Let’s compare some of the most popular brands Casio, Yamaha and Roland, presented in the Love-Piano keyboard store
All digital pianos are unique in their own way. The common features that distinguish them from other electronic keyboards are: a full keyboard of 88 keys and a playback mechanism that mimics the sound of an acoustic piano.
Let’s compare some of the most popular brands Casio, Yamaha and Roland, presented in the Love-Piano keyboard store. Digital pianos from these three Japanese manufacturers have sampled sound. In particular, Roland uses piano samples from the legendary brand Steinway and Sons, and Yamaha uses the sound of their best acoustic instruments. The sound of a digital piano is determined by the following characteristics: the way the sound is created, the polyphony, the power of the built-in speaker system.
All of the models listed below have a hammer action mechanism for sound reproduction.
Compact Digital Pianos
Casio CDP-130.
Belongs to the lower price category, intended for initial training, contains the necessary functions for this: a metronome and a transposition function. Has 9 timbres of sound, polyphony of 48 voices, acoustic system 8 W.
Casio CDP-230R.
It does not differ in sound from the previous model, but has a number of synth functions: auto accompaniment, recording and learning function, USB flash drive connector, microphone and memory card connections.
Yamaha P-45
Approximately in the same price category there is another model, but already from Yamaha. Combines moderate cost and excellent sound quality. The model has a polyphony of 64 voices, and speakers with a power of 12 W, 4 levels of key sensitivity. You can listen to how this model sounds and evaluate its capabilities.
For serious learning, instruments with improved sonic characteristics and more elaborate keyboard mechanics are optimal.
Casio Privia PX-160.
The model contains 18 timbres, a recording and learning function, a sensitivity setting, a metronome. Polyphony — 128 voices, speakers — 16 W, three-touch keyboard mechanism, key cover made of synthetic ivory.
Yamaha P-115.
For the price, you can put it on a par with the Casio Privia PX-160. Pluses — mobility, due to the compact size, at the same time beautiful sound, polyphony — 192, the presence of 14 styles of auto accompaniment, convenient control.
Serious competition between these two models can be Roland FP-30
— a novelty presented by the manufacturer in 2021. With similar characteristics (polyphony 128 voices, power 24 W) and the same low price, this instrument can be attributed to a higher class. The presence of 35 timbres, Damper pedals and auto accompaniment will be relevant both in training and in concert activities.
Semi-professional and professional tools
Yamaha P-255.
The model can rightly be called the best in its series. Manufacturers have implemented all the latest developments in the field of sound. Polyphony — 256 voices, the total power of the speaker system — 30 W, an equalizer on the instrument panel, the ability to adjust the sound frequencies. Fully assembled in Japan.
Compact digital pianos Roland
are represented mainly by two series of professional and semi-professional tools — FP and RD. Polyphony of all models — 128, except for the new one
Roland FP-90
, which has a polyphony of 388 voices. All instruments feature SuperNATURAL Piano technology.
Roland FP-80.
Belongs to a higher price category. The small size makes it suitable for use in small spaces. In addition to the Ivory Feel-S Keyboard with Escapement, the model features a variety of useful features, including the ability to use Apple mobile devices to play the piano together as an accompanist.
Roland RD-800.
It is a head and shoulders above both in terms of functionality and cost than the model from the same series — RD-64. Roland RD-800 was created based on the wishes of professional musicians and belongs to the stage category. It is possible to change the rhythm and timbre of the game, there are interesting effects, including the popular reverb. The piano offers up to 500 auto accompaniment styles and 1,113 voices.
Synth Voices and Effects
The Casio MZ-X500 has several dozen more built-in timbres — 1100. The manufacturer has added HexLayer proprietary technology, which is responsible for creating a combined timbre of 6 sounds. The memory of the music device can contain up to 100 layers created using this technology. Additionally, the company has added an updated bass engine that creates a vintage sound of compositions, with an analog timbre.
The Yamaha PSR-S770 has a total of 830 built-in tones, and the number of drum kits and special effects has expanded to 36. 480 XG tones have also been added. Such powerful functionality greatly expands the possibilities of any musician, opening up unlimited scope for imagination. Not without new additions — the synthesizer received the Mega Voice function, which improves the sound quality of acoustic melodies and instruments. As for auto accompaniment styles, there were more of them in Yamaha — 360 as opposed to 330 in Casio. The library of the first tool can be supplemented, and when using the second one, you will have to be content with only what was originally provided.
