Schimmel Pianos 

Questions and Comments

Hi Graham

You will probably think I am mad but I am thinking of replacing my 4 year old Schimmel acoustic upright with a digital model. When I bought that piano new I had it fitted with the Pianodisc silent system because of its MIDI capability that I wanted for recording purposes (and general messing around with digital music reproduction). Now I know there is no substitute for a 'real' piano but the fact is I use mine far more often in digital mode than acoustic. A few reasons for that: the MIDI possibilities I already mentioned, and I play more confidently and less self-consciously using headphones (I am a late learner). I DO NOT perform in public. Trouble is that the silent system is not the complete answer and I am finding the silencing mechanism is prone to get out of adjustment.

Given that my new piano cost £7000 I guess I can almost say that money is no object (within reason) when buying the best possible digital given the part ex deal I am likely/hoping to get.

What are my options here do you think? Are the top digital models only costly because of the on-board gizmos, because I already have all that software (sequencer/virtual piano) on my computer? 

I'd be glad of your thoughts.

Paul

Hi Paul

I had to read this sentence twice:

"I am thinking of replacing my 4 year old Schimmel acoustic upright with a digital model"

"I am thinking of replacing my 4 year old Schimmel acoustic upright with a digital model"

I wouldn't dare call you mad, but point taken about being able to play more confidently and less self-consciously using headphones.

If this were me I would definitely try to get the very best sounding digital piano with the most realistic touch -- I think the touch is more important than the sound, especially if you are intending to play with headphones most of the time.

** Most digital pianos sound amazing with headphones plugged in. **

The pianos you should consider are the Yamaha CLP240, CLP270 and the Roland HP207.

The CLP240 is the best value for money in my opinion. The CLP270 offers additional features and sounds and tonnes of stuff you probably would
never use. The sound and touch is minutely better.

The Roland HP207 is an interesting alternative to the Yamaha. Some love the 'Roland Sound' while others (like me) do not. The touch is fairly good
and I think it really comes down to individual taste.

Best of luck with your choice Paul.

Regards,
Graham Howard
UK Pianos

Further comments

Aw Graham, now I do feel bad about having these thoughts but it may not happen anyway. I will be doing some research and playing in-store as much as possible but if it doesn’t feel the right thing to do I won’t.
 
I;m surprised that you are pitching my options at the low-ish end given that there are far more expensive models up the range – including Baby Grand types. Are you saying that the quality up there is no better and not worth it? As I say, given my hopes on a part-ex deal I am happy to look in that area.
 
Because the Pianodisc’s synth was so lousy I have until recently always used a Roland as the MIDI synth whish IS an amazing piece of kit but although the array of instruments and effects are great I quickly tired of any of their solo piano patches and maybe their digital piano offerings would be the same for me. For that reason I have recently moved to virtual piano software, namely Pianoteq which is amazing and much more satisfying.

I went for the CLP270 - something on your website about rapid depreciation when new models made me less confident in paying more for a posh polished case!

Regards, Paul

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