Roland FP-E50 Comprehensive Overview / Review (you'll really get to know this piano!).

[@novemberthewriter]

I finally got this keyboard today and I'm beyond happy with it. I'm upgrading from a 14-year-old Privia Px-130. Your video was a huge help in getting started. Thank you for providing us all with unbiased information in your videos!

[@PianoManChuck]

Glad the video was useful - enjoy the new keyboard!

[@rockon856]

I feel this is THE best bang for buck board out there right now. We’ve bought one for our school. Onboard speakers are great. It really is brilliant value and priced so well . Cheers!

[@kaisfp]

And maybe a budget choice could be the Casio CDP-S350 (or 360).

[@mark_lhr3]

Totally agree. I have it. Amazing.

[@francoisg9154]

I really like your completely detailed presentation of the Roland. Someone who takes his time to detail so much, is really a gift that you offer us. In addition to the purchasing advice on accessories, like the microphone, is generous of you. A big thank you for allowing me to know the FP-E50 more quickly. In fact, it is a visual remark that you offer us. In France, we can buy this FP-E50 at 482€, more or less 534$ on an Internet store, belonging to Europe (Free Tax). French guy ;)

[@PianoManChuck]

Thank you very much!

[@MatthewTheMusicFan2K03]

This is something I would really like to have for Christmas this year as an upgrade to my Casio CDP-S360 that I currently have.

[@RandyRiley]

5:02 your explanation of the DP10 pedal was great. I’m going to get one of those. I just got this keyboard to start learning. I’m waiting on delivery. Your video was so awesome. I feel like I got everything kinda figured out now. I originally got a Casio CT-S1 but returned it after I realized that the S1 was hard to program, was too quiet, and would sometimes miss notes. Oh and the head phone jack didn’t work. I figured out I really like to change tones when learning things in the playground sessions app. This should be right up my alley. Thanks Again

[@Frank-in-NY]

This is truly an outstanding review. Every aspect of this board is covered, and in detail. I purchased the FP-E50 one month ago, and I bought it the spec announcement alone. I knew what the PHA-4 action felt like, I knew what the Supernatural Piano Engine Sounded like, good stuff. Everything else was a bonus at a terrific price! Bang for the buck! You're not kidding. My only disappointment was not having USB outbound audio. I thought gee whiz...my $199 Yamaha PSR-EW310 can do that! I can honestly say, though I own this Keyboard, Chuck taught me things here I didn't about it. The man knows his stuff! Thanks Chuck!

[@PianoManChuck]

Thanks Frank!!

[@theelusivememe1772]

Are you still enjoying the keyboard?

[@Frank-in-NY]

Over the past months I've found the Keybed is heavier than I like, and oddly I find it slippery. I want to mention I have arthritis in my thumbs and get cortisone injections, so don't want to blame the keybed entirely. I find a lot of the sounds are not that good, and it's a pain getting to the ones you want. I had an Ensoniq ESQ-1 Synth in the 70's, killer sounds. Damn I miss that board. The Supernatural Piano sounds great. And like I said, I'm disappointed on not having USB Audio Outbound. Onboard recorder is weird, but don't use that feature. If I had to do it all over again, not sure what I would buy. Yamaha's are just too bright IMHO. There is still a lot of Bang for the Buck here, and price has gone down a bit. All I can say is go to your local store, be happy with the key action first.😀

[@theelusivememe1772]

@Frank-in-NY thx for the response. My buddy was thinking about getting this for his nephew who is 10. He basically wants a piano to have alot of features. Do you think this would be bad for a beginner? I figured he could basically just use it as a normal piano, and as he got older he could explore it more.

