In this article, I will be exploring the different Roland digital pianos currently available. This article includes a brief history of Roland digital pianos, followed by a comparison table of the different models, and then a detailed review of each model in case you want to learn more about any particular model.
Roland Digital Piano History
On April 18, 1972, Ikutaro Kakehashi founded Roland, a brand name he chose to make it easier for his global target audience to pronounce. While competing businesses during the time focused on marketing for professional musicians and academics, Kakehashi, who had no musical expertise, focused on miniaturization, simplicity, and affordability to appeal to amateurs and enthusiasts. In 1973, Roland released the SH-1000, the first small synthesizer made in Japan, as well as the SH-3, their first non-preset synthesizer. The company created a touch-sensitive keyboard in 1974, which is now a common technology in today’s digital pianos and detects playing velocities from soft to hard. It was, however, a revolutionary leap in the early days of electronic piano technology. Roland has created a number of instruments that have left an indelible mark on the music world. The company makes drums and basses, but it’s best known for its keyboards and pianos. The brand went through a financial crisis in 1981 but recovered by selling reasonably priced digital hybrid synthesizers, as well as a varied range of amplifiers, effects, guitar synths, and even computer plotters, throughout the middle years of the 1980s. To stay competitive, they needed to shift from traditional to digital. It was a risky move for the business, but it ushered in a golden era. Today, Roland remains one of the greatest digital piano manufacturers today.
Roland Digital Piano Price Chart
Below is a basic Roland digital piano pricing chart with all models included, from cheapest to most expensive. Each of these models is explored in detail below. These prices are approximate and you will need to do in-depth research to get the most up-to-date pricing.
| Model | Price | Model | Price |
| FP-10 | $499.99 | HP704 | $ 3,199.99- $ 3,499.99 |
| FP-30X | $799.99 | RP302 | $1,049.99-$1,089.99 |
| RP30 | $939.99-$999.00 | RP501R | $1,429.99-$1,679.99 |
| RP102 | $999.99 | FP-50 | $1,499.00 – $1,999.00 |
| FP-60X | $1,149.99 | HP601 | $1,999.99-$2,299.99 |
| RD-88 | $1,349.99 | HP702 | $2,469.99- $2,899.99 (Charcoal Black or Dark Rosewood) |
| F-140R | $1,389.99 | HP605 | $2,737.00-$2,895.00 |
| FP-30 | $1,399.99 | DP603 | $2,799.00- $4,499.99 |
| F701 | $1,449.99 | HP603/HP603A | $3,299-$3,499.99 |
| FP-60 | $1,578.61 | LX705 | $3,799.99 (Charcoal Black or Dark Rosewood)- $4,449.99 (Ebony Polish) |
| RP701 | $1,599.99 | LX-7 | $4,299.00- $5,099.99 |
| FP-90 | $2,159.99 | Kiyola | $4,299.99- $5,799.00 |
| FP-90X | $2,299.99 | LX706 | $4,699.99 (Charcoal Black or Dark Rosewood)- $5,499.99 (Ebony Polish) |
| RD-800 | $2,499.99 | V-Piano | $5,995.00-$6000.00 |
| HP504 | $2,699 | LX-17 | $5,999.99-$7,999.99 |
| RD-2000 | $2,699.99 | LX708 | $6,399.99 (Charcoal Black)-$7,099.99 (Ebony Polish) |
| HPi-50e | $2,999.99-$3,999.00 |
Roland Digital Piano Models
FP-90X
Indicative Price: $2,299.99
Overall Description:
The FP-90X comes from Roland’s FP-X series, which is well-known for its portability. This digital piano is a premium performance instrument like none. This model features a portable slim and modern cabinet design making transportation more convenient. If you purchase the FP-90X, you are receiving a piano containing the company’s renowned piano technology. The FP-90X is a product of the various hybrid and premium pianos/keyboards Roland perfected through the years, ensuring that you completely feel the FP-X experience.
