Baldwin Digital Pianos

[CoasterCrazy26]

Hi Everyone,
Does anyone own or have had any experience with Baldwin digital pianos (e.g.
the RP series)? I am thinking of purchasing one soon and wanted to try and
get a little feedback before making the purchase. I went to a piano store
and someone told me that Baldwin stopped making pianos a few months ago
because another company took over. Can anyone else verify this?

Also, has anyone ever ordered one of these digital pianos from the web? Can
you say if this is a safe way to go or should we consider the local stores?

Any comments/feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.

CoasterCrazy26

[Mark]

Subject: Baldwin Digital Pianos
From: "CoasterCrazy26"
Hi Everyone,
Does anyone own or have had any experience with Baldwin digital pianos (e.g.
the RP series)? I am thinking of purchasing one soon and wanted to try and
get a little feedback before making the purchase. I went to a piano store
and someone told me that Baldwin stopped making pianos a few months ago
because another company took over. Can anyone else verify this?
Also, has anyone ever ordered one of these digital pianos from the web? Can
you say if this is a safe way to go or should we consider the local stores?
Any comments/feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.
CoasterCrazy26

I would be suspicious about warranty coverage and also when the piano was
built. Baldwin went bankrupt and was purchased by Gibson (the guitar guys).
Plans in the future to market Gibwin or Baldson pianos have not been confirmed.



Mark

[CoasterCrazy26]

Thanks Mark for the information. I'll check into it.

CoasterCrazy26

Post by Mark

Subject: Baldwin Digital Pianos
From: "CoasterCrazy26"
Hi Everyone,
Does anyone own or have had any experience with Baldwin digital pianos (e.g.
the RP series)? I am thinking of purchasing one soon and wanted to try and
get a little feedback before making the purchase. I went to a piano store
and someone told me that Baldwin stopped making pianos a few months ago
because another company took over. Can anyone else verify this?
Also, has anyone ever ordered one of these digital pianos from the web?

Can

Post by Mark

you say if this is a safe way to go or should we consider the local stores?
Any comments/feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.
CoasterCrazy26

I would be suspicious about warranty coverage and also when the piano was
built. Baldwin went bankrupt and was purchased by Gibson (the guitar guys).
Plans in the future to market Gibwin or Baldson pianos have not been confirmed.
Mark

[Dave Tempo]

To say Baldwin digital pianos are terrible is an insult to terrible. I
wouldn't put one in my house if Baldwin payed me. The only reason those
pianos still are in the new retail market is no one wanted to buy them. The
RP came out when I was still selling pianos, and that was 7 years ago. They
haven't manufactured one since to my knowledge - they're still trying to get
rid of the crap they built in the late 90's. For more of my ranting on the
subject do a Google search of dzappa and pianovelle.

Post by CoasterCrazy26
Hi Everyone,
Does anyone own or have had any experience with Baldwin digital pianos (e.g.
the RP series)? I am thinking of purchasing one soon and wanted to try and
get a little feedback before making the purchase. I went to a piano store
and someone told me that Baldwin stopped making pianos a few months ago
because another company took over. Can anyone else verify this?
Also, has anyone ever ordered one of these digital pianos from the web?

Can

Post by CoasterCrazy26
you say if this is a safe way to go or should we consider the local stores?
Any comments/feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.
CoasterCrazy26

[CoasterCrazy26]

Dave,
Are they really terrible? I have not been able to find any reviews on the
Baldwin digital pianos anywhere. Could it be due to what you are saying?
I thought the huge price drop was a little suspicious! I tried doing a
Google search of dzappa and pianovelle and it does not locate anything. I
will email you for the specific location of the webpage. Thanks.

CoasterCrazy26

Post by Dave Tempo
To say Baldwin digital pianos are terrible is an insult to terrible. I
wouldn't put one in my house if Baldwin payed me. The only reason those
pianos still are in the new retail market is no one wanted to buy them.

The

Post by Dave Tempo
RP came out when I was still selling pianos, and that was 7 years ago.

They

Post by Dave Tempo
haven't manufactured one since to my knowledge - they're still trying to get
rid of the crap they built in the late 90's. For more of my ranting on the
subject do a Google search of dzappa and pianovelle.

Post by CoasterCrazy26
Hi Everyone,
Does anyone own or have had any experience with Baldwin digital pianos

(e.g.

Post by CoasterCrazy26
the RP series)? I am thinking of purchasing one soon and wanted to try

and

Post by CoasterCrazy26
get a little feedback before making the purchase. I went to a piano store
and someone told me that Baldwin stopped making pianos a few months ago
because another company took over. Can anyone else verify this?
Also, has anyone ever ordered one of these digital pianos from the web?

Can

Post by CoasterCrazy26
you say if this is a safe way to go or should we consider the local

stores?

Post by CoasterCrazy26
Any comments/feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.
CoasterCrazy26

[Larry]

From: "CoasterCrazy26"
Are they really terrible? I have not been able to find any reviews on the
Baldwin digital pianos anywhere. Could it be due to what you are saying?
I thought the huge price drop was a little suspicious!

Baldwin didn't build any electronics themselves for several years before they
went out of business. They had them built by various other manufacturers. The
ones they sold the last several years were ones they had had in stock in the
warehouse, nothing new was built. So any Baldwin digital that you find will be
at least 2 or 3 years older than the year Baldwin went under. One way to
determine when it was built - many of them will print out the year it was built
in the readout screen right after you turn the unit on.


Larry
Doing the work of 3 men - Larry, Curly, & Moe
Caution: I do not brake for sales weasels

[Dave Andrews]

From: "CoasterCrazy26"
Are they really terrible? I have not been able to find any reviews on the
Baldwin digital pianos anywhere. Could it be due to what you are saying?
I thought the huge price drop was a little suspicious!

