🎹 Roland Tone Engine Comparison | SuperNATURAL vs V- Modeling vs ZEN-Core vs PureAcoustic 🎹

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🛒 Get the Roland FP-30X Digital Piano▸geni.us/Roland-FP-30X
🛒 Get the Roland Fantom 8▸geni.us/Roland-Fantom-8
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Comparable Alternatives:
🛒 Roland FP-60X▸geni.us/Roland-FP-60X
🛒 Yamaha P515▸geni.us/Yamaha-P515
🛒 Kawai ES920▸geni.us/Kawai-ES920
🛒 Yamaha DGX-660▸geni.us/yamaha-DGX-660
#roland #digitalpiano #rolanddigitalpiano
0:00 - Introduction
0:58 - Playing Demo on the Roland FP90x SuperNATURAL piano engine
1:19 - Playing Demo on the Roland FP90x Pure Acoustic Modelling piano engine
1:40 - Playing Demo on the Roland Fantom V-Piano piano engine
2:00 - Playing Demo on the Roland Fantom ZEN-Core piano engine
2:20 - Video Overview/Roland Tone Engine discussion
3:47 - Roland Pianos Featured in the video (Roland FP30x - Roland FP90x - Roland Fantom)
5:22 - Recording and Technical set up for the video
5:55 - Headphones Used in this video Sony MDR 7506
6:24 - Piano Sound Review Roland Fantom
10:00 - Roland SuperNATURAL piano engine on the Roland FP30x
11:53 - Roland Pure Acoustic Modelling piano engine on the Roland FP90x
13:28 - Sound discussion on the Roland SuperNATURAL, Acoustic Modelling, V-Piano, and ZEN-Core tones.
14:50 - Stage Grand piano tone on the Roland Fantom
19:35 - Roland SuperNATURAL piano engine demo
24:00 - Sound discussion (Dynamics, Clarity)
25:04 - ZEN-Core piano engine discussion/DEMO
28:57 - ZEN-Core conclusions/discussion
31:12 - Outro - please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE
Hello, and thanks for being with us at the Merriam Pianos KZbin channel! In today’s video, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the four Roland piano tone engines currently available in their digital piano lineup.
We’ll be covering the V- modeling engine, SuperNATURAL sample-based engine, PureAcoustic modeled engine and finally, their ZEN-Core synthesis engine.
Please like, subscribe and hit that notification bell!
Overview
Roland is a huge player in the digital piano realm, offering a full line of home digital pianos, stage pianos, and portable digital pianos. We tend to focus on their 88-note options on this channel, and we’ve recently been getting asked to break down the differences between the various sound engines Roland offers in their 88-note pianos.
Roland currently offers no less than 4 different engines for generating acoustic piano tone across their lineup, so we figured we do a deep dive here so you can hear and understand the exact differences between these sound engines.
Featured Pianos
The pianos we’ll be featuring in the video are the Roland FANTOM 8 workstation, which features the ZEN-Core synthesis engine and the V-Piano modeling engine, the FP-30X, which features the latest version of their SuperNATURAL sampling engine; and finally, the FP-90X which features the PureAcoustic modeling sound engine.
Recording/Technical Set-Up
All three of these instruments have been captured through analogue stereo inputs into the same audio interface, so the recording quality and technique is the same across the board.
All 3 instruments are being played on their default settings, meaning we haven’t gone in and tweaked things in Piano Designer, nor have we added any effects.
Piano Sound Playing Comparison
Here are the specific patches Stu plays through the demo section of the video.
Playing Example #1: V-Piano Engine - Stage Grand Patch
Playing Example #2: ZEN-Core Engine - Acoustic Pop Piano 1 Patch
Playing Example #3: SuperNATURAL Engine - Concert Piano Patch
Playing Example #4: PureAcoustic Engine - Default Patch
Observations
The two cleanest sounds with the highest resolution are definitely the two modeled engines - the V-Piano and PureAcoustic engines. The fidelity is very high, and there’s no loss of clarity at any part of the sound.
Between these two engines, the V-Piano has a lot of color, but the tonal variance from soft to loud is narrower than on the PureAcoustic engine. Having a narrower tonal range makes sense for recording purposes, which is why Roland uses this engine in their FANTOM 8 workstation keyboard.
If we were picking one purely for solo piano playing, we’d have to go with the PureAcoustic as it’s a more intimate, versatile option.
With the ZEN-Core and SuperNATURAL engines, the experience is very different. At lower volume levels, there’s a sense of air and space that’s coming through by virtue of these being sample based engines.
There’s also a grittiness to the sound on the SuperNATURAL that we really appreciate that tends to be absent from modeling engines, though the dynamic control of sampling depth is just not on the same level as the PureAcoustic.

[@gooniestraits3090]

I'm absolutely loving all these deep dives in some aspects of digital piano specs. I think this is by far the most useful youtube channel for those who not just want to buy good pianos, but also want to really know their pianos. Keep 'em coming please! Invaluable content!

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you so much! That is an incredibly kind compliment and one that we appreciate immensely! Thanks for tuning and supporting our channel! :)

[@Biozene]

THIIIS is what I've been waiting for! Thanks!

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@khawk2012]

I have a Fantom and had an FA.. I love the way you play with a passion.. keep up the good work....

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks Jose! I will pass on the kind words to Stu! :)

[@davesaunders7457]

Thanks Stu. I only asked this question a few weeks ago and BOOM...there it is 😊

[@MerriamPianos]

Beyond playing and analyzing pianos, we also invest a great deal of time into mind reading at Merriam Music! ;) Just kidding of course! I am glad we could deliver in this case. Thank you for contributing to our community and helping generate a fantastic idea for a video comparison. All the best!

[@nicholastaylor6052]

I’m an FP-30x owner and have found that with some tweaking using the piano designer app you can get an incredibly rich tone from it, especially when you increase the string and damper resonance. The depth in which you can edit the string resonance and individual key character surprised me for the price point. It was your review that led me to The FP-30x, the dynamic range and action are perfect for playing at home on a budget. Great playing Stu as always!

[@MerriamPianos]

We're very happy to hear that our review video helped you in your decision making process! The FP30X is a fantastic digital piano and the Piano Designer App really takes things to the next level in terms of tonal flexibility. I'm glad to hear that you have found a setting that you are really connecting with. Enjoy your FP30X! :)

[@Zoco101]

I'm interested that you had to alter those two parameters on your 30X. They are precisely what I altered (incremented) on my Yamaha P-255. PS But it's good that a sub €1000 piano (FP-30X) has these features so well implemented.

