@@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12 I've listened to a lot of Stu's reviews including the Yamaha keyboards. I have a p515 and found Stu's review to be dead on. I have yet to see any evidence at all of bias towards one brand or another.
I was sitting on the fence. I think I’ve watched about 600 keyboard reviews. 😂 These two digital pianos both seem to be excellent keyboards that I think most people will be happy with in the end. I was leaning, rather strongly, towards the Yamaha, mostly because that’s where all of my musical (non-piano) experience is. I’ve always had good experiences with Yamaha, so since they seemed so close, I was going to get the Yamaha, until I watched this review. You made me feel much more comfortable with the Roland in this comparison. Thank you for all of the good information. I’m looking forward to getting started on the piano again. (I took lessons as a very young child.) New subscriber.
Hi! Brent here! Thank you kindly for tuning in! It is exciting to hear that you're relaunching your piano journey! The FP30X is an exceptional instrument, so I'm happy to hear that these videos helped further introduce you to the model. They offer an exceptional cost-to-value ratio as well as one of the most authentic feeling actions at their price point. I am confident that you will be very pleased with what it offers musically. :)
Good evening. Please tell me, have you heard the sound live Yamaha and Roland, where it is better in Yamaha, they say, because Roland speakers are down and the sound is muffled or is it not so and the keyboard is clear that in Roland it is better, but for a beginner the first year will the keyboard from Yamaha be enough or is it too soft, and the teacher says the keyboard should be heavy. Thank you.
I've been researching these pianos for weeks, and you just helped me make the decision in a single video. This is the best review on this topic, by far.
@@northisdead1999 Good evening. Please tell me, have you heard the sound live Yamaha and Roland, where it is better in Yamaha, they say, because Roland speakers are down and the sound is muffled or is it not so and the keyboard is clear that in Roland it is better, but for a beginner the first year will the keyboard from Yamaha be enough or is it too soft, and the teacher says the keyboard should be heavy. Thank you.
That is awesome to hear! Congrats on your new FP30X! It is a powerhouse instrument for the money. I know you will be thrilled with what it has to offer musically. :)
I am wondering why Stu never tests (or even mentions) how noisy (clicky) PHA-4 action can be, especially when the white keys are coming to the rest position. I started to check the noise of the actions after I realized that this is what usually bothers me about a piano action when playing very quiet (p or pp) passages. When I tested FP-10 recently and played J.S. Bach Prelude No.1 in C Major BWV846, I was distracted by the noise of lower octave key sounds and once again realized that I need quiet action. When playing an acoustic piano (C7 in my case), it is different because of dispersion of the sound but the keys do not click much when coming up to resting position. What is noisy are the sounds of moving pedal mechanism. GHC action of P-225 is light, quite fast and relatively very quiet but I like the escapement feel of PHA-4 and the fact that the keys move easily after the initial resistance. This is why I am still coming back to PHA-4 which is an interesting but compromised (by its clickiness) action. Michael
Hi! Brent here! It comes down to a matter of subjectivity when discussing an appropriate level of mechanical key noise associated with a specific action, such as the PHA4. Some players are highly sensitive to even the slightest degrees of mechanical key noise, while others don't seem to be too concerned or bothered by it. With that said, it also depends on the volume you play/practice at as well as whether or not you are using headphones or the onboard speakers. In any case, this is a decision that players will have to make for themselves when selecting a piano.
@@MerriamPianos It is not only about sensitivity of a player but how tolerant those around are to the constant clicking noise (assuming that the practice is done with the headphones). PHA-4 has a very specific thumping clicking noise
Good evening. Please tell me, have you heard the sound live Yamaha and Roland, where it is better in Yamaha, they say, because Roland speakers are down and the sound is muffled or is it not so and the keyboard is clear that in Roland it is better, but for a beginner the first year will the keyboard from Yamaha be enough or is it too soft, and the teacher says the keyboard should be heavy. Thank you.
@ I am not sure why a teacher would insist on using a heavy keyboard action when learning. Yamaha C7 grand piano action, I play, needs ~49g to move C4, Yamaha GHS action needs 50g and PHA-4 63g (C4). PHA-4 has escapement but I think it is too heavy. Its advantage over GHS is that it has a longer pivot length
Thank you for another great video 😀 I have had my FP30X for a year now, and it is a great piano for me as a beginner. Thanks to the reviews from Stu and his friends I was able to choose a piano that works for me. Thank you! 🙂
You're welcome! We're glad you found our content helpful in your selection process. Congratulations on your FP30X! It is an amazing instrument with a great combination of touch and tone. Happy playing! :)
@@rhapsodyman100 There are not any issues with the keys themself. There is a problem with lubricant, for some batches. 2 yr warranty should cover full service of that.
Last year, I began playing piano and bought an FP60x. It’s just a bit more money, but I think it added some nice features. Anyone considering a 30x or P225 should consider the 60X. That said, now that I know more about what I would like in a digital piano, I wish I would have went with the Fantom-08.
I am not sure about picking 60x over 30x this times... Because this models are from 2021, so maybe in finals of next year roland could release new models of the series...
I do not see any advantages of FP-60X over FP-30X. I had FP-90X and did not even use its internal sounds, let alone any features. I bought it strictly because of PHA50 action
I think the FP-60X is a swell instrument. Its biggest drawback is its weight, but it is built well and has super friendly controls at a modest price. It's ideal for the gigging pianist who doesn't need a fully-fledged stage piano, but does need to make a lot of adjustments on the fly, and can wheel the FP-60X down hotel corridors and so on. The Fantom 08 is lighter, but bulkier. The price is very good. I presume it has a graded action (PHA-4) but you might need to check, since synths and stage pianos often don't have grading.
The FP60X's speaker system in particular provide a wonderful sonic experience for the player! With that said, if you're mainly using the instrument with headphones or on stage, the FANTOM-08 is a very compelling option too! :)
Thank you for explaining the differences in sound so well! For someone who is completely new to all of this, you found the right words to express the differences I heard between the piano samples. It's interesting to me that the comment section vastly prefers the sound of the Roland FP30X, whereas I have to say I think I like the "drier" sound of the Yamaha more. It sounds more "earnest", standard piano to me instead of having flourishes I connect more with pop/rock piano, but I'm always confused because everyone else states that Yamaha is more pop/rock and Steinway more classical.
You're welcome! We're glad you found the video comparison helpful. At the end of the day, there really is no wrong answer. It all comes down to a matter of personal preference and musical taste. Every player will resonate with a different tone/touch. :)
The CFX is a world-class flexible instrument that is used in many Classical piano competitions. There's nothing to the pop/rock for Yamaha and Steinway for classical thing. Steinways are big in jazz as much as they are in Classical. The thing I noticed is how piercing the treble is on the Roland and how it isn't on the Yamaha. But I have noticed the actual Steinway D pianos in concert shape to be piercing. They can be in both in practice rooms.
The PHA4 action is an incredibly rewarding action! And I certainly agree. A really great set of headphones can really enhance the practicing experience. :)
@@mfurman It's not that pronounced on my unit and I use headphones (HD660s) 95% of the time anyway. On a different note, I've heard pianos with louder action than the fp30x.
I really appreciate your reviews on these instruments. Now I've seen a few videos...I am leaning towards a used FP10, for my budget, this works. You explain the feel very well. Which for a seasoned player, so important for encouraging regular practise and for performing for an audience. Cheers
Already having a Yamaha Genos with their CFX and C7 samples, I bought a Roland FP10 simply as a weighted controller keyboard. I fell in love so much with the Roland Piano sound I ended up getting the FP60X. True the Roland piano and Yamaha piano are chalk and cheese, but for me the Roland piano sound and key action is more expressive, more dynamic, and the Roland piano sound when performed through good hifi or monitors have a beautiful and musical depth, bottmo end, harmonic richness and just sounds more piano-like. That saying I'll still use the Yamaha piano sounds when recording, and for a 'clean' poppy piano. For just playing for enjoyment though I gravitate to Roland everytime.
Thanks for your insights! The Roland FP line is certainly impressive. The musical output is immense when you factor in the combination of their actions and state-of-the-art tone engines. :)
1.This is the best piano sound comparison I’ve ever seen (hundreds)! 2. It’s quite shocking to find them sounding so similar, actually. 3. The Roland sound used to be referred to as an “inside instrument”, more commonly found in a mix of a recording. 4. Although I prefer the Roland sound (dynamics/response) overall, the echo on the high notes is a bit too much. 5. Once again, such an excellent (professional) conclusion - keys, sounds… Yet, for speakers (show), I would probably bring a few monitors and a VST on an iPad 🙃
Thanks so much for the kind words! We really appreciate it. And thanks for sharing your insights and thoughts too! A lot of it comes down to subjectivity of course, but resources like external speakers and VSTs provide a lot of flexibility to achieve the exact sound you're looking for once you've found an instrument that you love the feel of.
Can you please tell me which of these two is better for playing classical music and I noticed that the Yamaha has heavier keys, which is more like a real piano. Which one is better?
Hi there! Thanks for your question! At the end of the day, this is a very subjective matter of course. In my opinion, the FP30X's PHA4 action is more akin to an acoustic piano experience given its weight, feel, and use of triple sensor detection. I find its ability to track performance nuances to be superior to the P225's GHC action. However, this is merely my opinion; other players may disagree with me of course. :)
Great review. I tend to be a Yamaha man, but I have to say I definitely liked the Roland a lot more. The clarity in tone at both ends was noticeable. Understandable they sampled two different pianos, but one thing I have noticed is the CFX gets a bit muddy When playing multiple notes or certain chords in the C1 and C2 range.
Thank you! That was a VERY informative and helpful comparison with enough details to help me understand both models much better. Great review! To someone who, a long time ago, played a Steinway baby grand for about 2-3 years, sporadically (but just became what I'd call "advanced beginner" level), but who has almost no experience with digital models, this was super nice.
I went with the Roland a few years ago as a purchase for my daughter - first, because I’ve always been a fan of the brand, but also because I really liked the feel of it when I tried one before making my decision. Of course, I ended up getting it at a bad time (I think I paid about $160 more than what it sells for now - thanks, inflation), but for my daughter, it was worth it. My only (minor) gripe about it is that unlike their premium siblings (the 60X and 90X), they decided to go with a proprietary pedal connection instead of the 3 1/4 in. jacks used by their RPU-3 pedal set. 😕 Anyway, minor gripe but the important thing is that my daughter loves it. As she continues to progress, perhaps I’ll upgrade her to a 60X.
