Best Affordable Digital Piano: Roland FP10 Review (2023)

The entry-level Digital Piano Roland FP10 is an affordable and portable digital piano that is continually prepared to play, with a reassuringly actual feel from the 88-note PHA-4 Standard keyboard, joined through Roland’s evocative Supernatural piano tones via onboard audio system or headphones. 

The Roland FP10 is a portable, space-saving design. It acts as the perfect instrument for home use, whether or not you are working towards methods in the spare room or giving performances in the dwelling room. Plus, with Bluetooth connectivity and effective onboard facets no longer supplied by any different digital model at this price, the FP-10 is the ideal second piano for extra-skilled players.

General Overview on Roland FP10

The Roland FP10 is the modern addition to Roland’s FP transportable line of digital pianos. Before it used to be introduced, the FP-30 had been the most inexpensive digital piano in Roland’s arsenal. As of today, the FP collection includes the following keyboards: FP-10, FP-30, FP-60, and FP-90. 

The new FP-10 sincerely has a lot in frequent with its older brother – in particular, the magnificent piano sound and hammer action. It beats FP-30 in price, and as an entry-level piano in the $500 range, this piano lends itself particularly well to beginner and intermediate piano students. But don’t rule out the usage of this as a gigging piano.

roland fp10
Editor Rating: 9.4/10
FeaturesRating
Performance and sounds9.4
Connectivity9.3
Build Quality9.4
Value for money9.3

The 88-note FP-10 has the same sound engine and experience as the FP-30. Roland FP30 makes the FP-10 very attractive, however, there are some potentially essential drawbacks compared to the FP-30. The FP-10 comes in a massive container with an energy chord, a song rest, a footswitch, and the owner’s manual. The piano is sleek, and modern and appears like a slightly simplified model of the FP-30. 

Roland FP10 is light in weight and more compact, which makes it attractive for on-the-go musicians. Roland FP10 is solely 10.15” deep, which makes it one of the slimmest digital pianos on the market. The solely digital pianos that come to the idea that is even greater compact are the newly added Casio PX-S1000 and PX-S3000, which are only 9” (23 cm) in depth.

The weight is also decreased in contrast to the Roland FP30. Roland FP10 is about 27 lbs (12.3 kg), which is no longer a lot considering the awesome key motion it has. The footswitch that comes with this piano is as a substitute simple and doesn’t support half-pedal action.

This is great for beginners, but if you commonly use the maintain pedal, you might prefer to invest in a damper pedal which will provide with you an extra practical piano journey and guide half-pedal action. Unlike its massive brother, Roland FP10 is solely reachable in black. As with most keyboards in this price range, there’s no display screen on the FP-10. But I wouldn’t say it’s something of a necessity right here because there are no longer that many features and settings to navigate. 

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Moreover, you can easily navigate the FP-10 usage of Roland’s Piano Partner 2 app (via an iPad for example). More about that is in the connectivity section. There are four buttons on the console which are ON/OFF, Volume up, down, and Function. You can pick the sounds and results by keeping the Function button while you press sure piano keys that correspond to the feature you favor selecting.

The top issue is that you don’t need to memorize all the key combinations. Above the keys you’ll locate names of all the built-in sounds that exhibit which key you want to press while maintaining the Function button to get to the wanted sound. The Roland FP-30 is navigated comparably however has twice as many buttons. And it absolutely makes experience considering the FP-30 has quite a few facets and sounds not determined on the Roland FP10. Roland Hammer Key Actions FP-10 comes with the PHA-4 Standard key action, which is the cheapest hammer key action in Roland’s arsenal.

 I discover it is one of the most sensible feeling movements you can get in an instrument for the price. And it’s especially pleasant to discover this key action in an entry-level digital piano such as the FP-10. The same key motion is used in the higher-end FP-30 and FP-60 digital pianos. PHA-4 Standard is an 88-key completely weighted action with an escapement mechanism that recreates that little clicking sensation felt when you depress a key about halfway down on an acoustic grand.

Roland FP-10 Digital Piano Bundle with Roland KSC-70 Stand,...
  • 88-key hammer-action format in a compact cabinet. Rich, responsive tone from Roland's renowned SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine.
  • PHA-4 Standard keyboard provides authentic piano touch for maximum expression
  • Built-in Bluetooth MIDI/USB MIDI interface for connecting to Garageband, computers, DAW software

PHA-4 stands for Progressve Hammer Action. Each key of Roland FP10 is in my view weighted, presenting a heavier sense in the low registers and gradually turning lighter as you cross up the top, which is something you’ll locate on an acoustic piano. The keys are made of plastic and topped with moisture-absorbing Ivory Touch, which provides a higher grip and enhances control.

