🎹 Roland RD 08 vs. FP-E50: Which Keyboard Should You Buy? 🎹
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- Опубліковано 17 тра 2024
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#digitalpiano#rolandrd08#rolandfpe50
Introduction
Roland’s RD-08 or FP-E50? They’re less than $100 apart but focused on very different uses and users.
We’ll cover the differences between them as well as who each is best suited for.
Just The Facts
Roland RD-08
The RD-08 is the junior cousin of the RD-88. It’s a mid-range stage piano; a compact, portable 88-note instrument designed for professional or semi-professional settings and focused on performance instead of at-home enjoyment.
The RD-08 has 3,000 onboard sounds and is powered by ZEN-Core tone generator. Not only can the sounds be triple-layered, but you can also apply a robust effects engine with 90 multi-effects, such as chorus, reverb, and resonance.
The keyboard is lightweight but still has an impressive speaker system with both lower and upper-facing speakers. The RD-08 incorporates the PHA-4 action which has a triple sensor and escapement; the only action in this price range to offer both.
The RD-08 also has two assignable pedals, four control knobs, and two assignable wheels. This along with the 100 user slots to save configurations provides for a robust show that is focused on the flexibility of the tone.
Roland FP-E50
The FP-E50 is an arranger keyboard; an instrument that allows a single player to present the sound of a full band along with many mic effects. This keyboard is a good choice for a piano player or a singer who likes to accompany themselves. It’s also good just as a great electronic piano.
With 1,000 onboard sounds and its piano designer feature, the FP-E50 lets you customize your piano experience.
Stu’s Thoughts
With only a $100 difference in cost, for most buyers budget won’t the defining issue, rather, it will be the features you will get the most use out of.
For keyboard players in a professional setting, the RD-08 or RD-88 will be the best choice. It has far more options to manipulate and create sounds. With 3,000 sounds and nine control surfaces, there is a great ability to create the tones and textures needed. There are great-sounding acoustic and electric pianos, as well as synths and organs.
If you’re a singer or other performer looking for auto-accompaniment, the FP-E50 is the right choice for you.
Piano players who don’t do either of these things often will be the most hesitant over which instrument is the right choice. For them, the FP-30X or FP-60X may be the best option; however, if one of these two keyboards has caught your attention, and you won’t need to create complex layered sounds, the FP-E50 would be a good fit.
You will appreciate the onboard piano designer and more robust speakers for a fuller playing experience without the need for headphones or external speakers.
For a deep dive into either one of these instruments, follow the links below for the relevant videos on our channel.
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Good assessment. For adult beginners (or re-starters) the FP E50 has a user friendly layout and isn't overkill on the knobs and dials. Also, as was inferred in the video, you really can customize the 'piano' sound to exactly what you want a piano to sound like. I've had mine for about a month now and haven't even scratched the surface of what it can do. Also, the little touches are there, too... front end headphone jacks, both 3.5 and quarter inch sockets.
ALSO! Do the firmware update as this unlocks a lot more features, like using the Roland piano app over Bluetooth, etc.
Congrats on your FP-E50! It really is an impressive instrument! The feature offering and core piano experience offered for the money are excellent. We're glad you've been enjoying it. Thanks so much and all the best! :)
Nice summary of the two instruments. You really are a great source of these little overviews of the instruments. Always a pleasure---even though your inputs over the years led me to buy a RD-2000, which I will say I have never been disappointed with. I like playing on it more than on a real piano. Mind you, what do I know, I'm a guitar player and only had to learn some piano because the people I play with are unmotivated and left it to the guitar player to also cover key needs. Sounds fair :/
Thanks so much! We really appreciate that. :)
Congrats on your RD2000! We're glad to hear that you've been enjoying it since purchasing it. It is a wonderful stage piano that can also double as a workstation. Thanks so much for the support and happy playing!
I ended up getting an RD-88. Your Video on the RD-08 led me to the RD-88. I wanted the extra controls and buttons. I wasn't even in the market for an RD. I was happy using my FA-08. Except for the size and weight.
Also, I took my FP-10 and RD-88 apart to compare the keybeds because of some differences I noticed. They Are Not the Same identical construction, even though they are both PHA-4 actions. Except for the metal frame of the keybed, the FP is all plastic and the RD has a metal strip that the key bushings are pushed onto. There are also other differences, such as the felt used in various of the keybeds, part numbers on the keys and weights. I took photos and videos and did measurements too. I plan on posting some videos about it on my channel in the next month or so. I'll email you the photos and such if you want me too. I think you will find it very interesting. BTW, I Love the RD-88. Especially the punchy EP sounds! My FA-08 doesn't have the bite the RD-88 does on EPs at any keyboard touch settings!
UPDATE: I have done some more research and watched some videos where an FP-30 was disassembled and the keybed action mechanics shown. It had the metal bar with the bushing pushed on like the RD-88. So, is it just the FP-10 that's all plastic except for the frame? Probably from the looks of what I just stated. Are the felts, weights and keys different? I do not know. Are the keybeds different in the FP and FPX series? I don't know.
