Korg
SV-2 88
$2,200
Korg SV-2 88: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison
2.7 Beginner 4.7 Night Practice 3.0 Portability 6.6 Touch Reality 3.8 Value
88 22.5 kg
Korg SV-1 88 Review
Korg SV-1 88: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison
Discontinued 88 Keys 21.4 kg Real Weighted Hammer Action 3 (RH3) Advanced
Scores
Where to Buy
MSRP
$2,000
This model is discontinued. New-old-stock or used listings may still appear, so confirm the current listing status at retailers.
This model is discontinued; links may show used listings, remaining stock, or unrelated search results. These buttons open retailer search results and may include affiliate tracking where available. Stock and listing status can change without notice.
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
1.3| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 0.5 |
| Lesson Function | No | +0 |
| App Connectivity | No | +0 |
| Bluetooth MIDI | No | +0 |
| Recording | No | +0 |
| Practice Basics (Metronome / Transpose / Layer-Split) | No | +0 |
| Stand Included | No | +0 |
| Damper Pedal Included | Yes | +0.4 |
| Preset Songs | 0 | +0 |
| Sound Variety | 36 sounds | +0.4 |
Night Practice
4.7| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 1.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 | +1.3 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm | +0.9 |
| Headphone Optimization | No | +0 |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | +0 |
| Line Out | Yes | +0.4 |
| Speaker Mute with Headphones | Yes | +0.7 |
| Key Action Quietness | Real Weighted Hammer Action 3 (RH3) | +0.4 |
Portability
3.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 21.4 kg | -1.5 |
| Width | 1365 mm | -0.5 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
6.6| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | Real Weighted Hammer Action 3 (RH3) (grade 7) | +4.2 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 80 notes | +0.4 |
| Sound Modeling | No | +0 |
| Key Surface | ivory-feel | +0.5 |
Korg SV-1 88 review verdict
This Korg SV-1 88 review reads the published specifications from a comparison-first point of view: touch, sound, practice fit, value, and limits.
Korg SV-1 88 is best read as a stage piano for experienced players comparing serious practice instruments. This review looks at weighted-key feel, sound, practice features, value, and realistic comparison points instead of treating the spec sheet as advertising copy.
Pros
- • Key count: 88 keys, a clear basis for digital piano comparison.
- • Touch: weighted hammer action, so the review stays focused on practice feel.
- • Quiet practice: Headphone practice support.
- • Connectivity: USB MIDI.
- • Use case: Its best fit is stage use.
Cons
- • Main limit: the need for large sound reserves and heavy pedal work.
- • Stand cost and compatibility are separate checks.
- • Used-market condition and support need careful checking.
Korg SV-1 88 is a stage piano that makes most sense when its strengths are matched to the right practice situation. The useful points are 88 keys, weighted hammer action, 80-note polyphony, built-in speakers, and a weight of 21.4 kg. In a digital piano review, those details matter more than broad claims about being the best digital piano overall. For stage use, this model can be a sensible candidate if the layout and feature set match the way the instrument will actually be used. Because it is discontinued, the condition, accessories, and local support matter more than the original launch position. The fairest comparison is with models in the same price and use class, where touch, speakers, headphone practice, and connectivity can be judged side by side.
Korg SV-1 88 evaluation points
Korg SV-1 88 key action and touch
Korg SV-1 88 uses a weighted hammer action. For a digital piano with weighted keys, the important question is not only whether the keys are heavy, but whether they help steady daily practice. The ivory feel key surface is a useful comfort detail. The specification lists 80-note polyphony; that is enough for ordinary pieces, while more layered playing or heavy pedal use benefits from a higher number. This makes the key action a practical comparison point rather than a decorative specification.
Who the Korg SV-1 88 is for
Korg SV-1 88 is most relevant for experienced players comparing serious practice instruments. The main use case is stage use. Strengths: a more piano-like touch. Limits: the need for large sound reserves and heavy pedal work. Buyers comparing digital pianos should also check the stand, pedal, headphone jack, app support, and local availability before deciding.
Korg SV-1 88 sound and speakers
Korg SV-1 88 offers 36 sounds and built-in speakers. That is the sound side of the review: enough variety for practice, but the real experience depends on speaker power, headphone use, and the room where it will be played. The headphone output supports quiet practice. For lessons, apps, or recording workflows, the useful connectivity is USB MIDI.
