The Truth About The Studiologic SL88 Grand… 

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As a pianist and producer, I tried the SL88 Studio at the store and HATED the feeling. The action felt very clunky and dead. It felt almost squishy like the hammers where hitting up against a foam strip or something. After trying both at the store I sprung for the Grand and I have never regretted spending the extra money.

I paid the extra $500 for the Grand because I already got to try the TP100 in the Arturia Keylab 88 Mkii (same as in the Sl Studio), and it felt like a slug's ass! The TP40 in the Grand (like the bed in my Kurz 2700) has way more snap from the hammer mechanisms than the Tp100, making it much more comfortable for doing rapid synth stuff. 100% worth the extra money.

Just got a Studio SL73 delivered this week. I love the feel. It’s a dream to play. Good to hear this. I have an 88 key but it’s a Roland. The Studio Logic is absolutely superior than the Roland, it’s a FP10. It is playable but the feel and output quality of sound is another level far above the Roland. Mostly been using sax and trumpet samples of Korg iM1 AUV3 App on iPad. The SL73 Puts out a much better result than the Roland by far. And the Aftertouch on SL73 is excellently playable, it brings out a superior sensitivity. I have 2 other keyboards with Aftertouch and this is the outstanding one of the 3. Roland is just a little cheaper and no Aftertouch. For the price the StudioLogic are way out on another level. A bit heavy but Roland’s are heavier and I like the formfactor more and also the 3 sticks rather than wheels seem better to use. The SL Studio is a dream to play compared and that is no exaggeration.

Couldn’t disagree more. MAJOR difference between the two. Huge. Definitely worth the money for the Grand.

I’ve tried most of the weighted key controllers through the years. Purchased 2 SL88Grands. Very pleased with them. Studiologic found a good compromise with this one. 4 zones, adjustable curve, decent software editor, great weighted feel, under 50 lbs in weight, multiple pedals, midi i/o. For the price, it’s really hard to beat this one. I’ve paired it with pianoteq and am very pleased with it.

Bought my SL88 in March 2021... today I found out that it died, out of nowhere. I tried turning on only via USB, and then through 9v/1A, nothing happens... I disassembled to check only the main board, and I see a red light turning ON when I'm using USB power, but nothing happens on the screen. I'm very sad about it.

Although I played my whole life on wooden keys, I never really understood the discussion about wood or (weighted) plastic. I think plastic can be manufactured to have the same weight as wood, but it's more the top layer and the hammer construction that really counts. Thank you very much for pointing things out.

I've played both and the wood keys do give you a different feel. In my opinion it feels more like an actual piano. For me, I don't need to spring for this version to own in my personal collection, because I'm not a pure piano player. I come from more of a engineering, rounded midi music creation background. So this would be over kill. For someone who is a pure piano player, this in my opinion is worth the it. Compared to some of the other 88-key weighted controllers in it's performance class, it's much less of an expense. Kawai VPC1 - 2400 Kurzweil PC3A8 - 3900-4000

Great video!! But wrong info bro! The sl88 don't have wood keys...the keys are plastic made... they only have a slim piece of wood, decorative wood...so they won't last more because of that. The structure is made of plastic... you can find many pics on the web...fatar tp40 wood is the model of the keybed!

The keys on the grand are also a lot longer in the inside. That means you have much more control on the velocity making it much more dynamic

I own the SL 88 Grand and love it, but I want as much of a acoustic piano feel as possible and think this one has it. I would like to try the Studio model at sometime to compare. Also like to check out the StudioLogic Numa X Piano GT which is suppose to be a even better keybed and be a full keyboard with sounds not just a MIDI controller. Thanks for all the informative videos!

I apologize I am not a tech savvy person. For this keyboard, you absolutely need a laptop to produce sound? This keyboard cannot just be plugged into speakers? I assume it doesn’t have built in speakers. Please correct me :). I am a classical pianist wanting to purchase a keyboard I can take to gig with!

Thank you very much for your excellent reviews. I'm appreciating them more and more each time I watch one.

As a pianist l can tell on your fingering dexterity pls l would love to know your favourite fingering exercises????

You uploaded this video at the exact same moment this question appear in my mind 😅 thanks 🙏🏻

Nice review. I have both of them (SL Studio and SL Grand). Best quality: SL Grand. Best investment: SL Studio.

Those wooden keys and feel make all the difference if you play Classical Piano, so for that alone its worth the extra $500. No doubt I would like the feel better on the VP1 but not for an extra $1400. With that said my SL88 is being serviced because of an issue when I play the G4 key hard it wont sound again for about 5 seconds, soft touch no issues . The guy at the service shop did what he needed but could not figure this out so he had to call Studio Logic . Its still under warranty. Upon research I saw one other post on Reddit with a similar problem but no solution was posted. If I had to make one criticism it would be you have to really adjust the velocity curves to play fast repeated notes on the same key , such as in Angry Young Man by Billy Joel. I did not have this issue on other weighted action controllers I have played.