It is very interesting and I am very much looking forward to your videos! I also felt that there was a difference in the feel of PHA-4 that I used with my Roland FP digital pianos and what I tested at the store when playing RD-88. I chose RD-08 because I do not need all the extra buttons and knobs. I use it quite often as a MIDI controller (it is better, lighter and cheaper than Roland A88 mkII).
I have been very much pleasantly surprised with the action (I thought I knew) and the piano sound. Great headphone amplifier and quite good speakers.
Thank you for your post.
Michael
Thanks so much for sharing the insights! That is certainly quite interesting and explains the slight differences in feel between these various PHA4 models. Also, we're happy to hear that you've been enjoying the RD88! It is a really impressive piano for the price point. :)
I'm very interested in seeing that too
@@MerriamPianos UPDATE: I have done some more research and watched some videos where an FP-30 was disassembled and the keybed action mechanics shown. It had the metal bar with the bushing pushed on like the RD-88. So, is it just the FP-10 that's all plastic except for the frame? Probably from the looks of what I just stated. Are the felts, weights and keys different? I do not know. Are the keybeds different in the FP and FPX series? I don't know.
@@mfurman UPDATE: I have done some more research and watched some videos where an FP-30 was disassembled and the keybed action mechanics shown. It had the metal bar with the bushing pushed on like the RD-88. So, is it just the FP-10 that's all plastic except for the frame? Probably from the looks of what I just stated. Are the felts, weights and keys different? I do not know. Are the keybeds different in the FP and FPX series? I don't know.
Thanks.
You're welcome! :)
RD-08 for me. I really like it and PHA-4 in this digital piano is finally much better than any other PHA-4 action I had (FP-10, FP-30X, A88 mkII, FP-10 ACR).
The lower weight of RD-08 was an important factor for me when deciding about my purchase of RD-08. I am no longer accepting any digital piano that weighs more than 14kg (I had enough of both FP-90X and P515).
Michael
I'm hoping they improved the touch responce on the PHA4 as well. This was always a deal breaker for me when playing on PHA4. Also just in case you're wondering no I'm not looking for another digital piano😊🎹🎶
Weight is certainly a factor depending on context of use. They have really done an excellent job at packing a lot into a streamlined enclosure with the RD08! :)
@@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12 What are your impressions of acoustic grand pianos’ action? I think that PHA-4 is much closer to the action of an acoustic piano than GHS action. I recently played Boston GP-193 piano and its action has a very similar downweight to PHA-4
@@mfurman for me I don't really find any thing rong with the PHA4 in terms of down weight my problem is mostly about how it performs with playing trills, and playing more sencitively. There are things I like both about GHS, and PHA4. I like how the PHA4 feels when pressing down, however what don't like is it's a bit hard to control trills because PHA4 is a bit slow in terms of returning to it's ressting place compared to GHS. I also don't like when playing softly on PHA4 notes can drop out louder than expected. That being said I've only playd on PHA4 3 times, and ithas been a long time now too so I may need to try the PHA4 again some time around🎹🎶
@@mfurman I've played on grand pianos with light actions, and grand pianos with heavy actions. For me atleast as long as I'm carefull, and am not too tence I can get away with playing on a grand piano with a noticeably heavier action than my DGX as long as it's not too too heavy🎹🎶
in combination with midi designer the rd 08/88 is an incredible userfriendly keyboard.i love it. i sold my RD 2000.
For sure! These are awesome feature-rich pianos. The streamlined design is quite convenient too for gigging situations. :)
I was set on RD88 but would probably get FP60x if it weren’t so heavy. I have to order online and unbox and set up myself. Maybe I can upgrade in the future to a 90x. These videos are inspiring!
Thank you so much! We appreciate that.
Great short overview conparison of the teo 88 note digital pianos I sm considering. I was looking the FP-E50 when it came out, itvseemed perfect fir what I needed, but I plan to get the new Go:Keys 5 doon to add yo and upgrade from my original Go:Keys, snd it badically has most everything from the FP-E50 less the 88 weighted kets in s more compact package for half the price Which means I no longer need to get the FP-E50 when I sm ready to get the 88 Keys, sbd the RD-08 woould be perfect snd just was relesded at the same time ss the Go:Keys 5, and is lughtly more affordable than the RD-88.
Thank you so much! We're glad you enjoyed the comparison and found it helpful. The RD08 is definitely a compelling option if you're looking for portability and affordability. :)
which one is the most expensive ? and also ive noticed that pha4 in the fp e50 has the weights behind the keys ,, i mean in the video the pha4 action has the weights placed differently in front of the keyboard
Here in Canada, the RD08 is slightly more expensive than the FP-E50. :)
Hi Merriam music
I'm trying to decide between the Roland FP-10 and the Roland RP30. I've been learning piano for two years on a semi-weighted keyboard and have developed some bad techniques that I want to correct. I know the FP-10 has the PHA-4 Standard keyboard action, which seems highly recommended, but it's a bit out of my budget. The RP30 is more affordable for me, but I'm concerned about whether it will provide a good enough playing experience to help improve my technique.
Do you think the RP30 is a sufficient choice for someone in my situation, or should I save up for the FP-10 despite the budget constraints? Could you please compare the key actions and overall feel of the FP-10 and RP30?
