Finally to see a really comprehensive review with instructions on UA-cam. Constructive, precise, instructional, and honest. Better than any company presenter. I watched around 20 videos about this keyboard and they are so annoying
Hands down best piano/keyboard reviews on the internet! Thank you for your work. I’m a guitar player and after watching dozens of reviews of various keyboards I ended up ordering Go Keys 3 to learn some piano and theory - looking forward to lay my hands on it!
Hey thanks a lot! And congrats on your GO:Keys I think you'll love it. Here's a link to some reviews for online piano courses I've taken that I recommend if you want to check them out: ua-cam.com/play/PL_W0EMCT9oNb7OQ7TiB0WHZv7K4k1bScA.html Hope your Roland arrives soon! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Hi Tony! Wow, this is by far the best review I've seen of this keyboard with the plus you recorded it all through its own Mic input straight USB to your phone. Impressive. Thanks so much for the effort!!!
Thanks so much, very appreciated! It is a pretty impressive keyboard - more videos on the way! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
I guess this is the only useful review on the UA-cam for GO:KEYS 5 and even If I have one myself I just learned that it is actually possible to OVERDUB on USB! That's awesome news for me!
Thank you for this comprehensive video on the Roland Go Keys 5. I have just purchased this along with the wireless adapter with cloud membership. I really enjoyed your run through of the keyboard and showing how you navigate the keyboard. I notice there is hardly anyone out there talking or reviewing this keyboard. I can’t wait to get to try it out as it will be more portable for me than the FP30 to take to church ❤
Thanks glad you enjoyed the video! And you will find it a LOT more portable than the FP-30! Hope you enjoy it! Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Extremely helpful overview of this Instrument. Took delivery of one yesterday and your video is helping brilliantly with my orientation around its controls and features. Thank you 👏
That's awesome, glad the video is helping! I'm planning quite a few more on the GO:Keys, so stay tuned! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Oh wow that audio recording is how you overdub. I don't know how I would have figured that out without you. Unfortunately none of my USBs work, they are too big, apparently it's 32gb max so I just ordered a smaller flash drive. Hopefully it works. Thanks for the in depth, VERY HELPFUL!
Owned a GoKeys 3 for a few months now and loving it, great video essentially you've made a video manual, good explanation on some of its more hidden talents as the manual is a bit vague. Great work thank you.
Thanks for posting this video. I bought the Casio CT-S500 last year, and when Roland came out with these keyboards my first thought was "should I have waited", but from your review, I can tell based on what is important to me, I made the right choice. I like the theoretical expandability of the Roland, but a lot of this is more theoretical than practical. With 900-1000 sounds, you might not really be looking for other sounds to keep track of. Casio sold me with the CT-S500's synth features. In addition to the pitch bend wheel it has a modulation knob (which can also be used for other purposes). Roland doesn't have this. Casio also has two big assignable knobs that usually default to filter cutoff and resonance, the most commonly adjusted synth parameters in live playing. Roland doesn't have that. Casio has portamento. One of the great things the CTS-500 shares with the Roland Go-Keys is a bluetooth midi interface and a music rest so pairing either with an iPad is easy and almost a must-do. If you hook your home keyboard up to your iPad (or iPhone), there is a whole universe available to you including Roland ZenBeats 2.0, a free mobile oriented DAW that includes a reduced feature version of Roland's Zen Core synth called ZC1. The free version only has 60 presets, but for $14,99 you can get a version with 2500 presets (editable) and 90 included effects. In other words, for $14,99 you get a sound engine that looks a lot like the Go Keys, but you have a bigger screen to edit on - even on an iPhone.
The ability to use WC-1 is also a killer feature. Esp. since it also gives you access to virtual instruments on the Roland Cloud. I got this for my GAIA2 and the Roland Cloud is a great addition.
@@beefquiche My understanding is that you can buy inidvidual packs ($5 and up) and you get a lifetime key for those; or, you can have access to many sounds but only as long as you have a membership.
@@beefquiche @PianoTone WC-1 will allow you to use everything that would normally require a one time payment, but only as long as you have a subscription. You have to periodically plug WC-1 to the instrument to confirm membership.
I have this keyboard and use the bluetooth midi function to automatically change the sounds. I use the Forscore app on my iPad and have a setlist there. I can program midi changes there so when I load up a new sheet music the app changes the sound on my keyboard. I love that being bluetooth I dont have to physically connect my ipad with the keyboard.
Thanks Tony, simple and clear, wonderful! So, since GoKeys5 has a built-in audio interface I could, with a proper USB-C cable, use it as an audio source (piano and voice) for online/o livestream lessons ? Also with MIDI bluetooth could it also be used as a source for MuseScore at the same time for example ? Thanks 🙏🏾👍🏼
Thanks so much! And . . . absolutely! And the built in mic port makes that even easier. As far as hooking it to Musescore (never tried that app) I don't see why it wouldn't work) Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Fantastic detailed review as always, for my piano needs i have a older yamaha p255, but currently looking for a fun portable keyboard for small gigs, this could do the job nicely
Thanks so much! I bought it for the same reason; 11 lbs, LR line outs, good sounds & decent action! High hopes for using the chord sequencer for backing tracks
@@freddyperezmusicentertainment You can layer 2 sounds; most keyboards like this allow you to layer 2 sounds together; some stage keyboards like the Yamaha CK series allow you to layer 3. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
The 93 are the effects you can choose from for each voice, then the 15 are the global ones yes. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
love the channel, great review. Hope you can review the SX920 and the new Juno D series sometime soon. You should enable the "Super Thanks" button here on your channel so we can send you a proper thanks!
