🎹 Roland RD88 vs RD08: Ultimate Head-to-Head Comparison! 🎹

[@sonic2000gr]

The price difference in Europe is about 200 euros. If you buy the optional RD-08 upgrade pack you will end up paying more than the RD-88. So the use case of RD-08 is to buy and use as is. Personally I would love to have an RD-73.

[@MerriamPianos]

The RD88 does have more functionality, so, given this pricing dynamic, I think RD88 is the better value buy overall. And an RD73 would be quite exciting! I suppose we'll see if Roland goes down that road. :)

[@PatrickRosenbalm]

Excellent overview as always. The points that you made about the RD-88 is the reason I bought it over the RD-08. I also recently bought a Fantom 06. Making time to use it is my only problem. Also, making some videos of my teardown of the FP-10 keybed and RD-88 keybed, and sending Merriam some of the photos I have taken of them disassembled so you can use them if you like. I also have an FA-08 and plan on including it too. I have pro Canon cameras and lenses do to photo and video stuff, but what I never seem to have anymore is the time to do it. I'm working on that. 😉 Your reviews have helped me and I will share me work with you you in return.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you so much! That is very kind of you. It sounds like you have quite the collection of Roland products, which is awesome. They make wonderful pianos, stage pianos, and workstations. Thanks again and happy playing! :)

[@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12]

Ok. Now I'm starting to miss the longer videos now too. This was nice, however at some point it feels kinda rushed🎹🎶

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you for the feedback. Our production team is always experimenting with things and trying to keep things fresh, but I will be happy to pass along your feedback to them.

[@mfurman]

I completely agree with you. These videos are more marketing presentations than reviews Michael

[@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12]

@@mfurman yes exactlly🎹🎶

[@odmusicman]

I bought the RD88 based on a number of things including your review a while back. I have not been disappointed over all. My biggest thumbs up is the feel of the keys and PH4 response, I love it. I always love to sit down and play a nice VST piano on this keyboard. I find myself playing far longer than I intended, which is a good sign of the playability and feel. A gripe, no surprise, is the menu diving. However, now that I know what I'm doing, I can create things much faster. I am also using some of the big sounds in this beast for my mixes and they really stand out as stellar and professional sounding. Thank you very much for your continued work Stu.

[@Am71919]

The rd2000 blows both of these out of the water

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent here! Thanks so much for the support! We're happy to hear that you found our videos helpful. Congrats on your RD88! It is a powerhouse piano for the money with plenty to offer. While there will always be a bit of a learning curve with a new instrument, the RD88 is quite user-friendly once you learn the ropes. :)

[@victorcegarra]

Thanks to you guys for all the valuable information on pianos, keyboards and their technology. I would like to see a video on the differences and/or similarities between the Roland RD-88 and the RD-88 EX. Thanks again

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi there! Thanks so much for the kind words and suggestion! I know we are planning on tackling an RD88 EX video soon, so I imagine Stu will touch on the updates/changes. :)

[@bodiddly2009]

I bought an RD-88 way before the RD-08 was available. Watching this video convinces me that it is still the best choice for me. So, thank you for your concise and clear review. Having said that, there is one thing about the RD-88 that I don't like: Although I mainly use it as a MIDI controller - and it is a superb one - when playing piano patches, the sustain pedal does not sustain long enough. I find myself just holding down the pedal pretty much continually. Maybe there's a way to fix this, but I haven't found it yet. I also have a Kawai ES-120, and I much prefer that one for actual piano sounds, sustain, resonance, etc. Thanks again.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent here! Thanks for tuning in! The RD88 is quite the powerhouse instrument for the money. While you may find the ES120's core piano patches to be a bit more authentic (including the sustain), considering how rich the RD88 is in terms of features and onboard sounds, the piano sounds it offers are quite impressive. At the end of the day, tonal preference is a very personal thing of course. If you experiment with adjusting some effects parameters, such as ambience, you may be able to compensate for the sustain a bit.

[@xx-ip7ej]

I'm after the most realistic-sounding Rhodes I can find from either Roland or Yamaha. Do these Roland models offer that or do I need to jump up to something like the RD-2000/CP-88 price point?