[@johnnylong2023]

@@MerriamPianos fp 30x or fp E50?

[@valterfcarvalho]

@@johnnylong2023 Million dollar question.

[@johnnylong2023]

@@valterfcarvalho I chose fp30x...

[@MartinSauter]

Hi Stu, just wanted to say that your videos are really outstanding. I love your focus on musical quality of an instrument (and much less on technical features). Thank you so much!

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent here! Thanks a million for tuning in and for your kind words! We're happy to hear that you've enjoyed the videos. I will be sure to pass on your kind words to Stu! :)

[@tuvaoffical]

you're awesome , your comparisons and other works are great. Thank you thank you and thank you. from Türkiye with love.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you so much for the kind words and support! We appreciate it immensely. :)

[@kyrvhy]

Thanks so much for this one. You really give us the details to work with. Love the Pure Acoustic and the SuperNATURAL for me. Really so much to choose from with Roland now. Thanks Again.

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! We're very happy to hear that you found the video comparison useful and enjoyable! Thanks for watching! :)

[@a2roland]

Amazing videos and reviews! THANKS A MILLION!!! LOVE it!! 👌❤️👍❤️👏👏

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! Thank you so much for tuning in! :)

[@martpl2124]

Amazing video. Thank you! You confirmed all my intuitions. Your piano skills are incredible!💪

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you kindly! We appreciate you tuning in. :)

[@scubastevepianodiaries95]

I’ve watched many of your videos. This is by far the most informative one to date( For me at least) and I also do review demos. I usually watch yours first before I invest in a keyboard. I only wish I could order through your company instead of the local GC here in Nashville. You deserve the commission for taking the time to care about the end user. Keep up the amazing work! And eloquent playing style!!!

[@MerriamPianos]

We sincerely appreciate the incredibly kind words and support! We are very happy to hear that you have found the videos helpful throughout your own piano process. Thanks again and happy playing! :)

[@JR-dm1oq]

This is brilliant and exactly what i was looking for, thanks a lot for years of both educational and entertaining videos! You rock!

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! We're glad that you enjoy our video series! I would also like to thank you for supporting our KZbin channel over the years! We sincerely appreciate that. :)

[@JR-dm1oq]

@@MerriamPianos For 2 years i have been considering buying the GP-607 - with which portable from this video would you compare it engine wise?

[@bertpierey3655]

I was looking for this. Thanks. You are one of the best (objective) reviewers on here by the way. Maybe the best. And the best piano player for sure.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent here! Thank you so much for tuning in! We're glad that you enjoy the channel and Stu's awesome reviews/comparisons! :)

[@JS45678]

I have the 90 and 90X; LOVE them both!!! 🎹🤠❤️

[@MerriamPianos]

Two fantastic digital pianos! Happy playing! :)

[@wildrice1971]

Really informative deep dive into Roland's tone engines. Thank you, this was so helpful!

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you so much! We're glad you found it helpful! :)

[@Anatoliy-Zh]

Stu, You are wonderful man!

[@MerriamPianos]

Stu is awesome! We are very lucky to have him! :)

[@Transterra55]

Kudos to Roland for such beautiful tones on all four--but I LOVE the PureAcoustic with its sparkling timbre.

[@MerriamPianos]

Absolutely! Roland is definitely one of the most exciting and cutting-edge companies out there when it comes to digital piano technology. The PureAcoustic engine is phenomenal! Thanks so much for tuning in! :)

[@janvandyck9375]

Thanks for this detailed and informative comparison. On a completely different note (though somewhat related): I love your 'Volume 1' album. That's some seriously high-end, infectious jazz piano-playing!

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! I will be sure to pass on your kind words and compliments directly to Stu. :)

[@michaelnoah7453]

Roland is the best!

[@MerriamPianos]

Roland is definitely on the cutting edge of digital piano technology! Very exciting times! :)

[@MartinSc76]

Hello Boss of all sophisticated and fully reflected piano reviews and domain mentorship :) When youtube gave me notification about your post and I saw the title….You had me. This covers exactly the questions I had some weeks ago. Thank you very much for this work and the publication! I appreciate that….and I feel undescribably (if this word exists) happy to soon (hopefully) own and use the F8 as well as the FP90X. Even if nowadays I think you really can‘t find any bad sound in this price range, it‘s even more positive to be on the Roland side to me now. Your comparison is kind of a milestone now in the internet, thank you for that. A big shout out to you and all the manufacturers which keep us working with pleasure on cutting edge results. All the best🍀

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi Martin! Thank you so much for taking the time to check out our videos and channel and for your incredibly kind words! We're always very happy to hear that our videos and channel are having a positive impact on pianists all around the world. It is also comforting to know there are so many passionate piano enthusiasts out there that appreciate the "nerdy" details of all of these amazing instruments. Thanks again and happy playing! :)

[@MartinSc76]

@@MerriamPianos Thank you for your reply. Nerdy? You made me even more curious at „BMC chip“, so what…. :) and how does it compare to….haha….maybe thats the decoupling point for „users“ and the point where engineering starts. I would still be interested in that background but let‘s keep it with a level of detail where the main part of the audience can benefit the most from. Again, lots of love & all the best! If I ever come around Toronto again, I might be showing up for a good and nerdy coffee :)

[@t.w.6424]

Thank you for your great reviews! I totally agree on your analysis of the sample-based SuperNATURAL engine (released 2021 with 256 notes polyphony), about the "sense of space and air around the piano", and the "grit to the space around the notes", and the "analog" sound. I first played the FP-90X, and was disappointed with the sound, having read and watched excited reviews. I didn't go into the Piano Designer to tweak the sound, though. When I compared it to Yamaha's P-515, the latter came out as the clear winner. Recently I tried side by side Roland's FP-60X, FP-90X, Kawai's ES-920, and Yamaha's P-515. And although the Kawai for instance has a higher range of dynamic response, I fell in love with the Roland SuperNATURAL sound. It has a nice attack and at the same time a round, soft body, and lacks the harshness of the P-515 CFX Sample. Currently, you only can get this engine with the PHA-4 action, but I also like the PHA-4.

