The Roland FP X series’ sweet point is the Roland FP30X. This sleek and fashionable portable piano improves on the entry-level Roland FP10 with an improved sound engine, more potent onboard speakers, and greater polyphony while maintaining affordability and outstanding performance.
The Roland FP30X is the ideal home instrument for experienced musicians, featuring Roland’s Supernatural Piano technology and the same expressive 88-note PHA-4 Standard keyboard as the high-end FP-60X. It’s also the perfect option for any pianist who wants to advance their talents or play at small gatherings thanks to its lightweight design that is easy to travel and Bluetooth connectivity for lessons and play-along audio. The Roland FP30X is such a nice and affordable digital piano.
Table of Contents
General Overview
The Roland FP30X is a benchmark for real acoustic touch and tone. Forget about the thin keyboards seen on most mid-range portable pianos; with just one key press on the PHA-4 Standard keyboard, you’ll recognize the Roland FP30X is a cut above the competition. This piano’s 88 full-size keys provide you with a wide variety of expressions as your creativity and technique improve.
You’ll have the same feel beneath your fingertips as a fine acoustic instrument thanks to the hammer action, escapement, and ivory feel, right down to the faint “click” sound when you depress a key. White and black are also available colors for the FP30X. Although darker colors are cool because they conceal dirt, the white model is striking, especially when combined with the complementary furniture stand. Additionally, the white color will assist disguise minor blemishes and dust.
| Features | Rating |
| Performance and sounds | 9.4 |
| Connectivity | 9.3 |
| Build Quality | 9.4 |
| Value for money | 9.4 |
Speaking of scratches, if you use your nails to contact the Roland FP30X black matte plastics (or those of its predecessor), white traces start to appear. These scratches may appear to be actual scratches, but they are fake and are simply treatable with a moist cloth or your finger. Even though it’s not a significant deal, it does make it more difficult to maintain the instrument appearing tidy.
Roland should have chosen a different sort of material to prevent this, in my opinion. Aside from that, all are similarly nicely constructed, with sturdy body structures and high-quality plastics. If the previous generation is any indication, the Roland FP30X should last you a long time. The user interface has been faithfully recreated from the original FP-30, however, the labeling has been updated to be more aesthetically pleasing than the original’s mix of text and symbols. This, in some opinion, gives the Roland FP30X a cleaner appearance and feel.
The user interface largely consists of 13 tall buttons, most of which have backlights to show if they are activated, which is useful if you’re using this digital piano in low light (such as on stage). The buttons themselves have a satisfying tactile feel, but how the control layout is constrained makes it unappealing.
Roland FP30X keyboard by Roland has 13 buttons is not a lot, regrettably. You have to use button-key combinations to access the majority of the functionality, which is always found to be pretty frustrating although it does keep the front panel looking clean and minimal. For instance, to switch between several piano sounds, you would need to hold down the “Piano” button while pressing the appropriate note on the piano to select the desired voice setting. You’ll need to have the user manual nearby if you don’t already know the settings by heart. Roland does attempt to make things usable despite my reservations.
The majority of the frequently utilized key functions are marked in some printed text tips that are located underneath the keys. Among them are transposition and metronome settings, which are commonly used during practice. Volume control is my major complaint about this button-based control system on the Roland FP30X. Two buttons, one for increasing and one for reducing the volume value, are used to adjust the output volume. 5 LED lights show you what the levels are at the moment.
There are 100 different volume levels here, and without using additional software, you can never identify which setting you’re currently at (connected to your digital piano via Bluetooth). This is simply really cumbersome, and incorporating a basic volume rocker for more accurate control. These problems won’t bother you much if you get the FP-30X to practice with. However, if you want to use the Roland FP30X, be sure to keep this in mind.
The Roland FP30X review features an excellent, robust overall design, especially for the price. A big thanks to Roland for that because it also solves some of my problems with the original FP-30. Any digital piano’s key feel is its most essential feature. Companies spend a lot of money on research and development to create keys that feel like actual acoustic pianos, which is no easy task given the limitations of size. Given that the Roland FP30X is priced in the entry-level price range, it must perform well to differentiate itself from the competition.
- SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine for rich expression, from pianissimo to fortissimo. Home-friendly compact footprint.
- PHA-4 Standard keyboard for authentic acoustic-style piano touch
- Powerful 22-watt stereo speaker system for room-filling sound
The FP 30X employs the same key action as the original FP-30: Roland’s PHA-4 Standard (and the lower-priced FP-10). The PHA-4 Standard key action is a favorite. The key action, which is made entirely of plastic, is comparable to other outstanding examples like Kawai’s RHC and Korg’s RH3 action. Additionally, it may be found on Roland’s pricier premium digital pianos, such as the Roland RD-88 that we just reviewed.
