Thank you Merriam Music Crew. You guys never cease to put out amazing piano reviews. Between the ambience, the knowledge of the pianos, the piano playing, and the overall pacing and setup of the videos you guys never disappoint. Also, Merry Christmas!
Thank you so much for the incredibly kind words and for supporting our channel! We appreciate it immensely. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you as well! :)
You're very welcome! We're happy to hear you're still enjoying the RD88, but are not surprised as they are exceptional pianos with an amazing cost-to-value ratio! :)
Thank you Stu for another wonderful review, you are such a wonderful player! 2 years ago I replaced my RD300NX with the RD-88 for 3 reasons: 1) 10 lbs lighter 2) 6 inches more narrow 3) Onboard speakers. The only thing I miss from the RD300NX are the sliders (vs knobs) for the three zones. You mentioned the FP90X, I played on one every weekend for over a year in a restaurant, while the action and acoustic piano sound was great, the EPianos, Organs, Vibes weren't even close to my RD300NX let alone the RD-88.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you so much for tuning in! Congrats on your RD88! It is a little powerhouse as you've discovered. Between the PHA4 action, onboard speakers and ridiculously extensive catalogue of sounds, it is a very difficult instrument to compete with. Thanks again and happy playing! :)
One good thing about these privias, that people don't often mention, is the height, 102mm This makes it ideal in a small space, and especially so if you want it on desk/table. Some of these other digital pianos are very tall, making the keybed higher still, so you end up playing like Glenn Gould.
Absolutely! I certainly agree. That is a very good point, especially for players that might be using the piano for production/composition purposes and have it on a desk setup for their home studio. Thanks for tuning in and sharing your thoughts! We appreciate it. :)
Both of these models feature a speaker design popular in digital pianos: no dedicated speaker box inside. The speaker units are mounted directly on the case. This means the sound leaks through the keys, in addition to sound ports. I uploaded a video with an experiment showing just that, plus pictures and diagrams of the Roland FP-30, FP-10, Kawai ES110, Yamaha P-125, and P-45 open, so people can see how they are really inside... quite simple digital pianos inside, all of them... mostly a plastic case with keys and exposed speakers. You can also see how the P-125 speakers are configured inside, and one difference with the RD88 speaker configuration is this: the P-125 has what it looks from the outside as regular speaker grills (well, they are speaker grills) so people would assume there are either speakers mounted there, or the tweeter is using all that space... not at all. The speaker grills are "fake", in the sense they are really large sound ports, and the tweeters are using only a small portion of the area. The RD88 has no such large sound ports facing up, which means less sound to be projected towards the listener.
It is definitely an important consideration and will definitely have an impact on the overall sonic experience, particularly when having the piano positioned in certain ways (e.g. against a wall, on a table, centre of the room, etc.). To that point, the new Casio PXS6000 and PXS7000 have some very exciting built-in EQ settings that compensate for specific piano placements. They are quite effective in optimizing the sonic experience! :)
As always Stu, very insightful review and I seem to like that you stated that the Casio PX-S6000 is really great when it comes to Grands and EPs. I seem to be pushing for the Casio PX-S7000 in the “Harmonious Mustard” (HM) colour option as it looks like no other brand has such a beautiful looking and at the same time, professional standard design.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks so much for tuning in! We're glad you found the video review helpful. The PXS7000 is an awesome piano and I am also a massive fan of the yellow finish. It is very unique and gives the piano a great aesthetic to match its great musical experience. :)
As a former owner of a Rhodes MK2 i can state that Roland nailed It, the whole package seems to be unbeatable at the current price point. I really admire your playing, yet i could sense that RD88 has your prefered action.
I really love the acoustic piano sound on Casio Steinway sample has so much character good response & long sustain compared to the RD88. Ep sounds little better on RD88. I have played PHA4 key action but Casio’s new action look interesting, Was not so happy with the PSX-3100’s action. Roland have the Pitch bend & Modulation plus some other physical controls and a huge sound back. It’s really good option for the studio controller but for acoustic sound I feel Casio wins. Good comparison. Thank You! Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones. ❤
Thank you! We appreciate you taking the time to tune in. There is no doubt that they are both excellent pianos. It will ultimately come down to the preferences and desired functionality of the player in determining what the best fit is. Merry Christmas to you as well! :)
Using my TV & hifi speakers, the Casio Privia Piano sounds much nicer to me than the main patch on the Roland, but whether this is a good stage patch, we don't know. Sometimes the prettiest patches are so processed that they only sound good in limited settings, such as your home, and the effects become a muddle on stage. Arguably, this is the hidden difference between a stage piano and a portable piano - I mean apart from the differences you can easily see. Also, I much prefer the Roland for the electric piano patches. As Stu said, the 6000 isn't necessarily meant to be a stage piano. I'm guessing that Stu will pick the RD-88, because he's more comfortable with its action, and because it's made more for gigging, but maybe he wants to surprise us. And different gigs have different requirements. Having just got back from a Christmas gig, open air (yes it's still quite warm here) I am still wondering why my portable piano sounded fantastic at first, but sounded tinny later. Maybe because there were more people later, or my ears got tired? Anyway. Happy Christmas everyone!
As always, thanks for tuning in and sharing your insights! :) It is a great point that gigging players should certainly consider. Sometimes, a piano patch that sounds incredible for solo playing at home may not be the most appropriate tone for live applications, particularly when playing with an ensemble. It is all a matter of experimentation of course (which is part of the fun!). :) Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! I hope the gig went well! :)
@@MerriamPianos you're welcome. And thank you. Yes, my pre Christmas day outdoor gigs went well, and the functionality on my digital piano (similar spec to the ES920) was very helpful for those gigs. I managed with a modest 10" powered fold-back speaker (well under 100W) plus the 2x15W in-built speakers. This is bare bones amplification for me, but I've played the same gig in previous years. Today I'm treated to a grand piano in a lovely local setting. It's always the gig of the year for me. I'm very keen to hear how Stu manages with the built-in monitors on which ever piano he picks. I guess that the size of the venue/band/audience will greatly influence the outcome.
It’s hard to get past your brilliant playing but the Roland sounds a lot more accomplished as a “piano”. Whereas the Casio sounds electronic albeit a sweet sound .
Thanks for taking the time to tune in! They're both wonderful instruments with fantastic piano sounds, but, at the end of the day, everyone will have their own personal preference. :)
I'm just revisiting this video and want to mention that the positioning of the Casio 6000 speakers might mean that on a stage gig (with other musicians) the speakers create more problems than they solve. Accordingly, I think Stu was spot on in suggesting that this piano is more for playing at home and for light gigging.
That is certainly a consideration if using the onboard speakers for gigging situations. However, for most performing environments with an ensemble, running the PXS6000 through a PA system and having the speakers bypassed would solve any potential issues. Having designated monitors, whether they are speaker wedges or in-ears, will give more flexibility anyways. Thanks for writing in! :)
@@MerriamPianos Yes, when we are able to use onboard speakers for monitoring at a gig, this is a bonus. There will be times when we just have to switch them off and monitor another way.