Compared to different key actions in this charge range, the PHA-4 Standard feels the least clunky and “loud”, in my opinion. The keys are very responsive each in touch and dynamics. They don’t feel light using any means, imparting a sensible resistance. To my fingers, the key action of the FP-10 feels barely heavier than that of the Casio PX-160 and Yamaha P-45. I additionally discovered it less difficult to play close to the lower back of the keys on the FP-10, so the pivot factor seems to be a bit longer as well. 

 

Roland FP10 approves you to adjust the touch sensitivity of the keyboard to make extra or much less pace sensitive to your keystrokes. You can choose from 5 preset settings inclusive of Super Heavy, Heavy, Medium (default), Light, Super Light, and Fixed. The Fixed placing will flip off touch-sensitive, which means the piano will produce the same volume no remember how gently or hard you play.

It additionally makes FP-10 an excellent choice for any individual looking for an appropriate realistic MIDI keyboard. The Roland FP-10 has two 6-watt audio systems (4 ½” – 12 cm), which is ample for personal monitoring and performing in a home setting.

The speakers sound especially exact for their size, and if you don’t require huge volume, or if you intend to play use headphones more frequently than not, this won’t be an issue. Like the FP-30, the audio system is underneath the keyboard, downward-facing. It seems a peculiar choice however amazingly, they sound sincerely clear, and being underneath doesn’t appear to have any negative impact. Even though the FP-30  has twice as effective speakers, in reality, the difference isn’t that huge. 

The FP-10 has 96-note polyphony, which is common in most entry-level digital pianos (usually sixty-four to 128 notes). While it’s true to have as plenty polyphony as possible to make sure the full sound, I wouldn’t worry too a lot about this parameter. As long as you have at least sixty-four notes of polyphony, this shouldn’t be a problem even with problematic classical pieces.

Related Reading:- List of Best Yamaha Digital Pianos 2023

Features of Roland FP10

  • 88-key hammer-action layout in a compact cabinet.
  • PHP-4 Standard keyboard gives real piano touch for maximum expression built-in.
  • Bluetooth MIDI/USB MIDI interface for connecting to Garageband, computers, Dand AW software.
  • Rich, responsive tone from RolandÕs renowned Supernatural Piano.
  • The sound engine bundle includes Roland KSC FP-10 Stand, Piano Bench, Sustain Pedal, Piano Book, Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD, and Polishing Cloth.

Sounds

At the coronary heart of the FP10 is Roland’s well-known Supernatural sound engine, which you’ll locate in enormously plenty of all Roland digital pianos these days. There are extraordinary changes to this engine though. High-end digital pianos like the FP-90 or HP-603 will come with completely modeled sounds. FP-10, on the other hand, being the entry-level instrument comes with sampled piano tones which is what you’ll discover in most digital pianos these days. There are 15 built-in sounds on the FP-10: four Grand Pianos, 2 Electric Pianos, 2 Organs (Jazz, Church), 2 Strings, 2 Harpsichords, a Vibraphone, a Jazz Scat, and a Synth Pad. By comparison, FP-30 has 35 unique built-in sounds. 

However, what I located is that if you get admission to FP-10 with the aid of the Roland Piano Partner 2 app, you can sincerely get entry to all the sounds from the FP-30, which is rather cool. The 1st Grand Piano tone is the predominant piano tone on the instrument and the one that you’ll in all likelihood use most often. It’s an absolutely deep rich tone with long decay and herbal resonances located on a real acoustic piano. 

The Roland FP10 affords simulated sympathetic string resonance and key off-resonance, which makes the tone even fuller and greater organic. These factors are constructed into the tone, so you can’t flip them off or regulate them.

  • Sympathetic string resonance takes place while retaining down some notes you play a few other notes that are in the same overtone sequence making the notes you hold down resonate sympathetically.
  • Key off-resonance is a delicate sound taking place when you release a played note, and the damper falls onto the string to silence it, producing a delicate sound, which also adjusts relying on how quickly your fingers depart the keys. 

The other piano sounds on the Roland  FP10 are rather modified versions of the predominant piano tone, imparting a mellower or brighter tone that might be better suitable for certain track genres. I find the predominant tone the most pleasant and “universal”, plus you can continually tweak it to your liking. The Roland FP10 permits you to alter the Ambience and Brilliance of the sounds inside the 0-10 range, which makes it pretty convenient to best tune the sound to your needs. 

What’s interesting is that the FP-30 permits you to alter the Brilliance solely within three levels and the Ambience within 5 levels. For the rest, the piano sound you’ll hear on the Roland FP10 is enormously a great deal the equal sound you’ll hear on the FP-30. So, if you pay attention via headphones, they will sound identical. However, because the FP-10 has much less powerful speakers, (6W X 2 as an alternative to 11W x 2), listening via the audio system is a barely great experience for the FP-30.

