REVIEW – Suzuki S350 & MG350 Digital Baby Grand Pianos

S-350

UPDATED REVIEW – October 2, 2014 – Suzuki S-350 & MG350 – NOT RECOMMENDED – I do not recommend the Suzuki S350 or MG350 digital baby grand pianos. Also, the MG350 version is not available anymore. These pianos are attractive on the outside but not so good on the inside based on my playing experience with them. The Suzuki piano company (not affiliated in any way with Suzuki cars, motorcycles, or teaching programs) buys their pianos from an unspecified manufacturer in China and sells the pianos primarily through on-line stores as well as Costco & Sam’s Club, although a few music stores around the country carry them as well. I have reviewed Suzuki digital pianos in the past on this blog and unfortunately did not like them for many reasons including their piano tone, touch response, dynamics, pedaling, cabinet sturdiness, and most of the features that are necessary for a good piano playing experience.

MG-350

The S-350 & MG350 digital baby grand pianos (approx $2500-$3000 internet discount price) measure 39″ (3′ 3″) in depth from the very back of the piano to the front of the keyboard and are basically larger versions of the Suzuki DG10 micro grand available at Costco. The DG10 and the MDG200 (which is basically the same piano as the DG10 micro grand)  measures just 29″ from back to front which makes the S350 & MG350 nearly a foot longer so it has a better “presence” in a room. However, these two larger models are no better than the smaller DG10/MDG200, and in fact use the the same electronics and key action along with many of the same electronic features. The physical differences between these two larger pianos and the smaller DG10/MDG200 micro grand is that the S & MG pianos & benches are built with larger, thicker legs & pedal lyre which makes for a somewhat sturdier piano. The audio power on the S-350 piano is the good at 120 watts and all of the piano and instrument sounds, rhythms, and other functions are identical to the smaller version MDG200. Copyright AZPianoNews.com 2014

MDG-100

 Typically larger digital baby grands are a bit sturdier than smaller ones as these pianos are, but as for getting a digital piano that plays and responds like a real acoustic piano with good tone, touch, dynamic response, expression, and good quality instrument sounds, stay away from the Suzuki S350 & MG350 pianos no matter how low the price may be because you or your children will be disappointed with the results. I have seen reviews on-line by owners of these pianos saying they actually like them, but I would submit those people actually have never played a real piano before, or they are making this stuff up! There is no way these models come close to any other piano in this price range. The only thing this piano really has going for it is its cabinet and speakers. Other than that, it’s a toy in my opinion. I recommend you either save your dollars and spend a little more money on a digital baby grand that will work correctly and actually play much more like a real piano, or spend less money on a good “non baby grand look” and get a piano that will play correctly and allow for natural musical expression and response. I am not trying to compare the S-350 piano to acoustic baby grands, but only to acceptable lower priced digital pianos from Yamaha, Casio, Roland, Kawai, Samick, and a few others between in the price range of $1000-$3000, and even many $1000 digital pianos are much better instruments in terms of playability than these Suzuki’s. If you want a PSO (Piano Shaped Object) then this piano would definitely qualify for that. Otherwise, $2500 for the Suzuki S-350 could be better spent on something else.

* A good low price alternative to these Suzuki pianos is the upgraded Samick SG310 & SG450 and they have a factory sale direct to consumer (no middle man) going on for a very low price which you can ask me about. Go to the following SG310/SG450 review link on my blog: Samick SG310/450 review 

If you want more info on these and other pianos and lower prices than internet discounts, please email me at tim@azpianowholesale.com or call me direct at 602-571-1864