Which one did you use I wonder ? It's been a while so I understand if you don't remember...lol Thank you so much for your reviews !!!!! I'm looking for a stage, and home piano, but also something to bring to the recording studio to make up sounds for parts, so I'm going through your videos to see what is best. I'm leaning towards Roland because I play drums and guitar and have Roland edrums and boss/Roland pedals and you just can't go wrong with them. I love sitting at a grand piano, so I'd love that feel, and you seem to like the Roland key feel, so I'll have to venture to a music store and see what I like. I think I'll go with feel first, because you can hook up to a computer and pretty much get any sounds, so maybe I'll decide that way. Very helpful, and excellent playing. That's the most enjoyable parts of these videos !!! Thank you very much !!!! Subscribing !!! 😁👍
Thanks for the subscription! We appreciate you tuning in and writing in. These are both wonderful pianos of course. They simply offer different musical flavours and playing experience. The Casio PXS6000 is a bit more portable and has a lighter action for player's that prefer a light touch. The PXS6000 also has wonderful piano samples that sound quite authentic. Overall, the tonal profile is brighter than the Roland RD88's. For me, the RD88 has a heavier, more authentic touch. If you are going to be using the piano in conjunction with VST plugins, the RD88 doubles as an excellent MIDI controller thanks to its authentic-feeling action. It is never a bad idea to test out and compare the pianos at a showroom whenever possible though. That is always the best way to determine which one you resonate with. Thanks again and all the best! :)
Hi there! I don't believe Stu has had an opportunity to take the PXS7000 out to a gig yet, but I know it is on his agenda as he was quite impressed with what it offered in such a portable package. :)
The RD88 is a little older at this point and the PXS6000 is a brand new model, so that might be a factor as well. Thanks for tuning in and happy playing! :)
I bought a Roland RD-88 in november this year after seeing the review by Stu. I've listened to Stu's playing the Casio PX-S6000 and the Roland RD-88 several times with different devices. My conclusion is that the Casio sounds more like the Roland RD-88 mellow grand piano. The sound is great but I do not prefer the one over the other. Since the price of the Roland is significantly lower than the Casio in the Netherlands at least, has 3799 sounds on board (including even sound effects like birds, raining, helicopter etc.), has sounds which are easy to modify and mixed in three layers, has 100 memory places for your favorite sounds, has a great PHA-4 hammer action keyboard, etc. the choice for Roland is easily made. I'm very happy with my choice although I have to admit the Casio does look more fancy and also sounds great. Stu thanks for the great playing. It's always a joy to listen to your music.
Thanks for tuning in and congrats on your Roland RD88! It is a powerhouse machine with a lot packed into a highly-portable enclosure. :) The Casio PXS6000 is an excellent option as well. There are definitely some similarities between the two as you pointed out, but it offers something a little different in terms of its musical flavour than the Roland RD88. At the end of the day, it comes down to the preferences of the specific player. Thanks again and happy playing! :)
Thank you for the great review. What are you thoughts on the RD88 vs PX-s3100? The 6000 is a little out of our range, but the RD88 is available at just $200 over the cost of the PX-s3100 here in Tokyo for New Year's sales. Our use case is having a piano that can double as a simple midi controller when playing piano or wanting a wider range than the Arturia 61 key we have, and to be a stand alone to study piano, practice and jam song ideas without a computer involved. We also perform live and would use string, pad sounds in addition to piano. The one thing keeping us from making a purchase is the sound. Both sound great to us. The Casio sounds wonderful, but a bit processed. The Roland slightly less realistic, but still great. I've been able to play the Casio and try the Roland keys, but sadly could not spend time with the sounds on the RD-88. What is your thought on sound between these two models?
You're very welcome! Thanks so much for tuning in and writing in with your question! We appreciate it. :) In terms of the choice between the Roland RD88 and Casio PXS3100, it ultimately comes down to the preferences of the player. They have very different piano sounds and tonal colours. With that said, given that you are going to be using the instrument as a MIDI controller as well, I would be less concerned with the built-in tones and more concerned with the action. You will have access to a plethora of different piano sounds via VST piano plug-ins. To that point, my recommendation would be to focus in on the action that you prefer. The RD88 is going to have a slightly heavier action that also features escapement. The PXS3100 is going to be a lighter action that does not feature escapement. My recommendation would be to spend time on each model and focus in on which touch you prefer. For me personally, I would give a slight edge to the RD88 in terms of the authenticity of the touch. However, I would give an edge to the PXS3100 in terms of portability and aesthetics. In either case, you will be getting a wonderful piano that will check off all the boxes on your list! :)
Well, the obvious solution is to buy both. 😎 I do not believe there is real parity between pricing on these instruments. The RD88 is priced considerably lower than the Casio. Of course, I'm talking to a store, so I could be wrong. If I were setting up a small studio in a room somewhere, I would choose the rd88. If the piano was going into my living room, and it is, the Casio is the obvious choice. For those of us lacking either the money or the space for an elegant piano, the Privia gloss piano black design language is a very smart marketing approach. I'm actually surprised that no other manufacturer has followed it. I personally believe the s6000 is overpriced, likely set to appeal more to interior decorators than to serious musicians, but the easier to digest s5000 lacks too many features. A five-pin legacy MIDI I/O could not possibly have cost them much more, and would have greatly enhanced the s6000/7000's usefulness.
Hi there! I certainly agree with your sentiment that the best solution is to have all of the digital pianos! :) These are both fantastic models that offer a different flavour in terms of features, aesthetics, and musical experience. In terms of the pricing, there is a lot of disparity when it comes to certain manufacturers' prices in different markets. Here in Canada, the gap between the RD88 and PXS6000 is $400. In terms of the MIDI I/O, this seems to becoming less common with new models, particularly with models that have Bluetooth MIDI capabilities. With that said, depending on the context in which a player will be using the instrument, traditional 5-pin MIDI connectors can be quite handy. Thanks for tuning in! :)
I would be inclined to choose the lightest weight one, as they both sound good. On the other hand the one that's easiest to recall patches and set-ups might be my choice.
From that perspective, I would probably say that the Casio PXS6000 has a slight edge. It is very portable and has a lot of very handy assignable features that make recalling patches and settings quite convenient. In either case, even the most discerning of players would be satisfied with what these killer stage pianos offer. :)
Nice, what would also be great would be a RD-2000 vs RD88 vs Fantom 08... At least until they upgrade the RD-2000... 👍(This from someone who is just starting and just want a keyboard that can play from classical piano to Vangelis, and also passing by kraftwerk and everything in between)🤓
Thanks! You can certainly expect some more review and comparison videos featuring these models, particularly the Roland Fantom-08, which I know firsthand that Stu is quite excited about! :)
Nice review, this RD88 certainly got my attention. Did you find any sound levels discreppancy between the various instruments? I saw that in some 2 years old reviews, don't know if it is a thing or not. (But it can already be fixed or maybe as someone suggested in a forum we could change the level settings of the instruments and save them into a scene, i don't know if this is possible.) Thanks for the good work you have been doing.
