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Know-how
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Stage pianos are usually digital pianos designed for use on stage. They therefore stand out primarily for their durability, portability and as simple an operation as possible, so that the many sound options can be used without causing confusion during a performance. For this reason, stage pianos typically offer direct access to specific sounds, effects and presets.
Stage pianos and their sounds
Features mainly include the sounds of keyboard instruments required on stage, such as piano, harpsichord, electric pianos and organ. Some also have a dedicated organ section with drawbars or corresponding controllers. Typical effects include chorus, tremolo, reverb, Leslie, flanger, phaser, wah-wah and many more that serve the live sound. Some models emphasise instruments for classical music, while others focus more on electric piano sounds. Of course most instruments are designed for variety and flexibility, so they often include the full range of instrument sounds beyond keyboards. In addition, drum rhythms, samplers, synthesizers and sequencers can also be integrated. This makes them not only suitable for the stage but also studio-ready.
Pros and cons of hammer action
Because high-quality keyboards with hammer action are heavy, compromises sometimes have to be made when the instrument is to be compact and lightweight. Alternatively, pianists must accept a higher weight for a high-quality keyboard in their stage piano. While most stage pianos do not have built-in speakers—since on stage they are usually played through amplifiers or PA and monitors—there are also models that come with built-in speakers for home use.
Sound generation in stage pianos
Apart from the handcrafted electric pianos from Vintage Vibes, which are built on the model of Rhodes and Clavinet complete with hammer action and electro-acoustic sound generation, all stage pianos are based on digital sound generation. This is either based on sampling or physical modelling. While sampling is based on elaborately recorded instrument sounds, in physical modelling the physical parameters are calculated and the sound generation is simulated. In this area the manufacturer Physis Piano achieves astonishing results. Stage pianos across different price ranges are mainly made by Casio, Clavia Nord, Kawai, Korg, Roland and Yamaha. The instruments differ in the quality of sound generation, keyboard, user interface, casing and feature set.