Standard keyboard texture for the Roland PHA-4, the PHA-4 Standard keys’ faux-ivory polish helps to strengthen the illusion even though they are plastic. Roland can replicate the experience of playing an acoustic piano by using a mechanical hammer mechanism, which allows the hammers to strike real strings with each key press.
It is appreciated how substantial the PHA-4 Standard key action feels. It is weighted just enough to give it a genuine feel that is comparable to that of actual acoustic pianos. However, this will primarily rely on your experience, since what one player finds heavy, another player may think is just fine. Some individuals may also find heavier movements to be less adaptable for playing specific types of music. These keys also have escapement modeling, which adds a faint “notch” sensation that is found on actual acoustic pianos to make the keys seem even more realistic.
The PHA-4 Standard keyboard gets rated at the end. Keys in the lower registers of graded keybeds demand greater force than keys in the upper registers. Realistic key movements and reactions not only increase the level of plausibility but also enable novices to gain abilities that they may later use on actual acoustic pianos.
The Roland FP30X doesn’t have much competition in the sub-$700 pricing range in terms of playability. Although some instruments might have more sounds or greater settings, Roland’s PHA-4 Standard is difficult to top for authenticity.
The nearest alternatives are the RH3 and RHCII actions from Korg, although none of the Roland FP30X direct rivals are priced similarly. Roland provides 5 distinct preset settings if you wish to fine-tune the dynamic response to fit your play styles, however, the default velocity curves (managing the relationship of your playing dynamics to overall loudness) feel great. It is not exaggerated to suggest that the Roland FP-30X’s strongest feature is its keyboard.
Roland FP30X’s take on a reverb, that uses a hall algorithm to simulate the ambiance of a large venue. There are 10 preset strengths for the effect, as well as offset. While increasing the value appears to expand the replicated space, doing so actually muddies the sound owing to simulated reflections.
The brilliance effect gives the music more brightness and gives the impression of being a high-end equalizer. For this effect, there are just 3 options, ranging from -1 to 1. It was discovered that turning it off produced the most natural-sounding tone, however those who don’t like how bright the Supernatural piano sound is are likely to prefer the darker -1 option.
Rotary Speaker Organ has an integrated rotational speaker effect for the majority of organ-based sounds. Toggling between the two preset speeds is accomplished by pressing the ‘E.Piano’ category button. Even though some would have preferred to be able to adjust the rotary speed. Unfortunately, it would have been nice to have a chorus effect that could be adjusted to go with the electric piano sounds. The Roland FP-30X has 256 notes of polyphony, which is twice as much as the FP-30’s first offering.
Also Read: Best Digital Pianos for Advanced Pianists
Features
- Roland FP30X gives rich expressiveness with the Supernatural Piano sound engine, from pianissimo to fortissimo.
- PHA-4 Standard Keyboard provides a true-to-life acoustic piano feel on the Roland FP30X.
- It has a room-filling stereo speaker system with 22 watts of power.
- Roland FP30X digital piano is small and suitable for homes.
- It includes Deluxe Sustain Pedal, Adjustable Stand, Bench, Instructional DVD, and Austin Bazaar Polishing Cloth.
Sounds
Roland has a long history of being one of the greatest sound designers on the market when it comes to noise. More than 30 years after their initial introduction, the majority of old Roland instruments are still in use. The 56 sounds on the Roland FP30X are an improvement over the 35 noises on the original Roland FP30.
Roland’s Supernatural sound engine, which combines sampling and modeling to create sounds that genuinely respond to your playing dynamics, powers the FP-30X’s sound collection. It’s interesting to note that a lot of the noises on the Roland FP30X have been upgraded from the sounds on the FP-30.
It appears that the internal chipset is more modern (as evidenced by the increased polyphony count), and that indicates that many of the sounds are arguably better; let’s try to draw attention to these distinctions in the portions that follow. The settings for the acoustic concert grand are the most significant feature of the digital piano. Thankfully, the same range of sounds from the first album return with a few minor changes that aren’t immediately noticeable.
There seems to be an improvement to the sound engine. The basic piano tone is somewhat close to the original FP-30, although it has greater warmth and depth. Comparing the Roland FP30X vs FP 30, we couldn’t help but notice that the FP-30 sounded thinner, as if some of the mid-frequencies had been removed. For practicing, the basic concert grand preset’s neutral, clear tone is ideal. Some people might say that this default sound is too clinical, but it is believed to be ideal, especially for a digital piano intended for beginners.