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! Thank you for tuning in! At the end of the day, it is always important to test instruments yourself whenever possible. As you've discovered, the most hyped or most expensive piano is not always the one that you will resonate with the most. At the end of the day, finding an instrument that has a touch and tone that will continue to inspire you for a long time is what is most important. :)

[@sharedpollard4407]

They all sound fantastic. My ear cannot tell the difference over KZbin. I have the FP-30X, which plenty for my skill level.

[@MerriamPianos]

In some cases, the sonic difference is very nuanced. And, naturally, everyone's ears are different, so some people may find the differences to be more pronounced than others.

[@marcelosp2976]

Tenho um RD-800 com piano SuperNatural que fazendo simples modificações tem uma grande melhora e me agradam muito. Já comparei com vários pianos via VST e ele está no mesmo nível que os melhores samples. Na avaliação, meu preferidos por ordem, são: Pure Acoustic, V-Piano, SuperNatura e Zen.

[@MerriamPianos]

Very nice! The SuperNATURAL piano tones are quite impressive and definitely stack up to a lot of virtual piano plugins. Thanks for tuning in and sharing your insights! We appreciate it. :)

[@dadlovestoys]

I own the V-Piano Grand and still think it's the best instrument of its kind ever made. Sadly selling it since I need to make room now to work from home. This comparison is very helpful to guide me to its (more compact) replacement.

[@MerriamPianos]

We're happy to hear that this review was helpful! If you are looking for a more compact grand in the Roland line, you should check out the new GP3 model that was just recently released. ;)

[@matiaserp]

It's like choosing between gorgeous, beautiful, awesome and amazing really. 😊

[@MerriamPianos]

Haha definitely! They are all really wonderful engines that have a lot of offer musically. :)

[@jamesarthofer3413]

Great video as usual. Thank you. I think Stew can make ANY piano sound beautiful .

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks James! We sincerely appreciate you taking the time to tune in! :)

[@borispradel1037]

I have the Fantom and you can have SN painos too (Supernatural) by means of extensions. You can adjust the sounds to your liking and that's a great advantage. I really like their latest VPiano update German Concert.

[@MerriamPianos]

The FANTOM series workstations are powerhouses! The customization that they offer is immense to say the least! :)

[@kevinboissonneau8843]

I think most of the pianos in the RD 88 are supernatural. Love your reviews.

[@MerriamPianos]

I believe you are correct! The RD88 is quite the powerhouse packed into a very portable and convenient package! :)

[@johnjj2637]

I have an FP-90X, and I do like it's colorful well modeled sound. On the other hand I do wish that Roland would have included the well sampled pianos of the FP-60X. I still believe I would use the modeled pianos more than not, but there are times that I would desire that added "space" around the sound that sampling gives you.

[@MerriamPianos]

I totally understand. That would certainly be a "best of both worlds" solution. Perhaps it will even be a reality with a future installation into the FP line. :)

[@Zoco101]

I like the changes of backdrop and location. Now I'll watch the video.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks! We try to keep things fresh around here! ;)

[@Instrumental-Covers]

If I am not mistaken, that is their Control Room for Studio B. If you were sitting where Stu was, you would see (through large glass windows) a Shigeru Kawai SK-6 sitting in the recording room.

[@xp50player]

You can get multiple SN piano banks for the Fantom as well, although they don’t have all the Piano Designer parameters found in the SN piano engine in the RD stage pianos.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for checking out the review and for sharing these insights! :)

[@stenaldomehilli8809]

To me, and I believe to all people who have experience with full grand pianos, the supernatural engine is quite appealing. It has a certain mellowness, and it's amazingly bright and clear when necessary. I think the sampled based core of that particular piano engine with a layer of modeling makes it better preserve the tone of a piano.

[@MerriamPianos]

Very well put! The SuperNATURAL engine is amazing and all of the adjustable parameters of the Piano Modelling engine give impressive flexibility. It is quite remarkable technology! :)

[@Instrumental-Covers]

I agree with you. The FP30X is the best choice here for piano sound authenticity.

[@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12]

@@Instrumental-Covers I found the FP 30X a bit stuffy sounding🎹🎶

[@Instrumental-Covers]

@@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12 That's because the FP30X was having a cold. 🤧

[@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12]

@@Instrumental-Covers LOL🎹🎶

[@abath07]

OT: When Stu does the new Kawai ES120, be sure to remember to turn Off the internal Speaker EQ. It also effects Line Out and boosts the treble in a weird way.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks again! :)

[@klauswiechmann3101]

thank you very much. i was really suprised. this is the best tip. 👍

[@FlorianBusi]

Brilliant

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you kindly! We appreciate it! :)

[@djangofett4879]

I have Integra 7 which has SuperNatural engine and also the classic JD/JX/XV Roland pcm engine. even the older pcm stuff still sounds pretty good for most cases and the supernatural engine is hard to beat.

[@MerriamPianos]

Absolutely! Roland has certainly been one of the leaders in innovation when it comes to digital piano technology. :)

[@mybachhertzbaud3074]

I would say that whichever board gives you the "feelies" and makes you want to play is the one to have.😁🎶🎹🎶Play On

[@MerriamPianos]

I couldn't agree more with that sentiment! :)

[@victormunoz1864]

Hey Stu great content. I've seen most of your videos and reviews. Cant seem to find one on the Yamaha CLP 795GP? Hope to see that review soon. 🙏

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi Victor! Thanks so much for tuning into our channel! We sincerely appreciate it. We'll certainly add the CLP795GP to the list of potential candidates for reviews/comparisons. With so many models out there, it is tough to tackle them all, but we certainly do try! :)

[@twocanucksful]

Stu, I enjoy your videos very much. I find them of course very informative but also fun to watch. If I can offer a suggestion, I would love to see a review of the AvantGrand upright. I currently have an entry level digital piano and would like to upgrade. I am looking at either a mid-high range digital or a hybrid. My priorities are key action, and performance as a midi controller. Again, thank you for what you do. You're great!

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you kindly for tuning into our channel and for your incredibly kind words! Stu's amazing musical talent and encyclopedia-like knowledge of pianos is impressive and we are very lucky to have him! We try to tackle as many review/comparison suggestions as possible and will certainly add the AvantGrand to the list. A comparison of top-end digital hybrids would be quite exciting! :)

[@Instrumental-Covers]

Yamaha has 4 types of hybrid pianos: the AvantGrand, the Silent Pianos, the TransAcoustic Pianos, and the Disklavier Pianos. Based on your priorities, I think you might benefit from the Disklavier series. Maybe a Yamaha U1 fitted with an Enspire ST. I think that would be more in tune with your expectations than the AvantGrand series. This is not a Yamaha channel, but it is nice to hear they plan to add one of Yamaha hybrid types to their list.