You're very welcome! Thank you so much for taking the time to tune in! In my experiences, the sound levels between various patches are pretty well balanced. With that said, there is always some adjustment to do with any digital piano as the perceived volume of a sound will change based on a variety of factors include the particular attack envelope or frequency make-up of the sound. In other words, a string pad with a very soft attack may need to be turned up a lot louder than a brightly voiced piano, which will have a very sharp attack in, in order to cut through a mix/arrangement. Thanks and hope this helps! :)
I agree, and thank you for bringing that point up. I have been considering the Casio Privia s6000 for months now because it sounds so good, and is very portable and can be played by battery, plus I love the controls more than any other portable piano. Unfortunately it's just so damn pricey compared with any of the competition in its class that I can't afford. I had the Roland FP 60X for a few weeks and I loved it but had to return it due to a mechanical issue. Due to weight, footprint size and fear of getting another defective unit, I switched over to the new Kawai ES120 and it's ok but I really miss the key texture and the PHA4 action of the Roland. I hadn't even considered the RD88 as an option as I don't plan on performing or going on any solo gigs for many years if ever. But since it offers similar features as the Casio Privia s6000, and at $500 less like you have said, I am considering it even though I would jump on the Casio in a heartbeat if it shed $300 and went down to a more reasonable $1,500 which is what the Yamaha P515 currently goes for.
The current sale pricing on the Roland RD88 is quite attractive to say the least! It makes it a very compelling option for someone seeking an excellent stage piano at its price point. :)
Casio is shockingly amazing, especially (wonderful) first play. But after Roland piece, second Casio notes 8:50 look as if they were triggered, not played, compared to Roland. Who knows, maybe my next tool after FP-30x will be a beautiful Casio 8k or something :)
The new Casio PXS6000 and PXS7000 models are exceptional! They have a great tone, touch, and attractive streamlined design. They are definitely worth consideration! :)
I will be sure to pass on the compliment to Stu for you! :) While the Smart Hybrid Hammer Action of the PXS6000 is a dual sensor, it is a sophisticated dual sensor system that does a fantastic job of capturing and rendering the expressive nuances and dynamics of the player. Plus, the portability factor the PXS6000 makes it an excellent choice for gigging players. Thanks and hope this helps!
Wow, just wow. I'd unironically pay a few bucks for getting the transcription to sheet music for the little jam bit from 13:19 to 13:50 What a talent, Stu. Awesome video.
So what did you choose for the next gigging? Me personally the casio sounds thinner on the piano side vs more wide / mellow / warm piano sound on the Roland . the casio is Thinner and brighter to me personally as a Kawai Fanboy I liked the Roland piano better (I have pxs3000 & Kawai ES8) And I'm thinking of replacing the pxs3000 with the fp30x or the rd88. Just for the audio interface so I can play my N.I pianos on it. With the internal speakers on Giggs and the internal pianos on the Roland do remind me a little bit the Bechstein old. Grand piano like the "maverick" or the bechstein sample on the pxs7000. Which is better to my taste then the thin Humburg D on the pxs6000 and the other Casio PX s line.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Most recently, Stu used a Roland FP60X at a gig. With that said, he also acquired a new Roland Fantom-08 for himself, which is quite the Swiss Army Knife powerhouse! The Roland and Casio stage pianos are all excellent options. It ultimately comes down with the touch, tone, and feature selection that aligns with your specific needs and tastes. Thanks for tuning in and all the best! :)
I have to say that it brightens my day and makes me smile every time you say something positive for Roland, because your HP704 review is so hilarious and memorable! More blessings always.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! While Stu is not offering lessons at this time, he periodically does shoot lesson tutorials for our UA-cam channel. I will pass along your kind words and, hopefully, you will see more lessons from Stu popping up on the channel. :)
Merriam Music Crew, I'm loving your videos and finding them immensely helpful. I'm writing today because I have scoured the internet for answers to my questions but cannot find them on my own. I'm hoping you can help me here. I recently bought a like-new Yamaha CLP 230 (Clavinova). It's old (18 years?), but it has been great for simply practicing and playing. However, my needs shifted recently into wanting to record MIDI files and running them through the VST of Ravenscroft. I noticed, however, that the quality simply is not there. Every Ravenscroft video I see/hear, it sounds great. But when I try to run my own MIDI file through the VST, exported from my CLP 230, it just doesn't sound right. My question to you is: are older digital pianos exporting lower quality MIDI files? In order to get a better exported MIDI file, should I upgrade to a newer piano? I hope this makes sense and would greatly appreciate any advice you can give me. Best wishes,
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in and supporting our channel! We really appreciate it. :) It is difficult to fully answer your question without hearing a sample of the quality issues you are describing. My first question would be: have you tried running MIDI files other than those recorded through your CLP230 in order to isolate the issue to the MIDI files being generated from the CLP230 specifically. The reason I ask is that, sometimes, VST plug-ins can sound quite peculiar when your system is struggling to run the program itself. However, with that said, there could be an issue with the way the musical details (namely velocity) are being tracked on your CLP230. Older systems have less sophisticated actions and sensor systems, which can lead to an unflattering and poor representation of the nuances of your performance. This could be the issue that you're experiencing. In this case, a newer digital piano with a higher quality action and sensor system would certainly offer an improvement. Thanks and hope this helps! :)
Thanks for the comparison. Did you modify any of the presets to the Privia Grand like the DSP etc.? I recently bought a 6000 and while I love the features and probability I'm finding the default tone settings for piano kind of weak. Truth is the organ and ePianos seem to be its strengths.
You're very welcome! Thank you for taking the time to tune in! Stu typically uses all of the default settings to showcase each pianos' built-in sounds unless otherwise stated in the video. Thanks again and hope this helps! :)
Thanks for tuning in! I will be sure to pass on your kind words to Stu! I would have to ask Stu as to what the piece is or if the improv is based off of something. :)
@@MerriamPianos Even though it looks like it is wonderful piece of improv, I managed to make a transcription of it. I can provide a link if someone is interested. Provided that Stu agrees of course...
Hi there! The sounds you're hearing in the video are either direct line outs from the pianos or a pair of condenser microphones capturing the onboard speaker sound. :)
I have watched your videos about the Roland RD88 but one thing no one touches on is can you see the buttons on a dark stage? I have owned a couple of digital pianos and they have built in music stands that I mounted led strip lights under to see the buttons. Any comments?
