Love your videos. Watch them all even though my primary instrument is the guitar. Sold my Rd-800 a few years ago and want to get another piano instead of a synthesizer. Started thinking in the lower price range as I’m not a pro-level keyboardist. But the lower cost models don’t enchant my ears. Watched all your Roland reviews with critical ear. With the 30X I thought “maybe it’s good for enough”. Then heard your 60X review, the 30X idea gets thrown out. Now with this video the 60X gets thrown out of contention. Damn you Stu Harrison! At this rate I’ll eventually get a great piano but won’t be able to afford to feed my family.
Stu, I really dig the way you do your videos! I think you put many other piano reviewers to shame! 😎👍 Your descriptions, as well as your playing, are right on. Looking forward to Roland FP90X vs Yamaha P515. Thanks for all your hard work.
The Roland FP-90X is $700 more expensive than the P515. But even if they were priced exactly the same, you may want to keep in mind that Merriam Music is a Kawai/Roland/Casio dealer, not a Yamaha dealer, so no Yamaha piano can possibly ever win in any comparison in this channel, for obvious reasons.
Excellent review. As someone that still enjoy's my old Roland FP7F I am considering the FP90X. I always appreciate your personal opinion of these piano's (which I think is more important than the audio examples presented). Great inspired playing, as always.
Wow, I also have a fp7f and have tried the fp90x. In my experience, the 90x has a nicer feel to the keybed. That is the only + compared to the Fp7f IMO. The “puresound” engine with “20 pie is” is B.S, just a single model tweaked across twenty different. So it is not like you will be scrolling through that list going ……..Wow this sounds like a Italian grand, or Japanese, or even an upright etc. only if you have a gooood imagination, like really fertile I must say. it is all same sound,sample, model, whatever you want to lane it with different inbuilt eq and effects. I’m happily holding on to my Roland Fp7f.
Outputting through Yamaha HS8 and, in my personal opinion, FP-60x is a way more balanced and warmer sound. The highs are more prominent in 90x; however, FP-60x wins the overall impression
just to let you know that talking about the action is indeed very useful as I have only just started looking for a digital piano and haven't seen many vids on youtube yet, so thanks :)
@@markhaskins8179 Hey Mark- its awesome. I bought it because the quality sound it produces and endless variation is a driver for me when learning Just a few notes can be so beautiful I can play enough to keep myself motivated - just love it
@@JeffriAbdullahI bought the Roland rd2000 ,sending it back tomorrow,couldn’t get decent piano sound dialed in,I’m a player not an engineer,I bought the fp90 x,arriving day after tomorrow,is stock piano sound pretty decent without too much tweaking?
I purchased the MP11se based on Stu’s recommendation. Am so happy I did. What an amazing stage piano it is. The action is authentic. The piano sound is second to none. The Rhodes is also so authentic. There are however, great keyboards at a better price w a nice feel. If I had to purchase one again I’d be looking at the 90x, es920, rd88, p515 and Kurzweil has a nice one in this “group” which I can’t remember. I believe the 90x is the most expensive. I’d probably go for the 515 or rd 88 for the price. Just recently paid off my mp11se so looks like I’m stuck with this one. 😊
Nice review. Only the first 4 piano sounds on the FP-60x are supernatural and only the first 8 piano sounds on the FP-90x are pure acoustic. And four more piano sounds on the FP-90x. I feel like the sympathetic resonance from the undamped upper register keys is overdone and especially noticeable when it is very quiet. I wish Roland would offer separate control of that resonance like Kawai does in some of their models. USB audio in is a big advantage for Roland over Kawai.
Hi There, i have watched your review a dozen times and finally decided on the FP90X. My son has a Roland FP10 wich i have been learning on for the past 3 to 4 months. Do you think i will struggle to get used to the differences in the action? I'm just hoping i have made the right choice. I really wanted to try it first but there is nowhere where i live that have any on show to try. Great review as always.
