Stage Piano Buying Guide - YAMAHA CP88 vs NORD STAGE 3 

I have an Rd-2000, a Kronos2-88 (which is similar to the Grandstage) and a Montage8 (similar to the CP88). So here's my opinion: Roland RD-2000. This makes the best MIDI controller, as the sliders can be assigned to any internal or external sound. The overall panel design is great. I love the PHA50 action, which is quite heavy, even though the keys have plastic cores. It's very well-made and fairly portable. The real star is that it has both sampled "Supernatural" pianos (which are excellent) and also modeled V-Piano sounds, which have unlimited polyphony and great expressiveness. It has string resonance, which Yamaha lacks (but Korg has). It's my favorite stage piano and my primary board. There are 2000 sounds on board and most are excellent, although the organs could be better. Not the best action for organ anyway. Montage8 I don't use this primarily as a piano but I could. The action is excellent and the Bosendorfer especially just sounds wonderful. My second-favorite piano after the RD-2000, an I could live with it as my only one. No string resonance, but you don't miss it too much. The Motage isn't portable, but the CP88 is. On the other hand, the CP88 only has 57 sounds, which is a bit mean compared to the Roland or Korg. Kronos2-88. This is a brilliant instrument with a highly customizable, well-sampled piano featuring string resonance. It also has an excellent keyboard action--very similar to the Yamaha. But I just don't quite like it as well as the Roland or Yamaha. An excellent choice, though, and many people will play it and prefer it to the Yamaha or Roland. The organs are excellent. I also have a Kurzweil PC3K88, but the piano is a bit dated and I don't care for the Fatar action. I hear that the new Kurzweil pianos are very competitive, though, especially if you want a 76-key model. The same goes for Casio. Casios sound great, they're surprisingly cheap and the action is very good. They also have 76-key models. If you are a classical musician and want a piano with a true grand piano action, built by an acoustic piano maker, than the Kawaii MD-11 is unbeatable. But it's enormously big and heavy, the action is a bit noisy and the on-board sounds are limited. It's a great instrument, but it's not for everybody. Finally, don't overlook Computer-based instruments. Keyscape is one of my favorite pianos and many others, such as Pianoteq, are excellent. A computer and a good MIDI-controller would match any of these pro boards. And Nord? I just don't see the appeal. Yes they have a good sample library, but their instruments lack the memory to hold a good number of high-quality samples in memory at once. The Fatar keyboards are lousy and the polyphony is disappointing. And the pricing is simply ridiculous--way out of line with what you're getting. They sound Ok, but lack the customizability and technology of the Roland or Korg. All that said, you could buy anything mentioned above and be very happy with it. So try them all. Play before you buy and decide for yourself. And don't be swayed by brand names or prejudices.

for 4499$ i would be expecting to just magically be able to play piano the moment i plug it in

Good show Woody...always informative and entertaining!

Seamless transitions between presets used to be missing on all digital instruments It's so good to have them now!

Been looking for a gigging keyboard for 3 years now. Nord is out of my range when you have a growing family. So I love the sound of the Yamaha CP73 & 88. Just order the CP73 last month on layby. Will be doing mostly Reggae, soul and RnB after the lockdown. Glad I made the right decision.

Great perspective Woody! I don't always agree with your sound opinions, but love your song choices and creative thoughts. I agree on your final verdict, though

I ended up going with the P121 and have been happy with it

It's great that you encourage people to get second hand gear! You could even get a marvellous roland D-20 or JX-8P if you want a synth engine to your piano for less than a deepmind

Congratulation for your great video with the best information about stage pianos... Excelent work!!!

Bonjour Woody, thank you for this digital piano + comparison. I have been playing since the 80s with a KORG SG1-D. I just gave it to my daughter . I replaced it in my home studio with a CASIO CDP-130 realy great keys and very good piano sounds for only 250€ ... Looks to me that Casio is doing great on the digital pianos, the keyboard touch is very pleasent ... Thanks again and take it easy Woody ;-) Patrick.