The LCD display screen and Phase Pad buttons do illuminate, which allows you to see them even on a dark stage. With that said, some of the other buttons and controls are a little tougher to navigate, although there is some illuminations from the screen that helps a bit. Thanks for tuning in and all the best! :)
Just out of curiosity I was wondering how the key action of the Casio PX-S6000 compares to the new improved key action on the Kawai ES120? How are they similar and how do they differ in feel? As Stu is more accustomed to using a Roland and prefers the PHA4 action, as I do, does he like the key action of the Kawai or the Casio more? I especially wish to know which of the two are closer in feel to the PHA4 action of the Roland. Thanks.
This may very well be a comparison that we cover in the future. With that said, for the time being, I cannot speak on behalf of Stu as I am not sure what his thoughts are between these two actions. From my perspective, I would say that the ES120's improved RHC and PXS6000's Smart Hybrid Hammer Action are more alike in terms of feel and function than the Roland PHA4 or PHA50. They are both significantly lighter and do not feature escapement. For me personally, it is quite a toss up between the two. I would say that the PXS6000's action is a tad quieter, but the ES120 has a bit more solidity to me personally. Thanks and hope this helps a bit! :)
@@MerriamPianos Hi, thank you for your honest reply. I already knew that the Roland with it's PHA4 action is in a class by itself and that Stu has mentioned in a number of videos here when discussing Roland's PHA4 key action that he prefers it and the escapement feature it has. I agree and also prefer it over the key actions from Yamaha, Kawai, and Casio. That said I was specifically asking for which of the two pianos, the Casio PX-S6000 or the Kawai ES120 were closest in feel to the unique Roland PHA4 action. I have the Kawai right now so I know how that action is but I don't have any stores within 100 miles that have a Casio Privia S5000, 6000, or 7000 to try before I buy. After playing with the Kawai for a few days now, I really miss the Roland key action.
This IS difficult to me...one its a piano I want for Both home use and performing. I like Roland sound It has more body but..its so Roland.By that I mean the grands give you that late 70s early 80s pop funk grand sound..wich IS cool but I dont like It for a solo jazz standard.I wanted to step out of Casio and try another brand but every other brand sounds very specific.Yamaha,kawai,korg..I dont like theur tones.So I think Im gonna finally stick to Casio cause the piano sounds neutral to me and with some EQ I can make it sound how I want.Im afraid of getting a roland piano and not be able to remove that roland feel.I had to send back a Yamaha keyboard once for that reason
It all comes down to personal preference of course. Roland, Yamaha, and Casio all offer very different feels/sounds, which different players will resonate with of course. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to find an instrument that you connect with musically. :)
@@MerriamPianos yes.unfortunately in Spain stories dont have keyboards available to play(yes weird I know) so its always look at reviews Hope you are Lucky and if not send It back
For some reason, the max polyphony for the RD88 is not in Roland's literature for the piano. With that said, I am quite certain the RD88 has 256 note polyphony. :)
The Casio sounds like a Hamburg Steinway... the Roland sounds like a mid-priced Yamaha piano, not great. Quality over quantity. The key length on the Casio looks awfully short for a good pivot. I would pick the Kawai ES120 for any gig.
I can understand the comparison. It is a powerhouse of an instrument, but the core piano sound is not necessarily the primary focus of the instrument unlike the FP series by Roland.
There are no doubts about Roland making wonderful stage pianos. However, I would not count out the more recent Casio offerings. Instruments like the PXS6000 and PXS7000 in particular are quite impressive. Plus, they are some of the most portable and lightweight stage pianos on the market. :)
You forgot just one important point - no self respecting semi or pro musician would drag a Casio onto a rock venue stage (anymore than a serious guitarist would be seen dead with a Kay guitar) for fear of being laughed off it.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! I have to politely disagree with that assertion. I have seen my fair share of professional touring guitarists in the indie and alternative rock world using Kay guitars on stage. Also, Casio's latest digital piano and stage piano offerings are fantastic and would make wonderful (and convenient, given their portability) gigging musicians! At the end of the day though, it all comes down to the tastes and preferences of the individual. Thanks so much for tuning in! :)
Thanks for tuning in! At the end of the day, it will always come down to a matter of preference. These are both wonderful instruments that will resonate with different players based on a number of factors. All the best and happy playing! :)
@@Zoco101 I just said that from what I heard on the computer , I do have the Roland Rd2000 and think the action and the sound is better than that on the Casio also. I had the Casio S3000 I think it was called , nice sound but the action being heavy in the back of the key just ruined the experience.
Thank you Merriam Music Crew. You guys never cease to put out amazing piano reviews. Between the ambience, the knowledge of the pianos, the piano playing, and the overall pacing and setup of the videos you guys never disappoint. Also, Merry Christmas!
Thank you so much for the incredibly kind words and for supporting our channel! We appreciate it immensely. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you as well! :)
I bought my RD 88 two years ago based on your review and I'm still loving it! thanks for that!
You're very welcome! We're happy to hear you're still enjoying the RD88, but are not surprised as they are exceptional pianos with an amazing cost-to-value ratio! :)
Thank you Stu for another wonderful review, you are such a wonderful player! 2 years ago I replaced my RD300NX with the RD-88 for 3 reasons: 1) 10 lbs lighter 2) 6 inches more narrow 3) Onboard speakers. The only thing I miss from the RD300NX are the sliders (vs knobs) for the three zones. You mentioned the FP90X, I played on one every weekend for over a year in a restaurant, while the action and acoustic piano sound was great, the EPianos, Organs, Vibes weren't even close to my RD300NX let alone the RD-88.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you so much for tuning in! Congrats on your RD88! It is a little powerhouse as you've discovered. Between the PHA4 action, onboard speakers and ridiculously extensive catalogue of sounds, it is a very difficult instrument to compete with. Thanks again and happy playing! :)
One good thing about these privias, that people don't often mention, is the height, 102mm
This makes it ideal in a small space, and especially so if you want it on desk/table. Some of these other digital pianos are very tall, making the keybed higher still, so you end up playing like Glenn Gould.
Absolutely! I certainly agree. That is a very good point, especially for players that might be using the piano for production/composition purposes and have it on a desk setup for their home studio. Thanks for tuning in and sharing your thoughts! We appreciate it. :)
Well, I wouldn’t mind being able to play like Gould.
Both of these models feature a speaker design popular in digital pianos: no dedicated speaker box inside. The speaker units are mounted directly on the case. This means the sound leaks through the keys, in addition to sound ports. I uploaded a video with an experiment showing just that, plus pictures and diagrams of the Roland FP-30, FP-10, Kawai ES110, Yamaha P-125, and P-45 open, so people can see how they are really inside... quite simple digital pianos inside, all of them... mostly a plastic case with keys and exposed speakers. You can also see how the P-125 speakers are configured inside, and one difference with the RD88 speaker configuration is this: the P-125 has what it looks from the outside as regular speaker grills (well, they are speaker grills) so people would assume there are either speakers mounted there, or the tweeter is using all that space... not at all. The speaker grills are "fake", in the sense they are really large sound ports, and the tweeters are using only a small portion of the area. The RD88 has no such large sound ports facing up, which means less sound to be projected towards the listener.