Pros:
- Modern and Slim design
- PHA-50 Weighted Progressive Hammer Action with Ivory and Ebony simulation
- Pure Acoustic Piano Modelling
- Limitless piano tones and 384 note polyphony
- 15 piano tones (4 modeled) and 300 other tones
- 13 adjustable parameters for Piano Designers
- Equipped with Sliders for convenient parameter adjustments
- Powerful 4-speaker sound system (60 watts)
- Excellent connectivity
Cons:
- Modeled sounds liking depends on personal preference
- No Duo or twin piano mode
- Onboard MIDI-recorder is only able to record one track
FP-90X Specifications
Type:
- Stage Piano
Piano Sound Engine:
- Pure Acoustic Piano Modelling
Dimensions:
- Without Stand and Music rest:
- Width: 1,340mm
- Depth: 390mm
- Height: 136mm
- With Stand and music rest:
- Width: 1,340mm
- Depth: 418mm
- Height: 932mm
Weight:
- With music rest:
- 52lbs 1oz or 23.6kgs
- With stand and music rest:
- 83lbs 6oz or 37.8kgs
Number of Keys:
- 88
Type of Keys:
- PHA-50 Weighted Progressive Hammer Action with Ivory and Ebony simulation
Touch Sensitivity:
- Adjustable
- Fixed
Escapement:
- Yes
Polyphony:
- Unlimited Piano
- 256 notes other
Presets:
- Piano: 20 tones
- Electric Piano: 18 tones
- Organ: 18 tones
- Strings/Pad: 27 tones
- Synth/other:279 tones
Effects:
- Ambience
- Rotary Speaker
- Modulation
Audio Inputs:
- 1 pc sized 6.35mm (mic)
- 1pc sized 3.5mm (aux)
Audio Outputs:
- 2 pcs sized 6.35mm (L/Mono, R)
Headphones:
- 1 port sized 3.5mm
- 1 port sized 6.35mm
USB:
- 1 port type B
- 1 port type A
MIDI Input/Output:
- In/Out/USB/Bluetooth
Bluetooth:
- Audio version 3
- MIDI version 4
Pedal Inputs:
- 3 pcs sized 6.35mm (damper, sostenuto, soft)
Pedal Included:
- DP-10 Damper
Built -in speakers:
- 8 pcs sized 4.7 inch
- 2pcs sized inch
Amplifier:
- 2 pcs 25 watts
- 2pcs 5 watts
Display:
- LCD
Software:
- Piano Every Day
- Piano Designer (android/IOS)
Power Supply:
- AC Adapter (included)
FP-90X Colors and Finishes
The Roland FP-90X comes in a White and Black color variants.
FP-90X User Reviews
Rocky Pittie from the United States (review on Amazon): “This is fantastic. It is similar to a piano, but with amazing sound and options. This is the one for you if you’re a novice or just want something that’s not too pricey and easy to travel with. I’ve looked all over the internet and the price is unbeatable.”
VinnieCat from the United States (review on Amazon):”Everything about this order has exceeded my expectations. The seller had it neatly packaged and significantly shipped it ahead of schedule. I’m a music teacher, therefore pianos and sound are extremely important to me. This is one of the greatest, especially considering the low cost. I’m incredibly happy.”
Where can I buy a FP-90X
You can purchase the Roland FP-90X by going to their website roland.com and choosing the “FP-90X” product and press buy now. They will ask you your location’s postal code and then direct you to the nearest dealership where you can purchase one. You can also purchase the FP-90X on online platforms such as Amazon and Sweetwater where they will deliver the product at your doorsteps.
F-140R
Indicative Price: $1,389.99
Overall Description:
The Roland F-140R is a modern digital piano packed with useful technologies from the leading digital piano innovation company, Roland. This model is ideal for small homes due to its compact design. This digital piano provides its users an instrument that features authentic and passionate piano tones remarkable for its affordable price. It is also equipped with a powerful speaker capable of producing rich and full sounds. In addition, this piano also offers headphones with a 3D ambiance effect that perfectly goes with your performances during private practices. The F-140R also assists you in improving your playing and compositions with features such as Bluetooth connectivity that enables you to utilize music apps and a USB port for computer connections.
