KORG's "B1" has been extremely popular as an electronic piano since its release in 2015.
It ranks high in various electronic piano rankings such as Amazon, Rakuten, and Kakaku.com.
This product is highly praised not only for its high quality and convenient digital piano, but also for its modern design.
However, from someone who doesn't know much about it,
「What manufacturer is KORG?」
“What makes it different from other electronic pianos?”
It might feel like that.
This time, I will explain in detail about "KORG" and this "B1".
table of contents
First of all, what is "KORG"?
Do you know the manufacturer ``KORG''?
a Japanese manufacturer that produces a wide variety of electronic musical instruments and related equipment, such as synthesizers and amplifiers .
(It also includes capital from the famous musical instrument manufacturer Yamaha.)
Synthesizers in particular are famous around the world, and their value has been recognized as they are used by many famous artists, such as in the recordings of songstress Beyoncé and in the compositions of musician Ryuichi Sakamoto.
The technology cultivated in synthesizers is also used in electronic pianos, and the sound quality of these products is perfect even when compared to that of ultra-high-end manufacturers.
In addition, KORG's digital pianos are designed with attention paid not only to the contents but also to the appearance.
All of our products have a stylish design with no waste
By the way, "KORG" is pronounced "Korg".
KORG B1 specs
- Number of keys: 88
- Size: Width 134☓Depth 34☓Height 12(cm)
- Weight: 12kg
- Terminal: Earphone jack (also serves as LINE OUT), pedal terminal
- Sound source: Stereo PCM
- 2 colors: black and white
- Simultaneous pronunciation (playback) of 120 notes
- Damper pedal included
- Music stand included
- Natural weighted (NH) hammer keyboard [Details will be explained later]
- With touch adjustment function [Details will be explained later]
- Contains 8 types of tones (including 3 types of piano)
- Comes with a metronome with volume, time signature, and tempo adjustment (tempo♩=40-240)
- 9W×2 speakers
- Pitch adjustment: ±12.5Hz
- Includes 8 demo songs
- Manufacturer warranty: 1 year
These are the general specifications of B1.
Starting from the top, we will dig deeper into the points that interest you.
B1 size and weight
Let's compare the design of the B1 to see how it compares to other digital pianos.
First of all, the B1 does not come with a stand .
Similarly, let's compare it with other popular digital pianos that don't come with a stand.
| Electronic piano | width | depth | height | weight | Number of keys |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
KORG B1  | 131.2 | 33.6 | 11.7 | 11.8 | 88 |
| YAMAHA P-125 | 132.6 | 29.5 | 15.4 | 11.5 | 88 |
| Casio Privia PX-160 | 132.2 | 29.3 | 14.1 | 11.1 | 88 |
| KORG D1 | 132.7 | 26.3 | 12.8 | 16.0 | 88 |
| YAMAHA P-45 | 132.6 | 29.5 | 15.4 | 11.5 | 88 |
If there is a difference in size, it is "depth".
While all other models have a depth of less than 30cm, the B1 is approximately 4cm longer at 33.6cm.
If there is a fixed position for the piano that fits perfectly in your room, you need to be careful.
But it probably won't affect most people.
It weighs about 12kg, which is about the same as other portable pianos, so there's nothing special about it.
At 12kg, it's not light enough to be easily available, but if you put a little effort into it, it's light enough for one person to carry.
Best of all, it is extremely lightweight compared to regular upright pianos and grand pianos, which weigh between 200 and 400 kg.
B1 sound quality
I'm curious about the sound quality of the B1.
No matter how many words I explain here, you won't be convinced, so please watch the video of it being performed.
It is also true that the way you hear sound differs depending on the location and speakers.
There was also a video comparing the KORG B1 and YAMAHA P-45, so please check it out here.
*"PIANO1" that appears in the video is KORG B1.
The KORG B1 (PIANO1) sounds a little more reverberant and thicker.
What I can say is that the sound quality of both is perfect.
Honestly, it's a matter of personal preference.
If you are practicing or playing the piano for a short time, it will probably sound like you are playing the piano normally, unless you are a big fan of sound.
Features not found in B1
Some people may feel that the functionality is a bit lacking
B1 is a very simple "entry model", so it doesn't have many features.
The installed functions are as written in the specifications column, and there is nothing more.
, what functions do other models the B1 does not have Let's list a few.
- Bluetooth function : Basically, only wired headphones can be used. Also, it is not possible to connect to smartphones or tablets.
- Piano lesson function : The contents vary depending on the company, but it is not included in B1.
- Built-in recording function : Piano performances cannot be saved to the digital piano.
- MIDI IN/OUT : Connects to a computer, etc. If you don't understand, feel free to ignore it.
- USB connection : Some devices allow you to record and play back sound using USB memory, but the B1 does not.
- Display : There is no display that clearly shows various functions.
- Duet mode : There is no mode where two people can play by dividing the piano keyboard into left and right sides.
It does not have the functions mentioned above.
Conversely, if you don't have any problems without these features, you can fully enjoy playing the piano with the B1.
Personally, I think something as simple as this would be easier to use and buy.
Of course, the digital piano I use (Yamaha Gravinova) that is over 15 years old does not have this feature, but it is still good enough for practicing and playing the piano.
About touch and keyboard
One of the important things to consider when playing an electronic piano is ``touch.''
What kind of touch does this B1 have?
The B1 uses Natural Weighted (NH) hammer action (hereinafter referred to as NH keyboard)
This is a technology created to bring the touch feel closer to that of an actual piano (upright piano or grand piano).
The NH keyboard is designed so that the lower the notes, the heavier the touch, and the higher the notes, the lighter the touch
If you just look at this part, you'll think, "Wow, that's amazing," but what will it be like when you actually touch it?
My personal impressions after trying it out at a music store are:
"Overall, a little lighter ."
However, I think this is sufficient unless you are particular about a touch that is very close to that of a regular piano.
Also, the keyboard itself is made of plastic rather than wood, so it doesn't feel luxurious when your fingers hit it hard. However, it is cheap .
KORG B1 also has a "touch adjustment function".
This does not change the weight with which you physically press the keys .
This changes whether the sound gets louder or softer even if you press the keys with the same force .
When I actually played it, I thought, `` Honestly, I'll never use this feature .''
It might just be that my force was just right with the default settings, but I felt like I should probably adjust the volume if the sound was too loud.
General review
As mentioned above, the KORG B1 is a portable electronic piano made as an entry model.
The design is stylish and typical of KORG, so it will look stylish in your room.
Because the (useless) functions have been completely removed, it is sold at a fairly low price as an electronic piano
However, it has been made with attention to the necessary areas, and can be said to be the perfect model for beginners to practice and play the piano
By the way, if you purchase from Amazon etc., the standard manufacturer's warranty is 1 year.
Of course, you can optionally extend the warranty to 5 years.
The web shop of Ishibashi Musical Instruments, which has stores mainly in major cities across the country, comes standard with a 5-year warranty.
It may be cheaper to purchase from Ishibashi Musical Instruments than to add the 5-year warranty option on Amazon, so please check it out.
KORG_B1: View at ISHIBASHI MUSIC online shop
Marin says
Hello.
The connection part of the B1's pedal connection terminal is shaking, but is this a specification?
tinu says
Thank you for your comment.
I don't have it with me right now, so I don't know exactly, but from what I remember, the playability of the terminal wasn't so bad that it didn't wobble.
It may be best to contact the manufacturer or retailer just to be sure.