It is definitely an important consideration and will definitely have an impact on the overall sonic experience, particularly when having the piano positioned in certain ways (e.g. against a wall, on a table, centre of the room, etc.). To that point, the new Casio PXS6000 and PXS7000 have some very exciting built-in EQ settings that compensate for specific piano placements. They are quite effective in optimizing the sonic experience! :)
8:50 Casio came through ...beautiful Hamburg sound
Absolutely! It really is an impressive offering from Casio! :)
You're the best of these type of comparisons.
Stu certainly does a fantastic job! Thanks so much for tuning in! We appreciate it. :)
You referred to footprints and then quoted it musically. Wayne Shorter.
What a killer pianist.
Absolutely! Thanks for tuning in and good ears! :)
As always Stu, very insightful review and I seem to like that you stated that the Casio PX-S6000 is really great when it comes to Grands and EPs. I seem to be pushing for the Casio PX-S7000 in the “Harmonious Mustard” (HM) colour option as it looks like no other brand has such a beautiful looking and at the same time, professional standard design.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks so much for tuning in! We're glad you found the video review helpful. The PXS7000 is an awesome piano and I am also a massive fan of the yellow finish. It is very unique and gives the piano a great aesthetic to match its great musical experience. :)
As a former owner of a Rhodes MK2 i can state that Roland nailed It, the whole package seems to be unbeatable at the current price point.
I really admire your playing, yet i could sense that RD88 has your prefered action.
Roland makes fantastic digital pianos with exceptional actions! The RD88 is definitely no exception! Thanks for tuning in! :)
Stu’s hair is on point today. 👍
He's always keeping things fresh! ;)
Very helpful comparison, along with some great playing.
Thanks for taking the time to watch the video! We're glad to hear that you found the comparison helpful. :)
I really love the acoustic piano sound on Casio Steinway sample has so much character good response & long sustain compared to the RD88. Ep sounds little better on RD88. I have played PHA4 key action but Casio’s new action look interesting, Was not so happy with the PSX-3100’s action. Roland have the Pitch bend & Modulation plus some other physical controls and a huge sound back. It’s really good option for the studio controller but for acoustic sound I feel Casio wins. Good comparison. Thank You! Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones. ❤
Thank you! We appreciate you taking the time to tune in. There is no doubt that they are both excellent pianos. It will ultimately come down to the preferences and desired functionality of the player in determining what the best fit is. Merry Christmas to you as well! :)
Thanks - have a good Christmas & best wishes for 2023!
Thank you kindly! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too! :)
@@MerriamPianos Thank you!
Spilled a drink?! You're taking it extremely cool. I'd be outraged arrrrgghh!
You can't sweat the little things as they say! ;)
The Mark 1 at 13:12 IS gorgeous, the same as Jarreau's album "Jarreau" or Larry Carlton's "sleepwalk" absolutely beautiful
Absolutely! I totally agree! Thanks so much for tuning in! :)
Hmm, not sure about the sound on the songs you mentioned, I guess they used a Dyno Rhodes on those recordings. The RD88 sounds pretty good though.
Using my TV & hifi speakers, the Casio Privia Piano sounds much nicer to me than the main patch on the Roland, but whether this is a good stage patch, we don't know. Sometimes the prettiest patches are so processed that they only sound good in limited settings, such as your home, and the effects become a muddle on stage. Arguably, this is the hidden difference between a stage piano and a portable piano - I mean apart from the differences you can easily see. Also, I much prefer the Roland for the electric piano patches.
As Stu said, the 6000 isn't necessarily meant to be a stage piano. I'm guessing that Stu will pick the RD-88, because he's more comfortable with its action, and because it's made more for gigging, but maybe he wants to surprise us. And different gigs have different requirements.
Having just got back from a Christmas gig, open air (yes it's still quite warm here) I am still wondering why my portable piano sounded fantastic at first, but sounded tinny later. Maybe because there were more people later, or my ears got tired?
Anyway. Happy Christmas everyone!
As always, thanks for tuning in and sharing your insights! :)
It is a great point that gigging players should certainly consider. Sometimes, a piano patch that sounds incredible for solo playing at home may not be the most appropriate tone for live applications, particularly when playing with an ensemble. It is all a matter of experimentation of course (which is part of the fun!). :)
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! I hope the gig went well! :)
@@MerriamPianos you're welcome. And thank you. Yes, my pre Christmas day outdoor gigs went well, and the functionality on my digital piano (similar spec to the ES920) was very helpful for those gigs. I managed with a modest 10" powered fold-back speaker (well under 100W) plus the 2x15W in-built speakers. This is bare bones amplification for me, but I've played the same gig in previous years.
Today I'm treated to a grand piano in a lovely local setting. It's always the gig of the year for me.
I'm very keen to hear how Stu manages with the built-in monitors on which ever piano he picks. I guess that the size of the venue/band/audience will greatly influence the outcome.
Nicely done. Happy Gigging and Merry Christmas 🎄
Thank you kindly! Merry Christmas to you too! :)
It’s hard to get past your brilliant playing but the Roland sounds a lot more accomplished as a “piano”. Whereas the Casio sounds electronic albeit a sweet sound .
Thanks for taking the time to tune in! They're both wonderful instruments with fantastic piano sounds, but, at the end of the day, everyone will have their own personal preference. :)
Merry Christmas❤❤❤🎄🎄🎄🎹🎶
Merry Christmas to you as well! :)
I'm just revisiting this video and want to mention that the positioning of the Casio 6000 speakers might mean that on a stage gig (with other musicians) the speakers create more problems than they solve. Accordingly, I think Stu was spot on in suggesting that this piano is more for playing at home and for light gigging.
That is certainly a consideration if using the onboard speakers for gigging situations. However, for most performing environments with an ensemble, running the PXS6000 through a PA system and having the speakers bypassed would solve any potential issues. Having designated monitors, whether they are speaker wedges or in-ears, will give more flexibility anyways. Thanks for writing in! :)
@@MerriamPianos Yes, when we are able to use onboard speakers for monitoring at a gig, this is a bonus. There will be times when we just have to switch them off and monitor another way.
Which one did you use I wonder ?
It's been a while so I understand if you don't remember...lol
Thank you so much for your reviews !!!!!
I'm looking for a stage, and home piano, but also something to bring to the recording studio to make up sounds for parts, so I'm going through your videos to see what is best.
I'm leaning towards Roland because I play drums and guitar and have Roland edrums and boss/Roland pedals and you just can't go wrong with them.
I love sitting at a grand piano, so I'd love that feel, and you seem to like the Roland key feel, so I'll have to venture to a music store and see what I like.
I think I'll go with feel first, because you can hook up to a computer and pretty much get any sounds, so maybe I'll decide that way.
Very helpful, and excellent playing.
That's the most enjoyable parts of these videos !!!
Thank you very much !!!!
Subscribing !!!