[@twocanucksful]

@@Instrumental-Covers Thank you for replying. I will include those options in my research.

[@Instrumental-Covers]

@@twocanucksful I am glad it helped.

[@ambridge]

Great video, thank you. Am I right in thinking that the SuperNatural Modeling tone engine (built into the HP702, HP704, DP603) is not included here?

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! Thank you for tuning in! As the name suggests, the SuperNATURAL Piano Modelling engine still falls under the same umbrella as the SuperNATURAL engine, but, as you've rightfully pointed out, they're not the exact same engine. With that said, the SuperNATURAL Piano Modelling engine is not featured in this video comparison as this video comparison focuses on all of the tone engines featured in Roland's portable digital models.

[@mickandrews9458]

A fascinating video, thank you. I would agree that the pure acoustic has the edge over the vpiano, but per my comments to a previous video of yours, I still prefer the supernatural . Note that the supernatural piano can be downloaded from the Roland website free of charge and loaded into the Fantom so you can have three out of the four tone engines you feature here on one instrument. Whether Roland will do the same with the pure acoustic for the Fantom I don't know, probably doubtful from just a marketing and sales perspective (may be techically too), as you could get a Fantom 8 with PHA-50 hammer action keyboard and have the most amazing piano and synth combination probably available! Regarding the piano on the ZenCore, if one regards it as not aiming to be the ultimate in piano emulations, but rather a sound of its own, this may be the better approach. For those who can remember the iconic piano sound (mainly sampled) from the Korg M1 (and I still have a M1REx - the rack mount expanded sample version), you will know what I mean. And of course, well certainly with the Fantom (I don't know about the actual digital pianos), you can apply a huge range of sound effects, not just reverb, but phasers, chorus, delay, analogue filtering and so on. With piano emulation becoming so good, it may lead on to the big question. Digital or acoustic piano? If someone is content with headphones, digital pianos will be great if you can get the sound and touch you want, but if you don't want to use headphones, that is another question entirely. A digital piano with inbuilt speakers, could that ever be as good as the real thing? Would hi-fi speakers and amps be any better and how much could that end up costing? Then there is the spontenaity element with an acoustic; just sit down and play with nothing to switch one and finally the emotive aspect of playing something which is just so pure and natural and to an extent, hand crafted. It is a hugely interesting subject and I almost envy the job you have Stu.

[@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12]

I agree with your last points. I don't play with headphones nore do I want to play with headphones. For me what I want is when I sitdown, and play I want to hear the sound that inspires me to play. Digitals are great for what they are, and what they can offer, but when I'm looking for an acoustic sound with out pluging in headphones I go to an acoustic🎹🎶

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for your very thoughtful insights Mick! I certainly agree with many of your points regarding the acoustic versus digital debate. The advent of new digital piano technologies is leading to a whole new spectrum of "piano sounds" that are completely unique and unlike any acoustic piano out there. From this perspective, the digital piano is evolving from being just merely an "emulation" of the real thing to having its own, entirely distinct identity. It is also going to be interesting to see how speaker systems evolve in the future and whether they can match or surpass the possible nuance and emotion of an acoustic piano. With that said, when you see companies like Kawai finding innovative ways of bridging that gap (TwinDrive Soundboard System), the future looks quite exciting! :)

[@jorjajorjan3863]

Amazing presentation. I was wondering: Can you layer (dual) one modeled piano sound and one sampled piano sound together to play in FP E50 ROLAND? Thanks Kind Regards.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks so much! We appreciate that. :) I am not at the showroom currently to test that out and verify, but I am quite confident there are no limitations in terms of what "type" of sound you layer together. It shouldn't be an issue to layer modelled and sampled tones simultaneously.

[@midinotes]

What a fantastic comparison. Surprised you didn't use studio monitors rather than swapping headphones between each instrument, but understand the intimacy of headphones brings and possibly easier to hear the difference between the sound engines in the same stereo field and space. I have the FP10 from Roland and I am blown away at the sound quality of the standard concert piano preset. Warm, rich overtones, deep and rich bass and an intimacy in the soft notes. Wondering if you have noticed any difference in sound quality between the FP10 and FP30X or 60X?

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for the kind words! There is certainly a bit of a difference between the FP10, FP30X, and FP60X sonically. It is more pronounced through the onboard speaker systems of course, but I also notice differences through headphones as well. Thanks again and all the best!

[@midinotes]

I came across the service manual for the FP10 the other day and it reveals that the FP10 does contain the BMC chip. Given the FP10 came out a few years after the FP30 it might be closer to the X series than the original FP series 😊

[@matthewgaines10]

For most people, any will do as far as their particular needs. Gigging or DAW input isn’t super critical for many. But the information is good to know for those looking for the best for them. Purists probably should just find an acoustic GP they like and stick with it. Since that’s not in my space budget, a facsimile will do just fine.

[@MerriamPianos]

Every piano customer is a little different in terms of their needs and context of use. I definitely agree though. For those that want simplicity and don't want to get caught in the weeds of using more complicated features, finding a great touch and core piano sound they like is the way to go. Thanks for tuning in! :)

[@matthewgaines10]

@MerriamPianos 100% agreed. My source of pianos come from one of four sources. A Casio PX-560, Super Natural Pianos from a Roland Integra 7, an Air Tech VST, and a plug in for an MPC. Would love to have an acoustic piano but I need to hit the lottery first to have the space.

[@jonathanosborn4800]

Thank you for this. Roland is a bit opaque about clarifying what their different engines are and how they relate to each other. Sometimes, supernatural means just samples, other times, some sort of mix with some modeling; supposedly the original V-piano had more parameters then that on the rd-2000 and fantom. ANd apparently pure acoustic isnt just a step up from V-piano, but has even fewer parameters then the Vpiano on the fantom? THis video helped in some ways, for sure. Id personally be interested in a comparison of the edit ability of these two, pure acoustic and Vpiano

[@MerriamPianos]

I am very happy to hear that you found the video useful! We always try to tackle as many video suggestions and possible and love that idea. It would be very cool to come up with some type of test to compare the editing capabilities of those tone engines. Thanks so much! :)

[@jonathanosborn4800]

@@MerriamPianos If you do such a comparison, even if you only use one board that had V-piano, i hope you mention in such a video, the differences between the V-piano in the different boards it is/has been on, if you can find all that information. much appreciated!

