Korg LP380 Review: A Solid Performance for the Price?
The Korg LP380 is a piano that is ideal for individuals looking for a budget option for intermediate-level players. While it is a budget-focused model, it does provide plenty of options that make it an ideal choice. Consider this Kong LP380 review to help you determine if this is the right choice for your needs.
The Korg LP380 Overview
The Korg LP380 piano is digital and has a mid-range price. The Kong company produces high-quality products that come in a range of prices and styles. This particular model gives the player a bit more than its predecessor, the LP350. Plenty of new features and options make it more appealing to a wider range of players. Even if you are on a budget, you can be assured that you get what you pay for and then some extras.
Consider that this is a full-size digital piano, but it has a slim design that makes it perfect for compact spaces such as small apartments. While it’s not very easily portable, it’s fine to move occasionally without struggling with a full-size acoustic piano. The first feature to consider with this option is the overall sound quality.
Sound
The quality of the sound for the Korg LP 380 is surprising to many who purchase it or check it out at a friend’s house or display it at a store. In consideration of this model being a mid-priced digital piano, it delivers great tones and voices. When it comes to “voices” included with the piano—you get 30 already pre-installed into the programming. In total, the piano features three separate banks with a corresponding button for each selection.
The great feature of this piano is that it has acoustic piano options. Five, to be precise. The five acoustic piano options you get with the Korg LP 380 include the following.
- Clavichord
- Jazz organ
- Harpsichord
- Strings
- Pipe organ
If you’re planning to play acoustic piano, there’s no need to sacrifice space, time, and money to house one. You get all the sounds you need from one slim and sleekly designed model. There are also demo songs already installed. You can choose from up to 30 options.
Construction and Quality
The quality and features you get with the Korg L380 are outstanding for the price. It has many features you find with much more expensive piano models and has an onboard stereo piano system that delivers clear and crisp sound each time.
In terms of voice options, there are up to 120 different polyphony voices and 256 notes. Getting into the keyboard upgrades, this model now features the RH3 system to improve the performance and feel of the keys. There were issues with previous models because the feel of touch and responsiveness was not up to some players’ standards.
When addressing the construction of this digital piano, some buyers may have a problem with the lightweight construction. While this factor is a selling point for some, it’s a reason not to invest for others. Many people like to purchase a sturdier brand that has more weight and size, but this model is streamlined, making it easier to handle. In terms of looks, however, it’s a real selling point for most. This model looks much better than many higher-priced competitors such as Casio. The engineers and designers for this piano model put time and effort into giving it a polished look.
Design
The design of the keys is also directly related to the reduced size and structure of this model in relation to the previous version. The Korg LP180 was 12lbs heavy and much bigger in comparison. The designers compensated for the new set of features by changing the action of the keys. Just because they changed the size of the piano as a whole, however, doesn’t mean that they sanctified the quality of the material or any of the features. In fact, it’s a major upgrade in the features and design quality from the previous model.
Another great feature of this piano is that it has a MIDI connectivity option that provides a way to link to any supported system. You can also transfer data if you use a compatible system. This makes it ideal for sharing music, compositions, and more with other players or members of your band.
Is the Korg LP380 a Good Choice for Beginners?
If you are new to playing or you plan to purchase a piano for a student, you’ll want to choose a model that isn’t highly-priced or too complex. This particular model may be best suited for someone with some experience playing. It’s not to say that a beginner can’t effectively use this keyboard. However, it may take them some time to learn how to use it and experiment with the settings, voice, and keys to get the right sound and settings to learn beginner exercises.
However, if you live in a household with someone who plays piano regularly and has a student, this would be a good middle-of-the-road option to keep everyone happy and provide the right settings and voices for any use. In terms of choosing a keyboard for a beginner, this option is priced higher than many would want to pay for a keyboard to learn piano, but it would be a good choice if the individual were determined to pursue learning over the course of time.
For example, if you have a student player living at home, this Korg digital piano would be perfect for them to keep in their bedroom for practicing periodically. It doesn’t take up much space but still gives the player the freedom to get a crisp and advanced sound from a moderately priced option.
