Help with potential keyboard/digital piano (Roland) purchase

[midnightright]

Does anybody know if you'd need to purchase anything in addition to what is included with this piano, that does not already come with it? I don't know a lot about it, or them. And haven't got the energy to do the necessary research. I know, then why are you buying? it's actually a gift for someone else who is physically disabled, and after entertaining the notion of trying the guitar, it was later determined that something like this might be more appropriate. However, unlike with the guitar, with this, I am blind. I've emailed their service rep, who responded back. But didn't want to answer my question apparently, in print. So I was supposed to call him back, which I may do, to morrow, or when I am at the point of purchase. They don't really have anything else. So, it'd really have to be sort of a plug & play set-up, if that makes sense, which would work best (for them). Thanks if you can help!

 

[midnightright]

Roland FP-30X Digital Piano with Speakers - Black

88-key Digital Piano with SuperNATURAL Modeling, PHA-4 Keyboard with Progressive Hammer Action and Escapement, Onboard FX, Speaker System, and Audio/MIDI via Bluetooth and USB - Black

www.sweetwater.com

 

[Wilmywood]

Does it come with a stand and a seat? Pedals? Are the keys weighted so it feels like an acoustic keyboard?

 

[midnightright]

No idea, for sure on any of those. It says "rest," included next to weight. ~32 lbs. Maybe this is why he was reluctant to speak with me via email? It would alone be already at the top / limit of my budget for her. So, investing very much further. . . would likely rule this one out, I think. So thanks! @Wilmywood

 

[Wilmywood]

This package from the same site, same keyboard, includes all of the above -

Roland FP-30X Digital Piano with Speakers Essentials Bundle - Black

88-key Digital Piano with SuperNATURAL Modeling, PHA-4 Keyboard with Progressive Hammer Action and Escapement, Onboard FX, Speaker System, and Audio/MIDI via Bluetooth and USB, Folding Stand, Bench, and Sustain Pedal - Black

www.sweetwater.com

 

[Wilmywood]

And here is a somewhat less costly alternative that is returnable that I am considering for myself-

Amazon.com

 

[midnightright]

And here is a somewhat less costly alternative that is returnable that I am considering for myself-

Amazon.com

Oh, thank you! That sounds like it might be much more appropriate for her needs. As she does live in a cramped apt. & sound/noise at excessive volumes, could be an issue. Would you think I might need to add anything to that package in order to get her up & running? And thanks again. That would be a massive difference in cost--& I really don't know if she needs all of that other stuff?

 

[Wilmywood]

Oh, thank you! That sounds like it might be much more appropriate for her needs. As she does live in a cramped apt. & sound/noise at excessive volumes, could be an issue. Would you think I might need to add anything to that package in order to get her up & running? And thanks again. That would be a massive difference in cost--& I really don't know if she needs all of that other stuff?

I think all that second package doesn't come with is a stool/bench. Amazon has a number of options there also and some look more sturdy than others.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=piano+bench&i=mi&crid=2TTWXS8AONZ9D&sprefix=piano+bench%2Cmi%2C213&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

 

[midnightright]

I think all that second package doesn't come with is a stool/bench. Amazon has a number of options there also and some look more sturdy than others.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=piano+bench&i=mi&crid=2TTWXS8AONZ9D&sprefix=piano+bench%2Cmi%2C213&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

Thank You So Much!!! This is literally bringing music into someone's life who has been wanting it for such a very long time (middle aged). Played keys, briefly as a child growing up... I think; maybe ('87-93), or something like that!

 

[midnightright]

And that is a good point, with her physical disability @Wilmywood ! So thank-you, once again...

 

[Wilmywood]

You might also consider some cheap headphones so she can have the volume up and not disturb others

 

[chazmo]

Depending on the headphones, she may need a converter jack to make it so she can fit the headphone's cord into the female part of the plug on the piano. Or, more likely, keyboards like this probably come with USB these days (not sure). Anyway, that's a really nice thing you're doing midnight!!

And, as wilmy was saying, make sure she gets a bench, stand, and pedals (if she can use them...)