Im having a hard time to decide, my eyes are on the Yamaha 515 and Roland FP-90x. The reason i cant decide is because I prefer the sounds of the Yamaha 515 but its getting old and im so scared of buying it now just for Yamaha to release an updated verson of it a couple of months later. I prefer the new technology on the FP-90x and it looks more up to date. The key action on both seems to be great so no complaints. Im leaning towards the FP-90x but I have a feeling that the Yamaha 515 will be updated soon, I will wait one more month before I decide, anybody have any news about an update on 515? :)
Wow... my man. I have been watching so many of these reviews and yours are the best by far. Relevance is so on point. I am literally looking at these 2 dps and I am almost sure I am going with the FP 90X because of this comparison. I am hoping you did a similar comparison between the RD-88 and the RD-2000. Although I might be able to pull off the price point of the FP 90X over the price point of the RD-2000 with the wifey... ha. You earned a subscriber. If your shipping is legit I may even buy my dp from your store online.
Hi Joseph! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks so much for the kind words and for the subscription! We sincerely appreciate that. While both of these digital pianos are impressive offerings from Roland for their respective price categories, if the budget allows for it, the Roland FP90X is a meaningful step up in my opinion, particularly in terms of the action. As for shipping, we ship Roland product all across Canada and do have a few FP90Xs in stock right now at the moment. Thanks and Happy New Year!
Thank you for another great comparison video, Stu. How does the Roland Kiyola fare against the Roland FP-90X, given that they both have the same PHA-50 action? Which do you prefer?
Hi, thanks for the video, Liked and subscribed. Is the Roland FP-90x much better than the and the FP-90. Furthermore, are there options for apps, programmes that are offer higher powered more complex better sounding piano sound than the FP-90x and 90 alone? Thank you to anyone who can give some insight, much appreciated
The FP-90X is clearly a nicer piano to play than the FP-60X, and the action might even last longer. It is also about 60% more expensive and noticeably heavier to carry. As a home/studio/teaching instrument, the FP-90X has the advantage of maybe not needing additional speakers. Until now, all or almost all portable pianos have sounded very thin or boxed-in without bigger speakers somewhere (even when they have enough power in theory) and that's a shame if your piano is set up where extra cables and monitors/cabinets might be an eyesore. So, these speakers should help a lot, but I'm still not fully convinced that the FP-90X will sound its best without a little external help. The onboard speakers might save you from requiring stage monitors (very useful, particularly since they are stereo) but this depends on where they throw the sound. Portable piano monitors are notorious for being either inaudible or for confusing the sound on stage, and this is why stage pianos seldom have them. Perhaps this is a breakthrough though? At around $2000 US, the FP-90X is no cheap solution. A lot of the cost is incurred through superior action and speakers. But Roland does not have the very best of sounds for home use, and it is not quite a stage piano either. I can't imagine spending so much on a digital piano which is not a home piano or a fully fledged stage piano. Is it trying to be an RD? Maybe other pianists, however, would happily spend that money, and be glad they did. In my opinion, the slightly humbler FP-60X represents a better balance of features for its price. Good value for money, as they say. It is the cheapest piano I would recommend to a semi-professional modern music musician as his/her main instrument.
Hi there. Has the action of these new digital pianos improved since the RD 500nx back in the 90s. The latter model is the only experience I’ve had with Roland. I do still use my Yamaha p250 and this feels a lot better than the RD 500.
Digital piano actions have gone through substantial updates and improvements! New digital piano actions are generally far superior to predecessor actions from the 90s. Many companies, especially Roland, have put a lot of effort into increasing the authenticity of their piano actions. :)
Hey Stu, how you doin' maestro? Thanks for this video, I've been waiting for it! And now you'll force me into making a choice, and most probably a buy from your store, between one of these two models. I'm a noob so the FP-60x will probably be more than enough for now, but I'm sure you'll find ways to torture my brain over that decision (I'm watching this vid next). Keep it up, you're doing some amazing work on this channel. Love the vibe. I'm glad I subscribed a while ago.
@@JoeLinux2000 the Roland might have better build quality than the Kawai so that might explain the weight But the Kawai sounds so much better than the Roland in my opinion🎹🎶
Hi Stu, is the PHA50 a heavier action than the PHA4? Just wondering as I have an FP60X and play it for about 2 hours everyday. The keys feel a bit flimsy and I am starting to wonder if I am wearing it out. I now want to upgrade to something which is a bit meatier/heavier and more like an acoustic piano to play. Great review, thanks.