Thanks so much, glad you found the review helpful! Stores in my area never stock the SX series, so I can't rent one to review, but I'll keep my eyes open. I will add the Juno to the rental waitlist though in case I can rent one of those! And "Super" thanks for the suggestion (I didn't even know that was a thing lol; too busy to keep up on alot of that stuff); it's been enabled thanks so much!
Thanks for this very clear runthrough. Regarding the chord Sequencer, the manual says you can store a chord for each measure or beat. Do you happen to know how to store more than one chord per measure? Also- say I find a tone I like but it has a delay I want to remove- it seems I can only replace the delay with another effect. Is there a way of just turning off the delay?
Thanks so much glad you enjoyed the review! I'm working on a video on the chord sequencer that will go into much more detail (including what you're asking) so stay tuned for that. Quick answer is if you press ZOOM on a measure you want to edit, you can insert chords within that measure. And as far as the effect, if you press SETTING on the voice you want to edit then scroll down to FX TYPE you can edit that. Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone Thanks for the prompt and very helpful reply. I managed to successfully program a bebop tune often with two chords per measure. It seems to be quite fiddly having to go in and out of chord edit every time a measure needs more than one chord but you can do it. As regards patches, I do wish I could directly save favourites and user presets. With a thousand or so sounds it would be useful to select a few dozen favourites. I realize you can save 5 sounds to the category buttons and you have the workaround of being able to save a couple of hundred sounds/user presets as part of scenes. I wish the style choices included a comprehensive library of simple, flexible rhythms (just bass and drums would do) eg various funk and jazz rhythms, 6/8 rhythms etc. I wonder if there is some resource or forum where owners can get their questions answered. Eg the sounds often have a variant with 'w' after the name (which sound the same to me), and many sounds have abbreviations in the title many of which I can guess at, but some not eg 'SA'. I look forward to future tutorials on the Go Keys from you- I'm sure many owners will find them useful.
GREAT REVIEW, THANKS. What is the story with the xtra sound packs which can be downloaded from ROLAN CLOUD. Can you only download via their wifi dongle WC-1? Will the sounds then load onto the internal memory of the GO-5 and stay there? Supposedly one can access 30,000 sounds via Roland Cloud, BUT, are they only usable via the cloud or can any of those sounds be downloaded onto the GO-5? Thank you.
Thanks! Yes you can buy and download them on a pc to a flash drive or directly with their dongle thing - either way the sounds are loaded onto your keyboard. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Great work. I can't figure out if Go Keys has stop/break function for the style. Many songs have breaks/pause so arranger without it doesn't work for live gigs. Also when you are programing a song does it mean you can't make breaks like in BandinBox? You mention that it doesn't have music rest
Thanks! By not having a music rest, I meant the thing that connects to the back of the keyboard that holds music paper/ipad. There is a chord fingering option that stops the accompaniment (except for the drums) if your left hand is not holding down a chord, so you could use that for breaks. As far as programming in breaks to the chord sequencer I would have to test that (I will be making a video soon on the chord sequencer so stay tuned). Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
I'd love to review it, but no music stores where I live stock it (so I can't rent one); I would have to buy it to review it. I will keep my eyes open though! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
I love your reviews, they're so comprehensive, honest and clear. Thanks! Just a quick question: I'm learning piano and I want my first digital piano to be good enough as to keep it for years. I'm currently struggling to choose between the Numa Compact 2 (or 2X) and Roland Go: Keys 3 (or 5). I've watched both of your review videos several times. Number of keys aside, which would be your choice? Thanks a lot!
Thanks so much! As far as comparing those 2, if you're a beginner I would probably lean towards the Roland. The Numa does have better key action (& more keys), but the rest of its advantages are all geared towards stage keyboard use by a gigging musician. The Roland however, has so many other features that would be great for learning: built in rhythms and accompaniment are great for practice, as are the built in chord sequencer patterns; and it's alot easier to use. Bluetooth audio in makes it easy to stream in external audio (online piano lessons, UA-cam videos etc) to also help you learn. On that topic, make sure you check out my reviews for online courses; if you want to learn modern music I would highly recommend the Piano Man Approach or Bird's Piano Academy. ua-cam.com/play/PL_W0EMCT9oNb7OQ7TiB0WHZv7K4k1bScA.html Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
I've been Yamaha for 35 yes until I got this yesterday as a bday present go keys 3..blows my mind but I certainly wouldn't call it a beginner keyboard even though a lot say it is ...
That's a pretty nice birthday present! And yes it's a pretty amazing keyboard, hope you like it! Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Thanks so much!!! Really helps support the channel! As I mentioned I’ve never seen an SX920; but it is a pretty high end arranger keyboard so depends if you think you’d be using all those fancy rhythms and accompaniment features or not
@@PianoTone I am going to probably do backing tracks for silent home movies…. Songs from the era of the films shot….dont want a midi keyboard setup, just something I can easily carry back and forth from work.
@@cinepost Wow that sounds cool! EIther one will do the trick, having never seen an SX I can't say for sure how much better it would be for you. Maybe watch some reviews on the SX and see if anything leaps out as "I need THAT" that the Roland doesn't have, otherwise maybe save the $ and get the GO:Keys (it is pretty portable if you're carrying it back and forth)
I have found that Roland's Zen Core acoustic pianos and electric pianos are "second-tier" in quality. This is why they include the SuperNatural sound engine on their higher-end keyboards like the RD-88. The SuperNatural pianos are much higher quality. I think the Casio CT-S1 has acoustic and electric pianos that are quite good. I think the CT-S1 combined with the Go:Keys 5 would be a terrific 2-board setup. You could run a cable from the headphone out on the CT-S1 to the aux-in on the Go:Keys 5 and then use the 1/4 inch outs to connect to the board or amp.
