A Negative Review of VPC1

Hi everyone,

This is David. Happy 2025 to all! Haven't been on these parts for a while.

Today I want to talk about one aspect of the Kawai VPC1, which, in my opinion, is a negative because of action limitations.

The VPC1, as great as a piano controller is, is not good at playing repeated notes. It lags in the articulation of short note repetitions.

Now, partly this may be technique related, but there's a section in Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue with repeated notes with both hands at the keyboard. On the same tempo as I play on an acoustic piano, I can't get the notes to speak clearly using the VPC1. However, the notes respond very well on an acoustic Steinway I played last week.

So far, in the 4 years I've been using the VPC1, this is the only negative issue I've encountered in the action which limits me from effectively playing a musical passage.

That's all for my review. Stay warm and take care!

Funny, David.
In spite of my being a very amateurish pianist, every time I’ve looked at a piano or keyboard I’ve considered buying in the past 40 years one of the first things I’ve tested is note repetition speed. There’s one place in Rach’s Op 32 No 12 that bugs me if I don’t have a possibility to play the bouncing D#s.

Happy New Year, and congratulations on your upcoming broadcast.

it speaks volumes about the VPC1 when that's the only quip you can think of! 🙂 i've had the VPC1 for about 4 years as well, and overall pretty satisfied.

that said, i empathize, but cannot relate, since I don't play repeated notes, nor classical. but i can see it being a point of frustration, and hope Kawai continues its improvements.

Jane There’s one place in Rach’s Op 32 No 12 that bugs me if I don’t have a possibility to play the bouncing D#s.

“Bouncing D#s” can indeed be a little bit tricky to handle, but I’ve found it easier to alternate between left & right (hand), so as to bring the “bouncing D#s” down to a more manageable level……

David Lai Haven't been on these parts for a while.

Hi David!

That's funny: just now I was walking to the supermarket and back (through chilly winds and light drizzle) and I thought Hey, we haven't heard from David for a bit, where will he be at. Quite busy, probably.

And now, almost at the exact same moment, you posted this thread.

In any case, have a good year as well and Cheers!

HZ

HeartKeys it speaks volumes about the VPC1 when that's the only quip you can think of! 🙂

Yup!

Maybe it's high time I created a new piggy bank to be able to get myself one, after what is now years of beating around the bush.

💰

Cheers,

HZ

Pete14 Good point, Pete. Sometimes, alternating between left and right hands can be a great way to play repeted notes. My problem is that the repeated C-sharps are already alternating between left and right hands… And the keys can only respond at a certain speed.

HZPiano Thanks, HZ! It's nice to be thought of and remembered, haha.

I'm actually preparing for an upcoming symphony appearance, which includes the Gershwin rhapsody. I'm loving the practicing of it so far!!!

Jane Thank you, Jane! And yes, 4 years and that's the only problem I have with this keyboard certainly speaks volumes about how it's doing and hanging on so far.

Pete14 “Bouncing D#s” can indeed be a little bit tricky to handle, but I’ve found it easier to alternate between left & right (hand), so as to bring the “bouncing D#s” down to a more manageable level……

I've paid attention to Pete's posts over the years and the enigma of his persona always has me wondering. There is Pete the satirist who lives in the van down by the river and seems to entertain some while frustrating others even getting himself banned at times. Then there are these flashes of Pete - such as in the example above - that lead me to believe Pete really knows his stuff and could be a virtuoso player like David Lai.

I hope someday to meet Pete14 and find out if he old or young, happily married or a murderer, lover of Pianoteq or actually owns a Ballsendorfer (sic) or maybe even a Steinway. 😀

God Bless,
David

David Lai So far, in the 4 years I've been using the VPC1, this is the only negative issue I've encountered in the action which limits me from effectively playing a musical passage.

If a VPC2 is introduced at NAAM this month, what Kawai action would you like to see in it and what upgrades overall do you think it needs?

God Bless,
David

David B I would have guessed that quote originated from Pete14, the zany comedian, rather than from the earnest Pete14, although the earnest one might have steered the zany one a bit there.

David Lai I am glad my playing level does not need that 🙂

Happy owner of my VPC1 for 4.5 years so far, and it is a 2016 unit, so close to 9 years old now!

QuasiUnaFantasia I would have guessed that quote originated from Pete14, the zany comedian, rather than from the earnest Pete14, although the earnest one might have steered the zany one a bit there.

Maybe you're right, but that's more of a reflection on my ignorance regarding piano technique. I'd like to hear more from earnest Pete, but I also appreciate zany Pete because he makes forum life more colorful and interesting.

God Bless,
David

David B

😄

When reading said post by p.14, I had thoughts along those same lines 🙂.

The van by the way has been seen moving, slowly, because it's an old van, and therefore starting its journey really really early, in the direction of Anaheim, CA. Utilising several carwashes along the way, rendering most of them unusable afterwards for the next customers in line. Nasty stuff near those rivers.

Cheers!

HZ

David B

Just the GFIII action and a Roland-quality level MIDI implementation. Aesthetically, just as the VPC is now.

There have been rumors that the GFC action could be selected instead. That would be a fatal error in my perspective, which I have mentioned a couple of times hoping Kawai James would pick up and relay the signal towards the proper ears. I have no illusions about that but hey, a lad can try…

Cheers and happy anticipation,

HZ

Jose EB5AGV I am glad my playing level does not need that 🙂

😀

My thoughts exactly 🎶.

Cheers and the happiest playing,

HZ

David B I honestly don't appreciate zany Pete, because he makes me angry. To put it idiomatically, he sometimes gets my goat.

HZPiano Haha, I can see where you're coming from.

David Lai My problem is that the repeated C-sharps are already alternating between left and right hands… And the keys can only respond at a certain speed.

You're right. I have difficulty with that repetition on the VPC1 also - it's easier to play on my acoustic.