I am a lifetime professional pianist, most of my work is on acoustic pianos. I just bought an FRP Nuvola from Costco. The FRP Nuvola piano was surprisingly disappointing to me when I got it home from Costco. I have two Roland FP10s and they have a much better acoustic, grand piano sound. The FRP piano sounds are not the same as the FP10 or FP30, and it's not just the downward speaker design. Even with headphones the grand piano sounds are inferior to the FP10 and FP30. The word I would use is "tinny." Whatever Roland put in this model is definitely not the same as the FP10.
I have learned to live with the downward facing speakers but it is a terrible idea that some genius at Roland has convinced the company is a good way to go. Most other quality digital piano companies face the speakers at the player. The solution is to use good satellite speakers.
I need to comment about the key, mechanical noise. I have tested and compared all Yamaha and Casio models against the Roland with the sound turned completely off. The Roland is by far has the most quiet key noise. This is extremely important for people sharing housing or living in apartments where neighbors can hear through the walls. The clanging key noise of the Casio and Yamaha sound like someone tap dancing or typing on an old fashioned typewriter next door. It can drive family members nuts as well when the player is under headphones, believing they are quiet, not bothering people with their piano practice. Rolands key noise is far and away the most quiet. But as said, the downward facing speakers are a losing idea. Beginners won't be bothered but it is a drag for serious pianists. I got the FRP for $299 on a Costco sale but I am returning it. My advice is spend a little more and get the FP10.