Just bought a Nord Stage 3. I don't care much about key action since I mostly do synth, with some piano and organ stuff. I highly value being able to do everything from the front panel, and I love a strong synth engine. One of the better cover bands in the area uses a Kronos and I'm shocked at how bad the organ sounds on that are. Not to mention a couple of the synth sounds had way too much resonance or the decay times were weird, and there was nothing he could do about it in a live situation. People can brag about how deep their workstations are, but when something goes wrong live you're completely SOL since you have to deep dive for everything. Plus with as many presets as they have that's all anyone will ever use. I pride myself on understanding the process of how sounds were originally created by the artist, and crafting my own sounds in a similar way rather than just relying on a 'good enough' sound anyone could use. Tl;dr... I'll take an incredibly accessible and playable interface with quality of sounds over quantity of sounds any day.

Oooo Prezi very high-end. :) Actually, I really like Prezi presentations. Great vid, Woody. Cheers, Cliff

Thank you for your honest opinion and assessment !

Great presentation, very useful, I do appreciate your comments

This was really good and helpful review and I have very similar kind of needs :)

Last week I tried the Crumar Seven. Never heard of IT before some weeks ago. It's not for everyone but I think it sounds even better than a Korg sv-2 or Nord.

Loved your Brazilian T-shirt

Hi Woody! Great, and very informative topic. The the thing is about the 3 keyboards compared to the Stage 3 is that you only get 6 synth voices on the DeepMind compared the the 34 A1 voices, which can be split into 2 panels, giving you 2 independent 17 voice synths. Also the Hammond SK1 has a terrible Leslie effect forcing you to buy a Ventilator pedal. This makes for a massive setup. If you are gigging, you also have to pay extra for stands, cables, extra cases, pedals, weight, setup and tear down time, and space. You did mention that it was convenient to have everything in one keyboard. As a Stage 3 owner, I definitely have to agree! Great video as always. Have been a long time subscriber. 👍

I've had Roland stage pianos for decades. I just replaced my ancient, battered and tired RD300SX which has played thousands of musical theatre shows with me sitting in front of it. It was your videos that shaped my short list; Kawai MP11SE but I *do* need something I can move without hiring a crane. It has a lovely action though. I was looking at the RD2000 in keeping with my past history but I sometimes need a reasonable Hammond sound and somehow, Roland hasn't ever cracked it. I need a good harpsichord sound too more often than you'd think but really, I need a great piano with 'other stuff'. So I went and auditioned the CP88 locally and it liked me. I liked it. I was offered it for $2700 Australian dollars which sealed the deal It lists for around $3500(ish) in stores. So far I am thrilled with it - it is perfect for my needs and I can't wait for an upcoming show to try it for realsies. I really like the channel - keep up the good work. Stu

Great video as always! BTW, thumbs up for the Brazilian Flag shirt...

Hi Woody, I made the decision my self a couple years ago to get an 88 key piano/ synth. Fortunately for me Sweetwater is only a 4 hour drive away, in the same state. Personally I picked up the Roland FA-08. I did look at the Nord line and the Yamaha line as well but the cost difference made the choice for me. Great video. Have a great day.

Buy the best you can afford. Most of us have to be realistic. Honestly, all modern keyboards are amazing.

I have the Kawai MP7SE. Great feel and action in the keybed. Fantastic Kawai piano sounds and electric pianos. Also very competent as a controler for my other gear. Got it new for less than 1400 Euro at the Kawai retailer in Stockholm.

