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Anyone who plays piano are probably not going to be disappointed with the feel on this board. All the Roland boards I’ve touched seem to have a definite stop at the bottom of the keys and don’t feel mushy even the plastic ones.
I have the Mark I version that I got used off of Reverb for half the price a few years ago. I really like it when I pair it with Keyscape and other VSTs. It even feels great when I run MIDI cables to other keyboards. I have not tried the Mark II version, but I imagine them being relatively similar. I am a fan.
Yup. I bought the Mk1 too myself after finding out it has the exact same keybed as the Roland Juno DS88. It will be arriving today. The MKII has a different keybed that's lighter action called PHA 4 that's found on thr Roland FP 30 digital pianos. MKI has a more heavily action of what I like after playing on the Juno DS800 known as the ivory G feel keybed. Nothing beats Roland quality control as I heard way too many quality issues with StudioLogic keyboards esp the fatar keybeds going bad after a few years. You pay more money for Roland as you know is going to last. I still own a 15 year old Roland PC-800 built like a tank. Is one the most well built midi controllers I've ever owned out all the other ones that fell apart or hand filmsy keys.
You can get this EXACT same keybed that is in this in the FP-10 for $600. It lacks the fancy knobs and off midwheel - but these are all things you could add (and probably be better) for less money.
@@amanshrestha2147 it would be a waste if you are just using it as a controller which pretty much defeats the purpose of controlling virtual instruments in a DAW or using sound module's. You buy an RD88 if you are gigging musician that doesn't want to carry around a computer on stage.
$1,200 is worth the price for Roland quality. Roland is not stupid to cheap out and cut corners. Other competitors you get what you paid for. Not many midi controllers out there have the same quality as most have cheap flimsy keys that would break easy and are often noisy along with gimmicky features. I'm still rocking my 16 year old Roland PCR-800. That's what you call quality. Built to last.
Always keepin’ it real Mike. Gotta say, the key bed IS nice - got a FP-30X for my daughter early this year so that she could start learning to play piano… Love the texture and feel of that bed, but for $1,200? The Piano was $800 Nah, I think they went a bit too high, considering that it’s just a controller that doesn’t even seem to try to compete with others that have DAW integration features. Like you said, just tossing in a year of Roland Cloud Ultimate might have made it a bit more palatable. As much as I love Roland… Nope.
If you get a chance to, do a review on a Technics kn7000, not only is that a remarkable keyboard 24 years after its production, but it's also a very capable MIDI controller as well with tons and tons and tons of features
@@Johnmike you won't be sorry, it's still a little bit pricey after all these years, but once you play one and it really experience everything it can do, you'll see why, they retailed for about $4,000 when they were new
@@Johnmike I'm a witness to this, my father bought one brand new in 1997 and after 4,000 + gigs he still performs with it to this very day and everything on it still works just as good as it did the day he bought it, this keyboard is literally everything that any musician would want in a musical instrument, they're extremely reliable and tough machines, kind of heavy though, close to 40 lb, every sample is extremely realistic even by today's standards, the legendary Korg Triton, which was released 4 years after this, paled in comparison, the Technics sx kn7000 was basically the Korg Kronos some 14 years before Korg made it, the keys are very "PSR like", but I promise you will immediately fall in love with this board when you play it, what really bought the price up on this keyboard was the extremely fast midi capability and the ability to connect it to other keyboards and create custom sounds on those boards via the sound controls on the Technics, meaning you could hook the Technics kn7000 up to a board like, say, the Casio ctk 700 and create custom sounds on that Casio!!!!! You really need to check this board out!!!!!
Your Videos are too good. I Always forget to press 👍🏽, because im already searching for an other of your videos 😄 thanks for that. Love your music playground ❤️☺️🙏🏽
Thanks for the review. Was wondering how you felt it compares to SL88. Appreciate the honest thoughts too, please keep them coming! Love and blessings from Singapore.
@@clarencechanxy I have an SL-88 studio, and recently bought a starter roland e-piano for my kid. I liked the roland key action much better than my SL-88 studio. It was also much less noisy. I never tried an SL-88 grand though.
Great vid but where is the video that you posted a while back about studio one with the synths.You used the prophy synths and j bass etc,I cannot find the video
Must remember though this keybed is like a PHA4 plus , because of after touch. Other wise it would be cheaper, to buy roland juno ds88 for same keybed second hand. Point being this is a good keybed and at and joystick pitch bend and mod and has very in obtrusive design to fit flush against your desk. Is portable for gigs too. I am holding out for roland fantom 08 for gigs and just lose after touch. Also, there is a reason keyscape omnisphere base their default velocity curves based on roland a88. Because its really good!
Its NOT the same keybed. I own the original Roland A-88 which has the same keyed as the Juno DS88. I played on Juno DS88 a few times. The Juno DS88 uses the Ivory Feel-G keybed while the MKII A-88 and FP 30 uses the PHA 4 keybed. The original A-88 MKI has a heavy keybed action that feels more premium high end. The Fantom G8 has a similar keyed that also uses the ivory feel from the last time I played on it.
@@eman0828there is no such thing as a premium Keybed it depends on the player. I’m not a fan of the Juno DS 88 and the Roland Fantom Keybed I like plastics because it slides right with your fingers compered to the ivory feel the other keyboards had.
I think the problem is that it came out during COVID, because I remember that they kept mentioning how it's the first MIDI 2.0 keyboard (we still don't have stuff for MIDI 2.0 but that's another conversation). It also has an "older" design, because I want to believe that the newer boards will look a bit like the Fantom/Fantom-0 (with pitch wheels and knobs). I wouldn't be surprised if this is Roland's lost child, that they didn't bundle anything with it including Roland Cloud. So not worth the $1200.
