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Donner is back with the DDP-200, another classy-looking digital piano

The slimline wooden instrument promises a great piano tone and authentic keyboard.

Donner is getting on a bit of a roll with its digital piano releases. Having already released the stylish DDP-80 this year, it is back with the slightly more stately DDP-200, another slimline wooden instrument that is designed for the entry-level player.

The company is claiming it has a sampling engine that “perfectly reproduces” the sound of an acoustic grand piano. This is played from a dual-sensor 88-note keyboard that promises to recreate the touch and feel of an acoustic piano, as well.

“The patented Donner Grand Hammer action technology utilises a more accurate dual-sensor key detection system for enhanced playing realism,” said Rui Lin, product manager of Donner’s Keys and Percussion Division. “Unlike common two sensor keyboard actions found in many of today’s digital pianos, the DGH technology developed by Donner makes quick key repetition more reliable.”

Other features include a hanging speaker system that’s designed to produce a 3D sound and reduce the DDP-200’s footprint. There’s also a clamshell lid, a music stand and a 1.3-inch LCD screen.

This is used to display both your currently selected tone – choices include Grand Piano, Stage Piano, AMB Piano, Strings, Slow Strings and Organ – and the five reverb effects. There’s both USB and Bluetooth MIDI connectivity, as well as audio outputs.

The Donner DDP-200 is available now priced at $1,000/£839. Find out more on the Donner website.

Robert Glasper becomes Rhodes ambassador: watch him playing Donny Hathaway’s Valdez in the Country on the new MK8 electric piano

Fresh from signing up James Blake as its first ambassador, Rhodes has now confirmed genre-crossing jazz-centric keyboard player Robert Glasper as its debut US endorsee.

Robert Glasper is a long-time fan of Rhodes pianos, and is currently playing the new MK8  nightly during his month-long ‘Robtober’ residency at famed New York jazz venue The Blue Note.

The 52-show run will feature performances from the likes of Yasiin Bey, Lalah Hathaway, Terrace Martin, Alex Isley and many more.

In celebration of the new partnership, Rhodes has released exclusive footage of Glasper performing Donny Hathaway’s Valdez in the Country at The Blue Note, with Terrace Martin joining him on saxophone.

Written in the ‘60s, Valdez in the Country was first recorded under the name Patty Cake by King Curtis and the Kingpins, with Hathaway including his own version on seminal 1973 album Extension of a Man.

The track has since been covered numerous times, including by George Benson, for his 1977 album, In Flight.

While at Rhodes HQ, the company’s Chief Electronics Engineer Cyril Lance is hard at work finalising the VCA and Bucket Brigade effects for the MK8-FX piano model.

Cyril Lance is a Moog Music alumni and was instrumental in the development of the classic Moogerfooger series of analogue effect pedals (which, incidentally, Moog has just brought back in plugin form). He also worked on the Little Phatty, Moog One, Sub-37, Grandmother, Matriarch and Sirin.

A demo of the MK8-FX is in the works, and should be shared with the world soon.

Korg Liano in reality is a digital piano and first impressions are good.

Liano is lightweight and features the sound of an Italian concert grand. This can be played using the “premium” 88-note light-touch keyboard, which is designed to suit beginners who do not want a heavy key action.

The emphasis here is definitely on portability and ease of use. Liano weighs just 6.2kg and has a height of 7.3cm. Controls have been kept simple, as well, with the eight sounds being selectable via a labelled dial.

We like the look of this; it should make sound selection quick, and despite the lack of a screen, you will always be able to see which sound you have selected. Reverb and chorus effects are also included.

Despite its low-profile design, Liano still includes a pair of bass reflex speakers. These are positioned on the top panel, so the sound is pumped directly at you. Additionally, there is a headphone port for silent practice sessions.

Korg says that Liano is portable, as it can be powered for up to eight hours using six AA batteries. You can also connect it to your computer via the USB port – useful when you want to use Liano in conjunction with the supplied Skoove piano learning software. In addition, Korg’s Module and Gadget 2 Le apps are included.

Liano ships with an AC adapter (for you when you want to use mains power), a sustain pedal and a sheet music stand, and there is also an optional soft carrying case that can be purchased separately. Liano is definitely competitively priced. You can learn more on the Korg website