Great comparison Woody of the stage piano jungle! I like the Nord flash backs. Personally I love Yamaha (I started 20 years ago with the 52lb/24kg S80 piano/synth) and I admire Nord because of the piano/sample downloads and the organ sounds. You mentioned the Nord Electro HP73. That one is IMO the contender of the Yamaha CP73. I think you forgot the Casio Privia Pro PX-5S stage piano (88 weighted keys, great Yamaha-CFIII like piano sound and reasonable synth sounds such as pad and synth strings and all of the stuff). The Casio is only 24lb (11kg) and a lot of high quality plastic 😀 I think a great choice when: low weight (gigging pianist), low price, great piano sound, full control of 4 parts. The Casio interface (tweaking sounds, layers etc) is a bit of struggling (like the watches 😜). Bottom line: I am very excited Yamaha introduced the 1-to-1 CP73 and CP88. In the future I will try the CP73 (and experience the piano feel of the keyboard). Final choice is a very personal decisicon about sounds and feel. Good luck to you all 👍

Hi Woody, Great video! One feature I'd like to see compared is the master keyboard possiblities (splits MIDI CC, DAW control). Otherwise a very good and informative video. What would I get? Given I got the budget, it would be the keyboard with best master keyboard funtionality and piano action, as a master keyboard (as well) it has to be 88 keys. Plus the Nord A1, that is a great VA synth to my ears!

Excellent comparison. My own experience still favors my Roland FP7F for beautiful piano and bass splits, while my Yamaha P515 offers an inspiring nylon guitar sound along with triple sound layers (I did add a sub woofer to enhance the output of the built in speakers).

12:44 Woody you nailed it with this comparison!

Hi Woody, excellent review!!!..., for you, the best key action (more balanced, faster, same weight at back of keys, best for classical practice, reliable and less noisy) and sound connection (accurate, fast response for jazz and classical repertoire), between these options: Roland RD-2000, Kawai MP7, Yamaha CP4, Yamaha CP88 and Yamaha P515. Thanks...!.

I got the Kawai ES8, great key action and sounds, built in speakers (almost as good as MP11, but less controller functions and less weight). If I was to buy a NEW stage piano, I would SERIOUSLY consider the new Casio PX-S3000. Great sounds, action and portability, DAW integration, built in speakers, controllers, good looking, low price...It might be the holy grail for a lot of musician’s needs.

Great presentation Woody. Relating to the CP121 you mentioned at the end. A very good contender in that price range, is the Korg SP280. Yeah it’s 88 key, but for those that do have the space, it’s far superior. Great piano sounds, including the electrics. Even the organs are very useable. 22w stereo speakers. And yes, it comes with it’s own stand. For around £520 i paid for it, I’m over the moon with it. I like you just wanted a simple piano, without a lot of bells and whistles. This is a nice balance with 30 voices, and a few simple effects ect. I would be very curious to hear your opinion of it.

This is so subjective. Its strange how nobody else felt the way I did playing the CP88. I'm a live engineer, and get my hands on Steinways and Bosendorfers regularly, and equally have to mic up (usually Nords) all manner of stage pianos. I actually thought the Yamaha was in a completely different league to the other keyboards you mentioned above, including Yamahas own P515 and older live stalwarts like the CP300. Its something to do with the dynamic range of the sounds, both on piano and EPs. It was so much more expressive. Everything, and I mean everything, else tended to disappear into a shapeless mass too quickly. I absolutely hear what you and others say about the Nord's sounds being characterfull, and woody, but they also became a mire when you began playing songs. The Yamaha had so much more air around the notes. I really disappeared into it, like I do with a real piano. I don't know why. It had something intangibly lifelike about it. Also, the keyboard action itself is really big deal. The Nord one is significantly inferior to the others. Very much feels like a basic weighted keyboard.

perfect timing thanks

Would love to hear your comparison including some old Yamaha models like the CP300 or Korg SP200 thanks for your smart commentary.

Great choice! I bought my P 121 a mounth ago, and I love it. I'm a giging musician and I like the the weight of it...10 kg.

I had a Yamaha P125 for a few months so agree with your P121 choice.Nice action.BUT I purchased a Kawai Es8 for the action alone so it is a shame Stockholm does not have many to try..The Kawai action is just lovely!

