Best
Overall Beginner Digital Piano
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Overall: Beautiful design with realistic tone escapement
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Best Feature: Powerful soundset with true-to-life resonance
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Portable Digital
Piano
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Overall: Powerful speakers offer a room-filling resonance
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Best Feature: Experience the sound of Kawai's professional grand pianos
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Advanced Digital Piano
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Overall: Enjoy two legendary concert grand voices in one piano
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Best Feature: Feel a true grand piano presence with a 4-channel speaker system
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TedScore™: 9/10
If you’re considering a new digital piano, you’re in for a treat with this Roland FP30X review.
As someone who loves exploring musical instruments, I’ve found the Roland FP-30X to be a fantastic upgrade from its predecessor. It offers incredible sound quality, updated features, and convenient portability.
Do you need a piano that can fit small and larger spaces? The FP-30X might be the perfect match for you. You’ll learn about its design, specs, and whether it’s worth upgrading from the original FP-30.
Ready to explore the Roland FP-30X and see if it meets your musical needs? Keep reading to discover why this digital piano has created such a buzz and how it compares to other top models!
The Roland FP 30X
If you’ve been searching for a digital piano that offers an authentic acoustic feel and sound, then the Roland FP 30X is definitely worth considering. This piano is the latest addition to the FP-line and comes with a range of features that make it stand out from other digital pianos in its price range.
One of the most impressive features of the Roland FP 30X is its PHA-4 Standard keyboard action. This keyboard offers a realistic feel similar to that of an acoustic piano. The keys are also weighted, meaning you can play the piano with a greater range of dynamics and expressiveness.
In addition to the standard key action, the Roland FP 30X also comes with various instrument sounds and voices. This means that you can experiment with different sounds and styles. This is awesome if you’re someone like me who loves to dabble in various music styles!
Another great feature of the Roland FP 30X is its Bluetooth connectivity. This means you can connect the piano to your smartphone or tablet and use it with various music apps. This is great if you like to use technology to enhance your playing experience.
The Roland FP 30X also comes with powerful built-in amplifiers and stereo speakers. This means you can enjoy a rich tone and authentic sound similar to that of an acoustic real grand piano. The ivory 88-note keyboard also adds to the authentic feel of the grand piano.
DESIGNED FOR: players at home or on the go
FEATURES: Standard keyboard with 88 keys and an ivory feel
OTHER INFO: With SuperNATURAL piano sound engine with 256-note polyphony
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Provides Bluetooth connectivity for wireless audio streaming and MIDI connection
- Offers a realistic touch and tone that closely resembles an acoustic piano
- Compact and lightweight design, making it easy to transport and set up in different locations
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Design and Features
The Roland FP-30X comes in two classic colours: black and white. The keyboard is made of plastic, which makes it lightweight and easy to carry around. The compact design of the piano is perfect for small spaces, and it doesn’t take up too much room.
The keyboard action of the Roland FP-30X is top-notch. It features the PHA-4 Standard keyboard action, which is very realistic and responsive. The ivory feel keys provide a comfortable playing experience, and the texture of the keys gives a great grip for your fingers.
The touch sensitivity of the Roland FP-30X is very impressive, making it stand out from other digital piano models. It has five touch sensitivity levels, allowing you to adjust the touch sensitivity level response to your playing style. This feature is especially useful for beginners still learning to play the piano.
The Roland FP-30X has three pedals: damper, soft, and sostenuto. The pedals are very responsive and provide a realistic playing experience. The damper pedal is especially useful for playing sustain notes, and the soft pedal is great for playing quieter notes.
The Roland FP-30X also has a variety of connectivity options. It has a USB port, which allows you to connect an external audio interface from it to your computer or mobile device. Using the headphone or line-out jack, you can connect it to your headphones or external speakers. Bluetooth connectivity is a bonus, allowing you to connect your smartphone or tablet wirelessly.
Plus, the Roland FP-30X has two powerful speakers that provide a clear and crisp sound. The speakers are located at the bottom of the piano, which helps to project the sound evenly. I’ve found that I can adjust the volume of the onboard speakers using either the volume knob or the category button.
While the Roland FP-30X may be priced higher compared to some other digital pianos in its category, its exceptional sound quality, authentic feel, and advanced features make it a worthwhile investment for pianists seeking a high-quality instrument for practice, performance, and recording.
Sound Quality and Voices
When it comes to sound quality, the Roland FP-30X does not disappoint. The digital piano is equipped with Roland’s Supernatural Engine, which produces a rich and expressive sound that simulates the tonal variations of an acoustic piano. The sound is clear, crisp, and full-bodied, perfect for home and stage performances.