Yes the supernatural sound engine is definitely more advanced for pianos; although if they put that in the GO:Keys no one would buy FP series anymore ;) A CT-S1 and GO:Keys would be a super light combination!
On GO:KEYS 5 there are wave expansions that cost 20 euros or so. They are most expensive expansions and they run only on version 5 (version 3 does not support wave expansions). These wave expansions sound amazing and natural!
Another great review! I'm torn between getting a Go Keys 5 and waiting to see if Roland is about to release a successor to the Juno DS that just got discontinued...
I have no idea about that - Juno is a pretty popular line, you have to think they have something coming. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Roland just did! The Roland Juno-D. I like the looks. It looks very friendly and usable. Starts at $899, and even if it has a lot of the same sounds as the Go Keys, the better display, the pads, the 2-dimention stick/mod and assignable parameters, plus different size keyboard options may make it the better choice for some people.
@@cinepost No. I might have considered it if it had been out when I was in the market, but last year I bought a Casio CTS500, and it does what I need it to do. To show you how little need I have for it, after I saw this video, I looked on my iPad and realized that I already had a zencore synthesizer with 3,000 sounds on my ipad in the form of the ZC-1 (unlocked) in the Zenbeats program. I think I only paid $10 for the unlocked ZC-1 and it seems like it is effectively the sound engine and most of the presets from the GoKeys Keyboard. It also seems easier to edit the presets than on the Go-Keys. I already had it but I had only used it for a few minutes after I unlocked it, and after that it was out of sight out of mind. There's nothing wrong with it, but I just have lots of other programs to play with.
Excellent video. I need a portable keyboard that will use USB midi to play my iPad sounds. Will this go keys 5 work as a midi controller with an iPad please? I have an iPad mini 4 with a lightning cable camera connection kit. Thanks.
Yes it should work fine! And with built in audio interface the MIDI audio will come back through the keyboard without any lag. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Very good review, thanks. I could use a bit of help. I have a GK3 and was very happy with it, but I could grab a GK5 for a good price, so I gave it a go. My idea was to enjoy better speakers and more outputs. Unfortunately, I am getting some kind of distortion with various sounds as acoustic Piano or electric piano, even at low volumes when playing softly. I posted a sample on my YT page. I read on reddit forums that quite a few people seem to have a similar issue, so I hesitate to send it back to Roland... I would like to have your opinion on this. Can you replicate the same issue on yours? Thanks in advance :)
I had a distortion noise as well on mine that made me think something was wrong with the speakers; then I removed my flash drive . . . and it stopped! I put it back in, and it was back. I tried holding the drive while I played and that made it go away! It's like that port might be loose or something and(or) is right up against the speaker box (maybe?). At any rate it was a strange issue I had but totally was the flash drive. Wondering if maybe the speaker box itself might have some issues causing anything loose to shake? If you're using a flash drive, try taking it out, if not, try things like pressing on the case etc to see if it's an actual speaker distorting or if it's a shaking issue. Also, make sure to update the firmware. Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
I've never actually even seen a CTX line keyboard. No one where I live sells those, only the CT-S line. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@PianoTone OK.. BTW I boughta Yamaha EW425 as always wanted to try a 76 key keybed.. I'm not that enamoured with it..The CTX 5000 is a far more dynamic versatile kb even though it has only 61 keys... I also own a tyros 3 which is also way better than ew425....
Did you find the action noticeably more resistant than Casio ct-s1 or Yamaha np-35? Another reviewer captured a digital force gauge with a 50% higher reading than either. Like you he said he came to like the action after a period of adjustment. A test of the action of the previous go piano model in a store suggests this aspect might be an ongoing design decision by Roland but it caused me to move on pretty swiftly. I don’t mind using some extra arm weight to start a key off but I really don’t like constantly applying it to keep the key down. Pianos, real ones only I’m afraid, at least don’t seem to have this latter inconvenience.
I definitely found it heavier than either the CTS1 or NP35; those are “almost semi weighted feel”, the Roland feels very much like an actual semi-weighted keybed. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone Thanks for the channel. Please add keybed force weight measurements. 'Semi-weighted feel' is questionable marketing-speak. Please don't use it. It implies that a cheap, sprung only, unweighted action can feel like a semi-weighted one by using stronger springs. The beneficial effects of gravity apply to weights not springs.
I still love the Go:Keys but the lack of 5 pin DIN or TRS MIDI is disappointing. Even my Reface DX has that, though through an adapter that is included. To only have USB MIDI and Bluetooth MIDI but no standard MIDI is a bit of an odd choice to me.
Yeah it would have been great for them to just take it one step further (especially with the built in audio interface) …. But you can’t have everything I guess :D Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
I have a GO KEYS 5. In performance, I need to be able to mute the line outputs, while still using the headphones for settings changes. I can not find0x that capability through the menus. How is it done?
I don’t think you can do that on the keyboard; I think you’d need to connect your line outs to a mixer first and use the mixer to mute the line outs. Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
I'm concerned about the key action on the Go Keys 5. I'm hesitant to order it online and then discover that, despite it's good sound, features and appealing design, the key action might not meet my expectations. I think it would be best to try it out in-store first.