Is The Korg LP380 Good for Professionals?
The Korg LP380 would be ideal for a professional in a few different scenarios. Individuals who play professionally but need a practice keyboard in a small space would likely love the features and options that it provides. Additionally, its space-saving design is great for individuals who live in small spaces but need a reliable and versatile digital piano to practice various pieces. Another reason a professional piano player may be interested in purchasing this particular model is because it’s a great brand to help you stick to a budget but gives you freedom of mobility with a space-saving design.
The overall appearance is also ideal for those who want to store their piano in a hole where the interior design and flow of the space are essential. In terms of features, however, it’s important to know that while this particular court model gives a wide range of features and design elements that you find with a higher-priced digital piano, it may be lacking some essential features that a professional insists on having. The only differences that may make or break your decision may come from one or two unique features that stand alone with the brands you compare.
Pricing
In closing on this Korg LP380 review, the price of the Korg LP380 is what really factors into most people’s decision to purchase this digital piano. First, you should familiarize yourself with the brands that currently make quality digital pianos and check out the prices for each model. You’d be surprised at how much a top brand is currently on the board. That’s where Korg really shines. This reputable brand has revamped its offering from the Korg LP180 to provide it with more options, better keys, syncing capabilities, and much more for up to thousands less than other brands with similar sound and capabilities.
Brands like Casio have top-of-the-line models that have the same features and tone quality with a larger frame and less streamlined look. While there are some disagreements about the build and style factor, if you need a piano that won’t clash with your interior design style or take up a lot of space, you really can’t beat all the features you get for the price.
It’s worth mentioning that while this piano model is smaller and much more portable than the pricier brands, it’s not lacking in expert craftsmanship. You can expect to pay between $1100 to over $1500 for a new Korg LP380. This price depends on which retailer you make the purchase from and where you live.
Used is also an option
There is also the option to purchase a used version online that’s been refurbished or certified by the dealer. Most of the second-hand models are in great working condition and sell for hundreds less than a new model. In contrast, a beginner or base model digital piano sells for between $500 and $1000. They usually have less than half the voices and tones, and the quality of the product as a whole leaves much to be desired. You get plenty of options and features that mimic the top-of-the-line models for just a few hundred more. This model is of great value for any level of playing capability.
Considerations
Perhaps the first consideration is the features that the Korg LP380 offers. If you have your eye on another brand, features provide that the Korg won’t. You will likely get comparable features and sound quality for both options. The next consideration is the design and quality of the materials. This point is where many may vary in their options. Some professional players want the size and solid feel of the higher-priced models.
While sturdiness is an asset if you plan to play often or transport the piano from place to place, you must consider convenience too. While it’s true that the top pianos are designed to last and give the feel of quality and durability, the Korg can measure up in terms of playability and sound. Is it as sturdy as some other models? Probably not; however, if you handle it with care, it’s much easier to move from place to place and provides the same level of sound quality you want if you play professionally.
This is a huge asset if you live in a city or have shown in multiple places throughout the month. Finally, the price is really a selling point for this model. The decision-making process may come down to personal preference in the design and appearance aspects rather than the sound quality and options.
Final Thoughts
The distinctions any buyer makes usually comes down to features, price, and performance. The Korg LP380 is an excellent quality digital piano with plenty to offer almost anyone looking for a quality model that won’t break the bank. Rather than investing in a basic or beginner piano, you can spend a few hundred more to get the same quality and features you might find in a top-of-the-line digital piano like a Roland.
The reasons for choosing the higher-priced brands may come from looks and perhaps one or two features that some professionals might not want to forego. However, this is a good option for almost any skill level.
However, it’s worth mentioning that a beginner may need extra time to familiarize themselves with the complete range of functionality and features. Anyone considering a piano purchase may very well love the advanced options and action of the keys, along with the sleek and unique design that makes it stand out from the rest of the brands on the market. Although this model has been around for some time, and there are newer models to compare, it’s a solid choice that any piano player will be satisfied with overall and can provide them with years of functionality and help them save space and time.
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