Roland RP701 Vs Yamaha YDP 165

The digital piano market is overflowing with options, making it challenging for consumers to choose the right one for their needs. Two of the most popular brands in this category are Roland and Yamaha, both known for producing high-quality instruments. In this comparison article, we will be taking a closer look at the Roland RP701 Vs Yamaha YDP 165, two digital pianos that offer impressive features and sound quality.

In this comparison, we will talk about the following:

  • What Roland RP701 and Yamaha YDP 165?
  • How is the Design of Roland RP701 and Yamaha YDP 165?
  • How is the Sound Quality of Roland RP701 and Yamaha YDP 165?
  • How is the Key Action in Roland RP701 and Yamaha YDP 165?
  • What are the Features of Roland RP701 and Yamaha YDP 165?
  • How is the Price of Roland RP701 and Yamaha YDP 165?
  • Which Digital Piano to Buy?
Roland RP701 Yamaha YDP 165
Product Dimensions53.8 x 18.25 x 40.45 inches 4.6 x 3.8 x 5.7 inches
Shipping Weight101 pounds
92.6 pounds
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About Roland RP701 and Yamaha YDP 165

The Roland RP701 is a high-end digital piano that offers advanced features and realistic sound quality. It has a modern, sleek design that looks great in any home or studio setting. This piano features Roland’s PHA-4 Standard Keyboard, which provides an authentic playing experience, and SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine, which delivers realistic, dynamic, and expressive piano sounds. Additionally, the RP701 has a wide range of sounds, including electric pianos, strings, and drums, and it also has a variety of features such as USB connectivity, Bluetooth audio, and built-in recording capabilities.

The Yamaha YDP 165 is another well-regarded digital piano that offers a more traditional look and feel. It has a classic design that fits well in traditional homes and music studios. The YDP 165 features Yamaha’s Graded Hammer 3 keyboard, which provides a similar playing experience to an acoustic piano, and the Yamaha CFX Sound Engine, which produces rich and authentic piano sounds. Additionally, the YDP 165 has a range of voices and USB connectivity and an auxiliary input for connecting an external sound system. Read also: Roland RP701 Vs RP501 here.

Piano Design

As you can see, the Roland RP701 and Yamaha YDP 165 are cabinet-styled pianos which means they come with the furniture. Both pianos also come with a matching bench. This piano type is perfect for home and studio or where you don’t have to move the unit often. Like most cabinet-style pianos, the two are almost identical with wooden furniture to support the electronic components. Material quality is pretty good, but the RP701 has a more modern user interface to cater to its extensive features.

Sound Quality

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a digital piano is sound quality. The Roland RP701 and the Yamaha YDP 165 both offer high-quality sound that is comparable to an acoustic piano. The Yamaha YDP 165 has a more authentic sound, thanks to its Yamaha CFX grand piano sample. This piano also has a pair of bigger speakers so it may be more ideal in a bigger setting while the RP701 has more polyphony and built-in tones.

The RP701 has 256-note polyphony so you can play complex sounds and expand the music repertoire. This piano has a total of 324 tones versus YDP 165 10 tones which is impressive if you want to try different music styles. However, we agree that Yamaha CFX has a greater acoustic piano tone for those who focus on quality over quantity.

Key Action

The key action is another important factor to consider when choosing a digital piano. The Roland RP701 has a PHA-4 key action that offers a good balance between responsiveness and weight, while the Yamaha YDP 165 uses GH3 key action that provides a more realistic piano playing experience and perfect for those who prefer “heavy” keys. Both key actions are very responsive and offer good touch sensitivity, but the Yamaha YDP 165 might be a better choice for more experienced players.

Features

Both the Roland RP701 and the Yamaha YDP 165 come with a range of features that make them great options for both beginner and advanced players. The Roland RP701 has a dual-mode that allows you to split the keyboard into two sections with different voices, while the Yamaha YDP 165 has a duo mode that allows two people to play on the same keyboard at the same time. The Yamaha YDP 165 also has a USB port that allows you to connect it to a computer and use it as a MIDI controller, while the Roland RP701 can transfer MIDI files through USB and Bluetooth. Check our other comparison in: Yamaha P71 Vs Yamaha P125 here.

Price

Price is another important factor to consider when choosing a digital piano. These pianos are on the same price level which are usually around $1.7k in most places, but YDP 165 tends to be slightly more expensive. Regardless of the options, both pianos are well-made and will last for a long time with proper care, moreover, if you want something that can complement the interior.

- Rich expression from Roland’s SuperNATURAL Piano technology
- All the feel and touch of an acoustic piano with the PHA-4 Standard keyboard and Progressive Damper Action pedal
- Classic design with elegant front legs and sophisticated curves
- Headphones 3D Ambience for an immersive and realistic playing experience when practicing with headphones
- Graded Hammer 3 (GH3) with synthetic ivory key tops add a tactile surface to the white keys, which absorbs finger moisture and prevents slipping.
- CFX Stereo Sampling faithfully reproduces the sound of Yamaha's flagship CFX Full Concert Grand.
- Tone Escapement uses a long and narrow hole in the back of the piano to create a wide sound space.
- 3 Piano Style Pedals offer authentic sustain, sostenuto, and soft pedal performance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Roland RP701 and the Yamaha YDP 165 are both great digital pianos that offer great sound quality, key action, and features. The Roland RP701 might be a better choice for more experienced players who need a more powerful sound and a wider range of features, while the Yamaha YDP 165 might be a better choice for those focusing on natural and realistic playing experience.