@@elazar1333 It's always best to test key action in person; which weighted action people prefer differs from person to person (I prefer lighter actions like Yamaha GHS action to Roland PHA4, many others are the total opposite). And with non weighted actions like the GO:Keys, those are very difficult to describe so testing them in person will always be important. Keep in mind the GO:Keys is not a fully weighted graded hammer action, so it will not feel as realistic/"piano-like" as the FP-30X or Kawai. I've never tested the Kawai, but I owned an FP-30 and I reviewed the FP-30 and the FP-30X. The FP-30X will have more realistic action and better piano sounds (it has the Supernatural Piano engine which is more advanced than ZEN-Core for piano), but that's where the advantages end. The GO:Keys blows it away in terms of functionality, portability, connectivity and user interface (the user interface on the FP-30X is awful). If you offered to give me one or the other, even though the FP-30X is worth more, I would take the GO:Keys without a second thought. Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone In your review you mentioned that "the only keyboard that is better for piano is the korg liano". Do you think the numa compact is worse for playing piano?
@@e0236 The Numa compact IS actually semi-weighted so it's actually fantastic for playing piano (when compared to any non-weighted keyboards). As far as rating them for piano action it would be: 1) Numa Compact 2) Korg Liano 3) GO:Keys 3/5 4) Casiotone CT-S1 Those 4 all all way better for piano than the synth action style keys on Yamaha PSR-E series keyboards Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
I only had super cheap keyboards, I sold my CT-S300 and I'm torn between the Casio CT-S500, the Yamaha PSR E473 and the new Roland GO:Keys 5. Which of those is better in terms of overall keybed feel, sounds and functions? I was leaning towards the Casio CT-S500 because of its size, but the Micro-USB is lame for me, it is not a robust connection, Roland and Yamaha instead use USB-C and printer USB port (the square one), much better. I really don't know what to choose, because each one has its pros and cons, and they sort of complement each other.
I've never seen a CT-S500. but I used to own a CT-S1 and the keyboard feel on that was always better (for piano pieces) than the PSR-E series. But the GO:Keys 5 is a step up on the CT-S1 (and CT-S500) for keybed feel. It's a bit heavier feeling, and the keys are true full size (the CT-S500 and PSR-E are slightly narrower key width). And the GO:Keys has way better features, including the Chord Sequencer, and built in USB audio interface. I would recommend the Roland personally. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
The Bluetooth audio is audio IN not out (no keyboard I know of sends audio out with Bluetooth). If that speaker has a wired input then you could connect it and use it. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone Thanks Tony that's helpful, I suspected that was the case. I am a big fan of Jean Michel Jarre. Would this be suitable for playing that type of music? Great video buddy. Best wishes from England.
Piano Tone! Thanks for the in-depth review. I have a question for you regarding this keyboard and that is if you get distorted sound/crackle in the sound through the built in speakers if you play something like Jazz Organ or E-Pianos? I bought this keyboard and LOVE it but had these issues with the built in speakers so returned it. Roland tells me this isn't supposed to be an issue and I am trying to figure out if I just got a unit from an early manufacturing batch with potential issues or if this IS a "thing"... want to buy it again for keeps but depends on this... See this YT video for the problem in action: ua-cam.com/video/GBTEdTCLarQ/v-deo.html
I've never noticed any distortion out of the speakers myself, but I have heard alot of people complaining about those issues online. Roland doesn't disclose how many watts they are, but in a keyboard this size I'm sure they're not that powerful, so some distortion especially with sounds with strong low end isn't too surprising. I always play with headphones at home or out of an amp at band practices, so I never use speakers on any of my keyboards anyways; would always recommend studio monitors for home if you don't want to use headphones. Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe!
@@PianoTone Thank you so much for your reply. My intention is to use this keyboard as a portable instrument and so I would've liked it if I didn't have to carry portable speakers with me as well. I think the sound out of the built in speakers is actually very nice and dynamic but if the "crackle" is something that happens because of too much bass then they really should've dialled it back a smidgeon. This is such an amazing instrument at the pricepoint... :)
Finally to see a really comprehensive review with instructions on UA-cam. Constructive, precise, instructional, and honest. Better than any company presenter. I watched around 20 videos about this keyboard and they are so annoying
Thanks so much very appreciated! And thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Hands down best piano/keyboard reviews on the internet!
Thank you for your work. I’m a guitar player and after watching dozens of reviews of various keyboards I ended up ordering Go Keys 3 to learn some piano and theory - looking forward to lay my hands on it!
Hey thanks a lot! And congrats on your GO:Keys I think you'll love it. Here's a link to some reviews for online piano courses I've taken that I recommend if you want to check them out: ua-cam.com/play/PL_W0EMCT9oNb7OQ7TiB0WHZv7K4k1bScA.html
Hope your Roland arrives soon! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Hi Tony! Wow, this is by far the best review I've seen of this keyboard with the plus you recorded it all through its own Mic input straight USB to your phone. Impressive. Thanks so much for the effort!!!
Thanks so much, very appreciated! It is a pretty impressive keyboard - more videos on the way!
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I guess this is the only useful review on the UA-cam for GO:KEYS 5 and even If I have one myself I just learned that it is actually possible to OVERDUB on USB! That's awesome news for me!
Thanks so much gald you found the video helpful! And thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Great comprehensive review - thanks!
Thanks a lot glad you liked the review! And thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone Yamaha EZ310 61-key Portable Keyboard with Lighted Keys and PA130 Power Adapter i saw this brand new product . what do you make of this?
Thank you for this comprehensive video on the Roland Go Keys 5.
I have just purchased this along with the wireless adapter with cloud membership.
I really enjoyed your run through of the keyboard and showing how you navigate the keyboard.
I notice there is hardly anyone out there talking or reviewing this keyboard. I can’t wait to get to try it out as it will be more portable for me than the FP30 to take to church ❤
Thanks glad you enjoyed the video! And you will find it a LOT more portable than the FP-30! Hope you enjoy it!