If you can find an RP-100 or RP-200, these were not bad at all. Many folks
didn't like them because the internal speakers were quite marginal -- but if
you take a good quality set of headphones with you to every store you go to and
evaluate the instruments with the 'phones, it levels the playing field. Of
course, if you intend to use the piano without an external system -- or if
replacing the internal speakers is out of the question for you -- then by all
means, make your decision based on the speakers that are inside.

You will find that the RP-100 and RP-200 are electronically the equivalent of
the GeneralMusic RealPiano Pro 1 and RealPianoPro 2 respectively -- both of
which were considered pretty decent. The rest of the sounds and the ability
to access them in a musically useful fashion are probably not among their
stronger suits. To hear MP3 snippets of the GEM Pro2 (and a bunch of other
stuff), go to http://www.purgatorycreek.com/ and hit the link for the piano
shoot-out.

By the way, everything Larry posted is pretty much right on, although I'm not
sure if you can access the date in the screen without entering some reset code.
But it's probably in there somewhere. They are definitely not a current
product offering, but for the right price, an RP200 is not a bad little unit.
Plus, you can use the internal amps to drive some Bose speakers which you can
also retrofit in the space taken up by the "speaker shaped objects" inside.
Through their existing speakers, I'd rate the Pianovelles fairly low, but
through a higher quality system, their quite good (piano only).

[CoasterCrazy26]

Hi Dave,
It is a RP-200, but my wife and I are skeptical about it. It looks very
nice, but we can't actually hear the real thing since it's on the web. I
checked out the GeneralMusic RealPiano Pro 2 sounds at the link that you
mentioned and it sounded OK. The problem is this...these sounds are very
dependent on how the person did the recording! Did you have personal
experience with the RP200?

The specs look nice (128 polyphony) but I'm not sure if weighted hammer
action with escapement (being that this is an older model) is equivalent to
the newer progressive hammer action keys. Are they the same?

As far as the speakers, it's suppose to have a six speaker system and 2
70watt amps. Does it still sound bad? That's not good engineering if so.
Besides, I'm not worried about the sound...I can always shut off or change
the built-in speakers as you mentioned.

It's going for about $1700, is that good? Also, would you trust to order
one of these from a web vendor?

Let me know if you get a chance. Thanks.

CoasterCrazy26

Post by Dave Andrews

From: "CoasterCrazy26"
Are they really terrible? I have not been able to find any reviews on the
Baldwin digital pianos anywhere. Could it be due to what you are saying?
I thought the huge price drop was a little suspicious!

If you can find an RP-100 or RP-200, these were not bad at all. Many folks
didn't like them because the internal speakers were quite marginal -- but if
you take a good quality set of headphones with you to every store you go to and
evaluate the instruments with the 'phones, it levels the playing field.

Of

Post by Dave Andrews
course, if you intend to use the piano without an external system -- or if
replacing the internal speakers is out of the question for you -- then by all
means, make your decision based on the speakers that are inside.
You will find that the RP-100 and RP-200 are electronically the equivalent of
the GeneralMusic RealPiano Pro 1 and RealPianoPro 2 respectively -- both of
which were considered pretty decent. The rest of the sounds and the ability
to access them in a musically useful fashion are probably not among their
stronger suits. To hear MP3 snippets of the GEM Pro2 (and a bunch of other
stuff), go to http://www.purgatorycreek.com/ and hit the link for the piano
shoot-out.
By the way, everything Larry posted is pretty much right on, although I'm not
sure if you can access the date in the screen without entering some reset code.
But it's probably in there somewhere. They are definitely not a current
product offering, but for the right price, an RP200 is not a bad little unit.
Plus, you can use the internal amps to drive some Bose speakers which you can
also retrofit in the space taken up by the "speaker shaped objects" inside.
Through their existing speakers, I'd rate the Pianovelles fairly low, but
through a higher quality system, their quite good (piano only).
--
With All Due Respect,
Dave Andrews
D. W. Andrews Associates
Church Music System Specialists
"Two Hacks Working Out Of A Garage"
Disclaimer: If there are two ways to take my words,
always assume I was after the cheap laugh.

[Dave Andrews]

In a message dated 7/8/2004 6:17:32 PM ***@psu.edu writes:


<< It is a RP-200, but my wife and I are skeptical about it. It looks very
nice, but we can't actually hear the real thing since it's on the web. I
checked out the GeneralMusic RealPiano Pro 2 sounds at the link that you
mentioned and it sounded OK. The problem is this...these sounds are very
dependent on how the person did the recording! Did you have personal
experience with the RP200? >>
=========================
Yes -- I bought one for a former church of mine after a lot of direct
experience as a "hired gun" salesman for numerous major event sales with
various Baldwin dealers around the east -- always thought it was an
exceptionally nice unit. I played it every week for a year and a half, and I
still play it occasionally as a guest musician -- probably again in two weeks.
The rest of the sounds are decent enough (I liked Kurzweil orchestral sounds
better than the Pianovelle orchestral sounds) but the Pianovelle/GeneralMusic
Piano Pro piano voice is the best that I could find in that category about 3
or 4 years ago. I'm not up to speed on everything else currently, but I did
pound on a few Yamahas recently (Motif, S90, P80 & P90), and as far as I'm
concerned, there has been no major breakthrough for additional realism on the
piano sound from what I remember getting out of the Pianovelle RP-200.
=========================
<< The specs look nice (128 polyphony) but I'm not sure if weighted hammer
action with escapement (being that this is an older model) is equivalent to
the newer progressive hammer action keys. Are they the same? >>
=========================
"Progressive Hammer Action Keys" and "Weighted Hammer Action" are mostly
marketing terms. The Pianovelle uses a similar gram weight to overcome key
inertia as what you would ordinarily expect to find on a properly regulated
grand piano of an average or medium feel. The simulation of the escapement
helps to make it feel more like a "real" grand action once inertia is overcome
by inserting that slight "hitch" or additional resistance as the key travels
downward, but nobody makes one on a digital piano that feels exactly like the
real thing other than the few companies that do happen to use the real thing
without any hammers actually hitting physical strings. The Pianovelle RP200 is
as good as anybody elses digital piano available regardless of the marketing
name that they may use to describe it.
=========================
<< As far as the speakers, it's suppose to have a six speaker system and 2
70watt amps. Does it still sound bad? That's not good engineering if so.
Besides, I'm not worried about the sound...I can always shut off or change
the built-in speakers as you mentioned. >>
=========================
The speakers inside do not do justice to the quality of sound that it is
capable of generating. If you play it through good headphones or a high
quality speaker system, you will discover just how good the piano sound really
is.
=========================
<< It's going for about $1700, is that good? >>
=========================
That's lower than the original wholesale cost by a few hundred dollars. It's
only a good price to you if it does what you want it to do as well as or better
than whatever else you can find comparably at that price point. From what I
know of the market (not that much as of the past couple years) I'd say that
it's probably a good buy. But it's not my money, so you're the one that needs
to make that assessment.
=========================
<< Also, would you trust to order
one of these from a web vendor? >>
=========================
Depends on who the web vendor is and whether or not I had confidence in them.
I would probably rather get one from somewhere that I could see it and
likewise, in case of a problem, where I could have it serviced. But again, the
real question is, what is your comfort level with online vendors?

Good luck, Richard.

[Mark]

Forget the Baldwin. I suggest: Get a Yamaha P-80 or P-120
Get 2 M Audio dual amplified studio monitors. $1400 total.


Mark

[CoasterCrazy26]

Thanks Larry. This one looks like an original Baldwin...probably from
~1998. I'll keep searching until we find the right piano..whatever that may
be.

CoasterCrazy26

Post by Larry

From: "CoasterCrazy26"
Are they really terrible? I have not been able to find any reviews on the
Baldwin digital pianos anywhere. Could it be due to what you are saying?
I thought the huge price drop was a little suspicious!

Baldwin didn't build any electronics themselves for several years before they
went out of business. They had them built by various other manufacturers. The
ones they sold the last several years were ones they had had in stock in the
warehouse, nothing new was built. So any Baldwin digital that you find will be
at least 2 or 3 years older than the year Baldwin went under. One way to
determine when it was built - many of them will print out the year it was built
in the readout screen right after you turn the unit on.
Larry
Doing the work of 3 men - Larry, Curly, & Moe
Caution: I do not brake for sales weasels

[H. Emmerson Meyers]

I am interested in knowing how the quality of the Baldwin/Gibson grands are
nowadays. Have they kept the quality up? Still making them the same way, in
the same factories?? I've always thought that Baldwin made a decent grand
piano.

Post by Larry

From: "CoasterCrazy26"
Are they really terrible? I have not been able to find any reviews on the
Baldwin digital pianos anywhere. Could it be due to what you are saying?
I thought the huge price drop was a little suspicious!

Baldwin didn't build any electronics themselves for several years before they
went out of business. They had them built by various other manufacturers. The
ones they sold the last several years were ones they had had in stock in the
warehouse, nothing new was built. So any Baldwin digital that you find will be
at least 2 or 3 years older than the year Baldwin went under. One way to
determine when it was built - many of them will print out the year it was built
in the readout screen right after you turn the unit on.
Larry
Doing the work of 3 men - Larry, Curly, & Moe
Caution: I do not brake for sales weasels

[Dave Tempo]

Hmmm...

Try "Zappa and Pianovelle" - I got several hits there of my ranting.

IMO they're really that bad, but it's 7 years later and I'm still a little
ticked off at them for the stunts they pulled both in general with their
dealer base regarding those products as well as some personal attacks from
the powers that were at Baldwin at the time.

DT

Post by CoasterCrazy26
Dave,
Are they really terrible? I have not been able to find any reviews on the
Baldwin digital pianos anywhere. Could it be due to what you are saying?
I thought the huge price drop was a little suspicious! I tried doing a
Google search of dzappa and pianovelle and it does not locate anything. I
will email you for the specific location of the webpage. Thanks.
CoasterCrazy26

Post by Dave Tempo
To say Baldwin digital pianos are terrible is an insult to terrible. I
wouldn't put one in my house if Baldwin payed me. The only reason those
pianos still are in the new retail market is no one wanted to buy them.

The

Post by Dave Tempo
RP came out when I was still selling pianos, and that was 7 years ago.

They

Post by Dave Tempo
haven't manufactured one since to my knowledge - they're still trying to

get

Post by Dave Tempo
rid of the crap they built in the late 90's. For more of my ranting on

the

Post by Dave Tempo
subject do a Google search of dzappa and pianovelle.

Post by CoasterCrazy26
Hi Everyone,
Does anyone own or have had any experience with Baldwin digital pianos

(e.g.

Post by CoasterCrazy26
the RP series)? I am thinking of purchasing one soon and wanted to try

and

Post by CoasterCrazy26
get a little feedback before making the purchase. I went to a piano

store

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26
and someone told me that Baldwin stopped making pianos a few months ago
because another company took over. Can anyone else verify this?
Also, has anyone ever ordered one of these digital pianos from the web?