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent here! In my opinion, RD08 and RD88 have an excellent amalgamation of high-end Rhodes and other electric piano sounds. With that said, it is a very subjective matter, so I would recommend testing out the pianos for yourself to make a determination.

[@djramosf]

Thanks for the video!, I was waiting for it to see the main difference between them, and also wanted to know if I made a good decision buying the RD-88 instead of the RD-08 (paying additional 299 dollars to enable certain functionalities was a big differentiator as well the big discount that was at that time on the RD88)

[@MerriamPianos]

You're welcome! We're glad that you found the video helpful. They are both excellent offerings from Roland given their corresponding price points of course. We hope you enjoy your RD88! :)

[@quillster0]

New RD88 EX just came out, it would be awesome to have a comparison with that one. I believe it is only the sounds that were changed.

[@MerriamPianos]

Yup - we should be getting our first shipment of RD88EX units very soon. You can certainly bank on review/comparison videos featuring the model soon. :)

[@anthonycollado1403]

Hey Great review as always! I just bought an RD 88 last week and I absolutely love it. But I had a question about the tones, specifically the volume of them. I noticed that all the sounds have inconsistent volumes, even in the same categories. Is this by design or can I change something in the settings for the tones to have equal volume? Thanks!

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! Thanks for tuning in! I have not noticed this particular issue myself. Of course, every patch's perceived volume may be a little bit different based on the tone and attack profile, but I don't find it any more noticeable than other models personally. It might be by design, but aside from using a compressor or limiter (which may compromise the musicality of the sound), I don't know what else could be done other than adjusting every patch's volume settings individually.

[@EdPin_]

Guys, it feels like you could make a mini-series about those two (3 episodes?) This thing here is more like a brief look.

[@MerriamPianos]

A follow up video may certainly be required. There is a lot to dig into with these two amazing Roland stage pianos.

[@pauldixon3953]

Eight minutes is not long enough for any kind of review that properly uses Stew's talents.

[@MerriamPianos]

We appreciate the feedback. I'll certainly pass it along to our production team. :)

[@QalinaCom]

Great piano, but it's very strange to have such a flimsy looking power supply with it... Thank you for another great insight, Stu, great playing too, as always.

[@MerriamPianos]

Brent here! Both of these models are powerhouse offerings for the money. Thanks for tuning in! I will be happy to pass along your kind words to Stu. :)

[@StringFusionLive]

We sold our RD88 a month after purchasing it. It had bad note drop outs when doing octave tremolos with the damper pedal down while the right hand was doing some chords or runs. Activating dual tones and playing with the damper pedal down also resulted in severe note drop outs. Is this issue fixed in the RD08?

[@MerriamPianos]

I'm sorry to hear that you had a bad experience with your RD88. I haven't heard about these issues before, so it sounds like you may have had a bad unit. In any case, I hope that you find a reliable instrument that suits your needs.

[@mfurman]

With recent price reduction in Canada, RD-08 (C$1450) does not make any sense when compared with RD-88 (C$1500). The cost of enabling Digital Audio Interface in RD-08 is U$300. I liked clean design and perhaps even PHA-4 implementation in RD-08 but I returned it after hearing some clicking noise in my recording of some pieces played on RD-08. Michael

[@MerriamPianos]

The current RD88 sale price definitely makes it the more compelling option right now. In terms of the clicking noises you are hearing, that is a bit strange to hear. Were you capturing the playing via a microphone on the speakers or via a direct line out feed from the piano?

[@mfurman]

@@MerriamPianos Roland RD-08 does not make any sense with current pricing. It is easy to find Shenandoah in D Major - Roland RD-08 to hear a few clicks during normal playing 😊

[@qwe1231]

Currently there's a $100 difference in US at some stores, not $300.

[@MerriamPianos]

It depends on where you are located. Price disparities differ in different markets.

[@mfurman]

@@MerriamPianosOnce again, in Ontario (where Merriam Music is located) the difference is C$50!

[@DruDilly]

Yes, this is true. I believe on American Musical Supply they recently lowered the price. That $100 difference makes it a virtual no brained to get the RD-88.

[@FirstLast-nr6gf]

I also liked old reviews better. They were very technical with a lot of useful information. I don't know why this review doesn't mention rd-08 system upgrade software. It is not clear from Roland web site if it is free or you have to pay for it and how much. The price difference between RD-88 and RD-08 in US is only $100. I think only Roland has this hidden costs. I'm a Yamaha user (DGX-670, MODX+). USB audio interface and drivers are available for free.