Or, if you just want the 'feel' of the Roland Key-bed, but don't want to pay $1,200 for you - you can get a $600 FP-10 and get the same key-bed as this at half the price.
@@landonp629 The keybed is not the issue with the FP-10. It's the limited half-pedaling on the FP-10. It can do half-pedaling but it's not a variable control with the pedal. It can only do on, half, off (those 3 stages only). To get variable half-pedaling with the DP-10 pedal, you have to move up to at least a FP-30x. If variable control of half-pedaling isn't important to people, FP-10 is fine.
@@landonp629 this has a triple sensor for fast note repetition; trills etc, and made for midi, uses usb c for lowest latency, so it will work natively with daws etc, plus this can use a double or triple pedal unit, the fp10 can't
@@hj-82 "this has a triple sensor for fast note repetition" - The FP10 has a triple sensor as well. In fact, it uses THE SAME EXACT key-bed found in this keyboard. Whatever you can do on the keybed on this, you can do on the FP-10. "uses usb c for lowest latency" I'm a computer sciences guy - USB-C does not result in lower latency at all. USB-C is purely about socket type, and the MIDI-information transferred via the USB is not even 1/10,000 the amount needed the saturate USB 2, let alone USB C (3). The USB 2 port on the FP10 will carry the same information this will, at the same speed, and the same latency. USB-C is interesting as a universal port design, but it DOES NOT equate to faster speed - the USB spec does - and since MIDI doesn't even come close to saturating USB2, USB3 is totally unneeded. "so it will work natively with daws" No such thing as work natively with DAWs. This controller sends exactly the same midi commands as any other midi controllers, across a broad range of 0-127 note values. Any controller that sends those note values will work 'natively' with any DAW that accepts a midi input signal. You won't find a preset for 'Roland A-88 mk2' in your DAW. "plus this can use a double or triple pedal unit" True enough - but the triple pedal unit that works natively with this, as neat as it is, really isn't that useful except to traditional piano players. If you need triple pedal support natively, I suggest the Studio Logic SL88, as it accepts 1x on/off pedal (sustain) and 2x universal (sustain or mod). The triple pedal unity for this only does 3x on/off as far as I'm aware. But the better option is just to use the sustain pedal on the FP10 and buy two additional USB-midi foot controllers for any additional foot controls you need - the cost would still be about $500 cheaper than this unit, and the pedals would be more useful to composers and such.
@@landonp629 my fault, pardon, i just went off of a misinformed review, i had thought since the fp10 was made primarily as a digital piano that it wouldn’t be efficient as a midi keyboard solely made for midi duties, as few digital pianos are compatible with daws etc, thank you for your reply
I had a Roland A80 back when it first appeared. Built like a tank and unfortunately felt like it when you had to move it. Great keyboard which also had polyphonic aftertouch, a rare attribute even today. The A88 doesn't even have monophonic AT. I wonder why such a backwards step.
KK S88mk2 doesn't have great action IMO. Plus it's QC is very spotty to be honest. We saw a few come back with issues. I worked in keyboard sales for years and tried liking and using it but I just couldn't dig it. The A88mk2 has a really nice action. Have used SL880 and 990 in the past and liked them. Still using a Kurzweil PC3X because it just won't die and it has the nice Fatar keybed. But I'm thinking my next board is a Roland... but possibly the Fantom-08 (which has the same PHA-4 keybed). The Fantom-8 of course has the PHA-50 action.
Yeah, I frankly have not heard good things about the Fatar TP-100 keybeds in the NI S88MkII and others like the SL88 Studio. Most people say its one of the stiffest actions of any hammer action key-bed, and also mention some issues with velocity curves, stuck notes, etc. Frankly, I LOVE my Roland FP-10, which has the PHA4 action just like this keyboard mentioned in this video - but clocks in at $600 new. It has triple-sensors in the key-bed (the Fatar Tp-100 does not), meaning its more velocity correct - and it also has a more 'piano-like' feel with the graded action and the escapement on the keys.
I opt for the the original Roland A-88 that has the Ivry Feel-G keybed which is the same keybed found in the Juno DS88. I feel like Roland leaps everyone in Quality Control when it comes to midi controllers. You buy one and they will last you a life time. The older Studio Logic keyboards were better made, newer models are plaqed with QC issues. I just dodge a bullet.
S88 seems overpriced too considering sl88 also has the same keybed as s88, which is like half the price and keylab wins in every category including design and software still priced lower than s88.
Keylab not as great as s88 for NI VST users. I am completely happy with my NI s88 for studio use i havent found any better. But for both gigging and studio the portability of this thing is very good.
I have the Roland FP10 Digital Piano, I don't use the internal sounds, I just use it as a MIDI controller. It has the same action as this keyboard, just no pitch/mod wheel and its about half the price.
John, which 49 key midi controller do you think is the best buy in 2022? Main preference: Good keys From the budget segment, I look towards the M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49, but it is not clear how good the keys are there
The oxygen Pro 49 is a great board! If money isn’t a total factor I would go with the Novation SL49 or the Native Instruments S49…those are my favorite feels
Hello! I just recieved my a88 mk2 and was really happy the first few hours just playing the keybed. Things have taken a sour turn since I opened up the windows software to midi map the controllers for my setup (pads, knobs, banks). 1st off : Is there NO WAY to midi map the pads, knobs and keys to different midi channel among themselves (i.e : pads on channel 1, keys on channel 2, knobs on channel 3, etc ????? My 12 years Maschine mk2 does that. 125$ cheap MPK mini does that. Basically, all of the controllers that I've ever used had that feature. I know you can split the keybed, that's not what i'm after : lets say I want my drums on the pads, and piano sound on the keys. Of course they gotta be on seperate channel. What am I missing here? 2nd off : the software itself looks like a windows 98 program. For something adverstised as the FUTURE of midi (and a 2000$ CAD unit, i'm not impressed) Some of the font on the app is so small you actually gotta bring the laptop to your face to be able to see. any help would be much appreciated as nothing in the manuals relates to that.
