Roland FP 60X Vs Roland RD 88
When it comes to buying a new piano, there are a lot of factors to consider, from the sound quality to the key action to the overall design. Two popular options on the market right now are the Roland FP 60X Vs Roland RD 88, and many people are wondering which one is the better choice for their needs. In this article, we’ll take a close look at both pianos and compare their features and performance to help you make an informed decision.
In this comparison, we will talk about the following:
- What are the Roland FP 60X and Roland RD 88?
- How is the Design of Roland FP 60X and Roland RD 88?
- How is the Sound Quality of Roland FP 60X and Roland RD 88?
- How is the Key Action in Roland FP 60X and Roland RD 88?
- What are the Features of Roland FP 60X and Roland RD 88?
- Which Digital Piano to Buy?
| Roland FP 60X | Roland RD 88 | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 50.9 x 13.57 x 5 inches | 54.33 x 15.75 x 11.42 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 42.6 pounds | 29.7 pounds |
| Shop now at Amazon | Check price | Check price |
About Roland FP 60X and Roland RD 88
The Roland FP-60X is a premium digital piano that is crafted to deliver a genuine and expressive playing experience for professional players and advanced musicians. The SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine is the standout feature of the FP-60X, providing an immersive and realistic piano sound that is highly responsive to the player’s touch and dynamics. Alongside the stunning piano sound, the FP-60X boasts an extensive library of other sounds, including electric pianos, organs, strings, and more, providing a versatile instrument for a range of musical styles.
The Roland RD-88 is an advanced digital stage piano that is ideal for both live performances and studio recordings. With its diverse range of sounds, innovative keyboard technology, and user-friendly controls, the RD-88 offers an exceptional playing experience. A standout feature of the RD-88 is its Zencore and extensive tones collection, making it ideal for musicians who need to play various music styles. Read also: Roland FP 60X Vs Yamaha P515.
Design and Build Quality
One of the first things to consider when comparing these two digital pianos is their design and build quality. The Roland FP 60X has a sleek and modern design, with a slim profile and a minimalist control panel. It also features a PHA-4 Standard keyboard, which is designed to feel and respond like an acoustic piano.
The Roland RD 88, on the other hand, has a more traditional design with a larger control panel and a slightly bulkier profile. You can tell that this keyboard is a stage piano by the extensive control panel. We love the knobs on this keyboard as it is more convenient to use on stage. Surprisingly, while the form factor is not far different, the RD 88 is notably lighter than FP 60X.
Sound Quality
Both the Roland FP 60X and the Roland RD 88 offer excellent sound quality, but they differ in some key ways. The FP 60X uses Roland’s SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine, which is known for its rich, expressive sound and natural tonal variation. It also includes a range of additional sounds, including strings, organs, and synths, giving you more versatility in your playing. This piano has 385 built-in tones in which 16 of them are acoustic piano sounds.
The RD 88, on the other hand, uses ZEN-CORE synthesis system and piano tones from the SuperNATURAL engine, which reproduces the complex interactions between the strings, hammers, and soundboard of an acoustic piano. This results in a more nuanced and detailed sound, with realistic decay and resonance.
Key Action
Another important factor to consider when choosing a piano is the key action, or how the keys feel and respond under your fingers. The FP 60X features Roland’s PHA-4 Standard keyboard, which is the standard technology that you can find in many Roland pianos and keyboards. It also includes Roland’s Ivory Feel keys, which have a tactile surface that absorbs moisture and provides a comfortable grip.
The RD 88 also uses Roland’s PHA-4 keyboard, so the experience is identical. Like other PHA-4 keyboards, these pianos have Roland’s Progressive Hammer Action keys, which provide a heavier touch in the lower register and a lighter touch in the upper register, mimicking the feel of an acoustic piano.
Additional Features
In terms of additional features, both pianos offer a range of options to enhance your playing experience. The FP 60X includes Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect your smartphone or tablet and access a range of music apps. It also includes a built-in speaker system, making it a great option for home practice or small performances.
The RD 88, meanwhile, includes a range of studio-quality effects, including reverb, chorus, and delay, as well as a dedicated effects section for easy control. It also includes a USB audio/MIDI interface, making it a great option for recording and production work. Read also: Korg G1 Air Vs Korg C1 Air.
Roland FP-60X Vs the Roland RD-88
While both the Roland FP-60X and the Roland RD-88 are high-quality digital pianos, they do have some differences in terms of features and design. Here are some of the main differences:
- Sound engine: The FP-60X features the SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine, while the RD-88 uses the ZEN-Core sound engine. Both sound engines are powerful and produce high-quality sounds, but they have different strengths. The SuperNATURAL engine is designed to create a more natural and expressive piano sound, while the ZEN-Core engine offers a wider range of sounds and effects.
- Sound library: The FP-60X has a larger sound library with 350 sounds, including acoustic and electric pianos, organs, strings, and more. The RD-88 has over 3000 sounds, including pianos, electric pianos, organs, and other instruments, but the library is not as extensive as the FP-60X.
- Features: The FP-60X has several features that are not available on the RD-88, such as Bluetooth connectivity and an onboard recorder. The RD-88, on the other hand, has features such as split and layer modes, pitch bend and modulation wheels, and a wider range of effects.
- Speakers: The FP 60X has the more powerful on-board speaker compared to RD 88 that was designed to be hooked up with an external sound system.
Conclusion
Overall, both the Roland FP 60X and the Roland RD 88 are excellent pianos with a lot to offer. The FP 60X is a great choice for those who play at home or casually, while the RD 88 is ideal for performers who need a reliable and versatile stage piano. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