😁👍
Thanks for the subscription! We appreciate you tuning in and writing in. These are both wonderful pianos of course. They simply offer different musical flavours and playing experience. The Casio PXS6000 is a bit more portable and has a lighter action for player's that prefer a light touch. The PXS6000 also has wonderful piano samples that sound quite authentic. Overall, the tonal profile is brighter than the Roland RD88's. For me, the RD88 has a heavier, more authentic touch. If you are going to be using the piano in conjunction with VST plugins, the RD88 doubles as an excellent MIDI controller thanks to its authentic-feeling action. It is never a bad idea to test out and compare the pianos at a showroom whenever possible though. That is always the best way to determine which one you resonate with. Thanks again and all the best! :)
Are you going to do a review of the Rd 88 ex?
Yup! That is in the plans. Stay tuned. :)
Another great review Stu!
Thanks so much! We appreciate you tuning in! :)
Just started watching this. Stu also mentioned he would try to gig the pxs7000 but either never did or never got back to us on it..
Hi there! I don't believe Stu has had an opportunity to take the PXS7000 out to a gig yet, but I know it is on his agenda as he was quite impressed with what it offered in such a portable package. :)
Interesting that my local retailer is now selling the RD-88 at $1,199 until year-end, compared to $1,799 for the lesser-featured Casio.
The RD88 is a little older at this point and the PXS6000 is a brand new model, so that might be a factor as well. Thanks for tuning in and happy playing! :)
@@MerriamPianos yes I was wondering if the $350 reduction in price signals that a newer model is about to be released.
@@lbamusic Let's hope so.
@@MerriamPianos one more ques., Does the RD88 have the sounds from their MKS-20 module from the 1980s??
I bought a Roland RD-88 in november this year after seeing the review by Stu. I've listened to Stu's playing the Casio PX-S6000 and the Roland RD-88 several times with different devices. My conclusion is that the Casio sounds more like the Roland RD-88 mellow grand piano. The sound is great but I do not prefer the one over the other. Since the price of the Roland is significantly lower than the Casio in the Netherlands at least, has 3799 sounds on board (including even sound effects like birds, raining, helicopter etc.), has sounds which are easy to modify and mixed in three layers, has 100 memory places for your favorite sounds, has a great PHA-4 hammer action keyboard, etc. the choice for Roland is easily made. I'm very happy with my choice although I have to admit the Casio does look more fancy and also sounds great. Stu thanks for the great playing. It's always a joy to listen to your music.
Thanks for tuning in and congrats on your Roland RD88! It is a powerhouse machine with a lot packed into a highly-portable enclosure. :)
The Casio PXS6000 is an excellent option as well. There are definitely some similarities between the two as you pointed out, but it offers something a little different in terms of its musical flavour than the Roland RD88. At the end of the day, it comes down to the preferences of the specific player. Thanks again and happy playing! :)
Thank you for the great review. What are you thoughts on the RD88 vs PX-s3100? The 6000 is a little out of our range, but the RD88 is available at just $200 over the cost of the PX-s3100 here in Tokyo for New Year's sales. Our use case is having a piano that can double as a simple midi controller when playing piano or wanting a wider range than the Arturia 61 key we have, and to be a stand alone to study piano, practice and jam song ideas without a computer involved. We also perform live and would use string, pad sounds in addition to piano. The one thing keeping us from making a purchase is the sound. Both sound great to us. The Casio sounds wonderful, but a bit processed. The Roland slightly less realistic, but still great. I've been able to play the Casio and try the Roland keys, but sadly could not spend time with the sounds on the RD-88. What is your thought on sound between these two models?
You're very welcome! Thanks so much for tuning in and writing in with your question! We appreciate it. :)
In terms of the choice between the Roland RD88 and Casio PXS3100, it ultimately comes down to the preferences of the player. They have very different piano sounds and tonal colours. With that said, given that you are going to be using the instrument as a MIDI controller as well, I would be less concerned with the built-in tones and more concerned with the action. You will have access to a plethora of different piano sounds via VST piano plug-ins. To that point, my recommendation would be to focus in on the action that you prefer. The RD88 is going to have a slightly heavier action that also features escapement. The PXS3100 is going to be a lighter action that does not feature escapement. My recommendation would be to spend time on each model and focus in on which touch you prefer.
For me personally, I would give a slight edge to the RD88 in terms of the authenticity of the touch. However, I would give an edge to the PXS3100 in terms of portability and aesthetics. In either case, you will be getting a wonderful piano that will check off all the boxes on your list! :)
Roland has triple sensor better for midi than casio's double sensor.
Well, the obvious solution is to buy both. 😎
I do not believe there is real parity between pricing on these instruments. The RD88 is priced considerably lower than the Casio. Of course, I'm talking to a store, so I could be wrong.
If I were setting up a small studio in a room somewhere, I would choose the rd88. If the piano was going into my living room, and it is, the Casio is the obvious choice. For those of us lacking either the money or the space for an elegant piano, the Privia gloss piano black design language is a very smart marketing approach. I'm actually surprised that no other manufacturer has followed it.
I personally believe the s6000 is overpriced, likely set to appeal more to interior decorators than to serious musicians, but the easier to digest s5000 lacks too many features.
A five-pin legacy MIDI I/O could not possibly have cost them much more, and would have greatly enhanced the s6000/7000's usefulness.
Hi there! I certainly agree with your sentiment that the best solution is to have all of the digital pianos! :)
These are both fantastic models that offer a different flavour in terms of features, aesthetics, and musical experience. In terms of the pricing, there is a lot of disparity when it comes to certain manufacturers' prices in different markets. Here in Canada, the gap between the RD88 and PXS6000 is $400.
In terms of the MIDI I/O, this seems to becoming less common with new models, particularly with models that have Bluetooth MIDI capabilities. With that said, depending on the context in which a player will be using the instrument, traditional 5-pin MIDI connectors can be quite handy.
Thanks for tuning in! :)
I would be inclined to choose the lightest weight one, as they both sound good. On the other hand the one that's easiest to recall patches and set-ups might be my choice.
From that perspective, I would probably say that the Casio PXS6000 has a slight edge. It is very portable and has a lot of very handy assignable features that make recalling patches and settings quite convenient. In either case, even the most discerning of players would be satisfied with what these killer stage pianos offer. :)
The best thing about the Casio is that its case fits my Roland RD-88 perfectly. Roland should take notes, Casio knows how to make a serious gig case.
Casio definitely seems to be really on the ball when it comes to making "giggable" products. With that said, the RD88 is one heckuva stage piano! :)
@@MerriamPianosI am not a native speaker, but I guess that was a good joke about (only) what Casio is better than Roland at ж)
Nice, what would also be great would be a RD-2000 vs RD88 vs Fantom 08... At least until they upgrade the RD-2000... 👍(This from someone who is just starting and just want a keyboard that can play from classical piano to Vangelis, and also passing by kraftwerk and everything in between)🤓
Thanks! You can certainly expect some more review and comparison videos featuring these models, particularly the Roland Fantom-08, which I know firsthand that Stu is quite excited about! :)
Nice review, this RD88 certainly got my attention. Did you find any sound levels discreppancy between the various instruments? I saw that in some 2 years old reviews, don't know if it is a thing or not. (But it can already be fixed or maybe as someone suggested in a forum we could change the level settings of the instruments and save them into a scene, i don't know if this is possible.) Thanks for the good work you have been doing.
