Korg D1 Review Complete Digital Piano. Good choice?

Korg is a Japanese company that in recent years is considered one of the largest producers of synthesizers, digital pianos and keyboards in the world. Now we are going to take some time to analyze the Korg D1, a digital piano that offers excellent features for a musician who is not only interested in the classical, but also in jazz, rock or funk. The comfort of being able to practice and the possibility of taking it anywhere is a key aspect for a price of €555/$800/£514.

Let’s go with a digital piano that is growing quite a bit in popularity:

• 88-key weighted keys digital piano (Weight of the keys of an acoustic piano, which digital pianos try to imitate to match the touch of the piano. The keys in the treble register are heavier and in the treble register less. This is different from the sensitivity on the keyboard which serves to regulate the volume of the note. But a weighted keyboard always has sensitivity in the keys) with RH3 technology (Real Weighted Hammer Action 3)
• 5 levels of dynamic sensitivity on the keys
• A powerful stereo PCM sound engine
• 120 notes of polyphony (Number of notes that can be played at once. This includes accompaniments that also consume notes. So if you play over an accompaniment more notes will be accumulated)
• 30 sounds (Different sounds of piano and other instruments)
• 30 demo songs
• Dual exhaust simulation for a more realistic experience
• Resonance attenuator
• Chorus, reverb
• Split function (dividing the keyboard into two different instruments)
• Dual function (Dual mode allows you to combine two sounds to create a more complete one. Typical is the combination of piano + stringed instrument sound)
• Metronome (Basic study element to study and practice the tempo of a piece of music)
• 2 line jack outputs for connection to any amplifier equipment
• Stereo headphone output 6.3 mm jack
• MIDI In and MIDI Out (MIDI allows you to do such wonderful things as connect your keyboard to the computer, record a sound track and with certain programs click through what you have played to musical notes on a score. MIDI tracks store the information of the musical notes) conventional
• Extra input for damper pedal
• Includes music stand, sustain pedal (The sustain pedal on a piano or keyboard is used to keep the note playing even if you stop pressing the key) and power adapter
• A weight of 16 kg that allows easy transport and measures (W x H x D): 1327 x 128 x 263 mm

 

Related posts you can be interested in:

• Ranking with the best digital pianos
• My selection of cheap musical keyboards.
• Basic concepts you need to know about digital pianos.
• The best resources to learn to play the piano by yourself.

The Korg D1 can be compared with its more common alternatives and we will do it below. At the end of the post, you will find a section with the best shopping possibilities for this digital piano. However, you can go directly to that area of the post by pressing the following button.

Korg D1 vs Korg B1

We will start by comparing these two Korg brand digital pianos, the D1 which is priced at €555/$800/£514 and the B1 which is priced at 363 euros. Let’s see if the price difference is reflected in the differences in features:

• Both digital pianos have 88 weighted keys, however the technology of the D1 is RH3 (Real Weighted Hammer Action 3), while the B1 has NH (Natural Weight Hammer) technology.
• The first noticeable difference is that the D1 has 5 levels of dynamic sensitivity on the keys, while the B1 has only 3. Remember that sensitivity means that the sound obtained from a note is proportional to the force with which it is played.
• The D1 offers us 30 sounds with 120 notes of polyphony, while the B1 offers us 8 sounds with 120 notes of polyphony. Polyphony means the number of notes that can be played at the same time.
• In the digital piano D1 we find 30 demonstration songs, while in the B1 we have 8 demonstration songs.
• Another difference is that the D1 does not have built-in speakers, when the B1 has 9W speakers, which would serve very well in a restaurant.
• The weight of the D1 is 16 kg while the weight of the B1 is 11.8 kg.

Although both digital pianos have very similar characteristics, we see an advantage in the Korg D1 having a better technology (closer simulation to a real acoustic piano), So it also has a greater amount of sounds, and a simulation of dual exhaust and attenuator from resonance making playing this piano a more real experience to that of an acoustic piano. The disadvantage is that it has no built-in speakers.