The FP30X is an excellent instrument! I'm glad to hear that your daughter has been enjoying it. Prices certainly fluctuate, which can sometimes lead to us paying a bit more at times. But, it is all relative of course. Thanks for tuning in and sharing your insights! :)
Thanks to Stu and Merriam for another enjoyable and informative video. I have a theory about why the audio over MIDI feature was missing on the P-125a. I have found that (as implemented on the P-125/P-121) it cuts out occasionally. A potential embarassment to Yamaha? Anyway, it's good to see it back again on the P-225. Presumably, it doesn't cut out anymore. One of the useful P-125/P-121 features is the on/off/auto switching for the inbuilt speakers. 7+7 watts is little for stage monitoring, but additional monitors can be added via the headphone outputs without eliminating the onboard speakers. This is potentially useful when the main outputs are already connected to a PA mixer or FOH system at a gig. I hope the P-225 has retained that feature. I agree with Stu who has mentioned that the GHS action is a bit tiring. I believe it's because the key return is a little too quick. I notice that I hold the keys back when I play these models. But I still prefer GHS as implemented on the P-125/121 to GHS as implememted on the P-45, because it responds better to rapid playing. Let's hope that the new GHC action is friendlier still. It's disappointing that Yamaha still hasn't added a battery option, or bluetooth or stereo line in. And I have doubts about the wisdom in moving the speakers and shortening the keys. On the P-125 you get two sequencing tracks, but you can't record bass on just one of these tracks - it has to be both, because bass only works in split mode, and single track recording only works without split mode. Let's hope that's been improved on the P-225. Though I haven't tried the P-225, I have tried the FP-30X. I like most things about it, but not the volume controls. Typical of Roland portable pianos, it needs a bit of tweaking IMO. The standard touch curve setting felt wrong to me and (lacking a screen) I ran out of time before I could find out how to change it. But IMO the sound improved a lot over the FP-30 and the lineouts are welcome - now it can be gigged more readily. I like the action too. The downward pointing speakers are OK till you get a carpeted floor. And Stu, didn't you mean to say Graded Hammer Action while explaining GHS?
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for checking out the video and writing in with your insights and experiences! We appreciate it. It is possible that the audio interface was removed on the P125A due to issues with its functionality. With that said, I know it will be a welcome return for many players out there that utilize that feature. As for the other features, they would be nice to include, but, generally, at this price point, manufacturers have to make certain concessions and focus in on investing costs on the areas that they feel are most impactful to the user's experience. Thanks again and all the best! :)
Great! I was waiting for this so hard! 🤩Thank you for the effort. I'm looking forward to the "inevitable" match Kawai ES 120 vs Yamaha P 225! 😜Cheers from Europe. PS: At the moment, here the Yamaha P 225 is more expensive than the Roland FP 30x, 15-20%.
We're happy to be able to share this comparison as we know we had quite a few people waiting for it. We will be tackling a P225 versus an ES120 comparison as well. Stay tuned for that! ;)
Tone-wise, they're fairly even. Action wise, I don't think it's even close. The Kawai RH-C was already a better action than the Yamaha GH-S (better dynamic range, less stiff, a little easier to play at the back of the keys), but the Yamaha GH-C is even more compromised. Yamaha made the action worse to try to compete with Casio's line of crummy-action pianos which prioritize slimness over playability.
@@Persun_McPersonson Did you play on P-225? I had three digital pianos with PHA-4, one with PHA50, one with NWX, one with GHS, ES110 (and tested ES120) and currently have P-225. I do not feel that GHC is worse than GHS. It is definitely less noisy and nicer to play than PHA-4. By the way, I regularly play Yamaha C7 and I can easily move between that grand piano and P-225
At 6:20 (while talking about the PHA4-action) you show an image of the PHA4-CONCERT-action. Does that mean that the FP-30X now comes with the PHA4-Concert action instead of the PHA4-Standard action when it was released? Since the PHA4-Concert-action is the direct predecessor of the PHA-50 ((and almost identical to it) the FP-30X would be an incredible bargain.
Hi there! Thanks for the question! No, the FP30X comes with the standard PHA4 action; not the PHA4 Concert action. I believe that B-roll footage of the PHA4 Concert was just coincidental and not intended to suggest that the FP30X uses that action. Thank you for the question, which allowed us to clarify that! :)
I don’t want to start a fight obvs, but I’ve been playing piano for 30 years. The Roland has noticeably better ambience and tones and how it sounds at varied columes. The tone becomes very different at different volumes. where the Yammy just gets quieter or louder with the same tones (to my ears). I’m going to go check an 30X and see if escapement makes a huge different in feel. I trained on a Korean acoustic and I want to find something similar to that. It is a $300 dollar different though. The P225 comes in white (which the FP10 doesn’t so if I want that aesthetic the starting point with Roland is the FP30. These are great reviews you guys put out. Very helpful.
Thanks so much! We really appreciate that. We're glad that you have found the reviews/comparisons to be helpful. You certainly aren't starting a fight. The beauty of music and musical instruments is that the experience is subjective. Every person and player will have their own tastes and opinions. This ultimately makes music interesting and compelling. If everyone liked the exact same tones and the exact same stylistic decisions, all music would sound the same. That sounds like it would be quite boring to me (pun intended!). :)
General question about the 30x, I'm 1 year and a half in playing piano on a regular basis on the roland, I can now decently play Clair de Lune (see my channel) + couple other pieces, I'm wondering when shoud I upgrade to a higher tier of digital piano ? Right now I feel I can stick with the 30x a year or two, if you have experienced a difficult upgrade choice yourself please let me know ! thanks
Thanks for the question! That is ultimately a personal decision that every player will have to make. The FP30X is quite an impressive piano for the money and can certainly satisfy even high level players. The moment you feel uninspired or hindered by the musical performance of the instrument is usually a pretty good indication that an upgrade may be in order. :)
@@user-hp6ls8qy6d good point, I'm 2 years in now and I don't feel restrained by the technology honestly, even playing somewhat advanced pieces like Chopin Nocturne the 30x still holds up
Thank you very much for your videos. I am a piano player and already own the MODX8, which I will still use for the gigs, where performance and sound is more important, because it has a really good key action and great sounds; however looks cheap and plasticy and has no built-in speakers. I just bought the P225 as my keyboard of choice for wedding gigs and jazz lounge at hotel bars. The design is really nice and it is super compact and lightweight. In the mid range I find the key action to be a bit hard but it's okay. Definitely a good "second piano" for me (even though I'm going to use it more often than my "first piano").
You are very welcome! Thank you for tuning in! It is certainly necessary to have an arsenal of several digital pianos at your disposal for different musical applications and situations. It sounds like you have an excellent pairing of instruments to tackle your needs. :)
Tried both. I’m just not a fan of the Roland action. Find it sluggish (and I have a heavy-action 6-ft. Kawai grand for comparison) not much like a real piano. Also find the 225 action improved over the 125 (which I consider to be light), and the sound better more mellow than the 125’s brightness. To each his own.
For sure! Tone and touch preferences are deeply personal and subjective. Every player will have their preference between these two digital piano titans. :)
Me neither. Action was a con for me for the Rolands. On the other hand, I guess I could live with it if I stopped comparing it to others after a while.
Thank you Stu, your talents brings a better understanding to us who are intermediate and part time players. So Grateful for your gifts and explanations of every keyboard you compare and offer a professional explanation of each of them. Thank You!!!
I love your universal piano review show. If you completely run out of new pianos to review you might review piano amps, mostly because they are much louder than the zillions of low priced keyboards you’ve talked lots about. For example, practicing and learning with a good LOUD piano in your room. I recently got a 10” Roland mono amp that faces me and I’m liking it though with slight hi-res and distortion complaints. But bass and loud is fine.
Thanks so much! We're glad you have enjoyed them. Thanks for the suggestion! We actually just expanded our keyboard amp offering a few months ago, so I think tackling this subject in a future video is a great idea! :)
Having 2 sensors is not always a disadvantage. More important can be how they are implemented. GHS is not my favourite action, but it's OK for entry level or light use on gigs. The P-121 (with GHS) for example, is the most portable graded hammer action piano in the world, and it's highly affordable too.
I just ordered a YAMAHA P225 today and according to this video, there is not any obvious advantage on any aspect in the comparison? While FP-30x has larger dynamic range and doesn't have flt-area-hard-to-press issue. Should I return the YAMAHA P225 piano once it arrives and order a FP-30X?
It is really a matter of personal preference at the end of the day. These are both excellent pianos that boast fantastic cost-to-value ratios. The difference comes down to tone and touch preferences.
To my ear, they both sounded lovely. While I think I would tend to lean more towards the Roland, I think that one would get used to whichever unit they went with. I don’t think you commented on price point at all.
That is certainly a good way of putting it. They both offer very different flavours musically. I think you made a wonderful choice with the FP-E50 though! It is a powerhouse machine for the money. :)
Hello. 7:25 time. What's that tune? It reminds me of many older American stuff I watched as a kid. I just bought FP-30X and wanted to play the same thing but I can't find notes / genre of that thing. Help!
Congrats on your FP30X and thank you for tuning in! I would have to check in with Stu about that. I'm not sure what the piece is. But, I definitely see where you're coming from with that description. :)
I have just tried a P-225 with its GHC action, but briefly. It is softer and smoother than GHS, perhaps less tiring, but I think I prefer the GHS on the P-125, even though it's a bit fierce on the key return. Better still IMO is the FP-30X action - the PHA-4.
Thanks for sharing your experiences and insights! The FP30X's PHA4 is quite the action for this price point, so it is definitely a difficult one to compete with.
I’ve had a Roland FP8 since they came out, i’m guessing that might’ve been 38 years ago. I had been playing piano for 17 years at that time, so I was used to the variations in “real” pianos, including the differences in grands, uprights, consoles. The Yamaha DX7 had come out maybe the year before so I went through a short period of time where I really wanted that one. But I am a pianist and I needed a piano. I immediately fell in love with the FP8. The touch and the sound were both what I would have wanted in a traditional piano. I’ve had a couple buttons replaced and a slider replaced over the years. It still feels and sounds like a beautiful piano.
That's awesome to hear that you've got so much longevity out of your FP8! I'm happy to hear that you're still enjoying the musical experience that it offers. Thanks for tuning in! :)
Did you write those songs, Sir? I really like them! I really love the Roland sound. It's got a much better sound to me and sounds more like my acoustic piano.
