🎹Roland Juno DS88 vs Roland FA-08 Synthesizer/Workstation Comparison & Demo🎹

🛒 Get the Roland Juno DS88▸geni.us/Roland-88Note
🛒 Get the Roland FA-08▸geni.us/Roland-FA08
🛒 See More Roland Digital Pianos▸geni.us/Roland-Digital-Pianos
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Comparable Alternatives
🛒 Yamaha MX88▸geni.us/Yamaha-MX88
🛒 Korg Kross 88▸geni.us/Korg-Kross
🛒 Yamaha MODX8▸geni.us/Yamaha-MODX88
🛒 Casio PX-560▸geni.us/Casio-PX-560
🛒 Yamaha DGX-660▸geni.us/yamaha-DGX-660
#JunoDS88 #FA08 #Roland
Welcome to another piano shootout video here at the Merriam Pianos KZbin Description. Today we’re going to be comparing two synthesizer products from Roland - the Juno DS88 and the FA-08.
We’ve already done full length review videos of each of these synths, so this video will pit them against one another to see which one might be better for you.
If this is the first time to the Merriam Pianos channel, please subscribe, we’d really appreciate the support!
Piano Similarities:
Both of these instruments have really great actions, and it’s the same one; Roland Ivory Feel-G Keyboard action. This action made its debut several years ago in Roland’s Fantom series. Roland mostly uses the PHA4 and PHA50 action in their models these days, and this action feels something like a mix of the two.
Another similarity is that both instruments have a great selection of onboard sound patches. The FA08 has a higher quality of patches due to the sound engine, but in general, the selection is great on both.
Both instruments give a lot of options for live presets, which means they’re both suitable as gigging instruments.
Piano Differences:
Firstly, the control surfaces here are quite different. While they both have programmable control surfaces that allow the user to create custom sets of controls, the Juno 88 has 4 assignable knobs, whereas the FA08 has 6, and much more functionality options.
Interestingly, the Juno DS has 4 faders but the FA08 doesn’t actually have any. They both have functions like split and dual, but the Juno DS only allows for 2 layers, where the FA08 allows up to a whopping 16 layers.
When it comes to selection of sounds, the categories are the same with pianos, organs, strings, orchestra etc, but the FA08 has Roland’s SuperNATURAL sound engine, whereas the Juno DS does not. The SuperNATURAL engine provides a more complex and nuanced piano sound, as well as more editable parameters.
The Juno DS has a basic 8 bar sequencer function, which essentially works as a loop sequencer. The FA08 has a 16 track sequencer with a lot more functionality, i.e., you could conceivably build an entire backing track for a song all on-board. This difference in sequencer is probably the most significant difference between these two instruments. The FA08 also has a robust sampler.
Connectivity:
The last comparison we’ll draw between the two has to do with connectivity. The Juno DS has two ¼” in line outs, a headphone jack and a ¼” mic jack in. The FA08 also has two ¼” inch outs and a headphone jack, but it also has a sub-out, two lines in, MIDI in and out, USB in and out as well as pedal connectors.
Summary:
To summarize, the biggest differences between the two include the higher level sound quality of the FA08, upgraded sequencer on the FA08, and more connectivity.
In my view, the Juno DS88 works great for people looking for a casual creative tool that’s super portable, with basic synth functionality for live gigging. It would also work as an inexpensive controller for music production.
The FA08 is a full workstation for folks doing complex live gig setups, or people really immersed in music production who prefer the tactile connection to an instrument that you can’t get with software instruments.
Thanks for watching! Long live the piano!
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[@ivo4357]

sometimes I wonder if it isn't time to replace my FA-08, as I hear other products sound so great. Then you watch a great pianist like this play the FA-08, it suddenly sounds wonderful too and I realize it's not the hardware that's lacking, it's my pianist skills that fail the instrument. I'll stick to this one, and just practice more.

[@Jason75913]

Well, FA-08 doesn't sound as good as FP60, FP90, or P-515 for piano, but it has a ton of other features for music production and performance that those other pianos can't hold a candle to, being a full digital audio workstation. Part of how good your FA-08 sounds will be down to both your speakers as well as your skills. Improve both for best effect. Take recorded performances further with drums and other accompaniment parts, FA is for full tracks, but just piano does no harm, of course.

[@ferdearmas8732]

@@Jason75913 Hi mate, and which has the best and more reliable key action?. Thanks!.

[@Jason75913]

@@ferdearmas8732 I can only vouch for FA-08 as I don't remember the key action of the others, it has been a long time.