Your advice to try them in person is important. Everyone has different needs and preferences and action/touch especially is very personal. That being said, here’s what I’ve found so far: Yamaha: great synths with a storied history but I just don’t like the action. Too springy/stiff for me. Nord: also a great line of synths but the action also doesn’t work for me. I’ve been able to try the Roland FP30, RD2000, and Juno DS88. The FP30 felt somewhat better to me than the Yamahas. The RD2000 was alright. The Juno DS88 came out feeling the best for me. I wouldn’t mind having one at least. I’ve played some older Casio Privias for quite some time and they’re not too bad, all things considered. I haven’t gotten much time on the PX-S1000 and haven’t been able to try the PX-S3000 at all. I’m sure they’re decent though. The action tends to be a bit on the light side. I haven’t been able to find a Korg D1 or Grandstage so far. I really want to try the Kawai ES8, ES110, MP7SE and MP11SE but I can’t find them *anywhere*. I don’t know what it is, but nobody has Kawais. I’ve got a Kawai VPC1 at home which has a great piano-like action (although it is a bit on the heavy side). But it just weighs too much to try to drag around everywhere with me. There are others like the Kurzweil SP6, the Studiologic SL88, and the Dexibell line of keyboards. I haven’t run across any of them in the wild.

I mentioned the Yamy CP88 but he found the Kawai mp7, and it blew me away. Very complex and amazing feel and action.... I mean amazing

The Stage 3 is just so easy to use, despite how crowded it is

I bought the p125 as well as my practice piano. Haha I use a Nord Electo, also my favorite keyboard of all time, as my stage tool.

Hi Woody. Nice review. The main question was missed when comparing a stage piano in these levels. These are all considered top of the line for the lead brands but which can CUT THROUGH THE MIX? Most of us watching will get one of these bad boys as main stage piano and in this league, it's really a matter of taste; The sounds you like, the action you like on the keys etc. The one thing I learned is that some keyboards require significant EQ'ing to cut through a mix. In most cases, the sound guy will not know how or won't have the time to EQ. I already know Nord is fantastic for cutting through the mix with very little tweaking. How is CP88?

I think he's right in talking about the Yamaha P models like the P 125 and so on I have just bought a p115 and that Yamaha Keyboard has just a couple of great sounding pianos on it acoustic grand pianos love it five hundred bucks.

I bought the CP-88 a year ago after looking at all the reviews, yours and Dr. Mix, and just love this keyboard. If I got stranded on an island alone, the CP-88 is what I would choose to have with me. Who needs water or food.. :-)

I have a RD2000 now and to be honest. When I was in the store to buy a board, I was trying both the rd2000 and the nord stage. Eventually bought the rd2000 because of the pricing. But I found a couple of negatieve pointe (Some personal): -playing it for a while, I just started to get annoyed by the sound, not sounding natural. -I also think the system is Kinda hard to operate. -Not much room te expand with more sounds via axial also not much available -Organs are not that great -build quality could be better Don’t get me wrong the RD2000 is still a great piano and has a lot of positives. it’s price is affordable and it is way better than most stage piano’s. But I’m probably going to trade it in for the nord stage 3.

The Yamaha CP-88 is an excellent professional stage piano....I played one at Guitar Center here in Sacramento, CA. The key action is excellent and the Grand Piano and Electric Piano sounds are great!!! This is the perfect stage piano for any type of gig!!! This would be an excellent professional entry level stage piano. However, Yamaha has a tendency to introduce new stage pianos with extreme high prices!!! This is not good for their business....$2,500 is too high for the CP-88...the better price would be $1,650. So, if you can afford $2,500 for a new stage piano, then get the Roland RD-2000 at $2,600!!

What a great video.

Nice Review.

