Best Digital Pianos Money Can Buy 2020
By: The Gear Dude | Date: 15th September 2020
Has your keyboard been frustrating you of late? It can be exasperating working with a stage piano that doesn’t leave you and your audience wanting for more after a performance. You don’t have to keep insisting on using it when you can get yourself a digital piano. Yeah, we know that it has been in the family for decades and you don’t want to let go. But is it really worth the unsatisfactory performances? Here’s an idea! You can get yourself a next-generation digital piano that will make you a legend to your descendants. However, there are a couple of digital pianos to choose from but that shouldn’t twist your arm. We have made it easier for you to select the one that tickles your itch. Just go over this review and you’ll be good to go.
Roland RD-2000
88 Key Stage PianoRoland has been on the cutting edge of coming up with new generations of stage piano and by the looks of the RD-2000, it is safe to say that they have definitely delivered. The Roland RD-2000 has not one but two majestic acoustic sound engines which are based on the company’s flagship V-piano modelling technology. The engines’ full-keyboard polyphony amazes every pianist that has had the pleasure of working with the acoustic piano.
The exemplary hammer action and escapement enables the RD-2000 keybed to communicate every nuance of expression in your playing. The premium PHA-50 keyboard action combines wood and moulded materials for an exceptional feel and durability. Together with the RD-2000’s advanced sensor mechanism, it provides the impeccable platform for playing the responsive acoustic and electric pianos.
The RD-2000 was spec’d with a second Supernatural-based sound engine that makes use of proprietary SA technology to deliver over 1100 additional sounds covering almost entirely any style of music, in addition to a vast selection of classic electric pianos from the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s. We could talk on and on about the features of this outstanding stage piano but experience is the best teacher and RD-2000 is the best of them all.
Features
- 2 independent sound engines and extensive controller features
- Dedicated acoustic piano sound engine with full polyphony
- Second Supernatural sound engine with 128-voice polyphony for EPs and additional sounds
- 8 knobs with LED status indicators; faders for real-time control over sounds and effects
- 8 assignable zones for combining internal sounds and external sources (including VIs)
- PHA-50 keyboard features hybrid wood/moulded construction, advanced sensor mechanism
- Onboard electric pianos include Roland's classic RD-1000 and MKS-20
- Re-creations of vintage analog effects include BOSS CE-1 Chorus, Roland Dimension D, and more
- Over 1100 non-piano sounds include organs, synths, brass, orchestral strings, and many others
- 2 wave expansion slots for loading additional sounds from Roland's Axial website
- 100-scene memories for saving and one-touch setup recall
- Traditional Roland pitch/mod lever, plus 2 assignable wheel controllers
- 4 pedal inputs may be configured for damper pedals, expression pedals, and more
- DP-10 pedal included for damper pedal operation
- Onboard 24-bit/192kHz USB audio/MIDI interface
- Support for high-resolution RAINLINK velocity control
Specifications
- Number of Keys: 88
- Type of Keys: PHA-50 keybed (weighted Progressive Hammer Action)
- Other Controllers: 2 x Mod Wheels, Pitchbend/Modulation lever
- Polyphony: 128 Notes
- Pre-sets: 1,100 tones, 200 rhythm patterns
- Effects: Reverb, Delay, Resonance, Tremolo/Amp simulator, Modulation FX, 3-band compressor, 5-band EQ
- Audio Recording: 2 channel record/playback (WAV format)
- Audio Inputs: 1 x 1/8" (aux in)
- Audio Outputs: 2 x XLR (main out), 2 x 1/4" (main unbalanced), 2 x 1/4" (sub out), 1 x 1/4" (headphones)
- USB: 2 x Type A, 1 x Type B
- MIDI I/O: In, Out, Out/Thru
- Pedal Inputs: 2 x 1/4" (foot controller), 2 x 1/4" (damper, external)
- Expansion: 2 x internal wave expansion slots via USB port
- Height: 56"
- Width: 62"
- Depth: 50"
- Weight: 47 lbs. 14 oz.