Thank you for your help!❤❤
Hi there! It is a personal decision that a player will have to make for themselves of course, but my suggestion would be to consider the FP10. When it comes to digital pianos, the action is arguably the most important concern given that it is the invariable component of a digital piano design. The PHA4 action is wonderfully authentic and will certainly help in promoting proper technique development. Thanks so much and hope this helps! :)
Thank you for your advice! I’ll consider saving up for the FP-10 given the importance of key action for developing proper technique. Appreciate your help!
Hello :) I am between the e50 and P30, but dont know... I know a little about playing accords, but stil very new to for real learn how to play. What would you recommend?
I am singer, and maybe thinks FP30 is going to be boring - considdered all the featueres E50 have?
But also thinks the weigth and sound of the key is imoportant :)
What
Hi there! Both pianos have the exact same PHA4 action and SuperNATURAL tone engines (for the core piano sounds). So, from that perspective, there is no major difference in the core piano experience. It really comes down to whether the additional onboard sounds and accompaniment features on the FP-E50 are appealing/useful to you. Thanks and hope this helps! :)
Dang... I want an RD 08 in white!
Though I'm not gonna lie... since it comes with the PHA-4 action, I hoped for a liiiitle lower price point.
That would be a cool aesthetic, but, unfortunately, the RD08 and RD88 models only come in the black finish.
Gracias por la presentación. Roland hace grandes teclados. Todas las grandes marcas hacen desde hace años refritos y versiones de productos ya amortizados, pero la calidad general de construcción de Roland en parte se conserva. No obstante, pocas novedades en el mercado harán que me cambie dos Korg Kronos II, ya que actualmente, lo único que se puede esperar es que confluyan teclados hardware con VSTs software, sin que tengamos que hipotecar la vida.
Para estudio uso un Kawai MP11 y nada se ha movido que me ofrezca algo interesante por lo que pagar. Al parecer, y es que como pasa con el coche eléctrico, al parecer las grandes marcas de instrumentos están en un limbo causado por imposiciones, agendatarias, restricciones, crisis, pérdida de poder adquisitivo general, fragmentamiento social y precariedad adquisitiva de los músicos. Esto, junto a que los VSTs y el pirateo están presentes, creo que impiden que las grandes marcas innoven u ofrezcan relación calidad-precio decisoria para comprar equipo.
Thanks for tuning in and sharing your experiences with these various models. The MP11 is a wonderful instrument with a great touch, so I certainly understand your sentiments. Thanks so much and happy playing! :)
Hello! Could you recommend an inexpensive digital piano on which I could practice in the evening without noise and which would be close in performance to an acoustic one. During the day I play an acoustic Yamaha. In the evening I am afraid of the displeasure of the neighbors.😃Thank you very much.
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for the question! It really depends on your budget. If you are looking for the most inexpensive option on the market with an authentic feeling action, the Roland FP10 is an excellent option. It has a heavy, fully-weighted touch with triple sensor detection.
@@MerriamPianosThank you very much!

Originally I was looking forward on the RD-08, not sure if it is only me but the piano patch sounds better than the FP50, but suddenly the RD-88 got a huge discount and bought it 2 days ago (still waiting to arrive), I am a bit nervous because is older than the RD-08 and thinking that perhaps might have some outdated technology build in.
The RD88 still holds up as a fantastic piano! I think you will be very pleased with your purchase. Congrats on your new instrument and happy playing! :)
They are identical except for the number of knobs and buttons. The main chip on the my FP-10 is identical to what's in my RD-88. Same part numbers. Only the date code is different. My guess is that Roland made a chip that they could use in several instruments with options controlled by firmware and the waveform ROM and RAM it talks to. I'm guessing that it's also the brain in the Fantom "0" series, Juno X, Jupiter X and Xm, FPX digital pianos (except FP-10), RD-08 and RD-88. Anything 2019 and later. RD-2000 came out in Jan. 2017. This approach isn't uncommon among manufacturers. Please read my other comment to this video. ;-)
does the FP-E50 have the chip from the VE500 voiceprocessor?
I don't believe so, but I'm not entirely sure to be honest. Perhaps, one of our helpful community members here will have some insights.
@@MerriamPianos that would be awesome !
As I feared, my supplier no longer stocks the RD-88. So the 08 has replaced it? Lower speck and lower price, at least for now. What about an RD-07 with 73 or 76 keys? That would be very much welcomed by some of us.
We have not heard of a 73/76 model from Roland, but we will keep you posted if we do. Also, that is surprising to hear. As far as we are aware, the RD88 model is still going to be sticking around. :)
3:20 me already having bought the E50, hoping with bated breath to have his purchase validated
The FP-E50 is an excellent feature-rich instrument. You will be very pleased with it! :)
For I wanted, the rd 08 or 88 would have been perfect, but there was a 600usd difference with the fpe50. Happy so far.😊
The FP-E50 is a powerhouse for its price point and there are a lot of crossover features between it and the RD models. :)
Yeah, fp60x for me
The FP60X is an excellent piano and certainly a nicer sonic experience if you're looking to primarily use the instrument for piano playing/practicing. :)