Pros:
- Compact and modern design
- Realistic PHA-4 Standard action with the feel of ivory keys
- Rich and full tones similar to a grand piano
- SuperNatural Piano sounds, modeling, string resonance, key off samples
- 316 built-in sounds
- 189 presets songs
- 72 rhythms (accompaniment function)
- Remarkable speakers (24 watts)
- Wireless Bluetooth MIDI connectivity
Cons:
- Unequipped with multi-track recording
- Sound customization options are limited
- Very basic display
F-140R Specifications
Type:
- Upright Piano
Piano Sound Engine:
- SuperNATURAL Piano Sound
Dimensions:
- With Stand, lid closed, and stabilizers mounted
- Width: 1361mm
- Depth: 345mm
- Height: 778mm
- With Stand, lid open, and stabilizers mounted
- Width: 1,361mm
- Depth: 345mm
- Height: 910mm
Weight:
- With Stand, lid closed, and stabilizers mounted
- 76lbs 1 oz or 34.5kgs
- With Stand, lid open, and stabilizers mounted
- 76lbs 1 oz or 34.5kgs
Number of Keys:
- 88-keys
Type of Keys:
- PHA-4 Standard Keyboard with Escapement and Ivory Feel
Touch Sensitivity:
- 5 types
- Fixed
Escapement:
- Yes
Polyphony:
- 128 voices
Presets:
- Grand Piano: 11 tones
- Other: 305 tones (8 drum sets; 1 SFX set)
Effects:
- Ambience (Off, 10 levels)
- Brilliance (21 levels)
Audio Inputs:
- Stereo miniature phone type
Audio Outputs:
- Stereo miniature phone type
Headphones:
- 2 pcs Stereo miniature phone type sized 6.35mm
- Effects: Headphones 3D Ambience
USB:
- USB Type B for computer port
- USB Type A for memory port
MIDI Input/Output:
- In/Out/USB/Bluetooth
Bluetooth:
- MIDI version 4
Pedal Inputs:
- Damper
- Soft
- Sostenuto
Built -in speakers:
- 2pcs sized 12cm
Display:
- 7 segments x 3 LED
Playable Software:
- Standard MIDI Files (Format 0, 1)
- Audio File (WAV, 44.1 kHz, 16-bit linear format)
Power Supply:
- AC Adapter (included)
F-140R Colors and Finishes
The Roland F-140R comes in Satin White and Contemporary Black color variants.
F-140R User Reviews
H.T Roberts from the United States (review on Amazon): “When I was trying out acoustic and electronic pianos at the music store, Roland seemed to have the appropriate balance. Another significant finding from my research was that internet reviewers (piano professionals) remarked on how durable the Roland keyboards are, claiming that they can provide many years of trouble-free ownership. I’m not sure if this is true of all Rolands, but this one seems solid and well-made.”
Diane Pruitt from the United States (review on Amazon): “This piano’s piano option is quite realistic. There are so many sound and mix possibilities that I’m sure that’ll take me a long time to figure out how to use them all. The piano is lovely, and it looks well in my living room. It makes me happy. It’s also quite simple to put together. I accomplished the majority of it myself and only needed assistance with standing it up. I love it!!”
Where can I buy a FP-90X
You can purchase the Roland F-140R by going to their website roland.com and choosing the “F-140R” product and press buy now. They will ask you your location’s postal code and then direct you to the nearest dealership where you can purchase one. You can also purchase the F-140R on online platforms such as Amazon and Sweetwater where they will deliver the product at your doorsteps.
RD-800
Indicative Price: $2499.99
Overall Description:
The RD-800 was built from the ground up for easy operation when performing on stage. Live Sets allow you to save your preset setups, such as tone layers, keyboard split points, effects, and more, for rapid retrieval while performing via dedicated buttons. It’s simple to dial things in quickly for those instances when you need to call up and alter sounds on the fly. The panel has a very logical layout and many specialized controls, making basic activities like picking and mixing tones, setting split points, modifying effects, and more exceedingly simple. All of the panel knobs feature LED indications that make it simple to see their current settings even in the darkest stages, and the color LCD provides an enticing graphical interface for adjusting numerous parameters in any lighting condition.
