Roland RP701 Vs RP102
In the world of digital pianos, Roland is a well-respected brand, offering a range of models to suit different levels of musicianship, playing styles, and budget. Two of the most popular models are the Roland RP701 Vs Roland RP102, and in this article, we will explore their differences, similarities, and help you choose the right model for you.
In this comparison, we will talk about the following:
- What is the Roland RP701?
- What is the Roland RP102?
- How is the Sound Quality Roland RP701 and RP102?
- How is the Key Action on Roland RP701 and RP102?
- How is Connectivity in Roland RP701 and RP102?
- Which Digital Piano to Buy?
| Roland RP701 | Roland RP102 | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 53.8 x 18.25 x 40.45 inches | 54.31 x 16.31 x 38.5 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 101 pounds | 83.5 pounds |
| Shop now at Amazon | Check price | Check price |
Overview of the Roland RP701
The Roland RP701 is a digital piano designed for players who want a high-quality instrument at an affordable price. With a sleek, modern design and a user-friendly interface, the RP701 is easy to use and delivers a highly responsive touch. The piano features Roland’s SuperNATURAL sound engine, which provides a rich, detailed sound with a high level of expressiveness and dynamic range.
The RP701 also features a number of features that are designed to enhance your playing experience. These include a built-in metronome, dual and split modes, and a range of onboard sounds, including electric pianos, organs, and strings. Additionally, the RP701 has a USB-MIDI port, which allows you to connect to a computer and use music production software to record, arrange, and play back your performances. Read also: Roland RP701 Vs Roland F701 here.
Overview of the Roland RP102
The Roland RP102 is a step down from the RP701, offering a more basic feature set and suitable for beginners. The RP102 features the same SuperNATURAL sound engine as the RP701 with the same Roland’s proprietary PHA-4 Standard Keyboard, which provides a more natural playing feel and a higher level of touch sensitivity.
In addition to its advanced touch, the RP102 also offers a number of advanced features, including a range of onboard sounds and a comprehensive selection of accompaniments and rhythms. The RP102 also features a USB-MIDI port, a built-in metronome, and dual and split modes, and is compatible with a range of music production software and hardware.
Piano Design
As you can see, the Roland RP701 and RP102 are similar to typical furniture-styled digital pianos. We don’t see anything special about the design because they use the typical look and material. If you want a “new” look, we recommend checking the F701 because it has a better and more modern appearance. The material for these pianos are durable and sturdy; there is no wobble and the base is strong enough to sustain the component’s weight. Both pianos feature keyboard cover, a three-unit pedal, and a music sheet rest. In comparison the RP701 has a much more modern interface to accommodate its tone collection and features.
Sound Quality
The Roland RP701 and RP102 both feature the SuperNATURAL sound engine, which provides a rich, detailed sound with a high level of expressiveness and dynamic range. Both pianos have a range of onboard sounds, including electric pianos, organs, and strings, and the RP701 also features a wider selection of accompaniments and rhythms.
However, the RP102 still has an ample amount of tones with 128-notes polyphony, versus the 256-notes on RP701. The 15 tones should be enough for most people, especially with four different piano sounds. On the other hand, the RP701 offers 324 tones, giving you greater freedom over the music creativity.
Key Action
The Roland RP701 and RP102 both feature a highly responsive Roland’s proprietary PHA-4 Standard Keyboard, which provides a more natural playing feel and a higher level of touch sensitivity. This means that you can perform with greater expression and nuance, and the keyboard will respond to your touch more accurately, allowing you to produce a more nuanced and expressive performance.
The PHA-4 Standard is one of the best key actions for beginner and mid-range pianos because it feels closer to the actual piano keys. The main difference between the two is that the RP701 has a more advanced keyboard with 100 key touch types and ten different hammer responses that you can adjust accordingly, versus the more standard 5 different key touch types on RP102. Check our other comparison in: Casio PX 770 Vs Casio PX 870 here.
Connectivity and Recording Features
Both the Roland RP701 and RP102 feature a USB-MIDI port, which allows you to connect to a computer and use music production software to record, arrange, and play back your performances. Additionally, both pianos feature dual and split modes, a built-in metronome, and a range of onboard sounds, allowing you to create complex arrangements and performances.
Conclusion
The RP701 is the more advanced model, offering a more realistic touch, a more advanced sound engine, and a more comprehensive set of features for recording and performance. If you’re looking for an affordable digital piano that provides a high level of touch sensitivity and a realistic sound, the RP102 is a great choice. However, if you’re looking for a more advanced instrument that offers a greater level of detail and nuance in both touch and sound, the RP701 is the way to go.
