Roland RP701 Vs RP501
Digital pianos have become a popular choice for musicians and pianists due to their versatility and ease of use. With the advancements in technology, digital pianos have become even more advanced and feature-rich. Two popular models from Roland are the RP701 and the RP501. In this article, we will compare the Roland RP701 Vs RP501 digital pianos, so you can make an informed decision when choosing your next digital piano.
In this comparison, we will talk about the following:
- What are Roland RP701 and RP501?
- How is the Design of Roland RP701 and RP501?
- How is the Sound Quality of Roland RP701 and RP501?
- How is the Key Action in Roland RP701 and RP501?
- How is Connectivity in Roland RP701 and RP501?
- What are the Features of Roland RP701 and RP501?
- Which Digital Piano to Buy?
| Roland RP701 | Roland RP501 | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
|
| Product Dimensions | 53.8 x 18.25 x 40.45 inches | 54 x 39 x 16.7 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 101 pounds | 89.8 pounds |
| Shop now at Amazon | Check price | Check price |
About the Piano
The Roland RP701 and RP501 are digital pianos designed for home use and performance. They both offer a realistic piano playing experience with touch-sensitive keys and high-quality sound. The RP701 is a more advanced model with more expressive piano tones. It has a built-in multi-channel speaker system and a large selection of voices and effects, as well as a range of connectivity options, including Bluetooth and USB.
The RP501, on the other hand, is older, with the same basic feature set. Despite its more basic features, this piano still offers a good playing experience and high-quality sound, making it a great choice for beginners and budget-conscious buyers. Both pianos have similar styling, with a sleek and modern design that will complement any home or performance setting. They also offer easy-to-use controls and a variety of performance options, making them versatile and suitable for a range of playing styles. Read also: Yamaha P71 Vs Yamaha P71B here.
Piano Design
Both pianos are almost identical because they come from the same lineup. These pianos come in a wooden cabinet with natural finish to match your interior. The main difference is in the control panel where you can see that RP701 has a large knob for sound adjustment while the RP501 uses buttons to increase or decrease the volume level. Both pianos have a small LED screen to show relevant information and a relatively straightforward interface. We prefer the RP501 because the buttons are labeled with text instead of just the icons, making it easier to understand.
One thing to note when buying a cabinet piano is the assembly because your piano will come in several parts that require manual assembly. Roland provides the manual to put everything together, but it is always nice to ask for a hand, especially when holding the heavy parts and moving the finished unit.
Piano Sound Quality
One of the most important aspects of a digital piano is its sound quality. Both the RP701 and RP501 feature Roland’s renowned SuperNATURAL sound engine, which provides an authentic and expressive piano sound. However, the RP701 has more advanced sound sampling technology and a higher polyphony count, which means it can handle more complex compositions with ease. As for the tones collection, the RP701 also has more tones, 324 in total versus 314 including SFX on the RP501.
Unlike typical digital pianos that only have several piano tones, the RP701 and RP501 are more similar to the arranger keyboard where you can find tons of different tones to match your music and preference. SuperNATURAL sound engine is generally awesome and highly rated for its richness, but not to the level of acoustic piano or the models with exclusive sound sampling and modeling technology.
Piano Key Action
Another crucial aspect of a digital piano is the key action. The RP701 features Roland’s PHA-4 keyboard, which is a regular plastic keyboard for most Roland entry level pianos to the mid-section. This keyboard provides a natural feel and response, making it a great choice for advanced players. The keyboard has matte texture on the black keys to improve grip, but they feel less authentic than typical hybrid keys.
Piano Connectivity
Digital pianos are not just musical instruments, but they are also tools for musical creation and collaboration. The RP701 features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect to a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. This feature makes it easy to use digital audio workstations and other musical software. The RP501 also features Bluetooth but we heard that the function may or may not work depending on where the piano is sold. Check our other comparison in: Casio PX S1100 Vs Roland FP 10 here.
Piano Features
The RP701 features a number of advanced features that make it a versatile and powerful digital piano. It has a small LED display, allowing you to easily navigate the menus and settings. It also features a range of voices, including acoustic pianos, electric pianos, organs, and more. The RP501 has the same features including recording function and you can also use external storage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Roland RP701 and RP501 digital pianos are both great choices for musicians and pianists. The RP701 is a more advanced and feature-rich digital piano, with a natural feel and advanced connectivity options. The RP501 is a great choice for beginners and intermediate players, with a traditional design and a heavier key action.