[@Frank-in-NY]

What a great uncle your buddy is! There are a few thoughts to this. A lot of features, means lots of distractions for the beginning student. And then again, growing into something is seems logical too. It takes discipline learning music. Your buddy knows what kind of kid his nephew is, fleeting in activities, sports, etc. In choosing a Keyboard for the two paths, and being cost conscientious as well; For the focused choice: A Roland FP-10 or at most a Roland FP-30. Piano action and Piano sound first. I took piano lessons in my 30's. I started at home on a 61 key Casio Keyboard. Since I am a guitar player, I knew enough to get around on my own for a while. When I decided to take lessons, it was on an acoustic piano. OMG! Laying my hands on it I don't think I produced a sound at first. The action was so heavy. For the Grow into it Path: A Casio CDP-S360 lots of tech to explore plus good enough action and piano tone at a reasonable cost. My best advice is find a Piano Teacher. I was hot to play guitar at 13 years old, skipped the music basics. I learned so much in my 30's and would recommend piano lessons for at least 6 months regardless of the instrument of choice. $500 to $600 should do it. Also get a decent Foot Pedal as well, that's another thing that threw me for a loop when sitting at a real piano. Hope this helps...🎹😉

[@SanelKeys]

I have my old RD-700GX, but already like this thing as practicing piano.

[@cjc4765]

Sunrise, Sunset is one of the most beautiful songs ever written imo. The passage of time has always perplexed me. Love the Fiddler stuff! What a great musical that was. Great vid Chuck!

[@PianoManChuck]

Coincidentally, we'll be seeing a local play of "Fiddler on the Roof" this summer. The songs are timeless!

[@cjc4765]

@@PianoManChuck WOW! That’s cool. Topol passed away recently. March I believe. Zero and Topol 2 greats who played the Fiddler. If I Were A Rich Man! “Lord who made the lion and the lamb”. Some of the greatest lyrics in that tune. I watch the scene with Sunrise Sunset on here often. Priceless piece of cinematography and the acting /singing. Just one of those unforgettable moments.

[@PianoManChuck]

Zero Mostel, Theodore Bikel and Chaim Topol will always be remembered by me for their astonishing performances! I don't want to pre-judge but I'm sure the local play of it we'll be seeing later this summer won't even hold a candle to those guys.

[@cjc4765]

@@PianoManChuck You'll find something to like about it I'm sure. If anything, those wonderful songs!

[@OlliesSpace]

Hey Chuck this was a great overview and what I was looking for. Cheers 👍

[@danielkinney6325]

Thanks for the detail in this video. I’m going to tell Roland I bought this because if your video.

[@stephenelliott7071]

I did too.

[@magnocalazans4344]

Very good review and presentation. One of the bests. Congratulations, man!

[@magnusfahlstrom3262]

Thank you VERY much for this in-depth video. Nice job 👍

[@cjc4765]

My Favorite tune "Forgotten". I always said, that would sound good even on a kazoo! That is a very nice keyboard though! Great info. Thanks Chuck!

[@soulkamy]

Thanks you for your video. It helps me to decide for buying this instrument today. Love it . Bye from France 😊

[@PianoManChuck]

Glad I could help!

[@donaldschroeder2902]

Thanks sooooooo much Chuck! This was an incredibly helpful video! Now I can actually play around with my FP-E50!!!

[@PianoManChuck]

Glad it helped!

[@bhys9245]

thx chuck.I really enjoy this video

[@BensMusicDojo]

I have the FP60-X and love it, but if they released a premium version of this, I would seriously consider an upgrade. I would need it to be on par with the FP90-X with PHA-50 action and built in high definition touchscreen. I like how the you don’t need to use the phone app to access all of the functions on the piano with this, as that is one of my few gripes with the FP-60X. The app is terrible, and when I’m playing an instrument, I don’t necessarily want to involve my phone.

[@PianoManChuck]

The FP-90X is one of the best high quality keyboards out there today, along with the Kawai MP11se. They're for serious players - I have both and probably always will. The FP-E50 however is in a completely different class as its designed for fun! Its an all-around bang for your buck keyboard that offers a little bit of everything!

[@BensMusicDojo]

@@PianoManChuck the best part is you don’t need a phone to access all of the features on the e50!