[@craigbroadfoot1851]

Yes the original V Piano has more editing possibilities and variety of models - it’s a shame that Roland didn’t import the full engine into the Fantom or RD2000. PureAcoustic sounds very different and seems to be a newer engine altogether (editing isn’t quite as comprehensive). It sounds good and the attack is more real sounding, but I still prefer the overall playability of the original V Piano.

[@JeffreySaxophoneTallNewton]

I'm deciding between the FP90X and the (older) RD2000. If I understand this correctly (and I might not...), the former has the "Pure Acoustic" (new, modeling variant of "Supernatural") + the older "Supernatural"; the latter has the older "Supernatural" + the "V" (with all the sounds and tweaking). Meanwhile, the Phantom (which doesn't have the PHA-50 keybed, which I want) has "Zen" + the older "Supernatural"? Price and speakers aside, which one would you bring to a solo Jazz piano or trio gig and why? I played the FP90X in a store; the others were not present to compare. I though it was great (through the internal speakers). Great video, great playing!

[@mavicone5845]

Which one did you go for

[@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12]

The only Roland digital I like is the GP 607/GP 609. It doesn't sound like an acoustic grand, but it shure does look like one allmost LOL. Action is also prity good too🎹🎶

[@MerriamPianos]

The GP series is fantastic! A very authentic and convincing action combined with the full grandeur and aesthetic of a baby grand piano plus a ton of impressive features - what more can you ask for from a digital grand? :)

[@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12]

@@MerriamPianos accessebility features for PWD users🎹🎶

[@srk96]

I still love F20 Roland piano the most.. If I like its key weight and its sound, what model would be the best as upgraded version hmm... to put it simply, the closer to the real wozendorfer or steinway the Roland piano is, the better it is.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi there! The closest equivalents in terms of touch, tone, and size would be the FP10, FP30X, and F701 if you are interested in a console unit. They are all excellent options! :)

[@srk96]

@@MerriamPianos OK perfect, I will watch videos about them.

[@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12]

I don't know if this is just Stu's playing, but I'm starting to like the FP 90X🎹🎶

[@MerriamPianos]

Stu is definitely a good representation of the notion that "tone is in the fingers" as he can make any piano come to life with his playing! With that said, the FP90X is an impressive digital piano with a fantastic tone and touch! :)

[@Rightly_Divided]

I own both a Fantom 6 and a Jupiter-80 and the SuperNatural engine in my opinion is so unique for a wide range of acoustic instruments. But I do like the VPIANO a bit better to be honest when it comes to piano tones. It is hard to choose though. They all sound good still.

[@MerriamPianos]

Absolutely! This is why it is very difficult to find piano players out there that have just a single piano! Different tools for different jobs. ;)

[@craigbroadfoot1851]

Funnily enough, what they call the V Piano engine is different to the actual V Piano, which has a lot more editing possibilities and different varieties (such as silver strings / triple strike etc.). I also much prefer the PHA 3 action on the original.

[@Rightly_Divided]

@@craigbroadfoot1851 I'd have to try and demo one to see. It sounds somewhat misleading

[@mwhossaini]

Which type of buyer would buy the Fantom 08? Who is it suited for? I am looking for an upgrade from Casio CDP s100 and I have my eye on FP-90X. But now I am intrigued.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi there! The FANTOM-08 is a fully-loaded instrument that is ideal for anyone that is gigging or doing recording/production work. The FP90X certainly has some features that transfer to those uses as well, but the FANTOM-08 is more aligned with those uses. Thanks and all the best! :)

[@thelonewolf8507]

Hello Stu! I wanted to tell you that your reviews have been a great guide in purchasing a new digital piano. My new Roland FP-90X arrived last week and I couldn't be happier. Your reviews are spot on and you are doing amazing work. Thank you!. P.S. I have managed to find the Introduction part of "La Campanella" by Liszt although it doesen't feature in the User Guide manual. Don't get me wrong, I love that composition but I was curious if all the FP-90X models has that piece hidden or only mine. Let me know if you are interested in the steps needed to play it. Take care!

[@mayiask654]

I don't have m FP-90x in front of me right mow so i can't check if it got the Campanella. Why don't you just share your knowledge to all of the community instead of waiting for Stu to answer?

[@thelonewolf8507]

@@mayiask654 Point taken. I just didn't think anyone was interested of this small detail. So the steps are the following: - With the piano turned on activate My Stage. - Go to Church Concert (the 7th option) - Activate the Metronome and go to the Beat option. - Finally press Function. What will happen is that the metronome will stop, the beat will change to 6/8 and La Campanella will start playing. That's pretty much it

[@mayiask654]

@@thelonewolf8507 thanks 🙂 it's a small detail indeed. 😉 For what it's worth i'll try it as soon as i'm home in the evening

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi there! I am glad to hear that our reviews were helpful in your decision making process! You made a fantastic choice in the FP90X as it is a total home run on all fronts. The PHA50 action is exceptional and the SuperNATURAL Piano Modelling engine is one of the most flexible and versatile engines on the market. Perhaps Stu knows about this hidden feature/piece, but I have not personally come across it in my exploration of the FP90X.

[@amigamagic5754]

Maybe I'm wrong, but I think a great sounding digital piano is a DP it allows you to play easily from a very mellow and warm tone to a very bright and rich one, without feeling like the sound is compressed. You have to feel you can create "space" between notes, if you know what I mean... From this video it looks to me that the FP30X is the DP that best fits this definition. The FP90X sounds too much mellow for my tastes, and on some notes it sounds more artificial to me, compared to the FP30X... The Fantom sounds more natural to me, but I feel it might be less fun to play, because the narrow dynamic range...