Pros:
- High-quality and realistic concert grand piano voice
- Enables user to alter the sounds via one-click, customizable to fit your preference
- Simple and easy switching of preset sounds and tones
- Enables preset modes such as keyboard split point and tones
- Very portable
Cons:
- Quite expensive for beginners
RD-800 Specifications
Type:
- Stage Piano
Piano Sound Engine:
- SuperNATURAL Piano Sound
- SuperNATURAL (E.Piano, Clav)
- Virtual Tone Wheel Organ
- PCM Sound Generator
Dimensions:
- Width: 1400mm
- Depth: 367mm
- Height: 138mm
Weight:
- 47lbs 14oz or 21.7kg (may vary due to wooden parts)
Number of Keys:
- 88-keys
Type of Keys:
- PHA-4 Concert Keyboard with Escapement and Ebony/Ivory Feel
Escapement:
- Yes
Polyphony:
- 128 voices
Parts:
- 16 parts (4 parts used for live set)
Tones:
- 1,113 tones
Live sets:
- 200
Effects:
- Modulation FX: 4 systems, 56 types
- Tremolo/Amp Simulator: 4 systems, 5 types
- Reverb: 6 types
- Delay: 5 types
- Sympathetic Resonance (Only for SuperNATURAL Piano)
- 3-band Compressor
- 5-band Digital Equalizer
File Formats:
- Audio Files (WAV format, 44.1 kHz, 16-bit linear)
Rhythm Pattern:
- 200 patterns
Other Controllers:
- 4 pcs LAYER LEVEL slider
- 4 pcs EQUALIZER/DELAY/ASSIGNABLE knobs (with illumination)
- REVERB knob (with illumination)
- TONE COLOR knob (with illumination)
- MODULATION FX DEPTH knob (with illumination)
- MODULATION FX RATE knob (with illumination)
- TREMOLO DEPTH knob (with illumination)
- TREMOLO RATE knob (with illumination)
- AMP SIMULATOR DRIVE knob (with illumination)
- Pitch Bend/Modulation lever
- S1/S2 Buttons (Assignable)
Display Themes:
- 3 themes
Display:
- Graphic color LCD 320 x 240 dots
Power Consumption:
- 12 watts
RD-800 User Reviews
Lido Raposo from Rhode Island with music background as an Organ user for 12 years (review on Sweetwater): “I’m not a keyboard player by any means. I’ve always played the organ, but I kind of fell into it. So when my church required a new keyboard, they left it up to me. I decided to go with the RD-800 after doing some research on keyboards. This keyboard is INCREDIBLE!! Every week, I continue to learn something new as I try new activities. This keyboard would be RECOMMENDED to a novice (like me) or the best keyboard player in the world! I like that I can use four different tones at once. My church family has complimented me on the new keyboard’s tone. This is a fantastic keyboard!!”
Greg with music background as a Classical Pianist/Social-Jam gig player (review on Sweetwater): “Let’s face it, you can have the most incredible sound engine, tonal tuning, effects, and so on, but the music is ultimately created by artists. The RD800’s action, in combination with its responsiveness, is sic in musical control turns. In terms of the performances it can generate, I feel like I’m cheating when I use this instrument instead of my Kawai Rx1; nevertheless, the same can be said for my covers and jam sessions. When I compare it to similar models from Yamaha, Casio, and Korg, I was astounded by the response and control.”
Where can I buy a RD-800
You can purchase the Roland RD-800 by going to their website roland.com and choosing the “RD-800” product and press buy now. They will ask you your location’s postal code and then direct you to the nearest dealership where you can purchase one. You can also purchase the RD-800 on online platforms such as Amazon and Sweetwater where they will deliver the product at your doorsteps.
FP-30
Indicative Price: $1,399.99
Overall Description:
The FP-30 is a top-quality 88-note instrument featuring Roland’s famed sound, feel, and advanced features in a compact package. It’s also a good fit for performing musicians and music classes because it’s light and portable. The FP-30 offers a premium musical experience unattainable before in a very simplified package, with additional sounds beyond the piano, built-in practice and recording functions, and Bluetooth wireless support for working with popular music apps.