The Yamaha sounds decent but I do prefer the Roland overall. If I wanted to spend more money in this category I'd get the Roland, and if I wanted to spend less money I'd get a Casio. The Yamaha sort of occupies a middle space between the two which I don't think necessarily needs to be filled.
The FP30X is a very tough piano to compete with at this price point. With that said, every player will have different needs, which may lead them towards other models. For instance, the lightness and portability of the PXS1100 or PXS3100 make them really compelling options for gigging musicians. :)
FP30X rocks as a newbie keys as well as MIDI. Coupled it with Ableton Live (Arturia and Roland Cloud Banks). Some black keys klick louder than the rest (with the sound off), don't know why. Maybe I'd have picked up Yamaha 225, but I was on Roland FP30 (due to your previous video and my friends' experince) and FP30x popped up. Thus I pratice some basic exercises, improvise, and enjoy FP30X. Thanx for the review!
You're very welcome! The FP30X is a really solid piano that presents an excellent cost-to-value ratio, particularly for players looking to optimize the key action in this price category. Thanks for tuning in! :)
Just got a Roland FP60X and also noticed right away some of the black keys click louder when playing at low volumes and even more noticeable when off. I do have a Kawai GL10 baby grand, a Yamaha P515 and a CasioGP510. Haven’t had that experience with those. I just love having multiple pianos to experience different tones and feel. Do you think all Rolands have this issue?
Good evening. Please tell me, have you heard the sound live Yamaha and Roland, where it is better in Yamaha, they say, because Roland speakers are down and the sound is muffled or is it not so and the keyboard is clear that in Roland it is better, but for a beginner the first year will the keyboard from Yamaha be enough or is it too soft, and the teacher says the keyboard should be heavy. Thank you.
The PHA4 action of the FP10 is far more authentic feeling in my opinion. In terms of tone, it is important to note that the P145 is brighter in general. The FP10 has a more neutral, transparent tone, which arguably contributes to the overall sonic experience more than the speaker system.
The new Roland app brings another 173 tones, same action as the 60x, just put a tablet where the music goes, it is definitely worth every penny. Plenty of nuance as well, the 30x is the best piano bang for the buck period.
Well you may be right about the FP-30X, but the P-125a has been very cheap lately, here in Europe. The Yamaha app needs a few more features, including a more sophisticated recording facility (say 4-track?) and some extra patches, such as saxes - then players could create their own play-alongs.
The speakers are downward facing. So, with that said, the speakers would be pointing down towards the solid surface. It would not "mute" the sound, but it would affect it of course. With that said, models like the FP-E50 actually have a selectable "desk" and "stand" setting, which changes the speaker voicing to accommodate the specific context of use.
I think that Yamaha could add more piano or other voices rather than insert onboard rythm style in this new p225. I agreed with the opinion of somebody for which there aren't many news expecially about electric pianos and other that are the same of the previous p125. Surely the keyboard could be higher quality level and new Cfx sample piano is very good. But this comparison,for me, put in evidence a supremacy of Roland fp30x!!!!! Without any doubt, Fp30x is at first place!!!!
It comes down to a matter of taste and preference of course, but the FP30X is a tough piano to compete with in this price category. It has a great blend of tone, touch, and features. :)
@@MerriamPianos Exactly Stud, and than Fp30x has one of the best keyboard as quality. We must remember that It has 3 sensors for each key and a weighted system as no other piano in its price range. Probably the best at all!!!! Surely,however, Yamaha in this new p225 has made a good job filling the empties of p125 in the connecting panel( another output for external highspeakers), new better quality Ghc keyboard and new Cfx acoustic piano voice that for me can rivalry with Fp30x grand piano 1, my preferred!!!!!
@@MerriamPianos yeah review the p525 PLEASE asap! I'm totally considering buying it , but no one has reviewed it yet and waiting for you as I you are my most reliable source of info you are not buyous unlike many other channels
@@radoslavdragnev8797 Merriam Music is not a Yamaha dealer so they may put reviews of other digital pianos first, and they can be bias at times you're beteroff going to a store and trying it out for your self if possible🎹🎶
Thank you for the in depth review! I anticipate using headphones with my digital piano 90% of the time. Does one piano have clear advantages over the other, considering mostly headphone use?
You're very welcome! Thanks so much for tuning in! :) I would say that they both offer very good headphone sound, pending that you're using appropriate headphones for use with digital pianos. I would recommend basing your decision more around the feeling of the action as there are a lot of things that can be done with digital pianos to tweak the sound. The action is the invariable component of a digital piano design.
@ Thank you for the super fast reply! I’m currently using Sennheiser HD 558, which has a 50ohm impedance. I just might have to buy the Roland as well to compare the action. Thanks for the advice!
Thanks for the video! I'd like to ask an advise; I basically only play classical music. I had a "real piano" until I moved and now I can only buy an electric piano, but don't have any experience with it. Which type would you recommend? One of these two? Casio (in this case which type?) Another one? I can't spend a huge amount of money, so I need something that costs more or less like these two! And I need something that feels similar to the acoustic piano and that is suitable for classical music. Thanks! 🎹
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in and sending in your question! While it all comes down to tastes and preferences, I personally feel that the Roland FP30X would be most aligned with what you're looking for. It has a heavy, authentic-feeling touch, which is one of the closest feels you will find to an acoustic piano.
Can you please review the Yamaha P-525? It’s an upgrade to the P-515, I know they upgraded the action to the Grand Feel S, but I’m curious if there’s anything else they upgraded as well such as the sounds.
Many thanks for this. As well as being informationally informative, it was a pleasure to watch and listen to your review. It is so nice to hear someone who plays well, approaches things methodically, and who is so articulate.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for taking the time to check out our channel. We're so happy to hear that you've been enjoying Stu's excellent reviews/comparisons. All the best and happy playing! :)
@@MerriamPianos I was able to test a Yamaha P225 in a store. The black keys near the felt area can be pressed down softly. The white keys near the felt area are at the limit of being able to be pressed down softly. The P125 was slightly easier. The other pianos like Roland FP-30X, 90X, didn't have such an issue.
Thanks for the awesome review. But I'm still torn. I am an advanced classical pianist with my own studio grand piano. I need a portable keyboard for practice when traveling, and at home with headphones when I don't want to disturb the family. I have played both keyboards at the music store and have no strong preference in regard to touch or sound, but I feel that the Roland is objectively the better and more full-featured instrument. However, in Japan (where I currently live) the P225 is $200 less than the FP-30X! My question is, is the Roland worth the extra $200 over the Yamaha?
You're very welcome! Thanks for the question! In my opinion, a digital piano's action is the most critical component of its design. With that said, I personally favour the FP30X. If you are accustomed to playing an acoustic grand, I think you will really appreciate the greater nuance and control that the FP30X's PHA4 action offers. :)
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for the quick and helpful response. It think I'll bite the bullet and get the FP30X. The $200 savings might not make up for the buyer's remorse I would feel at having "settled" for the Yamaha and wishing I had bought the Roland.
I like how they sound in the midrange, but in the treble particularly they are thin and with little sound. I like better keybed as well. But I guess the price then are double what it is for these pianos.
Naturally, more expensive models will offer more advanced tone engines and actions. But, in this price category, these two instruments are wonderful performers! :)
You can't judge a patch/sound too well via UA-cam streaming. I have two pianos with the old CFiiiS patches, and I love these patches, even more than when I bought these pianos. Supposedly CFX patches are better, but I'd have to play CFX patches for quite a while to be sure. So far, I don't find them better, but I'm not playing the most delicate music. Nevertheless, the classical piano patch on mine (not the first patch) is a bit thicker (less tight) and interests me more at the moment. Yamaha patches aren't always thinner and brighter. Rolands can boom in a way that is unpianistic too my ears, but I still respect the FP-30X as a slightly better-than-entry-level piano.
Sometimes, the prices of various models can differ quite substantially between different markets and regions. In Canada, the Yamaha P225 is less than the Roland FP30X.
Hi there! Brent from Merriam Music here! I would personally gravitate towards the Roland FP30X for classical playing, due to the heavier touch of the PHA4 action. :)
In India, the Yamaha YDP 105 is only 50$ costlier than the P225. Is it worth considering that as an option ? I loved the feel of the YDP's ghs much more than the Roland Fp30x. While the YDP does not have CFX sampling. As for the P225, it definitely sounds the best to my ears , and its GHC action felt quite sturdy and well built but not on the lvl of YDP. Also it might be weird to say but I personally think the GHS used in Pseries is inferior to that in YDP or DGX.
It all comes down to a matter of personal preference of course. And, it sounds like you've really connected with the YDP's GHS action. I know that it is a tough call when you prefer the P225's tone. For me, I tend to prioritize the action when shopping for a digital piano as that is the invariable element of a digital piano. You can always get more speaker power/fidelity via an external amp and you can always access different piano sounds via VST plugins.
Can you do a video on stretch tuning and why digital pianos come with that as default? It feels tedious to have to manually retune so many keys on the roland with its unreliable designer app. I wish there was an easy way to turn stretch on or off. Have only played real pianos a few times, to me stretch sounds out of tune.
Thanks so much for the suggestion! I think that would be a very interesting topic to tackle in a video. We will do our best to cover that topic in an upcoming video. :)
@@MerriamPianos and please when comparing digital pianos, compare how the keyboard functions and responds to a VST like pianoteq/keyscape , because for example I heard that the fp90x is a lot better than the p515, although the 515 is overall better of a stage piano it's not goot for Vst(or so I've been told). I'm really interested in the new grand-touch-S vs the pha-50 for the vsts because I'm thinking of getting something to the level of the vpc1 , but portable that also has some good sounds. The p525 might be the way to go
18.28 listen to the depth of the bass end of the Roland then the deeper resonace of the Yamaha, either the recording is not capturing the bass detail correctly but to my ears, the Yamaha CFX engine is far superior in creating this deeper fuller tonal feel like on a large Grand, I have played all sorts but never tried a digital Kawai so that is next on the list to try before buying and thanks for the in depth review. True about the mid range Stu, Roland brighter and more dynamic, I will try the Roland out for sure.
You're very welcome! Thanks for tuning in. To make sure the tone engine is being represented as transparently as possible, we take a direct line out feed from the pianos and do not apply any additional signal processing in post-production.
im currently attempting to buy a digital piano which is as similar to an acoustic as possible (dont have enough space in the house for an acoustic), so far the fp30x seems to be the best option for under 1000 euro. are there any other options that you would advise me to consider?