Hey Woody, its 5am here in Melbourne. Cant help but stop what I'm doing once YT gives me a notification that Woody is at it again and watch your reviews. Hey a few people here have mentioned CASIO and some of the older models PX 5S and the CT range. However It would tickle my fancys if you considered reviewing Casios new PX S3000 or PX S1000 digital piano as recently showcased at NAMM '19. These things look amazing and sound amazing. I nearly purchased a PX 560 but then somehow ended up my Roland Juno DS88. But I think Casio products would continue to contend with some of these brands you reviewed and from a cost perspective:)

Got the Kawai MP7SE, feels like a great musical investment, it has so many good features. It's great to practice piano on, it's superb as a Master Keyboard, and a great production tool with a good DAW. Also, it looks classy and timeless, fits great into a small apartment room.

Just to share it: I've been to a concert of Roger Hodgson some months ago, and I wondered what wonderful stage piano he uses for all the famous Supertramp sounds, but also his wonderful piano ballads. It was the Roland RD2000, connected to an Apple book for additional sounds features, I think (this for the DAW control) .

Now Nord has the Nord Grand with Kawai action and the great sound of Nord.And only 20 kg.Game changer.

Great music at 5:36 and 10:50 Woody!!! Are they of your creation? For me, Yamaha CP-300 and Casio Privia PX-330, and of course Yamaha Montage are most wonderful instruments for playing piano. Korg's Pa-1x, though 61 keys unweighted, also is very playable. No offense against your countrymen, but I never fell for the Nords except for their EP's, a fine Upright, and the occasional Clav. Roland's XV-88 was my piano of choice for years, (the plastic keys break with age though) and I also enjoy some of their FP's, though the newer ones like the FP-60 have become quite heavy! Where Casio rules is in Weight. (Otherwise Kawai would be way up there too!) . . .But in this particular video of yours, the focus is on home use only, so weight isn't an issue: in fact, heavier may be better - it means it won't shake around! - understood. Thanks for your educated and useful tutorial!

Good final choice, the Yamaha p121 is mine as a student, and it's just fine (compact, good hammer action, good piano sounds even electric piano)

Casio Privias should definitely be considered. I bought a used Casio Privia PX-5S a few years ago. It sounds great and is super lightweight to carry around. There is a deep synth engine in it if you take the time to delve into it. I like the action and whenever I start to crave a Stage 3 too much I control my Electro 6 from the Casio. It is triple sensor and is a great controller. I think I like the feel of the Casio triggering the Nord piano library from the Casio more than the action on the State 3 88. The PX-5s synth can handle most of what I am looking to do so I don't feel the loss of the A1 synth.

Hey Woody, take a look at the Yamaha P-515. NWX wooden keys with escapement. CFX and Bösendorfer samples. Binaursl sampling for the CFX...

i got a nord electro 2 the other day for $600. i was thinking of taking it back but now after watching this, and hearing you say its the best, im going to give it another try.

Thanks for sharing.I've an other question about Casio PX-5S, do you think it was a stage piano?

Great! I liked the idea of the CP73 until I read one of the comments below Turn It On Again!!

I’m so happy I live in Sweden! My buddy bought his stage 3 88 for 2800$ brand new

your enthusiasm is infectious ! I didn't hear if your Yam P series had midi out ( controlling your digital piano VST collections)? yamaha makes a good meat and potatoes product.

Great review Woody. How would one of these two - Yamaha CP88 and Nord Stage 3 - compare with the new Yamaha Genos? Or are we looking at two different things? Thoughts?

What is the best stand for the P121. I am not a fan of X frame stands and the piano table stand style is an option. Your thoughts please?

