I was at Sam Ash yesterday to preview the s700 and s900. while there I tried several others: s500, dgx series, previas, and the np30. I was not at all impressed with the np-30 sound, but they only played it thru the internal speakers..i'm sure it must sound better thru an amp. so why even put those little speakers on a kb like that if it makes it sound so tinky? I also thought the combo of graded action w/non-hammer action felt weird..didn't care for it at all, but remember I am not a pianist, always play synth or semi-weighted keys. For a pianist who prefers fully-weighted action, I don't see that person playing the np-30 an saying..wow, that's almost as good because it's graded.the selection of sounds for a jazz player is poor.. for $100 more the M-audio ProKeys 88sx has a nicer key feel to me, and 7 very hip sounds and just 17 lbs, (no speakers)would be my choice for a bare-bones lightweight sounds-only kb v. np-30....BUT: I think there are better choices for not a whole lot more money: the dgx 76 and non-weighted 88 offer so much more for the buck, as does the 61-key psr s-500. they are not featherweight, but still relatively very light, offer decent feel and large sound libraries, rhythms, and semi-arranger features. since they don't cost or weigh a heck of a lot more, y not have all that available ?

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Miami Mo