Korg Liano

[Pete The Greek]

I just picked up one of these because I needed something which would fit crosswise in the backseat of the car, had built-in amplification and more than 61 keys, and was as compact as possible. I considered the Casio CP-1-73 but the lack of USB audio interface was the deciding factor.

Others have extolled the Liano on this forum and I can see why. It plays as least as nicely as the Vox Continental (which isn't really a competitor, but it's from the same manufacturer, and I had one until recently).

Being used to hammer action I need to use some practice and restraint to avoid reaching "midi velocity 127". It seems to helps a little to think about playing closer to the pivot when a softer touch is desired.

I like the wide stereo effect when playing, and it really blooms with the sustain pedal (presumably simulated string resonance). The sustain itself seems artificially long at times but isn't really noticeable with normal playing.

The USB audio interface makes it a nice controller for Pianoteq - especially since the 8-position voice selection knob sends program change messages (so you can use that knob to select Pianoteq presets - enabling use with a headless Raspberry Pi). This provides a lot more voice options when necessary (e.g. Wurlitzer, historic grands, CP-80, harpsichord, guitar).

For "minimal schlep" gigs I think this will work out really well.

 

[anotherscott]

The sustain itself seems artificially long at times

I'll have to check that out. I think it's kind of rare that a DP sustains a note as long as an actual grand piano does!

 

[PrestoColumbus]

that looks pretty cool.