🎹 Roland RD-08 vs FP-60X: Head-to-Head Comparison! 🎹

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digitalpiano#rolandrd08#rolandfp60x
Introduction
Roland RD-08: The RD-08 is a stage piano designed for live performance. It boasts a robust build, extensive connectivity options, and high-quality sounds suitable for various genres. It’s known for its professional-grade features that cater to serious musicians and performers.
Roland FP-60X: The FP-60X is part of Roland’s FP series, known for combining high-quality sound and advanced features in a portable, sleek design. It’s suitable for home use, studio recording, and live performances, offering a balance of portability and functionality.
Sound Quality
RD-08:
Sound Engine: Features the SuperNATURAL sound engine, which provides realistic and expressive piano sounds.
Voices: Includes a wide range of acoustic piano tones, electric pianos, and other instrument sounds.
Polyphony: Offers up to 128-note polyphony, ensuring complex passages and layered sounds play without dropout.
Customization: Allows detailed sound shaping with EQ, reverb, and effects, making it versatile for various performance environments.
FP-60X:
Sound Engine: Also uses the SuperNATURAL sound engine, delivering highly expressive and authentic piano sounds.
Voices: Includes a rich selection of grand piano sounds, electric pianos, and other instruments.
Polyphony: Boasts up to 256-note polyphony, which is advantageous for playing dense, intricate pieces without losing notes.
Customization: Offers adjustable ambience settings and various effects, providing flexibility for different playing styles.
Key Action
RD-08:
Keybed: Features the PHA-50 keyboard, which combines wood and molded materials for a traditional feel with modern durability.
Touch Sensitivity: Highly responsive with a natural touch, suitable for expressive playing and dynamic performances.
FP-60X:
Keybed: Equipped with the PHA-4 keyboard, known for its realistic touch and ivory-feel keys.
Touch Sensitivity: Offers excellent responsiveness and a tactile playing experience that mimics an acoustic piano.
Portability and Design
RD-08:
Weight and Size: Relatively heavier and larger, reflecting its focus on stage performance where durability and stability are crucial.
Build Quality: Robust and designed to withstand the rigors of touring and frequent transport.
FP-60X:
Weight and Size: More compact and lightweight, making it easier to transport and suitable for smaller spaces.
Design: Sleek and modern, fitting well in home studios and small performance venues.
User Interface
RD-08:
Controls: Extensive physical controls, including sliders and knobs, for real-time adjustments during performances.
Display: Clear and informative display for easy navigation of settings and parameters.
FP-60X:
Controls: Streamlined interface with essential controls, focusing on ease of use.
Display: Simple and intuitive, with a user-friendly interface for quick access to functions and settings.
Additional Features
RD-08:
Pedals: Supports multiple pedal inputs, including sustain, soft, and expression pedals, enhancing expressive capabilities.
Memory: Ample storage for user settings, sounds, and configurations, ideal for quick recall during live performances.
FP-60X:
Pedals: Includes a sustain pedal, with options to add additional pedals for extended functionality.
Bluetooth: Bluetooth connectivity for wireless streaming and MIDI communication, enhancing versatility for practice and performance.
Conclusion
Both the Roland RD-08 and FP-60X are exceptional digital pianos, each catering to different needs and preferences.
Choose the RD-08 if you are a professional musician needing a robust, feature-rich stage piano with extensive connectivity options and a high degree of sound customization.
Choose the FP-60X if you need a versatile, portable digital piano that offers excellent sound quality, ease of use, and modern connectivity options, making it suitable for home use, studio recording, and smaller performances.
Ultimately, your choice will depend on your specific requirements, whether it's the professional-grade performance and durability of the RD-08 or the portability and versatility of the FP-60X.
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[@woodbassguitars]

Another great video. I toured with an RD but now record at home with a 90 x. Both have their place but for piano sound the 60 x or 90 x seem more like the real thing especially recoded in my opinion.

