The digital piano market is crowded with options, from budget-friendly models to high-end instruments that cater to professional musicians.
Within this landscape, the UISCOM U1852 Digital Piano has emerged as an intriguing option for pianists of various skill levels. With its combination of features, build quality, and sound, the U1852 positions itself as a serious contender in the mid-range digital piano segment.
In this review, I’ll dive deep into every aspect of the U1852, providing an honest and comprehensive assessment of its strengths and weaknesses.
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Unboxing and First Impressions
From the moment the Uiscom U1852 arrived, it was clear that the company had put considerable thought into the packaging. The piano was securely packed, with foam inserts ensuring that no part of the instrument was damaged during transit. Assembling the piano was straightforward, thanks to the clear instructions provided in the manual. Within 30 minutes, the piano was up and ready to play.
The U1852 comes with a sleek, modern design that should fit well in any home environment. Its clean lines and polished finish give it a professional appearance that’s more in line with higher-end models. The piano is available in two colors: black and white, both of which have a semi-matte finish that resists fingerprints and smudges.
Build Quality and Aesthetics
The Uiscom U1852 feels robust and well-constructed. The keys are weighted, providing a realistic touch similar to that of an acoustic piano. The cabinet is made of a sturdy wood composite that feels durable, and the pedal unit is equally well-built, offering resistance that’s comparable to traditional piano pedals. One downside, however, is the weight of the instrument; at nearly 90 pounds, it is not easily portable. But, for a digital piano that’s meant to stay in one place, this isn’t necessarily a drawback.
The control panel is user-friendly, with a clear LCD display and intuitive buttons that allow for easy navigation through the piano’s various features. The buttons themselves are tactile and responsive, although some may find them a bit plasticky compared to more premium models.
Key Features and Specifications
The U1852 boasts a range of features that cater to both beginners and experienced players. Below are some of the key specifications:
- Keyboard: 88 fully-weighted keys with graded hammer action
- Polyphony: 256-note maximum
- Voices: 18 high-quality voices including Grand Piano, Electric Piano, Strings, and Organ
- Effects: Reverb, Chorus, and EQ controls
- Connectivity: USB MIDI, Line Out, Headphone jacks, and Pedal connections
- Speakers: Dual 25W speakers with sound projection technology
- Recording: 2-track MIDI recorder
- Dimensions: 54 inches (W) x 15 inches (D) x 33 inches (H)
- Weight: 89 pounds
Sound Quality
The sound engine of the Uiscom U1852 is perhaps one of its most compelling features. The piano sound is sampled from a high-end concert grand, and the attention to detail is evident. The sound is rich and resonant, with the bass notes particularly standing out for their depth and clarity. The 256-note polyphony ensures that even the most complex pieces are played without any notes being cut off, which is a common issue in less capable digital pianos.
The onboard speakers are another highlight. The dual 25W speakers provide ample volume and clarity, making the U1852 suitable for both home practice and small performances. The sound projection technology ensures that the sound fills the room, rather than being localized to the piano itself. However, for those who prefer an even more immersive experience, the piano also offers Line Out connections for external amplification.
While the grand piano voice is the star of the show, the U1852’s other voices are also commendable. The electric piano is smooth and versatile, making it suitable for a range of genres from jazz to pop. The strings are lush and add a cinematic quality to any piece. That said, some of the other voices, like the organ and harpsichord, lack the realism found in more specialized instruments.
Playability
The Uiscom U1852 features an 88-key keyboard with graded hammer action, designed to mimic the feel of an acoustic piano. The keys are responsive and well-weighted, with a subtle resistance that provides a satisfying tactile experience. The graded action means that the lower keys are slightly heavier than the upper ones, just like on a real grand piano. This makes the U1852 an excellent choice for those who are transitioning from acoustic to digital, as it offers a realistic playing experience.
However, one minor issue I noticed is that the keys can be slightly noisy when pressed hard. While this isn’t a dealbreaker, it’s something to be aware of if you’re particularly sensitive to mechanical noise.
The pedal unit includes three pedals: soft, sostenuto, and sustain. The pedals are well-built and offer realistic resistance. The sustain pedal, in particular, has half-pedaling functionality, which is a great feature for more advanced players who need more control over their playing dynamics.
User Interface and Features
Navigating the U1852’s various features is straightforward, thanks to its well-designed user interface. The LCD screen is bright and easy to read, even in low light conditions. The main menu allows you to quickly access the piano’s various voices, effects, and settings. For those who like to customize their sound, the U1852 offers reverb, chorus, and EQ controls, which can significantly alter the tonal character of the instrument.
The piano also includes a 2-track MIDI recorder, which is a useful feature for those who like to compose or practice with playback. The recording quality is decent, and the process is simple: select the track, hit record, and start playing. You can layer two different tracks, which is great for creating more complex arrangements or for duets.
In terms of connectivity, the U1852 offers several options. The USB MIDI connection allows you to connect the piano to a computer for use with digital audio workstations (DAWs) or educational software. The Line Out jacks let you connect to external speakers or amplifiers, which is particularly useful for live performances. Additionally, there are two headphone jacks, allowing for silent practice or duet playing.
Performance in Various Settings
I tested the Uiscom U1852 in several different environments to get a sense of how it performs across various use cases. Here’s how it fared:
Home Practice
In a home setting, the U1852 excels. The onboard speakers provide more than enough volume for personal practice, and the piano sound is detailed and dynamic, making it a pleasure to play. The dual headphone jacks are a thoughtful addition, allowing for private lessons or quiet practice without disturbing others.
The graded hammer action and realistic key response make it an excellent choice for beginners who need to build finger strength and develop proper technique. The variety of voices and effects also provides beginners with the opportunity to explore different sounds and styles, keeping practice sessions interesting.