Can

Post by CoasterCrazy26
you say if this is a safe way to go or should we consider the local

stores?

Post by CoasterCrazy26
Any comments/feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.
CoasterCrazy26

[H. Emmerson Meyers]

How exactly did they attack your person??

Post by Dave Tempo
Hmmm...
Try "Zappa and Pianovelle" - I got several hits there of my ranting.
IMO they're really that bad, but it's 7 years later and I'm still a little
ticked off at them for the stunts they pulled both in general with their
dealer base regarding those products as well as some personal attacks from
the powers that were at Baldwin at the time.
DT

Post by CoasterCrazy26
Dave,
Are they really terrible? I have not been able to find any reviews on the
Baldwin digital pianos anywhere. Could it be due to what you are saying?
I thought the huge price drop was a little suspicious! I tried doing a
Google search of dzappa and pianovelle and it does not locate anything.

I

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26
will email you for the specific location of the webpage. Thanks.
CoasterCrazy26

Post by Dave Tempo
To say Baldwin digital pianos are terrible is an insult to terrible.

I

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26

Post by Dave Tempo
wouldn't put one in my house if Baldwin payed me. The only reason those
pianos still are in the new retail market is no one wanted to buy them.

The

Post by Dave Tempo
RP came out when I was still selling pianos, and that was 7 years ago.

They

Post by Dave Tempo
haven't manufactured one since to my knowledge - they're still trying to

get

Post by Dave Tempo
rid of the crap they built in the late 90's. For more of my ranting on

the

Post by Dave Tempo
subject do a Google search of dzappa and pianovelle.

Post by CoasterCrazy26
Hi Everyone,
Does anyone own or have had any experience with Baldwin digital pianos

(e.g.

Post by CoasterCrazy26
the RP series)? I am thinking of purchasing one soon and wanted to

try

Post by CoasterCrazy26

Post by Dave Tempo
and

Post by CoasterCrazy26
get a little feedback before making the purchase. I went to a piano

store

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26
and someone told me that Baldwin stopped making pianos a few months

ago

Post by CoasterCrazy26

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26
because another company took over. Can anyone else verify this?
Also, has anyone ever ordered one of these digital pianos from the

web?

Post by CoasterCrazy26

Post by Dave Tempo
Can

Post by CoasterCrazy26
you say if this is a safe way to go or should we consider the local

stores?

Post by CoasterCrazy26
Any comments/feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.
CoasterCrazy26

[Dave Tempo]

They pressured my boss in a variety of ways, primarily from a "won't cut a
deal with you" standpoint. I don't know if they were trying to get me fired
or just to get me to shut up but Baldwin's rank and file certainly were a
hell of a lot more difficult to deal with once that all came down.

Post by H. Emmerson Meyers
How exactly did they attack your person??

Post by Dave Tempo
Hmmm...
Try "Zappa and Pianovelle" - I got several hits there of my ranting.
IMO they're really that bad, but it's 7 years later and I'm still a little
ticked off at them for the stunts they pulled both in general with their
dealer base regarding those products as well as some personal attacks from
the powers that were at Baldwin at the time.
DT

Post by CoasterCrazy26
Dave,
Are they really terrible? I have not been able to find any reviews on

the

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26
Baldwin digital pianos anywhere. Could it be due to what you are

saying?

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26
I thought the huge price drop was a little suspicious! I tried doing a
Google search of dzappa and pianovelle and it does not locate anything.

I

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26
will email you for the specific location of the webpage. Thanks.
CoasterCrazy26

Post by Dave Tempo
To say Baldwin digital pianos are terrible is an insult to terrible.

I

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26

Post by Dave Tempo
wouldn't put one in my house if Baldwin payed me. The only reason

those

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26

Post by Dave Tempo
pianos still are in the new retail market is no one wanted to buy

them.

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26
The

Post by Dave Tempo
RP came out when I was still selling pianos, and that was 7 years ago.

They

Post by Dave Tempo
haven't manufactured one since to my knowledge - they're still

trying

Post by H. Emmerson Meyers
to

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26
get

Post by Dave Tempo
rid of the crap they built in the late 90's. For more of my ranting

on

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26
the

Post by Dave Tempo
subject do a Google search of dzappa and pianovelle.

Post by CoasterCrazy26
Hi Everyone,
Does anyone own or have had any experience with Baldwin digital

pianos

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26

Post by Dave Tempo
(e.g.

Post by CoasterCrazy26
the RP series)? I am thinking of purchasing one soon and wanted to

try

Post by CoasterCrazy26

Post by Dave Tempo
and

Post by CoasterCrazy26
get a little feedback before making the purchase. I went to a piano

store

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26
and someone told me that Baldwin stopped making pianos a few months

ago

Post by CoasterCrazy26

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26
because another company took over. Can anyone else verify this?
Also, has anyone ever ordered one of these digital pianos from the

web?

Post by CoasterCrazy26

Post by Dave Tempo
Can

Post by CoasterCrazy26
you say if this is a safe way to go or should we consider the local

stores?

Post by CoasterCrazy26
Any comments/feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.
CoasterCrazy26

[Glenn]

Top 3 reasons to buy a digital piano
Yamaha (Clavinova)
Kawai
Roland
Thats it, everyone else isnt close to the game.
Goos Luck!
My name is Glenn, I sell Pianos

Post by Dave Tempo
They pressured my boss in a variety of ways, primarily from a "won't cut a
deal with you" standpoint. I don't know if they were trying to get me fired
or just to get me to shut up but Baldwin's rank and file certainly were a
hell of a lot more difficult to deal with once that all came down.

