Introduction to the Roland FP-10 Portable Digital Piano

The latest addition to Roland's famous FP digital piano series line, the Roland FP-10 has established a new benchmark in terms of what can be expected out of an entry-level 88-key digital piano. Roland's answer to an entry-level market that has been traditionally dominated by Casio and Yamaha, the FP-10 brings a laundry list of core features that until now have been reserved for higher price points, such as their PHA-4 keyboard action and SuperNATURAL piano sound engine.

Overview of the Roland FP-10

A versatile instrument appropriate for both home use and as an instrument on the go, the FP-10 can be fastened to a matching designer stand to achieve that classic piano look, or simply kept on a lightweight keyboard stand for maximum mobility. Comparing the FP10 side-by-side with other digital models in this price point powerfully demonstrates that if your main focus is a good action and rich piano tone, and you're not enamoured with a long list of onboard bells and whistles that are accessible via Bluetooth midi anyway, the FP-10 is the top model in its class.

Roland FP-10 Features Roland's 88-note PHA-4 Standard Keyboard Hammer Action

The Roland FP-10 digital piano uses an action many will be familiar with in Roland's 88-note PHA-4 standard keyboard hammer action with Ivory-touch and grand piano style escapement. This is probably the single most significant feature that sets the FP10 apart in its class given that this is a professional quality action, and can be found all throughout Roland's digital piano offerings up to the $2,500 CAD or so price point.

A key action of this quality has never before been available in this class, so for anyone who is prioritizing action in their piano search, the FP10 really outshines anything else in this price category.

To illustrate this point, you can actually find this action in the next two FP models up, both the Roland FP-30X and FP-60X, which costs $2,000 CAD, as well as the F701 and the RP701 home digital pianos.

The PHA-4 features both escapement and a nice synthetic texture on both the white and black keys.

Roland PHA-4 Piano Action
Roland PHA-4 Piano Action
Roland FP-10 Features Roland's Renowned SuperNATURAL Piano Sound Engine

In terms of the tone generator, the FP-10 uses a bare-bones version of Roland's renowned SuperNATURAL Piano Sound Engine. Some may be concerned that the specs only indicate 96 notes of polyphony, which is a fairly small amount by today's standards, but this is the trade-off for getting a piano engine as good as the SuperNATURAL engine. Despite the limited polyphony, the FP-10 easily goes toe-to-toe with competitive offerings from Yamaha or Casio, and while other instruments may have more polyphony, their tone engines are not as sophisticated.

There are 15 total onboard sounds, including two electric piano tones, and 9 various sounds such as strings, synth, etc.

Roland FP-10's Bluetooth MIDI connectivity

The onboard speakers are powered by a 12-watt amplifier, which is totally fine for solo playing, and when you need more juice, the headphone jack can double as a line out for connecting with an external amplifier. The FP10 features Bluetooth MIDI connectivity, so it's easily paired with a smartphone or tablet for apps such as Roland's Piano Partner app or Apple Garageband. There's also on-board USB Type A and Type B ports for additional connectivity options, making a connection with DAW software easy. The FP-10 comes standard with a basic footswitch, but adding the robust DP10 sustain/damper pedal for half-pedalling is recommended for intermediate and experienced players.

Notable Features

Roland's acclaimed SuperNATURAL Piano engine
PHA-4 Standard 88-note keybed with escapement and ivory-feel keytops
Onboard 12W stereo amplifier with two stereo speakers
Headphone output lets you play at any time without disturbing others
Compact and lightweight for easy transport
Ability to adjust certain effects such as the ambience and brilliance
Bluetooth wireless connectivity lets you use the FP-10 with popular apps
Dual and twin piano modes allowing for student and teacher play side-by-side in the same octave ranges
15 total instrument sounds
Metronome
17 internal songs
Optional accessory add-on's include;
DP10 sustain pedal with half-damper control
Designer stand: KSC FP10
Carrying bag: CB88RL
Conclusions

Dollar for dollar, the Roland FP10 digital piano cannot be beaten in the marketplace right now for delivering the best touch in its class, with surprisingly expressive sound. It's a lightweight beast that will surprise experienced players and gives new learners an ideal instrument experience to practice on in the living room at a price that previously only offered up keyboards and very poorly-made digital pianos.
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