Weighted Piano Action vs. Weighted Hammer Piano Action

[bachfantasia]

Weighted Piano Action vs. Weighted Hammer Piano Action; terminology differences? Referring to the same thing?

Is there an actual difference between Weighted Piano Action vs. Weighted Hammer Piano Action. It looks like different manufacturers label their action using different terminology, and I have yet to discover a term used across the board between different keyboard makers to describe keyboard action.

It’s my understanding that Weighted Piano Action keyboards are referring to a keyboards where small weights have been put underneath the keys to give weight to the keys. Weighted Hammer Piano Action keyboard, actually have small hammer devices similar to those on a real piano installed in the keyboard to simulate playing on a real piano. Is this correct?

Another thought I had was that any keyboard that uses hammers like a real piano would just be considered Weighted Piano Action and any of the keyboard that don't use hammers, but still have weights in them would maybe be considered Semi-Weighted keyboards? This would eliminate the need to use the term Weighted Hammer Piano Action. I don't know.

Can someone please clarify?

Thanks.

Thank you.

 

[Ted Nicoson]

As you supposed, weighted piano action and weighted hammer action ARE the same thing. They use piano-like hammer mechanisms to give the keys a "real" piano feel. "Weighted" actions that do not use the hammer mechanisms are weighted or semi-weighted "synth" actions. The weights are to give the keys a little more "heft" to get rid of that springy, plastic-like feel of entry level and low end keyboards, but there are a lot of very nice (sound/features) keyboards on the market that are not weighted, so what measure of "quality" weighted keys add is subjective, debatable, and more a matter of personal preference, as weighting and, particularly hammer action, adds greatly to the cost and overall mass of the unit. Discussions (debates/arguments) over weighted vs. non-weighted actions usually deteriorate into the same type of discussions as "what is the best automobile" or "who is the best political candidate" - everyone has their own absolute likes, dislikes, and opinions.

 

[bachfantasia]

As you supposed, weighted piano action and weighted hammer action ARE the same thing. They use piano-like hammer mechanisms to give the keys a "real" piano feel. "Weighted" actions that do not use the hammer mechanisms are weighted or semi-weighted "synth" actions. The weights are to give the keys a little more "heft" to get rid of that springy, plastic-like feel of entry level and low end keyboards, but there are a lot of very nice (sound/features) keyboards on the market that are not weighted, so what measure of "quality" weighted keys add is subjective and debatable.

Ok, I think I understand. The confusion is mostly present because of the different terms I see out there amongst the different makers.

Here is an example of a Weighted Piano Action keyboard. One of the descriptions given for this item is “keyboard provides a true weighted-action playing feel.” (Did they just forget to add the "weighted hammer description" when describing this keyboard?

Here is an example of a Weighted Hammer Piano Action keyboard. One of the descriptions given for this item is “improved weighted hammer-action keyboard.”

But you are saying that any keyboards that are hammer weighted could be called "Weighted Piano Action" OR "Weighted Hammer Piano Action" keyboards? So would it be true that any other type of weighted keyboard or digital piano which actually uses the added weights under the keys could just be called "Semi-Weighted Piano Action"? Or do you think they must be considered only " weighted or semi-weighted "synth" actions."? This last question focusing on using the term Piano vs. Synth.

Thanks.

 

[Ted Nicoson]

bach

Let us assume that you are going shopping online to order an electric stage piano and your top priority next to sound quality is that it feel as much like a real piano as possible. If one manufacturer says their unit has hammer action keys and another says theirs uses piano action keys, it is fairly safe to assume that they are both talking about the same thing. A unit offering semi-weighted keys has basically a synth action with weights added to the keys, but the feel will be that of a middle to upper end of the price range synth, while a fully weighted action uses heavier weights and stronger return springs to require more effort on the part of the player, but it will still not feel like a real piano. The only way to do that is with a hammer action. Basically, weighting is used to make synth action type keys feel "better", but not necessarily piano-like. While the different "feels" in synth action keys can lead to some very heated discussions, these preferences are not limited to just synth action keyboards. The feel of hammer action keys can vary widely from one manufacturer to another or even from one model to another within the same manufacturer. The quality of materials and engineering excellence in bottom or middle of the line units will most likely not be the same as those found in top of the line units, and this can affect the feel, and therefore, preferences will develop from one player to the next, but this is the same with real pianos. A spinet will not feel the same as a full size upright, which will not feel the same as a concert grand, and a Steinway will not feel the same as a Bosendorfer or a Yamaha. Back to our original premise, when doing this kind of shopping, if the manufacturer or retailer does not specifically state hammer or piano action, it is best to ask so as to save any unpleasant surprises once the box is opened. For that matter, if feel is of utmost importance, it would be best to try to arrange a hands-on trial before purchasing.

 

[bachfantasia]

bach

Let us assume that you are going shopping online to order an electric stage piano and your top priority next to sound quality is that it feel as much like a real piano as possible. If one manufacturer says their unit has hammer action keys and another says theirs uses piano action keys, it is fairly safe to assume that they are both talking about the same thing. A unit offering semi-weighted keys has basically a synth action with weights added to the keys, but the feel will be that of a middle to upper end of the price range synth, while a fully weighted action uses heavier weights and stronger return springs to require more effort on the part of the player, but it will still not feel like a real piano. The only way to do that is with a hammer action. Basically, weighting is used to make synth action type keys feel "better", but not necessarily piano-like. While the different "feels" in synth action keys can lead to some very heated discussions, these preferences are not limited to just synth action keyboards. The feel of hammer action keys can vary widely from one manufacturer to another or even from one model to another within the same manufacturer. The quality of materials and engineering excellence in bottom or middle of the line units will most likely not be the same as those found in top of the line units, and this can affect the feel, and therefore, preferences will develop from one player to the next, but this is the same with real pianos. A spinet will not feel the same as a full size upright, which will not feel the same as a concert grand, and a Steinway will not feel the same as a Bosendorfer or a Yamaha. Back to our original premise, when doing this kind of shopping, if the manufacturer or retailer does not specifically state hammer or piano action, it is best to ask so as to save any unpleasant surprises once the box is opened. For that matter, if feel is of utmost importance, it would be best to try to arrange a hands-on trial before purchasing.

Thank you. This has been most helpful.

 

[happyrat1]

Seeing as you're asking bout the action of a bunch of low end synths, I'll explain that anything roughly under $500-$600 is a non weighted organ/synth action and in that price range the only hammer action keyboards you'll find are bottom of the line Casio and Yamaha pianos with very limited voicings.

Pretty much everything over $100 these days though has velocity sensitive keys.

Gary

 

[Ted Nicoson]

Bach

Along with Gary's comments above, see my reply to your post at:

https://www.keyboardforums.com/posts/169714/