Hi! Brent here! Thank you for tuning in! The PHA50 is heavier than the PHA4 action. It also has a longer pivot length. The PHA50 action might very well be an excellent option given what you're looking for. :)
@@MerriamPianos Yes I've been trying to find one for a couple of months. I played a 30X and liked it so I'm sure I'd be happy with a 60X but I really want to try the 90X before making a move.
Could we please have a comparison of the FP60X vs. the P515 since they are at similar price points? I'm having trouble finding anyone who has done one, and don't understand why not. The FP90X is far more expensive than thr P515. Thx!
the FP60X is really good value here in portugal, since you can basically get it for 999€, while the 90x goes for about 1650-1700. Also, a question for Stu: do these white models show any sign of yellowing? white plastics, if not of good quality tend to yellow over time and although I would much prefer the white piano, I'm worried about decoloration (or in this case, coloration, I guess?)
VitGerivaz: I agree about the value-for-money thing in Portugal - and the rest of the EU. I'm really happy I got a white piano. It's so cheerful, and it's an eye catcher at gigs. Everyone makes nice comments. Mine is about 6 years old (P-255) and looks new, unlike many black pianos which have evident scratches. If you fancy a white piano, don't hesitate. PS If I didn't have it I'd choose between the FP60X and the P-515.
Thanks Stu! Your reviews are truly the best! They will definitely help me make a final choice... May I ask what you are playing at 5:03?? Is it just an improv or is it a piece that I can learn from score? ☺
We're happy to hear that you have found the reviews to be helpful! I would have to check with Stu in terms of what he is playing, but it is very possible that it is an improvised piece. He is quite the improviser! ;)
Hi Stu. I am thinking about purchasing either the fp30x or 90x to put in my office at work. But I am torn with the price differential. The most important criteria for me is the touch/feel of the keyboard. I have a firm Steinway at home. Is there a significant difference btw the PHA4 and PHA50? Thank you!
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Both the PHA4 and PHA50 actions are wonderful choices at their respective price points. At the end of the day, it is a matter of personal preference, but, for me, the PHA50 is quite a meaningful improvement. The weighting, pivot length, and sensation of the action feels a lot more authentic to me. With that said, the FP30X delivers an incredible musical experience for its size and price point. Thanks and hope this helps a bit in your decision making process! :)
Love this FP - 90x. My issue is the weight when gigging. The FP 90x is 52 lbs. My Yamaha P200 is an amazing piano but its also 66 lbs. and too much to move after all these years. will also look at the P515....any others recpmmendations around the 40 lb mark? Thanks!
The FP90X is a powerhouse to say the least! With that said, it is heavy to carry around in a gig bag swung over your shoulder. I usually recommend to invest in a gig back or flight case with wheels on it as that will save your back and shoulders a lot of strain and make moving the FP90X around much easier. With that said, if you're looking for an extremely portable 88 key digital piano option, the Casio PXS3000 (soon to be replaced by the PXS3100) is one of the most streamlined and lightweight designs out there and it is an impressive instrument for the money. :)
@@MerriamPianos thanks! I do had a padded bag with castors so it’s fine to drag. I have to make sure I can move the keyboard from the stand to the bag and then lift into the car. Thanks for the suggestions!
I'm looking to upgrade from a Casio PX560. I love the keyboard but the keybed is so noise and kills me, specially since I teach online and don't want the keybed to be so loud that my microphones pick it up. Are these noise at all or would it be an improvement over the Casio?
Naturally, any digital piano will have some mechanical noise from the keys. With that said, the Roland PHA4 and PHA50 actions are not particularly noisy, so I imagine you'd find them to be a meaningful upgrade from your current piano.