Pros:
- Perfect for live performances
- Outstanding key action with escapement and the feel of Ivory keys
- SuperNatural sound engine that produces whole and rich sounds
- 35 built-in instrument sounds
- Powerful built-in speakers (22 watts)
- Equipped with Bluetooth MIDI connectivity
- Enable to play MIDI and WAV files via flash drive
Cons:
- Slightly heavier compared to its competitors
- Few sounds customization options (effects and settings)
- No lesson function
- No Line out jacks
FP-30 Specifications
Type:
- Digital Piano
Piano Sound Engine:
- SuperNATURAL Piano Sound
Dimensions:
- Without music rest and stand:
- Width: 1,300mm
- Depth: 284mm
- Height: 150mm
- With music rest and stand:
- Width: 1,300mm
- Depth: 324mm
- Height: 925mm
Weight:
- Without music rest and stand:
- 31lbs 2 oz or 14.1kg
- With music rest and stand:
- 50lbs 12 oz or 23kgs
Number of Keys:
- 88-keys
Type of Keys:
- PHA-4 Standard Keyboard with Escapement and Ivory Feel
Touch Sensitivity:
- 5 types
- Fixed touch
Keyboard mode:
- Whole
- Dual (volume balance adjustable)
- Split (split point adjustable, volume balance adjustable)
- Twin Piano
Pedals:
- Accessory pedal
- Damper
Optional Pedals:
- Damper (capable of continuous detection)
- Soft (capable of continuous detection)
- Sostenuto (function assignable)
Escapement:
- Yes
Polyphony:
- 128 voices
Presets:
- Piano: 6 Tones
- E.Piano: 7 Tones
- Other: 22 Tones
Effects:
- Ambience (Off, 1–4)
- Brilliance (Mellow, Normal, Bright)
- String Resonance (Always On)-Only for Piano Tones
- Damper Resonance (Always On)-Only for Piano Tones
- Key Off Resonance (Always On)-Only for Piano Tones
Rhythms:
- 8 types
Audio Playback:
- Audio File (WAV 44.1kHz, 16-bit Linear format)
Connectivity:
- 2pcs phone jacks (usable as output jack)
- Stereo miniature phone type sized 6.35mm
USB:
- USB Type B for computer port
- USB Type A for memory port
Bluetooth:
- MIDI version 4
Built -in speakers:
- 2pcs sized 12cm
Power Supply:
- AC Adapter (included)
FP-30 Colors and Finishes
The Roland FP-30 comes in White and Black color variants.
FP-30 User Reviews
Paul R from Missouri, United States with music background as a Church Musician and Pastor (review on Sweetwater): “The Roland FP-30 is an excellent instrument. It looks terrific, sounds fantastic through its built-in speakers (much better with headphones), and is the perfect size for the living room or on the go. It is a bit difficult to use all of the onboard features without connecting it to your smartphone via Bluetooth, but it isn’t too difficult to figure out. People looking for a well-built platform to train or play might consider the FP-30.”
Collin (review on Sweetwater): “I purchased this mainly for my children who are beginning to play the piano, but it was also purchased for me to explore within our home studio. Although the piano is not my primary instrument, I have played many high-end grands (Steinway, Yamaha, and Bosendorfer) and am blown away by the sound and feel of the FP-30, especially considering the price. Both the instrument and Sweetwater’s customer service have exceeded my expectations.”
Where can I buy a FP-30
You can purchase the Roland FP-30 by going to their website roland.com and choosing the “FP-30” product and press buy now. They will ask you your location’s postal code and then direct you to the nearest dealership where you can purchase one. You can also purchase the FP-30 on online platforms such as Amazon and Sweetwater where they will deliver the product at your doorsteps.
FP-50
Indicative Price: $1,499.00 – $1,999.00
Overall Description:
The FP-50 is a travel-friendly and affordable piano that offers top-notch piano performance plus many additional excellent features to make playing more enjoyable. The real tone and feel of an acoustic grand is at your fingertips, along with a broad selection of flexible sounds for performing in a lot of scenarios. The intelligent rhythm function simplifies the process of creating beautiful music by offering dynamic, complex accompaniments that follow your performances in real time. The FP-50 is always ready to go wherever you want to play thanks to its compact, elegant design and built-in speaker system.
