Korg B2 Review

We rated the Korg B2 an 8/10. The Korg B2 piano is a fully weighted instrument with several different package options. The German Concert Piano sound sample, along with the other keyboard voices, are extremely rich in resonance. While this keyboard is not without its faults (namely, a lack of ¼ inch connections, no internal record, and a flimsy sustain pedal)…It’s still a good buy. Because the B2 serves both beginners and advanced players well in most scenarios, we rated it a solid 8/10.

Korg B2 Digital Piano Overview

In this Korg B2 review, we will be diving into the different packages and features of a hefty, full-sized piano. While most of our recent reviews have been on economical keyboards, it’s clear to see that the B2 is a little more pricey. But first- What is it all about? 

Korg states that the B2 model is a part of a new generation of digital pianos. 

“The B2 is a new generation of digital piano from KORG focused on accessibility and ease of use. Perfect as a first piano for a new player, we’ve paid special attention to the experience of playing a real piano. B2 is packed with carefully selected sounds, starting with legendary grand pianos from around the world. Software and a variety of connectors come standard for a truly modern piano experience.

B2 is in keyboard format and can be placed on a stand, the B2SP has an easily assembled stand and a three-pedal unit, and the B2N features a light-touch 88-note keyboard. This three-model lineup gives users the ability to pick the perfect piano for their needs. B2 is a piano for anyone from beginners to seasoned players looking for something comfortable to practice on.” 

Features 

Weighted Hammer Keys

While many of the economical keyboards we have been looking at are shorter and touch-sensitive, the Korg B2 is full-sized, with 88 graded hammer, weighted keys. 

Included Damper Pedal 

Damper pedals are a really helpful tool to have in your piano arsenal. A damper pedal stops a note from ringing out. This can help prevent unintended dissonance in your playing. 

Bench and Stand 

It is quite rare to find a digital piano with an included pedal, bench, and stand. This under-$600 package has all of these goodies included, which is really exciting! You can actually save money by buying a more expensive piano package with all of these add-ons. When you get under-$200 keyboards, they don’t usually come with the extras. So, next time you’re in a store or shopping online, consider the accessories included in the package. 

Included Headphones

When you purchase the Korg B2 Amazon package, you get H&A studio monitor headphones included. These headphones typically run in the $20-$75 range. While this isn’t anything to write home about as far as price range goes, they are rumored to be quite high quality. These included headphones boast the following: 

• A resonant sound field
• Tone separation technology, for more balanced ranges
• Flat response
• Adjustable size band

High-Quality Sound Engine with 12 Selected Sounds 

The Korg B2 includes just 12 voices. But don’t let the small quantity trick you into thinking it sounds cheap. These are gorgeous and realistic voices:

• German Concert Piano
• Classic Piano
• Italian Concert Piano 
• Ballad Piano
• Stage E. Piano
• Digital E. Piano
• Electric Organ

You can listen to samples of the Korg B2’s sound engine here.

The German Concert Piano is a favorite among Korg enthusiasts. I’m partial to the Italian Concert Piano, personally! Truly,  all 12 selected sounds are undeniably impressive. Parents who are looking to purchase a piano with no-nonsense voices for their students will be satisfied with this sound engine. 

3 Level Control 

The 3-level touch control function allows you to change the touch response to any of the following: light, medium, or heavy. Variable touch control is great if you plan on having multiple people in the household play the piano. Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to keys and feel. I am more of a light or medium player, but a lot of classical pianists prefer heavy touch response, because, in many cases,  it better mimics acoustic pianos. 

USB MIDI Audio 

USB/ MIDI capability makes it easy to connect the Korg B2 to any DAW, like Garageband or Logic. You can record with any of the 12 sounds you have on that computer, or switch it up by moving your soundtrack over to a voice you have on another platform.

1 Year US Warranty

If you live in the United States, you’re in luck! Amazon is offering a year-long warranty on the Korg B2. Oftentimes, you have to pay extra in order to ensure your instruments. 

Want More? Try the B2SP Package 

Another perk of the Korg B2 is that there is a second package option: The B2SP. B2SP offers a three-pedal unit instead of just the damper, as well as a much sturdier keyboard stand. Another package option that is also available within the Korg B2 is the B2N, which has a much lighter touch. 

Other Korg 2 Features:

• A three-month trial of Skoove with your purchase
• Pairable with the Korg Module piano app
• Also pairable with the Korg Gadget 2 Le
• Master tuning
• Transposition 
• Demo songs

The Korg 2 is full of learning features and has the option to connect to many apps. The Korg Gadget 2 Le app, which is a type of production software, is an especially valuable addition. It’s a great DAW for beginners with Apple devices. 

Specifications

• Weight: 25 pounds
• Dimensions: 51.6 x 13.2 x 4.6 inches
• Keyboard Type: Digital home piano 
• LCD: Yes

Who Is It Suitable For?

The Korg B2 digital piano is suitable for beginners who are planning on studying the piano seriously. Professional players who don’t mind a small yet quality sound bank will also enjoy the Korg B2. 

Korg B2 In Action/ Reviews 

One of the Korg B2 reviews that I found to be extremely helpful was this review from KeyboardTalks.

In this review, I learned that the Korg B2 is the newest entry-level piano, which was designed to replace the Korg B1. The Korg B1 had quite a few issues, and was also designed as an entry-level piano, but moreso, for beginners. The B1 didn’t have splitting, layering, headphone out, USB, or MIDI. This turned many recording musicians away from the B1. Luckily, all of these issues have been fixed in the Korg B2 model, which now has all of the above! 