Post by H. Emmerson Meyers
How exactly did they attack your person??

Post by Dave Tempo
Hmmm...
Try "Zappa and Pianovelle" - I got several hits there of my ranting.
IMO they're really that bad, but it's 7 years later and I'm still a

little

Post by H. Emmerson Meyers

Post by Dave Tempo
ticked off at them for the stunts they pulled both in general with their
dealer base regarding those products as well as some personal attacks

from

Post by H. Emmerson Meyers

Post by Dave Tempo
the powers that were at Baldwin at the time.
DT

Post by CoasterCrazy26
Dave,
Are they really terrible? I have not been able to find any reviews on

the

Post by H. Emmerson Meyers

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26
Baldwin digital pianos anywhere. Could it be due to what you are

saying?

Post by H. Emmerson Meyers

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26
I thought the huge price drop was a little suspicious! I tried doing

a

Post by H. Emmerson Meyers

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26
Google search of dzappa and pianovelle and it does not locate

anything.
I

Post by H. Emmerson Meyers

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26
will email you for the specific location of the webpage. Thanks.
CoasterCrazy26

Post by Dave Tempo
To say Baldwin digital pianos are terrible is an insult to terrible.

I

Post by H. Emmerson Meyers

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26

Post by Dave Tempo
wouldn't put one in my house if Baldwin payed me. The only reason

those

Post by H. Emmerson Meyers

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26

Post by Dave Tempo
pianos still are in the new retail market is no one wanted to buy

them.
The

Post by H. Emmerson Meyers

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26

Post by Dave Tempo
RP came out when I was still selling pianos, and that was 7 years

ago.
They

Post by H. Emmerson Meyers

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26

Post by Dave Tempo
haven't manufactured one since to my knowledge - they're still

trying
to
get

Post by H. Emmerson Meyers

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26

Post by Dave Tempo
rid of the crap they built in the late 90's. For more of my ranting

on
the

Post by H. Emmerson Meyers

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26

Post by Dave Tempo
subject do a Google search of dzappa and pianovelle.

Post by CoasterCrazy26
Hi Everyone,
Does anyone own or have had any experience with Baldwin digital

pianos
(e.g.

Post by H. Emmerson Meyers

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26
the RP series)? I am thinking of purchasing one soon and wanted

to
try
and

Post by H. Emmerson Meyers

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26
get a little feedback before making the purchase. I went to a

piano
store

Post by H. Emmerson Meyers

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26
and someone told me that Baldwin stopped making pianos a few

months
ago

Post by H. Emmerson Meyers

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26
because another company took over. Can anyone else verify this?
Also, has anyone ever ordered one of these digital pianos from the

web?
Can

Post by H. Emmerson Meyers

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26
you say if this is a safe way to go or should we consider the

local
stores?

Post by H. Emmerson Meyers

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26

Post by Dave Tempo

Post by CoasterCrazy26
Any comments/feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.
CoasterCrazy26

[Larry]

Post by Glenn
Top 3 reasons to buy a digital piano
Yamaha (Clavinova)
Kawai
Roland
Thats it, everyone else isnt close to the game.
Goos Luck!
My name is Glenn, I sell Pianos

Let me guess Glenn..... you're a Korg salesman, right?......



Larry
Doing the work of 3 men - Larry, Curly, & Moe
Caution: I do not brake for sales weasels

[Glenn Grafton]

Post by CoasterCrazy26
Hi Everyone,
Does anyone own or have had any experience with Baldwin digital pianos (e.g.
the RP series)? I am thinking of purchasing one soon and wanted to try and
get a little feedback before making the purchase. snip
Also, has anyone ever ordered one of these digital pianos from the web? Can
you say if this is a safe way to go or should we consider the local stores?
Any comments/feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.
CoasterCrazy26

I wouldn't buy it. A former Baldwin sales rep. shared his opinion that
anything Baldwin made was that had an AC cord on it was...well let's
just say he thought there were better products on the market. This guy
btw has a Baldwin grand at home so he was not trashing Baldwins in
general.

Baldwin was/is primarily a piano company (or is it a guitar company).
Anyway my understanding is that in recent years they farmed out and
re-branded the electronics instruments.

There are plenty of other makes of digital pianos on the market that
sound better, play better, are currently shipping models with
manufacturerers support. Look at those.

The major digital piano manufacturerers are:
Kawai, Technics, Yamaha & Roland

There are many other lesser known and often not as good digitals from
Viscount, Solton, Casio, Kurzweil, etc.
I'd take a look at Technics, they're entry level models compare sound
wise to many other companies higher end models. Kawai digital have
gotten many awards and they are unique in that they have a full length
wooden piano key in models a number of the midrange models.

Try to compare the sound and touch to a regular piano, see which one is
closest. If you don't play bring along someone who does or ask (and
offer to compensate) a teacher or musician to help you. Also evaluate
what the service is like and how comfortable you are with the dealer
selling it. Many dealers contract out the service work and there can be
a long wait in some areas if the service company is understaffed.

Good luck!

[Dave Tempo]

Speaking of which, it's my understanding that Technics no longer makes
digital pianos. True?

Dave (no stake whatsoever in any piano or PSO sold throughout the world -
thank God)

Post by Glenn Grafton

Post by CoasterCrazy26
Hi Everyone,
Does anyone own or have had any experience with Baldwin digital pianos (e.g.
the RP series)? I am thinking of purchasing one soon and wanted to try and
get a little feedback before making the purchase. snip
Also, has anyone ever ordered one of these digital pianos from the web?

