Roland F701 Vs Yamaha YDP 164

When it comes to buying a digital piano, there are many options available in the market. However, two of the most popular digital pianos that are often compared are the Roland F701 Vs Yamaha YDP 164. Both of these digital pianos have unique features and benefits, and choosing the right one for your needs can be challenging.

In this comparison, we will talk about the following:

  • What are Roland F701 and Yamaha YDP 164?
  • How is the Design of Roland F701 and Yamaha YDP 164?
  • How is the Sound Quality of Roland F701 and Yamaha YDP 164?
  • How is the Key Action in Roland F701 and Yamaha YDP 164?
  • What are the Features of Roland F701 and Yamaha YDP 164?
  • Roland F701 Vs Yamaha YDP 164
  • Which Digital Piano to Buy?
Roland F701Yamaha YDP 164
Product Dimensions53.6 x 13.65 x 36 inches 54.25 x 17.75 x 34.25 inches
Shipping Weight79.5 pounds
92 pounds
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About Roland F701 and Yamaha YDP 164

The Roland F701 is a versatile and sleek digital piano that caters to both novice and seasoned pianists. Boasting an 88-note PHA-4 Standard keyboard with ivory feel, the F701 offers a lifelike and expressive playing experience. Its weighted keys simulate the feel of a traditional acoustic piano, ensuring that players can hone their skills with utmost authenticity. The F701 also has a robust 2-way speaker system that delivers outstanding sound quality, making it ideal for practice as well as live performances. Read also: Casio CT X5000 Vs PSR EW410.

The Yamaha YDP-164 is a digital piano that belongs to the Arius series. This piano features an 88-note Graded Hammer 3 keyboard with synthetic ivory and ebony keytops, which provides a realistic touch and feel similar to that of an acoustic piano. It also features Yamaha’s Pure CF sound engine, which reproduces the sound of a Yamaha CFIIIS concert grand piano, offering a wide range of dynamic and expressive sounds. The YDP-164 has a range of other features, including a built-in metronome, a 2-track recorder, and a variety of different piano tones and effects.

Design and Build Quality

The design and build quality of a digital piano play a crucial role in its durability, functionality, and overall aesthetic appeal. The Roland F701 and the Yamaha YDP 164 both feature compact and modern designs that complement any living space. However, the Roland F701 stands out with its sleek and minimalist design that makes it a perfect fit for smaller spaces.

On the other hand, the Yamaha YDP 164 features a more traditional design that mimics the look and feel of an acoustic piano. Both pianos are available in different finishes, including black, white, and rosewood. When it comes to build quality, both pianos are built with high-quality materials that ensure durability and longevity.

Sound Quality

Sound quality is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a digital piano. The Roland F701 and the Yamaha YDP 164 both offer high-quality sound that mimics the sound of an acoustic piano. The Roland F701 features Roland’s SuperNATURAL piano sound engine, which provides a rich and dynamic sound that is comparable to an acoustic piano. This piano also has a whopping 324 sounds covering various instruments.

The Yamaha YDP 164, on the other hand, features Yamaha’s Pure CF sound engine that provides a detailed and expressive sound. The Yamaha YDP 164 also features Intelligent Acoustic Control, which adjusts the sound according to the volume, making it suitable for different environments. The acoustic piano is better on YDP 164 but this model only has 10 different tones which may be lacking for some people.

Keyboard Action

The keyboard action is another crucial factor to consider when choosing a digital piano. The Roland F701 features Roland’s PHA-4 Standard keyboard action, which provides a responsive and natural feel that is comparable to an acoustic piano. The PHA-4 Standard keyboard action also features escapement and ivory-feel keys, which provide a more authentic playing experience.

The Yamaha YDP 164 features Yamaha’s Graded Hammer 3 (GH3) keyboard action, which provides a realistic and responsive feel that is also comparable to an acoustic piano. The GH3 keyboard action also features synthetic ivory and ebony keys, which provide a comfortable and natural playing experience.

Features

Both the Roland F701 and the Yamaha YDP 164 come with a wide range of features that cater to different users’ needs. The Roland F701 features Bluetooth connectivity that allows users to connect their smartphones, tablets, or laptops and play along with their favorite songs. Read also: Roland RP102 Vs Roland F140R.

The Yamaha YDP 164, on the other hand, features a USB to host connectivity that allows users to connect the piano to a computer or mobile device for recording and other purposes. The Yamaha YDP 164 also features a headphone jack that you can find on the F701, allowing for silent practice, making it suitable for people who live in apartments or shared spaces.

Roland F701 Vs Yamaha YDP-164

While equally reliable and versatile, these pianos also share some notable differences. Here are some of the key differences between the Roland F701 and the Yamaha YDP-164 digital pianos:

  • Keyboard: The Roland F701 features a PHA-4 Standard keyboard with ivory feel and weighted keys, while the Yamaha YDP-164 has a Graded Hammer 3 (GH3) keyboard with synthetic ivory and ebony keytops. Both keyboards aim to replicate the feel of an acoustic piano, but they don’t exactly feel the same.
  • Sound Engine: The F701 uses Roland’s SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine, which uses modeling technology to recreate the sound of an acoustic piano. The YDP-164, on the other hand, uses Yamaha’s Pure CF Sound Engine, which uses samples from a Yamaha CFIIIS concert grand piano. Both sound engines are high-quality and produce realistic and expressive sounds, but the acoustic piano tones from YDP 164 are more natural.
  • Design: The F701 has a more modern and compact design, with a slim profile that is ideal for smaller spaces. The YDP-164 has a more traditional and classic appearance, with a cabinet-style design and a larger footprint.
- Roland F701 – Winner of Red Dot Design Award: Product Design 2021
- Rich expression from Roland’s SuperNATURAL piano technology
- All the feel and touch of an acoustic piano with the PHA-4 Standard keyboard
- Understated modern design and compact size that fits discreetly into any room
- GHS weighted action is heavier in the low keys and lighter in the high keys, just like an acoustic piano
- Half-damper pedal control allows for continuously increasing amounts of sustain as the pedal is depressed
- The CFX Premium Grand Piano Voice recreates the power and tone of the flagship CFX concert grand piano from Yamaha
- The special matte black key tops are designed to absorb moisture and remain tactile after extended use without becoming slippery

Conclusion

Choosing between the Roland F701 and the Yamaha YDP 164 pianos can be challenging. Both pianos offer high-quality sound, responsive keyboard action, and a wide range of features that cater to different users’ needs. However, the Roland F701 stands out with its huge tones number while the YDP 164 has the more authentic acoustic piano tones.