Another excellent Korg review to reference is this one with Tara Jamieson.

One con that she mentioned is that the Korg B2 felt a little stiff at first, and took a while to break in. So, if you are planning on purchasing this one, make sure you set up some time to wear it in before taking it to the stage. 

Amazon Customer Reviews

The Korg B2 was rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com. 

What Customers Liked:

• The concert piano sounds are excellent and sold them on this model 
• The simplified design helps parents keep their music students on task in practice and in lessons 
• It has a solid soundboard
• It has weighted keys and is full length
• A lot of items are included in the package 

What Customers Didn’t: 

• It doesn’t have as many features as some other pianos in this price range
• The stand is not very sturdy 
• It doesn’t have a 1/8th input or output
• The damper pedal felt a little loose 

Pros and Cons

Pros

• This piano is ideal for classical study because of its weighted keys and full-length keyboard
• It is a hefty home piano for under $1000
• There are many items included in the package
• The polyphony is much higher than some of the other economical packages on the market 
• It is a gorgeous and modern looking piano
• There are only a handful of buttons, so anyone can navigate it 
• The connectivity has improved greatly since the Korg B1 model

The Korg B2 is one of the best economical home pianos out there for young classical students. The fact that it has so few sounds makes it much easier for students to focus. The polyphony is really high as well, which makes it ideal for playing bigger pieces. This is usually my classical piano litmus test: Can you play Rachmaninoff on it, or not? In this case, the answer is a resounding yes! 

While some musicians who have purchased the Korg B2 aren’t a fan of the fact that it only has a handful of buttons, I think that this is a plus. Pianos with a lot of onboard options can easily overwhelm new players. The Korg B2’s simple four-button system makes it user-accessible for players of all ages and experiences. 

All in all, this package has a lot. On top of all of the features and connectivity options, it is really gorgeous. 

Cons

• The build of the stand is flimsy and tend to move 
• The damper pedal could be of a higher caliber, too
• Similarly, the sustain pedal is a bit stiff and clunky, and it needs a lot of elbow grease 
• The soundbank is small, which makes it unideal for composers or producers 
• Gigging pianists will find this model unideal because it is so heavy
• There is no internal recorder 
• The touch doesn’t exactly recreate the sound and feel of a real acoustic
• There is no ¼ inch cable input/output 

Ah, the pros and cons of piano packages. While you can save money and get a lot with the packages, sometimes, what is included isn’t as high of quality as if you bought it separately. Make sure to weigh out your wants and needs when considering stand-alones versus packages. Many people who have played this piano dislike the pedals. Luckily, it is possible to change out the pedals to something from a different brand. But for over $500, you shouldn’t have to. The pedals are one of my biggest complaints about the Korg B2.

Frankly, the soundbank is extremely limited. Piano students, classical musicians, and jazz musicians will love the Korg B2. But composers and producers should consider a different model. For comparable models, scroll down past our quick view! 

Korg B2 Quick View 

Instruments Comparable to the Korg B2

Instruments that musicians often compare to the Korg B2 include: 

• Korg B1 $449.99 
• Yamaha P45 $549.99 
• Yamaha P71 $479.99 
• Kawai ES110 $699.99 
• Casio CDP S150 $479.99 

Since the Korg B1 has since been replaced by the Korg B2, it is much more difficult to find it used. That being said, if you love the Korg B sound and don’t need all the connectivity, it’s a great option. 

The Yamaha P45 is another great lightweight and full-sized digital piano. Its AWM sampling makes it stand out from its competitors, so try comparing sound engines! In a similar vein (and in fact, the same P- line) the Yamaha P71 Amazon package is another comparable competitor. It has 10 no-nonsense voices, as well as a lightweight design given its full keyboard. 

If you aren’t a fan of Korg or Yamaha, try out some Kawai or Casio models within the same price range. The Kawai ES110 is a great beginner stage piano with 19 sounds and 192 note polyphony. The Casio CDP is also a good option. It has a compact design, 10 voices, and educational tools inside the package. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Korg B2 is a high-quality home piano. If you are looking for a minimalist home piano, this one just might be ‘the one!

8Expert Score

We rated the Korg B2 an 8/10. The Korg B2 piano is a fully weighted instrument with several different package options. The German Concert Piano sound sample, along with the other keyboard voices, are extremely rich in resonance. While this keyboard is not without its faults (namely, a lack of ¼ inch connections, no internal record, and a flimsy sustain pedal)...It’s still a good buy. Because the B2 serves both beginners and advanced players well in most scenarios, we rated it a solid 8/10.

PROS

• This piano is ideal for classical study because of its weighted keys and full-length keyboard
• It is a hefty home piano for under $1000
• There are many items included in the package
• The polyphony is much higher than some of the other economical packages on the market
• It is a gorgeous and modern looking piano
• There are only a handful of buttons, so anyone can navigate it
• The connectivity has improved greatly since the Korg B1 model

CONS

• The build of the stand is flimsy and tend to move
• The damper pedal could be of a higher caliber, too
• Similarly, the sustain pedal is a bit stiff and clunky, and it needs a lot of elbow grease
• The soundbank is small, which makes it unideal for composers or producers
• Gigging pianists will find this model unideal because it is so heavy
• There is no internal recorder
• The touch doesn’t exactly recreate the sound and feel of a real acoustic
• There is no ¼ inch cable input/output