Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Digital Pianos - Electronic Pianos - Synths & Keyboards Piano choice need help today to not lose deal again

I sort of remember the app had a function to save a sound file, maybe that was midi too. (fp30).

But again, PHA4, questionable resistance design.

No, that requires recording to USB, then unplugging the USB drive, then plugging it into the computer, then opening a file explorer, then copying the file.

Obviously many more boring steps than simply pressing record!

USB Audio is the easiest option.

Also USB Audio lets you play your music and VSTs through your piano speakers.

I don't recommend anyone purchase a digital piano without digital audio output (USB Audio) - it's now a table stakes feature if you plan on exporting your piano's actual sound recording (as opposed to simply MIDI).

new RD88 for $1800??? I was looking at this model too, and this seems high. I know I saw it on sale somewhere for like $1150. I've been debating between RD88 and FP90, but leaning to FP90 (Yes, it's a lot more- Newer Roland action & Bluetooth).

Where are you located? Since it's fairly new, you probably won't be able to get one used, but might be able to get an "open box" sale for a little less. Quick Search of online music outlets below: Roland RD88 New US prices.

Sweetwater: $1,299.99
Guitar Center: $1,299.99
Kraft Music: $1,299.99
Musicians Friend: $1,299.99

Thanks! i am in Canada, if you convert $1299.99, is about $1720 Cad, so not much different, it is $1750 here. As for the Roland FP90 it is $2799 here so abut $2100 US, big difference. As for open box, impossible, they are hard enough to find, have been on backorder a long while due to Covid and they go fast. I am still not sure what makes them worth $800 more thatn the FP30 if they have the same action and keybed

I was initially looking to hear which you thought was a better instrument for a re-beginner P-125 or FP30 and what other options there were in this category as well as used price options and what to look for.

Even though right now I just need to learn more, I do want to create and this has introduced me to a whole new world, thank you I just learned abut the various options with both midi and audio files. Now I know a bit more of what I may need for my new computer as well ;-). I am not a Mac gal and many of the learning apps and partner apps are made for Ipads.

Compared to USB drive or analogue output I mean.

There is also Bluetooth to throw into the mix, which may be even easier for people who know how to set it up / use it.

FP-90 is not new. It was released in Sep 2016, more than 4 years ago (likewise the FP-30 & FP-60). There should be plenty of second hand instruments.

They'll also be replaced in a few months with the new FP series, so I'd factor that in to any decision.

I believe he was saying the FP-90 is a lot more $. It is the RD88 that is relatively new and harder to find. Roland said they had no 'public' info on releasing any new models soon, how do you know ;-)? If you were to choose between the yamaha P125 and the Roland Fp30, which would you choose please? I would like to start with something in this price category, the others double or triple in price. thanks again. I can find these two used often, but have not seen any FP60's which new is $1000 more than the 30 with the same keybed.

I have had the P-125 since June. It's the perfect instrument for a beginner in the price range.
If you want even cheaper - you can get the same identical instrument with 15 less keys: P-121. I'd also recommend you try the Kawai ES110 - if it's the same price.

I was just pointing out that new models from Roland and Kawai may be out soon, so this may be a consideration depending on how soon you want to make your purchase.

Even if you are a beginner, you may benefit from an instrument like P515 / FP90.

You will get better dynamics and wooden keys, and if you purchase them new, they will last you through your intermediate grades.
I am advanced and I quite enjoy FP90, it is not acoustic but closer technology then lower end models.

That's being said, I think P125 / FP30 / ES110 is a sweet spot in terms of value for money in entry level pianos for personal use, the next sweet spot probably being FP90/ ES920/ P515. There are good value console digitals, too, but they are overall more expensive (you pay for a cabinet and better speakers).

Thanks, did you try the FP30, if so what did you prefer on the P125. Do you use the Yamaha app? I am going to post a question on that. A new salesperson at the store, threw the various apps from Roland and Yamaha and higher end furniture models in the mix for me yesterday(better speakers, sound, more songs etc), confused me more and wasn't very kind. I have a good deal on a used FP30, I may just start with that and then see what I need and am missing.

Offer them $500 for the old FP-30. Otherwise you're better off buying a P-121 which lists for CAD $749.

This was answered earlier in this discussion (by someone's personal opinion/observation):
It's in a different product family: FP vs. RD and also newer so it's a bit more "fancy".

About RD-88, I have seen several complaints in another forum about the notes decay shorter than in other models. Bear that in mind when trying it. I guess Roland will fix this in future releases of the firmware, otherwise they may start loosing customers if that is true.

I have no idea why anyone would say that, there are many parameters you can adjust including reverb so you can really tune it to your liking.

P-125 has more accurate ivory key weighting (52 grams at A0 down to 44 grams at C8).
It also has more linear weight grading than the Rolands.
The P-125's small flaw is that the ebony key weight grading: the top ebony key is 54 grams - almost 25% heavier than the ivory keys next to it.

As for sound - I like both. Roland's richer Steinway samples better suit classical music, whereas Yamaha's bright CFIIIS samples better suit modem music and cutting through other instruments / vocals. Tone preference is a very personal thing - so you should go and listen to pianos from several different brands (e.g. Yamaha, Kawai, Steinway, Fazioli) to help discover what you like.

Although I'm betting this could be easily rectified by opening it up and employing a small drill