Hello Woody. Thanks for the informative video. Have you ever played the CP73 with the BHS Keys? What is the quality of the keyboard of the CP73? Is this quality better than the simple GHS from Yamaha? Thanks a lot

Hi Woody :) Thanks for the review, as always very entertaining. As a father of a young boy learning to play the piano, key action is the major factor in my desire to upgrade from our current Roland FP-50. I think the "Stage Piano" market is very confused and generally underperforming in relation to other product ranges. Firstly a piano in my opinion needs to be exactly that, a piano, with piano action. This for the main part excludes Nords don't you think? I think a Nord electro is a classic piece of gear, but I can't take their synths or piano's seriously :) The CP88 was a real opportunity for Yamaha to come out kicking and screaming with a polished up to date pro stage piano, sadly on so many levels this gorgeous looking piano just doesn't cut it. Great sounds though.

Man, I just bought a Roland Juno DS88 for $1600AU and it's an awesome thing. I dont feel like I'm missing out on anything by not spending 3 times as much!

It’ll be interesting to put the CP88 up against the newly-announced Nord Grand. I was thinking of replacing my NP2 with the CP88 as I’d like a better action and triple sensors but the new Nord might be the one.

Woody, nice playing, especially Steppin' Out. have you played a Roland VR-09? I'm not sure if that qualifies as a stage piano because it features organ draw bars but every video I have seen just sounds awesome.

You should really consider the new Casio PX-S1000 for your next purchase! Also, for the head to head comparison you should also throw in the Casio PX-5S it has a superb Steinway piano sound, a nice synth sound, bread and butter sounds and a killer keybed plus midi controller features.

Pretty Neat Presentation , Woody. I, like yourself , would likely choose Yamaha CP, just for the keyboard action , Keybed aspects. I never was too content with Fatar type made 88 keys (Kurtzweil .... & other...) no matter how good the sound . Feel and piano action is the number one 1st priority to me , then portability . (As far as sounds , there are always plug in’s or modules ... ). I’d even rather trigger a NORD from a Yamaha (combining best sounds with best action.... etc...) As far as NORD, for a keyboard that has such great sounds built in, and also the price & cost for one, they lack so much, in my opinion , in the area of straight up durable & authentic piano action . Fatar made controllers don’t have the feel, response nor durability of Yamaha keyboard action & key bed. And with Roland RD wood or wood like action , they go bad more than Yamaha’s do , and end up costing extra in repairs of keys. Where as in Yamaha’s they can take more punishment of the road than lost 88 keys Keyboards as far as I am aware of . Ever since their KX88 (what Chick Corea used to use... etc...) Yamaha has made the most reliable 88 keys action electronic keyboards . (Maybe Kawai as well , but I’m not as familiar with yet to give my personal testimony...). Now a days , with lap top use with plug in’s , a decent Yamaha 88 keyboard (used or new .... older ones are the ones I’m more familiar with ...) Plus some awesome software based sounds like , Keyscape (Spectrasonic ? Spell check ...) Komplete (Native Instruments ... ) will have way more value for the same amount of money , or less, spent on a NORD. Just a MacBook Pro alone can give the greatest value than any hardware keyboard for the money .... So just focusing on the best feel and action to trigger the best sounds would happen to be the lowest cost route . Software plug in’s are not only the future , but the present, just on best sounds available alone .... Unless one has decent tour support budget type situation , it does not appeal to me to spend all the money it cost to go NORD. With NORD prices , you still would not get best Key Bed ... keyboard action.... And there are way far better sounds available through software combined with laptop (MacBooks being my 1st preferences ) . For studio works , a MacBook Pro with software is greater option than NORD. For live performances , NORD doesn’t have the best piano action keys .... Because of the price of a NORD , unless I get a gift , they are never a consideration for me personally .... Though I liked the Korg SV1, Yamaha is still the winnner for me ... in my personal preference .... and what I would personally encourage anyone I know ....

Thx u 4 sharing

Hi Woody, I just checked the Sweetwater price for the Nord Stage 3 is a measly $5,299.00. Ha, pocket change my man. lol I think I will go with the Roland RD-2000. Keep the great videos comings.

There is none mentioned here that I'm familiar with. Truly I love the Yamaha MOX F8.

