Purchasing a 1/4 Grand Piano

... and something with the Silent system?

Honestly, the silent [mechanism] doesn't inspire me at all. These days I am reading on the Forum about experiences with Digital Pianos and the use of "libraries" (I didn't know anything about it and I am trying to educate myself). Considering that I would put the instrument in the living room, I could use it both for study and "playful" purposes with friends......that's why I was also thinking about a 1/4 digital grand piano......Moreover, I could also play it while the rest of the family watches television using headphones. Of course, I am also aware that an acoustic piano is something else entirely, even in terms of potential depreciation over time......in short, as you will have noticed, I am very confused.....

The acoustic piano is irreplaceable. Let's start from this premise. In my very modest opinion, one should turn to digital in two cases: 1. We already have an acoustic piano but want the possibility of playing with headphones whenever we want, presumably outside of hours. 2. We live in a condominium of nuisance .... who do not allow us to play because they threaten legal action. In all other cases, I don't see why one should have to play on an inferior level instrument. If I lived in the countryside in a remote villa, I would have no doubts about getting a beautiful acoustic; besides, if I play it at 3 in the morning, who can hear me?

Good morning "The Simon", I am responding late to your consideration and I apologize (I have been on vacation for a few days). I will try to explain the reason for my indecision between "Acoustic" and "Digital". Regarding the fact that "the acoustic piano" is irreplaceable, I have no doubts either, but having decided to put the Piano in the living room, I must necessarily balance the needs of the family (wife and 2 children). Moreover, my experience over these years has shown me that, being an employee, the hours I would have available to start studying the Piano seriously again would be mainly evening/nighttime. At this point, it would not only be a condominium problem but also a family one. Regarding digital Pianos, I am continuing to educate myself (as much as possible!!) and besides Roland and Yamaha, I am trying to find further information on ORLA Pianos (in particular the GRAND PIANO 310 and 450 series) which have an attractive price. For the moment, I have not been able to find in-depth reviews of these instruments on the Internet and my indecision is increasing. Furthermore, I won't hide from you that the advantages of "digitals" (listening with headphones and no need for tuning) are a strong attraction for me. Even though I am absolutely aware that electronics depreciate over time in a way that is incomparable to acoustic instruments. Having said all this, what should I do ???? With a budget of 2,500/3,000 Euro, can I find a good digital that is 1/4 of a grand???? Thank you all in advance for the time you are willing to dedicate to me.

For that amount, there is a Yamaha piano or the Orla ones which are quite controversial, and people have heard all sorts of things about them, both positive and negative. I have never had the chance to try them, but above all, I have never found a dealer that had an Orla grand digital piano, so I really wouldn't know what to tell you. However, I believe that, as usual, before spending an amount that is not at all insignificant, it would be wise to make sure that the operation pleases us. See if you can find one somewhere to try it and then give me some feedback (objective please; usually when buying something, people are always inclined to say it's good, but I also built myself a 500 euro digital keyboard and I admit that compared to a Kawai, it sucks since it feels like a toy). Jokes aside, if you could give me a personal opinion, you would do me a favor. Assuming you can find it at some dealer.

Ok, as soon as I have the chance to try an ORLA I will let you know my impressions. For now thanks again !!!!

Thanks dear!

I tried an ORLA at a friend's house. I didn't like it. It gave me the strong impression of being a little toy to the touch. Even the sound wasn't much either.

You are not the first one to give me this kind of feedback. I would really like to try one. Looking at them like this, the quarter-string models don't seem to be bad...

Hi everyone!

I'm sharing Lory's opinion (and others') on ORLA digital pianos.

When I had to switch to digital in 2003 (abandoning a mediocre AUGUST FORSTER upright), I tested them before purchasing: CASIO, ROLAND, YAMAHA, GEM and.... the one I chose was KAWAI!

I truly feel like recommending it: KAWAIs (the brand's top models) are, in my opinion, many leagues above other digitals: both in terms of sound but especially in terms of mechanics.

You absolutely must try them! Even before deciding whether to buy one.

I would have only one criticism to make about my KAWAI (but perhaps it is an "unfair" criticism since it comes from a mediocre pianist like myself, and I don't have great experience with many acoustic pianos to compare it to). For now, I won't say it. I would rather hear more expert opinions on digital KAWAIs.

x TheSimon,

I switched to digital because ten years ago I was in the same situation as robij (apartment building/small children), so I needed to play late at night or very early in the morning.

But from digital, I gained another advantage that I hadn't thought of and which isn't on your list. Namely . . .

Even during the middle of the day, I feel a bit of "shame" making my family members or neighbors (who like me playing the piano!) hear the same piece over and over again (or even the same passage) that I haven't mastered yet.

There! . . . digital gives me privacy during my study phase.

Then, when I feel confident and quite satisfied, I open the windows to offer—even to the buildings across the street—a beautiful piece by Schumann.

But until that moment, I want to remain unheard (even during acceptable hours, even by my loved ones).

And I must say that (knowing that no one can hear me) even in the most difficult passages, the hand moves more freely . . . to the advantage of greater fluency, even on an emotional level.

What do you think?... Perhaps a pianist with a "tougher" personality studies differently: they know mistakes are made and they repeat and repeat . . .

But I imagine there are also many (especially amateurs) in the same situation as me.

(P.S. I notice that the last post dates back to a month ago . . . Robij! . . . but did you eventually buy one? Which one?)

hi everyone,

Luca