Yamaha CP88
88 Key Stage PianoYamaha’s CP lineage goes back to 1976when Yamaha first tackled the challenge of electrifying the sound of an acoustic piano. 44 years of synthesizer innovation down the line, Yamaha’s technology sets the standard for digital pianos in an instrument that incorporates the company’s century-plus of piano craftsmanship. The Yamaha CP88 is the perfect rendition of a definitively evolved stag piano with enhanced portability, ease-of-use, and authentic acoustic and electric sounds.
The CP88 also features a wide variety of keyboard sounds to cover any style, which include tone wheel, transistor, and pipe organs; clavinet, FM pianos and so on. The one-on-one CP control interface gives you real-time interaction for immediate sound creation. It delivers all you need for professional recording sessions and live gigs. If you are more of a modern pianist, it features a new system with regular OS updates that will contain new over-the-top content designed to complement the CP88’s original sound set. The features listed below will give you a clearer description of this majestic stage piano.
Features
- Triple-sensor NW-GH (Natural Wood Graded Hammer) keyboard, synthetic ebony and ivory keytops
- AWM2 tone generator, 128-voice polyphony
- 57 voices, including 10 pianos, 14 EPs, and 33 sub voices (strings, organs, pads, synths, etc.)
- Dedicated effects and effects controls for each section (Piano, E Piano, and Sub)
- Master delay, reverb, and EQ effects with dedicated real-time controls
- Sound Mondo social sound sharing provides access to thousands of free sounds
- Seamless Sound Switching: change sounds while holding notes without sound cut-off
- Graphical LCD (128 x 64 pixels)
- One-to-one UI for direct sound control during stage or studio performance
- 2-channel USB audio/MIDI interface for audio recording/playback and MIDI control
- Balanced XLR and unbalanced 1/4" stereo outputs
- Dual 1/4" aux line inputs
- Includes FC3A piano-style sustain pedal with half-pedalling
Specifications
- Number of Keys: 88
- Type of Keys: Weighted, Graded Hammer
- Polyphony: 128 Notes
- Pre-sets: 10 pianos, 14 E-pianos, 33 Sub voices
- Effects: Master Delay, Reverb, and EQ effects (for Piano, E Piano, and Sub)
- MIDI Recording: 2 Channel USB Audio/MIDI interface
- Audio Inputs: 2 x 1/4" (R/L mono)
- Audio Outputs: 2 x XLR (balanced), 2 x 1/4" (R/L mono)
- Headphones: 1 x 1/4"
- USB: 1 x Type B (to host), 1 x Type A (to device)
- MIDI I/O: In/Out
- Pedal Inputs: 2 x 1/4" (sustain, damper)
- Pedal Included: Yes, FC3A
- Display: LCD
- Power Supply: Standard IEC AC cable
- Height: 5"
- Width: 1"
- Depth: 3"
- Weight: 41 lbs.
Nord Stage 3 Compact
73-key Stage KeyboardWith just 22 pounds, this lightweight 73-key stage piano has been designed to deliver whichever type of sound you need. The Nord Stage 3 Compact is a perfect performance instrument with an award-winning Nord Lead A1 Synth Engine, the renowned Nord C2D Organ Engine, an advanced piano section and access to hands-on effects. Nord Stage 3 Compact sports one of the fastest keybeds you’ll come across, Nord’s semi-weighted waterfall keybed. The keys have rounded tips which give the keyboard a smooth feel that is just perfect for fast organ and synth passages and as a pianist, you’ll love the lighter overall weight it helps provide.
The Nord Stage 3 Compact delivers it all from expansive grand pianos to searing synthesizer leads. In a single session, you will be able to cover a vast variety of musical styles, and a slew of dedicated functional controls makes it easy to adjust your sounds until you feel they are up to your standards. It has two independent instrument slots in which you can simultaneously load up two pianos, two organs, two synths, and effects to create massive layered sounds. All these features and the one described below are proof that the Nord Stage 3 Compact is a world-class performance instrument.