[@MerriamPianos]

It all comes to the preferences of the player. Every set of ears is a little different and connects with a different tonal profile. This is the fun thing about the state of the digital piano market right now. There are so many incredible instruments to choose from, which ensures that most players will find a digital piano they can truly fall in love with. :)

[@doublevision5465]

Question: Can you adjust the FP-90X (with PureAcoustic) to sound like the FP-30X (with SuperNATURAL)? Straight out of the box, the FP-90X has a wider range and more sensitivity but the FP-30X sounds brighter and crisper. Ideally, I'd like the PHA-50 wooden keys, the interface & options, and the expressivity of the FP-90X but I'd also like the more distinct, direct-to-ear, tinny/harsher(?) sound of the FP-30X. We know that the FP-30X sound is sampled from a real piano whereas the FP-90X is generated by a computer. But can I still simulate the FP-30X sound (but with the added nuance of the FP-90X) on the FP-90X?

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! As you've mentioned, the tone engines between the FP30X and FP90X are drastically different in terms of how they operate. This will naturally give them a different tonal character. However, the FP90X's modelling engine is incredibly versatile and there are tons of ways to adjust the tone. You can even adjust individual note characteristics. There is also an onboard EQ with sliders. Even working from the base concert piano sound and using the EQ, you should be able to get a pretty close approximate to the FP30X's default piano sound. Thanks and hope this helps! :)

[@Instrumental-Covers]

The modeling engines (FP90X and Fantom) lack detail in the high frequency range. The FP30X (SuperNatural engine) sounds like a grand piano with the lid open, while the modeling engines sound as if the lid was closed, kind of a muted sound. Real grand pianos with the lid open produce a clarity in the upper midrange (around 2-4 kHz) that is preserved in the FP30X (since it is a real piano recorded). In addition to that, I found the FP30X still produces a more authentic piano tone in other areas. For example, the mid-bass balance is more accurate: the FP90X sounds kind of hollow with little body whereas the Fantom has a slightly extra body (bump in the mid-bass). Once again, real pianos are not either hollow or boomy. So, sampled-based is still more authentic.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for the insightful comment! In the case of pianos and music, beauty is in the ears of the beholder so to speak. The decision between a sample-based and modelling-based engine is one that every individual player has to make for themselves. The context in which the instrument is being used will also always play a role. For instance, while traditional classical players may prefer the most authentic piano sound possible, players in the modern pop space may appreciate the flexibility that a modelling-engine provides as more and more we are hearing "piano" sounds that sound and react quite differently to an acoustic piano, but work quite well in conjunction with the other electronic sounds and instruments being utilized in arrangements within that realm.

[@Instrumental-Covers]

@@MerriamPianos I definitely agree with your comment. Sometimes the most authentic piano patch (for me the FP30X in this comparison) may not blend well enough in a mix with other instruments (particularly electronic music), which is why a workstation like Fantom can be very useful.

[@JoeLinux2000]

@@Instrumental-Covers Going way back, the Yamaha DX-7 sounded fantastic by itself, but didn't blend well with other synths. I recently purchased the Pianoteq Petrof, and like the treble section compared to the Hamburg Steinway which is drier. These are mixed with voices from the DGX. By the way, I'm using Yamaha's "Warm Piano" voice a lot. It's not as clean as the CGX, but somewhat more natural at least with certain repertoire. I also bought the historic piano set #2, but doubt I will use them much.

[@meilstone]

This is true, that's why it's good to have different sounds available at any given moment if you produce various kinds of music. But even within one genre it depends on the mix. My approach is to start with a good choice of sound and therefore avoid having to use too much EQ which creates phase issues etc..@@MerriamPianos

[@jonathanalfred9847]

I know you can split the piano on the 90X. But can you combine two piano sounds on the same keys?. Like one sampled piano and one modled piano sound. So you get the best of both sounds.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! You can layer two simultaneous sounds on the FP90X! :)

[@MarianoPerez]

The supernatural is thin sounding and the bass is muddled on my hp605. Maybe the speakers on it kind of suck. But the pha50 action is really nice to play on, specially for people like me with hand issues. The pha4 action is also a delight to play on, i tried it on an rd88. The rd88 was so nice I almost purchased it on the spot, but it’s a bit pricey.

[@MerriamPianos]

Every player is a little different and will resonate with different tonal profiles and sound engines. With that said, many players agree with your notion regarding Roland's PHA4 and PHA50 actions. They are quite rewarding actions to play on. :)

[@ErraticFaith]

Bare in mind they were built with different roles in consideration. The heavier PHA50 isn't as popular for us as the 4 or Ivory-G but that's because they are slightly more forgiving in versatility. Not everyone is going for realism to the degree others are - not meaning that they want to sacrifice anything, rather that they want something comparable in range for other aspects of playing. Although the PHA50 is as you're aware fitted to the Flagship, I actually prefer the 4/IG on the supposed 'lesser models'. Never base your preferences on another persons standards.

[@manoaramiarimanana5635]

we can hear a big difference between V piano and over. For me, i prefer the sound of Pure acoustic. It's unfortunate that the roland rd2000 had not the pure acoustic for gig...

[@MerriamPianos]

The PureAcoustic is a wonderful tone engine! Perhaps a future update to the RD2000 will include it. Thanks for tuning in! :)

[@PedroSalesJrAP]

PureAcoustic engine imho is the most balanced version of all piano engines from Roland, it's the SN piano refined.

[@MerriamPianos]

It is a remarkable piece of technology. In addition to offering some very well-balanced piano sounds, the versatility and customization options are immense. :)

[@vicmartinez4532]

Min 31 .. Main difference is thickness.. however modeling is the future sound

[@MerriamPianos]

It definitely seems to be the trend of the future! Even companies that use sampling as the core of their tone engines are using some modelling to enhance and offer greater adjustment to the sound. :)

[@TakoyakingJr]

I still love ORIGINAL V-Piano sound...

[@MerriamPianos]

They are wonderful piano tones! Every player has their own preference! :)

[@yrtyrtyrty9523]

Great review, what monitors would you recommend to VTS? I have a Kawai VPC1 MIDI keyboard and I am thinking of Genelec or iLoud Micro Monitors, do you have your favorite VST monitors?