The Supernatural Sound Engine is the heart of the Roland FP-30X digital piano. It’s a powerful sound engine that produces realistic and expressive sounds, making it one of the best in the market. The sound engine is designed to produce a dynamic range of sounds, from soft and mellow to bright and powerful, giving you complete control over your performance. In fact, this is one of the features I really love.
The Roland FP-30X has a maximum polyphony of 256 notes, which means you can play loud, complex pieces without worrying about the notes sounding or dropping out. The high polyphony also lets you layer sounds and use the sustain pedal without losing sound quality.
It comes with various instrument sounds, including real acoustic pianos and electric grand pianos, organs, synths, harpsichords, and many more sounds. Each sound is carefully crafted to produce a realistic and expressive sound that simulates the original instrument.
The Roland FP-30X has a range of acoustic piano sounds, including grand and upright pianos. Each sound is carefully sampled to produce a rich, expressive sound that accurately simulates the original instrument.
It also boasts various electric piano sounds, like the classic Rhodes and Wurlitzer. Each is crafted to produce a warm, expressive sound that accurately simulates the original instrument.
In addition to synthesizers, the Roland FP-30X has a range of organ sounds, including classic Hammond organ sounds. They’re carefully made to produce a rich, expressive sound that accurately simulates the original instrument.
Another feature that the Roland FP-30X has is a range of synth sounds, including classic analogue synth sounds. These samples are crafted to produce a warm, expressive sound that accurately simulates the original instrument.
The Roland FP-30X also has a range of harpsichord sounds. These produce a bright and expressive sound that accurately simulates the original instrument. I’m not sure how useful they are in reality, but they are quite fun to play around with!
It can also make an original grand piano sound that is unique to Roland. The sound is carefully crafted to produce a warm, expressive sound perfect for home and stage performances.
Performance and Playability
When it comes to performance and playability, the Roland FP-30X is a top-notch digital piano that offers a realistic and authentic playing experience. The keyboard’s touch sensitivity is one of its most impressive features, making it almost feel like you’re playing a real acoustic piano. I’ll be honest – there are better keyboards out there that feel more realistic, but they are priced at double the cost of the FP-30X; so it’s not really fair to compare them.
The FP-30X features Roland’s PHA-4 Standard keyboard, which provides the keyboards with a natural and responsive feel. The keys have a weighted action that simulates the feel of an acoustic piano, and the touch sensitivity can be adjusted to match your playing style. This means you can play the keyboards either with a light touch or a heavy hand, and the piano will respond accordingly.
The built-in metronome is another great feature of the FP-30X. It allows you to set the tempo and time signature and also offers different sounds to choose from. This is perfect for practising your timing and rhythm and can be a helpful tool for beginners.
The FP-30X also allows layering and splitting different strings and sounds, which is great for creating more complex and interesting music. You can also split the keyboard into two sections, allowing you to play a pair of different sounds with each hand. This ability is particularly useful for playing duets or practising different song parts separately.
The Duo (Twin Piano) dual mode is a unique feature of the FP-30X that allows two people to play the piano simultaneously. This split mode is perfect for teachers and students or for playing with friends or family. The keyboard is split into two identical halves, with each half having its own middle C. This keyboard splits mode means that both players can play the same notes at the same time, making it easier to learn and practice together.
The FP-30X also has various reverb and brilliance settings, allowing you to adjust the sound to your liking. The reverb settings add space and depth to the sound, while the brilliance settings can make the sound brighter or warmer. This is perfect for tailoring the sound to your preference or matching the acoustics and ambience of the room you’re playing in.
Price and Value
When purchasing a digital piano, comparing the price is always a major consideration. The Roland FP-30X is priced at around £750/$950, which is considered a mid-range option in terms of price. However, when you compare it to other digital pianos in the same price range, the FP-30X offers great value for its price.
One of the great things about the Roland FP-30X is that it comes with a range of features that you would expect to find on more expensive digital pianos. For example, it has a powerful amplifier and stereo speakers that produce a rich and authentic sound. It also has an 88-note PHA-4 keyboard, providing a realistic and responsive playing experience.
In terms of value, the Roland FP-30X is a great option for both beginners and more experienced players. It offers a range of features that you would expect to find on more expensive digital pianos but at a more affordable price point.
It’s worth noting that prices may vary depending on where you purchase it, so it’s worth shopping around to find the best deal.
Advantages and Disadvantages
When it comes to digital pianos, the Roland FP-30X has a lot going for it. However, like most digital pianos, it has its advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a closer look at what this piano has to offer.
Advantages
1. Realistic Acoustic Piano Sound and Feel
One of the biggest advantages of the Roland FP-30X is its realistic sound and feel. With its SuperNATURAL Real Piano sound engine and PHA-4 Standard keyboard, this piano delivers an authentic, real piano-playing experience that is hard to beat. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, you’ll appreciate this instrument’s natural sound and responsive touch.
