Product Review: Korg D1 – Stage Piano Made Affordable

Small, handy and robust – with that, the Korg D1 already covers the most important characteristics of a stage piano. But it also offers solid piano sounds and good features at a low price. This makes the Korg D1 not only interesting for beginners but also for advanced users looking for an uncomplicated stage piano for live use.

Actually, portable pianos dominate the entry-level segment of stage pianos. As with Korg’s own B2 or Liano the equipment of these pianos, such as built-in speakers, is more suitable for home use. In addition, portable pianos have a very light plastic casing. Here the Korg D1 sets other priorities: As a professional stage piano for live use, it has a robustly built case. From the outside, it also matches the stylish and functional design of the current stage piano flagship Grandstage 88. However, with a price tag of around 600 euros, the Korg D1 is much more affordable than the premium stage piano.

Made for live performance

When playing the Korg D1, you can feel right away that it is designed for live performance. The sounds clearly give you the bite you need to hold your own in a band setting. As a result, the piano sounds may seem a bit harsh when playing classical piano music. However, regarding good sounds for a live program or a jam session, the little D1 has more to offer than you might think at first.

With 30 sounds, you get a good selection here, ranging from acoustic pianos to various electric pianos, clavinet, organs, guitars, strings and choir. The sounds seem powerful throughout and are fun to listen to. The joy increases even more with the possibility of layering two sounds in layer mode – which produces a really rich sound. And thanks to 120-voice polyphony, the Korg D1 also has enough reserves for you to go all out with the Damper pedal.

For the acoustic piano sounds, string resonances and a key-off simulation provide authentic sound behavior. Apart from that, you’ll also find a honky-tonk piano as well as a assertive electric grand piano: It’s none other than the piano sound from the first Korg Workstation M1. You’ve already heard this piano sound in what feels like thousands of house productions.

RH3 keyboard with hammer action

This is another striking difference to the cheaper Korg B1: With the RH-3 keyboard, Korg brings the 88-note hammer action keyboard of the Korg Kronos, SV-1 and Grandstage into the price range below 1000 Euros. The weighted keys convey – just like the Grandstage – a playing feel with a good “grip” to “slip” ratio. But at least there aren’t any Ivory Feel coatings. Those who play rock, pop and jazz styles will like the performance of this keyboard.

Korg D1 in practice

With a weight of 16 kg, you can still describe the Korg D1 as portable. Thanks to robust workmanship, you can safely bring it from the car to the stage without fear of damaging it. Unlike other electric pianos in this price range, the Korg D1 is not built into a plastic but a wooden case. In general, however, it is worthwhile to purchase a gig bag or flight case. Optionally available is a matching stage piano stand, known from the vintage stage piano Korg SV-1 – that looks really cool.

In the lower price range, the equipment is tightly calculated – therefore, live-ready connections on the back deserve praise: A stereo output in jack sockets as well as a MIDI interface. While a connection for only one pedal is perhaps a bit rudimentary, a robust sustain pedal as an included accessory still pleases.

The practically chosen sounds offer everything you need for rock, pop, and jazz when playing in a band. Since you can layer two sounds, really rich sounds are also possible. Desirable in this context would be a few setup memories to quickly call up sound combinations. But unfortunately, Korg saves in this regard.

Conclusion: Robust stage piano at an entry-level price

The Korg D1 may not be the right choice for classical piano music since the acoustic piano sounds are a bit harsh. However, you anyway expect other qualities from a stage piano for live use: Powerful and assertive sounds and a robust build quality. With this, the Korg D1 sets an accent among the stage pianos for under 1000 euros. To get a flawless stage piano, you have to dig a little deeper into your pocket. Although the equipment does not include setup memory, the Korg D1 offers everything you need to play the piano live on stage – including playing fun, thanks to the RH3 keyboard!

Korg D1 Stagepiano – Overview

Available since: 06.2018
Keyboard: 88 keys, weighted hammer action
Sound: 30 sounds, 120 voice polyphony
Manufacturer: Korg