Hope to see you get your hands on the new Yamaha YC61 👍

Lucky for me I can download for free really good samples of others makes of pianos for my Nord Stage 3, they’ve recently uploaded some new enhanced electro instruments with added dynamics for a more specific sound.

Haven't seen this vid yet Woody... gotta say I still prefer the Stage 3! :)

A Kawai mp7se is also a good choice if you want a true piano experience. RHIII action, same piano sound samples as the MP11SE but currently around the £1350 price. Only available in 88 key. Midi connection, no midi audio, but has tone wheels and one of the second best accoustic actions next to the MP11SE GF action. Also, if anyonebis in the market for a reasonably priced midi piano controller, the Casio PX S3000 is a good buy. Its onboard piano sounds are lacking for me personaly but ive found it to be a very good midi piano. I'm thinking of a new purchase because sometimes i want to be able to just turn on a keyboard and play without the PC. I'm only interested in 88 key, so its between the cp88 and Kawai. Nord grand is a bit pricey, though the piano samples even beat Kawai. The Nord grand also has the Kawai GFIII action. It has the advantage of Nords piano library, but can i warrant the price? With the recently released Grand 2 being another 1k compared to the Grand 1, I have to think, well, i can play midi samples I already have, Kontakt, Keyscape etc, so I dont necessaraly need the Nord library. Decisions, decisions.....mmm. I think budget wise, action wise, and sample wise for me, the Mp7se wins. If the cp88 was around the same price that may have been my choice. RD 2000 is pretty old now, no samples just rolands virtual created piano sounds. ( The name escapes me this morning 😅) However, they have a new V piano addon that sounds very good. OK if you own the RD 2000 already, but if only now buying, you have to add on another £145 not so great.

Thanks!!

Hi Woody. How would you compare the CP to the MODX?

Woody, i have the nord stage 3 compact (i had advice from you, thanks again). As a organ/ synth guy with also focus on EP’s, this is a dream machine man. It has it all. I understand it doesn’t belong in this video (not fully weighted etc) but i see no real competition. What’s your view on this? Also, as mentioned in the comments, prices for nords are al lot cheaper here. Grtz from Holland and keep up the good stuff man 🎹👌🏻

lol im away into my music room to play stepping out lol, great work woody, my wife is looking pissed off because i always go into what i call the broom cupboard and start playing stuff at max volume after your vids lol, and phil colins at the end of you vid is happening too now lol music lovers rejoice lol :)

I’m one of those odd people that bought the 10 year old tech in the korg sv1 88. I love it. Will it be my only board? By no means. I love your buyers guide analysis, which is, you don’t need the latest and greatest to practice. You need something that moves and motivates you. I also recently checked out the Yamaha p125/121 and was very impressed with the quality for the cash. I think it looks pretty good on the stand in the pic too.

Woody you totally missed out the Kurzweil Artis SE - an excellent high quality piano/controller & an affordable alternative to the Kurzweil Forte at around $1495 I think. It features great onstage controls & piano sounds that stand up there with the best available, even beating some of the more expensive keyboards. Well worth a closer look at the Kurzweil Artis SE. Cheers!

Sorry if you've already addressed this, but why haven't you reviewed / compared against the Roland RD-2000? That seems like an amazing instrument and feature packed tool.

But literally everything sounds good when Jack Duxbury is playing it

GrandStage all day long for the money, were I starting over. Some corrections on the RD-2000 mention: the primary piano engine in this unit is the modeled V-Piano technology with its own full polyphony , the SuperNatural resynthesized/PCM sounds being in a secondary engine with 128 note polyphony. The RD-2000 does not have, as stated, a multichannel audio interface, though 2-channel stereo is technically “multi”. You mIght be thinking of the Montage and to a lesser extent, the MODX.

Pretty cool video again! Well, now there is a new conteder that might be just the right thing for you, Woody: The Yamaha YC73! I am sure you know this one already...

