What stage/gigging piano?

[Shoot Blair]

Years and years ago, (when I was about 16) I had a P100 clavinova. Following what I expect to be Yamaha planned obsolescence, I decided to go back to basics and had a whole series of Rhodes Electric Pianos (the mechanical ones).

I've had about 5 years off gigging but got "the call" recently by a wicked jazz band. I am pretty stoked and they are awesome. However, there is a problem......

Do I get another Rhodes Suitcase Piano and break myself dragging it around but know that I have possibly the nicest electric piano noise possible. Or, do I jump into the unknown and get a modern "keyboard" piano?

I know nothing about modern pianos whatsoever.

What do you use, how much did it break your bank and what's your verdict?

The rhodes is pretty gig-proof. My main gripe with digital pianos is that the grand piano sound when amped up sounds like it is going to unship your eardrums (Yamaha's Clavinova Piano 1).

Any points appreciated.....

[Meeja]

I have a Clavinova at home - which has a superbly responsive keyboard - feels like the real thing - and the sound reproduction is superb. Having said that, it is home use only and has never been whacked through an amp.

Can't remember the exact model - but possibly a CLP260.

It doesn't have a formal stand, so sits comfortably on an A-frame or X-stand.

Mind you, I have had it for many years, so suspect there are more modern versions kicking around.

Gets very little use these days thanks to someone placing a Kemble upright on our local Freecycle last year

Edited by Meeja on Thursday 8th October 11:28

[Shoot Blair]

After much deliberation, it has to be a Nord Stage 88.

Seems to be about right. I forgot how heavy a Rhodes was, what it was like attempting to carry it up steps by myself...in the rain. Big Kit is for people who don't have to shift it.

£2K though. Ouch.

[NiceCupOfTea]

You need the right tools for your job.

[timbob]

Get a Rhodes, and make a dolly to strap it to!

Keys player in my band has a Rhodes (and Fender twin valve amp for it), a proper vintage M102 Hammond, and a big old Leslie Cabinet for it. He's made dollies for the Rhodes and Hammond, and put wheels on the Leslie. Aside from going up steps, which isn't fun, you can just wheel them around.

[jason61c]

Sorry for the random comment..... however randomly..... I have read in one of your other posts that you've got a fisher fury for sale? I can't seem to PM you about it... any chance you can pm me the details and a contact number?

Cheers.

[robotvillage]

I needed a budget 'stage' piano and bought myself a Korg SP250.. It's quite light which is good for an 88 key weighted keyboard, the piano and string sounds are pretty good, too.. Have a look, played all over with mine..

[Shoot Blair]

Interesting.

I was pondering my past choices and liked "proper kit" for more than the sound. It's like a classic car. You maintain it, you pamper it and everyone loves it. It's more than just a tool. Just as I used to drive a full race, stripped out 60's mini to work, and despite the heater not working, it not wanting to start in the morning and having to fight the thing steaming up, it was great. Mondeo's were faster, but I was having more fun. I was the only person that could be arsed.

I've used a Hammond C3 a couple of times on stage (560kg) and it just didn't merit the effort, it was worth it though. I had a Rhodes Suitcase 73 and a Hohner Clavinet as my last gig tools. Both required continual maintenance and were periodically painful. Losing a hammer tip in the middle of the keyboard in the middle of a gig is exceedingly irritating.

I wanted a Suitcase 88 Rhodes [url]http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/msg/1411383682.html[url] (the stage models sound crap in comparison) for years but really, it's likely to get damaged in transit. Need a whole load of sorting out and be a pain periodically.

A lucky driver has a proper racing car to be dragged out for things like Prescott and Goodwood FOS. Whilst having an Audi for everyday use.

I'm going to be gigging 3 times a week or so and regardless of how careful I am, a big rhodes would get ratty very quickly.

The solution is to get the Nord Imitator for Road and a Suitcase 88 for the track.

It's not an easy decision.

You can't have your cake and eat it.

[anonymous-user]

robotvillage said:

I needed a budget 'stage' piano and bought myself a Korg SP250.. It's quite light which is good for an 88 key weighted keyboard, the piano and string sounds are pretty good, too.. Have a look, played all over with mine..

I bought an SP-250 a couple of months ago. I can recommend it, all the reviews give it a good write up. At £559, it is quite a bit cheaper than the equivelent Yamaha.