[@MerriamPianos]

For sure! They are different tools for different jobs, but they both have their place. :)

[@DMcC]

Stu's overviews are always excellent. He summarizes the "philosophy" of these two keyboards very well. Your ability to assess your own requirements should guide your decision making. I place high value on the variety of sounds, ability to sculpt the sounds, and the ability to do *arbitrary* splits/layers so tend to lean more to things like the RD-08. But then I do also gig from time-to-time so it's important to be able to set up all the scenes I'm wanting ahead of time. The FP-60X is also a lovely instrument, but I'd agree is better suited to someone primarily playing at home, or possibly someone who performs solo in small venues with vocals as it is a nice 1-stop shop for piano/voice with strong amplification built in. Hard to go wrong with either really.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks so much! We appreciate you tuning in. I certainly agree with that synopsis. These are both excellent pianos, but, simply, different tools for different jobs. :)

[@ckfloripa]

Hey Stu, something that bothers me in all digital pianos and no reviews online talk about is about how noisy are the keybed. I recently bought the Casio PX-S3100, and in my opinion, the keybed is very noisy. How is this compared to Roland's PHA4. All the Roland models have the same amount of "noise" from the same PHA4 system, or are they different? What to expect? A great part o a review should be a piece being played with headphones, but with no sound on the speakers, just a microphone on the room, to listen the amount of noise from the keybed when being played. Just a suggestion, best regards!!!!!

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent here! Thanks for the suggestion! I will pass it along to our production team. It is difficult to pickup and fully convey the mechanical key noise via microphones, but I know our production team will do their best if we tackle this topic in a video. With that said, mechanical key noise is seldom an issue unless you're playing at very low volumes (15% or less). The PHA4 action has a bit of key noise due to it being a heavier action. With that said, it is less of a click and a bit more of a thud sound. The level of key noise between different PHA4 models is fairly consistent in my experiences. I don't find it to be very loud or distracting by any means. Acoustic pianos also have a ton of key noise (which can be demonstrated very vividly with hybrid acoustics when the silencer is engaged), but because the volume of the instrument, one does not hear the key noise. The premise is the same with digitals if they are being played at specific volumes.

[@klauswiechmann3101]

great video ❤. What do you think about the supernatural Piano 3, which is available for the RD08?

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you so much! I actually haven't tried the SuperNATURAL Piano 3 patch myself, so I can't really comment on it. With that said, perhaps, we can feature it in a future comparison video.

[@Marie791963]

Hello, and thank you for your video. I recently purchased an FP-30x and absolutely love its action and the rich, dynamic piano sounds it produces. However, I find the volume control quite frustrating. The lack of a traditional knob or slider, and the use of a rather flimsy push button, means the volume adjustment lacks the nuanced range I'm looking for. I was advised to consider the Roland RD-08 as a solution to this issue, but my main question is whether the RD-08 delivers the same full and rich piano sound as the FP-30x. As a primarily piano-focused player, I don't anticipate using most of the other features of the RD-08. I would greatly appreciate any guidance you can offer on this matter. P.S. I’ve tried other brands, but I’m particularly drawn to Roland for its key action and sound depth/quality. Thank you, Marie

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi Marie! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in and writing in with your question! While the RD-08 does have a traditional volume knob, it does not deliver the same sonic experience as the FP30X. The FP30X has more powerful speakers (22W system) compared to the RD08 (12W system). So, when playing without headphones, the FP30X will deliver a richer sonic experience. While I know the volume control on the FP30X is a little inconvenient, I would personally recommend choosing the piano that delivers the best core piano experience to you based on your preferences. Thanks again and hope this helps! :)

[@Marie791963]

Thanks, Brent I think I know my answer now - I'm just gonna have to soldier through with the FP-X30 on-board volume control. Your response was very helpful. With appreciation, Marie

[@JoeSmith-v7o]

I've had my FP-60X for almost two weeks now. It's really good. I'm glad I splurged a bit and bought at this price point rather than buying something cheaper only to upgrade later on.

[@MerriamPianos]

That is amazing! The FP60X is an incredible instrument. I know you will be really happy with the excellent musical experience it offers. :)

[@JoeSmith-v7o]

@@MerriamPianos Not a bad piano for a beginner. I like it a lot.

[@Boleyn1895]

I'm just about to start learning piano and have settled on a Roland with the SuperNATURAL sounds and the weighted PHA-4 keys. I want to be able to play classical as well as The Doors, with some pop/rock songs like The Final countdown and Jump to melodic death metal and symphonic metal like Arch Enemy, Kamelot and King Diamond, would the FP-60X accomplish this or would I be better going for the RD 08, 88 or the FP-E50? Thank you.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for the question! Given that you're looking to play repertoire/songs that require very specific synth sounds, I would personally say that the RD-08 or RD-88 models are more aligned for you. There is also the FP-E50 model, which is a bit of a crossover between the FP and RD series. The cost-to-value ratio the FP-E50 presents is exceptional. :)

[@Boleyn1895]

@@MerriamPianos Thank you, I just edited my question to include the E50 before I saw your reply. I tried the FP-30X in store today and loved the action feel and sound of it so I'm definitely sold on a Roland with SuperNATURAL and the PHA-4 keys. I'm watching your comparison videos right now between the E50, 08 & 88 but may I ask, budget not a concern, which of those is the better buy with the closest action to the 30X? I know the feel is better on the 30X and 60X but which of those three would be closest and a better match for my needs? Thank you so much, loving your videos and learning so much.