[@PianoManChuck]

@@BensMusicDojo That's definitely a plus! I almost never use my phone or tablet in conjunction with a digital piano, although with the FP-30X you get more sounds when you use it with their app.

[@danielkinney6325]

That was awesome. I’m getting this for sure.

[@lifesabeach8133]

Excellent review, thank you! Did I miss you mentioning if the FP-E50 can record vocals and keyboard at the same time? I'm deciding this week between the Yamaha DGX670 or this one and that's an important consideration. It doesn't matter if it's a midi or wav recording as long as it's all recordable in one take. Also, do you know if the Bluetooth is now functional?

[@ShawnBrandon888]

Great review tutorial, thanks

[@matemiari]

muchísimas gracias por tu tiempo, una gran descripción de este gran teclado, después de ver todo tu video me decidí a comprarlo y eso he echo ahora mismo, lo acabo de comprar, y ahora si que merece mucho mas la pena, que hace un año que acababa de salir, comprado al precio de 745€ pedal incluido, de oferta en (web española de: egitana y !!! 5 años de garantia !! ) (en las demás tiendas que encontraba a: 789€ y los tres años de garantia que dan normalmente), en 24 horas me lo mandan ,son de Portugal y yo de España mejor imposible, gracias de nuevo. le faltan algún detalle (solo este) como una botonera numérica y poder poner los sonidos directamente, en vez de tener que buscarlos de uno en uno en los bancos de memoria, pero con la opción de poder guardar 50 favoritos, esta mas o menos solucionad, después de todo de los 1018 sonidos que tiene, yo al menos siempre utilizo los mismos, 4 pianos 4 cuerdas alguna guitarra y órgano etc, pero bueno siempre queremos mas no? jajajaja sigue siendo perfecto y suenan maravillosamente todos, ....es un roland...como iva a sonar si no?

[@PianoManChuck]

Thank you for your feedback!

[@tonyramos4224]

Hi Chuck, great review! I´m trying to choose between FP-E50 and RD-88 both from Roland, and i think that those two models have a big problem when you try to choose an specific sound or voice or when you are trying to do some adjustments. They don´t have a dial wheel. Everything has to be done using the inc or dec buttons. This ends up considerably reducing the useful life of these buttons. Do you think that's really a problem?

[@warrenguitar]

Amazing video, SO helpful understnding this instrument, thanks!

[@amitev]

It's a great piano. The only thing I didn't like are the registrations. I like to have live sets, where I can store many patches and advance with the pedal.

[@MatthewTheMusicFan2K03]

39:58 very cool and interesting soft pipe organ sound.

[@mysongs6745]

Chuck, you play piano very well! :)

[@David-071now]

Thank you for the comprehensive video and wonderful personal approach. I am 71, deciding to play piano, I play guitar now. I'm very excited about playing a piano and creating too. My question is; based on above, 'All instrument audio in this video was recorded directly from the FP-E50’s Left & Right LINE OUT jacks directly into a QSC TouchMix-30 Pro mixer / recorder' and I am listening with high quality headphones, how close is it to the actual speakers on the FP-E50 output going to be. IE, is it like looking at a 'color online' trying to match to something, or more reliable than that. Thanks so much.

[@thomgeo8073]

GOD bless you Chuck ❤

[@estoote]

You say with the three pedals, you can "program these to be whatever you want." Like -- what? Switching between variations or triggering the ending in an accompaniment? Pitch bend? Switching to a different internal instrument? Turning on the recorder?

[@antoniocarlosacsjr7128]

Hi from Brazil, Chuck. Great and comprehensive review. Can you please tell how is this compared with the PX-560M? At first glance, not big deal on changing for this, as they both seems pretty similar in the end of the day, with the Casio looking a bit more pro. Thanks a lot and best regards.

[@charlesworton4020]

Hi, Chuck - at 7:45 you mention that you can hook the kbd up to your computer via midi. Unfortunately, the FP-E50 only supports one MIDI channel, so only one instrument can be recorded. If you create a layered sound, only one sound in the layer will be sent. In addition, nothing in the rhythm or accompaniment can be sent via MIDI, thus really crippling this keyboard as a MIDI production keyboard. It's a real shame that Roland did this.