[@ampac]

The upgrade is not free but priced at 299 USD. In Europe, that makes the 08 with the upgrade more expensive than the 88. The only advantage of the 08 is that the upgrade includes the latest version (3) of the SN Piano, which is not available in the 88. Moreover, Roland might release extra upgrades to further differentiate the product , but these will imply extra costs.

[@MerriamPianos]

We appreciate your honest feedback. I will be happy to pass it along to our production team that makes decisions on our video formats.

[@x-plane11photovideo19]

I've bought the RD-88 and although I like this digital piano it lacks the detailed sound of the piano of the FP-series of Roland (no sympathetic string resonance, hammer noise etc.). The same is even more true about the Fantom 08 which also lacks sympathetic damper resonance. And what really sucks is the rhythm unit. You cannot save it properly into favorites and when changing sounds during playing it goes back to 120 beats per minute. I've already contacted Roland about this but they don't want to do anything about it. For me it makes the Rhythm unit useless. So yes it's a full packed machine but it has some annoying quircks.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights with the model. I'm sorry to hear that you weren't fully satisfied with some of the sounds and features. Of course, it may not compete with other models' sounds and features, particularly given its price point and how much has been packed into the unit. But, I can certainly understand the frustrations with some of the functionality issues.

[@fotografjindra6442]

What about the new RD 88 EX?

[@MerriamPianos]

We will be tackling a review video of the new RD88 EX model soon! ;)

[@vicmartinez4532]

The PHA 4 action comes with hammers on front and behind the keys .. I would like to know the difference if it's possible

[@MerriamPianos]

Perhaps, we will need to tackle an action comparison video where we actually open up the units to investigate these differences. At the end of the day though, the most important thing is the way htese actions feel to the player.

[@bobaasmr9347]

Sounds quite nice through my iPhone speaker. I do like Roland stuff.

[@MerriamPianos]

Roland make excellent instruments - there is no doubt about that. :)

[@CrazyDriverSwed]

Is there any editor available for creating your own zen core sounds or tweaking the pianos from a computer?

[@MerriamPianos]

That is a good question. I don't believe that is an option at this time, but I could be mistaken.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi there! Just a follow up. There is an editor available to create your own Zen-Core sounds via the Roland Cloud, which is called Zenology Pro. Thanks and hope this helps!

[@ianhellens]

You can edit and change every preset on the RD88

[@MerriamPianos]

There is lots of customization options on the Roland RD88! That is for sure. :)

[@rullysiswanto4583]

RD 6 octaves (RD73 or RD76)

[@MerriamPianos]

That would be quite interesting indeed!

[@MinstrelTray]

When plugged up to an amplifier there is a lot of key noise almost like hammers hitting wood, it's like when you press a note you hear the note and a slight thumping along with it, has anyone else notice this? I am not talking about the mechanics of the keys I'm talking about the sound itself. I know there's clicking noise from the keys which is aggravating but the piano sound has a weird after sound

[@MerriamPianos]

I have not personally experienced this issue when running the RD models in conjunction with Roland KC keyboard amplifiers, so, unfortunately, I cannot really comment on this specific issue. Is the same sound occurring when using the onboard speakers or headphones?

[@MinstrelTray]

@@MerriamPianos it doesn’t occur on the on board speakers I only hear it through my Roland kc 400 & I can hear it in your videos and others as well

[@MinstrelTray]

@@MerriamPianos maybe I got a bad one I’m swapping it out for another one

[@watcher9987]

Same problem here​@@MinstrelTray

[@watcher9987]

​@@MerriamPianosI have same problem heavy thunk sound. I also have fp30x its not on that...tried eq etc bpvery frustrating

[@CrazyDriverSwed]

Lots of speculations that could have been confirmed with the help of a screwdriver.

[@MerriamPianos]

I will pass along the feedback to our production team. Perhaps, we will have to take a deeper dive into the internal guts of these various models in future videos. :)

[@mfurman]

I very much agree. There seems to be some resistance to tests and numbers (instead of “feelings”) in recent Merriam Music videos.

[@rolexmarcelo3218]

First wow

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you! :)