Cabinet digital pianos
Casio Privia PX-760.
The budget version of the cabinet piano, an improved model of the previous PX-750, has retained the same spacious and deep sound characteristic of a real concert instrument. Polyphony — 128, power — 16 W, 18 timbres.
Casio Privia PX-860.
Polyphony of 256 voices and power from 40 W, there is an open piano lid function, which enhances the sound in the upper frequencies, gives a bright piano sound. It has a recording device and an output for a flash card. Orchestra functions and acoustic effects reproducing the acoustics of famous halls of the world.
Yamaha Arius YDP-163.
The new model, released to replace the YDP-162, the piano has a polyphony of 192 voices, 10 timbres and a power of 40 watts. One of the main distinguishing features is that the tool supports mobile devices running iOS.
Roland F-140R.
The top model representing the lower end of the Roland box digital piano. Despite the price, the piano has all the characteristics of this brand. Polyphony — 128, fully weighted keyboard, 5 levels of key sensitivity, double keyboard repetition, pressure-sensitive pedals, sequencer, auto accompaniment, Bluetooth support and the ability to connect any gadgets.
F-series sister Roland RP series represented by models Roland RP-501R
and
Roland RP-401R
, has a more massive body and an expanded color gamut. The sound and specifications are basically the same.
Casio Celviano AP-460.
It belongs to more professional tools. This is the top Celviano line with a polyphony of 256 voices and a power of 40 watts. There is an additional level of open piano lid for better sound.
Yamaha Clavinova CLP-545.
Reproduces the sound of a live piano, conveys all the nuances inherent in an acoustic instrument. The keys are made of natural wood. Polyphony — 256, an infinite number of additional features, including the «split keyboard» function.
Roland HP-506.
In addition to the SuperNATURAL Piano technology traditional for this instrument of this brand, the Acoustic Projection acoustic system is built into the model. The ultra-responsive PHA-4 Concert class keyboard delivers all dynamic nuances with precision. The model contains 350 timbres and has a polyphony of 128 voices.
Roland HP-605.
One of the new models, one of the best in its line, belongs to professional tools of the highest price category. Several speakers have allowed manufacturers to reach a new level of sound quality, the keyboard has 5 sensitivity modes. Distinctive features of the model is the internal memory, designed for 30,000 notes and a unique polyphony of 384 voices.
So, the listed models of digital pianos give an idea of what capabilities instruments of different brands have in different price categories. Note that the Casio company is distinguished by the most democratic pricing. Today it is the world’s leading keyboard sales leader. The more expensive brand, Yamaha, is ideal for those who appreciate the best value for money, the possibilities of these instruments are wide enough and suitable for both beginners and professionals. In turn, Roland is a sign of unsurpassed quality and style. This brand boasts an innovative approach to the creation of not only digital pianos, but also other electronic musical instruments.
Piano
Yamaha — the choice of professionals
Unlike the opponent, another Japanese company launched the first electronic piano for sale earlier — as far back as 1974. Since then, Yamaha has focused on professional musical technique. Synthesizers are distinguished by a modern keyboard, high-quality polyphony, a bright speaker system and a large number of functions.
Which tool is right for me?
If you still could not choose the right brand, let’s start from the purpose of the purchase. Why do you need a musical instrument?
- For a child. Children’s pianos are a slightly simplified version for adults. They have a shortened keyboard, learning scripts and a small price. Excellent representatives: CASIO SA-77, CASIO LK-127. Options with a full-size, «adult» keyboard: CASIO WK-240, YAMAHA E263 or YAMAHA E363.
- Learn to play yourself. This category is dominated by synthesizers with learning functions. Both companies have products with an educational function, but Casio is a bit ahead. They developed a special program m >
Casio or Yamaha — this question is often asked by parents who want to buy a synthesizer for their child. Although the digital piano belongs to the class of synthesizers, you will never pick it up correctly without the so-called “test drive”. Many aspects, such as: sound, key mechanics, sound through headphones, may not be to your liking. Therefore, it is better to test everything “live”.
Sometimes even the most inconspicuous copy can please with very good characteristics. If you don’t know how to play the piano and don’t understand it at all, then it’s better for you not to go to the store yourself. Ask someone you know who knows a lot about musical instruments to come with you and see the potential of the piano.