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Extremely helpful overview of this Instrument. Took delivery of one yesterday and your video is helping brilliantly with my orientation around its controls and features. Thank you 👏
That's awesome, glad the video is helping! I'm planning quite a few more on the GO:Keys, so stay tuned!
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@@PianoTone I certainly will stay tuned, thanks once again 👍
Thanks for an actual review, instead of biased promo videos most youtubers did for these keys. Comparison to other brands and models was quite useful.
Thanks so much, glad you liked the review. And thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Thank you so much. This was so incredibly helpful. I need to watch it again to absorb everything.
Thanks so much, glad the review was helpful! And thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Oh wow that audio recording is how you overdub. I don't know how I would have figured that out without you. Unfortunately none of my USBs work, they are too big, apparently it's 32gb max so I just ordered a smaller flash drive. Hopefully it works.
Thanks for the in depth, VERY HELPFUL!
Thanks so much glad the review was helpful! And thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Owned a GoKeys 3 for a few months now and loving it, great video essentially you've made a video manual, good explanation on some of its more hidden talents as the manual is a bit vague. Great work thank you.
Thanks so much glad you found the review helpful! And thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Thanks for posting this video. I bought the Casio CT-S500 last year, and when Roland came out with these keyboards my first thought was "should I have waited", but from your review, I can tell based on what is important to me, I made the right choice. I like the theoretical expandability of the Roland, but a lot of this is more theoretical than practical. With 900-1000 sounds, you might not really be looking for other sounds to keep track of. Casio sold me with the CT-S500's synth features. In addition to the pitch bend wheel it has a modulation knob (which can also be used for other purposes). Roland doesn't have this. Casio also has two big assignable knobs that usually default to filter cutoff and resonance, the most commonly adjusted synth parameters in live playing. Roland doesn't have that. Casio has portamento.
One of the great things the CTS-500 shares with the Roland Go-Keys is a bluetooth midi interface and a music rest so pairing either with an iPad is easy and almost a must-do. If you hook your home keyboard up to your iPad (or iPhone), there is a whole universe available to you including Roland ZenBeats 2.0, a free mobile oriented DAW that includes a reduced feature version of Roland's Zen Core synth called ZC1. The free version only has 60 presets, but for $14,99 you can get a version with 2500 presets (editable) and 90 included effects. In other words, for $14,99 you get a sound engine that looks a lot like the Go Keys, but you have a bigger screen to edit on - even on an iPhone.
That's awesome thanks for sharing all of that info! And thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
The ability to use WC-1 is also a killer feature. Esp. since it also gives you access to virtual instruments on the Roland Cloud. I got this for my GAIA2 and the Roland Cloud is a great addition.
That’s awesome to know thanks for sharing!
@@beefquiche My understanding is that you can buy inidvidual packs ($5 and up) and you get a lifetime key for those; or, you can have access to many sounds but only as long as you have a membership.
@@beefquiche @PianoTone WC-1 will allow you to use everything that would normally require a one time payment, but only as long as you have a subscription. You have to periodically plug WC-1 to the instrument to confirm membership.
I have this keyboard and use the bluetooth midi function to automatically change the sounds. I use the Forscore app on my iPad and have a setlist there. I can program midi changes there so when I load up a new sheet music the app changes the sound on my keyboard. I love that being bluetooth I dont have to physically connect my ipad with the keyboard.
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Thankyou, this review is fabulous!
Thanks so much, glad you found the review helpful. And thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
This video was very helpful. Thank you so much. 😀
Thanks so much glad you enjoyed the review. And thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
We got a gokeys 3 as a gift for a friend to start learning. He liked it a lot but all the functions overwhelmed him!
Hopefully my videos will help! More are coming …
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@@beefquiche :)
Subscribed thanks for the detailed video
Glad you liked the review, and thanks for subscribing!
Very usefull, many thanks !!!👏
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Thanks Tony, simple and clear, wonderful! So, since GoKeys5 has a built-in audio interface I could, with a proper USB-C cable, use it as an audio source (piano and voice) for online/o livestream lessons ?
Also with MIDI bluetooth could it also be used as a source for MuseScore at the same time for example ?
Thanks 🙏🏾👍🏼
Thanks so much! And . . . absolutely! And the built in mic port makes that even easier. As far as hooking it to Musescore (never tried that app) I don't see why it wouldn't work)
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Great video Tony! Roland has really brought a great set of features to this price point. Will it spur brand-Y to raise their game?
Thanks!! I’m looking forward to Y’s response with new versions of the E-473/EW-425
Fantastic detailed review as always, for my piano needs i have a older yamaha p255, but currently looking for a fun portable keyboard for small gigs, this could do the job nicely
Thanks so much! I bought it for the same reason; 11 lbs, LR line outs, good sounds & decent action! High hopes for using the chord sequencer for backing tracks
@@PianoTone hi, how many sounds, can you layer ? Is this a 16 multi sound. Like most others
@@freddyperezmusicentertainment You can layer 2 sounds; most keyboards like this allow you to layer 2 sounds together; some stage keyboards like the Yamaha CK series allow you to layer 3.
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The 93 effects these are insert effects with an additional 15 global effects? Thank you for the deep review.
The 93 are the effects you can choose from for each voice, then the 15 are the global ones yes. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
love the channel, great review. Hope you can review the SX920 and the new Juno D series sometime soon. You should enable the "Super Thanks" button here on your channel so we can send you a proper thanks!
Thanks so much, glad you found the review helpful! Stores in my area never stock the SX series, so I can't rent one to review, but I'll keep my eyes open. I will add the Juno to the rental waitlist though in case I can rent one of those!
And "Super" thanks for the suggestion (I didn't even know that was a thing lol; too busy to keep up on alot of that stuff); it's been enabled thanks so much!