[@Idryeru]

That's because midi is a mapping of the inputs from the player, technically there is no sound with it, it's just like a score for the computer to use on whatever plugin or virtual instrument of your choosing. So since there is only one input, it makes sense that it only sends that. To send your layered sound, you will have to record the output from the Keyboard itself in .wav format, the downside will be that you won't be able to change much. But most DAWs nowadays have good tools to modify, cut and replace audio, so it's a viable option too, especially if you have a simple home studio

[@ccycu2121]

Wow ¡¡¡ thxs so much for you great explanation , I understand all about this digital piano for you, and now I waiting for Black Friday .... or maybe not hehe you are great ¡¡¡

[@joekleen]

Thank you Chuck for the wonderful review. I can’t tell you how much it helped me to pick up and get going on playing. One thing that surprises me is it doesn’t have a harmony button for single note (key) Am I missing something? Thanks again!

[@Tijinpaulpb]

Can you do comparison between Roland fp E50 and the casio privia Px 560 Which one is better.

[@leschatsmusicale]

Yes would like to see this

[@TheFamousMockingbird]

great video! I like how you transposed stevies superstation into C!

[@luciano.armani]

very complete review thank you man. im looking for pianos on the 1000-2000 range and i wonder if you can recommend any others to check out besides this one

[@amitev]

Roland FP90x, Kawai ES920

[@redhouscv2792]

Hey chuck I saw a comment on another video from someone who got this keyboard. They were saying how fp E50 only have one midi line so that you can record dual or split sounds. Meaning if you have bass on the left and piano on the right it’ll only record one of the two sounds. He was saying for that reason he wish he went with the RD88. How do you think this keyboard compares to the RD88?

[@KM1980Music]

How does this compare to the RD88?

[@Syllerud]

Hey Chuck. Thanks for all your work! Best in depth review out there. I was hoping to find an answer to this though: If i play music to the piano using the audio-in, will it also be recorded? That is, can i use the output from a drum machine to FP-e50 audio in using the 3,5mm jack, and then record that drum audio+me playing+me singing?

[@PianoManChuck]

Good question! Since I no longer have this keyboard I'm unable to answer that for you. However, you might want to download the user manual and check it out for yourself at www.roland.com/global/support/by_product/fp-e50/owners_manuals/

[@Syllerud]

@@PianoManChuck The manual is not clear. Thank you very much for your answer Sir and have a splendid day!

[@cinepost]

With a Roland Arranger keyboard such as this, can you compare it to the Yamaha SX-600 or SX-700? Can you get style packs for Roland to play popular songs with proper accompaniment tracks?

[@elyuni8107]

great video!!! Could you please make one about the new Juno D8? this one about the FP-E50 is the more complete and in deep I've seen by far. Thanks you!!!

[@GibsonLPfan2024]

Thanks for the in depth review. It was between me buying this or the Yamaha DGX-670 and I went for the fpe50 and this vid made up my mind after a month of indecisiveness . Really pleased with my choice, only a beginner but the super natural grand sounds amazing. Cheers👍

[@tonywoods8296]

I’m in the same boat when it comes to the DGX 670… how do you feel now that you purchased the FP-E50? Not sure which one to buy.

[@GibsonLPfan2024]

@@tonywoods8296 I'm happy with the fpe50 for now. Roland also has the roland sound cloud where you can download more sound packs but most of them come at a monetary cost and using the full sound cloud is pretty complex imo. Not sure what Yamaha does for the dgx in comparison in terms of expansion. Happy with the piano sounds and key action though. Try both out at a store would be my suggestion if possible

[@tonywoods8296]

@@GibsonLPfan2024 Thanks for the quick reply, that’s my plan today is to try both. It’s easy to find the DGX in stores, But not so easy to find the E50. Thank you again!

[@lbamusic]

Great review - thsnks!!

[@PianoManChuck]

Thanks for watching!