What to know before buying the Korg SV-1 88
Before buying Korg SV-1 88, compare it with nearby alternatives on touch, sound, portability, and value. A stand may need to be budgeted separately. A damper pedal is included, though some players may still want a fuller pedal unit. Because it is discontinued, the condition, accessories, and local support matter more than the original launch position. For searchers looking for a Korg SV-1 88 review, the practical conclusion is to treat it as one candidate in a digital piano comparison, not as a universal answer for every player.
Demo Video
Source:
Sweetwater Watch on YouTube ↗
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Real Weighted Hammer Action 3 (RH3) |
| Polyphony | 80 notes |
| Sounds | 36 |
| Weight | 21.4 kg |
| Speakers | — |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | Ivory Feel |
| Sound Modeling | — |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm |
| Headphone Optimization | No |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | Yes |
| Lesson Function | No |
| App Connectivity | No |
| Recording | No |
| Metronome | No |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | No |
| Preset Songs | 0 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1365×347×161 mm |
| Stand Included | No |
| Pedal Included | Yes |
Spec terms are explained in the glossary. Glossary →
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Recommended Accessories
🪑
Stand
Stand not included (sold separately)
A sturdy X-stand or furniture-style stand is essential if one isn't included.
🎧
Headphones
Closed-back headphones with good bass response make practice sessions more enjoyable.
🎹
Sustain Pedal
The included pedal is usually basic. A half-damper pedal upgrade is worthwhile for expressive playing.
💺
Bench
An adjustable-height bench helps maintain proper posture during long practice sessions.
Where to Buy
MSRP
$2,000
This model is discontinued. New-old-stock or used listings may still appear, so confirm the current listing status at retailers.
This model is discontinued; links may show used listings, remaining stock, or unrelated search results. These buttons open retailer search results and may include affiliate tracking where available. Stock and listing status can change without notice.
How It Compares
SV-1 88 vs SV-2 88
the SV-2 88 is stronger in beginner support. The SV-1 88 costs $200 less. Choose the SV-2 88 if beginner-friendly features matters most.
Korg SV-2 88 →SV-1 88 vs RD-2000
the RD-2000 is stronger in beginner support, piano-like touch and value for money. The SV-1 88 costs $500 less. Choose the RD-2000 if beginner-friendly features matters most.
Roland RD-2000 →SV-1 88 vs VPC1
The SV-1 88 scores higher in beginner support, quiet practice and value for money. The VPC1 costs $500 less. Choose the SV-1 88 if beginner-friendly features matters most.
Kawai VPC1 →Related Guides
Best Digital Pianos Under $2,000 (2026)
Under $2,000 is where digital pianos start feeling genuinely serious. You move beyond entry-level plastic into refined key actions, nuanced sound engines, and builds that will satisfy intermediate players for years. This guide explains what changes at this price, what to prioritize when options open up, and the models that deliver real value in a crowded segment.
Read more →Best Stage Pianos for Gigging Musicians (2026)
A stage piano is a different kind of instrument. It lives in a gig bag, loads into a venue, and has to sound professional the moment you plug in. Unlike a home digital piano, the priorities shift to portability, durability, and the controls you can reach mid-song. This guide walks you through what actually matters when you play out, and which models hold up night after night.
Read more →Digital Piano Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know (2026)
Buying a digital piano can feel overwhelming. Hundreds of models, confusing specs, and marketing jargon make it hard to know what actually matters. This guide breaks down everything you need to understand, in plain language, so you can make a confident decision. If you learned piano years ago and are returning rather than starting fresh, the priorities are different — see our [guide for returning players](/en/guides/digital-piano-for-returning-senior-players/).
Read more →Graded Hammer Action vs Weighted Keys: What's the Difference?
"Weighted keys" and "graded hammer action" are two of the most common terms you'll see when shopping for a digital piano. They sound similar but refer to different things. This guide explains exactly what they mean, how they affect your playing, and which type you should look for.
Read more →Sources & transparency
This page is written by the operator, who has run the piano-learning site Piano Juku since 2017, based on published manufacturer specifications. We are not a retailer or tied to any maker — every model is compared by the same criteria. About the operator
- Last verified
- Data referenced from
- Manufacturer official
How the 5-axis scores are calculated
We do not aggregate user reviews or star ratings (see methodology for why).
Spot a mistake or have a question about what's on this page? Let us know and we'll review it.
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Korg SV-1 88
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