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Specifications of Roland FP10

  • 88 entirely weighted key spa-4 Standard Keyboard: with Escapement and Ivory Feel.
  • Touch Sensitivity (5 types, OFF)Sound: Supernatural Piano Sound.
  • 96-note polyphony.
  • 15 instrument sounds (expandable via the apps.
  • Modes: Duos: Dual, Duo (Twin Piano), Split (via the app).
  • 17 preset songs + 15 Demos.
  • Piano Simulation: String Resonance, Damper Resonance, Key Off Resonance.
  • Metronome, Transpose, Fine-tuning.
  • Speakers: 6W + 6W (12 cm x 2).
  • Connections: USB to Host, USB to Device, Bluetooth 4.0, a Headphone jack (3.5mm, 1/8″), Sustain Pedal jack.
  • 128.4 x 25.8 x 14 cm (50.5” x 10.1” x 5.5”).
  • 12.3 kg (27.1 lbs).

Pros

  • Very compact and gig-friendly.
  • Excellent keyboard with Ivory experience keys and Escapement.
  • Rich natural piano sound with simulated key-off and string resonance.
  • Bluetooth connectivity.
  • Extra sound and elements s accessible by using the app.

Cons

  • No devoted Line Out jacks
  • Ports are on the back.
  • Not the most effective speakers.
  • Optionally available 3-pedal unit.

Competition 

To keep their dominant position in the market, several companies are scuffling sound one any other to surpass the competitors. The keyboards for the contest are; 

Roland FP30 88-Key Digital Piano vs Digital Piano Roland FP10

The lower-priced FP-30 provides Roland’s acclaimed sound, feel, and modern-day aspects in a foremost 88-note instrument that fits any area with ease. Light and portable, it’s an exquisite fit for performing gamers and track school rooms as well. 

Adding in several sounds beyond the piano, built-in practice and recording functions, and a Bluetooth wifi guide for working with popular tune apps, the FP-30 supplies a top-rate musical trip in the sound from Roland’s famed Supernatural Piano sound engine, the 88-note PHA-4 Standard keyboard provide real piano contact for most expressions, effective amplifier, and stereo audio system deliver astounding sound, and headphones output quiet keyboard action permit you to revel in enjoying any time besides demanding others, compact and light-weight body for convenient mobility in and out of the home, studio, or classroom.

Roland FP-30 88-key Digital Piano Black
  • Rich, responsive tone from Roland’s renowned Supernatural Piano sound engine
  • 88-note PHA-4 Standard keyboard provides authentic piano touch for maximum expression
  • Powerful amplifier and stereo speakers deliver impressive sound

Roland FP-10BK Digital Piano vs Digital Piano Roland FP10

When thought strikes, take a seat at the mannequin in the famed FP piano series; the entry-level Roland FP10. This digital piano is always geared up to play, with a reassuring experience from the 88-Note PHA-4 Standard keyboard, joined with evocative Supernatural piano tones thru onboard speakers or headphones with its portable, space-saving design, the RolandFP10 is the best instrument for home use, whether you are practicing techniques in the spare room or giving performances in the dwelling room. 

Touch Sensitivity- Key Touch: 5 types, fixed contact: Keyboard Mode- Whole, Dual. Twin Piano, pedals- Damper (capable of 1/2 pedal when optionally available pedal connected): Max. Polyphony- ninety-six voices Tones- Piano: four Tones, E.Piano: 2 Tones, Other: 9 Tones, volume- 10 stages: Internal Songs- Listening: 17 songs, Tone Demo: 15 songs.

Roland FP-10BK 88 keys Digital Piano with KSC FP-10BK Stand
  • Touch Sensitivity- Key Touch: 5 types, fixed touch : Keyboard Mode- Whole, Dual. Twin Piano
  • Pedals- Damper (capable of half pedal when optional pedal connected) : Max. Polyphony- 96 voices : Tones- Piano: 4 Tones, E.Piano: 2 Tones, Other: 9 Tones
  • Volume- 10 levels : Internal Songs- Listening: 17 songs, Tone Demo: 15 songs

Yamaha P515 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano vs Digital Piano Roland FP10

The P-515 is the flagship in the P-series. Its advanced sound quality, features, and plan make this the best digital piano for players of all levels. For those who wish to take their piano with them to play outdoors at home, the portable and slim layout makes this a brilliant choice. Play through the built-in speaker device in smaller venues, or take benefit of the 1/4″ aux line outputs to connect with an exterior amplification system. 

For those who prefer to maintain it at home, a non-compulsory matching furniture stand (L515) and piano-style triple-pedal (LP1) add-ons are available. Whether at home or on the road, the Smart Pianist app for iOS units makes choosing Voices and changing settings even easier. The app will even analyze songs in your iOS device’s track library and show a chord chart so that you can play alongside recordings using your favorite artists.