Hey JM, did you ever get a chance to review a Studiologic Numa Nero 88 Key Midi Keyboard? (2008, and for a couple years after) If so, did it compete with today's Best? Thanks!
Action and keybed make all the difference. I have a Korg Trinity Pro 76 with the same Yamaha FS keybed as the DX7 all the way up to the Korg Oasys with aftertouch. Despite it not being weighted it's one of the best keybeds I've played. I only use it as a controller. The first time I played it I knew it was a keeper. I also have a Korg M50 which is basically a stripped down M3 but it has a garbage keybed and I hate playing it and hook it up to the Trinity and use the Trinity as a controller.
The trinity will FOREVER be one of my favorites…had a friend that had a studio back in the day that had one…I used to go to his spot all the time just to play on it!
the Roland A88 Mark 2 in my opinion its just more durable in the long run you would have to get use to it but trust me once you break it in its over but it feels weird though but more durable.
@@johnnylong2023 Had a Nord Stage 3 (88) it won't have problems but it gets lose and it will become noisy over the year. Mine got lose in just too years. It still feels great but be aware of the noise.
I bought the Roland a-88 mk1 a few weeks ago and I don’t regret it at all, I love the key bed and it feels really good when you pair it with something like Keyscape and other good plugins/VSTs
i just received mine today. The keybed is actually better than the MKII, that's feel more premium that uses the Ivory feel G keybed. I played on the Roland FP 30x that shares the same PHA 4 keybed as the MKII A-88 at guitar center, it had a lighter action feel but just didn't have that heavy feel I was looking for. After playing on the Juno DS88, it just felt right given that the Juno DS88 also uses the same Ivory Feel-G keybed as the A-88 MKI.
I’m interested in this to replace my Kong M3 88 key. Do you know how I can mount m3 to this keyboard like the m3 88 keybed? It’s angled 45 degrees. It goes on my keyboard rack
The SL Grand has wooden keys, but the keybed has only two sensors. А-88 has three sensors and won't let you down when repeating on a single key quickly. I would prefer a keyboard with plastic keys and three sensors over clunky wooden keys.
Actually, the TP-40W in the SL88 Grand has a triple sensor as well. There lower-model TP-100, found in likes of the SL Studio and the NI S88 Mk2 is only double sensor.
@@landonp629 You're wrong. From Studiologic website: "...Each of the keys provides 3 contacts for superior performance..." - this does not mean, that the keybed has 3 sensors / tri-sensor system. This is a delusion that is deliberately presented by this Italian manufacturer and many people are left with wrong impression; they buy this wooden "3 sensor" keyboard and are happy with it. But the truth is different. SL Grand is a budget midi controller. It has the same system as the TP100LR keybed- there are 3 contacts on a rubber strip placed on a PCB under the keys. It works as standard 2-sensor keyboard.
@@boyanmladenov I mean no offense to you at all - but is there a way to back up that information? StudioLogic (which is basically Fatar) says its a triple sensor, and you say it isn't. I'm not saying you are wrong, I'm just wondering how you came about this information? It wouldn't shock me if you where right, but I'd need some evidence of this in some form. Not that it really matters - I think the StudioLogic line is vastly inferior to even entry-level pianos from likes of Roland - in terms of action, accuracy, and overall usefulness. I'm happy with my FP10.
@@landonp629 I have an experience with the SL88 Studio.They say THE SAME for the SL88 Studio, equipped with TP100LR- ""3 contacts per key""- you may refer to their website. They say this for both controllers, not for the SL Grand only! Yes, there are 3 contacts per key, this is correct, but the keybed works as standard 2 sensor keybed. Watch this video. ua-cam.com/video/kwGEMZhk1tA/v-deo.html
I bought the MKI A-88 after finding out it has a different keybed from the MKII. Turns out that the original A-88 has the exact same keybed as the Roland Juno DS88 while the MKII shares the same Keybed as the Roland FP-30. The MKII A-88 uses the PHA 4 keybed with lighter action while the MKI A-88 uses the Ivrory feel G keybed. I really liked the feel of the Juno DS88 better. My keyboard will be arriving today.
$1200? For a Midi controller? Hmm.... can't help but wonder if just getting one of their FP digital pianos at almost half the price and use any number of other controllers to fill in the gaps would be a better choice. Yeah, MIDI 2.0 looks pretty dang sweet on paper, but adoption rates are still slow in both hardware and software. So this is one of those things I'll other folks take the plunge on; no amount GAS can justify me buying this one. :)
Difficult to choose... Being a weighted key device I need to test it with my hands. Last Roland generation was a little bit hard for me (not a pianist)
You wouldn't find a new flag ship workstation synth for $1,200 band new. Maybe an old used one. You are going to be spending around 3k to 4k for a MONTAGE, Fantom or Kronos. Roland is petty well known for having high quality key beds. I think that make some of the most durable and quality midi controllers on the planet. I played on hundreds of midi controllers ad keyboards ove the years and all of them felt cheap and plasticity. Some of them were noisy esp Yamaha. I'm still rocking my old PCR-500 built like a tank that out lasted many M-Audio controllers I've owned over the years.
@@HOLLASOUNDS That's not a flagship workstation more like your middle of the road entry level. It has a lot more plastic and cheaper material as well. The Montage is the flagship model that continues from the MOTIF XF. I'm not sure of decision why Yamaha decided to change the name but I guess it's no different than the Korg Triton being the evolution of the Trinity.