[@vicmartinez4532]

I have seen 2 versions of ph4 Action * Hammers on the front * Hammers behind Which one is the case of this models

[@MerriamPianos]

It is true that there are a few PHA4 variations out there. We would have to open up the pianos to see exactly which version of the action are being deployed in these models. That might be an exciting video topic to tackle down the road!

[@Biozene]

@@MerriamPianos Please do!

[@PatrickRosenbalm]

I can verify that the RD-88 and FP-10 are hammers (weights) to the front. Probably the same on these too.

[@FingersKungfu]

Whenever I watch/listen to Stu's reviews of Roland products, I always feel enlightened. Roland should let him write their user manuals.

[@MerriamPianos]

Stu is a big Roland fan has been gigging with Roland pianos for quite some time! That is certainly an interesting idea, perhaps we can pass along the notion to our Roland reps. ;)

[@sonic2000gr]

In Europe, the FP-60X is about the same price as RD-88 (about a 40 euro difference). The RD-08 is cheaper to FP-60X by about 170 euros. I am not a big fan of the FP-60X looks but of course both use the PHA4 action which I like a lot. They are both good choices.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for sharing that info! The price gaps do different in various markets. And I agree with the sentiment. These are both excellent pianos that cater to slightly different contexts of use. :)

[@antonioperillo1182]

Hallo Stud, it's obvious that these two instruments are projected for different aims!! Fp60x is a digital piano with exceptional acoustic and electric pianos samples and sounds ten measures up over Rd08, at least. This last, instead, has been projected as keyboard synth, includes Zen core engine and much versatile and rich of synth samples. Two kinds of instruments very, very different for a comparison, about my opinion.... Probably its prices are very similar. However acoustic piano sounds of Fpx series are fantastic and unbeatable. Only in the new Lx9 and Lx5 we can find the same sound!!!!!👍👍👍👏👏👏👏🔊🔊🔊🔊

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! I agree with your synopsis about these two amazing pianos being targeted towards different contexts of use. The RD08 is a powerhouse instrument that offers an affordable stage piano for the gigging musician. The FP60X is a wonderful choice for a player seeking an at-home practice instrument with the best possible piano experience at the price point. There is still some overlap between the two models though. :)

[@antonioperillo1182]

@@MerriamPianos Thank you very much for your answer Brent. Send e great hallo to Stud, also. Good Sunday👋😉☀️

[@Zoco101]

Thank for another sensible and entertaining video. The FP-60X sounds seem more tweaked for home use. I can imagine having to strip off reverb effects (or more?) at gigs. It is also about 6kg heavier than the FP-08. And to be fair, here in Europe the RD-88 price was closer to the FP-60X price. I don't mind the RD-08 being cheaper and simpler than the RD-88, but I fear that the RD-88 may be going out of production. Certainly, my supplier no longer lists it. Was it just too good? Well for those who need a basic stage piano, there has never been a better time. In general we are all very spoiled for choice with many dp models at assorted price points. But a new 73/76 key model with a graded weighted action would be a welcome sight.

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! As always, thank you for tuning in! We appreciate it. :) We haven't heard anything official about the RD88 being discontinued, but we have heard that some dealers in certain markets have stopped carrying them. There are a lot of players seeking fully-weighted 73/76 key models, so it will be interesting to see what manufacturers do.

[@ezequielbarbosa3296]

Gostei do Roland R08, mas. Estou interessado no Roland fp E50, e ainda vou decidir, qual dos dois, mas existe o Yamaha P225, que me serviria também.

[@MerriamPianos]

It is certainly a tough call between these models and the FP-E50. They're all excellent, fully-loaded pianos from Roland that can be used for both home and stage use. The decision ultimately comes down to the needs and preferences of the player.

[@ezequielbarbosa3296]

@@MerriamPianos ok, thanks....

[@user-kt9fw2zy9v]

The RD does not have rythm correct? This seems to be the case for all stage-like boards. I would like a stage with rythm.

[@MerriamPianos]

The RD88 actually has 200 built-in rhythms. You can check out Roland's demonstration/tutorial video on accessing rhythms here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJ6yg2mwYsuBjrc

[@user-kt9fw2zy9v]

@@MerriamPianos thank you so much for the answer. And want to make sure, RD08 has no rhythms correct?

[@mfurman]

I believe that the PHA-4 action in RD-08 is better than in any other Roland piano with this action. I do not know what it is but I had four PHA-4 digital pianos and MIDI controllers (and tested numerous other Roland pianos including FP-60X) and this is my conclusion. I like relative simplicity of RD-08. On top of all that, FP-60X is just too heavy for me (I returned both FP-90X and Yamaha P515 - mostly because of their weight but also, as in the case of of P-515, heaviness of the action).

[@MerriamPianos]

That is certainly fair. There are slight differences in the feel of each model (even those that use the same series of action). The most important thing is to find an instrument that you're satisfied with, which it sounds like you have achieved with the RD08. :)

[@mfurman]

I should add that I like the main acoustic grand piano quite a bit - I prefer it even to the sounds of FP-90X. The headphone amp is definitely very good. By the way, I am a piano player and I use RD-08 at home.

[@joshuaimonitie6540]

​@mfurman How does the external speakers sound for home use? Looking to upgrade my fp30x as speakers are downward facing. Thanks

[@mfurman]

@@joshuaimonitie6540 Do you mean RD-08 speakers? They are OK for home use. I will probably get Adam monitor speakers to use with piano VSTs

[@joshuaimonitie6540]

​@mfurman yes wanted to know how good the speakers are for home use. Glad to hear they are good. Thanks

[@Sasha.Belarus]

Misleading info online going for Rd88 / 08 polyphony of 128 or 256, but fp60x being 256 polyphony makes it clear RD is 128, as it sounds much worse

[@MerriamPianos]

Unfortunately, max polyphony values are not always shared by manufacturers. With that said, it can be an important consideration for some shoppers depending on context of use.

[@jaredcantlon1838]

I like your reviews, but can you play a different style of music?

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you for tuning into our reviews. There are many video reviews/comparisons in which Stu plays in a plethora of different styles.

[@bruceplenderleith838]

fp30x has the same weighted keyboard as the 60x if you want an improvement the 90x is a step up, I don't see the point of the 60x, with a tablet and the app you can get all the tones the 60x has on board. your basically paying 300 more for a lcd screen

[@MerriamPianos]

The higher-powered top facing speakers of the FP60X do provide a richer musical experience compared to the FP30X for those that are seeking to optimize the core piano experience without having to use external speakers/amplification for sonic enhancement. With that said, the FP90X is certainly the more meaningful improvement on the action side of things.

[@bruceplenderleith838]

@@MerriamPianos those two 20's put out more power than I can ever use, I was actually surprised. I bought two Roland piano amps and I've never needed them. Most of the time I use open back headphones anyway. I love the sound it produces. Even though they are underneath the sound radiates as it should

[@scarsstitches636]

FP-30X is a best seller for a reason. You're not alone with this assessment.

[@Zoco101]

​​@@bruceplenderleith838I'm sure that some players buy the FP-60X for gigging in restaurants and so on. It's much quicker to make adjustments on the fly with such a piano than say on the FP-30X, and it's cheaper and lighter to carry than the FP-90x. The RD-08 would do a similar job (sometimes a better one) but it would take a bit more initial tweaking, and the speakers are less powerful.

[@TigansUp]

Fp60x win acoustic piano

[@MerriamPianos]

I would have to agree that it offers a superior core piano experience. However, for those seeking greater functionality and a wide selection of non-piano tones, the RD08 is a very attractive offering! :)

[@scarsstitches636]

Not for long. Stu knows why.

[@mfurman]

@@scarsstitches636 I actually prefer the main acoustic piano sound of RD-08. As far as having more options to “tweak” the sound, I use piano VST to have better sound.

[@EdPin_]

So if I were looking for something that has good integration with Omnisphere kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKrTqJuFZa53r5I Roland RD-08 would win here? What could beat it?

[@MerriamPianos]

Given that all of the Roland pianos use triple sensor actions with MIDI compatibility, they would all work quite well with VST plugins like Omnisphere. To that point, the best option comes down to which model you prefer the feel of the best.

[@okay1904]

The acoustic piano of Roland mid range products, all the way to the RD2000, has not been convincing. Just always sounds odd. Not like a piano. But it seems the chaps at Roland have either been listening to the wrong people, or refusing to respond to feedback.

[@MerriamPianos]

It is a matter of subjectivity at the end of the day. Every player has different preferences when it comes to tone. The Roland piano sound may not be for everyone, but Roland certainly has a fervent fan base.

[@davidleigh3346]

I kind of agree. I've gotten used now to the broad deep piano sound of what reviewers reckon is based on a New York Steinway. I use Roland HP702 and a Yamaha P125 in church, and I have an FP60X at home. The HP702's piano sound is a bit too raw for me. I have edited it via the designer app, but if I play in the Key of E flat, in the middle of the piano, the gritty tone of several notes really irritates me. And when transposing, the timbre/tone seems to sound different, I don't use this issue with the Yamaha's sound. I actually prefer the FP60X's piano engine to the modelling engine of the HP series, I just can't put it into words. The piano designer function is all well and good but there's only a few variations - for example in the soundboard settings that are any use. Also the individual character adjustments are so drastic, either too harsh or ridiculously muffled - to be of any use. Surely a piano technician is only making very finite adjustments when he prepares a piano for a concert or pianist's requirements. I hope the next line of HP pianos address some of these issues. That said, I absolutely love the FP60X and think it's a brilliant instrument. Roland pianos are very good value in comparison to say the Yamaha Clavanova's. Does anyone know why Yamaha digital pianos have shot up in price? Here in UK some retailers are selling the new P525 for over £2000, whereas the CLP 735, was around £1600, now around £2200, all in last few months.

[@davidmulcahy4864]

Or just get an FP-E50 and get everything cheaper

[@MerriamPianos]

The FP-E50 is quite the attractive offering and does have a lot of crossover features from both of these models.

[@davidmulcahy4864]

@ USB audio out to iPhone is great for recording and Bluetooth Audio in (or via analogue input) great for backing tracks. All mixed together in the piano for great quality. kzbin.info7lb16q_AhTs?si=1axNohTZvZ544vgG

[@alexeykulikov2739]

If you are in the market for a digital pianos under $1000, save, get a loan, sell your mother, sell your soul to devil and buy a Kawai with top action. Period.

[@MerriamPianos]

Haha I suppose that is one possible solution! ;)

[@phat-n-sweatyslowasseddie9350]

I agree i have had the 60x for almost 2 years. Sold my es110 thinking and thought the 60x was an upgrade. Nope it was a hot garbage upgrade. The acoustic pianos ate so fake sounding. Shallow key bed feeling, the escapement attempt, super bland mids. I do have to say the keys depress almosts too perfect, no wiggle, no bounce and very silent. Bout as in-authentic as it gets. I only use it as a bluetooth speaker or when im playing kawai i use roland suitcase or epiano and organs maybe 8 sound samples out of the 260 or however many there are that i can tolerate and none are the natural pianos. Like i said hot garbage. Picked up the es120 last year. Love it every single day. Picked up dgx670 love that too except for the key texture or lack of. Long intense playing on the yamaha keys gets slimy feeling. Dgx personalization so much better and in depth than the Roland parameters. But for actuon and clean acoustic piano my 120 is my main deck. Am considering donating the 60x to the high school for a tax write off and getting the new Yamaha. Think its the 525. Cant remember if its the 525 but its the dgx like replacement that just came out a few months ago. Only because dgx mono out is a no bueno. I believe this new 5?? Has balanced outs like the kawai. I dont. Im glad i chose the es110 for my first dp. I alway because i have that as the baseline that companies like roland and yamaha should strive to emulate for action. Yamaha tones are fantastic but like the roland action. Kinda artificial. Yet not like the rolands fake acoustic buzzing piano samples. Yamaha is almost too clean sounding. I fully agree with you Alexi. Im hoping 920 drops under 2k and might be my birthday present to myself. 😊

[@Zoco101]

I don't think that Kawai actions anywhere near this pricepoint are typically valued above Roland actions. Both have their advantages.

[@phat-n-sweatyslowasseddie9350]

I guess someone didnt like my comment calling roland hot garbage compared to kawai or yamaha dps ,that sell for hundreds cheeper. Way better acoustic piano samples and action that feels more natural and realistic. Imo and many other honest reviewers. I own 4 and my es120 smokes rolands ps4 action on the fp60x the digital sounding acoustic piano sample vs a more analog sounding kawai. roland is so distracting unless you have a band to help mask that weird ambiance and you cant get rid of it. Its on all of their piano samples. You can turn it down with eq but its always there. Not just on mine, its on the 30x the 60x in the store displays too. Stew can make a casio psx100 sound good.

[@robertmichalscheck3072]

Gonna quit watching this channel,fantastic piano player wants to do talk videos about pianos,

[@MerriamPianos]

We do our best to time stamp the videos so viewers can navigate to the sections that interest them most. We also try to balance playing and discussion segments to accommodate the wishes of as many viewers as possible.