Thanks for this very clear runthrough. Regarding the chord Sequencer, the manual says you can store a chord for each measure or beat. Do you happen to know how to store more than one chord per measure? Also- say I find a tone I like but it has a delay I want to remove- it seems I can only replace the delay with another effect. Is there a way of just turning off the delay?
Thanks so much glad you enjoyed the review! I'm working on a video on the chord sequencer that will go into much more detail (including what you're asking) so stay tuned for that. Quick answer is if you press ZOOM on a measure you want to edit, you can insert chords within that measure. And as far as the effect, if you press SETTING on the voice you want to edit then scroll down to FX TYPE you can edit that.
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@@PianoTone Thanks for the prompt and very helpful reply. I managed to successfully program a bebop tune often with two chords per measure. It seems to be quite fiddly having to go in and out of chord edit every time a measure needs more than one chord but you can do it.
As regards patches, I do wish I could directly save favourites and user presets. With a thousand or so sounds it would be useful to select a few dozen favourites. I realize you can save 5 sounds to the category buttons and you have the workaround of being able to save a couple of hundred sounds/user presets as part of scenes.
I wish the style choices included a comprehensive library of simple, flexible rhythms (just bass and drums would do) eg various funk and jazz rhythms, 6/8 rhythms etc.
I wonder if there is some resource or forum where owners can get their questions answered. Eg the sounds often have a variant with 'w' after the name (which sound the same to me), and many sounds have abbreviations in the title many of which I can guess at, but some not eg 'SA'.
I look forward to future tutorials on the Go Keys from you- I'm sure many owners will find them useful.
@@applegrovebard Thanks! I do have lots of videos planned . . . .next one will be on the chord sequencer
GREAT REVIEW, THANKS. What is the story with the xtra sound packs which can be downloaded from ROLAN CLOUD. Can you only download via their wifi dongle WC-1? Will the sounds then load onto the internal memory of the GO-5 and stay there? Supposedly one can access 30,000 sounds via Roland Cloud, BUT, are they only usable via the cloud or can any of those sounds be downloaded onto the GO-5? Thank you.
Thanks! Yes you can buy and download them on a pc to a flash drive or directly with their dongle thing - either way the sounds are loaded onto your keyboard.
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Great work. I can't figure out if Go Keys has stop/break function for the style. Many songs have breaks/pause so arranger without it doesn't work for live gigs. Also when you are programing a song does it mean you can't make breaks like in BandinBox? You mention that it doesn't have music rest
Thanks! By not having a music rest, I meant the thing that connects to the back of the keyboard that holds music paper/ipad. There is a chord fingering option that stops the accompaniment (except for the drums) if your left hand is not holding down a chord, so you could use that for breaks. As far as programming in breaks to the chord sequencer I would have to test that (I will be making a video soon on the chord sequencer so stay tuned). Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
I'd love to see a review of Casio CT-S500. It's in direct competition with Roland Go Keys 5.
I'd love to review it, but no music stores where I live stock it (so I can't rent one); I would have to buy it to review it. I will keep my eyes open though!
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I love your reviews, they're so comprehensive, honest and clear. Thanks! Just a quick question: I'm learning piano and I want my first digital piano to be good enough as to keep it for years. I'm currently struggling to choose between the Numa Compact 2 (or 2X) and Roland Go: Keys 3 (or 5). I've watched both of your review videos several times. Number of keys aside, which would be your choice? Thanks a lot!
Thanks so much! As far as comparing those 2, if you're a beginner I would probably lean towards the Roland. The Numa does have better key action (& more keys), but the rest of its advantages are all geared towards stage keyboard use by a gigging musician. The Roland however, has so many other features that would be great for learning: built in rhythms and accompaniment are great for practice, as are the built in chord sequencer patterns; and it's alot easier to use. Bluetooth audio in makes it easy to stream in external audio (online piano lessons, UA-cam videos etc) to also help you learn.
On that topic, make sure you check out my reviews for online courses; if you want to learn modern music I would highly recommend the Piano Man Approach or Bird's Piano Academy. ua-cam.com/play/PL_W0EMCT9oNb7OQ7TiB0WHZv7K4k1bScA.html
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@@PianoTone Thanks a lot again! ❤️
I've been Yamaha for 35 yes until I got this yesterday as a bday present go keys 3..blows my mind but I certainly wouldn't call it a beginner keyboard even though a lot say it is ...
That's a pretty nice birthday present! And yes it's a pretty amazing keyboard, hope you like it! Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Thanks is deserved! Just don’t know if I should get this or splurge and just get an Sx920…..would it matter to a below average piano player?
Thanks so much!!! Really helps support the channel! As I mentioned I’ve never seen an SX920; but it is a pretty high end arranger keyboard so depends if you think you’d be using all those fancy rhythms and accompaniment features or not
@@PianoTone I am going to probably do backing tracks for silent home movies…. Songs from the era of the films shot….dont want a midi keyboard setup, just something I can easily carry back and forth from work.
@@cinepost Wow that sounds cool! EIther one will do the trick, having never seen an SX I can't say for sure how much better it would be for you. Maybe watch some reviews on the SX and see if anything leaps out as "I need THAT" that the Roland doesn't have, otherwise maybe save the $ and get the GO:Keys (it is pretty portable if you're carrying it back and forth)
I have found that Roland's Zen Core acoustic pianos and electric pianos are "second-tier" in quality. This is why they include the SuperNatural sound engine on their higher-end keyboards like the RD-88. The SuperNatural pianos are much higher quality. I think the Casio CT-S1 has acoustic and electric pianos that are quite good. I think the CT-S1 combined with the Go:Keys 5 would be a terrific 2-board setup. You could run a cable from the headphone out on the CT-S1 to the aux-in on the Go:Keys 5 and then use the 1/4 inch outs to connect to the board or amp.