Features
- Digital stage piano with piano, organ, and synthesizer sound engines
- Fast and smooth feel from the 73-key semi-weighted waterfall keybed
- 2 OLED displays for Program and Synth sections provide clear navigation and operation
- Seamless Transitions between program changes eliminate interruptions
- Song Mode with set list functionality makes it easier to manage your stage performances
- 2GB of memory to add your favorite instrument sounds from the Nord Piano Library
- 2 independent instrument slots allow you to utilize 2 pianos, 2 organs, 2 synths, and effects
- Expanded instrument selection includes electric pianos, strings, voices, folk instruments, etc.
- Extern Section allows you to integrate external MIDI sound modules
- Physical drawbars for hands-on control over your organ tone
- Vital functions have dedicated controls so you can access them quickly
- Supports Program Changes from external footswitch (not included)
Specifications
- Number of Keys: 73
- Type of Keys: Semi-weighted, aftertouch
- Other Controllers: Modulation wheel, Pitch stick
- Polyphony: 120 Notes Piano, 34 Notes Synth
- Pre-sets: 400 programs with 8 banks, Lead A1 Synth Engine, Organ modelling; Vox Continental, Farfisa, Pipe Organ
- Effects: Flanger, Phaser, Chorus, Delay, Ring Modulator, Tremolo, Auto Pan, Wah, Speaker simulations, Filters, Rotary, Reverb, Compressor
- Audio Inputs: 1 x 1/8" (monitor in)
- Audio Outputs: 4 x 1/4" (channels 1-4), 1 x 1/4" (headphones)
- USB: 1 x Type B
- MIDI I/O: In/Out/USB
- Pedal Inputs: 2 x 1/4" (sustain, control), 1 x 1/4" (organ swell), 1 x 1/4" (rotor pedal), 1 x 1/4" (program change)
- Power Supply: Standard IEC AC cable
- Height: 4"
- Width: 42"
- Depth: 12"
- Weight: 22 lbs.
Korg SV-2SP
88-key Stage Vintage PianoThe SV-2SP is a next-gen, gig-ready stage piano created by Korg as a Stage Vintage twist of the SV-1. It has a powerful built-in stereo speaker system. This astonishing creation has 128-voice polyphony, twice as many sounds, and more than ten times the sample data of the sample data of the previous SV models, and new and improved features. Boasting Korg’s superb, top-of-the-line RH3 weighted hammer action keybed, you will find the SV-2SP Stage Vintage Piano addictive to play.
The SV-2SP packs a treasure trove of classic electro-mechanical, transistorized. Tape-driven, analog, and digital keyboard instruments, all rendered in remarkable realism. The electric piano collection includes virtually every American tine and reed models and a Japanese electric grand, as well as a rare German piano. You aren’t limited as you can choose from analog, digital, VPM, FM and sampled.
Whether your concerns are the organs or strings, there is no reason for you to break a sweat; Korg has got you sorted. In addition, the SV-2SP has you covered for mallets, bass and choir, guitar and bass, and even solo and pad synths that are best for splits and layers, which are fast and intuitive to set up on the SV-2SP control panel. This is the ideal piano for you and if you need more details on its features, they have been laid down for you below.
