Digital Piano Kurzweil Forte SE Full Review. Is it a good one?

Complete Review Kurzweil Forte SE Digital Piano – Is it a good choice?

Kurzweil Music Systems is an American company that produces electronic musical instruments. It was founded in 1982 by instrumentalist musician Stevie Wonder, multi-faceted (inventor, musician, entrepreneur, writer and scientist) Raymond Kurzweil and software developer Bruce Cichowlas.

Among its stage piano models, the Kurzweil Forte SE with a price of €1700, we have a great musical instrument with many functions and features that make it a very interesting digital piano, which has the following characteristics:

• 88 weighted keyboard (Weight that the keys of an acoustic piano have and that digital pianos try to imitate to equal the touch of the piano. The keys in the high register are heavier and in the high 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) type Fatar Tp100LR
• 128 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)
• 512 sounds (Different sounds of piano and other instruments)
• 182 multi to create different layering
• 2 GB Flash Play including the German Grand D-piano and the Japanese Grand Piano
• 188 MB of memory for samples configured and recorded by you. For loops, etc
• 1024 user-configurable sound programs
• Split function (divide the keyboard into two different instruments) with 8 zones and Quick Split
• Dual mode (Dual mode allows you to combine two sounds to create a more complete one. Typical is the combination of piano + string sound) and layering
• It has up to 32 effects including the typical reverb, chorus, and
• V.A.S.T. Edition
• 8 arpeggiators
• 9 buttons and 9 sliders on the front Modulation wheel and pitch bend (Functionality that changes the sound wave of what you play and then returns to its original state)
• Master EQ (refers to the master equalizer that allows you to adjust the parameters of the sound mix coming out of your speakers) with adjustable mid registers
• High quality LC display
• Line output
• Stereo headset output
• 3.5 mm mini-jack stereo input
• 2 inputs for switch pedals that can be used as a sustain pedal (The sustain pedal of a piano or keyboard is used to keep the note playing even if you stop pressing the key)
• Expression Pedal Input
• Midi input and output (MIDI allows you to do such wonderful things as connect your keyboard to your computer, record a sound track, and with certain programs click through what you’ve played to musical notes on a score. MIDI tracks store the information of the musical notes)
• USB to device for for example a pendrive
• weight 18.5 kg and dimensions (W x H x D): 124.2 x 38.6 x 13.2 cm
• Includes a foot switch

Now that we have listed and described the features of this keyboard there is no better way than to take a look at the following videos where they tell us more about the Kurzweil Forte and you can hear how its different sounds sound.

Related post 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.

Now let’s compare the Kurzweil Forte SE with its more common alternatives. Also at the end of the post you will find a section with the best shopping possibilities for this digital piano. But you can go directly to that part of the post by pressing the following button.

Kurzweil Forte SE vs Kurzweil SP6

The first comparison we will have with two digital pianos of the same brand: Kurzweil. The Kurzweil Forte SE which, as we have already mentioned, has a price of approximately €1700 and the Kurzweil SP6 which has a price of €999/$1299/£938. We will analyze their differences and similarities in the next section:

• Both keyboards have 88 touch-sensitive and weighted keys. When we say sensitive we mean the option of making dynamics in our musical performances, that is to say, at the moment of pressing a key with force it will sound higher and at the moment of touching a key or less force it will sound lower. Weighted keyboard refers to the weight that the keys of a real acoustic piano have, in the low range it has heavier keys and in the high range lighter keys.
• The Kurzweil Forte SE has 512 sounds, with 128 notes of polyphony and 2Gb of storage including, among others, the German and Japanese Grand Piano. In terms of sounds the SP6 has 256 factory sounds, 1024 user sounds, 130 multis factory sounds and 1024 multis factory sounds, in total 2Gb storage. Polyphony refers to the number of notes that can be played simultaneously in a piece of equipment.
• Both have the function of KB3 ToneReal Organs, K.S.R. (Kurzweil String Resonance), and a software editor. They offer very real organ tones and string resonances that give a great simulation of the instruments. In addition to its VAST sound engine.
• In physical controllers, the Kurzweil Forte SE has 22 controllers (9 knobs, 9 Switches, 2 Wheels (Pitch and Modulation) and 2 Dual-Switch Pedal Inputs. The Kurzweil SP6 has 20 controllers (4 knobs, 1 Switch, 2 Wheels (Pitch and Modulation), 2 Dual-Switch Pedal Inputs, and 1 Continuous Control Pedal Input.
• Both digital pianos have many effects in general.
• Both have USB inputs, the SP6 has 2, while the Forte SE has 1, they are for extra storage.
• Both pianos have auxiliary audio input and audio outputs, plus they have the option of USB MIDI for connection to a computer to serve as a MIDI controller in a music composition/production program.
• In weight and measurements, the Forte SE weighs 18.5 kg and measures (W x H x D): 124.2 x 38.6 x 13.2 cm and the SP6 is 12.36 kg and measures 1333 x 381 x 146mm (W x D x H)

Being of the brand Kurzweil, both have many similarities, however the Kurzweil forte is unfortunately no longer on the market while the SP6 is still on the market today. So it gives you a really big advantage, besides having a much lower price.

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 Kurzweil SP6:

Don’t miss our review of the Kurzweil Forte SP6.

Kurzweil Forte SE vs Clavia Nord Stage 3 88

We will buy the following digital keyboards: The Kurzweil Forte SE keyboard And as we have already mentioned it has a price of about €1700 and the Clavia Nord Stage 3 88 which is currently priced at €3490/$4499/£3,185, with a difference of almost twice the price, we will see their differences and similarities according to functions:

• Both keyboards have 88 touch-sensitive, weighted keys. When we say sensitive, we mean the option to make dynamics in our musical performances, that is, when pressing a key with force it will sound louder and when touching a key or less force it will sound lower. Weighted keyboard refers to the weight that the keys of a real acoustic piano have, in the low range it has heavier keys and in the high range lighter keys.
• The Kurzweil Forte SE has 512 sounds, with 128 notes of polyphony and 2Gb of storage including, among others, the German and Japanese Grand Piano. And the Nord Stage 3 also has 2Gb of storage that can be filled with samples from the Nord Piano Library or Nord Samples Library, with a polyphony of 120 notes. Polyphony refers to the number of notes that can be simultaneously in a piece of equipment.
• The Kurzweil Forte SE features: KB3 ToneReal, K.S.R. (Kurzweil String Resonance) organs, and a software editor. These provide very real organ tones and string resonances that give a great simulation of the instruments. In addition to its VAST sound engine.
• The Clavia Nord Stage 3 88 features the following functions: Very smooth sound transitions, String Resonance function (Gen 2), Noise Pedal and Long-Release option, Arpeggiator function, has Master Clock and Unison modes and includes modes for the famous B3, Vox/Farfisa and Main Pipe organs very similar to the original. It also simulates the Vintage 122 Leslie
• In physical controllers, the Kurzweil Forte SE has 22 controllers (9 knobs, 9 Switches, 2 Wheels (Pitch and Modulation) and 2 Dual-Switch Pedal Inputs. The Clavia Nord Stage 3 88 has a large number of knobs and buttons to move around in its different functions, and input for four pedals: sustain, rotor, organ, and control. It also supports a triple pedal input.
• Both digital pianos have many effects in general.
• Both have USB inputs, the SP6 has 2, while the Nord has 1, they are for extra storage. The Nord also has an ICC c14 type network cable.
• Both pianos have auxiliary audio input and audio outputs, and have the option of USB MIDI for connection to a computer to serve as a MIDI controller in a music composition/production program.
• In weight and measurements, the Forte SE weighs 18.5 kg and measures (W x H x D): 124.2 x 38.6 x 13.2 cm and the Clavia Nord Stage 3 88 weighs 19 kg and measures 1287 x 334 x 118 mm. Very similar.

Both are excellent digital pianos, with the Clavia Nord Stage 3 winning in many comparisons, and it is not for nothing that this digital piano is so famous among professional musicians. It has a large number of effects and features that allow a high quality performance on stage. Although for the price, the Kurzweil’s features are not bad.

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 Clavia Nord Stage 3 88

If you want to know more about this model don’t miss our review of the Clavia Nord Stage 3 88.

Kurzweil Forte SE vs Roland RD-2000

Now we will move on to the next comparison: the Kurzweil Forte SE keyboard which as we have already said has a price of approximately €1700 the Roland RD-2000 which currently has a price of €2290/$2599/£2,090. So let’s move on to the face-to-face of these two devices:

• Both keyboards have 88 touch-sensitive and weighted keys. The keys of the Roland are a hybrid of wood and plastic giving a greater simulation of a real acoustic piano.
• The Kurzweil Forte SE has 512 sounds, with 128 polyphonic notes and 2Gb of storage including among others, the German and Japanese Grand Piano The Roland offers 1113 sounds, with 128 polyphonic notes.
• The Kurzweil Forte SE features: KB3 ToneReal Organs, K.S.R. (Kurzweil String Resonance), and a software editor. These offer very real organ tones and string resonances that give a great simulation of the instruments. In addition to its VAST sound engine.
• The functions that characterize the Roland RD-2000 are: Eight knob wheel controls and nine slide controls, you can also split into eight different zones, layer function.
• In physical controllers, the Kurzweil Forte SE has 22 controllers (9 knobs, 9 Switches, 2 Wheels (Pitch and Modulation) and 2 Dual-Switch Pedal Inputs. The Clavia Nord Stage 3 88 has
• The RD-2000’s are: Eight wheel knobs and nine slide controls.
• Both pianos have auxiliary audio input and audio outputs, plus they have the option of USB MIDI for connection to a computer to serve as a MIDI controller in a music composition/production program.
• In weight and measurements, the Forte SE weighs 18.5 kg and measures (W x H x D): 124.2 x 38.6 x 13.2 cm and the Roland RD-2000 weighs 21.7 kg and measures 1412 x 367 x 140mm (W x D x H)

Interesting proposals for digital stage pianos, on this occasion the Roland wins in many of the points, starting with the quality of its keyboard that being a hybrid technology between wood and plastic has a better quality. Also the quantity of sounds is much higher than the Roland, than the Kurzweil. The Kurzweil has many functions and physical controllers, but in the rest the Roland surpasses it, of course also in price, getting to cost almost twice as much.

We are going to 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 Roland RD-2000

 

If you want to know more about this model don’t miss our review of the Roland RD-2000

Kurzweil Forte SE vs Yamaha CP4 Stage

We will buy the following digital keyboards: The Kurzweil Forte SE keyboard which as we mentioned before is priced at approximately €1700 and the Yamaha CP4 Stage which is priced at approximately €1500 with a difference of approximately €200 between the two. We will therefore analyze their differences and similarities on the next side:

• Both keyboards have 88 touch-sensitive and weighted keys. The keys of the Yamaha are made of wood giving a greater simulation to a real acoustic piano.
• The Kurzweil Forte SE has 512 sounds, with 128 notes of polyphony and 2Gb of storage including among others, the German and Japanese Grand Piano. The Yamaha CP4 Stage offers 433 sounds and 128 notes of polyphony generated by its two sound engines: the SCM and AWM2.
• The Kurzweil Forte SE features: KB3 ToneReal Organs, K.S.R. (Kurzweil String Resonance), and a software editor. These offer very real organ tones and string resonances that give a great simulation of the instruments. In addition to its VAST sound engine.
• The Yamaha CP4 Stage features: Pitch Bend and modulation wheels, 4 zone split function, and dual or layer function.
• In physical controllers, the Kurzweil Forte SE has 22 controllers (9 knobs, 9 switches, 2 wheels (Pitch and Modulation) and 2 Dual-Switch Pedal Inputs. The Clavia Nord Stage 3 88 has The Yamaha CP4 Stage has 2 sustain pedal inputs that are included and 2 inputs for controller pedals.
• The Kurzweil has 32 effects, while the Yamaha has 11.
• Both have USB inputs, the SP6 has 2, while the Yamaha has 1.
• Both pianos have auxiliary audio inputs and audio outputs, and also have the option of USB MIDI for connection to a computer to serve as a MIDI controller in a music composition/production program.
• In terms of weight and dimensions, the Forte SE weighs 18.5 kg and measures (W x H x D): 124.2 x 38.6 x 13.2 cm and the Yamaha CP4 Stage weighs 17.5 kg and measures 1332 x 161 x 352 mm.

These are excellent stage pianos, with their respective advantages and disadvantages. The Kurzweil offers a greater amount of sounds and effects on the keyboard, apart from certain functions that are not available from Yamaha. However, the Yamaha has a keyboard with 88 real wooden keys, not plastic ones, and this surely also gives a better feeling of experience when simulating a real acoustic piano keyboard. So it will be a difficult decision, however depending on which one best meets your employer’s needs will be the best.

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 Yamaha CP4 Stage

If you want to know more about this model don’t miss our review of the Yamaha CP4 Stage

Where to buy Kurzweil Forte SE

Thomann

• Free Shipping.
• Full warranty. If you have any problems, they take care of everything.
• 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.

Amazon

• Free Shipping and possibility of shipping in one day with Amazon Premium.
• Full Guarantee but they are no experts in music equipment.
• Sometimes better price.
• He’s got worse stock than Thomann.

Check below related models with similar price and features:

• Roland FP 60
• Yamaha P515
• Yamaha YDP 164
• Roland FP 90
• Korg G1 Air
• Casio PX 560
• Roland Kiyola KF 10
• Korg PA 1000
• Korg PA 700 Oriental
• Yamaha PSR S975
• Korg Havian 30
• Korg PA 700
• Kawai EN 8
• Kawai MP 11
• Kawai MP 7
• Clavia Nord Electro 6D 61
• Clavia Nord Stage 3 88
• Kurzweil SP6
• Korg SV1 73
• Kurzweil Forte 8
• Clavia Nord Electro 6D 73
• Clavia Nord Stage 3 HP76
• Roland RD 2000
• Kurzweil Artis 7
• Clavia Nord Piano 4
• Clavia Nord Stage 3 compact
• Crumar Seven
• Clavia Nord Electro 6
• Korg Grandstage 73
• Dexibell Vivo Stage S9
• Dexibell Vivo Stage S1
• Korg SV1 88
• Korg Grandstage 88
• Kurzweil Forte SE
• Yamaha CP88
• Roland VR 730
• Studiologic Numa Concert
• Yamaha CP73
• Dexibell Vivo Stage S7
• Yamaha CP300
• Yamaha CP1
• Clavia Nord Grand
• Viscount Physis Piano K4 EX
• Viscount Physis Piano K5 EX
• Dexibell Vivo Portable P7
• Kurzweil Artis
• Dexibell Vivo Portable P3
• Dexibell Vivo Stage S3

Digital Piano Kurzweil Forte 8 Full Review. Is it a good purchase?

Review and Opinion of Kurzweil Forte 8 and Where to Buy It?

Kurzweil Music Systems is an American company that produces electronic musical instruments. It was founded in 1982 by instrumentalist musician Stevie Wonder, multi-faceted (inventor, musician, entrepreneur, writer and scientist) Raymond Kurzweil and software developer Bruce Cichowlas.

Among its stage piano models, we have the Kurzweil Forte 8 with a price of £2,899. This is a great musical instrument with many functions and features that make it a very interesting digital piano, which has the following characteristics:

• 88 weighted keys (Weight that the keys of an acoustic piano have and that digital pianos try to imitate to equal the touch of the piano. The keys in the high register are heavier and in the high 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 Aftertouch and dynamic sensitive keyboard
• 128 notes of polyphony (Number of notes that can be played at once. This includes accompaniments that also consume notes. So if you play on top of an accompaniment more notes will be accumulated) with 16 parts with different timbres
• 16 multitimbral parts
• 16 GB of fast memory
• 3.3 GB memory for user-created samples
• 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) and layering
• 309 sounds (different piano and other instrument sounds) but up to 322 selected from the PC3 and KORE 64 expansion
• 3072 user presets
• 3-band equalizer
• Master Compressor
• Block of 32 effects including. reverb (Reverb effect), Delay, Chorus
• Reverb effect, chorus and so on up to 32 effects
• Pitch bend wheel (Functionality that changes the sound wave of what you play and then returns to its original state)
• Modulation wheel
• 9 slider controls faders
• Controls for Variation, Tempo and Transposition (Transposition allows you to move the note spectrum of a keyboard. This is useful for playing with transposing instruments. It is not an easy concept but it is made to facilitate the writing of an orchestration for instruments with very different bass and treble registers)
• 9 user assignable controls
• Includes sustain pedal (The sustain pedal of a piano or keyboard is used to keep the note playing even if you stop pressing the key)
• It also has inputs for the volume pedal
• Line output Jack for live
• Midi input and output (MIDI allows you to do such wonderful things as connecting the keyboard to the computer, recording a sound track and with certain programs passing with a click what you have played to musical notes in a score. MIDI tracks store the information of the musical notes)
• USB port for pendrive
• Power supply inside the keypad and comes with a power cable
• Weight 22.5 kg and dimensions 1385 x 140 x 395 mm

Now that we have listed and described the features of this keyboard there is no better way than to take a look at the following video where they tell us more about the Kurzweil Forte 8 and you can hear how its different sounds sound.

Related post 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.

Now let’s compare the Kurzweil Forte 8 with its more common alternatives. Also at the end of the post you will find a section with the best shopping possibilities for this digital piano. But you can go directly to that part of the post by pressing the following button.

Kurzweil Forte 8 vs Clavia Nord Stage 3 88.

As a first comparison we will have the following digital keyboards: the Kurzweil Forte 8 which has a price of €2899/£2,699, and the Clavia Nord Stage 3 88 which has a price of £3490/$4500/£3,185. With a difference between them of €590, we will analyze their similarities and differences in the next section:

• Both digital keyboards have 88 weighted keys and speed and touch sensitivity. The Kurzweil’s also have Aftertouch, helping to simulate the feeling after raising your fingers on a real acoustic piano. So we can say that they have an advantage over the Nord Stage keys. Weighted keyboard refers to the weight that the keys of a real acoustic piano have, in the register they have the heaviest keys and in the high register the lightest keys. Polyphony refers to the option of being able to play dynamics in our musical performances, i.e. when we press a key with force it should sound louder than another pressed key with less force.
• In sound, the Kurzweil Forte 8 has 322 preset programs, and 3.3Gb of storage for more samples, with a polyphony of 128 notes. While the Clavia Nord Stage 3 88 has 400 preset sounds and 2Gb storage for more samples from the Piano Nord Library and 120 note polyphony.
• The functions that characterize the Kurzweil are Split function, Dual function and layering, 3 band equalizer, Master Compressor, 32 effect block included. Reverb, Delay, Chorus. Pitch Bend and modulation wheels. It also has the following physical controllers: 9 slider faders, controls for variation, tempo and transposition, 9 user assignable controls, includes sustain pedal and also has inputs for volume pedal.
• The functions that characterize the Clavia Nord Stage 3 88 are Creative Piano filters, absolutely smooth transitions and program changes, String Resonance function (Gen 2), Noise pedal and Long-Release option, powerful synth section with Subtractive synthesis, FM, and Wavetable, Arpeggiator. Unison Mode and Master Clock B3 Organ Simulations, Vox/Farfisa and Main Pipe faithful to the original and Leslie Vintage 122.
• The Kurzweil Forte 8 has the following connections: Live Line Jack, MIDI In and Out, and USB port for a USB stick. When the Clavia Nord Stage 3 88 has: 4 assignable audio outputs 6.35 mm asymmetrical jack, 6.35 mm stereo headphone jack, 1 3.5 mm mini-jack monitor input. Sustain Jack, Rotor Jack, Organ Pedal Jack, Control Pedal Jack, Program Switch Pedal Input 6.35 mm jack
• The Kurzweil Forte 8 has a weight of 22.5 kg and dimensions of 1385 x 140 x 395 mm. The Clavia Nord Stage 3 88 weighs 19 kg and measures 1287 x 334 x 118 mm.

We have some of the best options for digital stage pianos. On the one hand the forte eight comfort that has both a great amount of sounds and a good polyphony, a great amount of effects, its functions and physical controllers and its different connections, make it a real opponent to the Clavia Nord Stage 3 88, which has long been one of the most popular keyboards among professional musicians. And for the price it is a real bargain. Likewise the Clavia Nord Stage is not far behind with its functions and different pedal inputs that dominate the Kurzweil in that section. We also have to know that the Kurzweil is slightly heavier than the Clavia Nord Stage, which is a great stage keyboard.

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 Clavia Nord Stage 3 88:

If you want to know more about this model don’t miss our Clavia Nord Stage 3 review

Kurzweil Forte 8 vs Kurzweil Forte SE

We will have from the comparison of the following digital pianos of the comfort brand: the Kurzweil Forte 8, which as we have already mentioned has a price of €2899/£2,699 and the Kurzweil Forte SE €1800, therefore the difference of approximately €1100, with this great difference we will see their similarities and differences:

• The Kurzweil Artis 7 has 77 semi-weighted keys with speed sensitivity. The Kurzweil Forte SE has 88 hammer-action (weighted) keys with sensitivity. Weighted keyboard refers to the weight of the keys of a real acoustic piano, in the register it records its heaviest keys and in the high register the lightest keys. Polyphony refers to the option of being able to play dynamics in our musical performances, that is to say that when we press a key with force it should sound louder than another one pressed with less force.
• The Artis 7 has 256 factory sounds, and 256 configurable sounds and 128 polyphony notes. While the Forte SE has 512 sounds and up to 128 notes of polyphony. Polyphony is the maximum number of notes that can be played at the same time on a computer.
• The features of the Kurzweil Artis 7: Fast 4-zone split function, dual function, reverb effect, chorus and many more, 9 sliders on the front, modulation wheels and Pitch Bend
• The features of the Kurzweil Forte SE: Split function with 8 zones and fast split, dual mode and layering. This has up to 32 effects including typical reverb, chorus, V.A.S.T. Edition: 8 arpeggiators, 9 buttons and 9 sliders on the front. y Modulation wheels and Pitch Bend.
• In connections the Artis 7 offers us: 2 stereo or TRS line jack outputs, stereo headset output, TRS mini line jack input, MIDI input and output, USB port for pendrives, etc. and 2 inputs for foot switches. When the Forte SE offers: Line Out, Stereo Headset Out, 3.5mm Stereo Mini Jack In, 2 inputs for switch pedals that can be used as a sustain pedal and an input for an expression pedal.
• Both keyboards offer a USB MIDI option that allows you to connect to a computer to be used as a MIDI controller in a production or music composition program.
• The Artis 7 weighs 12.6 kg and measures 1077 x 360 x 124 mm (W x D x H), while the Forte SE weighs 18.5 kg and measures (W x H x D): 124.2 x 38.6 x 13.2 cm

Now we come across two excellent models from the Kurzweil brand: the Forte 8 and the Forte SE, which are really very similar but have few differences that characterize them from each other. For example, the Forte SE has 8 split zones, offers more physical controls and is lighter in weight. With all these differences we could say that it is the best, but let’s also remember the great memory it has to record and modify different sounds. This gives the Kurzweil Forte 8 a great advantage.

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 from the Kurzweil Forte SE:

You can also see our review of the Kurzweil Forte SE in more detail.

Where to buy Kurzweil Forte 8

Amazon

• Free Shipping and possibility of shipping in one day with Amazon Premium.
• Full Guarantee but they are no experts in music equipment.
• Sometimes better price.
• He’s got worse stock than Thomann.

 

Thomann

• Free Shipping.
• Full warranty. If you have any problems, they take care of everything.
• 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.

Check below related models with similar price and features:

• Roland FP 60
• Yamaha P515
• Yamaha YDP 164
• Roland FP 90
• Korg G1 Air
• Casio PX 560
• Roland Kiyola KF 10
• Korg PA 1000
• Korg PA 700 Oriental
• Yamaha PSR S975
• Korg Havian 30
• Korg PA 700
• Kawai EN 8
• Kawai MP 11
• Kawai MP 7
• Clavia Nord Electro 6D 61
• Clavia Nord Stage 3 88
• Kurzweil SP6
• Korg SV1 73
• Kurzweil Forte 8
• Clavia Nord Electro 6D 73
• Clavia Nord Stage 3 HP76
• Roland RD 2000
• Kurzweil Artis 7
• Clavia Nord Piano 4
• Clavia Nord Stage 3 compact
• Crumar Seven
• Clavia Nord Electro 6
• Korg Grandstage 73
• Dexibell Vivo Stage S9
• Dexibell Vivo Stage S1
• Korg SV1 88
• Korg Grandstage 88
• Kurzweil Forte SE
• Yamaha CP88
• Roland VR 730
• Studiologic Numa Concert
• Yamaha CP73
• Dexibell Vivo Stage S7
• Yamaha CP300
• Yamaha CP1
• Clavia Nord Grand
• Viscount Physis Piano K4 EX
• Viscount Physis Piano K5 EX
• Dexibell Vivo Portable P7
• Kurzweil Artis
• Dexibell Vivo Portable P3
• Dexibell Vivo Stage S3

Digital Piano Kurzweil Artis 7 Full Review. Is it a good choice?

Digital Piano Kurzweil Artis 7 Review Complete – Is it a Good Choice?

Kurzweil Music Systems is an American company that produces electronic musical instruments. It was founded in 1982 by instrumentalist musician Stevie Wonder, multi-faceted (inventor, musician, entrepreneur, writer and scientist) Raymond Kurzweil and software developer Bruce Cichowlas.

Among its models of stage pianos, we have the Kurzweil Artis 7 with a price tag of approximately €1300, we have a great musical instrument with many functions and features that make it a very interesting digital piano, which has the following characteristics:

• 76 semi-weighted keys (Weight that the keys of an acoustic piano have and that digital pianos try to imitate to equal the touch of the piano. The keys in the high register are heavier and in the high 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 touch and velocity sensitivity of the type Fatar TP8
• 128 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)
• Quick Split function (divide the keyboard into two different instruments) into 4 zones
• Dual function (Dual mode allows you to combine two sounds to create a more complete one. The combination of piano + stringed instrument sound is typical)
• 256 sounds (various piano and other instrument sounds) from the factory
• 256 user-configurable sounds
• Reverb effect, chorus and many more
• 9 sliders on the front
• Modulation wheel
• Pitch bend wheel (Functionality that changes the sound wave of what you play and then returns to its original state)
• High quality LCD display
• 2 stereo or TRS line outputs
• Stereo headset output
• Line input TRS mini jack
• Midi input and output (MIDI allows you to do such wonderful things as connect your keyboard to your computer, record a sound track, and with certain programs click through what you’ve played to musical notes on a score. MIDI tracks store the information of the musical notes)
• USB port for pendrives, etc
• 2 inputs for foot switches. This includes the sustain pedal (the sustain pedal on a piano or keyboard is used to keep the note playing even if you stop pressing the key) which is included but a switching pedal which acts as a sustain pedal (the sustain pedal on a piano or keyboard is used to keep the note playing even if you stop pressing the key)
• Input for another expression pedal
• It has a weight of 12.6Kg and dimensions of 1077 x 360 x 124 mm (width x depth x height)

Two very interesting videos of the Kurzweil Artis 7.

Related post 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.

Now let’s compare the Kurzweil Artis 7 with its more common alternatives. Also at the end of the post you will find a section with the best shopping possibilities for this digital piano. But you can go directly to that part of the post by pressing the following button.

Kurzweil Artis 7 vs Kurzweil PC3

In our first comparison we will have the following digital pianos: the Kurzweil Artis 7 which is priced at approximately €1300 and the Kurzweil PC3 which is priced at approximately €2000. Having between them a relative difference of €700. We will then see their differences and similarities in the next section:

• The keyboards have 77 semi-weighted keys with speed sensitivity. Being better those of the PC3 due to its Aftertouch function, which helps to simulate a real acoustic piano. Weighted keyboard refers to the weight of the keys in a real acoustic piano, in the low register they have heavy keys while in the high register they have light keys. When we refer to sensitivity we mean that we can play dynamics in our performances, that is, when we press a key with force it sounds louder than another one pressed with less force.
• The Artis 7 has 256 factory sounds, and 256 configurable sounds and 128 polyphonic notes. While the PC 3 has 1074 sounds and equally 128 polyphonic notes.
• The characteristics of the Kurzweil Artis 7: Fast 4-zone split function, dual function, reverb effect, chorus and many more, 9 sliders on the front, modulation wheels and pitch bend
• The characteristics of the Kurzweil PC3 are: 128 MB Sample Flash Memory, ROM Expansion Slot, Integrated Sequencer, Effects like Reverbs, Delay, Chorus, Leslie Simulator, Pitch Bend and Modulation Wheels, 9 Faders, 10 Buttons, Arpeggiator and Riff-Generator Function.
• In connections the Artis 7 offers us: 2 stereo or TRS line jack outputs, stereo headphone output, TRS mini line jack input, MIDI input and output, USB port for pendrives, etc. and 2 inputs for switching pedals. When the PC3, 4 jack outputs 6.3mm, headphones output, and USB storage, 2 inputs for foot controllers and 3 foot switch.
• Both keyboards offer a USB MIDI option that allows you to connect to a computer to be used as a MIDI controller in a production or music composition program.
• The Artis 7 weighs 12.6 kg and has dimensions of 1077 x 360 x 124 mm (width x depth x height), while the PC3 weighs 16.9 kg and has dimensions of 1222 x 355 x 110 mm.

We find two good digital pianos that we can put in the Workstation category because of the amount of sounds each one has. The PC3 has a great advantage because of the aftertouch function, and the amount of sounds and effects it offers. Of course, we also have a great price difference. According to your needs you will choose the best one.

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 demo of the sounds of the Kurzweil PC3:

Kurzweil Artis 7 vs Clavia Nord Electro 5D

We will now buy the following digital pianos: the course the item seven which as we have already mentioned is priced at approximately €1300 and the North Electro 5D which is priced at approximately €1600, so there is a difference of approximately €300:

• The keyboards have 77 semi-weighted keys with speed sensitivity. Weighted keyboard refers to the weight that the keys have in a real acoustic piano, in the low register they have heavy keys while in the high register they have light keys. When we refer to sensitivity we mean that we can play dynamics in our performances, that is, when we press a key with force it sounds louder than another one pressed with less force.
• The Artis 7 has 256 factory sounds, and 256 configurable sounds and 128 polyphony notes. While the Nord Electro 5D has 1GB of storage for the Nord Piano library and 256MB of storage for the Nord Sample library, making for a large number of sounds, which is not the case for the polyphony notes, which have the highest number of 60 polyphony notes. That for the study of the piano, notes will be needed in order to interpret some musical compositions.
• The features of the Kurzweil Artis 7: Fast 4-zone split function, dual function, reverb effect, chorus and many more, 9 sliders on the front, modulation wheels and Pitch Bend
• The characteristics of the Nord Electro 5D are: Split and Layer function, 6 Split points with LED indicator, Organization mode for programs and samples, Symphatic String Resonance Gen2, dedicated Sample Synth section with controls for attack, decay/release and dynamic, Nord C2D B3 Tone Wheel Simulation function, Main Pipe Organ Model, B3 Tone Wheel Bass, Nord C2D Leslie 122 Simulator, Half-moon Switch Support, All Stereo Effects, Tube Overdrive Simulation, Vibe Effect, and Separate Reverb and Delay Effects
• In connections the Artis 7 offers: 2 stereo or TRS line jack outputs, stereo headphone output, TRS mini line jack input, MIDI input and output, USB port for pendrives, etc. and 2 inputs for foot switches. When the Nord Electro 5D, 2x Line-Out 6.3mm Jack (L/R), Monitor Input 3.5″ stereo mini-jack, Headphone Output, Input for Foot Control and Sustain and Input for Rotary Speaker Pedal
• Both keyboards offer a USB MIDI option that allows you to connect to a computer for use as a MIDI controller in a music production or composition program.
• The Artis 7 weighs 12.6 kg and measures 1077 x 360 x 124 mm (W x D x H), while the Nord Electro 5D weighs 9.2 kg and measures 1066 x 296 x 97 mm.

We find good keyboards of different brands and with different characteristics, the Kurzweil has more than 500 sounds and 128 notes of polyphony, and in the Nord we find a total storage of 1.25 Gb of sound storage and a limited polyphony of 60 notes of polyphony, as mentioned before, with this polyphony we will not be able to intone certain musical compositions. This greatly limits the use of this digital keyboard.

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

Now a video of the Nord Electro 5D:

If you are interested in knowing more, we invite you to see our review of the Nord Electro 6D (successor of the 5D)

Kurzweil Artis 7 vs Yamaha CP4 Stage

We will now buy the following digital pianos: the course the item seven which as we have mentioned before is priced at approximately €1300 and the Yamaha CP4 Stage which is priced at approximately €1500. We will now have the face-to-face of the keyboards mentioned in the next section:

• The floor has 76 semi-weighted keys with touch sensitivity. The Yamaha CP4 stage has 88 weighted keys with touch-sensitive keys and also with Wood Graded Hammer quality. The quality of the Yamaha is much better.
• The Artis 7 has 256 factory sounds, and 256 configurable sounds and 128 polyphony notes. While the Yamaha has 433 sounds and equally 128 notes of polyphony.
• The features of the Kurzweil Artis 7: Fast 4-zone split function, dual function, reverb effect, chorus and many more, 9 sliders on the front, modulation wheels and Pitch Bend
• The characteristics of the Yamaha CP4 Stage are: SCM and AWM2 sound generation engine, 11 effects including reverb, chorus, etc, Pitch Bend and modulation wheels, 4 zone split function and dual or layer function.
• In connections the Artis 7 offers us: 2 stereo or TRS line jack outputs, stereo headset output, TRS mini line jack input, MIDI input and output, USB port for pendrives, etc. and 2 inputs for foot switches. When the Yamaha CP4 Stage has: Stereo Line Jack outputs and Headset Output, plus 2 included sustain pedal inputs and 2 inputs for controller pedals.
• Both keyboards offer a USB MIDI option that allows you to connect to a computer to be used as a MIDI controller in a production or music composition program.
• The Artis 7 weighs 12.6 kg and measures 1077 x 360 x 124 mm (W x D x H), while the Yamaha CP4 Stage weighs 17.5 kg and measures 1332 x 161 x 352 mm.

In the Yamaha we find a high quality keyboard, with white wooden keys, giving it an advantage over the Kurzweil Artis 7. Now in terms of sound the Kurzweil has a slight advantage, although in polyphonic notes both are in the same size. In terms of weight, Kurzweil is lighter, weighing almost 5Kg. Remembering its difference of 200 Euros, choosing between one of them will not be such an easy task. However watching the videos will help you.

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 Yamaha CP4 Stage

 

If you want to know more about this model don’t miss our review of the Yamaha CP4 Stage

Kurzweil Artis 7 vs Korg SV2 73

Now we will make the comparison of the following keyboards: The Kurzweil Artis 7 which is priced at about €1300 and the Korg SV2 73 which is priced at €1799/£1,666. Having a difference of about €500. We will then analyze their differences and similarities:

• Both keyboards have 73 speed-sensitive and weighted keys. Where those of the Kurzweil are semi-balanced, that is, with a lighter counterweight.
• The Kurzweil Artis 7 has 256 factory sounds, and 256 configurable sounds and 128 polyphony notes. While the Korg SV2 73 has 72 sounds and a maximum polyphony of 128 notes.
• The features of the Kurzweil Artis 7: Fast 4-zone split function, dual function, reverb effect, chorus and many more, 9 sliders on the front, modulation wheels and Pitch Bend
• The characteristics of the Korg SV2 73 are: Layered and partitioned sounds with up to 3 timbres, Authentic electric piano, peg and organ sounds, including typical noises, vintage effects and amp simulations, String sounds, ensemble, woodwind and brass, chorus and synthesizer, 4 concert grand pianos + 2 upright pianos and 64 storable favorite sounds, Effects section with authentic tube circuit, usually seen in audio amplifiers.
• In connections the Artis 7 offers us: 2 stereo or TRS line jack outputs, stereo headphone output, TRS mini line jack input, MIDI input and output, USB port for pendrives, etc and 2 inputs for switching pedals. When the Korg SV2 73 has: 2 balanced XLR line outputs / unbalanced 6.3 mm jack, 2 unbalanced 6.3 mm line jack inputs, stereo headphone output.
• Both keyboards offer a USB MIDI option that allows you to connect to a computer to be used as a MIDI controller in a production or music composition program.
• The Artis 7 weighs 12.6 kg and measures 1077 x 360 x 124 mm (W x D x H), while the Korg SV2 73 weighs 17.2 kg and measures 1143 x 157 x 347 mm.

We find two good digital keyboards with their respective differences, the comfort offers us a greater amount of sounds. While the Korg offers us a vintage style, with a moderate amount of sounds and a large amount of effects that can make playing this digital keyboard a great experience. Although they are designed for different environments, both are good at what they offer.