Can

Post by Glenn Grafton

Post by CoasterCrazy26
you say if this is a safe way to go or should we consider the local stores?
Any comments/feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.
CoasterCrazy26

I wouldn't buy it. A former Baldwin sales rep. shared his opinion that
anything Baldwin made was that had an AC cord on it was...well let's
just say he thought there were better products on the market. This guy
btw has a Baldwin grand at home so he was not trashing Baldwins in
general.
Baldwin was/is primarily a piano company (or is it a guitar company).
Anyway my understanding is that in recent years they farmed out and
re-branded the electronics instruments.
There are plenty of other makes of digital pianos on the market that
sound better, play better, are currently shipping models with
manufacturerers support. Look at those.
Kawai, Technics, Yamaha & Roland
There are many other lesser known and often not as good digitals from
Viscount, Solton, Casio, Kurzweil, etc.
I'd take a look at Technics, they're entry level models compare sound
wise to many other companies higher end models. Kawai digital have
gotten many awards and they are unique in that they have a full length
wooden piano key in models a number of the midrange models.
Try to compare the sound and touch to a regular piano, see which one is
closest. If you don't play bring along someone who does or ask (and
offer to compensate) a teacher or musician to help you. Also evaluate
what the service is like and how comfortable you are with the dealer
selling it. Many dealers contract out the service work and there can be
a long wait in some areas if the service company is understaffed.
Good luck!
--
Glenn Grafton
Grafton Piano & Organ Co.
1-877-GRAFTON (877-472-3866)
1081 County Line Rd. Souderton PA 18964
http://www.graftonpiano.com/

[Larry]

From: "Dave Tempo"
Speaking of which, it's my understanding that Technics no longer makes
digital pianos. True?

True.


Larry
Doing the work of 3 men - Larry, Curly, & Moe
Caution: I do not brake for sales weasels

[Dave Andrews]

From: "Dave Tempo"
Speaking of which, it's my understanding that Technics no longer makes
digital pianos. True?

True.

It can be legitimately argued that none of the other manufacturers mentioned
make them either. The term "Digital Piano" is an oxymoron.

[Mark]

Post by Dave Andrews
. The term "Digital Piano" is an oxymoron.
--

Really? Really really? Ha.


Mark

[Glenn]

Post by Dave Andrews

From: "Dave Tempo"
Speaking of which, it's my understanding that Technics no longer makes
digital pianos. True?

True.

It can be legitimately argued that none of the other manufacturers mentioned
make them either. The term "Digital Piano" is an oxymoron.
--
With All Due Respect,
Dave Andrews
D. W. Andrews Associates
Church Music System Specialists

Gees; Larry there is hope for you, I thought we were going to let the
guy think Technics were still around...
Hey, Dave;
Real world info;
Last year digital pianos outsold acoustics by 3-1, (And that doesnt
include, the ones sold in the big box stores)
The typical American buyer, is out to replace even your church systems
with a $1695. digital. Time to look into taking on the Casio line for
your biz, eh?
My name is Glenn and I sell pianos

Post by Dave Andrews
"Two Hacks Working Out Of A Garage"
Disclaimer: If there are two ways to take my words,
always assume I was after the cheap laugh.

[Larry]

Post by Glenn
Gees; Larry there is hope for you, I thought we were going to let the
guy think Technics were still around...

Nah. That's why I told him they weren't.

Post by Glenn
Hey, Dave;
Real world info: Last year digital pianos outsold acoustics by 3-1

Toaster Oven Makers of the World Unite!!!!

Post by Glenn
My name is Glenn and I sell pianos

My name is Larry and I don't.




Larry
The Wizard of Ahhhhs

[Dave Andrews]

Post by Larry
Toaster Oven Makers of the World Unite!!!!

Don't forget Blender Makers. Technics has nothing on Oster.

Post by Larry

Post by Glenn
My name is Glenn and I sell pianos

My name is Larry and I don't.

Yeah, but you used to, you capitalist pig.

Post by Larry
Larry
The Wizard of Ahhhhs

Dave, the Dolt of Dollywood.

Glenn doesn't realize that I know his brother, met his father Cal many years
ago, and am well aware that his posts here on RMMP are rather transparent.
Helpful advice steering pedestrians into his store. Not that there's anything
wrong with that, it just amuses me that he believes this to be a worthwhile
marketing endeavor. I think I'd be more inclined to do direct mail in a close
radius.

[Glenn Grafton]

Post by Dave Andrews
Dave, the Dolt of Dollywood.
Glenn doesn't realize that I know his brother, met his father Cal many years
ago, and am well aware that his posts here on RMMP are rather
transparent. Helpful advice steering pedestrians into his store. Not
that there's anything
wrong with that, it just amuses me that he believes this to be a worthwhile
marketing endeavor. I think I'd be more inclined to do direct mail in a close
radius.

Well glad to know that you know some of us here. As far as being
transparent I don't think that's really the case.

I actually got involved here on this group a number of years ago at the
suggestion of a customer. He was an engineer at Lucent and was using
this group to try to get more up to speed on pianos. He visited here
and had a lot of questions that he felt that I had answered for him
well. He suggested that I take a look at this group and contribute as
he felt that my input might help others.

I started working here in grade school about 36 years ago. As I gew up
in the business I learned how to do burn-ins, refinishing, deliveries
and repairs all before I was in high school. In college I did work for
a number of piano stores in the Hollywood - Ft. Lauderdale area. After
college I worked in the shop here at the store for a number of years
restoring, rebuilding and refinishing pianos. When I was in my early
20's I moved into sales.

