This isn’t really a Dorico software question, but there are some serious musicians here, so I’ll take the liberty of asking.
It’s aimed at pianists: My old Roland A-80 keyboard is no longer working, and I’m going to have to buy a master keyboard. I was thinking of getting the Arturia Keylab 88 MK3. What do you think? I’m looking for an excellent, heavy touch with a feel as close as possible to a grand piano.
Thanks.
I have the Arturia Keylab 61. It does its job for entering notes pretty well, but it’s not suitable for the grand piano feeling in my opinion.
I think the 88 MK3 keybed is far better than the 61, though.
Jesper
@Vadian
I want a heavy with wood key. The Arturia Keylab 88 mk3 use the Fatar TP/110 as keyboard; like the studiologic Numa, but never tested them.
Some master keyboard don’t respect the real dimension between notes.
If you are a pianist, I think you have all already noticed that the spacing between the black keys C# and D# is not the same as between f# and G# for example. On some master keyboards, the space between f# and g# is too small and is annoying
Try to do this very fast and you will understand:
There was a bit of conversation about this in a thread a year or so ago which might be helpful:
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I have a Yamaha P-120 for many years (weighted 88 note). I cannot say the action is like a grand, because the action is different to me between Grands anyway, Steinway, Yamaha G series, Yamaha C series, Kawai, Bechstein all feel different from each other, with how each sounds, and how you press the keys, so different from an electric piano. Presumably Yamaha test “feel” comparing with their real pianos. I presume that model has been superseded now. I really like the Yamaha C series, but would not say it is near the 120.
You could also try Roland.
I have the Arturia Keylab 88 MkII. The keyboard is made by Fatar in Italy, who, generally speaking, make the best synth keyboards. It has wooden keys and good weight. Please note that it is a MIDI controller and not principally a digital piano. That’s an important distinction.
It looks great, comes with a plexiglass music desk, and a desk on the right for your laptop.
Speaking as a keyboard player (piano, etc) myself, it is nice to play but it is nowhere near a concert grand. The problem is, I do not know of any MIDI Controller that has a better keyboard. The MKIII may be better than the MKII that I have but I have not looked into the difference.
Finally, the MKII lacks the double escapement that is essential for fast repetition and articulation on a grand. You can get Roland digital pianos that have double escapement, but they are not MIDI controllers. Although they may be of interest to you as they have MIDI out.
Fatar, for reference:
And by the way, the Arturia works very nicely with Cubase.
The Kawaii VPC1 might be worth checking out.
Jesper
Also, you can find lots of info on the pianoteq forum.
Well that Kawaii is fantastic. I observe that it has let-off. Amazing.
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I have the Studiologic Numa and it feels pretty good to me for touch, also as a classical pianist. The difficulty with these things is often about getting the right height, with a suitable stand. The same goes for the music stand - the angles seem all wrong compared to an upright, or grand piano which are both different in themselves.
Studio logic makes a relatively affordable relatively realistic keyboard : SL Keyboards - Studiologic
there are much more expensive keyboards out there, which, apparently, are very close to responding like a real piano. However, they’re out of my price range and I don’t have the facility to justify the cost. The studio logic keyboard has served me well.
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The Kawai VPC1 is outstanding.
My education was as a pianist. I have a Roland RD2000 and am satisfied enough with it. I never forget I’m playing a digital piano, but it’s fine. I wish I could get a VPC1.
The Nord Grand is also a great instrument.
I regret purchasing the Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk3. While it is a solid piece of kit with a well-weighted action, controlling dynamics is extremely difficult. A glance at the Arturia forum confirms that many users have raised the same concern. There is a utility (MIDI Control Center) that allows adjustment of the keyboard’s velocity response, but this does little to improve its dynamic control.
I have since replaced it with the Native Instruments S88 Mk3. Its action feels more refined than the Arturia and, most importantly, it responds reliably to subtle dynamic variation.
I still own the Keylab 88 Mk3, but it is only used as a MIDI controller, and an expensive one at that!
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If it fits into your budget I second the recommendation of the Kawai VPC-1. Close your eyes and you think you’re playing a concert grand.
I’m with @dan_kreider: I enjoy playing my Roland FP-90X, but covet the VPC1. Of course, these are considerably above the price of the OP’s Arturia if I’m not mistaken. So there’s that factor…
I do own a VPC-1, and would use it over any other keyboard for recording backing tracks etc. without a grand piano (and have done). Obviously it’s not comparable to a decent grand piano - I wouldn’t want to attempt Gaspard de la nuit on it - but as keyboards go…
It’s tall, though, and heavy, so if you also want something to comfortably fit a keyboard and mouse around it’s far from ideal.
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I know we are spending your money - 
but for a quest like this, I found a whole lot more value in an electric piano keyboard meant to sound like a piano than I would have ever imagined. Even a modest one.
It’s convenient yes, but having one with the horsepower to do true poliphony voice counts of 100+ notes, that let’s them do subtle things with decay, with velocity, etc. The feel/response seems like is NOT just a tactile thing but also the responsiveness of the engine. I can even overlook some Key-bed issues a bit more.
I might have VST that are more “impressive” but I prefer to play (and I think I sound better) with the keyboard/ engine. My vote would be for another Roland, or myself I’m leaning to one of the better Casio Privia next time.
Don’t overlook the stand IMO - I have a heavier multi keyboard “pro” stand with longer feet/legs. I bought a nice, aesthetically pleasing lighter weight version, and I kept trying to like it, but that springiness you talk about? The motions of the stand can be part of it. I put the new stand away and use the “like a welded rock” of the heavier one.
Also, I feel like it’s a game of inches in getting it set where you want, and that’s the main issue with a desk IMO. I started much later and posture etc are a lot more noticeable than when I was 20,
Hi
I have used Yamaha for years, although my grand is a Steinway. Recently I bought a Yamaha CP 88, but didn’t liked the sound. Then I switched it for a Nordstage 4 88 keys. I think the keys are really nice, and the sound is really good, but I don’t think you will ever find a match for a real grand - sorry.
Thank you, thank you… very interesting to have opinions from people who own and play these models. It’s easy to get lots of general information, but difficult to get the right answers on more specific things. I don’t need to have sounds inside
Yes, the VPC1a looks good, and it’s definitely the kind of quality I’m looking for (I’ve spent enough time practicing the piano to want something that more faithfully conveys my playing), but on the other hand, it’s missing one essential thing in my opinion: the modwheel! For recording in a DAW, it’s nice to be able to use a modulation wheel… No? How do you do it? I haven’t found an external MIDI or USB modwheel. By the way, for those who have this VPC1, does the MIDI In or USB port merge the MIDI with what you’re playing to send it to the MIDI Out port?
I have always relied on internal sounds when recording to a click, as the latency was always noticeable. Do you record to a click? How do you find that goes with using a controller that has no internal audio?