We will put the characteristics of each of these pianos in 2 different columns to make it easier to see the differences:

And now a video of the Korg B1

If you want to know more about this model don’t miss our review of the Korg B1.

Korg D1 vs Korg C1 Air

Now we will have a comparison between the Korg D1 with a price of €555/$800/£514 and the Korg C1 Air with a price of €835/$1499/£769, we will verify if this price increase is justified with the performance offered by the different pianos.

• Both digital pianos have 88 weighted keys with RH3 (Real Weighted Hammer Action 3) technology.
• The pianos also share their 5 levels of sensitivity, so that the performer can generate more dynamics by playing the keys he presses most loudly.
• Both digital pianos have 30 sounds, 120 notes of polyphony, which is the number of notes that can be played at the same time, and have effects such as Chorus, Reverb and Brillance.
• The Korg D1 has 30 demo songs while the C1 Air has 50 demo songs.
• A notable difference is that the C1 Air has a two-track recording option, while the D1 doesn’t. The Korg D1 has no recording.
• Another difference is that the D1 offers a sustain pedal, while the C1 Air integrates three pedals.
• In the D1 as we know it has no integrated speakers, but the C1 Air if it comes with powerful 25 W speakers, it is perfect for playing live in a small place.
• Another notable difference is the weight of both, the D1 is 16 kg while the C1 Air is 35 kg a little more than double, this is due to the furniture that is integrated into the C1 Air.

These are pianos with a different approach. The Korg D1 piano is more oriented towards being a portable piano and connecting directly to a sound system. While the Korg C1 is a piano more thought for not moving it from its place but it takes very little space. Although it is true that with its power it is great enough to play it in a restaurant.

The Korg D1 has no speakers but is very well equipped in functionality. So you can always be sure that there will be a mixer to plug into without the need for speakers.

We will put the characteristics of each of these pianos in 2 different columns to make it easier to see the differences:

And now a video of the Korg C1 Air

If you want to know more about this model don’t miss our review of the Korg C1 Air.

Korg D1 vs Yamaha P125

Another very good comparison will be between the Korg D1 with a price of €555/$800/£514 against the Yamaha P125 with a price of €566/$650/£518. As we see the prices are very similar, having a small difference of 11 euro, let’s check the characteristics of each one to know which will be the best option.

• Both digital pianos have 88 weighted keys, the difference being that the Korg D1 uses RH3 (Real Weighted Hammer Action 3) technology while the Yamaha P125 uses GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) technology.
• One notable difference is that the Korg D1 offers: 30 sounds, 120 notes of polyphony and effects such as Chorus and Reverb. When the Yamaha P125 offers: 24 sounds, 192 notes of polyphony, which polyphony refers to the number of notes that can sound simultaneously, and effects such as: Reverb and Sound Boost.
• Another difference is that the Yamaha P125 has bass and drum rhythms included, which is rare to find on a digital piano, but is a very interesting option. The Korg D1 does not have this feature.
• Both have learning functions like Split and Duo.
• A relevant difference is that the Korg D1 has no speakers, and the Yamaha P125 has 7W speakers each (L and R).
• In weight the Korg D1 has 16 kg and the Yamaha P125 has 11.8 kg. This is a very favorable aspect of the Yamaha P125, because it is much lighter even having integrated speakers.
• Both have line output, so they are good for both live performances.

We are faced with a tough battle between these two digital pianos. The Korg D1 offers a greater amount of sound, and Dual Exhaust Simulation, and Resonance Attenuator, making playing this instrument a more real experience towards an acoustic piano. The Yamaha offers a greater amount of polyphony and with its keyboard technology is not left behind also offers a good realism, towards the simulation of real acoustic piano. It also has integrated speakers.

Depending on your needs, you can make the best decision yourself. Both keyboards are good.

