Which keyboard?

One perhaps unlikely brand to consider is Casio. Their new models have quite an advanced feature, which is only available on more expensive models from other brands such as Roland and Yamaha. The new feature is the simulation of the repetition lever of a grand piano. It is implemented with three key position sensors, rather than the more typical 2 sensors.   This feature is not OVERLY important, but I just think it's good to see Casio making a real effort. I also think it is fantastic that Casio put this same key action on their ENTIRE new range - not just the more expensive models.

Look at the Privia and Celviano range.  They are very cost effective IMHO.

There's long forum thread about the Privia range here:
http://www.pianoworld.com/forum/ubbthre...ost1265894

Not to harp on about the three-sensor thing too much, but FYI, the ONLY other "slab" style DP with this feature that I'm aware of is the expensive Roland V-Piano. 

Putting the three-sensors aside, there are many choices.   Overall, I suspect that the good models from the big players (Roland, Yamaha, Kawai, Fatar/Studiologic etc) will have better keyboards than Casio, despite the fact that most of them do not have three sensors.

Greg.

We have been intimately involved with the development of the VAX77 over the last year.  There is no question that the VAX does not feel like a traditional "real" piano action.  That said, it is absolutely remarkable in what it does - super fast, very (very) precise, PAT, expected high durability due to very few moving parts, etc.  We are using Pianoteq on the VAX with great success.

The best feeling traditional piano action MIDI controller I've run across so far is the Studiologic NUMA.  There are two versions, the white and the black - the keybed mechanism is (AFAIK) the same - the keys themselves are wood core in the black and plastic (I think) in the white.  It feels very much like a grand - heavy and solid.

Sorry - PAT = Polyphonic Aftertouch

Greg -

The short answer is yes.

The long answer is fairly involved, and I'm probably not the ideal source - Van Chandler, the inventor, would be able to give a detailed answer.  I can tell you, however, that due to the way the VAX senses key movement, it is not only possible to replicate a grand piano movement's "repetition lever functionality", it is possible to adjust it to any factor you wish.  Right now, the VAX behaves just as you suggest - you can play a single key so fast that it never rebounds all the way, but it will still trigger a Note On upon each "hit".  This is due to the remarkable Hall Effect sensing around which the VAX is built.  As you note, the sensor detects the position of the key continuously, and thus can respond to a change in direction of key movement at any point.  It's all in the programming of the firmware.  As I said - an unbelievable instrument!

Hans

Yes, the technology in the VAX allows exactly what you refer to as a "dribbling" effect.  Note, however, that the effect is dependent on the algorithms running in firmware - and that the exact algorithms are undergoing refinement and expansion as Van continues his work.  The PAT algorithm, the velocity algorithm, and the "dribbling" algorithm, as well as others, will continue to evolve (with the input of users).