Suhndog Posted January 28, 2019 Share Posted January 28, 2019 When I play rapid, repetitive single notes, the piano cannot track all of them. Instead, I get a few notes, and then just sustain [not using the Damper pedal]. Is this a limitation of the PX-160? I thought I could play fast repetitive single notes since the PX-160 has that 'Tri-Sensor... Why can't I do it? [See attached video -- the problem is more evident when I change to playing the second note] Incomplete Repetitions.mov Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shad0wfax Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 From my own experience, this is a common problem in digital pianos. Even the "tri-sensor" mechanisms cannot react as quickly and smoothly as real acoustic pianos. That said, some models are better than others. I used to have a Roland RD-700GX, which had a good action but not three sensors, and this problem was painfully evident. Then I purchased the (seriously heavy) Kawai VPC-1 I currently use for playing piano, and which is by far the best keyboard action I've ever played in a digital instrument, but despite having three sensors, it misses notes sometimes in fast repeatings. I think that no manufacturer has reached the "ultimate" piano action yet. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jokeyman123 Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 Definitely agree-a different technique required on digital pianos, I would guess because some acoustics-the hammer is pretty lightweight since the escapement mechanism can place a bit more leverage more efficiently so can be a bit more sensitive to rapid repeated notes-again i am just guessing and have played all kinds of pianos-some acoustics aren't too responsive either. I am thinking that the simple single-action fulcrum arm on most digital pianos (I see some of the newest console digital are now more closely resembling the more complex acoustic mechanism) requires a different approach to technique since the throw on the fulcrum arm is shorter-less momentum in the swing-so makes playing repeated notes feel slightly different. Studying diagrams, and practicing a few classical pieces requiring a short rapid repeated passages-Valse Brilliante" in Eb Major by Chopin comes to mind-I can do it, but if I had to switch from an acoustic grand to a digital for the same piece, I would definitely have to adjust my technique. Too bad i don't have one my "old-school" classical teachers to give me their opinion-not sure what they would have made of these new digitals, probably not too favorable! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suhndog Posted January 29, 2019 Author Share Posted January 29, 2019 I am not an accomplished, studied pianist.. However, I do play all keyboards, and my main instruments are organs. I was very impressed with all the reviews and videos I read and watched for the PX-160. Since I live way out in the Arizona desert, there are no stores here except a market and a Dollar General [our 'Mall' LOL].. So when I bought my PX-160, I had no way to try it first. I took a bit of a chance, but I was so impressed with what I could see/hear, I felt pretty much confident I was getting a good piano. I was thrilled when I played it! Now, I also am a stickler for quality and functionality. I wanted to make sure my piano did precisely what it was supposed to do. As such, I investigated all the features. My first 'puzzle' was that I thought it odd that Casio didn't apply a goodly amount of reverb dedicated to their Grand Piano sound. I thought at first this was a fault with my piano. After I researched this, it turned out that Casio designed it that way. I like to play at times more ambient pieces, and I like a LOT of reverb. I don't want to use the 'Modern' piano sound.. that does have some reverb. I then purchased a reverb unit for the Casio. Then, I noticed the issue I posted here.. regarding the ineffective single-note rapid repeat 'problem'. I do want to thank you for your very helpful info here! I'm glad it's not a fault with my piano. Frankly, I rarely would ever play quickly repeated single notes.. BUT I needed to make sure that my new piano was functioning properly. If I may take a detour, I cannot hear ANY difference between using the damper sound On/Off.. Is this an afterthought, or?? Have you noticed this as well? It doesn't seem to do anything. [again, I want to make sure my piano is 'Ok'].. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad Saucier Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 The damper sound should be heard when you depress the sustain pedal. It's a very subtle effect. As far as fast note repetition, it's something that takes a lot of practice, even on real pianos. It requires a technique of almost mechanical precision and speed. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suhndog Posted January 29, 2019 Author Share Posted January 29, 2019 Is the damper sound a mild 'thump', or? I cannot hear it at all. I'll try headphones. It seems odd to include a sound that isn't 'heard'.. heh..? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad Saucier Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 Are you using the Casio 3 pedal unit or a standard single pedal? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suhndog Posted January 29, 2019 Author Share Posted January 29, 2019 I'm using the three-pedal unit.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad Saucier Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 That could explain it. The 3 pedal unit is a variable pedal rather than a simple on/off switch like standard pedals. I haven't tested it so this is just a hunch, but the damper noise level might get louder the faster you depress the pedal and softer the slower you depress it. Try that and let me know what happens. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suhndog Posted January 29, 2019 Author Share Posted January 29, 2019 Ok.. Yes, I can indeed hear a 'noise' on all of the piano sounds selected.. In order to hear it at all, I had to turn the volume ALL the way up with headphones. Also, the effect's volume is proportional to how hard to press the Damper pedal. Still, the sound - when you can even hear it as mentioned - sounds like a sort of filtered white noise.. Thankfully, it's best that it is very subtle! My guess is that [in a good way..], Casio was going for authenticity, and not novelty. Nice! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suhndog Posted January 29, 2019 Author Share Posted January 29, 2019 I am so happy with my PX-160!!!! I really love how much it is like a real piano! I just saw the info on the new Privia's.. They're nice, but frankly, I prefer having my PX-160 because I favor having a more substantial cabinet, rather than the minimalist approach the new Privia's have. I feel I have MORE of a piano. [I also have the stand and 3-pedal unit]. It would be cool if Casio would create some of those baby grand empty piano shells that could accommodate their Privia's.. along with upgraded internal amps and speakers options. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad Saucier Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 You'll also notice you can partially dampen the strings with the 3 pedal unit, just like a real piano. It's most noticable in the bass notes. You could hold the damper pedal halfway and get half-ish sustain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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