Roland FP-10BK 88 keys Digital Piano with KSC FP-10BK Stand
  • Touch Sensitivity- Key Touch: 5 types, fixed touch : Keyboard Mode- Whole, Dual. Twin Piano
  • Pedals- Damper (capable of half pedal when optional pedal connected) : Max. Polyphony- 96 voices : Tones- Piano: 4 Tones, E.Piano: 2 Tones, Other: 9 Tones
  • Volume- 10 levels : Internal Songs- Listening: 17 songs, Tone Demo: 15 songs

Korg B2 Digital Piano vs Digital Piano Roland FP10

The Korg B2 is a new technology of digital piano from Korg targeted at accessibility and ease of use. Perfect as the first piano for a new player, we’ve got paid exclusive attention to the journey of taking part in a real piano. B2 is packed with carefully selected sounds, beginning with legendary grand pianos from around the world. Software and a range of connectors come popular for a current piano experience. 

B2 is in keyboard layout and can be positioned on a stand, the B2SP has an easily assembled stand and a three-pedal unit, and the B2N elements are a light-touch 88-note keyboard. This three-model lineup offers customers the ability to select the perfect piano for their needs. B2 is a piano for all people from novices to professional gamers searching for something comfortable to exercise on.

Korg B2 Digital Piano - Black Bundle with Adjustable Stand,...
  • Keyboard that reproduces the touch of an acoustic piano
  • Equipped with versatile i/o for a range of connectivity
  • Included music rest for sheet music and mobile devices.

Conclusion on Roland FP10

In our opinion, the Roland FP10 is a mainly true entry-level piano for novices and even lower-intermediate piano students. For greater superior gamers or songwriters, I would say it would be well well worth spending more to get higher connectivity and bigger speakers the FP-30 offers.

 As the sense and sound (through headphones) of the FP-10 and FP-30 are common, if your piano is going to remain put in a small-to-medium-sized room, the Roland FP10 may fit you. If you’re looking for a piano to gig with, this would also be a strong option, particularly thinking about its compact dimension and exceptional keyboard action. 

I can additionally effortlessly see this piano used as a MIDI controller. It has wonderful MIDI connectivity (USB and Bluetooth), which makes it very easy to join a DAW or a VST of your desire and generate MIDI data to control them. You might marvel at whether it’s worth paying extra cash for the FP-30 or the FP-10 will think ago whether ut they share the equal keyboard and sound engine. Well, the fee distinction between these two pianos is small – around $200 in the USA, and perhaps much less in Europe. 

So, the large query is, is it worth saving a rather small amount of cash and lacking out on what the FP-30 provides over the FP-10? It all relies upon how you’re going to use the instrument, and if having extra effective speakers, 2 headphone jacks and a few extra aspects are essential to you.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the Roland FP10 Worth It?

Overall, the Roland FP10 has a, in reality, suitable keyboard, which this fee varies and is pretty difficult to compete with. It additionally makes the Roland FP10 a precise alternative for any person searching for a proper realistic MIDI keyboard. Casio is the excellent option for novices and then the options divide.
Those who are looking for contemporary sound, synthesizer specs, and special features, must genuinely choose Roland.

2. What is the Difference Between Roland FP10 and FP30?

You’ll see that they’ve shrunk the polyphony to 96 voices, and the FP-10 has 15 onboard sounds in contrast to the FP-30s 35. Because of this, the FP-10 expenses are nearly 20% less than the rest of the range. Despite this, the FP10 virtually has greater onboard songs than the FP30, making it a brilliant device for learning the piano.

3. Is Roland as Appropriate as Yamaha?

Both fashions are great for novices to get familiar with digital pianos and start to examine play. While Yamaha provides more sonic versatility, Roland’s model has the full scale along with better-feeling keys. However, Roland’s mannequin is barely more pricey in this comparison. The Roland Go: Keys is nothing if now not packed with features. It comes with an abundance of cool features.

4. How Long Do Roland Digital Pianos Last?

A manufacturer of new Roland digital piano closes up to 50 years. These pianos are the most steeply-priced but first-rate digital pianos because of how they were built them. It is nice if you maintain it easily and away from dust and humidity.

5. Is Roland Made in China?

It was formerly founded by Ikutaro Kakehashi in Osaka on 18 April 1972. In 2005, Roland’s office relocated to Hamamatsu in Shizuoka Prefecture. It has plants in Malaysia, Taiwan, Japan, and the United States.

Being in love with music, Larry started this website to help piano lovers get the most detailed and accurate information with his 5 Years of experience of working in a music store.

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