Over the years I've been asked for input by some of the major
manufacturerers on product development. I spent an entire day with the
Japanese liason for Yamaha here in our store back around 1980. In reply
to his question about what products Yamaha should be making that they
aren't I outlined that Yamaha should build a piano instrument using
digital tone generation but be housed in a furniture style cabinet with
built in speakers. No one was making a digital piano like that then and
I told him that Yamaha would probably sell a few of them if they came
out with a product like that : ). About a year or so after that Yamaha
came out with the first Clavinova.

I still have a hand in the service end just tuned a Petrof grand
yesterday and a repaired the moulding on a console lid this morning
that broke. I've sold and shipped pianos around the world, gotten 9'
concert grands in windows and figured out how to get 4 manual church
organs up in choir lofts. So I figure I might have a little bit of
insight in pianos to offer here.

As to steering people to our store goes. Most of the people that read
these posts are not in our area and we can't sell them anything anyway.
Selling a piano from PA to a person in Wisconsin would violate most of
our dealer agreements anyway. You may notice that in my post I
suggested several brands that we do not carry. If I were looking to
just sell her something I wouldn't have done that.

As far as a worthwhile markting endeavor goes. I have had people (some
that are in our area, but most often they're from outside and it's free
advice) that have done a google search of groups and called or emailed
me since they felt that I seemed to know what I was talking about.

I'd love to find someone like that for the cell phone I got this week,
as I've got a lot of questions on how to pair it with my T3 Palm to get
on the Internet via bluetooth. The folks at Cingular are not much help.
Anyone you care to recommend?

[Dave Andrews]

Glenn Grafton ***@nospamgraftonpiano.com wrote:

<< Well glad to know that you know some of us here. >>

Say hello to Dennis for me, Glenn.

<< As far as being transparent I don't think that's really the case. I
actually got involved here on this group a number of years ago at the
suggestion of a customer. >>

I've read many of your posts for lo these many years.

Good luck.

[RonGardini]

It all becomes a by product of cost. I am playing on a General Music semi pro
workstation at church that is another version of the Pianovelle 2600. It is
quite nice.
In the very earliest days of the Pianovelle, there were some opportunities for
product improvement, which did happen.

The intended use, the cost, and the ability of the player would be the
ingredients to be considered for a purchase decision.

good Luck,
Gardini

[Glenn Grafton]

Post by Glenn Grafton
snip
There are plenty of other makes of digital pianos on the market that

Post by Glenn Grafton
sound better, play better, are currently shipping models with
manufacturerers support. Look at those.
Kawai, Technics, Yamaha & Roland
There are many other lesser known and often not as good digitals from
Viscount, Solton, Casio, Kurzweil, etc.
I'd take a look at Technics, they're entry level models compare sound
wise to many other companies higher end models. snip Good luck!

On 2004-07-21 20:22:52 -0400, "Dave Tempo"

Post by Glenn Grafton
Speaking of which, it's my understanding that Technics no longer makes
digital pianos. True?
Dave (no stake whatsoever in any piano or PSO sold throughout the world -
thank God)

That is true, Panasonic, the parent company of Technics has ceased
manufacturing Technics musical instruments.

In context however Pansonic, the company remains; same ownership, same
warranty. Parts, service manuals, etc. for Technics have always been
handled through Panasonic, not the Digital Musical Instruments group.

There are other examples similar to this; Apple discontinued
manufacturing laser and inkjet printers. Sony recently announced that
they were ceasing to manufacture their Palm compatible PDA's.
(Panasonic btw is larger than Sony). In all 3 of these cases the parent
company is still there to offer technical assistance, honor warranty
claims and provide parts. As far as parts goes, don't assume that parts
availability is better with other companies. Yamaha did not have a
replacement music rack for a CVP for a customer of ours that was less
than 10 years old.

I sold some Technics SX-KN7000 keyboards that we had to a dealer who
was a Roland dealer as well. I asked him how he felt the Rolands
compared to the Technics. He said they didn't at all. Which at first I
wasn't sure what he meant. He said; "don't get me wrong, the Rolands
are good and perfectly saleable. Putting an entry level Technics
SX-PC12 next to a comparable Roland however the Technics blows the
Roland out of the water sound wise."

That is why I mentioned Technics. Keyboard magazine said the same thing
a few issues back, basically recommending that it's a good time to
snatch one up as the pricing would probably be favorable.

[Dave Tempo]

Post by Glenn Grafton
I sold some Technics SX-KN7000 keyboards that we had to a dealer who
was a Roland dealer as well. I asked him how he felt the Rolands
compared to the Technics. He said they didn't at all. Which at first I
wasn't sure what he meant. He said; "don't get me wrong, the Rolands
are good and perfectly saleable. Putting an entry level Technics
SX-PC12 next to a comparable Roland however the Technics blows the
Roland out of the water sound wise."

I do remember that in the 61 - 76 note "ensemble" keyboard market (you
know - the one's that were more syth than piano) Technics kicked everyone's
ass in my never humble opinion. Kinda wish I had one.

DT

[Mizz Marcia Ryder]

Post by Glenn Grafton

Post by CoasterCrazy26
Hi Everyone,
Does anyone own or have had any experience with Baldwin digital pianos (e.g.
the RP series)? I am thinking of purchasing one soon and wanted to try and
get a little feedback before making the purchase. snip

<snip>
They make digitals?

Post by Glenn Grafton
Kawai, Technics, Yamaha & Roland

What is Korg? A boat anchor?

Post by Glenn Grafton
There are many other lesser known and often not as good digitals from
Viscount, Solton, Casio, Kurzweil, etc.

Hmmm, perhaps Kurzweil is lesser known but I'd hardly call it
"not as good".
<snip the spam>

Marsha

[Tony Elka]

Another approach to digital pianos is to purchase an 88 key weighted
MIDI controller, and use it with an external digital piano module. As
the modules improve and you upgrade, you don't have to change
keyboards.