Beginners develop crucial hearing skills since even tiny adjustments in dynamics can cause an audible shift. Additionally, you may adjust the music to your preferences by changing settings like ambiance and brightness. You also receive a couple of upright piano presets, which have a more concentrated and private tone, in addition to the concert grand and its variants. You may prefer the concert grands, but having more choices is never a bad thing.
Specifications
- Roland FP30X has 88 fully weighted keys.
- The PHA-4 Standard Keyboard on the Roland FP30X comes with Escapement and Ivory Feel.
- There is touch Sensitivity (5 types, OFF).
- The sound on the Roland FP30X used are Supernatural Piano Sound, 256-note polyphony, and 56 instrument sounds
- The modes include Split, Dual, and Duo (Twin Piano).
- There is a 1-track MIDI recorder.
- Also in the Roland FP30X Playback are MIDI files (Format 0, 1), and Audio files (WAV, MP3).
- There are 30 built-in songs.
- Present are Metronome, Transpose, and Fine-tuning.
- The connections used are USB to Host, USB to Device, headphone jacks (1/4″ and 1/8″), output jacks (stereo 1/4″), sustain pedal jack, and 3-pedal unit port.
- There is Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio on the Roland FP30X.
Pros
- The PHA-4 Simple key action is excellent.
- There are a large number of sound options.
- The customizable piano sound comes with a rich, realistic tone.
- Roland FP30X has strong and spotless speakers.
- There is an excellent connection (line outputs added, Bluetooth Audio + MIDI).
Cons
- The effects are not very diverse.
- Controls on the Roland FP30X need third-party applications or access to the manual.
- There is a limited number of layering and recording options.
Competition
Despite being a fantastic and extraordinary instrument, the Roland FP-30X has competitors. Several businesses are vying with one another to surpass one another to preserve their dominant position in the market. The keyboards in the contest are;
Roland 88-Note Digital Pedalboard FP-30 vs Digital Piano Roland FP30x
The reasonably priced FP-30 is an excellent 88-note instrument that fits any room with ease and delivers Roland’s renowned tone, feel, and contemporary features. It’s a perfect match for both music classes and performing musicians because it’s lightweight and portable.
The Roland FP30X offers a quality musical experience that was previously unreachable in such a compact container by including a variety of sounds in addition to the piano, built-in practice and recording features, and Bluetooth wireless compatibility for working with well-known music applications. Roland’s famous Supernatural Piano sound engine produces a rich, responsive tone.
A genuine piano touch is provided with the 88-note PHA-4 Standard keyboard for the fullest expression. Impressive sound is produced by a powerful amplifier and stereo speakers, and you can play at any time without disturbing others thanks to the output from headphones and the quiet keyboard movement.
- 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
Yamaha P-125 88-Key Weighted Digital Sustain vs Digital Piano Roland FP30X
The Yamaha P-125 is the most accessible and user-friendly digital piano because of its simplicity. The p-125’s mobility makes it easy to take it on those coffee-house jobs or carry it to the cottage. Beginner and intermediate players will find the touch and tone ideal for their repertoire. A fully weighted digital piano, the GHS-weighted action is heavier in the low keys and lighter in the high registers, exactly like an acoustic piano. It has 88 full-sized piano-type keys.
The famed Yamaha 9 feet CFIIIS Concert grand piano’s tone is authentically replicated by the clean CF sound engine. Split mode allows you to play a separate voice with each hand; Tuning: 414.8 440.0 to 446.8 hertz, You only need one cable to connect to your music-making software thanks to USB to host connectivity with MIDI and audio transfer.
- A fully weighted digital piano with 88 full sized piano style keys
- GHS weighted action is heavier in the low keys and lighter in the high keys, just like an acoustic piano
- The pure CF sound engine faithfully reproduces the tone of the acclaimed Yamaha 9 feet CFIIIS Concert grand piano; Tempo range: 5 to 280
Donner DDP 90 Weighted Electronic Keyboardvs Digital Piano Roland FP30X
A digital piano designed for today’s lifestyle is the DDP-90. It’s the ideal place to begin your piano studies because of its modern, compact style that fits perfectly in tiny homes or apartments. Weighted Hammer Action Keyboard. Selecting a piano that will motivate a novice as their playing improves is crucial from the very first notes to the very first recitals and beyond.
A beginner’s developing touch is brought out in full by the 88 full-sized responsive weighted keys on the DDP-90 digital piano, whose hammer action and ivory-feel texture inspire them to play with passion and discover their creative voice. Rich and Dynamic Sound. With the use of high-quality sound samples taken from actual acoustic grand pianos, testing, and fine-tuning timbre nuances frequently to increase the realism and dynamic range of the sound expression, you may design your ability to distinguish sound.
