From cwsg2@sevush.com Fri Apr 27 10:54:08 2007
Subject:OT: Kawai MP4 vs. Yamaha S80/P80

At home I've got an S80, the action feels the same as my P80. I think
they're both the same vintage (99 or 2000).

I've played the S90, and the action felt similar. So my comparison is to the
S80 or P80, and not the newer models.

The touch is lighter, but it still feels authentic. It always felt like the
Yamaha was fighting me simply for the sake of fighting me. I find the action
allows me to hit just as hard but also get more dynamics from light to heavy
playing.

It's not just the action. The samples are really, really good. I hit the
sustain pedal, hear the soundboard ringing and forget it's a digital
simulation I'm playing.

I think the seven year different between the S and P80 have allowed lots of
subtle improvements, and Yamaha is heavily invested in their own technology
while Kawai might have approached reworking their monster (previous
versions) pianos down to something cost effective. Just my guess, but the
bottom line for me is I'm sorta dissapointed now when I play my S80 at home.

> Dan how would you compare it action-wise to the S90ES?
> lighter? stiffer?
>
> Dan S wrote: I've been using a
> Yamaha P80 for a few years and been happy. It's a fair
> comprimise between action, sound and weight.
>
> I recently purchased a Kawai MP4 and in a word, it's amazing.
> It has a slightly lighter action than the P80, and my hands
> appreciate that after three sets. The sounds are amazing, 96
> note polyphony, controls and buttons light up, easy to read
> in low light, very intuitive.
>
> Honestly, it sounds so good I'm thinking about getting a
> second one for home to replace my S80.