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for the question! I personally find the FP30X to be the best bet for around that price point. I tend to prioritize action when shopping for digital pianos and, from that perspective, the FP30X presents the most comparable feel to an acoustic grand piano. :)
Hi! Brent here! Thanks so much! We're glad you have been enjoying our channel! We haven't got a P525 model in yet, but I imagine you will eventually see a review/comparison video featuring that model down the road. :)
Looking for keyboard with many decent sounds. Many people don't care much about sounds other than grand piano but i do. I would like to have good harpsichords, organs, bass, choir, e.pianos and I could sacrifice some quality of grand piano for that. What keyboard should I choose under 800 euros? I've watched some reviews but they don't focus on second category sounds. At the moment I am considering between kawai es120 and Yamaha p225 (same price in my area). Maybe you have some other propositions for me? Any help appreciated :)
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! While these two models are excellent options if you're predominantly using piano sounds, models like the Casio PXS3100 or CDPS360 have tons of built-in sounds. They may be worth exploring (especially the PXS3100!). :)
Hi Stu - that's the third video I've watched today, and once again - BRAVO - thorough, informative and fascinating. One question for you - I too am hooked on instruments with long key pivot points (so sadly the Yam P225 has just dropped of my potential chuck-in-the-car and go-for-a-gig list) ... ... do you know of ANY authoritative source that lists key dimensions (visible length, hidden length to pivot, etc? Even width (my DX7 and SY99 synths have fractionally narrower keys than standard)?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you once again for tuning in! We appreciate all of the support. :) Unfortunately, key dimensions and pivot lengths are seldom discussed explicitly by manufacturers. To that point, the only real resources are things like message boards/forums. Some players out there open up various digital pianos, take measurements/photos, and share them with the community. With that said, perhaps, this is a topic that we have to take on ourselves via a video. ;)
The back facing speakers on the 225 are giving much better sound than even the p515 I think. It also has front speakers through the gap between the keys and the controls :)
Hi! Brent here! That is a tough call, which really comes down to a matter of personal preference. I would say the ES120 provides a tone that is more aligned with Romantic piano playing, but the FP30X has an action that is more akin to an acoustic grand. My recommendation would be to test both out in person to determine which one you connect with more. :)
As a completely beginner, I was about buy a new Yamaha P-145 with full price. Then I came across a person selling like-new Roland FP30X with $170 cheaper than the full price new YahamaP-145. Should I go for the second hand Roland? Your review made me indecisive a little 😂. But it’s a great review!
Thank you kindly! We're glad you enjoyed it. Personally, for me, the Roland FP30X is a far superior instrument, particularly when it comes to the feel of the action. With that said, I would make sure that the instrument is in good standing and that everything is functioning when purchasing from the used market.
I try to buy used when I can. I purchased a used Roland RD-600 nearly 30 years ago and it’s been an absolute solid piano. Other than having to replace a few broken hammers over time (routine wear and tear), I’ve had no problems at all with it. However, I’m looking to upgrade because the new models are so nice. If you can find a used Roland in good condition, I’d say go for it.
I have a piano Roland fp30x and with the factory pedal the dp2, it works perfectly when using piano sounds. But when I want to play piano + String using the dual function, the String notes are very long and they mixed together and the performance doesn't sound good. How can I correct this?
Hi! Thanks for the question! Unfortunately, there is no real way to adjust this other than changing the blend volume and experimenting with different string patches that have less prominent sustain.
Hi there! It really comes down to preference and budget, but I have always been a fan of Yamaha studio monitors. Models like HS7 or HS8 offer excellent value as well as a transparent sound that is ideal for digital pianos and VST plugins in my opinion. :)
Preferring the Yamaha sound on this test, more natural to my ears, not sure what action I would prefer though, I use to gig with a Roland RD series need to try the Kawai to!
It all comes down to a matter of preference of course. In this price category, I personally favour the FP30X's action (PHA4) and the Kawai ES120's tone (Harmonic Imaging).
The X-style stands are generally a bit wobbly. If you're looking for more stability, Z-style stands are far more robust and stable. The Profile KDS450MA is a very popular model at our shops for customers seeking a reliable stand that won't shake while being played.
Hi there! We take a direct line out feed into a Focusrite Scarlett interface. From there, we do not apply any post processing or effects to ensure the sound is represented as transparently as possible.
The Roland has 56 onboard sounds.. but how do I know what sound is selected if there’s no screen or if I’m not using the app? Guess that different sounds are not written on the machine, right?
Can someone please help me decide? The Yamaha is brand new just came out a few months ago and the Roland is over 2 years old. Should that determine my purchase? It must be a bit outdated by now no? Or am I looking at this wrong
Hi! Brent here! Personally, I wouldn't let the fact that the FP30X has been out for a couple years rule it out. At the end of the day, it is the musical experience the instrument provides that is of critical importance. My suggestion would be to test both out in person and go with the one that you resonate with the most. :)
Great review. Yamaha basic piano sound is like a big grand acoustic. Roland, while a nice sound, sounds like a nice ELECTRIC piano. I bought the 225. One important HIDDEN feature is the “touch” adjustment. The firmer touch has a warmer sound but the soft touch has a brighter sound- totally separate from the piano selector switch adding one more voice to the piano. To change touch hold piano an press high C,D, or C#. From firm to soft is a big difference in sound!
The only unbiased, knowledgeable reviews on the internet. Thank you!
You're welcome! Thank you for the incredibly kind words! :)
I wouldn't say that. They are a Kawai/Casio/Roland dealer, and not a Yamaha dealer so who knows🎹🎶
@@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12 I've listened to a lot of Stu's reviews including the Yamaha keyboards. I have a p515 and found Stu's review to be dead on. I have yet to see any evidence at all of bias towards one brand or another.
I feel like Stu is one of those fortunate people who have found the perfect career. Cheers!
I think that is true! I know Stu loves what he does! :)
Thanks for playing the same tunes on each. Makes comparison much easier.
You're welcome! Thank you for tuning in! :)
Eu já tive, pianos digitais, Roland, kurzweil, solton, e Yamaha, mas os sons da Yamaha, são superiores.
I was sitting on the fence. I think I’ve watched about 600 keyboard reviews. 😂 These two digital pianos both seem to be excellent keyboards that I think most people will be happy with in the end. I was leaning, rather strongly, towards the Yamaha, mostly because that’s where all of my musical (non-piano) experience is. I’ve always had good experiences with Yamaha, so since they seemed so close, I was going to get the Yamaha, until I watched this review. You made me feel much more comfortable with the Roland in this comparison.
Thank you for all of the good information. I’m looking forward to getting started on the piano again. (I took lessons as a very young child.)
New subscriber.
Hi! Brent here! Thank you kindly for tuning in! It is exciting to hear that you're relaunching your piano journey! The FP30X is an exceptional instrument, so I'm happy to hear that these videos helped further introduce you to the model. They offer an exceptional cost-to-value ratio as well as one of the most authentic feeling actions at their price point. I am confident that you will be very pleased with what it offers musically. :)
I am so glad that i came across your videos before getting my very first digital piano. Your detailed reviews on P225 and FP30X really helps 😊
Thank you so much! We're glad you found the videos helpful. :)
Good evening.
Please tell me, have you heard the sound live Yamaha and Roland, where it is better in Yamaha, they say, because Roland speakers are down and the sound is muffled or is it not so and the keyboard is clear that in Roland it is better, but for a beginner the first year will the keyboard from Yamaha be enough or is it too soft, and the teacher says the keyboard should be heavy.
Thank you.
I've been researching these pianos for weeks, and you just helped me make the decision in a single video. This is the best review on this topic, by far.
We're so happy to hear that! We're glad you found our video helpful. :)
what did you choose?
@@licandres01 The FP-30X. It's really great.
@@northisdead1999
Good evening.
Please tell me, have you heard the sound live Yamaha and Roland, where it is better in Yamaha, they say, because Roland speakers are down and the sound is muffled or is it not so and the keyboard is clear that in Roland it is better, but for a beginner the first year will the keyboard from Yamaha be enough or is it too soft, and the teacher says the keyboard should be heavy.
Thank you.
Finally pulled the trigger on a Roland FP30x, these review videos have been extremely helpful in helping me make my decision thank you for this!
That is awesome to hear! Congrats on your new FP30X! It is a powerhouse instrument for the money. I know you will be thrilled with what it has to offer musically. :)
What are your thoughts on it? 😮
@jaredcress4328 what are your thoughts!!!?
I am wondering why Stu never tests (or even mentions) how noisy (clicky) PHA-4 action can be, especially when the white keys are coming to the rest position.
I started to check the noise of the actions after I realized that this is what usually bothers me about a piano action when playing very quiet (p or pp) passages. When I tested FP-10 recently and played J.S. Bach Prelude No.1 in C Major BWV846, I was distracted by the noise of lower octave key sounds and once again realized that I need quiet action. When playing an acoustic piano (C7 in my case), it is different because of dispersion of the sound but the keys do not click much when coming up to resting position. What is noisy are the sounds of moving pedal mechanism.
GHC action of P-225 is light, quite fast and relatively very quiet but I like the escapement feel of PHA-4 and the fact that the keys move easily after the initial resistance. This is why I am still coming back to PHA-4 which is an interesting but compromised (by its clickiness) action.
Michael
Hi! Brent here! It comes down to a matter of subjectivity when discussing an appropriate level of mechanical key noise associated with a specific action, such as the PHA4. Some players are highly sensitive to even the slightest degrees of mechanical key noise, while others don't seem to be too concerned or bothered by it. With that said, it also depends on the volume you play/practice at as well as whether or not you are using headphones or the onboard speakers. In any case, this is a decision that players will have to make for themselves when selecting a piano.
@@MerriamPianos It is not only about sensitivity of a player but how tolerant those around are to the constant clicking noise (assuming that the practice is done with the headphones). PHA-4 has a very specific thumping clicking noise
Good evening.
Please tell me, have you heard the sound live Yamaha and Roland, where it is better in Yamaha, they say, because Roland speakers are down and the sound is muffled or is it not so and the keyboard is clear that in Roland it is better, but for a beginner the first year will the keyboard from Yamaha be enough or is it too soft, and the teacher says the keyboard should be heavy.
Thank you.
@ I am not sure why a teacher would insist on using a heavy keyboard action when learning.
Yamaha C7 grand piano action, I play, needs ~49g to move C4, Yamaha GHS action needs 50g and PHA-4 63g (C4).