Features
- Now with 128-voice polyphony and more than 10 times the sample data of previous SV models
- Powerful built-in K-ARRAY stereo speaker system
- SV-2 Editor software lets you create your own split and layered programs and save them
- Premium velocity-sensitive Korg RH3 (Real Weighted Hammer Action 3) keybed
- 72 onboard sounds (2 sets of 6 Basic sounds, 6 variations)
- Favorite sounds: 64 (8 banks, 8 variations) for saving your customized settings
- Comprehensive FX section with 6 independent stages of studio-grade signal processing
- Korg Valve Reactor circuit with real 12AX7A vacuum tube
- Audio output: balanced XLR and unbalanced 1/4" stereo outputs
- Front-panel stereo 1/4" headphone jack
- Audio Input: unbalanced 1/4" jacks
- MIDI DIN I/O; MIDI over USB 2.0
- Damper pedal and foot switch jacks
- Volume/expression pedal jack
- Internal 100–240V power supply
- Included power cable, Music stand, DS-2H damper pedal, Quick Guide
Specifications
- Type: Digital Stage Piano
- Sound Engine: EDS-X Synthesis
- Number of Keys: 88
- Type of Keys: RH3 Weighted Hammer Action 3
- Touch Sensitivity: 8 x Touch Velocity Curves
- Polyphony: 128 Notes
- Pre-sets: 72 Pre-sets: 6 x Basic Sounds (2 sets), 6 x Variations; 64 Custom
- Effects: 6 x Modulations, 4 x Reverbs, Tape Echo, Stereo Delay, Amp Models, Valve Reactor Tube, Vox Wah, Vibrato, Tremolo and more
- Audio Inputs: 2 x 1/4" (L/R)
- Audio Outputs: 2 x 1/4" (L/R), 2 x XLR (L/R)
- Headphones: 1 x 1/4"
- USB: 1 x Type B
- MIDI I/O: In/Out/USB
- Pedal Inputs: 1 x 1/4" (damper), 1 x 1/4" (switching), 1 x 1/4" (volume/expression)
- Pedal Included: Yes, DS-2H Pedal
- Built-in Speakers: 2 x 2.5" with 3" Passive Radiator, K-ARRAY Stereo
- Amplifier: 2 x 15W
- Software: SV-2 Editor (macOS 10.12.6 or later, Windows 7 SP1 or later)
- Power Supply: Standard IEC AC cable
- Height: 18"
- Width: 39"
- Depth: 66"
- Weight: 29 lbs.
Korg Grandstage 88
88-key Stage PianoAre you looking for a piano that gives you the standing-ovation applause after a performance on stage or in the studio? The RH3 is equipped with seven mighty sound engines, faultless fully weighted hammer action and advanced controller functionality for the kind of performance you yearn for. The Grandstage 88’s acoustic piano sounds are simply amazing; natural, responsive and lavishly detailed. The Grandstage 88 has an EP-1 electric piano engine which uses Multi-Dimensional Synthesis to let you alter, morph, and fully customize the six included EPs.
The Grandstage 88 has a total of 500 sounds which include tone wheel organs, vintage analog synths, classic keys and many more. The sonic bounty is rounded out by the HD-1 PCM sound engine, which covers a variety of sounds that include classic keyboard instruments, an 8-level multi-sampled clavinet, as well as harpsichord, pipe organ, mellotron, and the distinctive bite of an FM piano. The Grandstage 88 has is ideal for any live gig or studio session. You don’t believe us? Let the features below speak for it then.
Features
- Powered by 7 sound engines: SGX-2 acoustic piano; EP-1 electric pianos; CX-3, VOX, and Compact organs; AL-1 analog modelling; and the HD-1 PCM engine
- Acclaimed RH3 keybed responds to your every playing nuance
- Premium RH3 weighted hammer action for realistic concert grand feel: heavier in the lower register, lighter in the upper
- Master effects, including 3-band EQ, reverb, and delay
- Dynamics knob lets you customize the playing feel of the keyboard in real time
- Favorites buttons let you register up to 64 of your go-to sounds for instant recall
- Korg's Smooth Sound Transition (SST) creates smooth and natural changes between sounds and effects while you perform
- Effortless layer and split functionality
- Panel Lock prevents sounds or settings from being inadvertently changed
- Crafted in Japan to exacting Korg standards
- Includes keyboard stand, DS1H damper pedal, and music rest
Specifications
- Number of Keys: 88
- Type of Keys: Weighted (RH3 keybed), velocity-sensitive
- Other Controllers: Pitchbend, Mod Wheel
- Polyphony: Up to 128 voices
- Pre-sets: 500 sounds
- Effects: Reverb, Delay, EQ
- Audio Outputs: 2 x 1/4" (left, right), 2 x XLR (left, right)
- Headphones: 1 x 1/4"
- USB: 1 x Type A, 1 x Type B
- MIDI I/O: In/Out
- Pedal Inputs: 3 x 1/4" (damper, switch, pedal), DS-1H included
- Bench/Stand Included: Stand
- Power Supply: Standard IEC AC cable
- Height: 51"
- Width: 6"
- Depth: 1"
- Weight: 44 lbs.