 

[GAD]

My dad had a baby grand in our house and he was a fabulous pianist, so I’m a bit biased when it comes to pianos. We have two that I obsessed over buying. Forgive me if any of these points don’t apply or were already covered. I’m pre-coffee at the moment.

IMO weighted keys are a must on a digital piano because without them it feels like a toy. Especially when learning, a piano should feel like a piano because you learn how to relate with the instrument in large part by feel.

The ability to at least accept a sustain pedal is a must, and ideally it should come with one. More pedals is better but most beginners only use the one.

Polyphony used to be a selling point but even the cheap ones are great these days. I have a 35-YO Yamaha that’s 16-note polyphony in mono (and only 8 in stereo!) and you’d likely never notice that as a shortcoming. It’s also in a wooden enclosure, is heavy, and it sounds amazing.

For me sound trumps all. Modern sampling is amazing but cheap pianos usually sound cheap because of plastic enclosures and cheap speakers. Usually an amp can help with that but that’s a whole different discussion. As others mentioned reasonably good headphones are a good idea when it comes to late night practice.

Lastly, and this is often overlooked in the name of cost, but IMO a piano for learning should have 88 keys.

 

[midnightright]

My dad had a baby grand in our house and he was a fabulous pianist, so I’m a bit biased when it comes to pianos. We have two that I obsessed over buying. Forgive me if any of these points don’t apply or were already covered. I’m pre-coffee at the moment.

IMO weighted keys are a must on a digital piano because without them it feels like a toy. Especially when learning, a piano should feel like a piano because you learn how to relate with the instrument in large part by feel.

The ability to at least accept a sustain pedal is a must, and ideally it should come with one. More pedals is better but most beginners only use the one.

Polyphony used to be a selling point but even the cheap ones are great these days. I have a 35-YO Yamaha that’s 16-note polyphony in mono (and only 8 in stereo!) and you’d likely never notice that as a shortcoming. It’s also in a wooden enclosure, is heavy, and it sounds amazing.

For me sound trumps all. Modern sampling is amazing but cheap pianos usually sound cheap because of plastic enclosures and cheap speakers. Usually an amp can help with that but that’s a whole different discussion. As others mentioned reasonably good headphones are a good idea when it comes to late night practice.

Lastly, and this is often overlooked in the name of cost, but IMO a piano for learning should have 88 keys.

Thank you for all of your insights, they are very helpful, and educational for someone like me. We are still discussing her best options, all while also, taking into some consideration, her limitations & shortcomings, not all disability related. This information will come in handy before deciding on one however. I'm still waiting for the guitar (unopened) that is boxed up & sitting inside her place, to be returned to the store from which it came.

Apparently, there may be some trouble getting the delivery company to come to her apt. bldg. in order to pick it up, as according to the sales guy, who was made aware of her status, "that's what most people generally do..." (is take it to the drop off location for shipping themselves).

Needless to say, she doesn't have a car. Nor any immediate reliable help in the area, as she has recently relocated. She's going to need help with the return label, and it's proper placement on the box. But one way or the other, we will get it all taken care of, and then by the end, hopefully have a well satisfied new musical player in the world.

Although I was going to say, even if it was only for an audience of one... she apparently has plans to bring it home with her on vacations & holidays to play for friends and family. She lives alone. Don't ask me how she accomplishes any of this so independently, but it is something of a miracle to me. And definitely makes me feel like a baby, more often times than not! Ha. . .

 

[Cougar]

Roland FP-30X Digital Piano with Speakers - Black

88-key Digital Piano with SuperNATURAL Modeling, PHA-4 Keyboard with Progressive Hammer Action and Escapement, Onboard FX, Speaker System, and Audio/MIDI via Bluetooth and USB - Black

www.sweetwater.com

As a long-time keyboardist, that Roland looks quite adequate. Hey, it's Sweetwater -- ask for a discount! The Roland has lots of different voices, built-in speakers so you don't need an amp. Touch sensitive, of course (louder when you hit it harder). I doubt the speakers sound as good as the demo, but they're probably OK. It comes with a $30 DP-2 sustain pedal, which is light plastic and not ideal. The $55 model is more like a piano's pedal. Does she need a stand? Sure that's ideal, but she can probably improvise with a table of some sort. A bench is certainly not necessary -- I have a bench for my piano downstairs, but I use a regular desk chair with my synth. That $200 Amazon model only has 6 voices. There are probably a multitude of keyboards between $200 and $700.