PHA-4 has escapement but I think it is too heavy. Its advantage over GHS is that it has a longer pivot length
Thank you for another great video 😀 I have had my FP30X for a year now, and it is a great piano for me as a beginner. Thanks to the reviews from Stu and his friends I was able to choose a piano that works for me. Thank you! 🙂
You're welcome! We're glad you found our content helpful in your selection process. Congratulations on your FP30X! It is an amazing instrument with a great combination of touch and tone. Happy playing! :)
In this video, I prefer the tone of the Roland to the Yamaha.
@JoeLinux2000
In the video
In reality yamaha better 🤣
Hi, did you have any issues with the keys on Roland?
@@rhapsodyman100 There are not any issues with the keys themself. There is a problem with lubricant, for some batches. 2 yr warranty should cover full service of that.
I'm still on my Roland FP-7F and I love it
That is awesome to hear! Glad you're still enjoying it! :)
Solid gold information for a piano newbie
We're very happy that you found the video helpful! :)
Last year, I began playing piano and bought an FP60x. It’s just a bit more money, but I think it added some nice features. Anyone considering a 30x or P225 should consider the 60X. That said, now that I know more about what I would like in a digital piano, I wish I would have went with the Fantom-08.
I am not sure about picking 60x over 30x this times... Because this models are from 2021, so maybe in finals of next year roland could release new models of the series...
I do not see any advantages of FP-60X over FP-30X. I had FP-90X and did not even use its internal sounds, let alone any features. I bought it strictly because of PHA50 action
I think the FP-60X is a swell instrument. Its biggest drawback is its weight, but it is built well and has super friendly controls at a modest price. It's ideal for the gigging pianist who doesn't need a fully-fledged stage piano, but does need to make a lot of adjustments on the fly, and can wheel the FP-60X down hotel corridors and so on.
The Fantom 08 is lighter, but bulkier. The price is very good. I presume it has a graded action (PHA-4) but you might need to check, since synths and stage pianos often don't have grading.
The FP60X's speaker system in particular provide a wonderful sonic experience for the player! With that said, if you're mainly using the instrument with headphones or on stage, the FANTOM-08 is a very compelling option too! :)
Thank you for explaining the differences in sound so well! For someone who is completely new to all of this, you found the right words to express the differences I heard between the piano samples. It's interesting to me that the comment section vastly prefers the sound of the Roland FP30X, whereas I have to say I think I like the "drier" sound of the Yamaha more. It sounds more "earnest", standard piano to me instead of having flourishes I connect more with pop/rock piano, but I'm always confused because everyone else states that Yamaha is more pop/rock and Steinway more classical.
You're welcome! We're glad you found the video comparison helpful. At the end of the day, there really is no wrong answer. It all comes down to a matter of personal preference and musical taste. Every player will resonate with a different tone/touch. :)
The CFX is a world-class flexible instrument that is used in many Classical piano competitions. There's nothing to the pop/rock for Yamaha and Steinway for classical thing. Steinways are big in jazz as much as they are in Classical.
The thing I noticed is how piercing the treble is on the Roland and how it isn't on the Yamaha. But I have noticed the actual Steinway D pianos in concert shape to be piercing. They can be in both in practice rooms.
I just love the PHA-4 action. Also, good point about the headphones, for the ''best'' audio experience.
The PHA4 action is an incredibly rewarding action! And I certainly agree. A really great set of headphones can really enhance the practicing experience. :)
How do you like the clicking keys?
@@mfurman It's not that pronounced on my unit and I use headphones (HD660s) 95% of the time anyway. On a different note, I've heard pianos with louder action than the fp30x.
@@philipcooper8297 I also use Sennheiser headphones (HD600). I hear the noise of PHA-4. Check the video Roland FP-10 (PHA-4) action noise
I really appreciate your reviews on these instruments. Now I've seen a few videos...I am leaning towards a used FP10, for my budget, this works. You explain the feel very well. Which for a seasoned player, so important for encouraging regular practise and for performing for an audience. Cheers
We're glad you found Stu's comparison helpful! The FP10 is a very solid piano and a wonderful choice in my opinion! :)
FP30x still standing.... I'm following reviews over a Year, and the key action and speakers/piano sound, are the best in this price range for Roland.
The FP30X definitely still holds up as an excellent buy in 2024! The combination of touch, tone, and features is quite impressive for its price point.
For myself I go with Roland and it has more deeper sounds
The FP30X is one heckuva instrument! That is for sure! :)
2:56 I think you can use a UD-BT01 adapter if you want Bluetooth MIDI (a feature not required by anyone I have ever known).
Yes - that is a good point! There are several products that can allow for Bluetooth functionality like the UD-BT01 adapter. :)
Already having a Yamaha Genos with their CFX and C7 samples, I bought a Roland FP10 simply as a weighted controller keyboard. I fell in love so much with the Roland Piano sound I ended up getting the FP60X. True the Roland piano and Yamaha piano are chalk and cheese, but for me the Roland piano sound and key action is more expressive, more dynamic, and the Roland piano sound when performed through good hifi or monitors have a beautiful and musical depth, bottmo end, harmonic richness and just sounds more piano-like. That saying I'll still use the Yamaha piano sounds when recording, and for a 'clean' poppy piano. For just playing for enjoyment though I gravitate to Roland everytime.
Thanks for your insights! The Roland FP line is certainly impressive. The musical output is immense when you factor in the combination of their actions and state-of-the-art tone engines. :)
Always love your detailed, in-depth reviews! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Thanks a million! We really appreciate it. :)
1.This is the best piano sound comparison I’ve ever seen (hundreds)!
2. It’s quite shocking to find them sounding so similar, actually.
3. The Roland sound used to be referred to as an “inside instrument”, more commonly found in a mix of a recording.
4. Although I prefer the Roland sound (dynamics/response) overall, the echo on the high notes is a bit too much.
5. Once again, such an excellent (professional) conclusion - keys, sounds… Yet, for speakers (show), I would probably bring a few monitors and a VST on an iPad 🙃
Thanks so much for the kind words! We really appreciate it. And thanks for sharing your insights and thoughts too! A lot of it comes down to subjectivity of course, but resources like external speakers and VSTs provide a lot of flexibility to achieve the exact sound you're looking for once you've found an instrument that you love the feel of.
Can you please tell me which of these two is better for playing classical music and I noticed that the Yamaha has heavier keys, which is more like a real piano. Which one is better?
Hi there! Thanks for your question! At the end of the day, this is a very subjective matter of course. In my opinion, the FP30X's PHA4 action is more akin to an acoustic piano experience given its weight, feel, and use of triple sensor detection. I find its ability to track performance nuances to be superior to the P225's GHC action. However, this is merely my opinion; other players may disagree with me of course. :)
Great review. I tend to be a Yamaha man, but I have to say I definitely liked the Roland a lot more. The clarity in tone at both ends was noticeable. Understandable they sampled two different pianos, but one thing I have noticed is the CFX gets a bit muddy When playing multiple notes or certain chords in the C1 and C2 range.
Thank you! The FP30X is an amazing instrument and a very tough one to compete with at this price point. :)
Thank you! That was a VERY informative and helpful comparison with enough details to help me understand both models much better. Great review! To someone who, a long time ago, played a Steinway baby grand for about 2-3 years, sporadically (but just became what I'd call "advanced beginner" level), but who has almost no experience with digital models, this was super nice.
You're very welcome! Thanks for watching! We appreciate the support. We're glad that you found the video helpful. :)
I went with the Roland a few years ago as a purchase for my daughter - first, because I’ve always been a fan of the brand, but also because I really liked the feel of it when I tried one before making my decision.
Of course, I ended up getting it at a bad time (I think I paid about $160 more than what it sells for now - thanks, inflation), but for my daughter, it was worth it.
My only (minor) gripe about it is that unlike their premium siblings (the 60X and 90X), they decided to go with a proprietary pedal connection instead of the 3 1/4 in. jacks used by their RPU-3 pedal set. 😕 Anyway, minor gripe but the important thing is that my daughter loves it. As she continues to progress, perhaps I’ll upgrade her to a 60X.
The FP30X is an excellent instrument! I'm glad to hear that your daughter has been enjoying it. Prices certainly fluctuate, which can sometimes lead to us paying a bit more at times. But, it is all relative of course. Thanks for tuning in and sharing your insights! :)
Thanks to Stu and Merriam for another enjoyable and informative video.
I have a theory about why the audio over MIDI feature was missing on the P-125a. I have found that (as implemented on the P-125/P-121) it cuts out occasionally. A potential embarassment to Yamaha? Anyway, it's good to see it back again on the P-225. Presumably, it doesn't cut out anymore.
One of the useful P-125/P-121 features is the on/off/auto switching for the inbuilt speakers. 7+7 watts is little for stage monitoring, but additional monitors can be added via the headphone outputs without eliminating the onboard speakers. This is potentially useful when the main outputs are already connected to a PA mixer or FOH system at a gig. I hope the P-225 has retained that feature.
I agree with Stu who has mentioned that the GHS action is a bit tiring. I believe it's because the key return is a little too quick. I notice that I hold the keys back when I play these models. But I still prefer GHS as implemented on the P-125/121 to GHS as implememted on the P-45, because it responds better to rapid playing. Let's hope that the new GHC action is friendlier still.
It's disappointing that Yamaha still hasn't added a battery option, or bluetooth or stereo line in. And I have doubts about the wisdom in moving the speakers and shortening the keys.
On the P-125 you get two sequencing tracks, but you can't record bass on just one of these tracks - it has to be both, because bass only works in split mode, and single track recording only works without split mode. Let's hope that's been improved on the P-225.
Though I haven't tried the P-225, I have tried the FP-30X. I like most things about it, but not the volume controls. Typical of Roland portable pianos, it needs a bit of tweaking IMO. The standard touch curve setting felt wrong to me and (lacking a screen) I ran out of time before I could find out how to change it. But IMO the sound improved a lot over the FP-30 and the lineouts are welcome - now it can be gigged more readily. I like the action too. The downward pointing speakers are OK till you get a carpeted floor.
And Stu, didn't you mean to say Graded Hammer Action while explaining GHS?
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for checking out the video and writing in with your insights and experiences! We appreciate it. It is possible that the audio interface was removed on the P125A due to issues with its functionality. With that said, I know it will be a welcome return for many players out there that utilize that feature. As for the other features, they would be nice to include, but, generally, at this price point, manufacturers have to make certain concessions and focus in on investing costs on the areas that they feel are most impactful to the user's experience. Thanks again and all the best! :)
Great! I was waiting for this so hard! 🤩Thank you for the effort. I'm looking forward to the "inevitable" match Kawai ES 120 vs Yamaha P 225! 😜Cheers from Europe. PS: At the moment, here the Yamaha P 225 is more expensive than the Roland FP 30x, 15-20%.