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 SV2 73

If you want to know more about this model don’t miss our review of the Korg SV1 73 (predecessor of the Korg SV2 73)

Kurzweil Artis 7 vs Kurzweil SP6

Now we will have the digital keyboards of the Kurzweil brand: the Kurzweil Artis 7 that as we have mentioned before has a price of about €1300 and the Kurzweil SP6 that currently has a price of €999/£938, having a difference of about €300, between both. We will see their similarities and differences in the following face-to-face:

• The Kurzweil Artis 7 has 77 semi-weighted keys with speed sensitivity. The Kurzweil SP6 has 88 hammer-action (weighted) keys with sensitivity.
• The Artis 7 has 256 factory sounds, and 256 configurable sounds and 128 polyphony notes. While the SP6 has 256 factory sounds, 1024 user sounds, 130 multis factory sounds and 1024 multis factory sounds, in total 2Gb storage. And up to 128 polyphony notes.
• The features of the Kurzweil Artis 7: Fast 4-zone split function, dual function, reverb effect, chorus and many more, 9 sliders on the front, modulation wheels and Pitch Bend
• The features of the Kurzweil SP6 are: Sound generation: VAST – Variable Architecture Synthesis technology, KB3 – Real Tone Emulation, as well as VA1 – Oscillators with Anti-Aliasing and Power-Shaping, as well as DSP processing of the Kurzweil VA1 concept synthesizer. It is 100% compatible with Forte SE programs, has an extensive effects section and Pitch and Modulation Wheels. Also a ‘Tap Tempo’ button
• In connections the Artis 7 offers us: 2 stereo or TRS line jack outputs, stereo headset output, TRS mini line jack input, MIDI input and output, USB port for pendrives, etc. and 2 inputs for foot switches. When the SP6 has 2 inputs for double shift pedals, 1 connection for the foot sill. Analog outputs: 2 balanced 6.35mm jacks and 1 6.35mm headphone output. In addition to 2 USB ports (one USB-A / one USB-B).
• The Kurzweil SP6 also offers editing applications: External editors for Mac OS X, Windows PC and iOS devices and Free Operating System Updates: Operating system update via USB or USB key.
• Both keyboards offer a USB MIDI option that allows you to connect to a computer for use as a MIDI controller in a music production or composition program.
• The Artis 7 weighs 12.6 kg and measures 1077 x 360 x 124 mm (W x D x H), while the SP6 weighs 12.36 kg and measures 133.3 x 38.1 x 14.6 cm.

We found two excellent digital keyboards: and the Kurzweil SP6 has an advantage in most features and functions. Starting with the amount of keys (which is also relative to the space we have to use it), the amount of sounds it offers, the amount of functions and effects it has to use both live and in the studio. Also its system updates that give a longer life to the functionality of the keyboard in question. Also having a lower price, and being more current, this is undoubtedly the best option.

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 Kurzweil SP6

If you want to know more about this model don’t miss our review of the Kurzweil SP6.

Kurzweil Artis 7 vs Kurzweil Forte SE

And in our last comparison we will have the digital keyboards of the Kurzweil brand: the Kurzweil Artis 7 that as we have mentioned before has a price of approximately €1300 and the Kurzweil Forte SE that currently has a price of €1800, having a difference close to €500, between both. We will see their similarities and differences in the following face-to-face:

• The Kurzweil Artis 7 has 77 semi-weighted keys with speed sensitivity. The Kurzweil Forte SE has 88 hammer-action (weighted) keys with sensitivity.
• The Artis 7 has 256 factory sounds, and 256 configurable sounds and 128 polyphonic notes. The Forte SE has 512 sounds and up to 128 polyphonic notes.
• The features of the Kurzweil Artis 7: Fast 4-zone split function, dual function, reverb effect, chorus and many more, 9 sliders on the front, modulation wheels and Pitch Bend
• The features of the Kurzweil Forte SE: 188 MB of memory for samples configured and recorded by you. For loops, etc., 1024 user-configurable sound programs, Split function with 8 zones and Quick Split, dual mode and layering It has up to 32 effects including typical reverb, chorus, V.A.S.T. Edition. In physical controllers it has 8 arpeggiators, 9 buttons and 9 sliders on the front. Modulation wheel and Pitch Bend. Also master EQ with adjustable mid registers.
• In connections the Artis 7 offers: 2 stereo or TRS line jack outputs, stereo headphone output, TRS mini line jack input, MIDI input and output, USB port for pendrives, etc. and 2 inputs for foot switches. When the Forte SE offers: Line Out, Stereo Headset Out, 3.5mm Stereo Mini-Jack In and 2 Inputs for Switching Pedals (Sustain Pedal) and Input for Expression Pedal
• Both keyboards offer a USB MIDI option that allows you to connect to a computer for use as a MIDI controller in a production or music composition program.
• The Artis 7 weighs 12.6 kg and measures 1077 x 360 x 124 mm (W x D x H), while the Forte SE weighs 18.5 kg and measures (W x H x D) 124.2 x 38.6 x 13.2 cm.

We found many advantages of the Kurzweil Forte SE, starting with its number of keys, although as we commented in the last review this is relative to the space we have for the instrument. A slightly higher amount of sounds and effects/functions than its rival the Kurzweil Artis 7, let’s remember as well its almost 500 euro difference in price, which is indeed worth paying.

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 from the Kurzweil Forte

If you want to know more about this model don’t miss our review of the Kurzweil Forte SE.

Where to buy Kurzweil Artis 7

Amazon

• Free Shipping and possibility of shipping in one day with Amazon Premium.
• Full Guarantee but they are no experts in music equipment.
• Sometimes better price.
• He’s got worse stock than Thomann.

Thomann

• Free Shipping.
• Full warranty. If you have any problems, they take care of everything.
• 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.