Classenti Digital Piano Questions

“I need a piano that’s easy to manoeuver, has a good sound, and is safe to store”

Dear Graham,

At the moment we are exploring all options , as you would appreciate starting in this new adventure money is tight ! so the choice has to be right.

The piano you recommended the Classenti CDP1 seems a great choice, as it is not fussy with all the extras that are not required and i am particularly impressed
with the sound output.

I have also chatted with the pianist of another local choir and they use a stage piano – the reasons given easy to manoeuver, good sound, and safe to store.

I really value your opinion, as you obviously know your pianos- with great passion!! could this be another way to go? if so what do you recommend??.

Thanks Graham,

Kind Regards,

Andrew..

Reply/ Hi Andrew

If you need to move the piano frequently and store
it away, then a stage piano would be more suitable
for you.

The Classenti P1 is the one I recommend.

The P1 is similar to the CDP1, but it’s smaller,
and easily portable.

You can read more about it here:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/classenti-p1-portable-piano

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

 

Graham Howard, Piano Adviser

Send me an email if you have any questions or need advice: grahamhoward@ukpianos.co.uk
Or call 020 8367 5107

 

“Does the Classenti CDP1 and CDP2 allow interaction with any piano tuition PC software?”

Hi Graham,

I have a quick question regarding learning to play the piano using a digital
piano, specifically either the Classenti CDP2 or CDP1.

With a MIDI interface do either of the above pianos allow interaction with any
piano tuition PC software?
I’m an adult learner (real beginner) who is just starting out and will soon be
looking for either one of the above pianos as a first time buy. If so, can you
recommend a good software program for beginners tuition on notes and scales?

Many thanks,

Steve

Reply/ Hi Steve

Both the Classenti CDP1 and CDP2 have MIDI
IN/OUT connections. This allows you to connect
directly to your computer.

There is a number of online piano courses. Some
good, some not so good…

The most comprehensive – and easiest to follow –
online piano course is the ‘Rocket Piano’ by
Ruth Searle.

… This is the best online course by far. It’s
packed full of really useful tips and simple
lessons.

I can confidently recommend it to you.

You can find out more about here:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/rocket-piano-online-course1

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

 

“Differences between P1 and CDP1”

Hi Graham,

Many thanks for this – I heard that you were ‘on holiday’ so I appreciate your time in
replying.

One last question.  I have listened to some more Classenti videos and found a much nicer
sound – perhaps it was that particular video.  I will consider buying either the
Classenti P1 bundle, or the CDP1 bundle.  There is about one hundred pounds difference.
Please could you tell me what the main differences are in sound quality, portability,
general utility for a beginner, and resale value?  Thank you.

Zoe.

Reply/ Hi Zoe

I’m on holiday. Sort of…

I get up at 5.30 am and do some emails before
breakfast. Then I can enjoy the rest of the day.

The Classenti CDP1 has a slightly more realistic
sound than the P1…

This is due to the extra 10 watts from the speakers.
And also the position of the speakers.

The P1 is more portable. Although it’s heavy, it’s
much easier to take apart and move around.

For a beginner, either piano would be ideal.

The resale value is good on both. The CDP1 is
more popular, so you would get slightly more
for it second hand.

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

 

“Concerned about the installation”

Graham

Still want to buy a Classenti CDP2 piano, but concerned about the
installation.

Do you provide an assembly, installation and setup service?  If so,  how
much is this?

Regards, Patricia

Reply/ Hi Patricia

Yes we do offer a set up and installation.

Where do you live?

By the way, the Classenti CDP2 is very easy to
put together…

In fact, it’s far less hassle than putting
together a simple cabinet from Ikea…

Should take you about 15 minutes max.

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

 

“Is there some history here – perhaps to do with the fact that Classenti don’t market through showrooms?”

Hi Graham:

We spoke on the phone about 10 days ago. I mentioned coming to the showroom
to try out a Classenti CDP2.

I asked around locally whether anyone owned one, so that I could do a bit of
research. I got a surprising phone call from a piano showroom in Birmingham
(I think Crafthouse or colbeck?, on the Chester Road near the M6): the guy
said whatever I did, do NOT get a Classenti. I asked why, and he said it’s
just not a good piano.

Question 1: Is there some history here – perhaps to do with the fact that
Classenti don’t market through showrooms? The showrooms can then argue that
they CHOOSE not to stock them because they’re ‘not good pianos’ etc. You
speak quite well of Classenti CDP2 in your book. Why do you think these
people might want to put me off  buying one

Question 2: Among alternatives in a similar price range, just under the
thousand mark, the two that strike me as possibles are Yamaha CLP320 and
Roland RP201. Are they worth that little extra? I want something that gives
me a decent ‘body’ of sound in Beethoven, Brahms and co.