[@junkokinoko7277]

Hi Chuck, is it possibel to play with full left & rignt hand & the accompanimet will still read the chords. no split accompaniment. Thank you

[@leschatsmusicale]

Thank you! I am curious how this compares to Casio px560

[@eduardmoon2010]

What would be the difference between the the DP-10 and the EV-5? Do you have video on pedal types, like expression pedals vs others?

[@solojim]

Thanks Chuck. Question: Have you tried the Roland legacy styles that are supposedly compatible with this unit? Styles contain 4 variations, fills, etc - so how would these play with a unit that only has 2 variations, one ending and intro? Can you demo this feature for us, using legacy styles? I have a boatload of those that would be amazing if they worked.

[@rinaldodelucca8073]

I wonder if having speakers facing down may be a negative factor if you have thick carpet on the floor, even if the room is small. It will definitely impact some frequencies. Thank you for this video.

[@dennyjay51]

Can I create my own accompaniment styles? For instance could I create a polka accompaniment?

[@Boleyn1895]

You many have mentioned this but it's a long video with a lot of information but with those 1000+ tones can you assign them to a quick button so you can play a song that might have 3 or 4 tones in it without having to search a menu while playing? Amazing video, Thank you.

[@PianoManChuck]

You can use "Favorites" (pg 21 of the user manual) or "Scenes" (pg 26-28)

[@Boleyn1895]

@@PianoManChuck Amazing, Thank you. Just trying to decide between this one, the RD88 or the FP-60X. Thank you again.

[@matemiari]

hola tengo una pregunta, sabes si este piano roland fp e50 ,tiene alguna función que cuando tocas la melodía en la parte derecha, se pueda escuchar un acompañamiento armónico de diferentes arpegios, de fondo, no se si me explico bien perdón , quiero decir independientemente del acompañamiento automático, no se, en mi otro Casio WK 7600, tiene un botón que pone arpegio, en este roland no he sabido encontrarlo, igual es que no lo tiene, en fin, si podéis contestarme alguien que lo sepa, se agradeceria cualquier respuesta, gracias de antemano , saludos.

[@markjohnstone9857]

Hi Chuck,greetings from Manchester UK,great review.The FP E50 is on my shortlist,do you know if the piano library incorporates the honky tonk piano sound.Thanks

[@PianoManChuck]

Yes it does! Here's a link to the FP-E50's complete tone list: support.roland.com/hc/en-us/articles/15289085607579-FP-E50-Tone-List

[@markjohnstone9857]

THanks for the info Chuck,its very much appreciated.I will be ordering one next week.@@PianoManChuck

[@yaroslav_kniazev]

Thanks!

[@rdgcity1]

Hello! Thanks, great overview! May I ask you about Midi Controller capabilities?

[@jiribusek4675]

Díky!

[@PianoManChuck]

Thank you!

[@solojim]

Also, when saving a 'scene', does it allow to save fingered on bass?

[@AForest-km7vi]

Great analysis of the Roland fp-e50. Now that you have reviewed this unit, what are your thoughts on the Kawai es520 or Roland e50 for a beginner/practicing unit for home use only!

[@PianoManChuck]

Please see our policies regarding recommendations at kzbin.infoabout

[@amitev]

I would advise you to try them both as they feel and sound differently. I personally prefer the sound of the Kawai, but the Roland has many more functions.

[@germannunez8352]

Excellent review my friend. Crazy question Can I use a guitar effect pedal on that keyboard but keeping the sustain? I don’t know if that is possible in keyboards I’m just a beginner.

[@PianoManChuck]

I really highly doubt that. You might want to check with Roland tech on that one.

[@germannunez8352]

@@PianoManChuck Thanks 🙏 one more question please. Can you layer multiple sounds 3 or more and apply some effect to play with like Juno DS or just is Dual mode?? I’m trying to decide which one to buy. Is for church so I need to layer some sounds at least 3.