Hi John, Another excellent review.Looking forward to your in depth review of these boards. I bought an SL88 Grand just based on your review of the SL88 Studio and I absolutely love this board. Although like you say, I was looking for the piano feel more than anything. I have an acoustic piano in my family room, but like to have this in my office where its accessible as I'm more apt to sit down and play. I would like to see some in depth on setting different programs and velocities etc. I also have a mixface and not 100% on how to make them interact like they are supposed to. Once again thank you for your informative reviews. Your my go to when I'm looking for how-to's or reviews on new gear.. Your The Man !

Hi John, thanks for doing this video. I also watched your Roland A-88 mk2 review video. I play my acoustic piano Yamaha U1, which I like the action feel (and sound) very much. 1. Which midi controller keybed did you better like, the Roland A-88 mk2 or the Studiologic SL88 Grand ? 2. Which of the two midi controllers, in your opinion, better mimics the acoustic piano ?

I have the SL73 Studio and I like it... I don't love it... and the thing I like about it the least is... it's loud. The keys have a lot of bounce and the mechanism is just loud and clunky. So my question is... is the keybed in the SL Grand quieter?

The Grand is definitely a better board if you can manage to scrape together the extra $500.

Studio logic grand i am told by piano man chuck he had to really mess about with the velocity touch vectors when he midi’d up to a nord stage3 for the piano sounds AND same for keyscape vsts to get the right touch balance and if thats not granular enough then we have a problem. Or problem for those who just want to plug and play. Eg ive not had to mess with the Komplete kontrol s88 at all whilst midi’ing up to a nord or keyscape

Ironically I was going to ask your demonstration on this . I’ve owned the Grand for quite some time & own the SL73 as well. Both are great. Grand , I did get from a vendor for heck of a price though 😂😂😂

Been thinking about the SL73 but have heard so many issues around key failure. Have you had any issues?

Appreciate the honest review. Thanks 🙏🏾. I’m going with the studio.

I own the studiologic numa x piano Gt and also the Yamaha CP88. The Yamaha has a great action but is not close to the key action of the studiologic. Just feels more organic and smoother.

Thaaank u! I have the VMK188+ as my base and a Nektar lx25 but need a more bringable piano for live stuff. Feels the SL88 Studio would be the best^^

John, I got the Arturial 88 MKii but my mom did not like it that much. She rather play on her 1949 piano even though I got some speakers and even subwoofers. I heard the keybed is different on the Grand - not only the wooden keys. Do you think - from a pianist point of view - it's worth to buy the Grand or should I just sell my car and get a VPC1 from Kawai? Thanks! Oh ... where can I hear your music? I really like how you play!

What is better for orchestral arrangements? Sl88 studio or Sl88 grand? I want a grand feel if sl88 grand has the same quality in playing the other instruments like violin, cello strings .. etc

Would you say that the keys are heavier than the Arturia Keylab mkii 88 keys? Some users say Arturia Keylab mkii 88 has very heavy keys, so much so that you get tired when playing it! Does it happen with this one too?

I read a lot of negative comments on SL88Studios Keys making clicky/plasticy sounds and even single keys failing to work, so I am sceptic about getting it. Don´t you have any of those problems with the SL88Studio? The Grand version I think isnt worth it for the extra price for me. Maybe looking at the Kurzweil KM88, as it has a ligther keyfeel, as you say in your review. I porobably want to play in percussions in my DAW, so maybe a ligther keybed is better? So hard to decide.

I tried the SL88 Studio and found the action unplayably sluggish and spongy. Returned it and got the SL88 Grand and it's WAY better. The action was lighter/faster yet somehow more solid too. Feels a lot more like a real grand piano. It's too bad because the SL88 Studio is a fantastic price, but the difference was not at all subtle for me. One was downright unusable while the other is quite enjoyable! (I wish I coulda saved the money instead haha)

The Godfather of midi keyboards! ✊🏾

I recommend trying both at the store if you can, before you decide on your purchase!

HI john pls which is better in keybed btw slgrand and native mk3 88

Great review my guy!!!

I got mine (SL88IGrand) last week and I have mixed feelings! the keys still make quite allot of mechanical sound although they do feel "good" although a bit artificial/mechanical compared to my real piano (iBach upright 1910).

How does the keys of SL Grand compare with Numa Gt?

Your vids are excellent, thnx!

Sir I just bought the sl 760 yesterday.what cables to I need? 🙏

The piano sound is great. What software are you using for VST?

Dude, as long as you play some music while telling the truth then I'm ready to receive the truth!

John, have you considered trying the Studiologic Numa X Piano GT? The sounds in it are rather ordinary, but the unique and incredibly user-friendly color coded control system, which can control external midi sources, would make a great controller for live performing.

how about vs the novation sl49 mk3 key feel?

I just bought one hour ago thanks for feedback

Thank you.

It's not what I wanted to hear but you gotta respect the truth. Great ninja vid. Liked.