Some months back you did a review on the Roland Juno ds88 and what you're doing on this video is what I wish you had done on the DS-88 review and that is tell which samples you were using. You are demonstration at the beginning of the ds88 was exactly the sound I was looking for but I couldn't quite nail the sample that you were using. Any clarification on that, please?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Every player will have their own personal preference in terms of touch and tone. With that said, I personally favour the Roland FP60X as I am a massive fan of Roland's PHA4 and PHA50 action. I think they're one of the most authentic playing actions on the market right now for their respective price categories. Thanks and all the best! :)
@@MerriamPianos Hi, Brent. Your opinion regarding the Roland piano action (i.e. PHA4 and PHA50) versus Yamaha's is completely valid, but, for the sake of transparency, it would be a good idea to mention that Merriam is no longer a Yamaha dealer, whereas you are a Roland dealer. Merriam Music, as a company, therefore has a bias toward Roland products, vis a vis Yamaha products.
Hi there! Thanks for the suggestion! Perhaps, we can cover various triple pedal systems for digital pianos in an upcoming review/comparison video. With that said, the Roland triple pedal system layout is the same as a standard acoustic grand piano (L = una corda C = sostenuto R = sustain). With some models/pedal systems, pedals can also be assignable, meaning that they can be used to control other effects and functions. :)
Stu; which is your favourite digital piano right now? No different aspects! - just; which one would you take home with you, if you got one for free, no matter the price?
My lifelong wish was RD line, but I don't need something like that. I started looking at Korg C1 Air but i stumbled upon FP30x. Then i heard 60x and decided that's the one. And THEN it seems like ill have to save 800 more euros to get 90x. I honestly don't know if I'll ever use something like 90x fully so I'm thinking of maybe getting 60x. It's just for playing piano sounds at home when i feel like it. 60x is prettier to look at than 90x, it's cheaper and is probably everything I'll ever need. What do you people think? Any advice?
The FP60X is a fantastic piano and a really great value buy in my opinion. The upgraded sonic experience you receive from making the jump from the FP30X to the FP60X is quite meaningful. With that said, the FP90X's PHA-50 action is outstanding. If having the best possible touch is a top concern for you, it may be worth considering the FP90X. :)
@@MerriamPianos Tnx for the reply. I am not sure what is it i want. So far I've been using Roland JV-35. I know, it's an old cr*p. I am sure i want a good action since jv35 has none, i want awesome on board speakers, 88 keys and mainly beautiful piano sounds. 90x is louder and better, but idk if a jump from 1200€ for 60x to 2000€ for 90x is justifiable for a casual player like myself. Even though I'm a casual i learn very quick and tend to find faults and negatives in instruments i play. Only because of that I'm considering 90x. You are much more experienced player. What do you think, 60x or 90x? If you had to play 60x for the rest of your life would you get bored of it and find faults?
@@dalboueyful Actually im still saving money. Im not yet in a position to comfortably spend that much before i finish the important parts in my life. I did decide on FP90x though. I know its expensive and im not that good of a piano player to justify buying it, but i do know i quickly get tired of cheaper sounds and feels, so top class would be the right purchase for me. Though choosing between white or black 90x is still an impossible task.
I think if anything is going to sell me on a more expensive piano, it will be exactly the thing that solves the biggest issue I have with my current digital piano--the action. Because of the shorter lever and lack of escapement, the feel of my Williams Allegro is just awful. I initially got this piano because it was the cheapest 88-key weighted piano I could get. I'm at the point now where I'm tired of being limited by the instrument (even if my skills aren't all that great), and really just want the instrument to get out of my way and allow me to enjoy playing. I could try and find a cheap upright, but realistically an acoustic piano just isn't as versatile as a digital piano (especially due to size/weight). I really do appreciate your reviews, they have definitely helped my understanding of what to look for in a digital piano, and will heavily influence what I ultimately purchase.
Thank you for tuning in! We're glad that you have found our video reviews/comparisons helpful in your process. I can certainly attest to the quality of the FP60X's PHA4 action and the FP90X's longer PHA50 action. They are both extremely rewarding to play and quite authentic feeling. And I certainly understand your sentiments about a digital piano. The flexibility and convenience they offer is very appealing to some players of course. :)
I spent some time on the RD-2000 a couple of days ago. The PHA50, not sure I can get used to how heavy it is. My heart was set on the 90x, not sure if I should pick up a midi contoller or move on. Maybe they will show up in stores soon. I also played a Casio CDP-3xx, whose keyboard I much preferred. Try the 90x before you buy it. Stu thinks its fine, but you can tell he is used to heavy actions.