2. Portable Design
Another advantage of the Roland FP-30X is its portable design. Weighing in at just 14 kg, this piano is easy to transport to gigs, rehearsals, or lessons. Its compact size also makes it a great choice for those with limited space at home.
3. Versatile Features
The Roland FP-30X has various versatile features, making it a great choice for various musical styles. From its 12 piano tones to its onboard rhythms and fabulous Bluetooth capabilities, this piano has everything you need to explore your creativity and take your playing to the next level.
It also has basic things like great metronome settings, a mic input, backing tracks, a music rest and a great auto accompaniment.
Disadvantages
1. Limited Polyphony
One of the main disadvantages of the Roland FP-30X is its limited note polyphony. With just 128 notes of note polyphony, this piano may struggle to handle complex pieces with multiple layers of sound. However, for most players, this should not be a major issue.
2. No Built-in Speakers
Another disadvantage of the Roland FP-30X is that it lacks built-in speakers. While this may not be a problem for those with a sound system or headphones, it could be an issue for those who want to play without additional equipment. It does, however, have Bluetooth audio and Bluetooth midi. Either way, you’ll want to purchase a USB flash drive to be able to record all your phenomenal performances straight from the instrument.
3. Price
Finally, the Roland FP-30X is not the cheapest digital piano on the market. While it’s still relatively affordable compared to some high-end models, it may be out of reach for some budget-conscious players.
5 Pianos Similar to
Roland FP 30X
Yamaha P-125
This is one of Yamaha’s top digital pianos, similar to the Roland FP-30X. It features a Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard that simulates the weight of the keys on an acoustic piano.
PERFECT FOR: beginners or advancing players
FEATURES: Offers the changing level of resistance of an acoustic piano
OTHER INFO: Experience a quality tone with the ground-breaking Pure CF Sound Engine
Yamaha P125 Digital Piano
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- An acoustic effect with a two-way speaker system
- Helps you learn acoustic-ready techniques
- A compact, lightweight design makes it convenient for travel
- Includes three months of Flowkey Premium
- Doesn't come with a furniture-style stand or triple pedal unit
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Kawai ES110
The Kawai ES110 is another great digital piano similar to the Roland FP-30X. It boasts a Responsive Hammer Compact (RHC) keyboard designed to feel like an acoustic piano, with access to various adjustable touch settings and functions. It also has Harmonic Imaging sound technology that delivers a rich and expressive sound, 19 different voices and a range of connectivity options.
PERFECT FOR: home and for gigging musicians
FEATURES: Dedicated smartphone applications that have Bluetooth connectivity
OTHER INFO: The technology of harmonic imaging enables reproduction of a complete tonal range
Kawai ES110 Digital Stage Piano
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- The weighted hammer action provides a genuine sensation
- Has a realistic piano sound and feel
- Lightweight and can be easily carried around, facilitating transportation
- Lacks number of voices that can be played simultaneously
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Casio Privia PX-560
The Casio Privia PX-560 is a versatile digital piano similar to the Roland FP-30X. It has a Tri-sensor Scaled Hammer Action II keyboard that simulates the weight and feel of an acoustic piano. It also features a wide range of voices and sound effects, a built-in recorder and a range of connectivity options.
PERFECT FOR: home use and on-stage performances
FEATURES: 5.3'' Colour Touch Display for easy navigation
OTHER INFO: With 550 built-in tones and 200 rhythms. 17-Track MIDI recorder and USB audio recording capabilities
Casio Privia PX-560 Digital Piano
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Stage and studio piano with an impressive array of functions
- With a scaled hammer action keyboard for an authentic piano feel
- A smart fit in your room or studio
- Can be a bit fragile due to its plastic build and the control knobs may feel cheap and plasticky
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Nord Stage 3 Compact Electric Piano
The Nord Stage 3 Compact is a top-of-the-line digital piano similar to the Roland FP-30X. A Hammer Action Portable (HP) keyboard delivers a realistic piano feel and response. It also features a wide range of high-quality voices and advanced performance and recording features.
PERFECT FOR: musicians who require versatility without needing a full-size board
FEATURES: Has a comprehensive Nord sample library 3.0 and OS V2.0
OTHER INFO: With three sound engines for optimum versatility
Nord Stage 3 Compact Digital Piano
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Comes with onboard editing parameters for detailed tone shaping
- Semi-weighted waterfall keybed for expressive feel
- Over 2GB of available piano sounds
- May not be the best choice for piano players who require a full 88-key range
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Korg SP-280 Digital Piano
The Korg SP-280 is a digital piano similar in function to the Roland FP-30X, with a Natural Weighted Hammer Action (NH) keyboard that simulates the touch of an acoustic piano. It also features a Stereo Piano System that delivers a rich and expressive piano tone and a range of other voices and effects.