@@HammyHavoc How faders n knobs can be complete junk ? That's why it's called a controller in the first place...most ppl using a controller usually require faders n knobs for mapping purposes....so not quite sure what u talking about.
@@simbaking6338 Very easily. Dead zones on faders (top and bottom), bad resistance on faders, poor single track wobbly faders, short throw faders, inconsistent feel between components on a single product, low-resolution ("quantizing"/"stepping") on faders where you don't get 0-127 values, they move in stupidly large or inconsistent steps. Bad knobs? Inconsistent feel, quantizing/stepping, wobbly knobs, annoying resistance. I'd also argue finite knobs are bad in 2022 instead of infinitely spinning encoders. I do consulting for products like these. I could go on.
@@simbaking6338 "SMH", the Roland keybed isn't for the majority of people. It's a high-end tool for a very specific demographic of people. Enjoy using the low-resolution faders built into your keyboard controller if that's what works for you, mate. Likewise, respect that what might be good enough for you isn't good enough for others. If it isn't for you, it isn't for you, and that's perfectly fine. Not every product is for everybody. Simple as that.
They use similar keybeds which justify the price. Roland is known for quality. They are even better built than the AKAIs. I remembered the Akai MPKs keys would pop out.
The SL88 Grand is a fine controller - but 'feel' of the key-bed is important to some (and less so to others). To me, the Tp-40W key-bed in the Grand seems stiff - frankly tiring to play for long periods of time. I find the PHA4 action from Roland to be much more enjoyable to play on. Feels more like a real piano.
@@landonp629 I could play the SL Grand for hours without tiring. It is slightly stiff but not mushy like some that have aftertouch. It was lighter than Yamaha keybeds for me and not as sluggish as Roland’s. I also own the old Fantom x8 I love. It’s weighted feel was one of Roland’s better offerings in the last 20 years.
No because you can that action in many Roland keyboards for 500 and ph4 with full Roland sound engine on rd 88ex for same price…makes no sense unless you really want ph4 and drum pads with 88 keys….if you are a professional with specific needs and a pro budget yes…..although I did see a review…the claimed Roland was charging 300 bucks to activate the midi on cheaper boards…is that true?just heard midi 2.0 as I was writing that should have been the lead because that is some value added…without that feature borderline ridiculous.
Nope. I would never buy an 88 key piano controller with short plastic keys. My 88 key piano controller is a Kawai MP11SE. Its action is Galaxies beyond this or any other keybed Roland makes. As for the control section, I can set any control surface I want on the MP11SE... not that I need one on a piano.
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"No software included" - Sounds like a pro to me, love it!
Anyone who plays piano are probably not going to be disappointed with the feel on this board. All the Roland boards I’ve touched seem to have a definite stop at the bottom of the keys and don’t feel mushy even the plastic ones.
I have the Mark I version that I got used off of Reverb for half the price a few years ago. I really like it when I pair it with Keyscape and other VSTs. It even feels great when I run MIDI cables to other keyboards. I have not tried the Mark II version, but I imagine them being relatively similar. I am a fan.
Yup. I bought the Mk1 too myself after finding out it has the exact same keybed as the Roland Juno DS88. It will be arriving today. The MKII has a different keybed that's lighter action called PHA 4 that's found on thr Roland FP 30 digital pianos. MKI has a more heavily action of what I like after playing on the Juno DS800 known as the ivory G feel keybed. Nothing beats Roland quality control as I heard way too many quality issues with StudioLogic keyboards esp the fatar keybeds going bad after a few years. You pay more money for Roland as you know is going to last. I still own a 15 year old Roland PC-800 built like a tank. Is one the most well built midi controllers I've ever owned out all the other ones that fell apart or hand filmsy keys.
@@eman0828I agree with you on that 100%
You can get this EXACT same keybed that is in this in the FP-10 for $600. It lacks the fancy knobs and off midwheel - but these are all things you could add (and probably be better) for less money.
You can get rd88 if you add like a bit money as well.
@@amanshrestha2147 it would be a waste if you are just using it as a controller which pretty much defeats the purpose of controlling virtual instruments in a DAW or using sound module's. You buy an RD88 if you are gigging musician that doesn't want to carry around a computer on stage.
Thank you so much for this information. So there's nothing different in terms of feel with the FP-10?
@@edonave no - it’s the same exact Keybed. The difference is in features on the software and hardware side.
@@landonp629 Awesome. I'm sold. I was about to get the A88 but FP-10 it is! Thank you so much!
Excellent investment. I was considering it before I decided to go with the FP90.
$1,200 is worth the price for Roland quality. Roland is not stupid to cheap out and cut corners. Other competitors you get what you paid for. Not many midi controllers out there have the same quality as most have cheap flimsy keys that would break easy and are often noisy along with gimmicky features. I'm still rocking my 16 year old Roland PCR-800. That's what you call quality. Built to last.
Always keepin’ it real Mike. Gotta say, the key bed IS nice - got a FP-30X for my daughter early this year so that she could start learning to play piano… Love the texture and feel of that bed, but for $1,200? The Piano was $800
Nah, I think they went a bit too high, considering that it’s just a controller that doesn’t even seem to try to compete with others that have DAW integration features. Like you said, just tossing in a year of Roland Cloud Ultimate might have made it a bit more palatable.
As much as I love Roland… Nope.
Yup! Totally agree!
Correct!
Well I’ma get it lol
If you get a chance to, do a review on a Technics kn7000, not only is that a remarkable keyboard 24 years after its production, but it's also a very capable MIDI controller as well with tons and tons and tons of features
dope ill check it out!