Are you used to digital or acoustic pianos? I'm wondering because I have an acoustic piano at home with keys that aren't as heavy as a grand, so I'm debating which action I should go for.
Once again, could you play something at a soft volume to demonstrate the action's playability for classical, maybe the moonlight sonata, or pathetique second movement? Everyone demonstrating pianos pounds on them mercilessly, and that doesn't accurately portray the usable subtleties of the piano's action.
Thank you for tuning in and sharing your feedback! I will share it with Stu and the production team and we will do our best to feature softer classical piano playing in the future. :)
Mann awsomee in both pianos, i have a one studiologic numa compact 2, it s a totaly diferent leage... 🤣 And i have a request, can you do a comparison between Roland fp90x and studiologic numa x gt ???
Would be very interesting to hear keys sounds with volume off on both piano boards. And 90X still 2+ more expensive. Even ignored this, both still very much comparable Thank you.
You're very welcome! That is a very good suggestion. I think that would make for an interesting video topic (i.e. capturing and showcasing key noise for the most popular digital models). I will pass the idea along to our production team. :)
@@MerriamPianos You probably understand I'm newer piano player, but was complete music school in boy's age. But on different tool. Bought for myself 61 keys Yamaha (PSR E-473), and started to makes music with Garage Band APP...soon understand I want to plays PIANO, makes some research and got this Roland FP-60X. Love it, really ! Studies with RU-vid videos for now, but feel need to refresh note reading... For today my favorite mode in My Stage #4 Heritage Hall. Also adjusted Ambience to higher #
@@MerriamPianos Update. Yeah my FP-60X going to return because a several keys always playing/sounds Different from all others... Don't know it's processor fail or just get a lemon... Like anyway Ronald sounds in general, so will going for FP-90X.
I don't know if the problem is in my ears, in my headphones, in my laptop or in youtube, but I can hear any interesting diference between 60x and 90x. I'm trying to listen and follow Stu's explanations, but, nothing, I cant hear any difference. Some hundreds of $/€ of price one over another. Nothing to do with de comparation between 30x an 60x, when difference is attonishing.
Hi Eduardo! Brent from Merriam Music here! I am guessing that you meant to say "can't hear any interesting difference" based on your message. At the end of the day, tonal preference and perceptions is a highly personal and subjective thing. Some players will notice massive differences between certain models where others may not. At the end of the day, the number one priority is to find an instrument that you personally connect with. :)
The F90 is an older, discontinued model. The FP90X is the successor to the FP90. While it has a comparable core piano experience (action/tone engine), naturally, there have been several updates with the FP90X design. :)
I'm listening to this with a high quality audio system. The line output on the suitcase piano sound was more distorted on the FP60X than on the FP90x There is quite a bit of difference in the linearity and lack of distortion between the two when you played the identical passage. If there is no difference between non-acoustic sounds between the two. Why am I hearing a difference. Is there an issue with the output stage of the 60X? or how the demo was set up?
Hi Mark - there's a significant advancement in tone engine of the FP90x, so the digital sound source is definitely different. The FP60x uses a sample-based Supernatural Sound Engine, whereas the FP90x uses a modelling-based "Pure Acoustic" sound engine. Both instruments had L/R 1/4" patch cables to the same interface, using the same recording software, recorded in parallel on two separate stereo tracks. Cheers! -Stu
tested my old acoustic piano and I can't feel ANY escapement.... not sure which models had escapement, but i've NEVER felt it on any piano I played, but I never played a grand
Hi everyone. I have the FP90X myself. I just did some recordings and saved in the internal memory of the piano, now I can't seem to download these recordings or find a way to transfer them to my phone or laptop. If someone could help me out with this issue I would be very thankful. Cheers
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! There are several to do this: You can plug a USB stick into the USB Memory port and transfer the audio files onto that. This will allow you to transfer the recordings onto your laptop and, from there, send them to your phone or any other device you desire. Alternatively, you have an audio interface, you could record the audio right out of the tone engine of the FP90X by using the piano's line out connections and plugging them into the audio interface's input. From there, you can use a DAW or some type of applicable recording software to capture the recordings. Thanks and hope this helps! :)
It was more like Supertramp meets Cirque du Soleil meets Friday the 13th. Which brings me to the question, is there a better digital piano than the FP90x for around that price point or under right now, or is it, as I think it is, the top in its game due to the modeling piano sounds? I'm this close to buying one but I want to make sure I didn't miss a good competitor or two.
