Korg SP250

Description

Colour: Black (also available in white)

(Includes stand, music rest and pedal)

Discontinued, replaced by SP280.

Buy a carry bag to protect your Korg SP250, more details

(Thick padding, large pockets, shoulder strap, nametag, 5 year guarantee)

Pianos to compare with Korg SP250:

Compare Broadway AB1, Hadley S1

Description

Korg SP-250 – 60 note polyphonic, 2x 11watts, 30 sounds, reverb and chorus effects, layer function with individual volume control. Outputs: L/R, 2x headphones, damper, MIDI (in/out). Includes keyboard stand, music stand, sustain pedal and power supply. Dimensions: 140 x 1295 x 380mm(HxWxD). Weight: 19kg. Colour: Black.

When you buy an acoustic piano, you don’t need to buy extras like headphones or damper pedals, so why should buying a digital piano be any different? The Korg SP-250 brings you the sound and feel of a real piano in a package that’s as complete as the real thing. You get a sturdy stand, built-in speakers, and even an integrated damper pedal right out of the box. Oh yeah, and you get an amazingly realistic, stereo sampled piano sound and an 88-key keyboard that feels like its attached to an instrument at Carnegie Hall. Whether you’re a novice looking for a keyboard to learn on, or an old hat who needs a compact piano, the SP-250 will have you up and playing right out of the box.

Everything You Need Is Included

The Korg SP-250 may just be the most complete digital piano package you can get. Included is, among other things, a sturdy and robust stand. Don’t go sitting your keyboard atop the dining room table or your desk; after all, what good is a compact keyboard if it just uses up more work space? The SP-250’s stand is not only robust, but because it was designed only for the keyboard it comes with, you know it’s going to be the very best fit, with no wobbling or tipping. Another feature that’s optional for most keyboards in this price range, but standard for the SP-250, is the included damper pedal. This pedal gives you access to realistic acoustic piano damping action, adding to the realism and expressiveness of this instrument. The pedal even attaches securely to the integrated stand, so it won’t slide back and forth when you’re playing. Add to this Korg’s built-in, powerful, full range speaker system, and you’ve got a complete digital piano package, ready to play right out of the box.

Detailed, Realistic Piano Reproduction

Those speakers sport enough power (11 watts each) and range (bass-reflex port for extended low-end) to faithfully reproduce the inspiring, stereo sampled piano sounds on the SP-250. Korg sampled a perfectly tuned piano in true stereo, from a variety of different mic placements for a palette of beautiful piano sounds to make any keyboardist–or engineer, for that matter–envious. In particular, the samples on the Korg are longer in length than just about any other keyboard in this class, meaning slow, emotive passages are even more dramatic, full, and authentic, with no audible loop splicing to spoil the atmosphere. The SP-250 also boasts a number of additional instrument voices, including electric piano sounds, pipe organs, blues organs, mallet percussion, and orchestral sounds. Whether you’re playing your SP-250 in a worship service, a jazz trio, or at cocktail hour, you’ll have the appropriate sound at your disposal. There’s even effects like reverb and chorusing built-in, to enhance your favorite instrument sounds, and if you’re feeling really experimental, check out the instrument layering function.

Experiences Korg’s Third-Generation Weighted Keyboard

Adding to the real-piano experience afforded by the SP-250’s realistic piano sound is Korg’s RH3 weighted-action keyboard. This latest refinement of the “Real Hammer” mechanism, the RH3 keys are weighted differently depending on where they are in the keyboard’s range, emulating the subtle variations in action of an acoustic piano’s keyboard. Folks used to playing on an acoustic instrument will appreciate the quick response and familiar feel of the RH3 keys, while new players will be getting the accurate piano experience they’ll need to be comfortable on the real thing later on. Not only are the keys on the SP-250 substantial and responsive, but their sensitivity range can be adjusted to suit the player. . . try doing that on a real piano!

