Studiologic SL88 GT mk2 - TP400/W Action in a piano controller

David B The biggest problem for me with the Studiologic boards is that repeated notes can sound very irregular (some loud, some soft, some not sounding at all) because of the midi implementation. They do some weird thing with a fixed midi velocity of 4 at the middle sensor. This is preventing me from getting the MK2GT.

That sounds like a major drawback. I now remember your earlier review! It sounded too good to be true at that price point.

CeDur Like I mentioned, "I'll be back" there with my own laptop and test with Modern D, VSLs, Garritan and other pianos I'm familiar with.

Interested to read your opinions too, but keep in mind what David is saying. Don't let you be carried by the GAS.

Any new opinions on this device? Are there still velocity consistency issues?

Having watched this YouTube video, I’m leaning towards the SL88 Mk2 with TP110 over the GT Mk2. It seems better for linear velocity curve and is much lighter and easier to transport.

However, if you prefer the premium TP400 action of the GT Mk2, the video at 10:15 demonstrates a good velocity curve for it.

jenpal

Please note: the non-GT is not a piano controller. So if piano is your goal, then it isn't suitable.

Cheers!

HZ

HZPiano

Thanks HZ for the info. I’m actually looking for a lighter 88-key digital piano with a good piano feel that I can easily carry for practice/gigs. However, I’m always having second thoughts because my Yamaha P-255 with in-built speakers is so convenient to set up. So I’m still undecided about whether it’s worth buying the SL88 Mk2 and carrying it along with my laptop for VST and external speakers.

P.S. I also need a good justification for my wife if I buy another keyboard. However, I want to keep my P-255 because I usually prefer easier setup and transport.

Cheers!

jenpal

Did you consider a Roland FP-10 or FP-30X for that purpose?

Cheers!

HZ

Thanks, HZPiano. I will start digging into these. 👍

HZPiano What do you mean 'the non-GT is not a piano controller'? It has a hammer-action keybed. Not premium, but quite capable. I, and many others, use it to play piano.

HowlingFantods What do you mean 'the non-GT is not a piano controller'? It has a hammer-action keybed. Not premium, but quite capable. I, and many others, use it to play piano.

I think he meant the Numa X models are not exclusively controllers. He probably meant to say, "the non-MKII" models.

The TP110 is a very capable action that preforms better/easier single note repetitions compared to the TP400. The nitpick I have with the TP110 is that is becomes a noisy keyboard after the grease is displaced through use. The TP400 never becomes clicky.

God Bless,
David

HowlingFantods

As I understand it, in the MkII series, the GT is the hammer ("piano") action; the non-GT (of about half the price) is just the typical MIDI controller keyboard.

To make sure, I'm just referring to the controllers, not the Numa pianos. As I thought @jenpal was as well.

If I'm mistaken in any of this, apologies of course.

Cheers!

HZ

I’ve been eyeing the SL88 MK2 for quite sometime but after researching the Roland FP-10 and FP-30X I realised there are keyboards with in-built speakers and a good action that are much lighter than my Yamaha P-255. I like the FP-30X’s features with good speakers but it’s only 2.5kg lighter than my P-255 and I’m not sure that’s enough for me. I’ve injured my back a few times lifting my P-255 into its stand mostly due to incorrect carrying position. I prefer the weight of the FP-10 but it lacks some features I want and I’m wondering if the FP-10X will be released anytime soon.

I’m also considering the Yamaha P-225 which weighs 11.5kg but I’m not sure about the GHC action. I’ll visit some music stores to try them out when I get a chance.

jenpal I’ll visit some music stores to try them out when I get a chance.

That is the thing to do.

Cheers!

HZ

jenpal Just to follow up: the SL88 Mk2 does have a hammer-action keybed and can easily be used to play piano (as the YouTube video you linked to ably demonstrates). It's 13.3 kgs. If you have an iPad you can also use that as a sound module with the SL as it has an in-built audio interface.

The Rolands you're considering have the PHA-4 keybed which I personally find to be extremely sluggish; to the extent that I would never buy a keyboard with that keybed in it. The FP-10 also doesn't allow proper half-pedalling. Some people love the PHA-4, though, so YMMV.

HZPiano You are mistaken, I'm afraid. The SL88 Mk2 has the same keybed as the Numa X Piano; the TP/110.

HowlingFantods

Thank you; learning every day!

🙂

HZ

Thanks for the info, HowlingFantods. That’s good to know that the SL88 MK2 has a good hammer-action keybed and seems significantly lighter than my Yamaha P-255. The SL88 MK2 features are really nice, but I am still contemplating the additional speakers that I need to bring every time we have a church activity. I plan on using my Genelec 8040b speakers (but they are heavy) and then use my laptop (with Ableton Live), as I think the SL88 has an accessory so you can put the laptop on top of the keyboard. I have Sunday Keys but I don’t have a newer iPad that works with the Sunday Keys app.

Alternatively, I am considering a more convenient setup with a lightweight keyboard, in-built speakers, good piano action, and an audio interface. The Yamaha P-225 seems suitable but I am not sure about its action and the 2x7W speakers if they are good enough for me.

Earlier today, I had the chance to try the Yamaha P-225, Roland FP-10, and Nord Piano 6 for a few minutes. The P-225 action felt a bit heavy and fatiguing, while the FP-10 action felt lighter and better. However, I kind of prefer the action of the Nord Piano 6 best. Unfortunately, the shop doesn’t have the SL88 Mk2, as I was curious to compare its key action to the Nord’s, which both have a fatar action if I am not mistaken.

BTW, listening through headphones, the Nord’s in-built pianos are nice, especially the white grand, but this keyboard is too heavy for me to carry and also expensive.

When listening to the in-built speakers, I like the piano sound of the P-225 better than the FP-10. Despite the small speakers of Yamaha, it appears to be loud enough for me.

I am also interested in the Kawai ES120, which only weighs 12.5 kgs, but it’s not available in the store. I might try to find another store on another day so I could try it.

jenpal

If I were in a marked for a DP where portability is important the Roland RD-88 would be high on my list. Not the most powerful speakers but sufficient in many cases. Have you tried it?

Thanks, johanibraaten. I just quickly looked at the specs, and the Roland RD-88 appears better than my original list. I hadn’t tried this one yet as I wasn’t aware it was also quite lightweight. I’m not sure if it was in store earlier, as it wasn’t on my list until you mentioned it. I prefer to have internal speakers so I can use it for our small group activity and also for larger events where I can connect to external speakers and use the internal speakers as a monitor. I’ll start looking into the RD-88. Thanks again. 🙂

jenpal It's perhaps is worth mentioning that Yamahas equivalent to the RD-88 is CK-88. It's also quite lightweight with internal speakers and useful for live situations. It's a little bigger though and I like the action on the RD-88 more.