Question 3: The journey to Enfield from here (Evesham, Worcs) is 3 hours
plus from station to station, and then a good bit of a walk from Enfield
Town. Or would via Southbury be better?

Sorry to plague you with so many questions – I ‘d appreciate it if during
the next few days you could find the time to advise me.

Yours sincerely, David

Reply/

Hi David

It’s absolutely true that if a shop doesn’t
stock – or cannot get supply of – a particular
brand (especially if they get asked about it
a lot), then they will say negative things about
that brand…

It’s totally unprofessional, of course, but
that’s what often happens.

This is also true if you mention to them that
you’ve seen a lower price online for a piano
they’ve got in their showroom…

They’ll do everything in their power to put
you off buying online. I could list all their
reasons here… but that would take all
afternoon, and probably bore you.

There is always a war between music shops and
online sellers. And always an argument about
which brands are the best…

Anyway, I think I’ve rambled enough about that.

The Roland RP201 just has too light a touch.

The Yamaha CLP320 is better, also has a nicer,
warmer sound, but, again, the touch is on the
light side.

We are 5 minutes walk from Enfield Town station.
And 15 minutes walk from Southbury station.

It would be good to see you in our showroom if
you can find time to come down.

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

Further comments/

Thanks for answering so comprehensively.

For me, it gets to look like the Classenti CDP2, doesn’t it.

Logistically I need to try to work my elder daughter into the visit somehow,
as she’s looking to buy something more in the YDP range; but she commutes in
the week from Tooting from Hatfield would you believe, so I’m not too
confident she’ll want to use a Saturday to do a similar journey. But I’m
seeing her this w/end, and I’ll ask her. Either way, I’ll be in touch soon
to arrange a time when I can come to you and have a chance to try the
Classenti out.

Thanks again for so helpful a reply, David

 

“Do you know the digital sampling source for their grand piano sound?”

Hi Graham,

I’m really intrigued with that I’ve seen about the CDP2 Classenti model.

I play mostly classical- space and budget are crucial. The most
important thing to me is touch and sound (and for $1,400) it seems almost
too good to be true.

1.) Do you know the digital sampling source for thier grand piano sound?
I’ve owned a Steinway and am particular to that big American/European sound
vs. the Japanese Yamaha tone.

2.) Being state-side (Connecticut)- where’s the best place to purchase this
model?

Thanks! Great book, by the way, very informative.

Jason

Reply/ Hi Jason

I’m not sure which piano Classenti used to sample
their sound.

But judging from the piano’s rich, deep, sonorous
tone, it’s likely that they used a mixture of a Steinway
and Bechstein concert grand.

I’m not sure where to purchase a Classenti in
the United States.

Try contacting Classenti directly: info@classenti.com

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

 

“Classenti CDP1 on Hire For 6 Months Scheme?”

We are considering your “hire for 6mths and buy” scheme as a good option.  The classenti sounds impressive – but unlike the Yamaha, there doesnt seem to be any stockists in this area of the country, (north west – Lancashire)  where we  could go and view/try it.

One of the comments I have come across on a piano review site (pianoreviews.org) which concerned me about the CDP1, was the following -it  was “the una corda is much too sensitive so I cant soften the melody at selected times”. Could you explain this to me, as my daughter doesn’t seem to have a clue.

Also I note that it has no sliding key cover although a throw over cover does come with the “bundle”.  However we have a perfectly good and antique piano stool that she uses with our upright now, so I am reluctant to purchase another. I think it would go nicely with the cherry classenti (Does the keyboard height differ on a digital from an acoustic upright?)

For a 10yr old, would it be worth going that bit further on the better model CDP2 or the Yamaha CLP320? (Bearing in mind she will probably keep going until the end of high school which will be about grade 6 – and then it would be up to her depending on which direction she wanted to go – as to if she continued)
If you can find your way to answering these queries I would be most grateful.

Regards
Elaine

Reply/

Hi Elaine

The ‘Una Corda’ pedal is the left one out of
the three.

This pedal might be used when you want to play
a very quiet section of music (in musical terms
it’s ‘ppp’).

When you press the pedal down you get a softer
sound.

On an upright piano the change of volume is
barely noticeable.

On a grand piano it shifts the keyboard to the
right. This means the hammer will strike 2
strings instead of 3 in the treble, and 1
instead of 2 in the bass. It’s more effective
on a grand piano.

Digital pianos try to emulate a real piano.
But with the Classenti it’s a little overdone…

The pedal works fine, it just tends to reduce
the volume level a little more than normal.

This pedal is rarely used anyway. At least
not until grade 6 and above.

For a 10 year old I would go with the Classenti
CDP1. This piano will see your daughter up
to at least grade 7 anyway.

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard