Best Digital Piano
for Beginners
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Overall: 10/10
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Best Feature: Graded Hammer Standard Keyboard with 88 weighted keys
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TedScore™: 10/10
Best Overall
Digital Piano
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Overall: 10/10
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Best Feature: Elevate the aesthetic of any room with the classic curves of a grand piano
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TedScore™: 10/10
Best Portable
Keyboard
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Overall: 9/10
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Best Feature: Has a SuperNATURAL piano sound engine
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TedScore™: 9/10
Looking for a new digital piano? Whether starting out or already skilled, you’ve probably seen the two major brands: **Roland** and **Yamaha**.
But with both brands offering many options, the question is how do you decide which one to go for?
Fear not. I’m here to help!
In this digital piano Roland vs Yamaha article, I’ll pit Roland against Yamaha in a head-to-head comparison of their most realistic digital pianos ever.
Which one will win?
Which one do I prefer?
Yamaha Digital Pianos
Yamaha is a leading manufacturer of digital pianos, and their products are popular among professional and amateur musicians. Some key features of Yamaha Digital Pianos include weighted keys, realistic touch sensitivity, and various sound options.
They’re a great choice for musicians who want the versatility and convenience of an electronic keyboard without sacrificing the authentic sound and feel of a traditional piano.
Yamaha Digital Pianos are electronic keyboards replicating traditional acoustic pianos’ sound and feel.
They use digital technology to produce high quality sound samples of acoustic pianos and often come with a range of features and settings that allow musicians to customize their playing experience.
Types of Yamaha Digital Pianos
Yamaha digital pianos come in different types, including grand, upright, Arius, and Clavinova. The type of digital piano you choose depends on your needs, preferences, and budget.
Here’s a breakdown of the different types of Yamaha digital pianos:
Roland Digital Pianos
These realistic digital pianos have various features and settings that allow musicians to customize their playing experience, including weighted keys, touch sensitivity, and a range of sound options.
Roland digital pianos are an excellent choice for musicians who seek the convenience and versatility of an electronic keyboard while still desiring the authentic sound and feel of a traditional acoustic piano.
Using advanced digital technology, the Roland Digital Piano is an electronic keyboard designed to replicate acoustic pianos’ sound and feel.
Roland is a renowned manufacturer of digital pianos popular among professional and amateur musicians.
What Type of Digital Pianos Does Roland Make?
Roland makes a wide range of digital pianos, catering to the needs of different musicians and settings.
Their product line includes portable digital pianos, stage pianos, home digital pianos, hybrid pianos, and even grand pianos with built-in digital technology.
Their most popular models include the Roland FP Series, the Roland RD Series, and the Roland HP Series.
Each series has unique features and specifications designed to meet the needs of different types of musicians, from beginners to professionals.
Why Roland and Yamaha are Two of the Most Popular Brands?
Regarding digital pianos, two brands stand out above the rest: Roland and Yamaha.
These two companies have established themselves as leaders in the industry, and for good reason.
One of the main reasons why Roland and Yamaha are so popular is their reputation for producing high-quality instruments. Both brands have been around for decades, and over the years, they have developed a loyal following of musicians who swear by their products.
Another reason why Roland and Yamaha are so popular is their sound quality. Both brands are known for producing digital pianos that produce incredibly realistic sound. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, you can trust that choosing a Roland or Yamaha digital piano will deliver the sound you want.
Of course, with any popular brand, there’s also competition. Other companies are producing better digital pianos too, but Roland and Yamaha have managed to stay ahead of the curve by constantly innovating and improving their products.
Roland vs Yamaha: Ultimate Digital Piano Comparison
Both brands are known for their high-quality instruments, but how do they compare? Keep reading to learn more!
Design and Build Quality
Roland and Yamaha are known for their exceptional design and build quality regarding digital pianos. Both brands offer a wide range of models that cater to different needs and preferences, whether you’re a beginner or a professional player.
One of the first things you’ll notice about a digital piano is its weight. Yamaha digital pianos are generally lighter than Roland’s, making them more portable and easier to move around.
However, this doesn’t mean that Yamaha’s pianos are less durable. Both brands use high-quality materials and construction methods to ensure that their pianos can withstand regular use and last for years.
The LCD screen is an important feature that allows you to navigate the piano’s settings and functions. Roland and Yamaha offer clear and easy-to-read screens displaying all the necessary information. However, some users may prefer the layout and design of one brand’s screen over the other.
Another important factor to consider is the feel of the keys:
Roland’s digital pianos are known for their ivory feel keys, which provide a more authentic and tactile playing experience.
Yamaha’s pianos also offer a realistic feel, but some users may prefer feeling the texture of Roland’s keys.
Piano benches are another important aspect of a digital piano’s design. Roland and Yamaha offer a range of benches specifically designed to complement their pianos.
These benches are comfortable and sturdy, ensuring you can play for extended periods without discomfort.
Sound Quality and Tone
Roland and Yamaha are known for their high-quality sound and tone, but they differ.
Roland’s digital pianos are powered by their proprietary SuperNATURAL sound engine, which uses advanced modelling technology to recreate the complex interactions between the strings, hammers, and soundboard of an acoustic piano, resulting in a more natural and organic sound. In addition to piano sounds,
Roland’s digital pianos also offer a wide range of other instrument sounds, making them a great choice for versatile musicians.
Yamaha’s digital pianos are also known for their high-quality sound and tone. They use advanced sampling technology to capture the sound of an acoustic piano and reproduce it digitally. Yamaha’s digital pianos also offer various instrument sounds, including strings, brass, and woodwinds.
One area where Yamaha stands out is in their acoustic piano sounds. They’re known for their incredibly realistic grand piano sounds, achieved through advanced sampling technology and careful attention to detail.
Yamaha’s digital pianos also feature weighted and touch-sensitive keys, giving them a more realistic feel.
Roland and Yamaha’s digital pianos have a powerful speaker system and amplifier, ensuring the sound is clear and full, even at high volumes. This makes them a great choice for performers who need a digital piano that can hold its own in a live setting.
Key Action and Touch Sensitivity
Key action and touch sensitivity features determine how the keys feel and respond to the player’s fingers and touch, which can greatly affect the playing experience.
Roland’s digital pianos are known for their responsive key action and touch sensitivity.
They use various technologies, such as escapement and ivory-feel keys, to create a realistic piano playing experience.
The escapement is a mechanism that allows the keys to bounce back quickly after being played, mimicking the feel of an acoustic piano.
Ivory-feel keys are made from a material designed to replicate the texture and feel of real ivory, which can help with grip and control.
In addition to these features, Roland’s digital pianos also offer a range of customization options for key action and touch sensitivity. This allows musicians to adjust the feel of the keys to their own preferences, making the playing experience more comfortable and natural.
On the other hand, Yamaha’s digital pianos are known for their realistic key action and touch sensitivity.
They use a variety of technologies, such as graded hammer action and synthetic ivory keys, to create a playing experience that closely resembles that of an acoustic piano.
Graded hammer action means that the keys are weighted differently across the keyboard, with heavier weights on the lower keys and lighter weights on the higher keys, just like in an acoustic piano.
Synthetic ivory keys are designed to mimic the feel and texture of real ivory, which can help with grip and control.
Yamaha’s digital pianos also offer customization options for key action and touch sensitivity.
This allows musicians the ability to adjust the feel of the keys to their own preferences, making the playing experience more comfortable and natural.
Technical Attributes
Technical attributes are another important factor to consider when comparing Roland and Yamaha digital pianos.
These include things like polyphony, sound effects, connectivity options, and other features that can affect the overall functionality of the instrument.
Roland’s digital pianos offer various technical attributes that make them versatile and functional instruments. One of the key features of Roland’s digital pianos is their high polyphony count, which allows for more complex and layered playing.
Roland’s digital pianos also offer a wide range of sound effects, including reverb, chorus, and EQ, which can be customized to create a unique sound. In terms of connectivity, Roland’s digital pianos often come equipped with USB and MIDI ports, allowing for easy integration with computers and other devices.
Other technical attributes of Roland’s digital pianos include recording and playback capabilities, metronome and rhythm functions, and compatibility with various apps and software.
These features make Roland’s digital pianos a great choice for musicians who want a versatile and functional instrument that can handle a variety of musical styles and settings.
On the other hand, Yamaha’s digital pianos also have technical attributes that make them versatile and functional instruments. Yamaha’s digital pianos often come equipped with a high polyphony count, which allows for more complex and layered playing.
Yamaha’s digital pianos also offer a wide range of sound effects, including reverb, chorus, and EQ, which can be customized to create a unique sound.
Regarding connectivity, Yamaha’s digital pianos often come equipped with USB and MIDI ports for easy integration with computers and other devices.
Other technical attributes of Yamaha’s digital pianos are recording and playback capabilities, metronome and rhythm functions, and compatibility with a variety of apps and software.
Yamaha’s digital pianos also often come equipped with advanced learning features, such as lesson modes and built-in song libraries, which can be useful for beginners and intermediate players.
Price and Value for Money
When comparing Roland and Yamaha digital pianos in terms of price and value for money, there are a few things to consider.
Firstly, both brands offer a range of digital pianos at different price points, so it’s important to compare similar models in terms of features and specifications.
In general, Yamaha digital pianos tend to be slightly more affordable than Roland models, although this can vary depending on the specific model.
In terms of value for money, both brands offer high-quality digital pianos that are built to last and offer a range of features and functions. However, some musicians may prefer the sound and feel of a Yamaha digital piano, while others may prefer the Roland sound and feel.
Which Brand is For You?
Whether Roland or Yamaha digital pianos are better depends on your preferences and needs. Both brands offer high-quality digital pianos suitable for a range of musicians, from beginners to professionals.
If you’re looking for a digital piano with a more realistic and natural sound, then Yamaha pianos may be a better choice.
Yamaha is known for its acoustic digital piano, and many models made with sound sampling technology produce a more authentic sound.
Yamaha also offers a wider range of digital pianos at different price points, so you may be able to find a model that fits your budget.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a digital piano with a more modern sound and advanced features, then Roland pianos may be a better choice for you.
Roland is known for its high-quality sound engines and advanced features like SuperNATURAL sound technology and Bluetooth connectivity.
Ultimately, the best way to determine which brand is better for you is to try out different digital piano models from both brands and compare them side-by-side. Consider factors such as sound quality, key action, features, and overall build quality. You should also consider your budget and review your specific needs as a musician.
The Best Roland Digital Pianos
PERFECT FOR: beginner and intermediate players
FEATURES:
88-key weighted keyboard with Ivory Feel keys
Has a SuperNATURAL piano sound engine
Bluetooth MIDI and audio connectivity
OTHER INFO: The PHA-4 is one of Roland's premium keyboards
Roland FP-30X 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!
- Realistic and expressive piano sound
- Responsive and authentic keyboard feel
- Compact and portable design - easy to carry everywhere you go
- No lesson functions available
- Limited number of voices and sounds compared to some other digital pianos
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™.
PERFECT FOR: intermediate to advanced pianists
FEATURES:
- PureAcoustic Piano Modeling technology
for realistic sound
- Hybrid Grand Keyboard with wooden keys
and escapement
- Bluetooth connectivity for audio and MIDI
OTHER INFO: Capture the atmosphere of the world's greatest stages and studios
Roland LX708 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!
- Exceptional sound quality and expressiveness
- Authentic and responsive keyboard action\
- Elegant and luxurious design
- May be quite heavy and difficult to move around
- Expensive compared to some other digital pianos on the market
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™.
PERFECT FOR: beginner and intermediate players
FEATURES: With 88 fully weighted keys with a hammer action for a realistic playing experience
OTHER INFO: The SuperNATURAL sound engine delivers rich, authentic piano tones
Roland FP 10 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!
- Compact and lightweight for easy portability and storage
- Ideal for learning and practice
- Affordable price point compared to other digital pianos with similar features
- High-quality sound and touch response that mimics a traditional acoustic piano
- Multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth, MIDI, and USB
- Limited sound selection compared to other digital pianos in the same price 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™.
PERFECT FOR: beginners
FEATURES: Equipped with a PHA-4 Standard keyboard for a real piano playing feel
OTHER INFO: Offers Bluetooth connectivity for audio playback and MIDI connectivity
Roland F701-CB 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!
- Has a sleek and stylish design with a compact footprint
- Boasts a superior sound quality with its SuperNATURAL Piano technology
- Features a user-friendly interface and easy-to-navigate design
- Relatively expensive compared to other digital pianos in its category.
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™.
PERFECT FOR: all playing levels
FEATURES: A portable and lightweight digital piano that allows you to play anywhere
OTHER INFO: Premium quality Roland sounds are available onboard
Roland Go: Piano 88 Key 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!
- Equipped with Bluetooth connectivity
- Offers free online tuition from Skoove
- Provides the flexibility to play anywhere with the portable and lightweight digital piano
- Easy to store and transport with a slim and compact design
- Sustain pedal is not included
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™.