The Perfect Practice Partner

The SP-250 offers plenty of extras to make practice more efficient, whether you’re rehearsing by yourself or with a private instructor. A flexible metronome is on board with an intuitive slider for tempo adjustment. You get two headphone outputs for student and teacher, and a transpose function to play along with your favorite songs, even if you’re not sure what key they’re in. Of course, nothing will improve your playing more than more playing, and nothing will inspire you to play more than a digital piano that sounds and feels as good as the Korg SP-250.

Korg brings a heightened level of realism and feel to its line of portable stage pianos with the new SP-250.The SP-250 provides an expanded range of expression and performance with an outstanding new stereo piano sound, which is matched to a third-generation RH3 graded action keyboard. The SP-250 Stage Piano is the perfect answer for any pianist looking for rich piano sounds and the convenience of a lightweight, portable instrument.

Superb Piano Sound

The robust sound of a concert grand piano has been carefully and lavishly sampled for the SP-250. Differences in playing dynamics and position in the stereo field have been faithfully captured, delivering naturally expressive piano sounds that recreate every detail. The SP-250’s all-new piano samples are longer than other pianos in its class. Increased length means the piano sound sustains more naturally, so the piano sounds more real throughout the performance, not just at the attack. Three versions of this wonderful piano sound are provided to cover different tastes and genre needs. To round out the piano offerings, the SP-250 also features a vintage electric grand sound, as well as an authentic honky-tonk piano.

Grand Piano Playing Experience

The SP-250 is the first Korg stage piano to feature the all new RH3 real weighted hammer action. This state-of-the-art key mechanism features differing key weights in each register of the keyboard, delivering the same playing experience as a grand piano. The keyboard is exceptionally responsive, even when playing quickly repeated figures, to preserve every expressive nuance of the performer. The Key Touch Control provides three selectable touch curves, delivering the perfect touch sensitivity for every playing style or type of song. Yet even with such a robust keyboard, the SP-250 weighs less than 42 pounds (19 kg.).

A Wide Palette of Sounds

In addition to its remarkable new piano sound, the SP-250 includes a rich array of sounds that will extend your performance possibilities. An assortment of classic electric pianos (reed and tine styles), church and jazz organs, string and choir sounds, harpsichord and clav(s), even mallet percussion and guitar sounds are available at the touch of a button. Two sounds can be layered together to play simultaneously; and of course you can adjust the balance to get the perfect blend. To help you audition the sounds 30 demonstration songs ranging from classics to originals are built in, showing off all the sounds in a variety of musical genres.

Dual Effects

To further enhance the sound, the SP-250 provides both a Reverb effect that recreates the spaciousness of a concert hall, and a Chorus effect that adds a colorful depth to the sound. The effects settings have been optimized for each individual sound and the user can choose from three levels – Light, Normal and Deep – to complement his or her performance.

Style and Versatility

The chic black design is highlighted by metal and wood-grain accents, with a solid music rack included that mounts in seconds. The control panel is simple and easy-to-use and includes 19 LED indicators for instant visual feedback. The SP-250 is perfect for those who appreciate quality in both sound and design.

Full Range Sound System

The SP-250 contains a custom system featuring two 10 cm dual-cone speakers matched to a pair of 11W amplifiers that beautifully reproduces its rich sounds. The bass-reflex speaker system ensures that every bit of the deep resonances distinctive to a great piano will be heard.

Stand and Pedal Included

The SP-250 includes a high-quality damper pedal that is so important for proper piano performance. It provides the ultimate expressive control thanks to half-pedaling, which is a variable damping effect based on how deep you press the pedal, rather than the simple on/off switch found on cheaper instruments. The dedicated stand is both simple and stylish, and fits securely into a recessed area in the bottom of the piano providing a remarkably solid feel. The stand’s lower crossbar even prevents the pedal from ‘creeping’ forward in performance. Best of all, the SP-250 can be easily removed from the stand for moving and taking around for live performances.