I use a Peavey DPM C8 with a Yamaha rack Motif synth for piano sounds.
I also have a Roland FP-1, that I use to control an Alesis box with
their piano card, I've also used it with a Kurzweill rack unit.

Tony

[Jonathan ;o}]

Post by Tony Elka
Another approach to digital pianos is to purchase an 88 key weighted
MIDI controller, and use it with an external digital piano module. As
the modules improve and you upgrade, you don't have to change
keyboards.
I use a Peavey DPM C8 with a Yamaha rack Motif synth for piano sounds.
I also have a Roland FP-1, that I use to control an Alesis box with
their piano card, I've also used it with a Kurzweill rack unit.
Tony

Can you recommend a good, solid (but lightweight) soundless controller with
an action similar to the Yamaha P series? I'm tempted to go this route but
wouldn't know what to buy.

I need something compact, but the action is important to me, must be firm.

Jonathan ;o}

[Tony Elka]

Post by Jonathan ;o}
Can you recommend a good, solid (but lightweight) soundless controller with
an action similar to the Yamaha P series? I'm tempted to go this route but
wouldn't know what to buy.
I need something compact, but the action is important to me, must be firm.

For something like that, I'd go to a musical instrument store, as
opposed to a piano shop, and try them all. Someplace like Guitar
Center that has a keyboard section. They vary in price, size and
weight, I think the lightest would be manufactured by Fatar.

Sometimes, you'll find the best controller also has it's own internal
sounds. But as long as it's got MIDI out, and they all do, you can use
it to control anybody's piano module.

It won't look like furniture, but it will work, and be portable. You
might want to look at stands and folding benches while you're at it.
Drummer's thrones are often a good alternative to the portable benches.

Tony

[Jonathan ;o}]

Many thanks

Jonathan ;o}

Post by Tony Elka

Post by Jonathan ;o}
Can you recommend a good, solid (but lightweight) soundless controller with
an action similar to the Yamaha P series? I'm tempted to go this route but
wouldn't know what to buy.
I need something compact, but the action is important to me, must be firm.

For something like that, I'd go to a musical instrument store, as
opposed to a piano shop, and try them all. Someplace like Guitar
Center that has a keyboard section. They vary in price, size and
weight, I think the lightest would be manufactured by Fatar.
Sometimes, you'll find the best controller also has it's own internal
sounds. But as long as it's got MIDI out, and they all do, you can use
it to control anybody's piano module.
It won't look like furniture, but it will work, and be portable. You
might want to look at stands and folding benches while you're at it.
Drummer's thrones are often a good alternative to the portable benches.
Tony

[Gary Rimar]

I don't know what your budget is for this, but considering that the Yamaha P
series checks in at about 40 pounds, you may end up buying one of those
anyway and using it as an (albeit somewhat wimpy) controller.

Post by Tony Elka

Post by Jonathan ;o}
Can you recommend a good, solid (but lightweight) soundless controller with
an action similar to the Yamaha P series? I'm tempted to go this route but
wouldn't know what to buy.
I need something compact, but the action is important to me, must be firm.

For something like that, I'd go to a musical instrument store, as
opposed to a piano shop, and try them all. Someplace like Guitar
Center that has a keyboard section. They vary in price, size and
weight, I think the lightest would be manufactured by Fatar.
Sometimes, you'll find the best controller also has it's own internal
sounds. But as long as it's got MIDI out, and they all do, you can use
it to control anybody's piano module.
It won't look like furniture, but it will work, and be portable. You
might want to look at stands and folding benches while you're at it.
Drummer's thrones are often a good alternative to the portable benches.
Tony

[CoasterCrazy26]

Hi Glenn,
On July 21, you wrote:

<snip>...

Post by Glenn Grafton
There are plenty of other makes of digital pianos on the market that
sound better, play better, are currently shipping models with
manufacturerers support. Look at those.
Kawai, Technics, Yamaha & Roland

<snip>...


Could you recommend any particular Roland/Yamaha/Kawai digital models that
are excellent in sound quality and is priced in the range from $1500 -
$2500? The main considerations are 88-key progressive hammer action, 64-note
polyphony, MIDI, and a very nice looking piano cabinet.

Thanks.

CoasterCrazy26

[Glenn]

Post by CoasterCrazy26
Hi Glenn,
<snip>...

Post by Glenn Grafton
There are plenty of other makes of digital pianos on the market that
sound better, play better, are currently shipping models with
manufacturerers support. Look at those.
Kawai, Technics, Yamaha & Roland

<snip>...
Could you recommend any particular Roland/Yamaha/Kawai digital models that
are excellent in sound quality and is priced in the range from $1500 -
$2500? The main considerations are 88-key progressive hammer action, 64-note
polyphony, MIDI, and a very nice looking piano cabinet.
Thanks.
CoasterCrazy26

I could recommend many but, I'm not buying one and playing it. Go to a
Yamaha, Roland and Kawai dealer. Play on any mid product line unit (or
two) and see what you think. Talk to each sales person, leave, go home
have a beer or a nap, and then call the store up and buy the one you
like. You should find something nice in that price range (under $2300)
esp. in the middle of the summer doldrums. Also; a few dealers may
have some left over Technics digitals that normaly would cost much
more that they want to get rid of. Just make sure the dealer has a
service dept. for warranty support in case ( a rarity) you develop a
problem.
My name is Glenn (I have no brothers) and I sell pianos.

[r***@gmail.com]

I just bought one from piano teacher. So far I love it.
Looking for disk:
***@gmail.com