Hi. Not sure this is the best place to post this question, so apologies if not.
 
I'm looking for a keyboard that has a good piano feel with realistic voices and plays well with Sonar. I'm currently using a Roland A-800Pro and it's good for soft synth work but I want to compose on something that has a good piano feel - and 88 keys - which from my research has shown the CP4/40 does. The piano sounds are pretty good as well, but I also want to be able to use the keyboard in Sonar with other soft synths as well.
 
I've really wrestled with this. I've considered just the midi-keyboards like Roland A-88,  Nektar Impact LX88, and some other stage keyboards like the Korg Kross 88 Key Music Workstation Synthesizer...even Casio Priva Px -5s, etc.
 
I keep coming back to either the A-88/LX88, or the Yamaha. Obviously the latter is more a stage piano with its own sounds but I guess I want the best of both worlds. The former midi-keyboards obviously don't have on-board sounds and are designed for DAW integration, but the feel of the keys - from what I've heard - although semi-weighted, are lacking in comparison to a 'real' piano - hammer action. 
 
As I don't have the opportunity to play these keyboards, I'm buying blindly so I'd be grateful to hear of anyone's experience using any of these keyboards in Sonar and especially comments on that 'natural piano' feel and piano sound.
 
Thanks in advance.
 
 
 

I'm not a piano player. I'm using a Kawai MP8ii as one of the keyboard controllers and for me that is a great keyboard with real wooden piano action keys but it's so heavy it'll never leave the house. The latest Kawai MP11 would have even better touch. The sound is ok, but now I'm mainly running it with soft synths.
 
One comment about the Casio Priva, the lower end series. I've used one at one of the music school I taught at. When it's new, the touch is great but after a few years, the keys worn out and the touch felt lose and noisy.

Yes, the Kawai MP11 looks beautiful...but for $3,395 Au, it'll stay on my wishlist until I win the lotto! Lol! 
 
Every keyboard I've looked at has pros and cons which end up putting me off it. Even this guy had issues with the Kawai - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XATb-Xuiyw
 
The Numa Nero looked good until someone posted about avoiding it like the plague - http://www.pianoworld.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/1454577/1.html
 
I'm looking into the M-Audio Oxygen 88 USB MIDI Controller, the Akai MPK 88, and Roland A-88...blah blah.
 
If I go for a midi-controller, I'm sort of leaning towards either the A-88, or Nektar LX88. Doesn't seem like the Oxygen 88 is available in Australia.
 
 

I know a Sonar user who has one of these, and he says it's a beautiful instrument. He likes the touch and the sounds, and the way the internal sounds can be modified. But this is really a stage piano. If you're playing out, it's great. If not, it's overkill. One other note: I tried to find an instrument definition for this piano, and could not. I wouldn't know how to begin making one from scratch, but it looks quite tedious. So that might have a bearing on your decision if you're planning on using it as a controller for soft synths in Sonar.

Fabio Rubato
Yes, the Kawai MP11 looks beautiful...but for $3,395 Au, it'll stay on my wishlist until I win the lotto! Lol! 

Since you are looking for MIDI controller, Kawai VPC-1 has comparable action and better price...
 

Every keyboard I've looked at has pros and cons which end up putting me off it. Even this guy had issues with the Kawai - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XATb-Xuiyw

I had to update firmware on my CN. But Kawai release updates when required.
There can be some "Monday" devices with problems out of the box. Any producers have them. There can also be amore general problems (search for Ivory Feel key top wear for example). The world is not perfect.
 

If I go for a midi-controller, I'm sort of leaning towards either the A-88, or Nektar LX88. Doesn't seem like the Oxygen 88 is available in Australia.

LX88, A-88 and VPC1 represent 3 different families of devices: keyboard, piano like and piano. Even non professions piano player can immediately recognize the difference, without even attaching them to anything...

I'm still leaning towards the A-88 which - apart from not have after touch - seems to fit the bill - pun intended. Yes the VPC1 looks far better but very costly at this point AND, not available in Australia.

I also have the Alesis QS8.2 synth as midi controller too. At times, I do prefer the lighter keys of the Alesis at times. It's no longer in production, but I've check there is a current Alesis Q88 midi controller available for around USD 199/=. Do check the key action out if you can get hold of one at the store.

It's a good thing the oxygen 88 isn't available in Australia, it feels nothing like a piano, but then again it's very cheap so you wouldn't expect it to. Yammys are good, I've got a Kawai mp6 which does the job nicely

tomixornot
I also have the Alesis QS8.2 synth as midi controller too. At times, I do prefer the lighter keys of the Alesis at times. It's no longer in production, but I've check there is a current Alesis Q88 midi controller available for around USD 199/=. Do check the key action out if you can get hold of one at the store.

Thanks...not here is Aussie land unfortunately.

wizard71
It's a good thing the oxygen 88 isn't available in Australia, it feels nothing like a piano, but then again it's very cheap so you wouldn't expect it to. Yammys are good, I've got a Kawai mp6 which does the job nicely

Funny you should mention Yammies...looking at a cheaper P115. Looks okay for the price and should be able to use it in Sonar...just basically want a good piano with good 'realistic piano' action/sound and can link it to midi and use it in Sonar as well.
 
I don't mind the idea behind Akai's Advance keyboard but they don't have 71/88 weighted keys yet, but that might be cool if they go that way.