Pros:
- Easy and simple to use despite various features
- Highly portable
- Realistic and powerful sounds
- Equipped with touch sensitivity
- Very responsive and Good action
Cons:
- Weighted key design may lead to fatigue of wrist after long period of playing
FP-50 Specifications
Type:
- Digital Piano
Piano Sound Engine:
- SuperNATURAL Piano Sound
Dimensions:
- Without music rest and stand:
- Width: 1,343mm
- Depth: 313mm
- Height: 125mm
- With music rest and stand:
- Width: 1,343mm
- Depth: 405mm
- Height: 927mm
Weight:
- Without music rest and stand:
- 35lbs 7oz or 16.5kg
- With music rest and stand:
- 63lbs 12oz or 28.9kgs
Number of Keys:
- 88-keys
Type of Keys:
- Ivory Feel-G Keyboard with Escapement
Touch Sensitivity:
- 5 types
- Fixed touch
Keyboard modes:
- Whole
- Dual (volume balance adjustable)
- Split (split point, volume balance adjustable)
Escapement:
- Yes
Polyphony:
- 128 voices
Presets:
- Grand Piano: 14 tones
- E.Piano: 25 tones
- Strings: 18 tones
- Other: 315 tones (including 8 drum sets, 1 SFX set)
Effects:
- Ambience (Off, 1 to 10)
- Equalizer (4-band digital equalizer)
- Soundboard Behavior (Off, 1 to 10); only for piano tones
- Cabinet Resonance (Off, 1 to 10); only for piano tones
- Damper Resonance (Off, 1 to 10); only for piano tones
- String Resonance (Off, 1 to 10); only for piano tones
- Key Off Resonance (Off, 1 to 10); only for piano tones
- Rotary (Slow/Fast); only for organ tones
- Modulation Speed (1 to 127); only for some tones
Rhythms:
- 90 types x 2 variations
Audio Playback:
- Audio File (WAV 44.1kHz, 16-bit Linear format)
Connectivity:
- PEDAL (DAMPER/R, SOFT/L *, SOSTENUTO/C *) jacks : 1/4-inch phone type (* assignable)
- INPUT jack: Stereo miniature phone type
- OUTPUT (L/Mono, R) jacks sized 6.35mm phone type
- MIDI (IN, OUT) connectors
- PHONES jack: Stereo 6.35mm phone type
USB:
- USB Type A for memory port
Built -in speakers:
- 2pcs sized 8cm x 12cm
Power Supply:
- AC Adapter (included)
FP-50 User Reviews
Mark Paulson from West Orange, New Jersey with music background as a Professional Pianist and teacher (review on Sweetwater) “The Roland FP50 was my most recent acquisition. I talked to a lot of individuals and tested out a lot of keyboards. However, I made my ultimate decision based on Sweetwater’s recommendations. Now I got the greatest Keyboard for my requirements. I work as a professional performer. This keyboard can be used by everyone, but it meets the requirements of any professional. I was looking for a keyboard that was reasonably priced and easy to transport. It had to have the same sound and feel like a grand piano. Amazing piano sounds were required for the keyboard. Weighted keys were also required. The FP50’s Supernatural piano tones and Intelligent Rhythm capabilities are incredible. The FP80 keyboard has more features, but it was not the ideal fit for me. It is more expensive and heavier. It also contains items I will never use. More expensive keyboards with more features aren’t always what a client desires. The RD-700NX Version 2 is in use at my church. The keyboard is fantastic, but it isn’t ideal for me. There is no optimal keyboard for everyone. The FP50, on the other hand, is ideal for me. I would choose the FP50 if I could have any keyboard at any price.”
Teresa from West with music background as a music major, semi-professional, and pianist for almost 40 years (review on Sweetwater):”I’m a semi-professional musician, which means I work full-time in a different sector during the day! For fun, I perform in local restaurants. This keyboard’s sound quality and feel are greatly beyond my expectations. I’ve owned a half-dozen digital keyboards over the years and was about to purchase a new one. After speaking with a Sweetwater expert, I decided to try this one and am extremely pleased. I told him I didn’t want to need a Ph.D. to learn how to play the keyboard. The only drawback is Roland’s insistence on using a proprietary USB flash drive, which we are still attempting to obtain.”
Where can I buy a FP-50
You can purchase the Roland FP-50 by going to their website roland.com and choosing the “FP-50” product and press buy now. They will ask you your location’s postal code and then direct you to the nearest dealership where you can purchase one. You can also purchase the FP-50 on online platforms such as Amazon and Sweetwater where they will deliver the product at your doorsteps.