Thanks for tuning in! We will be tackling an ES120 comparison as well, so stay tuned for that! :)
Fp30x is currently priced lower than P225 in U.S. as well.
oh ok! Thanks @@davidmartin123
Excellent review and one of the better product reviews I've see on UA-cam. Thank you.
You're welcome! Thanks so much! We're glad you enjoyed the review. :)
Such a great video and review . i was expecting that review by you with this awesome detailed consideration. Thanks sir 🙋♂💐
You're very welcome! We're so happy to hear that you enjoyed it. Thanks for tuning in! :)
Excellent review. Thank you. Subscribed.
You're welcome! Thanks a million for tuning in and subscribing! We really appreciate that. :)
Been waiting for Stu's thoughts on p225. I do hope you compare the p225 to the kawai es120. They seem evenly matched
We're happy to be able to share this comparison as we know we had quite a few people waiting for it. We will be tackling a P225 versus an ES120 comparison as well. Stay tuned for that! ;)
With the exception of the price - ES120 is 20% more expensive
@@mfurmanDepends on where you live.
Tone-wise, they're fairly even. Action wise, I don't think it's even close. The Kawai RH-C was already a better action than the Yamaha GH-S (better dynamic range, less stiff, a little easier to play at the back of the keys), but the Yamaha GH-C is even more compromised. Yamaha made the action worse to try to compete with Casio's line of crummy-action pianos which prioritize slimness over playability.
@@Persun_McPersonson Did you play on P-225? I had three digital pianos with PHA-4, one with PHA50, one with NWX, one with GHS, ES110 (and tested ES120) and currently have P-225. I do not feel that GHC is worse than GHS. It is definitely less noisy and nicer to play than PHA-4. By the way, I regularly play Yamaha C7 and I can easily move between that grand piano and P-225
Great review.
Thank you! :)
At 6:20 (while talking about the PHA4-action) you show an image of the PHA4-CONCERT-action.
Does that mean that the FP-30X now comes with the PHA4-Concert action instead of the PHA4-Standard action when it was released?
Since the PHA4-Concert-action is the direct predecessor of the PHA-50 ((and almost identical to it) the FP-30X would be an incredible bargain.
Hi there! Thanks for the question! No, the FP30X comes with the standard PHA4 action; not the PHA4 Concert action. I believe that B-roll footage of the PHA4 Concert was just coincidental and not intended to suggest that the FP30X uses that action. Thank you for the question, which allowed us to clarify that! :)
Darn!! Would have made a perfect controller keyboard..🥴
I don’t want to start a fight obvs, but I’ve been playing piano for 30 years. The Roland has noticeably better ambience and tones and how it sounds at varied columes. The tone becomes very different at different volumes. where the Yammy just gets quieter or louder with the same tones (to my ears).
I’m going to go check an 30X and see if escapement makes a huge different in feel. I trained on a Korean acoustic and I want to find something similar to that. It is a $300 dollar different though. The P225 comes in white (which the FP10 doesn’t so if I want that aesthetic the starting point with Roland is the FP30.
These are great reviews you guys put out. Very helpful.
Thanks so much! We really appreciate that. We're glad that you have found the reviews/comparisons to be helpful. You certainly aren't starting a fight. The beauty of music and musical instruments is that the experience is subjective. Every person and player will have their own tastes and opinions. This ultimately makes music interesting and compelling. If everyone liked the exact same tones and the exact same stylistic decisions, all music would sound the same. That sounds like it would be quite boring to me (pun intended!). :)
Roland Yeah! It’s what a good grand sound! Sound palette!
General question about the 30x, I'm 1 year and a half in playing piano on a regular basis on the roland, I can now decently play Clair de Lune (see my channel) + couple other pieces, I'm wondering when shoud I upgrade to a higher tier of digital piano ? Right now I feel I can stick with the 30x a year or two, if you have experienced a difficult upgrade choice yourself please let me know ! thanks
Thanks for the question! That is ultimately a personal decision that every player will have to make. The FP30X is quite an impressive piano for the money and can certainly satisfy even high level players. The moment you feel uninspired or hindered by the musical performance of the instrument is usually a pretty good indication that an upgrade may be in order. :)
@@user-hp6ls8qy6d good point, I'm 2 years in now and I don't feel restrained by the technology honestly, even playing somewhat advanced pieces like Chopin Nocturne the 30x still holds up
Thank you very much for your videos. I am a piano player and already own the MODX8, which I will still use for the gigs, where performance and sound is more important, because it has a really good key action and great sounds; however looks cheap and plasticy and has no built-in speakers. I just bought the P225 as my keyboard of choice for wedding gigs and jazz lounge at hotel bars. The design is really nice and it is super compact and lightweight. In the mid range I find the key action to be a bit hard but it's okay. Definitely a good "second piano" for me (even though I'm going to use it more often than my "first piano").
You are very welcome! Thank you for tuning in! It is certainly necessary to have an arsenal of several digital pianos at your disposal for different musical applications and situations. It sounds like you have an excellent pairing of instruments to tackle your needs. :)
Tried both. I’m just not a fan of the Roland action. Find it sluggish (and I have a heavy-action 6-ft. Kawai grand for comparison) not much like a real piano. Also find the 225 action improved over the 125 (which I consider to be light), and the sound better more mellow than the 125’s brightness. To each his own.
For sure! Tone and touch preferences are deeply personal and subjective. Every player will have their preference between these two digital piano titans. :)
PHA-4 is a very noisy and clicky action
Me neither. Action was a con for me for the Rolands. On the other hand, I guess I could live with it if I stopped comparing it to others after a while.
Agree, the roland keyboard feels sluggish to me
Thank you Stu, your talents brings a better understanding to us who are intermediate and part time players.
So Grateful for your gifts and explanations of every keyboard you compare and offer a professional explanation of each of them.
Thank You!!!
Hi! Brent here! Thanks so much for tuning in! We appreciate your support. I know Stu appreciates the kind words as well. :)
I love your universal piano review show. If you completely run out of new pianos to review you might review piano amps, mostly because they are much louder than the zillions of low priced keyboards you’ve talked lots about.
For example, practicing and learning with a good LOUD piano in your room. I recently got a 10” Roland mono amp that faces me and I’m liking it though with slight hi-res and distortion complaints. But bass and loud is fine.
Thanks so much! We're glad you have enjoyed them. Thanks for the suggestion! We actually just expanded our keyboard amp offering a few months ago, so I think tackling this subject in a future video is a great idea! :)
For me I already tried the PHA4 vs the GHS, and I liked the GHS more because of beter dynamic responce. I hope I'll like the GHC once I try it 2🎹🎶
It comes down to a matter of personal preference of course! These are both very solid instruments. :)
Having 2 sensors is not always a disadvantage. More important can be how they are implemented. GHS is not my favourite action, but it's OK for entry level or light use on gigs. The P-121 (with GHS) for example, is the most portable graded hammer action piano in the world, and it's highly affordable too.
@@Zoco101 I'm not the best player, but I some times play Liszt on a GHS, and it does the job just fine🎹🎶
@@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12which lizt composition ?
@@JitinMisra Liebestraume No. 3🎹🎶
I just ordered a YAMAHA P225 today and according to this video, there is not any obvious advantage on any aspect in the comparison? While FP-30x has larger dynamic range and doesn't have flt-area-hard-to-press issue. Should I return the YAMAHA P225 piano once it arrives and order a FP-30X?
It is really a matter of personal preference at the end of the day. These are both excellent pianos that boast fantastic cost-to-value ratios. The difference comes down to tone and touch preferences.
Extremely good review and super helpful! Thanks!
You're welcome! We appreciate that! Thanks a million! :)
To my ear, they both sounded lovely. While I think I would tend to lean more towards the Roland, I think that one would get used to whichever unit they went with. I don’t think you commented on price point at all.
Price points vary from country to country, so we usually don't discuss them too frequently. And I certainly agree. They're both very solid pianos!
I would like the 61 and 73 key versions, thanks😋
Unfortunately, fully-weighted 61 and 73 key digital pianos have not really caught on yet. Perhaps, they will be more common in the future.
You are right, I hope one day the piano will be as portable as the guitar@@MerriamPianos
I just love that attack of the Yamaha. That’s why I’ve played them for 20+ years.
That Roland is very very good though.
That is certainly fair! They're both very solid instruments that offer something a bit different musically. :)
I would say, term of audio Roland sound is laid-back, while Yamaha sound is quite in-face kind of sound. I choose Roland FP E50 over yamaha dgx670
That is certainly a good way of putting it. They both offer very different flavours musically. I think you made a wonderful choice with the FP-E50 though! It is a powerhouse machine for the money. :)
Hello. 7:25 time. What's that tune? It reminds me of many older American stuff I watched as a kid. I just bought FP-30X and wanted to play the same thing but I can't find notes / genre of that thing. Help!
Congrats on your FP30X and thank you for tuning in! I would have to check in with Stu about that. I'm not sure what the piece is. But, I definitely see where you're coming from with that description. :)
I have just tried a P-225 with its GHC action, but briefly. It is softer and smoother than GHS, perhaps less tiring, but I think I prefer the GHS on the P-125, even though it's a bit fierce on the key return. Better still IMO is the FP-30X action - the PHA-4.
Thanks for sharing your experiences and insights! The FP30X's PHA4 is quite the action for this price point, so it is definitely a difficult one to compete with.
I’ve had a Roland FP8 since they came out, i’m guessing that might’ve been 38 years ago. I had been playing piano for 17 years at that time, so I was used to the variations in “real” pianos, including the differences in grands, uprights, consoles. The Yamaha DX7 had come out maybe the year before so I went through a short period of time where I really wanted that one. But I am a pianist and I needed a piano. I immediately fell in love with the FP8. The touch and the sound were both what I would have wanted in a traditional piano. I’ve had a couple buttons replaced and a slider replaced over the years. It still feels and sounds like a beautiful piano.
That's awesome to hear that you've got so much longevity out of your FP8! I'm happy to hear that you're still enjoying the musical experience that it offers. Thanks for tuning in! :)
Did you write those songs, Sir? I really like them! I really love the Roland sound. It's got a much better sound to me and sounds more like my acoustic piano.