@@Johnmike you won't be sorry, it's still a little bit pricey after all these years, but once you play one and it really experience everything it can do, you'll see why, they retailed for about $4,000 when they were new
I have 1986 Technic amp as My home stereo amp. Sounds great.
@@Johnmike I'm a witness to this, my father bought one brand new in 1997 and after 4,000 + gigs he still performs with it to this very day and everything on it still works just as good as it did the day he bought it, this keyboard is literally everything that any musician would want in a musical instrument, they're extremely reliable and tough machines, kind of heavy though, close to 40 lb, every sample is extremely realistic even by today's standards, the legendary Korg Triton, which was released 4 years after this, paled in comparison, the Technics sx kn7000 was basically the Korg Kronos some 14 years before Korg made it, the keys are very "PSR like", but I promise you will immediately fall in love with this board when you play it, what really bought the price up on this keyboard was the extremely fast midi capability and the ability to connect it to other keyboards and create custom sounds on those boards via the sound controls on the Technics, meaning you could hook the Technics kn7000 up to a board like, say, the Casio ctk 700 and create custom sounds on that Casio!!!!! You really need to check this board out!!!!!
@@Am71919 4,000 bucks was the lower end of the price spectrum for these boards, sometimes I saw some going for close to seven Grand
Your style of play is really special sir. Oozing talent from your fingertips.
I’ll go with the Roland any day on a blind buy than ever even thinking of buying a Studio Logic keyboard 😊
FACTS!
Hi John, what is the tune you play in the beginning ? Would you share it ? (sounds awesome !)
I have the Roland RD88, and the action is excellent.
Your Videos are too good. I Always forget to press 👍🏽, because im already searching for an other of your videos 😄 thanks for that. Love your music playground ❤️☺️🙏🏽
Thanks for the review. Was wondering how you felt it compares to SL88. Appreciate the honest thoughts too, please keep them coming! Love and blessings from Singapore.
@@clarencechanxy I have an SL-88 studio, and recently bought a starter roland e-piano for my kid. I liked the roland key action much better than my SL-88 studio. It was also much less noisy. I never tried an SL-88 grand though.
Great vid but where is the video that you posted a while back about studio one with the synths.You used the prophy synths and j bass etc,I cannot find the video
You have a really smooth style.
Cool stuff!
🙏🏾
Must remember though this keybed is like a PHA4 plus , because of after touch. Other wise it would be cheaper, to buy roland juno ds88 for same keybed second hand. Point being this is a good keybed and at and joystick pitch bend and mod and has very in obtrusive design to fit flush against your desk. Is portable for gigs too. I am holding out for roland fantom 08 for gigs and just lose after touch. Also, there is a reason keyscape omnisphere base their default velocity curves based on roland a88. Because its really good!
Its NOT the same keybed. I own the original Roland A-88 which has the same keyed as the Juno DS88. I played on Juno DS88 a few times. The Juno DS88 uses the Ivory Feel-G keybed while the MKII A-88 and FP 30 uses the PHA 4 keybed. The original A-88 MKI has a heavy keybed action that feels more premium high end. The Fantom G8 has a similar keyed that also uses the ivory feel from the last time I played on it.
@@eman0828there is no such thing as a premium Keybed it depends on the player. I’m not a fan of the Juno DS 88 and the Roland Fantom Keybed I like plastics because it slides right with your fingers compered to the ivory feel the other keyboards had.
Didn't seem to be as good as the keylab mk2. Which is cheaper. But if the Afton and the keys are good. Maybe a purchase
MK2 is a better board
@@brickcitybikeman3108 It's the same Fatar keybed as a KKMK2 88, ergo it's objectively not great.
@@HammyHavoc I don't mind it, still gets the job done just fine for me
@@HammyHavocit’s not the same Keybed as Fatar buddy.
@@tuneunleashed I know. Both manufacturers use Fatar. This is not new information.
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I think the problem is that it came out during COVID, because I remember that they kept mentioning how it's the first MIDI 2.0 keyboard (we still don't have stuff for MIDI 2.0 but that's another conversation). It also has an "older" design, because I want to believe that the newer boards will look a bit like the Fantom/Fantom-0 (with pitch wheels and knobs).
I wouldn't be surprised if this is Roland's lost child, that they didn't bundle anything with it including Roland Cloud. So not worth the $1200.
For $1,200.00 you can get a Kawai ES110 with wooden stand, triple pedals, a bench, dustcover, and a separate midi-controller for pads and sliders etc.
Or, if you just want the 'feel' of the Roland Key-bed, but don't want to pay $1,200 for you - you can get a $600 FP-10 and get the same key-bed as this at half the price.
@@landonp629 The keybed is not the issue with the FP-10. It's the limited half-pedaling on the FP-10. It can do half-pedaling but it's not a variable control with the pedal. It can only do on, half, off (those 3 stages only). To get variable half-pedaling with the DP-10 pedal, you have to move up to at least a FP-30x. If variable control of half-pedaling isn't important to people, FP-10 is fine.
@@landonp629 this has a triple sensor for fast note repetition; trills etc, and made for midi, uses usb c for lowest latency, so it will work natively with daws etc, plus this can use a double or triple pedal unit, the fp10 can't
@@hj-82 "this has a triple sensor for fast note repetition"
- The FP10 has a triple sensor as well. In fact, it uses THE SAME EXACT key-bed found in this keyboard. Whatever you can do on the keybed on this, you can do on the FP-10.