[@MerriamPianos]

I would have to ask Stu whether he has any preference in terms of reference monitors. With that said, we are always looking for new topics to cover in future review/comparison videos and I think studio monitors would be an excellent topic to tackle. Thanks for the idea! :)

[@yrtyrtyrty9523]

@@MerriamPianos I also think this is a great topic for review, thank you for your quick reply

[@FirstLast-nr6gf]

There are many reviews and comparisons of different audio monitors on KZbin. I have Yamaha HS5 connected directly to my Yamaha MX88. I like the sound. HS5 were on sale at my local Guitar Center. I also tried connecting MX88 to my home theater - Sony receiver and old Polk Audio RTi A7 floor speakers, but for some reason sound was not good. When I listen KZbin videos playing MX88 through my Polk speakers, audio quality is excellent (Computer is connected to the receiver via HDMI). Maybe bad sound quality from my MX88 has something to do with analog audio connection I used to connect MX88. I wanted to try connecting MX88 to a computer via USB and then to Sony receiver via HDMI, but Yamaha doesn’t have drivers for M1 Mac, so I’ve never set this up. If you can, try different speakers including your home theater if you have it. Monitor prices vary from few hundreds to thousands of dollars.

[@Instrumental-Covers]

@@FirstLast-nr6gf I can explain that experience of Polk speakers not sounding good for your MX88. It has nothing to do with the MX88. I used to own 4 pairs of Polk speakers (two floor standing models and two bookshelf models), and I had the same experience with all sorts of digital pianos and arrangers from all brands (I have owned all brands of digital pianos, and they all sound the same with Polk speakers). The answer is simple: consumer grade speakers, and particularly Polk speakers, have a very warm sound. They scoop out the midrange and boost the bass. That is a good for KZbin videos because commercial music has been mixed and mastered in studios specifically with consumer grade speakers in mind. There is a reason you never see a Polk speaker (or Sony, Klipsch, etc) in a music store and they always use studio monitors to connect stage pianos and workstations: studio monitors have a flat frequency response. I once contacted Martin Logan, which produces audiophile speakers, and asked them if they had a speaker for digital pianos. Their answer was: No. Consumer grade speakers have a type of sound profile that will make digital pianos like your MX88 sound weird. No matter of good your Polk speakers are, they are good for their intended purpose, which is not to amplify a digital piano signal. You HS5 are probably the best affordable studio monitors for digital pianos because Yamaha studio monitors emphasize clarity. Polk emphasizes warmth, which is another way of saying scooped out midrange, rolled-off highs, and boosted mid-bass.... definitely not good for digital pianos.

[@Instrumental-Covers]

I think Roland is a bit different from Kawai and Yamaha when it comes to the category "piano tone vs cost", probably due to switching from sampling to modeling and having several modeling engines with different patches going at the same time. In general, Kawai and Yamaha offer a better piano tone as the tone generator becomes more premium. For example, Kawai has 4 different levels of tone generator: from the SK-EX with Harmonic Imaging (lowest, think of KDP75) to the SK-EX Rendering (highest, think of Novus NV5S). It is the same Shigeru SK-EX being sampled, but the results are pretty different. I don't think anybody would find that the SK-EX sample in the KDP75 is as good as the SK-EX sample in the NV5S, and any perceived difference is just a matter of personal preference. So, there is more quality in the piano tone in Kawai and Yamaha as you move up the price (Yamaha offers several tone engine levels, just like Kawai, for their CFX samples). But with Roland, it is my perception that more money does not necessarily buys a better piano tone. You do get more technology, more complexity, more impressive hardware, a better sound chip, more everything hardware and software... but it doesn't necessarily translate into a better sound. I find that, in their case, at least from the piano samples I hear in this video, that the FP30X produces a more satisfying piano tone than the other two models. While it is true that piano tone is subjective and often times a matter of personal preference, there is still some objectivity in the evaluation, mainly because we have a mental representation of how a real acoustic piano sounds. Like most people, I have played real pianos, so I have a memory of how such instruments sound. When I make a mental comparison between those memories and the piano tones I hear in this video, I find the FP30X sounds closer to those real piano memories (sorry for making this so convoluted).

[@MerriamPianos]

Not a problem at all! I totally understand where you are coming from and there are definitely many players that will agree. I think the interesting thing about how the piano fits into the context of today is that digital pianos have led to a whole new realm of musical possibilities, one of which being a brand new and unique "piano sound" that is unlike any acoustic piano. With more and more electronic and pop musicians and producers pushing these boundaries with each song and record, more non-acoustic sounding piano tones are being heard. From my perspective, I think every sound can have a musical value depending on how it is manipulated and utilized by the player. It is an exciting time in that acoustic pianos are just as popular as ever simultaneously with digital pianos. :)

[@Instrumental-Covers]

@@MerriamPianos That is a very good angle and I agree with you. Now, there is a question that pops up: was the true intention to make them unique and unlike any acoustic piano, or are they just poorer imitations of acoustic pianos? I have the feeling that, since Roland uses the labels "European Grand" and "American Grand", that they were really trying to imitate an acoustic piano... otherwise they could have used a less specific label, or something like "Futuristic Grand Piano" or something like that. In that regard, the imitation of a real acoustic piano seems to be best with sampling (FP30X). But regardless of intention, there is a place for all those "piano sounds", as you pointed out :)

[@Fretless1]

Hi Stu, Thanks for doing this comparison.....I really appreciate it Question, I own an RD-88 which I've had since June of 2020 I love it however, the PH4-A action has been getting more and more noisy especially the black keys I contacted Roland and they said that the labor portion of the warranty is over on the RD-88 Have you experienced this problem? Also, Can you convert USB out to 5 pin MIDI in? I have a BK-7m that has all of my backing tracks So I was thinking of trading in the RD-88 for an FP-60 because it has the upgraded BNC chip as you know Just wondering Anyhow, Love your work and you play beautifully Thanks so much Dave

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi Dave! Firstly, thank you for tuning into our videos and for taking the time to write in! I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing some noise issues with your PHA4 action. Unfortunately, with any type of mechanical part, including action mechanisms, over time, particularly with large amounts of practicing/playing, components can wear down and issues can occur. With that said, experienced digital piano technicians can often resolve these issues, which might be very worthwhile as the RD88 is an excellent stage piano! In terms of converting USB to a 5-pin MIDI in connector, there are several converters out there that may do the trick. Thanks and all the best! :)

[@Fretless1]

@@MerriamPianos thank you so much for getting back to me, and the info. Take care, Dave

[@JoshuaCaplan]

I was looking for exactly this comparison and explanation. Question: Which if any of these 4 engines is behind the old, but still fantastic, Roland Fantom X8 Ultimate Grand/Studio Grand samples? So far I have not heard anything that even comes close, especially for classical music.

