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I need Opinion on Studiologic Sl-88-grand
I'm looking for a midi controller that feels like a real piano. What about the Studiologic Sl-88-grand (with wood keys)?
Is there better alternative for around 1K?
Thank you.
Comments
Are you against used?
Can find older Kurzweils (pc88’s and 88key k2500) for about 1/2 the price.
More controls on them.
I do like the flat surface and magnetic rails on the Studiologics
I've never used the SL88, but we have a Generalmusic Pro2 from around 1997 that has a very similar keybed from Fatar with the wood keys and the graded hammer action. It's very good and still in nearly perfect condition. I have one of the Studiologic waterfall organ controllers and I love the thing. It plays really well and is incredibly tough.
+1. The K2500 adds a usable sequencer and a very deep synth, plus quite a number of sampled factory sounds that still sound great.
The keybed is excellent too. It has that piano feel yet it can be played quite fast.
Used is always an option, but I would go for the Arturia Keylab 88 instead of the Studiologic. Same action, much better midi controls, aluminum chassis and better software. Same price, I think.
Edit... I was mistaken, Studiologic Fatar tp40, Arthuria tp100. Not sure the difference. Search PianoWorld for discussion on both.
And KDFX if you’re lucky.
No USB tho. Dunno if that’s a deal breaker.
It’s not the same but I have the SL73 Studio (non-wood keys but I think the same keybed??)
Slightly slushier feeling than a real piano but you get used to it and is a pleasure to play.
Certainly gets you all the expression you need to play convincing piano sounds. It’s also very lightweight and compact (fits in a gigbag which can be slung on one shoulder or carried in 1 hand). I think the SL Grand is heavier. The 3 little joysticks are a genius idea and work great as controllers.
One thing I’d bear in mind about newer models vs older ones is that many newer ones (the Studiologic SL included) feature 3 key contacts as opposed to 2.
Some people feel having 3 contacts allows for greater dynamic control. I haven’t compared them directly but might be worth checking up on yourself before making an expensive purchase.
This thread at Modartt might be helpful for you https://forum.modartt.com/viewtopic.php?id=6963
The graded hammer action of the SL88 grand (TP40/Wood) is different to the others. It's very close to the one that's in my wife's GM Pro2 which also has the graded action with the wood keys. The action on these feels like an acoustic piano (actually like a grand). It's so good at feeling like a piano that I don't like it for synths and that's why I have the waterfall style organ keyboard from Studiologic.
For similar price, Komplete Kontrol 88 is another option for hammer action. No sure of Fatar type or wood keys, but I have an MK1 KK49 and it's the best midi keyboard I have for synths. Junkie XL also uses KK88, if that means anything.
I've had my SL88 for 2 years.
It's great, great feeling and good connection options. I love playing it and it's great for controlling outboard synths as well.
I do sometimes miss not being able to "just play the piano" - it's a bit of a hassle of you don't have the studio "up" at all times - starting DAW, piano plug etc.
Today I'd spend more get a digital piano with same keybed (or better), but that's just me.
I have an SL-88 Studio (cheaper version) and it feels great to my uneducated fingers. One thing I don’t like is the aftertouch curve seems very abrupt and can’t be edited. Also, I think if you split the keyboard it doesn’t split aftertouch, which can lead to unexpected results (if you’re pressing hard on the lower range it affects the upper range too).
What would your choice be today?