The Best Yamaha Digital Pianos
PERFECT FOR: beginners to professional pianists
FEATURES:
- The all-wood grand piano
key actions are beloved by many
- Elevate the aesthetic of any room
with the classic curves of a grand piano
- Experience the grand presence of a true piano with a
4-channel speaker system
OTHER INFO: Provides authentic sounds sampled either from a Yamaha CFX concert grand or from a Bösendorfer Imperial
Yamaha N1X AvantGrand Hybrid
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!
- Get three months of Flowkey Premium included with your purchase
- Enjoy the unique and classic curves of an acoustic grand piano in a sleek and compact size
- 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™.
PERFECT FOR: beginners, intermediate players, and entry level professionals
FEATURES:
- Boasts a traditional Yamaha CFX grand piano tone
- Graded Hammer Standard Keyboard
with 88 weighted keys
- CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial piano samples for realistic sound
- Smart Chord and Style Engine for accompaniment and songwriting
OTHER INFO: With Smart Chord feature allows even beginners to play complex chords with just one finger
Yamaha DGX 670 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!
- Built-in arpeggiator that can create complex musical patterns with just the press of a button
- Realistic touch and sound that rival those of an acoustic piano
- Versatile connectivity options, including USB audio recording and Bluetooth MIDI
- Sleek and compact design that makes it easy to transport and set up in different locations
- May be too expensive for some musicians on a tight budget
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™.
PERFECT FOR: beginners to intermediate players
FEATURES:
- Graded Hammer Standard
Keyboard with 88 weighted keys
- AWM Stereo Sampling for realistic sound
- USB connectivity for recording and playback
OTHER INFO: Built-in Yamaha CFX concert grand piano sound
Yamaha YDP 145 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!
- High-quality sound and keyboard action
- Affordable and budget-friendly price
- No Bluetooth option is available
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™.
COMES WITH: GrandTouch-S keyboard, which is the most recent, has a fantastic action
FEATURES: 5-year warranty from Yamaha
Yamaha CLP-745
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!
- Great 5-year warranty
- A well-known brand
- Great samples and feel
- Authentic acoustic piano sound
- The instruments aren't particularly attractive
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™.
PERFECT FOR: expert piano players
FEATURES: The Grand Piano Response pedal emulates the tone of a grand piano and even enables you to half-pedal
OTHER INFO: Has samples from two original pianofortes from the 18th century
Yamaha CLP 775 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!
- Offers an incredibly responsive touch and a fantastic dynamic range
- All-new CFX and Bösendorfer samples
- Includes a Yamaha 5-year warranty
- Includes three months of Flowkey Premium
- May be a less cost-effective option for those who don't require all of its advanced features
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™.
Tips to Take Care of Your Digital Piano
1. Keep it clean: Dust and dirt on your digital piano can build up, affecting the sound quality and keyboard action. Use a soft cloth to regularly wipe down the keys and the piano’s exterior.
2. Avoid extreme temperatures: Digital pianos are sensitive to temperature changes, so keeping them in a stable environment is important. Avoid placing your piano in direct sunlight or near heating or cooling vents.
3. Use a cover: If you’re not using your digital piano for an extended period of time, consider using a cover to protect it from dust and dirt.
4. Don’t drink or eat near your piano: Accidents can happen, and spills can damage your digital piano’s case, keys and other components.
5. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: Every digital piano is unique, so it’s important to read the owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for care and maintenance. This will help ensure that your piano stays in good condition for years.
Digital Piano Roland vs Yamaha: Final Thoughts
The debate between Roland and Yamaha digital pianos has been ongoing for many years. Both brands offer high-quality digital pianos with their own unique strengths and features. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs.
Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, there’s a digital piano out there that can meet your needs. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to find a great digital piano, that you love, and that inspires you to keep playing.
And what do I prefer? Well, I’ll be honest and say a couple of those instruments were new to me. But the thing I’ve played on before and immediately fell in love with was the Yamaha N1X. It’s really, really hard to beat. If I had the spare cash, I’d buy one straight away.
But whatever you decide: Keep playing, keep practicing, and enjoy the journey!
Before you go…
If you’re in the market for a new digital piano, you’ll want to check out our next article!
I’ve compiled a list of the Best Weighted 88 Key Digital Pianos. From budget-friendly models to high-end options, we’ve got something for everyone. So whether you’re a beginner or a professional, read on to find your next portable piano and perfect match!