PERFECT FOR: home or as a stage partner
FEATURES: With Natural Weighted Hammer Action for a natural sound
OTHER INFO: Explore thirty expressive and high-quality sounds
Korg SP-280 Digital Stage Piano
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Choose all your settings with the key touch control
- With a smart, slim and stylish cabinet design
- Designed to support the growth and development of beginner pianists
- Some customers have reported issues with the sustain pedal and the lack of connectivity options
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
10 Tips for Taking Care of Digital Pianos
Whichever digital piano you’ve decided to invest in, you’ll want to keep it in tip-top shape for years of playing enjoyment. Here are ten tips to help you take care of your digital piano!
1. Keep it clean. Dust and liquid can damage your piano. Wipe it down regularly with a soft, damp cloth, and avoid using harsh chemicals.
2. Avoid extremes. Keep your piano away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and high humidity or moisture areas. Extreme temperatures can cause cracks or fading.
3. Cover it up. Use a cover to protect your piano from dust and other environmental elements. For a stylish touch, you can also purchase a cover that matches your room décor.
4. Mind the placement. Don’t place your piano near doors or windows where it could be bumped or hit by objects. Avoid placing it near pools, fireplaces, or areas with potential water damage.
5. Regularly check connections. Ensure all cables and connections are in good working condition. Loose connections can affect sound quality.
6. Be gentle with the keys. Don’t slam down on the keys. Lightly touch them for a better playing experience and to prolong the life of the keys.
7. Use headphones. If you want to practice without disturbing others, use headphones instead of the built-in speakers. This will also help preserve the life of the speakers.
8. Keep it tuned. Digital pianos don’t require tuning like a traditional piano, but you may need to adjust the sound settings over time.
9. Don’t overload it with audio files. Be mindful of the memory storage capacity of your piano. Avoid downloading too many sounds or songs, which could slow down the system.
10. Regularly update software. Keep your piano’s software up to date to ensure it runs smoothly and to take advantage of new features and improvements.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your digital piano lasts for years and continues to provide beautiful music for your enjoyment.
Roland FP 30X Review
Summary
There you have it! Our comprehensive Roland FP-30X review. This high-quality digital piano will definitely give you an authentic piano-playing experience. It does a very good job of being a versatile and powerful instrument for musicians of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced musician; both classical and pop players will enjoy the instrument.
The keys feel great, and the user interface is easy to understand.
With its advanced features and technologies, the FP-30X is highly customizable and adaptable to different playing styles and instruments, making it an excellent choice for both home and stage use.
If you’re looking for a budget digital piano that delivers exceptional sound quality and performance, the Roland FP30X is worth considering.
Its improved technical features and lower power consumption make it a better option than its predecessor, the FP-30. With its affordable price, you won’t have to break the bank to own a piano that delivers a realistic and authentic sound.
So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, the Roland FP-30X is a great investment for anyone looking for a high-quality digital piano.
There are many digital pianos on the market, but don’t hesitate to try it out and experience the joy of playing on a Roland FP-30X. Who knows, maybe you’ll be the next piano virtuoso!
Wait, there’s more!
Are you still trying to decide between a digital or acoustic piano? It can be a tough decision, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! Jump in the next article, and we’ll break down the key differences between these two pianos!
So, the FP 30X is almost perfect, but I can’t play it without speakers? Guess I’ll just learn the kazoo instead.
I get that the FP 30X has its perks, but no built-in speakers? Seems like a miss to me. For the price, you’d think that’d be a given. Anyone else feel this way, or am I missing something about external speakers being a better option?
You make a valid point, NormaJean. However, external speakers can offer superior sound quality and customization for different environments – something built-in speakers can’t always match. It’s a trade-off but can be worth it for the right user.
Having played acoustic pianos for the majority of my life, I’ve always been skeptical about the transition to digital. However, the mention of the Roland FP 30X’s realistic acoustic piano sound and feel intrigues me. It’s particularly interesting to consider for someone with space and budget constraints.
LOL at the thought of hauling a traditional piano to a dorm room. The FP 30X sounds like it’d be a lot easier on my back and my wallet.
Interesting take on the FP 30X’s features, especially regarding the sound quality. However, I think it’s worth mentioning that its polyphony count is actually on par with some higher-end models, not just entry-level ones. This could be a crucial factor for advanced players considering this model.
I’m new to piano. Is the FP 30X good for beginners, or should i look at something cheaper to start with?
hey Robert how does the fp 30x handle jazz tones specifically looking for that electric piano vibe for small gigs does it have good presets for that or would you recommend something else
Hey, saw your question – the FP 30X has some decent electric piano tones. But for more versatility, maybe check out the Nord models!
Really appreciated the deep dive into the FP 30X’s design and features, Robert! It sounds like a solid choice given its portability and realistic sound. Perfect for apartment living.