I did one called Jazz Piano, brighter and cleaner piano sound for fast playing.
Keybed - Rolands best with wooden keybed and imitation Ivory cover. Not a very heavy action and very playable. Also makes the instrument heavy but its just for my studio.
Speakers- I've said it before I hate onboard speakers BUT these are amazing. And it can get as loud as a good Studio Upright. I din't bother playing thru my studio speakers as the built ins are that good.
Looks smooth and elegant with just the right amount of buttons which are recessed .
Good luck shopping

Bill, at the moment the FP90 is the leading contender so I really appreciate the first-hand info. I'll be looking at all the major players (R,Y,K,N) plus a few lesser known but highly rated brands. One of the reasons I'm currently favoring the FP90 is that I've owned a ton of Roland boards and I've loved the key action on every single one. Now I've just got to drag my lazy butt to the music store and try some of them out. I'll take my guitar/sax/trumpet/piano playing grandson (I'm not kidding) with me and we can spend some quality time together. Guitar is his main instrument but he's fast approaching 'pro' level so I'm not complaining. His main focus is (modern) jazz with Rock a close second. ehhh.

If I find something nice I'll update you. Hey, maybe the music store will take some of my excess junk, although most of it is pretty dated. Thanks again for the FP90 info; didn't realize it had internal speakers. Isn't that unusual for a high-end keyboard (or are digital pianos an exception to that rule?).

chas

One of the ads I saw for the FP90 showed a choir director playing one with no external amp. Now that I own one I realize its possible, the speakers are that good, but he would need a few choir members to help set it up. LOL Any questions let me know, I wish you could try mine

Chas
What an inspiring note about your shopping trip with your grandson, who is advancing so well. I seems to bare out what Chas Darwin has said, plus the apple falling not far from the tree. I am happy you have each other, as I am sure it is mutually rewarding.

On a personal note, I have been recuperating from an operation to repair an inguinal hernia, so I haven't active. Everything progressing okay, just slow.

Sorry to hear about the little health hiccup, Bernie. Here's to a speedy recovery. Yeah, real happy about my grandson's interest in music. Based on his behavior as a baby, we were sure he was going straight from kindergarten to jail . Anyhow, let's get you out of that bed and back in the studio. I thought you were making great progress with the videos, as each new one showed technical and 'production' improvements over the previous one. Get well soon.

chas