You're very welcome! Thank you so much for taking the time to tune in! In my experiences, the sound levels between various patches are pretty well balanced. With that said, there is always some adjustment to do with any digital piano as the perceived volume of a sound will change based on a variety of factors include the particular attack envelope or frequency make-up of the sound. In other words, a string pad with a very soft attack may need to be turned up a lot louder than a brightly voiced piano, which will have a very sharp attack in, in order to cut through a mix/arrangement. Thanks and hope this helps! :)
Let's not forget with the Roland price reduction, which does not happen often, it is now $500 less than the comparable Casio.
I agree, and thank you for bringing that point up. I have been considering the Casio Privia s6000 for months now because it sounds so good, and is very portable and can be played by battery, plus I love the controls more than any other portable piano. Unfortunately it's just so damn pricey compared with any of the competition in its class that I can't afford. I had the Roland FP 60X for a few weeks and I loved it but had to return it due to a mechanical issue. Due to weight, footprint size and fear of getting another defective unit, I switched over to the new Kawai ES120 and it's ok but I really miss the key texture and the PHA4 action of the Roland. I hadn't even considered the RD88 as an option as I don't plan on performing or going on any solo gigs for many years if ever. But since it offers similar features as the Casio Privia s6000, and at $500 less like you have said, I am considering it even though I would jump on the Casio in a heartbeat if it shed $300 and went down to a more reasonable $1,500 which is what the Yamaha P515 currently goes for.
The current sale pricing on the Roland RD88 is quite attractive to say the least! It makes it a very compelling option for someone seeking an excellent stage piano at its price point. :)
Casio is shockingly amazing, especially (wonderful) first play. But after Roland piece, second Casio notes 8:50 look as if they were triggered, not played, compared to Roland.
Who knows, maybe my next tool after FP-30x will be a beautiful Casio 8k or something :)
The new Casio PXS6000 and PXS7000 models are exceptional! They have a great tone, touch, and attractive streamlined design. They are definitely worth consideration! :)
I like you new look !
Going for the Privia..
but it’s disappointing that don’t haber triple sensor or after touch.
Does it affect the dinámica?
I will be sure to pass on the compliment to Stu for you! :)
While the Smart Hybrid Hammer Action of the PXS6000 is a dual sensor, it is a sophisticated dual sensor system that does a fantastic job of capturing and rendering the expressive nuances and dynamics of the player. Plus, the portability factor the PXS6000 makes it an excellent choice for gigging players. Thanks and hope this helps!
Wow, just wow.
I'd unironically pay a few bucks for getting the transcription to sheet music for the little jam bit from 13:19 to 13:50
What a talent, Stu.
Awesome video.
Thanks for tuning in! I will be sure to pass on the kind words to Stu for you! All the best and happy playing! :)
So what did you choose for the next gigging?
Me personally the casio sounds thinner on the piano side vs more wide / mellow / warm piano sound on the Roland . the casio is Thinner and brighter to me personally as a Kawai Fanboy I liked the Roland piano better (I have pxs3000 & Kawai ES8)
And I'm thinking of replacing the pxs3000 with the fp30x or the rd88.
Just for the audio interface so I can play my N.I pianos on it. With the internal speakers on Giggs and the internal pianos on the Roland do remind me a little bit the Bechstein old. Grand piano like the "maverick" or the bechstein sample on the pxs7000. Which is better to my taste then the thin Humburg D on the pxs6000 and the other Casio PX s line.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Most recently, Stu used a Roland FP60X at a gig. With that said, he also acquired a new Roland Fantom-08 for himself, which is quite the Swiss Army Knife powerhouse! The Roland and Casio stage pianos are all excellent options. It ultimately comes down with the touch, tone, and feature selection that aligns with your specific needs and tastes. Thanks for tuning in and all the best! :)
@@MerriamPianos
Love Your yt channel Brent. My regard and appreciation to Stu.
I have to say that it brightens my day and makes me smile every time you say something positive for Roland, because your HP704 review is so hilarious and memorable! More blessings always.
@@rolexmarcelo3218 i didnt change my mind on the "modeling" pianos of Roland. I hate Them. But the sampled Pianos Are Good.
I like your piano playing. Would like some lessons from you :-) or anything you have transcribed of yourself ?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! While Stu is not offering lessons at this time, he periodically does shoot lesson tutorials for our UA-cam channel. I will pass along your kind words and, hopefully, you will see more lessons from Stu popping up on the channel. :)
Best Piano YT
Thanks a million! We really appreciate that amazing compliment! :)
Merriam Music Crew, I'm loving your videos and finding them immensely helpful.
I'm writing today because I have scoured the internet for answers to my questions but cannot find them on my own. I'm hoping you can help me here. I recently bought a like-new Yamaha CLP 230 (Clavinova). It's old (18 years?), but it has been great for simply practicing and playing. However, my needs shifted recently into wanting to record MIDI files and running them through the VST of Ravenscroft. I noticed, however, that the quality simply is not there. Every Ravenscroft video I see/hear, it sounds great. But when I try to run my own MIDI file through the VST, exported from my CLP 230, it just doesn't sound right.
My question to you is: are older digital pianos exporting lower quality MIDI files? In order to get a better exported MIDI file, should I upgrade to a newer piano? I hope this makes sense and would greatly appreciate any advice you can give me.
Best wishes,
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in and supporting our channel! We really appreciate it. :)
It is difficult to fully answer your question without hearing a sample of the quality issues you are describing. My first question would be: have you tried running MIDI files other than those recorded through your CLP230 in order to isolate the issue to the MIDI files being generated from the CLP230 specifically. The reason I ask is that, sometimes, VST plug-ins can sound quite peculiar when your system is struggling to run the program itself.
However, with that said, there could be an issue with the way the musical details (namely velocity) are being tracked on your CLP230. Older systems have less sophisticated actions and sensor systems, which can lead to an unflattering and poor representation of the nuances of your performance. This could be the issue that you're experiencing. In this case, a newer digital piano with a higher quality action and sensor system would certainly offer an improvement.
Thanks and hope this helps! :)
@@MerriamPianos Thanks so much! I'll investigate with the direction you gave.
Thanks for the comparison. Did you modify any of the presets to the Privia Grand like the DSP etc.? I recently bought a 6000 and while I love the features and probability I'm finding the default tone settings for piano kind of weak. Truth is the organ and ePianos seem to be its strengths.