"uses usb c for lowest latency"
I'm a computer sciences guy - USB-C does not result in lower latency at all. USB-C is purely about socket type, and the MIDI-information transferred via the USB is not even 1/10,000 the amount needed the saturate USB 2, let alone USB C (3). The USB 2 port on the FP10 will carry the same information this will, at the same speed, and the same latency. USB-C is interesting as a universal port design, but it DOES NOT equate to faster speed - the USB spec does - and since MIDI doesn't even come close to saturating USB2, USB3 is totally unneeded.
"so it will work natively with daws"
No such thing as work natively with DAWs. This controller sends exactly the same midi commands as any other midi controllers, across a broad range of 0-127 note values. Any controller that sends those note values will work 'natively' with any DAW that accepts a midi input signal. You won't find a preset for 'Roland A-88 mk2' in your DAW.
"plus this can use a double or triple pedal unit"
True enough - but the triple pedal unit that works natively with this, as neat as it is, really isn't that useful except to traditional piano players. If you need triple pedal support natively, I suggest the Studio Logic SL88, as it accepts 1x on/off pedal (sustain) and 2x universal (sustain or mod). The triple pedal unity for this only does 3x on/off as far as I'm aware. But the better option is just to use the sustain pedal on the FP10 and buy two additional USB-midi foot controllers for any additional foot controls you need - the cost would still be about $500 cheaper than this unit, and the pedals would be more useful to composers and such.
@@landonp629 my fault, pardon, i just went off of a misinformed review, i had thought since the fp10 was made primarily as a digital piano that it wouldn’t be efficient as a midi keyboard solely made for midi duties, as few digital pianos are compatible with daws etc, thank you for your reply
Hi. How would you compare this model's keyboard with the Arturia Keylab 88 MkII? Does the Arturia Keylab 88 MkII have wooden or plastic keys?
I had a Roland A80 back when it first appeared. Built like a tank and unfortunately felt like it when you had to move it. Great keyboard which also had polyphonic aftertouch, a rare attribute even today. The A88 doesn't even have monophonic AT. I wonder why such a backwards step.
Hey I love that piano sound/sample you used at the start. Sounds like a very accurate upright sample. What is that and where can I get it please?
dope! it's a project im working on and will be releasing soon..currently not available anywhere
No aftertouch?
Missed opportunity here by not including aftertouch.
Shit no aftertouch. Damn I thought this was looking to be it. Oh well.
KK S88mk2 doesn't have great action IMO. Plus it's QC is very spotty to be honest. We saw a few come back with issues. I worked in keyboard sales for years and tried liking and using it but I just couldn't dig it. The A88mk2 has a really nice action. Have used SL880 and 990 in the past and liked them. Still using a Kurzweil PC3X because it just won't die and it has the nice Fatar keybed. But I'm thinking my next board is a Roland... but possibly the Fantom-08 (which has the same PHA-4 keybed). The Fantom-8 of course has the PHA-50 action.
Yeah, I frankly have not heard good things about the Fatar TP-100 keybeds in the NI S88MkII and others like the SL88 Studio. Most people say its one of the stiffest actions of any hammer action key-bed, and also mention some issues with velocity curves, stuck notes, etc.
Frankly, I LOVE my Roland FP-10, which has the PHA4 action just like this keyboard mentioned in this video - but clocks in at $600 new. It has triple-sensors in the key-bed (the Fatar Tp-100 does not), meaning its more velocity correct - and it also has a more 'piano-like' feel with the graded action and the escapement on the keys.
I opt for the the original Roland A-88 that has the Ivry Feel-G keybed which is the same keybed found in the Juno DS88. I feel like Roland leaps everyone in Quality Control when it comes to midi controllers. You buy one and they will last you a life time. The older Studio Logic keyboards were better made, newer models are plaqed with QC issues. I just dodge a bullet.
that's the keyboard Anomalie uses, very great for nu-jazz
hi boss pls what piano sound did you use on here...its killing me and dying to buy it
It feels great but #OverPriced I use the Komplete Kontrol S88. More features…
All of Roland's gear is overpriced, Yamaha is where it's at
@@Am71919 it is expensive because of midi 2.0
Almost the same price as rd 88
S88 seems overpriced too considering sl88 also has the same keybed as s88, which is like half the price and keylab wins in every category including design and software still priced lower than s88.
Keylab not as great as s88 for NI VST users. I am completely happy with my NI s88 for studio use i havent found any better. But for both gigging and studio the portability of this thing is very good.
@@wilkopiano I don’t take mine out to gig it’s strictly for studio. But it would be fine if I did tho
When will you review a kawai CA99 or mp11SE which is the ultimate digital keybed hammer action?
Maybe one day
I have the Roland FP10 Digital Piano, I don't use the internal sounds, I just use it as a MIDI controller. It has the same action as this keyboard, just no pitch/mod wheel and its about half the price.
John, which 49 key midi controller do you think is the best buy in 2022?
Main preference:
Good keys
From the budget segment, I look towards the M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49, but it is not clear how good the keys are there
The oxygen Pro 49 is a great board! If money isn’t a total factor I would go with the Novation SL49 or the Native Instruments S49…those are my favorite feels
@@Johnmike Thanks a lot for your answer!
Thanks.
Is this keybed better than the Roland FP7F?
Korg D1 vs Roland A88 MKII, please!
Hello! I just recieved my a88 mk2 and was really happy the first few hours just playing the keybed. Things have taken a sour turn since I opened up the windows software to midi map the controllers for my setup (pads, knobs, banks). 1st off : Is there NO WAY to midi map the pads, knobs and keys to different midi channel among themselves (i.e : pads on channel 1, keys on channel 2, knobs on channel 3, etc ????? My 12 years Maschine mk2 does that. 125$ cheap MPK mini does that. Basically, all of the controllers that I've ever used had that feature.