Convenient Features

Two headphones can be connected simultaneously, for student and teacher use or family enjoyment. Thanks to stereo outputs, you can listen to the sounds of the SP-250 through external speakers, great for professional performances, schools and places of worship, and for recording purposes. MIDI In/Out jacks connect the SP-250 to a synthesizer or other MIDI-equipped device (computer/sequencer) allowing the SP-250 to be used as both a master keyboard and a 16-part multitimbral sound module for performance and composition.

The Key Transpose function lets you shift the pitch of the instrument to match the key of a singer, or to play along with your favorite CDs. An onboard Metronome is convenient for practicing. You can add an accent to the first beat (with normal or bell sounds), and adjust its volume. There’s also a dedicated slider for easy adjustment of the tempo.

In addition to equal temperament, the SP-250 provides the two most common Baroque and Classical era tunings (Kirnberger and Werckmeister) for historically-accurate performances.

Technical Info

Keyboard: 88 notes, Real Weighted Hammer Action 3 keyboard

Touch Control: Light, Normal, Heavy

Sound Generation: Stereo Sampling System

Polyphony: 60 notes maximum

Programs: 30 sounds (5 Pianos, 7 Electric Pianos, Harpsichord, 2 Clavs, Vibraphone, Marimba, Acoustic Guitar, 3 Jazz Organs, 3 Church Organs, 3 Strings, 3 Choirs) Two Programs can be layered

Effects: Reverb, Chorus (3 levels each)

Demo: 30 songs (10 songs in 3 banks)

Sound System:

2 Dual Cone Speakers (2 x 10 cm) with bass-reflex speaker box

2 x 11 Watt

Tuning: Key Transpose, Fine Tuning, Temperament (Equal, Kirnberger, Werkmeister)

Pedal: Damper (included). Half-pedaling supported

Metronome: Tempo, Time Signature, Accent and Volume controls

Power Supply: DC 12V (External AC adapter) 3.5A

Power Consumption: 42 Watts

Dimensions (WxDxH): 50.98 x 14.96 x 5.51 in. (1,295 x 380 x 140 mm) main unit only, not including stand

Weight: 41.89 lbs. (19 kg) main unit only, not including stand.

Accessories (Included): Stand, Music rest, Sustain pedal, AC adapter (see above for complete list)

Sound processed by INFINITY.

Delivery

Free UK delivery.

Korg SP250 Reviews

My Korg SP-250 (£550 including stand, damper pedal and music stand):

Although I don’t pretend to be an expert in digital pianos, I am more than happy with this purchase. The sound is incredible. The bass notes have such a rich tone through the 11W speakers and the higher keys do not suffer from tinny sound at all.

Key weighting feels accurate. Heavier in the lower end and not dissimilar to the upright I recently sold. There is no excessive sideways movement in the keys. Certainly not enough to come into contact with neighbouring keys. The noise made by pressing the keys with volume at 0 is reassuringly quiet.

Graham’s book suggested looking for 10-15 seconds tone suspension when holding a note – this is 12 seconds on the SP-250 when using Piano 1 voice, but I have not found it to be an issue, even when playing Moonlight Sonata very slowly (as my ability dictates).

I don’t see the need for 30 demo songs – but then I just don’t play them.

The 30 sounds are largely irrelevant also. I bought this as a piano replacement so only really need piano. It’s got a nice weight to it. Steady when played on the stand and easy enough to move between rooms. I’d have preferred a music stand with clips to hold pages open but I’ve wedged in some clothes pegs which do the job just as well.

Overall I’d give it an 8 out of 10 – given that it’s pretty much precisely what I was looking for.

Thanks Graham.

 

Questions and Comments (Email your questions to grahamhoward ukpianos.co.uk)

“Korg SP250 or Classenti P1?”

