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Average Price: $120

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$400

$2001+

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Description

Step into the world of professional performance with the Kurzweil SP88, a digital piano crafted for musicians who demand quality and portability. Known for its 88 semi-weighted keys, this stage piano offers an authentic playing experience with a touch response that mimics an acoustic piano. Whether you're a gigging artist or a studio enthusiast, the SP88's lightweight design ensures you won't be weighed down as you move from venue to venue.

This digital piano isn't just about portability; it's packed with Kurzweil's award-winning sounds, delivering a rich palette of tones that include a grand piano, electric pianos, ensemble strings, and more. The SP88's internal sound engine is complemented by its ability to transmit on two independent user-selectable MIDI channels, making it a versatile companion for any setup. With a 32-voice polyphony, your compositions will be full-bodied and dynamic.

Performance control is at your fingertips with features like the pitch ribbon, modulation ribbon, and a front panel control slider. The intuitive interface allows real-time manipulation of sounds and effects, ensuring your creativity is never stifled.

Key Features:

  • 88 semi-weighted keys
  • Award-winning built-in sounds including grand piano, electric pianos, and strings
  • Lightweight design for easy transport
  • Transmits on two independent user-selectable MIDI channels
  • 32-voice polyphony
  • 9 preset effects including multiple reverb options and chorus
  • Controllers: pitch ribbon, modulation ribbon, front panel slider, continuous control pedal input, dual footswitch input
  • Outputs: 1/4 in. jack Left/Mono and Right, stereo headphone out
  • 32 internal programs and 32 user-programmable MIDI setups

Product specs

Brand Kurzweil
Model SP88 88-Key Digital Stage Piano
Finish Black
Year 2000s
Categories Digital Stage Pianos
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Semi-Weighted
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output
Number of Keys 88 Keys
Polyphony 32 Voices

FAQs

What type of keyboard action does the Kurzweil SP88 have?

The Kurzweil SP88 features a semi-weighted keyboard action, providing a balance between the feel of an acoustic piano and the lighter touch of a synthesizer, making it suitable for both piano and synth players.

How many voices of polyphony does the Kurzweil SP88 support?

The Kurzweil SP88 supports 32 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex layering and sustained notes without cutting off prematurely.

Does the Kurzweil SP88 have MIDI connectivity?

Yes, the Kurzweil SP88 includes MIDI Input and Output, enabling it to connect with other MIDI-compatible devices for expanded performance and recording options.

Is the Kurzweil SP88 suitable for stage performances?

The Kurzweil SP88 is designed as a digital stage piano, offering essential features like full-size keys and MIDI connectivity, making it well-suited for live performances.

What is the key size on the Kurzweil SP88?

The Kurzweil SP88 features full-size keys, providing a natural playing experience similar to that of an acoustic piano.

Alejandro Arias Video

Alejandro Arias Video

Kurzweil SP88 Testo Dyno Piano

Video thumbnail for Kurzweil SP88 Testo Dyno Piano by Alejandro Arias Video

Kurzweil SP88 Testo Dyno Piano

Alejandro Arias Video

Alejandro Arias Video

Video thumbnail for Bohemian Rhapsody Piano Cover Using Kurzweil SP88 by Emerson Cumlat

Bohemian Rhapsody Piano Cover Using Kurzweil SP88

Emerson Cumlat

Emerson Cumlat

Video thumbnail for KURZWEIL SP88 Stage Piano| Short Demo| by Arday Leo Joseph

KURZWEIL SP88 Stage Piano| Short Demo|

Arday Leo Joseph

Arday Leo Joseph

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Kurzweil SP88.

Features and functionality

  • The SP88's velocity curve settings can significantly alter playability, potentially causing loud hits to register as soft if set incorrectly.

    Source
  • The SP88 lacks internal speakers, making external amplification necessary, which can affect home use convenience.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Performing a factory reset can resolve unexpected performance issues, such as inconsistent volume output when keys are struck forcefully.

    Source
  • Repairing a non-functioning key often involves checking contacts or keyswitches; refrain from using Deoxit, canned air, or vacuum cleaning to avoid displacing small parts.

    Source
  • Kurzweil/Young Chang is recognized for maintaining parts inventories for older models, easing the repair process for discontinued products like the SP88.

    Source

User experience

  • Users have noted that the SP88's semi-weighted keys can initially feel different, impacting dynamics when transitioning from other keyboard types.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the SP88's synth modules for their quality, despite its discontinued status, highlighting their lasting appeal among users.

    Source
  • Users find the SP88's action to be subpar, especially when compared to keyboards with weight-adjustable or fully weighted keys.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The velocity curve setting affects both the keyboard's internal sounds and MIDI output, which can lead to unexpected behavior across connected devices.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some users note lateral play in the keys, describing them as "wobbly," which can affect the tactile experience.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Kurzweil SP88 is often compared to the Yamaha P-45 for its fully weighted keys and built-in speakers, offering a different user experience.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • General-purpose PA speakers are recommended over traditional keyboard amps for better sound when using the SP88 at home.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
alexeiparedes

Podia ser mais

Foi meu primeiro piano digital/controlador MIDI, tinha belíssimos sons, e como controlador master, era completo. Nele eu controlava um módulo de sons Roland U-110, fazendo layer com alguns dos seus patches, ou splits. Porém, o que mais me chateou nesse controlador MIDI, foi a pintura do chassis, que começou a apresentar ferrugens com o tempo... maculou sua imagem para mim, principalmente porque não foi barato na época.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Charly García uses Kurzweil SP88

Charly García

Singer, Guitarist

Serú Girán

...
Verified via YouTube

Charly tocando un Kurzweil SP88 en Agosto 2002

See how Steve Walsh uses Kurzweil SP88

Steve Walsh

Singer, Keyboardist

Kansas

...
Verified via Photo

The picture shows Walsh playing a Kurzweil SP88 on stage.

See how Boom Gaspar uses Kurzweil SP88

Boom Gaspar

Keyboardist

Pearl Jam

...
Verified via KeyboardMag

From an interview with Boom Gaspar and Josh Evans on Keyboard Mag. "The biggest changes have happened on the synth side. When I started with Boom five years ago, he was just using the B-3 and a Kurzweil SP88 for piano sounds. It got the job done, but there wasn’t any room for customizing Boom’s palette of sounds."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Kurzweil SP88, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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