The Roland FP30X is quite the piano to say the least! Many of Stu's performance segments are improvs. He is an immensely talented improviser. :)
The Yamaha sounds decent but I do prefer the Roland overall. If I wanted to spend more money in this category I'd get the Roland, and if I wanted to spend less money I'd get a Casio. The Yamaha sort of occupies a middle space between the two which I don't think necessarily needs to be filled.
P-225 is the same price as Casio PX-S1100
The FP30X is a very tough piano to compete with at this price point. With that said, every player will have different needs, which may lead them towards other models. For instance, the lightness and portability of the PXS1100 or PXS3100 make them really compelling options for gigging musicians. :)
FP30X rocks as a newbie keys as well as MIDI.
Coupled it with Ableton Live (Arturia and Roland Cloud Banks).
Some black keys klick louder than the rest (with the sound off), don't know why.
Maybe I'd have picked up Yamaha 225, but I was on Roland FP30 (due to your previous video and my friends' experince) and FP30x popped up.
Thus I pratice some basic exercises, improvise, and enjoy FP30X.
Thanx for the review!
You're very welcome! The FP30X is a really solid piano that presents an excellent cost-to-value ratio, particularly for players looking to optimize the key action in this price category. Thanks for tuning in! :)
Just got a Roland FP60X and also noticed right away some of the black keys click louder when playing at low volumes and even more noticeable when off. I do have a Kawai GL10 baby grand, a Yamaha P515 and a CasioGP510. Haven’t had that experience with those. I just love having multiple pianos to experience different tones and feel. Do you think all Rolands have this issue?
@@gustavogo2915, I hope not, my next step will be Roland Fp90x or its successor in a year or so. Though Roland use different keys there.
PHA-4 action is very clicky/noisy. Check Roland FP-10 (PHA-4) Action Noise video.
Michael
@@mfurman then lucky me, 'cause I have this issue only with some black keys, the white ones are noisy within reasonable limits.
Good evening.
Please tell me, have you heard the sound live Yamaha and Roland, where it is better in Yamaha, they say, because Roland speakers are down and the sound is muffled or is it not so and the keyboard is clear that in Roland it is better, but for a beginner the first year will the keyboard from Yamaha be enough or is it too soft, and the teacher says the keyboard should be heavy.
Thank you.
The PHA4 action of the FP10 is far more authentic feeling in my opinion. In terms of tone, it is important to note that the P145 is brighter in general. The FP10 has a more neutral, transparent tone, which arguably contributes to the overall sonic experience more than the speaker system.
The new Roland app brings another 173 tones, same action as the 60x, just put a tablet where the music goes, it is definitely worth every penny. Plenty of nuance as well, the 30x is the best piano bang for the buck period.
Well you may be right about the FP-30X, but the P-125a has been very cheap lately, here in Europe. The Yamaha app needs a few more features, including a more sophisticated recording facility (say 4-track?) and some extra patches, such as saxes - then players could create their own play-alongs.
It is hard to argue with the FP30X's impressive cost-to-value ratio! It is a powerhouse given its price point. :)
@@zzzaazzz6455 Oui, quel dommage le prix du P-225 en Europe! Pour le moment je préfère l'idée du FP-30X.
I agreed with you at all!!!!👍👍👍👍👍👍
More tones don’t very important for piano players
Thanks Stu! 👍🏼👏🏼😊
Thank you for taking the time to check out the video! :)
Where exactly do the FP 30x have speakers? If I place the instrument on a solid surface, will the speakers be muted?
The speakers are downward facing. So, with that said, the speakers would be pointing down towards the solid surface. It would not "mute" the sound, but it would affect it of course. With that said, models like the FP-E50 actually have a selectable "desk" and "stand" setting, which changes the speaker voicing to accommodate the specific context of use.
@@MerriamPianos So, if I set the FP 30x to a solid surface, will the speakers be muted?
@@wavgust he said no
I think that Yamaha could add more piano or other voices rather than insert onboard rythm style in this new p225. I agreed with the opinion of somebody for which there aren't many news expecially about electric pianos and other that are the same of the previous p125. Surely the keyboard could be higher quality level and new Cfx sample piano is very good. But this comparison,for me, put in evidence a supremacy of Roland fp30x!!!!! Without any doubt, Fp30x is at first place!!!!
It comes down to a matter of taste and preference of course, but the FP30X is a tough piano to compete with in this price category. It has a great blend of tone, touch, and features. :)
@@MerriamPianos Exactly Stud, and than Fp30x has one of the best keyboard as quality. We must remember that It has 3 sensors for each key and a weighted system as no other piano in its price range. Probably the best at all!!!! Surely,however, Yamaha in this new p225 has made a good job filling the empties of p125 in the connecting panel( another output for external highspeakers), new better quality Ghc keyboard and new Cfx acoustic piano voice that for me can rivalry with Fp30x grand piano 1, my preferred!!!!!
When will you post video about Yamaha P-525 Digital Piano.
We have a few other videos in the queue first, but we will do our best to tackle that as soon as possible. :)
Same question ...
@@MerriamPianos yeah review the p525 PLEASE asap! I'm totally considering buying it , but no one has reviewed it yet and waiting for you as I you are my most reliable source of info you are not buyous unlike many other channels
@@radoslavdragnev8797 Merriam Music is not a Yamaha dealer so they may put reviews of other digital pianos first, and they can be bias at times you're beteroff going to a store and trying it out for your self if possible🎹🎶
@@MerriamPianos Thank You for your Reply.
Please Post the video about the newly released Yamaha P-525 As soon as possible.
Thank you for the in depth review!
I anticipate using headphones with my digital piano 90% of the time.
Does one piano have clear advantages over the other, considering mostly headphone use?
You're very welcome! Thanks so much for tuning in! :)
I would say that they both offer very good headphone sound, pending that you're using appropriate headphones for use with digital pianos. I would recommend basing your decision more around the feeling of the action as there are a lot of things that can be done with digital pianos to tweak the sound. The action is the invariable component of a digital piano design.
@ Thank you for the super fast reply!
I’m currently using Sennheiser HD 558, which has a 50ohm impedance.
I just might have to buy the Roland as well to compare the action. Thanks for the advice!
Thanks for the video! I'd like to ask an advise; I basically only play classical music. I had a "real piano" until I moved and now I can only buy an electric piano, but don't have any experience with it. Which type would you recommend? One of these two? Casio (in this case which type?) Another one? I can't spend a huge amount of money, so I need something that costs more or less like these two! And I need something that feels similar to the acoustic piano and that is suitable for classical music. Thanks! 🎹
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in and sending in your question! While it all comes down to tastes and preferences, I personally feel that the Roland FP30X would be most aligned with what you're looking for. It has a heavy, authentic-feeling touch, which is one of the closest feels you will find to an acoustic piano.
How about a radical approach to reproduce wood feel to the key action. Polyurethane foam cast with wood particles and wood veneers.
That sounds like a very interesting approach to a wooden keyboard action! :)
Outstanding demo..
Thanks so much! :)
Can you please review the Yamaha P-525? It’s an upgrade to the P-515, I know they upgraded the action to the Grand Feel S, but I’m curious if there’s anything else they upgraded as well such as the sounds.
Thanks for the suggestion! We have had a few requests for that video review/comparison. We will do our best to tackle that as soon as we can! :)
Many thanks for this.
As well as being informationally informative, it was a pleasure to watch and listen to your review.
It is so nice to hear someone who plays well, approaches things methodically, and who is so articulate.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for taking the time to check out our channel. We're so happy to hear that you've been enjoying Stu's excellent reviews/comparisons. All the best and happy playing! :)
@@MerriamPianos Thanks very much, Brent.
3:58 yes, I need to be able to press down softly on the white or black keys near the felt area, so the shorter key stick is a deal breaker for me
That is certainly fair! Certain actions and designs will resonate more with certain players than others. :)
@@MerriamPianos I was able to test a Yamaha P225 in a store. The black keys near the felt area can be pressed down softly. The white keys near the felt area are at the limit of being able to be pressed down softly. The P125 was slightly easier. The other pianos like Roland FP-30X, 90X, didn't have such an issue.
Thanks for the awesome review. But I'm still torn.
I am an advanced classical pianist with my own studio grand piano. I need a portable keyboard for practice when traveling, and at home with headphones when I don't want to disturb the family.
I have played both keyboards at the music store and have no strong preference in regard to touch or sound, but I feel that the Roland is objectively the better and more full-featured instrument. However, in Japan (where I currently live) the P225 is $200 less than the FP-30X! My question is, is the Roland worth the extra $200 over the Yamaha?
You're very welcome! Thanks for the question! In my opinion, a digital piano's action is the most critical component of its design. With that said, I personally favour the FP30X. If you are accustomed to playing an acoustic grand, I think you will really appreciate the greater nuance and control that the FP30X's PHA4 action offers. :)
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for the quick and helpful response. It think I'll bite the bullet and get the FP30X. The $200 savings might not make up for the buyer's remorse I would feel at having "settled" for the Yamaha and wishing I had bought the Roland.
I like how they sound in the midrange, but in the treble particularly they are thin and with little sound. I like better keybed as well. But I guess the price then are double what it is for these pianos.
Naturally, more expensive models will offer more advanced tone engines and actions. But, in this price category, these two instruments are wonderful performers! :)
You can't judge a patch/sound too well via UA-cam streaming. I have two pianos with the old CFiiiS patches, and I love these patches, even more than when I bought these pianos. Supposedly CFX patches are better, but I'd have to play CFX patches for quite a while to be sure. So far, I don't find them better, but I'm not playing the most delicate music. Nevertheless, the classical piano patch on mine (not the first patch) is a bit thicker (less tight) and interests me more at the moment. Yamaha patches aren't always thinner and brighter.
Rolands can boom in a way that is unpianistic too my ears, but I still respect the FP-30X as a slightly better-than-entry-level piano.
In the US the FP30x and p225a are almost the same price. Is this different in Canada?
Yep, Sweetwater: $750 for P225 and $700 for Fp30x.
P-225 is $900 and FP-30X is $1200, in Canada
Sometimes, the prices of various models can differ quite substantially between different markets and regions. In Canada, the Yamaha P225 is less than the Roland FP30X.
@@MerriamPianoswhat happened to going by American pricing?
@@gustavogo2915Canada is also in North America 😄
The FP30X will be my first piano, can't wait. 🙂
It is a wonderful instrument! I know you will be very pleased with it. :)
9:58 The new Casios have this sort of ambiencish sound
I know what you mean. The ambience settings can be adjusted in many cases to have a dryer/wetter sound based on the player's preferences. :)
Please tell me which piano is better and what is more suitable for classical music: Yamaha P225, Yamaha P125 or Roland FP-30X?