Thanks Graham,

As I reminder, my level is grade 6 classical, but I want to progress through 7 and to 8.  Also, when I’m at home I’ll be playing my Yamaha Clavinova CLP-170.  The stage piano purchase is intended for use when away at friends, wider family (for practice and informal performances) or on UK holidays.

On your website you say that a realistic touch, good piano sound and a minimum of 4 touch sensitivity levels are important.

You say the sound on the Classenti P1 is quite good.  Sound quality is really important to me, most likely an overriding factor, as I’m not looking for a vast array of voices.  Sorry if this looks like a multi-part GCSE question, but I have some further questions, and would welcome your professional advice and opinion please:

1. How would you say the Classenti P1’s sound quality compares to that of the Korg SP250?

2. Based on my own personal needs above, how much of an issue do you think it would be for me that the Korg SP250 has only 3 touch sensitivity levels, verses the Classenti P1’s four levels?

3.  Based on my own personal needs above, how important would it be for me to have the heavy weighted keys of the Classenti, compared to the medium weighted Korg keys?

Many thanks.

 

Adrian

Reply/ Hi Adrian

The Classenti has a clearer, richer piano sound.

It sounds less electronically produced than the

Korg.

3 levels of sensitivity isn’t an issue unless you

play at a reasonable level (say grade 4 and above).

Heavy-weighted keys are more desirable really.

It gives you more control of the keys.

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

—

“Problems: clicking keys, buzzing and failed left speakers?”

Hello Graham,

Thanks for replying to me with your suggestion.  I have two questions:

1) What is the difference between the 250BK and the SB?  I know it’s something cosmetic but what is it?!

2) Reading online I’ve seen a number of references to two specific problems: clicking keys, and buzzing and failed left speakers.  Do you know of these problems and do you have any comments to make about them?

Regards,

Tony Royston.

Reply/ Hi Tony

BK and SB are both the same piano.

Just different terminology.

BK means black; SB means satin black.

Like most pianos at the lower price end the Korg

SP250 suffers from occasional speaker and key

problems. This is a common fault with the

cheaper pianos.

But putting that aside, it has a good piano tone

and weighted key action.

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

—

“Korg SP250 for church use?”

Dear Graham

We have now received your book.

Thanks for all your help and advice, its good to be able to turn to some one for help.

Info:-

We want to be able to use this instrument in our church along with or some times in stead of  the church organ, it needs to be reasonably portable to move from room to room. We have a limit of £500 or there abouts.

We have had a look around and so far we like the KORG SP250 and think that this will fit all our criteria.

We would value your opinion and advice.

Regards

John

Reply/ Hi John

The Korg SP250 has a nice piano sound. But the

key touch is a little too light really…

I recommend getting something with more weight

to the keys. This would feel closer to playing

a real piano, and be more enjoyable to play.

With a budget limited to £500 you won’t be

able to get the professional stage pianos

from Yamaha and Roland, but there is a

good compromise…

The Classenti P1 offers a stage piano with

heavy-weighted keys and a very nice piano

sound.

What’s more, the P1 has 4 speakers. These

speakers are also set up on the back of

the piano. This directs the sound towards

the audience….

Having a set up like this means you don’t

need to get an additional keyboard amp to

bump up the sound, unless you intend using

the piano in a very large hall.

You can read more about the Classenti P1 here:

https://www.ukpianos.co.uk/classenti-p1-portable-piano.html

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

—

Dear Graham,

Thanks for your interest in all things “piano”.  I did, in fact , download your very informative article and using most of your comments and suggestions

have purchased a piano for lessons that my 9 year old daughter will now begin.  I was able to sort through most of the mist of confusing statements offered to the

unsuspecting public using your easy to understand translations.  We ended up buying a 6 month old Korg Sp-250, which gives us most of the bells and whistles we will

need for this project. My daughter loves it so far. We’ll see 3 months from now. Thanks for offering this very useful service.

Regards,

Russell