We will put the characteristics of each of these pianos in 2 different columns to make it easier to see the differences:

And now a comparison video of the Korg D1 and the Yamaha P125:

If you want to know more about this model don’t miss our review of the Yamaha P125.

Korg D1 vs Kawai ES110

A comparison we will now have will be the Korg D1 with a price of €555/$800/£514 and the Kawai ES110 with an exactly equal price of €555/$729/£512 (in Euros). Now let’s check which is the best option taking into account that the values are exactly the same. The characteristics of digital pianos are:

• Both have 88 weighted keys, the Korg D1 with RH3 (Real Weighted Hammer Action 3) technology and the Kawai ES110 with Responsive Hammer technology.
• The Korg D1 offers 30 sounds, while the Kawai ES100 offers 19 sounds.
• The Korg D1 offers 120 notes of polyphony, while the Kawai ES110 offers 192 notes of polyphony. Remember that polyphony is the number of notes that can be played simultaneously.
• One notable difference is that the Kawai ES110 has Bluetooth and Bluetooth MIDI connectivity, which allows you to connect to other audio devices and computers to perform other functions, such as MIDI controller if used in a wireless music composition or production program, or using the MIDI Output. The Korg D1 does not have Bluetooth.
• The Korg D1 weighs 16 kg while the Kawai ES110 is much lighter and weighs 12 kg.

The Kawai ES 110 is a very well-balanced bestseller and competes strongly with the Yamaha P125. So the things we said in the previous section when comparing the D1 with the Yamaha P125 also apply to the Kawai ES 110.

We will put the characteristics of each of these pianos in 2 different columns to make it easier to see the differences:

And now a comparison video listening to the sounds of both the Korg D1 and Kawai ES110:

If you want to know more about this model don’t miss our review of the Kawai ES110.

Korg D1 vs Roland FP30

Finally we will make a comparison between these two digital pianos, the Korg D1 with a price of €555/$800/£514 and the Roland FP 30 with a price of €619/$700/£555. We will now look at the features that make them different:

• Both pianos have 88 weighted keys, the Korg D1 with RH3 technology and the Roland FP30 with PHA-4 technology.
• Both have leakage simulation in order to have an experience more similar to a real acoustic piano.
• The Korg D1 offers 30 sounds, and 120 notes of polyphony. The Roland FP30 has 35 sounds, and 128 notes of polyphony, which is how many notes it can play at one time.
• The Roland FP30 has 8 standard rhythms, interesting application to be a digital piano, option that we do not have in the Korg D1.
• Both have keyboard modes like: Dual and Split. To play in layers and split the keyboard into two instruments.
• The Roland FP30 excels at Bluetooth 4.0, and playing audio and MIDI files via USB. Options not found on the Korg D1.
• The Korg D1 does not have integrated speakers, while the Roland FP30 has 2 speakers of 11W each, with a prudent volume for a small restaurant.
• In terms of weight the Korg D1 is at 16kg and the Roland FP30 is at 14.1kg. Although it weighs more it has a built-in microphone and recording capability.

The Roland Fp 30 is also a bestseller and the considerations of the Yamaha P125 apply to it and as mentioned above the main difference is that the Roland FP 30 has a built-in microphone and recording capability.

We’re going to put the characteristics of each of these pianos in 2 different columns to make it easier to see the differences:

Now for our video review of the Roland FP30:

If you want to know more about this model don’t miss our review of the Roland FP30.

Where to buy Korg D1

Amazon

• Free shipping and possibility of shipping within one day with Amazon Premium.
• Full warrantry, but they are no experts in music equipment.
• Sometimes has better price.
• Their stock is not so good as Thomann’s.

 

Thomann

• Free shipping.
• Full warranty. If you have any problems, they cover every issue involved.
• 100% reliable payment.
• Leader in trouble-free shipping.
• Usually best price.
• Best Reputation: They are the leading online store in Europe and have the best catalogue and information.

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