It's so frustrating that he goes through all the piano sounds of the 60 but doesn't for the 90, especially since the latter uses modeled sounds. He doesn't even do it on the 90x's full review: he just goes through the my stage presets. I'm trying to make an informed decision on the 90x specifically related to its piano tones.
@@rolexmarcelo3218 like I said in my comment, he doesn't go through the modeled piano sounds in his 90x review; instead, he only goes through the 'my stage' options for only ONE of the piano sounds.
Hello! I’m looking for a digital piano, could you please tell me which DP has the best grand piano sound, touch and feel like a real grand piano? I don’t care how many type of sounds & features, I just want a great piano without taking too much space from a grand piano. My budget is not a real issue, thank you so much!! I love your channel.
@@adityalala2000 Thanks so much, I’m going to looking into it. 😊🙏 Just looked into it, the issue is the space. I would rather to look for a regular digital piano size like an acoustic piano.
Kawai MP11SE. Hands down the best digital piano (stage piano actually but works wonders in the studio) in the market. Also features the most realistic key action. You might also consider the Kawai CA99.
@@MerriamPianos , I pushed the button yesterday! Thank you for the excellent reviews!! I loved each and everyone, starting from FP-10! Keep up the good work!
I do not believe this video represents the FP-60X speakers as well as your video comparing the Roland FP-30X vs Roland FP-60X ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-hDnq6z2f6fk.html&ab_channel=MerriamMusic. This video, the speakers sound thinner with less body--tinnier, with less bass. It would be more accurate to describe the room size in which these two instruments would be better suited for. Say that the FP-60X would be better suited for a room that is 14'x20' with 8 or 9 foot ceilings, where the FP-90X would fill a larger room, say 25'x50' with 14 foot high ceilings.
I think what hes trying to say is that the fp 60 x qnd fp90 x can both have great audio but the fp 60 x without any external speakers connected its best to keep it inside a room in your home where as it can be hooked up to speakers and be very good, it will just cost more money for that, also for the fp90x hes saying the speakers are good enough to get away without using external speakers in some scenarios such a idk caffes, bars, medium sized rooms. Take all of this with a grain of salt because i do not know much about the industry however thats what hes trying to say, and maybe if you are going to hse it outside of a room a decent sized bedroom or smaller lounge room without speakers it will be fine, if you already have speakers then thats maybe something you would want to consider ultimately making the gap tigher between the two essentially.
I finally received my FP-60X and this thing is loud even at 50% volume inside my home, it sounds as strong as a real piano at 75%, the bass is rich enough, I have a Bose bass speaker I could hook up to it but it does not need it. The sound travels well to other rooms at 75% but I think I'll be keeping this around 50% and under most of the time, that is sufficient for one room that is 14x18 in feet, probably 8 foot ceilings. I am very happy I chose the FP-60X. The instrument sounds are really nice and I can see choosing a different piano sound based on the song I will play. Roland did a great job making each instrument, even though there are a lot of pianos to choose from, each serves a genre well. It does take a couple of months for shipments to come in right now. Prices seem to be going up on these pianos too--food for thought.
Some players may prefer to use headphones exclusively. With that said, some people find extensive practice sessions with headphones a little uncomfortable and will prefer to use the built-in speakers.
I sold my ES110 and bought the ES920 based on Stu's reviews. A huge mistake. The speakers are rediculous, missing the all important mid range. So it went back. Then I tried the FP-90X in a shop. Same again but a slightly different response. Anyway useless. ES 110 has a satisfying speaker system. Upgrading didn't improve anything apart from the key action. The sound recording here is not representative. You could do with an experienced engineer to show you a setup you could use in future videos. Line Out is always great but people would buy an MP7se if that was the source. So for me, I'm quite put off by the fact that I followed the demos here based on line out sound.