I know you can split the keybed, that's not what i'm after : lets say I want my drums on the pads, and piano sound on the keys. Of course they gotta be on seperate channel. What am I missing here?
2nd off : the software itself looks like a windows 98 program. For something adverstised as the FUTURE of midi (and a 2000$ CAD unit, i'm not impressed) Some of the font on the app is so small you actually gotta bring the laptop to your face to be able to see.
any help would be much appreciated as nothing in the manuals relates to that.
good question
@@SingleSidedFilms got the answere from roland and it was a No can't do. Returned it since then
How does it compare to Studio Logic sl 88 in feel and responsivness?
M-Audio Hammer Pro 88 is the best Value it comes with alot of software.
Damn.. I wonder what the chord progressions you played. They sound really nice.
Hey JM, did you ever get a chance to review a Studiologic Numa Nero 88 Key Midi Keyboard? (2008, and for a couple years after) If so, did it compete with today's Best? Thanks!
No I didn’t
@@Johnmike Thanks for getting back to me! Keep doing what you do!
rolad is my fav If I had it to pay I would. Their sounds are super crisp
Action and keybed make all the difference. I have a Korg Trinity Pro 76 with the same Yamaha FS keybed as the DX7 all the way up to the Korg Oasys with aftertouch. Despite it not being weighted it's one of the best keybeds I've played. I only use it as a controller. The first time I played it I knew it was a keeper.
I also have a Korg M50 which is basically a stripped down M3 but it has a garbage keybed and I hate playing it and hook it up to the Trinity and use the Trinity as a controller.
The trinity will FOREVER be one of my favorites…had a friend that had a studio back in the day that had one…I used to go to his spot all the time just to play on it!
I want a review from u about roland a 49.. I am little bit confused between keystation 49 and roland a 49
Coming up soon
in terms of keybed wich you choose this roland or sl88 grand ??
SL88
the Roland A88 Mark 2 in my opinion its just more durable in the long run you would have to get use to it but trust me once you break it in its over but it feels weird though but more durable.
@@tuneunleashed I read like those before 2001. fatar tp100 or tp40 wood, would have problems. the new ones wouldn't have...have you tested both?
@@johnnylong2023 Had a Nord Stage 3 (88) it won't have problems but it gets lose and it will become noisy over the year. Mine got lose in just too years. It still feels great but be aware of the noise.
@@tuneunleashed and what keyboard do you recommend / in terms of how it feels and how durable it is?
I bought the Roland a-88 mk1 a few weeks ago and I don’t regret it at all, I love the key bed and it feels really good when you pair it with something like Keyscape and other good plugins/VSTs
I’m a huge fan of the mk1 how much did get it for ? Sir
@@lioneltakudzwazhou4076 600 before shipping fees and all, I got it used on eBay
Thank you 🙏
i just received mine today. The keybed is actually better than the MKII, that's feel more premium that uses the Ivory feel G keybed. I played on the Roland FP 30x that shares the same PHA 4 keybed as the MKII A-88 at guitar center, it had a lighter action feel but just didn't have that heavy feel I was looking for. After playing on the Juno DS88, it just felt right given that the Juno DS88 also uses the same Ivory Feel-G keybed as the A-88 MKI.
Need this
I’m interested in this to replace my Kong M3 88 key. Do you know how I can mount m3 to this keyboard like the m3 88 keybed? It’s angled 45 degrees. It goes on my keyboard rack
You sound like Bro Beatz on UA-cam! Which city are you from? 💪🏽🔊
Charlotte NC
The SL Grand has wooden keys, but the keybed has only two sensors. А-88 has three sensors and won't let you down when repeating on a single key quickly. I would prefer a keyboard with plastic keys and three sensors over clunky wooden keys.
Actually, the TP-40W in the SL88 Grand has a triple sensor as well. There lower-model TP-100, found in likes of the SL Studio and the NI S88 Mk2 is only double sensor.
@@landonp629 You're wrong. From Studiologic website: "...Each of the keys provides 3 contacts for superior performance..." - this does not mean, that the keybed has 3 sensors / tri-sensor system. This is a delusion that is deliberately presented by this Italian manufacturer and many people are left with wrong impression; they buy this wooden "3 sensor" keyboard and are happy with it. But the truth is different. SL Grand is a budget midi controller. It has the same system as the TP100LR keybed- there are 3 contacts on a rubber strip placed on a PCB under the keys. It works as standard 2-sensor keyboard.
@@boyanmladenov I mean no offense to you at all - but is there a way to back up that information? StudioLogic (which is basically Fatar) says its a triple sensor, and you say it isn't. I'm not saying you are wrong, I'm just wondering how you came about this information? It wouldn't shock me if you where right, but I'd need some evidence of this in some form.
Not that it really matters - I think the StudioLogic line is vastly inferior to even entry-level pianos from likes of Roland - in terms of action, accuracy, and overall usefulness.
I'm happy with my FP10.
@@landonp629 I have an experience with the SL88 Studio.They say THE SAME for the SL88 Studio, equipped with TP100LR- ""3 contacts per key""- you may refer to their website. They say this for both controllers, not for the SL Grand only! Yes, there are 3 contacts per key, this is correct, but the keybed works as standard 2 sensor keybed.
Watch this video. ua-cam.com/video/kwGEMZhk1tA/v-deo.html
I bought the MKI A-88 after finding out it has a different keybed from the MKII. Turns out that the original A-88 has the exact same keybed as the Roland Juno DS88 while the MKII shares the same Keybed as the Roland FP-30. The MKII A-88 uses the PHA 4 keybed with lighter action while the MKI A-88 uses the Ivrory feel G keybed. I really liked the feel of the Juno DS88 better. My keyboard will be arriving today.