Yes the supernatural sound engine is definitely more advanced for pianos; although if they put that in the GO:Keys no one would buy FP series anymore ;)
A CT-S1 and GO:Keys would be a super light combination!
On GO:KEYS 5 there are wave expansions that cost 20 euros or so. They are most expensive expansions and they run only on version 5 (version 3 does not support wave expansions). These wave expansions sound amazing and natural!
@@GatisKaulinsh Thanks for sharing that!
As you alluded to in your video Tony, I did not think that you would be happy with a Roland product 😊
LOL - I actually really liked the FP-E50 just not the action; this one is kind of a semi weighted FP-E50 in a lot of ways …
The only review I would trust
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I agree. Tony is the best reviewer!
Tony, do you mind asking my which keyboards you currently have? 😊
:)
Yamaha DGX-670, Yamaha PSR-E383, Yamaha PSR-EW425, Studiologic Numa Compact 2X, Roland GO:Keys 5, Hammond SK Pro 73. Yikes too many ;)
Another great review! I'm torn between getting a Go Keys 5 and waiting to see if Roland is about to release a successor to the Juno DS that just got discontinued...
I have no idea about that - Juno is a pretty popular line, you have to think they have something coming.
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Roland just did! The Roland Juno-D. I like the looks. It looks very friendly and usable. Starts at $899, and even if it has a lot of the same sounds as the Go Keys, the better display, the pads, the 2-dimention stick/mod and assignable parameters, plus different size keyboard options may make it the better choice for some people.
@@stevehofer8312did you get it?
@@cinepost No. I might have considered it if it had been out when I was in the market, but last year I bought a Casio CTS500, and it does what I need it to do. To show you how little need I have for it, after I saw this video, I looked on my iPad and realized that I already had a zencore synthesizer with 3,000 sounds on my ipad in the form of the ZC-1 (unlocked) in the Zenbeats program. I think I only paid $10 for the unlocked ZC-1 and it seems like it is effectively the sound engine and most of the presets from the GoKeys Keyboard. It also seems easier to edit the presets than on the Go-Keys. I already had it but I had only used it for a few minutes after I unlocked it, and after that it was out of sight out of mind. There's nothing wrong with it, but I just have lots of other programs to play with.
Excellent video. I need a portable keyboard that will use USB midi to play my iPad sounds. Will this go keys 5 work as a midi controller with an iPad please? I have an iPad mini 4 with a lightning cable camera connection kit. Thanks.
Yes it should work fine! And with built in audio interface the MIDI audio will come back through the keyboard without any lag.
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@@PianoTone Thank you. I just ordered a Go Keys 5. Thanks for the help and the great, honest, informative review. Keep up the good work.
Very good review, thanks. I could use a bit of help. I have a GK3 and was very happy with it, but I could grab a GK5 for a good price, so I gave it a go. My idea was to enjoy better speakers and more outputs. Unfortunately, I am getting some kind of distortion with various sounds as acoustic Piano or electric piano, even at low volumes when playing softly. I posted a sample on my YT page. I read on reddit forums that quite a few people seem to have a similar issue, so I hesitate to send it back to Roland... I would like to have your opinion on this. Can you replicate the same issue on yours? Thanks in advance :)
I had a distortion noise as well on mine that made me think something was wrong with the speakers; then I removed my flash drive . . . and it stopped! I put it back in, and it was back. I tried holding the drive while I played and that made it go away! It's like that port might be loose or something and(or) is right up against the speaker box (maybe?). At any rate it was a strange issue I had but totally was the flash drive. Wondering if maybe the speaker box itself might have some issues causing anything loose to shake? If you're using a flash drive, try taking it out, if not, try things like pressing on the case etc to see if it's an actual speaker distorting or if it's a shaking issue. Also, make sure to update the firmware.
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@@PianoTone thanks for the quick response. Unfortunately, it didn't make a difference in my case.
Again, another fantastic review! Competitors? .....none.....LOL
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I would so like you to review a Casio CTX 5000 even though it has been out 6 years ..
I've never actually even seen a CTX line keyboard. No one where I live sells those, only the CT-S line.
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@PianoTone OK.. BTW I boughta Yamaha EW425 as always wanted to try a 76 key keybed.. I'm not that enamoured with it..The CTX 5000 is a far more dynamic versatile kb even though it has only 61 keys... I also own a tyros 3 which is also way better than ew425....
@@manjsingh5073 Wow a Tyros cool. Yeah I've never even seen a CTX anything in person.
Did you find the action noticeably more resistant than Casio ct-s1 or Yamaha np-35? Another reviewer captured a digital force gauge with a 50% higher reading than either. Like you he said he came to like the action after a period of adjustment.
A test of the action of the previous go piano model in a store suggests this aspect might be an ongoing design decision by Roland but it caused me to move on pretty swiftly. I don’t mind using some extra arm weight to start a key off but I really don’t like constantly applying it to keep the key down. Pianos, real ones only I’m afraid, at least don’t seem to have this latter inconvenience.
I definitely found it heavier than either the CTS1 or NP35; those are “almost semi weighted feel”, the Roland feels very much like an actual semi-weighted keybed.
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@@PianoTone Thanks for the channel. Please add keybed force weight measurements. 'Semi-weighted feel' is questionable marketing-speak. Please don't use it. It implies that a cheap, sprung only, unweighted action can feel like a semi-weighted one by using stronger springs. The beneficial effects of gravity apply to weights not springs.