Hi there! Brent from Merriam Music here! I would personally gravitate towards the Roland FP30X for classical playing, due to the heavier touch of the PHA4 action. :)
In India, the Yamaha YDP 105 is only 50$ costlier than the P225. Is it worth considering that as an option ? I loved the feel of the YDP's ghs much more than the Roland Fp30x. While the YDP does not have CFX sampling. As for the P225, it definitely sounds the best to my ears , and its GHC action felt quite sturdy and well built but not on the lvl of YDP.
Also it might be weird to say but I personally think the GHS used in Pseries is inferior to that in YDP or DGX.
It all comes down to a matter of personal preference of course. And, it sounds like you've really connected with the YDP's GHS action. I know that it is a tough call when you prefer the P225's tone. For me, I tend to prioritize the action when shopping for a digital piano as that is the invariable element of a digital piano. You can always get more speaker power/fidelity via an external amp and you can always access different piano sounds via VST plugins.
Can you do a video on stretch tuning and why digital pianos come with that as default?
It feels tedious to have to manually retune so many keys on the roland with its unreliable designer app. I wish there was an easy way to turn stretch on or off. Have only played real pianos a few times, to me stretch sounds out of tune.
Thanks so much for the suggestion! I think that would be a very interesting topic to tackle in a video. We will do our best to cover that topic in an upcoming video. :)
do the yamaha p525 vs roland fp90x that would be a brutal match!
We will do our best to tackle that comparison video as soon as we can! :)
@@MerriamPianos and please when comparing digital pianos, compare how the keyboard functions and responds to a VST like pianoteq/keyscape , because for example I heard that the fp90x is a lot better than the p515, although the 515 is overall better of a stage piano it's not goot for Vst(or so I've been told). I'm really interested in the new grand-touch-S vs the pha-50 for the vsts because I'm thinking of getting something to the level of the vpc1 , but portable that also has some good sounds. The p525 might be the way to go
@@MerriamPianos oh yeah and weigh the keys with your phone for example the same way you did in the fp90vsyamaha p515
18.28 listen to the depth of the bass end of the Roland then the deeper resonace of the Yamaha, either the recording is not capturing the bass detail correctly but to my ears, the Yamaha CFX engine is far superior in creating this deeper fuller tonal feel like on a large Grand, I have played all sorts but never tried a digital Kawai so that is next on the list to try before buying and thanks for the in depth review. True about the mid range Stu, Roland brighter and more dynamic, I will try the Roland out for sure.
You're very welcome! Thanks for tuning in. To make sure the tone engine is being represented as transparently as possible, we take a direct line out feed from the pianos and do not apply any additional signal processing in post-production.
im currently attempting to buy a digital piano which is as similar to an acoustic as possible (dont have enough space in the house for an acoustic), so far the fp30x seems to be the best option for under 1000 euro. are there any other options that you would advise me to consider?
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for the question! I personally find the FP30X to be the best bet for around that price point. I tend to prioritize action when shopping for digital pianos and, from that perspective, the FP30X presents the most comparable feel to an acoustic grand piano. :)
Can’t get enough of Merriam Pianos and Stu you are incredible, thank you thank you thank you.
Will there be a video for the new Yamaha 525?
Hi! Brent here! Thanks so much! We're glad you have been enjoying our channel! We haven't got a P525 model in yet, but I imagine you will eventually see a review/comparison video featuring that model down the road. :)
Looking for keyboard with many decent sounds.
Many people don't care much about sounds other than grand piano but i do. I would like to have good harpsichords, organs, bass, choir, e.pianos and I could sacrifice some quality of grand piano for that. What keyboard should I choose under 800 euros? I've watched some reviews but they don't focus on second category sounds. At the moment I am considering between kawai es120 and Yamaha p225 (same price in my area). Maybe you have some other propositions for me? Any help appreciated :)
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! While these two models are excellent options if you're predominantly using piano sounds, models like the Casio PXS3100 or CDPS360 have tons of built-in sounds. They may be worth exploring (especially the PXS3100!). :)
Hi Stu - that's the third video I've watched today, and once again - BRAVO - thorough, informative and fascinating.
One question for you - I too am hooked on instruments with long key pivot points (so sadly the Yam P225 has just dropped of my potential chuck-in-the-car and go-for-a-gig list) ...
... do you know of ANY authoritative source that lists key dimensions (visible length, hidden length to pivot, etc? Even width (my DX7 and SY99 synths have fractionally narrower keys than standard)?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you once again for tuning in! We appreciate all of the support. :)
Unfortunately, key dimensions and pivot lengths are seldom discussed explicitly by manufacturers. To that point, the only real resources are things like message boards/forums. Some players out there open up various digital pianos, take measurements/photos, and share them with the community. With that said, perhaps, this is a topic that we have to take on ourselves via a video. ;)
The back facing speakers on the 225 are giving much better sound than even the p515 I think. It also has front speakers through the gap between the keys and the controls :)
There have definitely been some meaningful updates to the sonic experience from its predecessor - that is for sure. :)
Stu what piano you recommend for classical piece like chopin and lizst.
Roland fp30x or Kawai es120
Hi! Brent here! That is a tough call, which really comes down to a matter of personal preference. I would say the ES120 provides a tone that is more aligned with Romantic piano playing, but the FP30X has an action that is more akin to an acoustic grand. My recommendation would be to test both out in person to determine which one you connect with more. :)
ES120 action is lighter. PHA-4 action is heavier than some acoustic grand pianos (for instance Yamaha C7 that needs only 50g downweight to move C4)
Thanks a lot !!! You are great :D
You're welcome! Thank you so much for the kind words! :)
You do you inject the line out audio into this video?
Yes! The sound that you are hearing when the pianos are being demonstrated is a direct line-out feed from the instruments into an audio interface. :)
Sir can u make a difference between Kawai es120 and Yamaha p225. I am very excited to see what difference this piano have in between.
Hi there! Yup - that video comparison is in the works! Stay tuned. ;)
As a completely beginner, I was about buy a new Yamaha P-145 with full price. Then I came across a person selling like-new Roland FP30X with $170 cheaper than the full price new YahamaP-145.
Should I go for the second hand Roland? Your review made me indecisive a little 😂. But it’s a great review!
Thank you kindly! We're glad you enjoyed it. Personally, for me, the Roland FP30X is a far superior instrument, particularly when it comes to the feel of the action. With that said, I would make sure that the instrument is in good standing and that everything is functioning when purchasing from the used market.
I try to buy used when I can. I purchased a used Roland RD-600 nearly 30 years ago and it’s been an absolute solid piano. Other than having to replace a few broken hammers over time (routine wear and tear), I’ve had no problems at all with it. However, I’m looking to upgrade because the new models are so nice. If you can find a used Roland in good condition, I’d say go for it.
I have a piano Roland fp30x and with the factory pedal the dp2, it works perfectly when using piano sounds. But when I want to play piano + String using the dual function, the String notes are very long and they mixed together and the performance doesn't sound good. How can I correct this?
Hi! Thanks for the question! Unfortunately, there is no real way to adjust this other than changing the blend volume and experimenting with different string patches that have less prominent sustain.
hi, what monitors do you recommend for yamaha p225?
Hi there! It really comes down to preference and budget, but I have always been a fan of Yamaha studio monitors. Models like HS7 or HS8 offer excellent value as well as a transparent sound that is ideal for digital pianos and VST plugins in my opinion. :)
Preferring the Yamaha sound on this test, more natural to my ears, not sure what action I would prefer though, I use to gig with a Roland RD series need to try the Kawai to!
It all comes down to a matter of preference of course. In this price category, I personally favour the FP30X's action (PHA4) and the Kawai ES120's tone (Harmonic Imaging).
What stand do you use for the pianos? I noticed that most of them shake when a person play harder on the lower and higher notes.
The X-style stands are generally a bit wobbly. If you're looking for more stability, Z-style stands are far more robust and stable. The Profile KDS450MA is a very popular model at our shops for customers seeking a reliable stand that won't shake while being played.
This was extremely helpful
We're glad to hear it! :)
Whats the name of the song at 10:19? :O
I would have to ask Stu about that! It is possible that it is an improvisation as well. :)
@@MerriamPianos oh okay quite sad. Please ask him. :O Cuz it sounded really nice!!!
I’m listening through my 2.1 channel stereo and I can’t tell the difference. I would like to know what equipment Stu is using for the Line Out use.
Hi there! We take a direct line out feed into a Focusrite Scarlett interface. From there, we do not apply any post processing or effects to ensure the sound is represented as transparently as possible.
Can you do a review on the Yamaha ck88 and or Yamaha cp73 or Cp88
We have a number of other videos in the queue, but we will certainly do our best to tackle those models! Thanks for the suggestion! :)
The Roland has 56 onboard sounds.. but how do I know what sound is selected if there’s no screen or if I’m not using the app? Guess that different sounds are not written on the machine, right?
When navigating onboard the piano opposed to the app, unfortunately, the only way to know which sound you are using is by the sound.
@@MerriamPianos that’s what I thought, thanks
I love the Roland, it sounds amazing.
The FP30X is quite the powerhouse to say the least! :)
Very helpful!
You're very welcome! Thank you for watching! :)
Really helpful. Thanks.
You're very welcome! Thank you for watching! :)
Can someone please help me decide? The Yamaha is brand new just came out a few months ago and the Roland is over 2 years old. Should that determine my purchase? It must be a bit outdated by now no? Or am I looking at this wrong
Hi! Brent here! Personally, I wouldn't let the fact that the FP30X has been out for a couple years rule it out. At the end of the day, it is the musical experience the instrument provides that is of critical importance. My suggestion would be to test both out in person and go with the one that you resonate with the most. :)
Which key action is better for a beginner? In my country fp-30x is cheaper than p225. Actually here, fp-30x is at the same price as p125.
It comes down to a matter of preference of course, but I would personally say that the FP30X's PHA4 action is a more authentic feeling action.
Great review. Yamaha basic piano sound is like a big grand acoustic. Roland, while a nice sound, sounds like a nice ELECTRIC piano. I bought the 225. One important HIDDEN feature is the “touch” adjustment. The firmer touch has a warmer sound but the soft touch has a brighter sound- totally separate from the piano selector switch adding one more voice to the piano. To change touch hold piano an press high C,D, or C#. From firm to soft is a big difference in sound!
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