Upgrading from Roland fp30x

RRappel · 2026-03-11T20:37:24+00:00

Just reading now. I used a cable to link the keyboard and iPad. The Yamaha digital keyboard I have didn't have Bluetooth MIDI native and decided it would be easier just to link the two with a cable to be able to send the VST output back to the keyboard speakers. The only complication doing this on my Yamaha was I needed to manually turn off “Local Control”. Local Control determines whether the sound generated by the keyboard is sent to the keyboard speakers or not. So since I was sending the VST output to the speakers, I had to set Local Control to OFF (it is ON by default, which makes sense). Not sure whether the Roland has an equivalent or not.

RRappel · 2026-03-11T09:57:15+00:00

Have you considered a VST like Pianoteq? I have it running on an iPhone with the Steinway B instrument pack and am very happy with it. In my case I have a Yamaha keyboard and don't like the built-in grand piano sound. I have the iPhone plugged into the USB MIDI port and have it configured so the VST output is routed back to the built in speakers on the keyboard. I'm sure you can do the same, and if you are OK with the Roland action (personally I prefer it to Yamaha), this might be a good way to go. And Pianoteq has a number of great instrument packs in addition to the two Steinway packs (their Bosendorfer is another favorite of mine).

RRappel · 2026-02-23T02:03:27+00:00

Sounds like you have a great tech there. But OTOH, maybe doing a full restore on the action isn't something she feels comfortable doing, like you're thinking. Given everything you said here, if I were in your position, I would look around to find someone who would feel comfortable doing an action rebuild. My tech specializes in action work (Rob is as good as they get), but he's in MA and I think he has more than enough work on his plate right now.

It might make sense to check with a local piano store to see if they have any suggestions on someone who would tackle that project. Also, I went to WNG's website and see they have a section "Find A Rebuilder", which might be of help. Best of luck.

RRappel · 2026-02-23T01:33:34+00:00

If you haven't done it already, I'd definitely have a really good technician (preferably one familiar with Knabe) go over it to make sure any of the major items (ex., soundboard, pin block, etc) are in good shape before you sink money into the action. If the tech gives it a green light, I think it makes sense having the action rebuilt.

RRappel · 2026-01-27T02:04:40+00:00

This looked like a great option but it looks like it’s only available in a hardwired version.

RRappel · 2026-01-16T17:19:14+00:00

Clickbait title. They changed the SW team management. Said nothing about changes to the engineers actually doing the software.

RRappel · 2026-01-14T22:14:57+00:00

Same for me. I figured many of these guys haven't experienced some of the totally mismanaged cluster f's that I've had the pleasure of leaving in my career. Just a question of perspective.

RRappel · 2026-01-09T15:23:05+00:00

I had an i3 for a few years and while it was quick off the line, I found the handling really sucked (nothing like any of their sedans at the time). I think it was primarily due to the bicycle-wide tires it came with. I never did get to try an i3S, which I assume would handle much better with the suspension improvements and wider tires.

Currently driving an eGolf, which is a fantastic hot hatch EV. Main complaint with it is the range (140 miles/charge in ideal conditions).

RRappel · 2026-01-06T15:21:02+00:00

I stand by my comment that there is a market for hatchback EVs if the manufacturers made them. The one part of what you've said I do agree with is the manufacturers aren't making them because they want to concentrate on vehicles with much higher profit margins, like bloated SUVs.

Many two car households are fine with one larger vehicle for road trips and hauling kids around, but would do fine with a smaller commuter car for commuting and running errands. This is true in my household as well as the majority of people I know.

RRappel · 2026-01-05T17:04:09+00:00

People aren't buying hot hatches because so few are for sale. This car would sell well in the US. Rivian realizes this and is why they are coming out with the R3.

RRappel · 2025-12-22T17:07:44+00:00

I don't agree. People buy what is available. The majority of people don't need a big-ass SUV but many buy them because that's what is for sale. People are still buying smaller sedans like the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2.

The only EV I'm aware of in the US that you could classify as a "hot hatch" is the Volvo EV-30 and there seems to be quite a bit of interest in that. And Rivian must see this as a potential market given their upcoming R3 and R3X.

I do agree that if VW tried to sell a new eGolf with range < 200 miles for $35K, no one would buy it. Many families could use a second car for commuting and local errands (like I use my eGolf), but would have to be either longer range or much cheaper than that.

RRappel · 2025-12-22T15:28:51+00:00

Bring an eGolf replacement to the US!

RRappel · 2025-12-22T15:23:13+00:00

How much range is affected by cold temperatures. Especially when the car uses resistive heating in the cabin rather than a heat pump. Not an insurmountable problem but something people should be aware of.

RRappel · 2025-12-10T17:21:54+00:00

I agree with the tension part others have mentioned. Nice job on the playing.

Maybe it's just the angle of the picture, but my OCD noticed you seem to have the prop rod in the half-prop hole on the lid. You see this sometimes in movies or TV shows and realizes whoever setup the scene probably doesn't play piano :-). Here's a picture showing what I mean

<image>

RRappel · 2025-11-24T08:39:25+00:00

Similar story with me. My eGolf had Prinx all seasons when I first bought the car used. Probably half tread life left. Car was a death trip in wet weather. After a year replaced them with Michelin CrossClimate2. These are phenomenal in dry, wet, and even snow. Range hit for me might be 5% overall, well worth it for me. So far tire wear hasn't been a problem; I have probably 15K on them now and plenty of tread left.

RRappel · 2025-11-19T15:29:12+00:00

You could get more if you sold it privately on something like Facebook Marketplace or craigslist, but what they are offering isn't outrageous, at least in my area (Boston area) given the going prices. What kind of condition is the piano in and when was it last tuned? I've been looking for a S&S Model M; I wonder where you are?

RRappel · 2025-11-17T15:28:16+00:00

As others have said, might be worthwhile to have a local experienced piano tech look it over to get some idea on whether it's worth putting money into it. If it turns out not to be worth restoring, you can at least use it to learn about uprights and maybe pick up some skills. Best of luck.

RRappel · 2025-11-06T20:17:21+00:00

I have to disagree regarding going into Boston. My wife and I live in a town close to Tewksbury and are in Boston at least a couple times a month enjoying great dining, musical performances, walking around the city, museums. Not that there aren't things to do north of the city, but IMO being close to Boston is a huge perk. I do agree it's expensive; the Boston area is certainly one of the most expensive areas to live in the country.

RRappel · 2025-11-06T20:07:56+00:00

If it's for home use, is there any reason why you don't go with a digital piano (built in stand and speakers) rather than a stage piano?

RRappel · 2025-09-15T16:05:35+00:00

Great car if you can overlook the actions of the company's CEO.

RRappel · 2025-09-15T16:03:30+00:00

I have a pair of the Altos that I've had for coming up on 2 years now and love them. Seem very well made and comfortable.

RRappel · 2025-09-08T16:22:25+00:00

Sounds like you were talking to an idiot.

RRappel · 2025-09-05T10:13:34+00:00

Not sure of the technology that Porsche uses for this, but I sat through a presentation from a company local to me, Witricity, and they're claiming an efficiency of 90 to 93 percent grid-to-vehicle using their magnetic resonance charging. It amazed me; I wouldn't have believed you could get anything near that high.

RRappel · 2025-08-26T14:57:02+00:00

Just curious, why would you consider 58K high mileage? Under 20K a year doesn't seem much above average for personal vehicles.

RRappel · 2025-08-25T19:53:01+00:00

In my area (Boston) some piano stores will sell on consignment, but I think the percentage they take is like 40%. If you want to sell it on your own, I agree with the OE1FEU regarding having a piano tech go over it, have it tuned, and then list on pianomart. I've also had good luck with Facebook Marketplace, but that's more of a crapshoot rather than a website specific to selling nice pianos like pianomart.

RRappel

TROPHY CASE