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I was initially asking to compare between HP704 and FP90X for myself as a slightly average player who plays by ear.
My daughter aged 4 has just started attending classes and I am also keen in getting a digital piano that she will be able to use.
From what I understand, the the FP90X has a slightly newer engine, has mic input and 3 band equaliser compared to the HP704 which has better speakers. I was advised to go for HP704 if I do not need the portability.
Now between the HP704 and CLP735, the HP704 seems to be a slightly better deal as the PHA50 uses wooden keys whereas the CLP735 GrandTouch uses plastic keys. To get the equivalent of the HP704, I will have to pay a little more for the CLP745.
Which should I go for ? Trying a to make a decision soon as all the DP has a waiting time of at least 1-2 months.
P.S: The HP704, FP90X & CLP735 retails for about the same price in my country.
> the HP704 seems to be a slightly better deal as the PHA50 uses wooden keys whereas the CLP735 GrandTouch uses plastic keys
Ignore what it is made of. It is how it feels to you that matters. The PHA50 is merely wood-plated. But to me it feels better than the upper-end wooden CLPs, because of the touch response (N1X feels quite differently).
> the HP704 seems to be a slightly better deal as the PHA50 uses wooden keys whereas the CLP735 GrandTouch uses plastic keys
Ignore what it is made of. It is how it feels to you that matters. The PHA50 is merely wood-plated. But to me it feels better than the upper-end wooden CLPs, because of the touch response (N1X feels quite differently).
I guess Roland should be the pick then.
Then it goes back to FP90X vs HP704. Damm this is tough. Mic, EQ & PureAcoustic vs Nice Cabinet, Keybord Cover & Better speakers.
I went to the Roland dealer and realized that I prefer the HP704 over the FP90X due the overall look and it sounds more powerful maybe due to the speakers.
Now I’m considering if I should topup to go for CLP745 or would the Hp704 be a better choice ?
I don’t have a good memory hence I am not really able to remember the exact details when comparing at different dealers. Unfortunately there isn’t a dealer which carry both models at the same time.
I don’t have a good memory hence I am not really able to remember the exact details when comparing at different dealers. Unfortunately there isn’t a dealer which carry both models at the same time.
I tried the HP704 and really liked the action. But I didn't like the sound at all!
I never tried the CLP745, but in this video it sounds fantastic to me (especially I like the Bösendorfer sound): If action in CLP745 is at least as good as in in the CLP645, I would go with the CLP745 (or even CLP775 / CLP785)... But you must try by your own!
In my country, the HP704 (US$2000) and CLP735 (US$2050) retails for about the same price.
The CLP745 requires a US$500 topup.
Based on my observation, the CLP745 is closer to HP704 due to wooden keys, Bluetooth, USB recording and having 4 speakers. Is that right ?
The no brainer choice would then be HP704 for value. However, I have also noticed a better resale for Yamahas compared to Roland. That’s what’s holding me back a little for Roland.
So basically I have 3 options.
1. Wait till June 2021 for the CLP745 to be in stock. 2. Get the CLP735 and be contented with the plastic GrandTouch-S. 3. Just get the HP704 and don’t worry about resale.
I tried both, as well as the HP702 and the clp735, all at the same time, at the same store, about a year ago. I significantly preferred the clp745 over the other models (both tough and tone), and the clp 745 is what I bought. But I think it is a personal choice and would definitely understand if you preferred the HP704. Usually, my advice would be to get what you like best. If you don’t have a clear preference, get the Roland as it is less expensive. But it sounds like the supply chain issues mean that the Clavinova is not in stock. I do think this is an important consideration, and if you liked the Roland and want a piano soon, I would probably go for it.
> the HP704 seems to be a slightly better deal as the PHA50 uses wooden keys whereas the CLP735 GrandTouch uses plastic keys
Ignore what it is made of. It is how it feels to you that matters. The PHA50 is merely wood-plated. But to me it feels better than the upper-end wooden CLPs, because of the touch response (N1X feels quite differently).
PHA is wood veneer. It's not solid wood.
Yamaha CLP-735 > Any Roland digital piano, both sound-wise and construction-wise.
I wouldn’t mind the CA58 too as I thought it had a pretty nice action. However the markup here is crazy for the CA58
HP704 - $2000 CLP735 - $2050 CLP745 - $2550
CA58 - $2820
What about CA49? Costs about 2000€ It has same action as the CA59...
Originally Posted by Abdol
Originally Posted by _sem_
> the HP704 seems to be a slightly better deal as the PHA50 uses wooden keys whereas the CLP735 GrandTouch uses plastic keys
Ignore what it is made of. It is how it feels to you that matters. The PHA50 is merely wood-plated. But to me it feels better than the upper-end wooden CLPs, because of the touch response (N1X feels quite differently).
PHA is wood veneer. It's not solid wood.
Yamaha CLP-735 > Any Roland digital piano, both sound-wise and construction-wise.
Between CA49 and CA59, I will definitely need CA59 as I would need the Bluetooth capabilities.
Hence the CA49 is kindof out of the equation.
At CA49 price I am able to also get LX705 which I like.. but doesn’t come in White 🥲
Oh yes.. I just realized PHA50 is not actual wood. However in terms of features I guess HP704 still has most of the features for the lowest price..
This is such a difficult choice..
1. Sacrifice features and go for CLP735 or CA49.. 2. Wait for CLP745 which has everything 3. Topup a lot more for CA59 4. HP704
Ive had the hp704 for a little less than a year now. Overall i like it very much. I chose it because of the keys that i felt was better than those of the ca49 and clp745. It was a very hard choice since i enjoyed the sound of the ca49 more, but in the end i went with the hp704 because of the action and the responsiveness. Clp745 was a lot more expensive than both the hp704 and ca49 and i couldn't justify the higher price.
Make sure you try the hp704 a couple of the times because you have to live with the sound being different from the 2 others. Not partically bad , but it sounds a little bit synthetic in my opinion. You are able to change the sound to some degree with the in build piano designer settings though.
I've noticed the HP704 is listed at $3,199 at most stores (in the US). Since it's not available online is this a price that you need to negotiate down? Because that price is quite a bit higher than the CA49 which can be had for $2,299 online. I'm sure limited supply is causing a lack of flexibility in pricing.
Make sure you try the hp704 a couple of the times because you have to live with the sound being different from the 2 others. Not partically bad , but it sounds a little bit synthetic in my opinion. You are able to change the sound to some degree with the in build piano designer settings though.
I love the FP90X (similar to 704) for similar reasons and agree the piano sounds are not the best. I settled on playing a blend of 2 voices at once, the concert piano with resonance modeling dialed down and the upright piano sample to add some authentic sample character. I'm happy with this. Either way its pretty hard to choose based on sound in the store, as you get used to a DP your taste can change - for better or worse.
Adult beginner. Roland FP90X, DIY cabinet, Pianoteq & VSL CFX, etc.
...I settled on playing a blend of 2 voices at once,...
You might wanna give some of the various piano setups in the "Piano Designer 2" app a try. Especially those labeled "...Concert..." are worth trying. And even "more especially" those by Hugo Verizer