[@PianoManChuck]

@@germannunez8352 Only two sounds can be layered on the FP-E50 that I'm aware of. Please utilize the various forums for further questions: forums.rolandclan.com/ or the 'Keyboard Corner' at forums.musicplayer.com or gearspace.com/ - there's many more forums but these should get you started and you'll get much more definitive answers.

[@germannunez8352]

@@PianoManChuck Thank answer and for your time.

[@darrenshebell3563]

Thanks.

[@legganty]

Thanks Chuck, I bought this unit and love it. I was look for two things, how to save my custom scene, and how to save my custom chord sequence. Did I miss these?

[@PianoManChuck]

See pgs 71-75 in the FP-E50 user manual.

[@legganty]

@@PianoManChuck Got it!, thanks Chuck

[@CarltonMoxley]

Chuck you are amazing and funny. When are you going to write a song about how{ cool is that } [your trademark]!!!!!!!!!!! comment?

[@PianoManChuck]

That may not be a bad idea!

[@claudioluis7606]

take a doubt I'm going to buy my 1 digital piano, and which one do you recommend 1. RolandFP 60x 2.Roland FP50 which one would be a good choice

[@jorjajorjan3863]

FP60x is better if you care mostly for piano sounds . FPe50 is a more versatile instrument and has a lot of various sounds other than pianos and it is more expandable than FP60X.

[@claytonlemieux4090]

I just want an electronic panio I lean on my wife Yamaha grand panio, so is this compare to the passion 770 remember I don't want all different sounds just a piano or organ I only interested is in Cassical, oh I am a classical guitar for over 30 years

[@macha18]

Hi, can you tell me which piano between fpe50 and fp60x has the better quality sound ? The fp60x may have a more plaisant sound...

[@PianoManChuck]

Simple: whichever sounds best to YOU. You are after all, the one who will be playing/listening to it. Everyone is different and you must make your own decision as that's something only you can do (opinions of others mean absolutely nothing, including mine when it comes to making that decision).

[@macha18]

@@PianoManChuck okay il will try it at store, thank you very much

[@Zoco101]

The FP-e50 is no good for DAW. It Only transmits and receives MIDI on channel 4. I'm guessing that the (triple portable) RPU-3 pedal unit works with it. That looks really good. It's less likely to slip around and mess up the half pedalling. Mind you, Chuck has a special method of stopping pedal slip.

[@PianoManChuck]

Incorrect. MIDI Channel is configurable - see pg 65 of the user manual.

[@sobbsaroonie]

Piano man Chuck Can you suggest the best durable gig bag for this fpe50. I like the Casio one you suggested for the rd88 but I don't think that would fit in it. Got any ideas? Thanks so much Mj

[@jorjajorjan3863]

Awesome review. In my opinion the next generation of synths, keyboards etc should be based in artificial intelligence technology so you can create the sounds and styles that you need. Ai is everywhere nowadays why not in musical keyboards? I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Kind Regards.yy

[@danielalfredo7975]

its a pity that have no midi out/in 5 pins

[@PianoManChuck]

Like most other keyboards in this price range it supports MIDI over USB.

[@alexandrawhite664]

Omg I am surprised you say this is less than 1000$, my local shop in Canada is selling for 1500, does anyone know where I can find it for cheaper?

[@PianoManChuck]

USA prices on keyboards are almost always less than Canada. You could order one here in the USA and have it shipped to Canada but by the time you add customs fees and everything else I'm not sure if you'd be saving much.

[@alexandrawhite664]

@@PianoManChuck Thank you for considering my question and thank you for making this great walk-through video!

[@SeaDrive300]

999 USD = 1320 CAN (as of June, 2023), so 1,320 is what you're aiming for. As Chuck says, prices in Canada are usually a bit higher than in the U.S...

[@cjc4765]

Thanks!

[@PianoManChuck]

Thank you kindly CJ. So glad you found this video valuable, that means a lot!

[@cjc4765]

@@PianoManChuck I certainly did! I have to go away for a few months in August, and when I get back I may just buy that Keyboard.