[@robertmichalscheck3072]

@@Jason75913 I think you are incorrect on this statement,I own the p 515 and have owned the fp90,and I’ve watched videos of the fa08 where the piano sound is equ’ed correctly, or the way I like it,which is a rather bright sound with a good amount of reverb and it sounds great.

[@ivnsports518]

@@Jason75913 I disagree with this one. The FA08 presets (Piano Sounds) are not exceptionally good but after modifying certain parameters you obtain wonderful piano sounds...The FP90 action is slightly better though. The FA08 reminds me a little to the RD2000...the preset sounds are not their best asset but both units enable you to tweak and modify absolutely everything and I tell you something it pays off greatly.

[@MannyVel]

Great video comparison to start the month off with ! 😀

[@danjo2253]

Beautiful man! I only wish I could play like that!

[@Aniki82]

I'm really glad I found your channel great review !! :) :)

[@jundar73]

Thank you so much for review. Very useful!

[@vladpsychotrope3187]

Awesome review, thanks!

[@faautobahna9416]

Good review. Explains the differences very well.

[@Kob_U1EnV]

Thank you for detail, to decide to buy

[@relevantinformation6655]

I’ve owned 47 keyboards over the years (read: old guy). These are so much easier to program than a Synclavier or Farlight III. They sound amazing 👍 They avoid the hilarity of loading……………… sounds on a Fairlight or Sync 9600 was like walking -compared to running :)

[@ju34edwards]

Very good review. Very informative.. Great job..

[@jeremyschneider9531]

I love your reviews! One correction: the Juno allows 16 patch layering and /or splitting in perf mode. It's not quite as simple to set up as 2- patch performances, but it's in there!

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent here! Thank you for the kind words and for sharing that insight! I do recall a slightly more involved process to expand to 16 patch layering. :)

[@bha1959]

Very cool video, helped me decide on the FA-08, thanks!

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! We're glad you found it helpful in your decision making process. :)

[@James.Suarez]

Very informative video, thank you very much. I just brought my fa-08 and I can say that this is way better than reading the owners manual. 🙏🙏🙏

[@christopherbrown7234]

Great job!

[@adanacaccentcoaching2685]

Thank you for this!

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! :)

[@thomasmatthews5732]

I have the Juno DS 61. I’ve been building full songs with it from the beginning. True it does have its limitations but I found a way to circumvent it in my studio style recording approach. There is so much more to the Juno DS 61.

[@arturomma8560]

hi bro, I need and advide.. I wanna play all The Killers songs and I need a keyboard to play different piano sounds, synth sounds and strings and many layers. Do you recomend juno DS61 or Roland XPS30?

[@MorrisChannel4]

thanks for the headsup, it has dropped price and plan on picking up after seeing a bunch of videos, i use a different recording software to layer my recordings instead of the onboard keyboard recording as it has always been limiting for years! Reaper fixes that :)

[@rafaeldemoraessantos7773]

@@arturomma8560 they are the same.

[@Phant0mK16]

I play in a prog rock band and I've been using the FA08 for a couple of years. For layers and splits with multiple sound per song it's great! I also use the pads to select each group of sounds per song. I love it!

[@MerriamPianos]

The FA08 is a wonderful and versatile instrument that is a fantastic option as both a workstation and stage piano! I'm glad to hear it has been serving you well! :)

[@Phant0mK16]

@@MerriamPianos Yes! Recently, I started to search info about the new Fantom-O Series and I'm planning on getting it but I'm certainly not gonna sell my FA. It has a better sequencer and I could still use it at the studio while taking the Fantom-O on the road.

[@Jason75913]

of course they're relevant in 2020, they're still the best in their price categories

[@shawnleach]

This guy gets it

[@GospelMusic4Life]

When I was looking that the Juno DS 88 against the other keyboards in the same range it was the most bang for your buck without secondary software.

[@Jason75913]

@@GospelMusic4Life besides sound

[@Jvaldes609]

Great video, would you do one on the FA-8 compared to the new Roland fantom. Please. I don’t see anything on KZbin about key feature differences.

[@diegocorral7468]

Thanks, made my decision and purchased the FA-08. Hoping to find detailed video tutorials on using the record sequence function.

[@mlgl9728]

Ed from Roland posted useful tutorials regarding sequencing, check them out.

[@EPSTomcat11]

Does anyone know which of the two will do a better job of simulating realistic electric guitar solos, with the pitch bending and vibrato?

[@rickn4198]

A performance in Juno Ds lets you assign a different patch, drum kit, or sample to each of 16 parts, allowing you to use 16 different sounds simultaneously.

[@Jason75913]

yeah, but layering too many sounds results in a muddy cacophony, the 16-part multi-timbrality is best used with an external sequencer of any kind, especially a PC, or use the 8-part Pattern Sequencer to put on a live performance, and then most users won't be bringing the PC along anyway, so the 16 parts is overkill for 99% of users

[@rickn4198]

​@@Jason75913 Yeah, I talk about the mistake in the comparison as Wilderness Music explains below.

[@britesynth]

Could be useful if you'll use it with 1 or more controllers, 1 perf 3 controllers , no need to cycle on patches and performances per song

[@paakwesiakrofi6084]

Thanks for this review. My church own an fa08 which I think we are underutilizing it. So thanks again.

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! The FA-08 is phenomenal and is extremely versatile! Its feature list is immense. :)

[@thomasmatthews8873]

Actually...I have built bunches upon loads of complete songs with complex arrangements with the Juno DS61. I always find a way to circumvent the intended purpose of gear to make it do what I need it to do. The instruments are incredible..encompassing all eras of sounds. These units upped my game instantly.

[@MerriamPianos]

That's awesome! The JUNDO DS synths are amazing and with a little bit of creativity and experience there are always interesting ways to make things work in the ways you need them to work. I'm happy to hear you've discovered the workarounds that work for your needs! :)

[@cramy10]

What is annoying to me is that you can’t use pattern sequencer while using performance mode.. if i could do this i could almost build fulls songs and play like piano and bass on top of the loops (limited to 8 bars but would still be great). Also i cant use super layer or split+other parts in perf mode 😢

[@alancummings5651]

I have a Roland FA07 and love it. I also have a Roland Juno Di, old Yamaha SY85 and a two month old Yamaha MODX7. I was wondering if the Roland DS has the TONE Remain like the FA does.

[@tonylancer7367]

How do the MODX and the FA07 compare? Looking into the MODX but keep being pulled back by the Roland, especially for the Synth sounds.

[@alancummings5651]

Tony Lancer The piano sounds are similar. The organ hands down is better on the MODX. The guitars are hands down better on the MODX. The synth sounds are hands down better on the FA. The strings and brass are about the same.

[@renchi6989]

Damn he's really really good

[@TheCreativeComposer]

Hey Stu, great job reviewing this ! I have a small Q. On the DS, I was told that one cannot really record soundtracks played on the keyboard. You can use the sequencer to record up to 8 measures and loop them. But not really a long sound track say about 7-8 mins long. My 15 year old yamaha keyboard was able to record a song on the keyboard (by creating and recording 6 tracks played on the keyboard). Then I could use that song as a backing track when I play live. On Juno DS, that feature appears to be missing. Is that true and if yes, is that available on Fantom 6/7/8? thanks

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! The DS88 is not quite a full-fledged workstation like the FANTOM series instruments. So, to answer your question, the FANTOM series instruments are far more equipped to handle the type of longform recording that you're seeking. :)

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

Sorry not a good comparison, some major mistakes in the review. 1) The Juno can do up to 16 layers of sounds, depending on tones. Roland uses up to 4 voices (partials) for a tone, so max polyphony will be the limiting factor. 2) The Juno has full tone editing, the same as the FA in PCM. 3) The FA will only play 8 of the 16 pads in sample mode, you can store 64 samples.

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

​@bilpo Electronically the two are identical. The 88 adds weighted keys attempting to simulate the action of an acoustic piano. (note: weighted action is highly subjective, one piano performers ideal key action can be different from another). The weighted action usually gives the performer more control over the velocity (touch) than a synth action. Good weighted action has electronics that match the action, and good weighted mechanical action means it is close to an acoustic grand....such as the same applied pressure to a key is consistent from the back of the key to the front; so when playing chords with black and white keys, the same pressure is needed to produce the same volume across the entire surface of the individual key (front to back). Synth action is mostly preferable when playing sounds other than keyboard sounds, i.e. synthesizer/trumpet/guitar....

[@harold12A]

What organ tone was that at 7:20? 😄😄

[@ianjones6824]

I tried both of these Keyboards before buying the Juno Ds88.It has a wonderful sound and does more than enough for me especially for the price.I just was not prepared to pay all of that extra money for the Phantom for features I will probably never use. I’ve played many fine Instruments during my life including the world famous Concert Organ at St.Georges Hall Liverpool.The Roland Juno DS88 is more than enough for me and I’m very pleased I bought it.

[@Asmuk]

Great, comprehensible review, thanks. It seems clear at first glance that the FA-08 is not that user-friendly, as more than once - including to get a simple piano sound - the reviewer didn't accomplish what was intended and had to wander around. It seems for me that the best option - including the Supernatural sound and usability - would be getting a RD-88 instead.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you kindly! We appreciate you tuning in! The FA-08 (and new Fantom-08) is definitely packed with a boatload of impressive features. However, I do agree that the RD88 is a bit more of a "plug and play" instrument. It still has an impressive list of features in its out regard too though! :)

[@shekharlele4095]

Hi, I have a Juno DS 88 and a Korg PA 700 - the other big difference in the FA is the sampling function - not sure you can sample new sounds and assign them to the normal keys on the FA - you can do that on the DS

[@AankhBenu]

Yes you can assign samples to keys on the FA

[@Creapha]

@Shekhar Lele: Do you mean you can assign on sample to the whole range and it transposes it automatically to fit each note, like on a modx8? Or is it more you assign one sample per one key?

[@shekharlele4095]

@@Creapha Hello Benedict. I have not yet tried it, but yes, you can assign samples that will then be transposed across the scale.

[@rickypathy9958]

​@@AankhBenuno U can't!

[@danjo2253]

How would you compare the Roland FA 06 to the Yamaha MODX6? I'm actually trying to make a buying decision and I would prefer the one with the crisper sounds and user friendly 16 track sequencer. Your professional suggestion is needed!

[@wilsonchen4533]

AGREEEE

[@mlgl9728]

Hi, Dan. I got both of them (the Fa08 and the Modx8). Honestly, one of the reasons why I chose the FA08 was the keybed. Awesome action, to be honest, neither too heavy nor too soft, the responsiveness is great. I really hate the keybed of the Fa06. In all fairness, really tough to get a much more decent keybed in this category / segment. I love the FA08, so powerful and strong. The presets are not extremely outstanding (except the PAD's, even those presets sound so good without doing any editing at all), but by editing a little bit you got excellent sounds coming out of the FA . It has a good sequencer, sampler, etc. The screen is not tactile. Really strong keyboard when it comes to play live. In the studio, it works perfectly fine as well. An all round keyboard both for live and/or studio use. The piano sounds are good, but I found much more better piano sounds in the Roland website. Having said that, the FA08 is the best keyboard in this category hands down. The Modx8 is a little bit lighter, beautiful sounds, those PAD's sound amazing, the pianos are nice, tactile screen, infinite options when it comes to editing, modifying sounds, etc (as well as the Roland). The keybed is not as good as the Roland FA08, but is not bad either. Acceptable keybed, honestly. When I purchased the Modx8 there was no sequencer built in it (actually I do not use the sequencer too much in my Roland either), but as far as I know there's an option to get the sequencer by updating the software (I assume those Modx currently on sale are already updated but I'm not 100% sure). Both got good knobs to modify and tweak the sounds which really come in handy. The Modx features an excellent Superknob. Man, I recall the day I tested both the Modx and the Montage and those powerful Pad's and FM sounds still resonate in my ears. The Montage sounded more solid and stronger, and the keybed was better. But I got mine for 1200e, so the decision was made right on the spot. I tested both the FA06 and the Modx6, I really hate the synth action. Terrible action, too soft, weak and lacking proper responsiveness and dynamics. On the flip side, those versions are incredibly light and portable. Try to test all of them before making the decisive move. Cheers.

[@lgtv8620]

Just purchased the DS 88 from Sweetwater, trigger Integra 7 for seperste outs.= midi 2 important to me. Use Brian Moore 13 pin with 2 Roland guitar myths. TwStudios SG Utah next to Zion National Park. No mask mandate.Makes it easier to sing. Ha!

[@lumer2b]

You're not limited to 2 patches, you can layer up to 16 patches in the JUNO.

[@MerriamPianos]

Yes, In the advanced layering function you can achieve that, very true

[@officialWWM]

It's a nightmare trying to figure out how to do it though!

[@tronlady1]

Very misleading info

[@Jason75913]

@@officialWWM the Parameter Manual and User Guide exist for a reason, you know?

[@officialWWM]

Licinius Varrus lol, have you read that thing? It's hopeless! I'm a musician, not a computer programmer! This thing has 1980s technology inside it and you are supposed to program it on a 2 inch LCD gameboy screen!? Pfft.

[@MrPietro81]

You can make also multi layers with Juno ds! 8 patches together!

[@Jason75913]

*16

[@Roboprogs]

Or make a performance and use the pads to toggle through the first 8 channels for quick switches in a set.

[@Jason75913]

@@Roboprogs Shift + pad for channels 9-16, can be just as quick depending on what you're doing

[@cjld104]

Yep. Very misleading. He keeps saying only 2 layers for Juno, but really you can get 16!

[@melast584]

Oh thanks. I thought I bought the wrong one. I don’t care about sound quality so much so I‘m going to be very happy with the DS 76 which I bought

[@NateLgg]

While playing live, the metronome, people can hear it? Or maybe connect earplug for the metronome?

[@matthewszymanski7037]

You can turn metronome sound down or off in the menu on the DS

[@kimlyons4670]

I have the Roland DS 88 keys and got it hooked up to a Kc 200 amp and it sounds good it has several sounds the feel of the keys are like a ivory as well one my favorite keyboards also have Korg pro X it has lot of sounds too haven't fooled with it much but its one heavey metal keyboard

[@MerriamPianos]

The Roland KC amps are amazing! They offer insanely good fidelity and sound quality for the price. It sounds like you have quite the rig set up to optimize the performance of your DS88! :)

[@kimlyons4670]

@MerriamPianos it is great set up thanks for all your info and talent you share 😀

[@robertmichalscheck3072]

What is polyphony of fa08, and how hard is it to use?im not a techie sort of person,had to return some because too much menu diving etc,like montage or kronos.

[@alicaramba7680]

Polyphony is 128 voices. Inside it's a workstation, much like Montage, Kronos. And it is even less easy to use because of smaller touch screen. Obviously, you can quickly select sounds and play, but if you wanna go deeper into sound design, sequencing you will be in trouble. Note, there is no easy and quick way to learn workstation type of keyboard, because it combines mixer, synthesizer, sampler, sequencer, drum machine and more in one unit.

[@Jason75913]

FA-08 and Juno-DS88 are menu-divey, but both have the ability to make parameter selection faster with the help of their sample pads (unlike Korgs and Montage), and a jog dial to dial in values very quickly. You might want to instead look at the Roland FP30, FP60, and FP90, or Yamaha's P-125 & P-515 instead if you want an easier to use stage piano, though these won't even have half the features of the performance keyboards in this video. They at least have higher quality pianos (easily kill FA-08, Montage, and Kronos) and a very small number of extra sounds along with fully-weighted 88-key keybeds.

[@EPSTomcat11]

Does the FA-08 also have that fun vocoder function he mentions on the Juno?

[@kevykev388]

Yes!

[@octavio-blues-sound3022]

But... Does the FA-8 or FA-7 has full drums patterns with intros, fillers and endings like an arranger keyboard would have or... You must create from scratch all the drum patterns for an original song (intros and endings and all)...? If that's so... It seems too much work to me (when trying to finish a song in a real fast way...)...

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi there! I believe you have to program and sequence your own tracks for the most part, but, if I do recall correctly, there are some preset patterns on these instruments. I am not at a showroom to verify this at the moment, but, perhaps, one of our helpful community members here can confirm. :)

[@octavio-blues-sound3022]

@@MerriamPianos thank you very much... I'll try to find it out phisically anyway in some music store here or there... Thanks again...!

[@meaderyrecords3978]

Is the keybed identical on both the DS88 and the FA-08? Is it the exact same keyboard feel for both?

[@Jason75913]

No

[@jeanlot]

Roland aswered me "yes" , they have ivory feel G both

[@stevesmith1493]

6:45 to hear the Juno

[@photonspark]

Does the Fantom 06/07/08 replace the FA 06/07/08 as the intermediate line of Roland workstation keyboards, while the Fantom 6/7/8 remains the top spec workstations?

[@MerriamPianos]

Yup - exactly! :)

[@photonspark]

Cheers thanks🙂

[@Calmdown1354]

Anyone have any recommendations between the DS88 and the RD88 please? I'm looking to buy but cannot find any solid advise.

[@Jason75913]

RD88 kills Juno-DS88 in sound, but in keybed that will depend on you alone. RD88 is simpler to work with, too, but Juno-DS gives you much for flexibility for tweaking the sound. I find RD88 tempting because it sounds so good, but I'm not that much of a pianist, so it is overkill for me. 5 octaves of weighted synth-action is enough keybed for me (Juno-DS61).

[@Calmdown1354]

@@Jason75913 thank you for the reply mate. Very hard when trying to make decisions!! I ended up spending a lot more and getting the Kawai CA99. However just about to trade it back in for a proper Acoustic, as it just doesn't compare. Obviously depends entirely what you want out of it. Do still like the Juno though, so might get one as well at some point, for a bit of fun. Good luck with what you decide on 👍

[@Jason75913]

@@Calmdown1354 I picked up a Juno-DS61 in 2018, it has been my gigging buddy. Runs on batteries, too. Try doing THAT with an acoustic piano, pfffhahhahahahaha! But if for home use, you may as well stick to an acoustic as that seems to please you most. But if you decide to make whole tracks with bass and percussion and all that to go with your piano playing, consider the FA-08.

[@Calmdown1354]

@@Jason75913 Ha, yes wouldn't be the easiest to carry around with me either!! Really like the FA-08 as well! If only that money tree would grow!!

[@MorrisChannel4]

Juno DS is in my budget, i would love to load VSTs into the juno to be played without the need of a pc afterwards

[@MerriamPianos]

That would certainly be convenient! With that said, accessing VSTs via a laptop or tablet is still fairly easy and convenient. :)

[@MatthewBaena]

Please sample the sound of the minute 28:19

[@brunolemusicien5055]

You can split in 16 parts with the juno-ds too in performance mode. I did it very easily…

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you for clarifying! We appreciate it. :)

[@mhaikal4680]

is the juno keys smaller??

[@Sy21124]

They have the same keys

[@shaolin95]

Are you guys doing this on purpose not giving us a Yamaha 700 vs Kawai CA video??? Everyone is waiting for that

[@romanoholeguy9785]

Very well explained. But here in Uruguay prices are much more expensive!

[@justME-ff2ll]

Come to America, the Democrats will give you a keyboard for free!

[@romanoholeguy9785]

@@justME-ff2ll I live in América since 1976. Still no piano for free so far. I feel sad.

[@michaeljohndadd545]

@@justME-ff2ll haha

[@JoeLinux2000]

Does either instrument have aftertouch? The DS-88 piano sounds very good. Then you played the FA-08 and say it's much richer. How much does each one weigh? I was hoping for an Ida Nielsen funk bass line on the FA-08. drive.google.com/file/d/1bnR8gOHbRbmxes5pfCI4hokRhB8yNUDo/view?usp=sharing

[@JoeLinux2000]

@mgljimcmgl , Thanks, virtually the same.

[@leamonstubbs3949]

I use StudioLogic Numa & Roland Xp-60 and the Motif XF .....Also with any Keyboard that has AfterTouch can receive and send MIDI control for that feature in settings :)

[@ivanquinoyog422]

Am stocked between Juno Ds and Fa… Which is which😓

[@alicaramba7680]

New Fantom-0 series are out there.

[@ellenbacklin]

Does this keyboard have a great hammond b3 sounds and grand piano sounds. How much does the actual keyboard weigh in pounds

[@socasack]

The DS88 has terrible organ sounds. It is heavy too - about 35lbs. I have the DS88. The weighted keys make playing organ bad anyway. It doesn't play like an organ because the keys are too heavy. I ended up getting a Nord Stage 3 - WAY better in every way.

[@ellenbacklin]

@@socasack boy I wish. Most of the keyboard players in Chicagoland area have nord. So expensive. I'm just looking for an inexpensive hammond sk1 or older model basic keyboard with hammond fender Rhodes and grand for jazz.

[@SherwoodBotsford]

Love the descriptions and examples. Except: All of the examples are what I call "Lounge lizard music" Would be nice to have more types of examples.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for tuning in and for sharing your feedback! We appreciate it. I will be sure to pass it along to Stu and our production team. Perhaps, we can tackle a wider range of genres and styles in future videos. :)

[@simbaking6338]

I have played the FA a few times but i actually own a Juno DS....The Juno can layer far more than 2 sounds...actually u can layer up to 16 sounds...also both the pianos and feel of the DS is much better than the FA in my opinion.

[@saaimon177]

What about string’s sounds of Juno?

[@Jason75913]

@@saaimon177 All sounds are close to as good on the Juno, but the SuperNatural Acoustic sounds of the FA have physical modeling that give them the edge over the Juno, whether we're talking acoustic piano, electric piano, acoustic strings, or acoustic guitar and more. Other pianists have often told me that they ended up loving the FA-08 keybed more over dedicated digital pianos like the P-125 or the cheaper Juno-DS88. Most of all, it's best to try both if you can, and take a good monitoring headphone to listen with like the Sennheiser HD280, Pioneer HRM7, KRK KNS8400, or AKG K275. Speakers will often give suboptimal presentation, especially what vendors setup in their stores, due to the acoustics of the place.

[@socasack]

I have a DS88. It is good. I recently got a Nord Stage 3 - it's better, a lot better.

[@MerriamPianos]

The DS88 and Stage 3 are both fantastic digital instruments! They are quite different offerings musically. I think you are in an ideal situation having both. Best of both worlds as they say! ;)

[@manilowmaniak]

I wouldn't even classify me as a novice when it comes to my knowledge of synths and I have owned a few Roland keyboards including the D-50 back in the day and most recently the Fantom that I purchased around 2010 and then sold. Although the Juno's sounds are not as good, isn't it the case that you can download (sometimes free) sounds online that are as good as the Fantom and save the extra money you would spend purchasing the Fantom? In the end it seems all you really need is the physical keyboard and the internet can supply you with the sounds. Is my logic "off key"?

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for writing in! The vast majority of the models in discussion are really instruments designed for stage and studio use and ensemble playing. So, from that perspective, there are a lot of players that would prefer to have everything onboard opposed to over-complicating their setup with running controllers in conjunction with virtual instruments. Thanks and hope this helps clarify things! :)

[@manilowmaniak]

@@MerriamPianos I get that. I was only referring to at home recording purposes. I am not a performer so would what I thought work? Synths have become very expensive so I would want to spend less if I could.

[@cristian05101988]

In Perfomance mode of Juno DS you can set up a 16 layers tone!!!

[@Jason75913]

pretty easy to get a load of mush with that many at once the Phrase Pads can be used to switch layers on-the-fly, which is badass, besides triggering backing tracks loaded in a USB stick

[@fireblazer6661]

"Juno DS only allows for 2 layers, where the FA08 allows up to a whopping 16 layers." This statement is actually not true. The Juno DS can layer 16 instruments, but the layer button just allows for 2. You have to edit your performance to layer 3-16 (I haven't actually done this, but watched videos of it being done). Definitely requires some "work" to layer 3-16 instruments though. Be nice if there were more bottons for on the fly layering. I like the Juno, but there's a bit of work to setting things up, and I'm a one man band kinda solo at home jammer. Be nice to have more on the fly convenience. Friend has a CK61 he says is much better in this regard (can't confirm.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for the clarification and insights! It is in fact possible to layer 16 instruments, but, as you stated, you do have to dig into the "guts" of the instrument. Thanks so much for tuning in and sharing this! We appreciate it. :)

[@Stephanie9959]

Please start with weight and battery capability. I am small and weak.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent here! The JUNO DS88 is about 36 lbs versus the FA-08, which is about 37 lbs. So, they are quite similar. In terms of battery life for the DS88, Roland estimates 4 to 5 hours depending on usage. Thanks and hope this helps! :)

[@mandlachonco2823]

Actually, you can layer 15 sounds on the DS as well

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for clarifying! :)

[@rabbittmuffinable]

Built in speakers?

[@Jason75913]

thank god no

[@veronicamccarrison1473]

I found the Fa very frustrating it's not as good as the Fantom X8

[@edrumsense]

Whatever... Juno DS does have multisampling, FA doesn't 3:32 That is not correct. I can make 16 parts to sound simultaneously on my Juno DS (XPS 30)

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! According to the official specifications from Roland, both the DS88 and FA-08 models are capable of up to 16 parts when it comes to layering. Thanks for writing in and bringing this to our attention!

[@shawnlewis220]

The problem with all of the synth companies is the fact that none of them has upgraded their sequencers no further than 16 tracks. We are still waiting on on a synth/ workstation that has at least 24 to 32 tracks.

[@truthmanifestingtruth]

You think so? With all the flexible PC, Mac, and iOS DAWs available?🤷🏾‍♂️

[@soundmanks]

The Kurzweil K2500 could do essentially 32 tracks. It’s an obvious limit of MIDI channels, not sequencer tracks.

[@Jason75913]

Kronos supposedly does 32

[@officialWWM]

I have the DS and it does my head in! It's a nightmare to operate. Basic functions are easy but the more in depth stuff is crazy complicated and the manual is hopeless.

[@phatboytrex1976]

Music Islife agreed. I’m gonna get a modx

[@officialWWM]

Terrell yes, they look awesome. I kept the Juno for use in the studio and bought a Vox Continental for live gigs and I love it.

[@alicaramba7680]

Hi, you can download PC editor for Juno DS and it will make sound design and sample management things much easier.

[@tigerboy4516]

just press buttons and go through every menu. doing this gets you familiar to the workings. all of a sudden, it becomes the norm, easy like. just put the work in one night :-)

[@chrisowens6556]

I'm not a musician, l'm a composer. Trying to write songs. Can this keyboard help me with that?

[@alanonsr3942]

He keeps saying "2 sound maximum" on the DS. He's incorrect. You can program much more than that with the DS. I've done as much as 5 patches across the DS61 but I know you can do more, plus different parameters for each patch of the user program. This guy didn't do his homework.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you for taking the time to check out the video and for writing in! You are correct regarding the Roland DS models. To clarify, the main "dual" and "split" modes do restrict you to selecting only two sounds, the "Performance Edit" mode allows one to stack and layer up to 16 sounds simultaneously. The only thing to keep in mind when utilizing that many sounds simultaneously is the 128 note max polyphony. If you have 16 sounds layered, then every key you play will be taking up 16 notes of that polyphony. Thanks again for writing in and helping to clarify this specific feature of the amazing DS instruments! :)

[@chrisowens6556]

I'm the proud owner of a juno DS 88....and still don't know how to use it!. Can anyone help me?!

[@Jason75913]

read the bloody manuals, there's the user manual and a Parameter Guide for in depth usage

[@andywilliam367]

Lol 😆 you are not alone. Start from playing Piano. Then move up from there.

[@MrAjscott03]

Faders should stand at certain price points😞

[@MerriamPianos]

Do you mean volume/adjustment faders?

[@kopanotempleton8414]

Roland Juno ds88 more fuller than the fa-08🤷‍♂️

[@Jason75913]

they are equal in fullness of sound, adjust your monitor speakers/headphones, or you might want to upgrade Also, the "PremierGrand" preset in EXP-04 sounds better than any other piano preset on either the Juno-DS or FA

[@ScottFichter]

The FA-08 blows the DS88 out of the water.

[@Jason75913]

yeah, but patch editing is a bit less fiddly on the Juno, not to mention the Juno can run on batteries and is lighter weight

[@robertmichalscheck3072]

@@Jason75913 who cares about batteries?, course I only play at home,not at the beach or out in the forest.

[@Jason75913]

@@robertmichalscheck3072 Juno-DS is the top selling keyboard synth among gigging musicians, along with the MODX from Yamaha. Yeah, being able to run on batteries is one of the reasons it has so much appeal.

[@robertmichalscheck3072]

@@Jason75913 oh okay,when I used to play live I could always plug into power,I was checking that keyboard out but am also thinking about the FA08.

[@andywilliam367]

Get both. 😊

[@Shalom111]

I don't like the name 'Juno" and its name meaning/origin. I'd buy the FA-08.

[@MerriamPianos]

Well, the FA-08 and recent update, the Fantom-08, are powerhouses! They really pack a lot of sounds and features into a relatively portable package in an impressive way! :)

[@joecool8674]

oh? great ?!

[@CesenaticoOfficial]

Fa 08 wins

[@bodbodii8654]

Andrea Benvenuti no

[@simbaking6338]

lol!!...Wins with what?...this aint a race bro.

[@markjaysonmendoza]

Hahaha... paused... it's not exactly a full grand piano... LOL

[@kikoynoemicruzmontoya6321]

No entiendo na y habla mucho

[@MerriamPianos]

We try to be as thorough as possible with our reviews! While product sheets give you an overview of specs, the real world experience of an instrument is quite a nuanced thing, so we do our best to dig deep to offer as much insight as possible for our viewers. :)

[@koticmorskoj6409]

Serious disinformation! Fa-08 & JUNO DS88 have Ivory Feel G action, not PHA-4 and not PHA-50. It's worse than PHA-4 standard! "Jumping" keys while playing demonstrate that cheap construction

[@taucetus3657]

Ha talks forever. Next time play more and talk less.

[@Grisza010]

Too long phrases and too long gaps in the instrument comparison. Don't talk because they all say the same. Play it

[@Jason75913]

shoo

[@MonetaryReformForum]

This guy makes anyone that can’t afford the 08 feel like the Juno is doodoo. It’s not.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! The Juno DS88 is an excellent synth without question. But, the FA-08 and latest update, the Fantom-08, are quite impressive in terms of their versatility and features offering. The best solution would be to own both instruments! ;)