The Piano Group

Hey guys, just a quick question out of curiosity, which pianos that you've played do you like the best?

Hey piano peoples!

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I see what you mean. I think, just personally, real piano keys are tremendously less awkward than, say, my MIDI controllers keys. A Motif has really nice and super light action for a keyboard, but I still prefer the real thing. Then again, it depends on what kind of music you're trying to play too, I always feel that the feeling of the instrument has a lot to do with how I treat it, and therefore, the sound I can get. The hardest thing about keyboard vs. a real piano is the subtlety you can achieve. If you're trying to practice your balance, it's impossible to do on a keyboard because of the mechanism.

Great response, I feel you Richard Louie :) About the "speed". My argument is that lighter keys provide less resistance which in theory and personal experience can assist in faster playing. By no means do I purpose that less resistant keys make you a faster and better pianist. If your a skilled pianist, the less resistant keys are easy to fly on. Think of a resistance work out. Heavy resistance builds up strength, so when you convert to light resistance your speed and power elevates tremendously. So, I totally agree with you about practice and technique. Muscle memory, technique, and consistent rehearsal totally assist in speed and effeciency. When you know the music, fingering positions, and have a feel for the composition; You can practically play at any tempo that pleases you. Great thoughts and conversation man :)

In my opinion, there is no comparison between VST's and the real thing. They are two completely different beasts. If you want a true piano sound you need to record with the real thing. Ivory, for example, is great for what it is and maybe comes the closest to emulating a Stienway or Fazioli, but playing a real Fazioli is like heaven; like I said, there's no comparison. And, I don't think that a VST will help with your "speed" at all. "Speed" will come from practice and technique. I can play as fast on a keyboard as I can on a real piano. Plus, the feels of the two are way way different. Playing even a weighted keyboard won't match the action of a real piano, and real pianos also vary in how heavy the keys are. There are some super light actions and some really tough actions, it all depends on the technician, what the piano is used for, how long it's been played, and in very professional situations what the performer prefers.