You're very welcome! Thank you for taking the time to tune in! Stu typically uses all of the default settings to showcase each pianos' built-in sounds unless otherwise stated in the video. Thanks again and hope this helps! :)
i like the piano sound of the CASIO way better than the ROLAND.
They are both excellent instruments, but every player will have their own preference between the two when it comes to touch and tone. :)
Amazing piano solo at the intro.
Any référence of this song ?
LOL! Welcome to Stu Improv, the main reason most of us enjoy to this channel, beyond the great reviews.😊
Thanks for tuning in! I will be sure to pass on your kind words to Stu! I would have to ask Stu as to what the piece is or if the improv is based off of something. :)
@@MerriamPianos Even though it looks like it is wonderful piece of improv, I managed to make a transcription of it.
I can provide a link if someone is interested. Provided that Stu agrees of course...
Also what are you playing through? Are you using the studio monitors behind you?
Hi there! The sounds you're hearing in the video are either direct line outs from the pianos or a pair of condenser microphones capturing the onboard speaker sound. :)
I have watched your videos about the Roland RD88 but one thing no one touches on is can you see the buttons on a dark stage? I have owned a couple of digital pianos and they have built in music stands that I mounted led strip lights under to see the buttons. Any comments?
The LCD display screen and Phase Pad buttons do illuminate, which allows you to see them even on a dark stage. With that said, some of the other buttons and controls are a little tougher to navigate, although there is some illuminations from the screen that helps a bit. Thanks for tuning in and all the best! :)
Just out of curiosity I was wondering how the key action of the Casio PX-S6000 compares to the new improved key action on the Kawai ES120? How are they similar and how do they differ in feel? As Stu is more accustomed to using a Roland and prefers the PHA4 action, as I do, does he like the key action of the Kawai or the Casio more? I especially wish to know which of the two are closer in feel to the PHA4 action of the Roland. Thanks.
This may very well be a comparison that we cover in the future. With that said, for the time being, I cannot speak on behalf of Stu as I am not sure what his thoughts are between these two actions. From my perspective, I would say that the ES120's improved RHC and PXS6000's Smart Hybrid Hammer Action are more alike in terms of feel and function than the Roland PHA4 or PHA50. They are both significantly lighter and do not feature escapement. For me personally, it is quite a toss up between the two. I would say that the PXS6000's action is a tad quieter, but the ES120 has a bit more solidity to me personally. Thanks and hope this helps a bit! :)
@@MerriamPianos Hi, thank you for your honest reply. I already knew that the Roland with it's PHA4 action is in a class by itself and that Stu has mentioned in a number of videos here when discussing Roland's PHA4 key action that he prefers it and the escapement feature it has. I agree and also prefer it over the key actions from Yamaha, Kawai, and Casio. That said I was specifically asking for which of the two pianos, the Casio PX-S6000 or the Kawai ES120 were closest in feel to the unique Roland PHA4 action. I have the Kawai right now so I know how that action is but I don't have any stores within 100 miles that have a Casio Privia S5000, 6000, or 7000 to try before I buy. After playing with the Kawai for a few days now, I really miss the Roland key action.
This IS difficult to me...one its a piano I want for Both home use and performing. I like Roland sound It has more body but..its so Roland.By that I mean the grands give you that late 70s early 80s pop funk grand sound..wich IS cool but I dont like It for a solo jazz standard.I wanted to step out of Casio and try another brand but every other brand sounds very specific.Yamaha,kawai,korg..I dont like theur tones.So I think Im gonna finally stick to Casio cause the piano sounds neutral to me and with some EQ I can make it sound how I want.Im afraid of getting a roland piano and not be able to remove that roland feel.I had to send back a Yamaha keyboard once for that reason
It all comes down to personal preference of course. Roland, Yamaha, and Casio all offer very different feels/sounds, which different players will resonate with of course. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to find an instrument that you connect with musically. :)
@@MerriamPianos yes.unfortunately in Spain stories dont have keyboards available to play(yes weird I know) so its always look at reviews Hope you are Lucky and if not send It back
Does the rd88 have 128 or 256 polyphony?
For some reason, the max polyphony for the RD88 is not in Roland's literature for the piano. With that said, I am quite certain the RD88 has 256 note polyphony. :)
@@MerriamPianos hehe thank you. You guys are the best! Love from Malaysia
Does the RD-88 have a music desk ?
No, unfortunately, it does not have a music desk. This is quite common for stage pianos.
@@MerriamPianos Thanks I guess the FP-90X done not either ?
BTW. Great reviews and videos by the way. Very informative. Been binging on a few videos. Great work and great piano talent !!
RD88 2x 6W speakers
That is correct! :)
The Casio sounds like a Hamburg Steinway... the Roland sounds like a mid-priced Yamaha piano, not great. Quality over quantity. The key length on the Casio looks awfully short for a good pivot. I would pick the Kawai ES120 for any gig.
The Kawai ES120 is an excellent portable digital piano! With that said, it all comes down to a matter of preference of course. :)
The RD88 … about piano sounds… it’s more like a forte piano (short decay)
I can understand the comparison. It is a powerhouse of an instrument, but the core piano sound is not necessarily the primary focus of the instrument unlike the FP series by Roland.
rd88 vs fp e50
The FPE50 was just announced, but you can certainly bet on some review and comparison videos coming your way shortly. ;)
@@MerriamPianos Just what I'm waiting for. Please do.
If you want an excellent, proven stage piano… Roland.
Looking for a nice, durable digital watch… Casio.
The end.
There are no doubts about Roland making wonderful stage pianos. However, I would not count out the more recent Casio offerings. Instruments like the PXS6000 and PXS7000 in particular are quite impressive. Plus, they are some of the most portable and lightweight stage pianos on the market. :)
You forgot just one important point - no self respecting semi or pro musician would drag a Casio onto a rock venue stage (anymore than a serious guitarist would be seen dead with a Kay guitar) for fear of being laughed off it.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! I have to politely disagree with that assertion. I have seen my fair share of professional touring guitarists in the indie and alternative rock world using Kay guitars on stage. Also, Casio's latest digital piano and stage piano offerings are fantastic and would make wonderful (and convenient, given their portability) gigging musicians! At the end of the day though, it all comes down to the tastes and preferences of the individual. Thanks so much for tuning in! :)
@@MerriamPianos thanks, Brent. Have owned several Casios in my time - all let downs. I'll just stick with the Roly RD88, thanks.
The Roland sounds like a more fuller piano and projects better than the Casio, the Casio sounds good but it just dosen't deliver like the Roland does.
Thanks for tuning in! At the end of the day, it will always come down to a matter of preference. These are both wonderful instruments that will resonate with different players based on a number of factors. All the best and happy playing! :)
Mike Lupinetti - Do you say that from listening here or elsewhere?
@@Zoco101 I just said that from what I heard on the computer , I do have the Roland Rd2000 and think the action and the sound is better than that on the Casio also. I had the Casio S3000 I think it was called , nice sound but the action being heavy in the back of the key just ruined the experience.