- 🥇【Classic First Digital Piano For Modern Living Space】The DDP-90 is an 88 key weighted digital piano built for modern life. With a contemporary, compact design perfect for smaller apartments or home, it's perfect to start your piano learning journey.
- 🥇【Hammer Action Weighted Keyboard】From first notes to early recitals – and beyond – it’s vital to choose a piano that inspires beginner as their playing improves. DDP-90 digital piano keyboard features 88 full-sized responsive weighted keys, whose hammer action and ivory-feel texture brings out every nuance of a beginner’s developing touch, encouraging them to play with passion and find their musical voice.
- 🥇 【Dynamic and Rich Sound】Equipped with quality sound samples from real acoustic grand pianos, testing and adjusting the details of timbre repeatedly, to make the sound expression more realistic and dynamic, help you develop a keen ability to distinguish sound. 128 polyphony meet your fast trills playing, and metal triple-pedal system ensure the quality of your playing, bring more personal emotion to your playing. The triple pedal jack is under the keyboard (5-pin).
Alesis Recital 88-key Digital Piano Keyboard vs Digital Piano Roland FP30X
A fully functional digital piano with 88 full-sized semi-weighted keys and a programmable touch response, the Alesis Recital. Use the Recital’s adjustable reverb and chorus, as well as the Layer and Split Modes, to develop your creativity and customize your sound. Recital offers an excellent playing experience and ultra-realistic sound because of its strong 20-watt built-in speakers and 128-note maximum note polyphony.
The 88 keys on the Recital are split into two zones in “Lesson Mode.” This makes it possible for the teacher and student to play together without having to alternate watching them or reach over one another. You may also connect to external speakers or use the 14″ (6.35mm) headphone output for handy, private practice.
- An Electric Piano That’s Tailored to You - Feature-packed Electric keyboard with 88 premium full-sized semi weighted keys with adjustable touch response to suit your preferred playing style
- Premium Sounds - 5 voices (Acoustic Piano, Electric Piano, Organ, Synth, and Bass), built-in FX: Chorus, Reverb, and two built in 20W speakers that deliver crystal-clear, room-filling sound
- All The Right Connections - ¼” sustain pedal input (pedal not included), ¼” stereo headphone output for private practice and stereo RCA outputs for connection to speakers / amplifiers
Conclusion
The Roland FP-30X is an excellent illustration of how a firm can successfully produce a no-frills digital piano. The Roland FP30X is just a reliable all-purpose tool. As a result, it’s simple to suggest this keyboard to almost everyone. The Roland FP30X has you covered whether you’re a novice looking for a suitable place to start or a seasoned player desiring a straightforward practice keyboard.
You Might Also Like
- Yamaha Clavinova CLP-775 Review
- Best Synths for Ambient Music
- Best Digital Pianos Under $700
- Best Digital Piano for Classical Pianists
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Roland FP30X Worth It?
The sustained piano sounds produced by the FP-30X are of great quality and quantity, significantly superior to those produced by the majority of other portable digital pianos. The piano’s sustained tones are luscious, large, full, and resonant, and they are nicely balanced from the lower to the higher octaves. Black or white are the available FP-X finishes, and each model also has an optional stand and pedals that may be used to construct a small upright piano. February 2021 saw the release of the FP-90X, FP-60X, and FP-30X.
2. Is Roland FP-30X Good For Beginners?
The FP-30X employs the same key action as the original FP-30: Roland’s PHA-4 Standard (and the lower-priced FP-10). Even past the level of a beginner, I can honestly state that the PHA-4 Standard key action is one of my favorites. So yes, the Roland FP-30X is good for beginners.
3. What is the Difference Between the Roland FP-30 and the FP30X?
The FP30X offers more Bluetooth capabilities, more presets, and more polyphony, which are the key differences between it and the FP30. You won’t notice the weight difference, although it weighs around a pound more than the FP-30.
4. Is the Roland FP30x Better Than Yamaha P125?
The Roland FP30X outperformed the competition when features were directly compared by a margin of 3-2. However, the Yamaha P125 lagged well behind in each of these areas. But in the end, it was obvious that the Roland FP-30X was the victor due to its superior key texture, sound library, and other connection capabilities.
5. Does Roland FP30X Have Weighted Keys?
Additionally, the right key motion will give you the impression that you are playing an acoustic piano in addition to not restricting your expressiveness. The FP-30X features the 88-key weighted hammer action of Roland’s PHA-4 Standard.
