Thanks Arthur for a great place to talk about and learn this almost forgotten art form! And from a true modern master too!
I'm curious about anyone out there using digital pianos to play Boogie Woogie when a real piano isn't available. Which digital pianos are folks using? What are you using to amplify?
I have been a long time Roland user and have also been using Casio in the past few years to make the load in easier or when space is tight.
I just thought I'd ask the question to see what other Boogie Woogie players as using as this music has some unique qualities that sound very different on different instruments.
Thanks and looking forward to more posts and lessons!
Cool, we ended up with basically the same setup. That's very interesting. It's a practical combo to have.
Thanks Mike for the response. It took me a while to settle but I have a similar set of gear, Roland FP5 (great bright piano and real time VK8 organ engine built in) and QSC k8.2 and k10.2 as well as Yamaha DSR112. I can mix & match for stereo or mono as needed for gigs of different sizes.Typically I use these for smaller solo, duo or trio gigs along with a back saving Casio PX-160. I also use a roland KC400 when playing in my full band (5-6 piece New Orleans/Zydeco band) where I also play accordion and piano. The Roland FP5 and KC400 amp is well suited in this situation where the band is loud and the nuances of the piano get buried in the sound but I still need to cut through the band.
It took me a while to find the right combination, and now that it is all manageable, all the gigs have dried up for the summer/festival season.. go figure.. more time to work on improving my Boogie Woogie chops..
Thanks again for the feedback!
2 year old post, but I thought I'd answer anyway 😀
I'm using a Roland FP-30. For speakers, I have two QSC k8.2s and a Roland KC-400 Keyboard Amplifier. My favorite sounds are the 3 pianos, 2 jazz organs, clavinet and acoustic bass.
I adore the QSC k8.2s speakers they re-produce the sound of piano very nicely and the clarity and separation of the sound is top notch.
But I prefer my trusty Roland KC-400 for my everyday practice. It's not as as clear and detailed as the QSC k8.2s, and the KC-400 is mono, but the power and "ooomph" (technical term) of the amp remind me so much of sitting in front of an upright piano - it just pushes a lot of air and fills it with wide dispersed sound. Really fun to play.
I also got a chance to try out the big monster Roland KC-990 stereo amp, it's the closest experience I've had to sitting in front of grand piano - it's got that type of ridiculous power. It pushes that much air and gives that wide dispersed sound.
Great question! I suggest finding anything within your budget that is full sized (88 keys) and weighted keys. Those are the two most important features. A real piano is always best for this kind of music but if necessary a keyboard with those features can get you through. :-)