Recording and Composition
For those who like to record their performances or compose music, the U1852 offers a good range of features. The 2-track MIDI recorder is easy to use and captures performances with a decent level of fidelity. However, if you’re looking to record high-quality audio, you might want to connect the piano to a DAW via the USB MIDI connection and use external software for better results.
The piano’s sound engine is versatile enough to handle a wide range of genres, from classical to contemporary music. The ability to layer voices and apply effects also adds to the creative potential of the U1852, making it a solid tool for composers and arrangers.
Live Performance
The U1852’s robust build and powerful speakers make it suitable for small live performances, such as in a church or small venue. The piano’s sound projection is impressive, filling the room with rich, detailed sound. The Line Out connections also allow you to hook the piano up to a larger PA system if needed.
One potential drawback for live performers is the piano’s weight. At nearly 90 pounds, it’s not the easiest instrument to transport. However, if you have a dedicated performance space or a road crew, this shouldn’t be a significant issue.
Strengths and Weaknesses
No product is perfect, and the Uiscom U1852 is no exception. Here’s a summary of its strengths and areas for improvement:
Strengths:
- Sound Quality: The grand piano voice is rich, detailed, and resonant, making it suitable for a wide range of musical styles.
- Build Quality: The piano is solidly built, with a sturdy cabinet and well-crafted keys that offer a realistic playing experience.
- Features: The U1852 includes a wide range of features, including a 2-track recorder, various voices and effects, and multiple connectivity options.
- Playability: The graded hammer action and responsive keys make the U1852 a pleasure to play, particularly for those who are accustomed to acoustic pianos.
- Value for Money: Given its features and build quality, the U1852 offers excellent value for its price.
Weaknesses:
- Weight: At nearly 90 pounds, the U1852 is not easily portable, which could be a drawback for some users.
- Key Noise: The keys can be slightly noisy when pressed hard, which might be a concern for some players.
- Limited Voice Realism: While the grand piano and electric piano voices are excellent, some of the other voices, such as the organ and harpsichord, lack the realism found in higher-end models.
- Pedal Sensitivity: While the pedals are generally well-built, some players may find that the sustain pedal’s half-pedaling feature is not as sensitive as on more expensive models.
Comparison with Alternatives
Uiscom U1852 vs. Yamaha P-125
The Yamaha P-125 is a popular choice in the same price range as the Uiscom U1852. Both pianos offer 88 weighted keys, but the Uiscom U1852 features a more advanced graded hammer action, providing a slightly more realistic acoustic feel. In terms of sound, the Yamaha P-125 is powered by Yamaha’s Pure CF Sound Engine, which offers excellent clarity, particularly in the mid and high ranges. However, the Uiscom U1852 edges ahead with a richer, more resonant bass and a broader variety of voices, although some secondary voices may lack the realism found in Yamaha’s library.
The P-125 is lighter and more portable, making it a better option for gigging musicians, while the U1852’s heavier build and superior speakers make it ideal for home use. The Uiscom also includes additional features like a 2-track MIDI recorder and better connectivity options, making it a more versatile instrument overall. If portability is key, the Yamaha might be better, but for a fuller sound and more features, the Uiscom U1852 is a strong contender.
Uiscom U1852 vs. Roland FP-30X
The Roland FP-30X is another strong competitor, known for its exceptional sound quality and realistic key action. Both the Uiscom U1852 and the FP-30X feature 88 weighted keys, but Roland’s PHA-4 Standard keyboard offers a slightly more nuanced touch response. The FP-30X excels in sound, particularly in the dynamic range and tonal clarity, thanks to Roland’s SuperNATURAL sound engine. However, the Uiscom U1852 provides a warmer, more resonant piano sound that may appeal more to those who prefer a richer tone.
The U1852 offers more built-in voices and effects, along with better speakers, making it a great choice for home use without external amplification. The FP-30X, while slightly more portable and sleek, lacks some of the Uiscom’s advanced features like the 2-track MIDI recorder. For players who prioritize sound and feel, the Roland FP-30X may have a slight edge, but the Uiscom U1852 offers more versatility and better value for home users.
Uiscom U1852 vs. Casio PX-870
The Casio PX-870 is a top competitor in this price range, offering a strong feature set similar to the Uiscom U1852. Both pianos feature 88 weighted keys with graded hammer action, but the Uiscom’s key action is slightly heavier, providing a more authentic feel. In terms of sound, the PX-870’s AiR Sound Source delivers a clear and vibrant tone, particularly for classical pieces, but the Uiscom U1852 offers a richer bass and more resonant overall sound, which may appeal to those who prefer a warmer piano tone.
The Casio PX-870 shines with its built-in 4-speaker system, offering immersive sound projection, while the Uiscom U1852 also provides robust sound quality with its dual 25W speakers. Both models include useful features like recording capabilities and multiple connectivity options, but the Uiscom’s user-friendly interface and additional voices give it a slight edge in versatility. If you’re looking for a bright and clear tone, the Casio PX-870 is excellent, but for a fuller, more resonant sound and extra features, the Uiscom U1852 is a strong alternative.
Final Verdict
The Uiscom U1852 Digital Piano is a well-rounded instrument that offers a compelling mix of sound quality, build quality, and features. It’s an excellent choice for both beginners and more experienced players who are looking for a reliable digital piano that can serve multiple purposes, from home practice to live performance.
The piano’s strengths, particularly its sound quality and realistic key action, make it a standout in its price range. While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as its weight and the slightly noisy keys, these are relatively minor issues that don’t detract from the overall quality of the instrument.
In conclusion, the Uiscom U1852 is a strong contender in the mid-range digital piano market, offering excellent value for money. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first serious instrument or a seasoned player in need of a reliable digital piano, the U1852 is definitely worth considering.