Thank you for the video! I also have a brand new vpc1 and have been considering buying a sl88 grand to replace a mint condition korg trinity prox but I’m having second thoughts if it’s worth replacing my trinity prox with weighted keys and those beautiful sounds. From the price perspective I’m not happy swapping a 90s $3200 trinity for a $1000 sl grand. Anyway, really looking forward for you to compare in depth your vpc1 with the grand both being marketed as piano replacements. Thank you and keep up the superb work you do!

Thanks a LOT, I bought the studio 👍

John Mike, how does the action on the Studio compare to the M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro? I'm looking for a piano action but as light as possible without falling back to semi-weighted.

I love sl88 only thing is one of my A flat keys stopped working

Do you know how to configure the 4 midi channels in Cubase 12? Thanks

On the topic of customizing your controller. Is there a way to paint the keys to glossy black? And get the look of the Akai MPK Mini Mk3 Black Edition?

Thanks for the vid.

How is this wooden action compared to the Kawai VPC-1? Is the VPC-1 worth the difference in price = $2400 vs $1500?

Hi, How do you think this compares to the Keylab 88 MkII?

I bought the SL88 studio after watching your review. But I can't use the aftertouch even though it is on in the settings. Please, Can you make a video about how to use the sl88 Aftertouch feature with Keyscape, or Kontakt, or analog lab v ? My main Daw is ableton, but I also have Komplete Kontrol.

You are a great player. Where would I get started to play like that?

Go grand or may as well get a semi weighted cheaper model, Cheap weighted keyboards are a no no for me personally. I've tried many before and its not worth trying to save the money.

Damn bruh, 01:40 vibbin made me sub to you

Bro what is the black chord

Have you ever tried the RD 2000?

Hi, I have the SL73, and every... EVERY one who played it says that the keys are too heavy, even heavier that any steinway, I have plans to open the keybed and shave some weight out to make it lighter. is the SL88 as heavy as the SL Studio?

Hi John, Quick question for you. I have the SL88 Grand and studio one..all my standalone programs like keyscape, pianotech etc the sustain pedal works great. it doesn't want to work in Studio one on any vsts..Wonder if you ever ran into that problem? Thank You

Ive got a studio and its an awful feel. Like playing in pudding. I did have a high end kawai digital upright and the wooden action is that is my benchmark. Ive never felt anything as nice as as real as that in a digital piano. From now on its kawai all the way

You didnt even prep that metal before you painted it . That hurt to watch..

The Studiologic SL88 Grand keyboard feels solid enough, but doesn't always register a tone at low dynamic. But the layout of the connectors and the interface is the worst I have ever seen. The power button and all of the connectivity is behind the music stand (which you have to buy separately) so you can't reach any of it whilst sat at the keyboard. There are three little controllers on the left of the keyboard which are just in the way if you never use them. There is a pointless LED screen with a control knob and buttons directly between the foot of the music stand and the middle of the keyboard, which only serves to pretend that you have any control over the keyboard's settings, and otherwise is again just directly in your way when you're trying to read or annotate sheet music. And worst of all, you don't have any control over settings like velocity curve or foot controller function, unless you plug a laptop into the USB port. I thought that all of those functions would have been present on the built-in LED screen, but they're not. The LED screen just divides the keyboard into four, which function I will never have any use for. And then you plug in your Win11 Laptop, download the software and run it, and you get a 'Connection Failed' message. And then there is no support from Studiologic but to suggest that your USB cable is at fault and might have damaged the unit. How many times has a USB cable ever been at fault? And a faulty USB cable could only present a danger to the very lowest quality equipment. And then there is no community support but for a wobbly mobile phone video on RU-vid with commentary by someone who barely speaks English, explaining which settings you need to change that weren't in the instruction manual and which will fix the problems that people commonly have with connecting the keyboard to a laptop. And then you change those settings and get exactly the same error message. The Studiologic SL88 Grand is the worst keyboard I have ever seen. It is a con. A nice-looking set of keys, but a controller with execrable layout, totally inadequate functionality, and intrinsic design faults that make it practically useless. I hate this instrument and I can't wait to get it out of my studio. Don't take any notice of this charlatan; he's obviously paid to sell this utter crap, and I fell for it. Don't make the same mistake as me.

Y pay 1000 dollars for a board with NO SOUNDS?? Y’all crazy😂

The studiologic SL88 grand has not wooden keys. It is just a cosmetic thin sheet of wood, glued on both sides of the plastic key.

Mr. John Mike can you please share a video on how to fix the keyboard velocity on the Studiologic SL73 ??? It comes out so soft and dim but my Arturia keyboard plays perfectly except it’s not weighted! This has been driving me crazy. Please help!

I was really after a Studio SL 73 but I have seen many videos about the clicking keybed… (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-kwGEMZhk1tA.html) Also I use to have a Nord Electro 4 HP with the same keybed (Fatar TP 100 L/R) and I had the exact kind of problem with the keybed… Could you share you’re experience with the use and keybed maintenance of the Studio SL? Thanks for your videos.