Nord Grand
88-key Stage PianoThe Nord Grand is without a doubt an intimidating contender for the title of being the “ultimate stage piano”. It’s the least you would expect from an iconic keyboard with Kawai’s premium Responsive Hammer keybed has advanced triple sensors that capture hammer movements with impeccable precision. The keybed features a state-of-the-art mechanism that provides magnificent control when you are playing percussively or pianissimo with fluent repetitors. The addition of Ivory Touch textured key surfaces provides the keyboard with a faultless feel of an acoustic grand piano.
The Nord Grand offers the smooth, dynamic playing feel of a real acoustic grand. We all know that what you hear affects what you. Having that in mind, this 88-key stage keyboard has a generous 120-voice polyphony which ensures that each note played and sustained will be clearly heard, giving you a natural acoustic piano playing experience. The Nord Grand also includes a Nord Triple Pedal with Dynamic Pedal Noise that will benefit your playing technique due to its uncanny realism.
The Nord Grand Effect section gives you a wide range of instantaneously tweakable, studio-grade stereo effects modelled on coveted vintage stompboxes, plus Tremolo, Phaser, Chorus, Pan, Wah, RM, Flanger, Vibe, EQ, Delay, and Reverb. All effects can be freely assigned to the Piano or Sample Synth section. Do you now believe that the product is more than its price's worth? You don’t think so? The features described below will change your mind for sure.
Features
- 88-note Kawai Responsive Hammer action with advanced triple sensors
- 120-voice polyphony
- 2GB memory for Nord Piano Library
- Advanced String Resonance
- Nord Triple Pedal with Dynamic Pedal Noise
- Creative Piano Filters
- 3 Dynamic Curves from Light to Heavy
- Soft Release
- All sounds easily replaceable via Nord Sound Manager
- Compatible with optional Nord Piano Monitors
- Handcrafted in Sweden
Specifications
- Number of Keys: 88
- Type of Keys: Kawai Hammer Action, Triple Sensors, Fully Weighted, Ivory Touch
- Polyphony: 120 Voice
- Pre-sets: 2GB Nord Piano Library, 16 global banks, 6 x Piano Types; Grand, Upright, Electric Piano, Clavinet, Digital
- Effects: Phaser, Flanger, Chorus, Vibe, Pan, Tremolo, Wah, Stereo Delay with Tap Tempo, Reverb, Distortion, Compressor
- Audio Inputs: 1 x 1/8" (aux in)
- Audio Outputs: 2 x 1/4" (L/R)
- Headphones: 1 x 1/4"
- USB: 1 x Type B
- MIDI I/O: In/Out
- Pedal Inputs: 1 x 1/4" (volume), 1 x 1/4" (sustain)
- Pedal Included: Triple Pedal
- Expansion: 512MB memory for Nord Sample Library 3.0
- Software: Nord Sound Manager (download)
- Power Supply: Standard IEC AC cable
- Height: 6"
- Width: 7"
- Depth: 2"
- Weight: 46 lbs.
As you have witnessed above, we can all agree that the digital pianos reviewed above are worth every penny. You can see that they all are amazing creations and the features on each are to die for. Whether you choose one with 88 keys or 73 keys, you will see that that digital stage piano is the missing link that has been hindering you from delivering mind blowing performances. You can go over the review again if you are still indecisive and get one that best suits your style and you as a pianist. Get your happiness today!