$1200? For a Midi controller? Hmm.... can't help but wonder if just getting one of their FP digital pianos at almost half the price and use any number of other controllers to fill in the gaps would be a better choice. Yeah, MIDI 2.0 looks pretty dang sweet on paper, but adoption rates are still slow in both hardware and software. So this is one of those things I'll other folks take the plunge on; no amount GAS can justify me buying this one. :)
Difficult to choose... Being a weighted key device I need to test it with my hands. Last Roland generation was a little bit hard for me (not a pianist)
yea it's definitely a heavy feel...but the Velocity adjustment makes it a little better...but it's a heavy feel no doubt!
I see you with the Blackmagic 4K 😂
lololol...it really is "Black Magic" bro! 🤣
For that price I would buy a roland synthesizer or korg
No software? Wow that kinda sucks, I think a flagship sythersizor at the same price is a better option.
I agree!
What synth has an 88 key keybed with this high quality a feel? I'll buy one.
You wouldn't find a new flag ship workstation synth for $1,200 band new. Maybe an old used one. You are going to be spending around 3k to 4k for a MONTAGE, Fantom or Kronos. Roland is petty well known for having high quality key beds. I think that make some of the most durable and quality midi controllers on the planet. I played on hundreds of midi controllers ad keyboards ove the years and all of them felt cheap and plasticity. Some of them were noisy esp Yamaha. I'm still rocking my old PCR-500 built like a tank that out lasted many M-Audio controllers I've owned over the years.
@@eman0828 Yamaha MODX8+ Synthesizer £1500 that's 61 key not sure if it comes as 88.
@@HOLLASOUNDS That's not a flagship workstation more like your middle of the road entry level. It has a lot more plastic and cheaper material as well. The Montage is the flagship model that continues from the MOTIF XF. I'm not sure of decision why Yamaha decided to change the name but I guess it's no different than the Korg Triton being the evolution of the Trinity.
Where the faders , knobs & added softwares at?...Cant pay so much for a keybed with total plastic keys....cmon Roland.
The faders and knobs on most keyboards tend to be complete junk. This is aimed at people who want the best of everything and no junk.
@@HammyHavoc How faders n knobs can be complete junk ? That's why it's called a controller in the first place...most ppl using a controller usually require faders n knobs for mapping purposes....so not quite sure what u talking about.
@@simbaking6338 Very easily. Dead zones on faders (top and bottom), bad resistance on faders, poor single track wobbly faders, short throw faders, inconsistent feel between components on a single product, low-resolution ("quantizing"/"stepping") on faders where you don't get 0-127 values, they move in stupidly large or inconsistent steps.
Bad knobs? Inconsistent feel, quantizing/stepping, wobbly knobs, annoying resistance. I'd also argue finite knobs are bad in 2022 instead of infinitely spinning encoders.
I do consulting for products like these. I could go on.
@@HammyHavoc ... Majority will tell u,they never had those kind of problems with faders n knobs...smh.
@@simbaking6338 "SMH", the Roland keybed isn't for the majority of people. It's a high-end tool for a very specific demographic of people. Enjoy using the low-resolution faders built into your keyboard controller if that's what works for you, mate. Likewise, respect that what might be good enough for you isn't good enough for others. If it isn't for you, it isn't for you, and that's perfectly fine. Not every product is for everybody. Simple as that.
I would of got the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII 88-key Weighted Keyboard Controller it comes with software.
Comes with software and a terrible Keybed
Why not just buy an rd88?
MIDI 2.0 coming down the pipe.
Its okay but for the same money Studiologic SL88Grand + SL Mixface is better. IMHO
They use similar keybeds which justify the price. Roland is known for quality. They are even better built than the AKAIs. I remembered the Akai MPKs keys would pop out.
The SL88 Grand is a fine controller - but 'feel' of the key-bed is important to some (and less so to others). To me, the Tp-40W key-bed in the Grand seems stiff - frankly tiring to play for long periods of time. I find the PHA4 action from Roland to be much more enjoyable to play on. Feels more like a real piano.
@@landonp629 I could play the SL Grand for hours without tiring. It is slightly stiff but not mushy like some that have aftertouch. It was lighter than Yamaha keybeds for me and not as sluggish as Roland’s. I also own the old Fantom x8 I love. It’s weighted feel was one of Roland’s better offerings in the last 20 years.
No because you can that action in many Roland keyboards for 500 and ph4 with full Roland sound engine on rd 88ex for same price…makes no sense unless you really want ph4 and drum pads with 88 keys….if you are a professional with specific needs and a pro budget yes…..although I did see a review…the claimed Roland was charging 300 bucks to activate the midi on cheaper boards…is that true?just heard midi 2.0 as I was writing that should have been the lead because that is some value added…without that feature borderline ridiculous.
If it was wood keys it would be twice as heavy
Pitch bend on studio logic sl88 grand is dreadful
Nope. I would never buy an 88 key piano controller with short plastic keys. My 88 key piano controller is a Kawai MP11SE. Its action is Galaxies beyond this or any other keybed Roland makes. As for the control section, I can set any control surface I want on the MP11SE... not that I need one on a piano.
Looking slim bruv
Thanks bro!!! ✊🏾
NO WAY. THE KEYBED IS NOT WORTH THE EXTRA COUPLE OF HUNDRED. ARTURIA MKII
You been working out? You look slim and trim!
Thanks bro! Yes sitrrr! I’ve lost 40 pounds in the last 3 months…
Don't know what your talking about. This board has always come with software for knob, color and functionality features. "MKII Control.exe"
Nope. Not enough bang for the buck. Touch feel is not enough for $1200 . Keylab mk2
For that price just buy a used FA loo