I still love the Go:Keys but the lack of 5 pin DIN or TRS MIDI is disappointing. Even my Reface DX has that, though through an adapter that is included. To only have USB MIDI and Bluetooth MIDI but no standard MIDI is a bit of an odd choice to me.
Yeah it would have been great for them to just take it one step further (especially with the built in audio interface) …. But you can’t have everything I guess :D
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I have a GO KEYS 5. In performance, I need to be able to mute the line outputs, while still using the headphones for settings changes. I can not find0x that capability through the menus. How is it done?
I don’t think you can do that on the keyboard; I think you’d need to connect your line outs to a mixer first and use the mixer to mute the line outs.
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I'm concerned about the key action on the Go Keys 5. I'm hesitant to order it online and then discover that, despite it's good sound, features and appealing design, the key action might not meet my expectations. I think it would be best to try it out in-store first.
I know these are a little more expensive keyboards but I'm wondering how the go key's 5 compares to Kawai es120 and the Roland fp-30X.
@@elazar1333 It's always best to test key action in person; which weighted action people prefer differs from person to person (I prefer lighter actions like Yamaha GHS action to Roland PHA4, many others are the total opposite).
And with non weighted actions like the GO:Keys, those are very difficult to describe so testing them in person will always be important. Keep in mind the GO:Keys is not a fully weighted graded hammer action, so it will not feel as realistic/"piano-like" as the FP-30X or Kawai.
I've never tested the Kawai, but I owned an FP-30 and I reviewed the FP-30 and the FP-30X. The FP-30X will have more realistic action and better piano sounds (it has the Supernatural Piano engine which is more advanced than ZEN-Core for piano), but that's where the advantages end. The GO:Keys blows it away in terms of functionality, portability, connectivity and user interface (the user interface on the FP-30X is awful). If you offered to give me one or the other, even though the FP-30X is worth more, I would take the GO:Keys without a second thought.
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@@PianoTone In your review you mentioned that "the only keyboard that is better for piano is the korg liano". Do you think the numa compact is worse for playing piano?
@@e0236 The Numa compact IS actually semi-weighted so it's actually fantastic for playing piano (when compared to any non-weighted keyboards). As far as rating them for piano action it would be:
1) Numa Compact
2) Korg Liano
3) GO:Keys 3/5
4) Casiotone CT-S1
Those 4 all all way better for piano than the synth action style keys on Yamaha PSR-E series keyboards
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Are you able to edit o make your own rhythms in go key 5 in style mode?
No you can’t edit the actual rhythms at all. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Which one will you choose, Yamaha PSR 383 or This Roland Go:Keys 3?
I would choose the Roland for the better key action,connectivity and chord sequencer.
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@@PianoTone Thanks. I want the Go:Keys 5 but I can only afford the 3 version. Do you think I can already jam with a band using the 3 version?
You would need external amplification, the speakers won’t be of much use.
@@PianoTone but if in the home only will it suffice?
細節，喜歡
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I only had super cheap keyboards, I sold my CT-S300 and I'm torn between the Casio CT-S500, the Yamaha PSR E473 and the new Roland GO:Keys 5. Which of those is better in terms of overall keybed feel, sounds and functions? I was leaning towards the Casio CT-S500 because of its size, but the Micro-USB is lame for me, it is not a robust connection, Roland and Yamaha instead use USB-C and printer USB port (the square one), much better.
I really don't know what to choose, because each one has its pros and cons, and they sort of complement each other.
I've never seen a CT-S500. but I used to own a CT-S1 and the keyboard feel on that was always better (for piano pieces) than the PSR-E series. But the GO:Keys 5 is a step up on the CT-S1 (and CT-S500) for keybed feel. It's a bit heavier feeling, and the keys are true full size (the CT-S500 and PSR-E are slightly narrower key width). And the GO:Keys has way better features, including the Chord Sequencer, and built in USB audio interface. I would recommend the Roland personally.
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Don't laugh, but can I play this through bluetooth Sonos Roams?
The Bluetooth audio is audio IN not out (no keyboard I know of sends audio out with Bluetooth). If that speaker has a wired input then you could connect it and use it.
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@@PianoTone Thanks Tony that's helpful, I suspected that was the case. I am a big fan of Jean Michel Jarre. Would this be suitable for playing that type of music? Great video buddy. Best wishes from England.
Piano Tone! Thanks for the in-depth review. I have a question for you regarding this keyboard and that is if you get distorted sound/crackle in the sound through the built in speakers if you play something like Jazz Organ or E-Pianos? I bought this keyboard and LOVE it but had these issues with the built in speakers so returned it. Roland tells me this isn't supposed to be an issue and I am trying to figure out if I just got a unit from an early manufacturing batch with potential issues or if this IS a "thing"... want to buy it again for keeps but depends on this... See this YT video for the problem in action: ua-cam.com/video/GBTEdTCLarQ/v-deo.html
I've never noticed any distortion out of the speakers myself, but I have heard alot of people complaining about those issues online. Roland doesn't disclose how many watts they are, but in a keyboard this size I'm sure they're not that powerful, so some distortion especially with sounds with strong low end isn't too surprising. I always play with headphones at home or out of an amp at band practices, so I never use speakers on any of my keyboards anyways; would always recommend studio monitors for home if you don't want to use headphones.
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@@PianoTone Thank you so much for your reply. My intention is to use this keyboard as a portable instrument and so I would've liked it if I didn't have to carry portable speakers with me as well. I think the sound out of the built in speakers is actually very nice and dynamic but if the "crackle" is something that happens because of too much bass then they really should've dialled it back a smidgeon. This is such an amazing instrument at the pricepoint... :)
🙂
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