The most common problem I find with user complaints that relate to "inconsistent notes" regarding the piano sample actually have nothing to do with inconsistent notes at all (in terms of the raw piano sample). Most often you'll find the difference isn't in the note itself, but in the default velocity settings. These are all multi-layered pianos we're listening to and test playing. They ALL have different levels at which the velocity curves kick in.

The thing to look for is a board that not only allows you to manipulate the patch in the most common ways such as EQ'ing, and basic patch modify.., but to get your hands on one deep enough to allow you to adjust the velocity curve itself. I have yet to get my hands on any board (that allowed the user to adjust this setting) that I didn't have to adjust. Every Roland, Yamaha, and Korg I've owned needed not only the standard velocity adjusted to my playing style, but required me to go deeper and adjust the velocity curve too.

Many of these digitals out there are very nice and have good samples on them. However, many don't offer much in the area of "shaping" that sound (outside of basic velocity sens. settings, and brightness control). You're pretty much stuck with the way the maker says it's going to sound.

For me if it's gonna be 88 weighted keys bet for darn sure you're going to find the full "workstation" attached to the back end of those keys. Something that's going to allow me to go much deeper into the sound editing to really tailor that patch to my playing style and needs.



[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 01-08-2009).]