 

[matsickma]

A friend of mine bought one of these. He told me the 88 key can be had for less $ than the 76 key. The reason: the keyboard is so big (long) it won't fit in many cars!

 

[midnightright]

As a long-time keyboardist, that Roland looks quite adequate. Hey, it's Sweetwater -- ask for a discount! The Roland has lots of different voices, built-in speakers so you don't need an amp. Touch sensitive, of course (louder when you hit it harder). I doubt the speakers sound as good as the demo, but they're probably OK. It comes with a $30 DP-2 sustain pedal, which is light plastic and not ideal. The $55 model is more like a piano's pedal. Does she need a stand? Sure that's ideal, but she can probably improvise with a table of some sort. A bench is certainly not necessary -- I have a bench for my piano downstairs, but I use a regular desk chair with my synth. That $200 Amazon model only has 6 voices. There are probably a multitude of keyboards between $200 and $700.

Thanks so much @Cougar ! So, she would need an amp with the other one then? I thought that this one sounded pretty good too, but then again, I am not even a novice. So I just don't know how much of an overkill it is for somehow who is just looking to approach it as a hobby, for the most part, and/or in other words: not too seriously, but more for fun, and the pure enjoyment of it, as opposed to being technically proficient and all else. It's also about triple the weight of a link she'd sent me of one she'd think was more than all she'd need. Which was about half the weight of the one listed in the Amazon link/or model. Well, it's going to be a minute before that guitar gets back to the shop, anyway. With mail delay (for label - no printer/no local help). And etc. She may need to have someone assist her from out of town. Soonest a friend can come, end of the week. They've waived their return policy window. Though I don't know if this is what they'd had in mind. Keep in mind the box has never even been opened (on the acoustic).

 

[midnightright]

A friend of mine bought one of these. He told me the 88 key can be had for less $ than the 76 key. The reason: the keyboard is so big (long) it won't fit in many cars!

Yes, the one she was looking at on Amazon had only 76 keys, and was I believe about $250. Thanks @matsickma

 

[Cougar]

So, she would need an amp with the other one then?

Definitely something to check on, whatever you're considering. If it's advertised "with speakers," then it's self-contained.

Long ago, I bought an 88-key digital piano with speakers, balanced hammer keyboard, and 6 different voices. I pretty promptly wished I'd bought a synth.

Also many years ago, my brother (who always had more money than me, lol) bought me a $100 Yamaha PSR-something. For that money, it was pretty amazing. Built-in speakers, dozens upon dozens of voices, built-in drum machine, it even had "accompaniment" that recognized the chords you were playing.

I did a very quick search and came up with this: a Yamaha PSR-EW425. It's got 2 x 4.7", 12W per side speakers, 820 instrument voices, effects, and built-in drum set rhythms. Weight -- 18 lbs. $490. (Looks like you'd have to buy that $55 sustain pedal.) Based on the demos below, it also has accompaniment that tracks the chord you're playing, or else it's an arpeggiator that does that, same as my $3,000 Yamaha Motif XS7.

I don't think 88 keys is a requirement. My Motif is 76 keys. It's also not a balanced hammer keyboard, but rather it has "FSX" key action, which is semi-weighted. First thing I noticed -- this action is fantastic!

Here are a couple of demos of this machine. The first one gives a bit of the capabilities and voices, if you can stand the genre choice of what the guy is playing. The second one? Yeah, that's more my style, lol. That built-in "accompaniment" doesn't sound too bad....

 

[Cougar]

Yamaha PSR-EW425. It's got 2 x 4.7", 12W per side speakers, 820 instrument voices, effects, and built-in drum set rhythms. Weight -- 18 lbs. $490. (Looks like you'd have to buy that $55 sustain pedal.) Based on the demos below, it also has accompaniment that tracks the chord you're playing, or else it's an arpeggiator that does that, same as my $3,000 Yamaha Motif XS7.

Of course, you can play your choice of piano voices with no accompaniment and no drum machine.