I just fell in love with my new Nord. And I get why so many people think they are the sh... easy to navigate live, lightweight, great sounds. But I just gotta say the piano sounds are not as crazy-good as so many people make them out to be. They are great, no doubt. But I was just a tad bit disappointed when they didn't turn out to be an incredible step up over my Yamaha CP73...

I bought a Casio PX-5S a few years ago. :)

Korg Grandstage it's a very good piano, I have one and it has very good piano sounds. It is very easy to program presets. The section thing was invented by Roland years ago with its first VR model. I don't like Nord hammond organs, I prefer yamaha montage's. I wasn't sure about the yamaha CP88 But the summary commented by a person in this chat has clarified my ideas and I'm not going to buy one. I'm not going to buy a Nord either, it's too expensive and I don't quite like it either. Thank you very much.

Not versus, the BOTH of them together! :D - A Stage 3 compact on top of a CP88 would be an ideal gig for many types of gigs! :)

Generally Nords are significantly more expensive in the US than they are in Scandinavia. But I agree that the Nord Piano is a more fair comparison.

I've always liked the idea of buying 2nd hand gear. Last year i sold my (loved) Kurzweil SP4-7 and my Waldorf Blofeld Keyboard (not so much love to that) in order to get my first Nord. I already have enough synth with my Novation BS2 so i just needed a really nice stage keyboard. So i bought a used Nord Electro 4 HP. Right now... i just miss my Kurzweil so much. Is not that Nord is a bad keyboard, actually i think the sound and the layout is amazing. It's just the keybed... i really hate it right now. I just want to try the SW on the Electro 6 to sold this NE4HP right now. How can you describe the keybed on the Yamaha CP 73? Something important is that i don't like 88 keys, not enough space and not easy for gigs in my opinion. Thanks!

Hi, have you checked out the Waldorf Zarenbourg?

Great channel sir! What are your thoughts on Casio Privia PX360 for all of us on low budget?

So long as I'm dreaming , I'll take both please.

Yamaha CP vs MODX? Are the sounds between the two keyboards different from one another (piano, rhodes, wurliz, synths)? If feel was out of the question, I feel like a MODX7 would be way more bang for your buck than a CP73 because of how much more it has and does.

We are in 2022 and the Nord Stage 3 88 is $5,299 on Sweetwater now.

I'm just starting to look for a replacement for my now quite old and obsolete General Music PRO1 "stage piano" (only used at home). I only play classical music and want A) fully weighted grand piano action, B) concert grand sound(s) (to my dedicated v.g. external sound system) C) string resonance modeling (the old GEM does this very well) and, of course, 88 keys and 3 pedals. Nice to haves include MIDI/USB and a few other voices, e.g. pipe organ. I'm not sure I want to pay for a "virtual piano" system, but I like the idea of setting up different acoustical piano sounds to compare with recordings. My first steps? To check out the youtube videos and the piano forums, then kick the tires at music shops... Please wish me luck!

I don't know why, but in my country Yamaha prices are up to Nord levels, so I went for The Nord Piano 5, which $1500 less than the CP88. I also have a Roland Fantom, their piano sounds (which are many and range from V-pianos, Supernatural and Zen-core) sit very well in mix, but sound kind of digital in isolation. I also have a Kawai ES8, which sounds fantastic but you are limited to the 10 acoustic piano sounds and 5 more electric samples. All in all, my new NP5 is becoming my favorite sounding piano, but I'm going to keep the ES8 because it has built-in speakers and they come in handy for practicing. Maybe I'll get rid of the Fantom, not sure yet.

Have had a lot of pianos including vst pianos but never really satisfied with the sound. Now that I own a nord piano5 I know that I will not buy another piano anymore, these samples are very good and can be set up as you want. Know it is quite pricey but if you can afford it then I would definitely recommend it.

What I like about the Yamaha CP .... it is black, not red.