[@MerriamPianos]

The Roland Fantom X8 did not use any of these tone engines. I don't believe they formally had a name for the tone engine at that time, but it is the same tone engine that the Fantom S series used. Thanks for checking out the video and for writing in with your question! We sincerely appreciate it. :)

[@djangofett4879]

​@@MerriamPianosi just call it the classic roland pcm engine. its still being used currently with Juno DS.

[@appercumstock3017]

Any chance you can/wanna do a vid about studio monitors? Rest on YT is a bit nonsense on this topic.

[@MerriamPianos]

That is a fantastic suggestion and one that a few people have wrote into about recently! We have added it to the list of potential video reviews and comparisons for the near future. :)

[@MarianoPerez]

I can’t believe I had not seen this video. I have an hp605 and I like the action but the bass sounds muddled. That’s probably because I’m used to the separation of notes on my kawai gl40.

[@MerriamPianos]

The Kawai GL40 is a beautiful grand piano! Naturally, even the most sophisticated and highest-quality digital pianos will struggle to compete with that level of acoustic grand.

[@theol1044]

Ouch. Looks like I made quite a mistake. Some time ago I had the idea to combine the super-portability of Casio's cheap CT-S300 keyboard with the synth power of Roland's MC-101 for home use, expecting the latter would also contain some decent piano voices from Roland (it seems to have dozens of different piano variants). I still have to try out the MC-101 after I bought it, but from what I see and hear here, the ZEN-Core engine seems to be underwhelming when it comes to piano sounds. Looks like I'm stuck now with either Casio's mediocre & outdated AHL sound engine or the not very piano-friendly ZEN-Core, both of which might 'play the piano' at about the same level. Lesson learned: Don't try this (or any similar) combination, if you're not specifically after the synth sounds (thousands!) of the MC-101. While the MC-101 is on the cheaper side of 'groove boxes', it's still considerably more expensive than an entry-level arranger keyboard, and adds about the same amount like a decent entry-level digital keyboard.

[@MerriamPianos]

I'm sorry to hear that you were not fully satisfied with that particular setup. While the ZEN-Core is an amazing resource for plenty of musical sounds, especially synths, pianos are not its forte necessarily. With that said, I hope you are able to find a setup that gives you a satisfying musical experience. :)

[@theol1044]

@@MerriamPianos Thanks for your response. To clarify, I haven't even tried that specific setup yet, even though I bought it some time ago. I'm just judging from what I can hear from ZEN-Core here in comparison to other Roland solutions. In the end, ZEN-Core may end up still being better than Casio's AHL. Also, the MC-101 isn't really meant to be used as a sound module and opens up a completely different path for musical experiences. And it still provides plenty (emulations of) classical Roland sounds like Jupiter, Juno, D-50 et al.

[@darrenshebell3563]

Well... Which sound engine / synthesis/ sampling technology from all of the manufacturers do you like best? (IE Yamaha, Roland, Casio, Korg, Etc..) Which one specifically for piano and which one for all other types of "real" instruments (IE violin, saxophone, trumpet, guitar, Etc...). If "money was no object" what would you get? Right now myself seems to be a toss up between the DGX 670 and the FP-E50 (cause money is an object for me.)

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi Darren! Brent from Merriam Music here! The answer to those questions will certainly be different from player to player as everyone's tonal preferences are a little different. If money was no object, I think having a really amazing modelling engine (perhaps, the new Piano Reality Concert Modelling on the Roland GP9) and a really amazing sampling-based engine (like the SK-EX Rendering engine of the Kawai NV5S/NV10S) would be an ideal scenario. Best of both worlds! :)

[@darrenshebell3563]

@@MerriamPianos Thanks! I'll have to research them.

[@PakBudiTarigan]

Fp30x best for money for just acoustic piano

[@MerriamPianos]

It is hard to argue with the fact that FP30X is an incredible value! Great piano sound. Great action. Great price. :)

[@Svarthok]

@@MerriamPianos And that is why that model will be my first piano ever. Thank you for great intel regarding what variuos pianos bring to the table :)

[@Instrumental-Covers]

I definitely agree with that. Cheap, lightweight, flexible engine, and to me it still sounded better than the other two.

[@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12]

@@Instrumental-Covers Kawai ES 110 has beter touch respons IMO🎹🎶

[@JoeLinux2000]

@@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12 Waiting to try the es120.

[@garrieta9552]

How does the SuperNatural or PureAcoustic compare with best-in-class VST plug-in?

[@MerriamPianos]

It comes down to a matter of preference of course, but, with that said, some of the most advanced VST plug-ins are extremely difficult to compete with in terms of nuance, authenticity, and capability.

[@geoffk777]

The Roland Fantom (Fantom and Fantom-0) also support the SuperNatural Piano sounds as a downloadable extension. However, the Fantom versions do not support string snd damper resonance, unlike most earlier SuperNatural pianos like the RD-2000. Zen Core also does not support string or damper resonance, so only the V-pianos have this feature on the big Fantoms. On the Fantom-0's, disappointingly, none of the available pianos (SuperNatural or Zen-Core) have it. I somewhat agree with you comments on the V-Pianos, but they are extremely customizable, so that you can pretty much modify any of the preset settings into anything that you want. I realize that this was an "out of the box" comparison, and the default of the Pure Acoustic model may have a wider tonal range than the defaults for the V-Piano, but I would assume that this could easily be modified. I love the SuperNatural pianos (although less so on the Fantom) and also love the clarity and expressiveness of the V-Pianos (Symphony Hall is my favorite). Zen Core pianos are just a sound element to use in patches. As a layer in a scene, it's fine, but it doesn't really stand up as an competitive piano sound by itself.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks so much for taking the time to check out the video and sharing your insights! At the end of the day, every player and customer is different, so the most important thing is to test all of the various options in order to determine which engine presents the sound, features, and flexibility you require for your playing. :)

[@malayaliobservant8915]

I am gravitated more towards the V piano sounds in the Fantom 8. There's a video on FB where a concert pianist practices on Fp90x before the concert in his apartment, he lavishly praises the piano but to my ears fp90x sounds too thinny and sterile.

[@MerriamPianos]

It all comes down to a matter of personal preference of course! Different players will gravitate towards different sounds and feels. The most important thing is to find one that you connect with. :)

[@keithwalls6316]

What is your favorite piano sound on your RD-2000?

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Thanks for writing in! I would have to touch base with Stu to see what some of his favourite built-in sounds are. There are certainly plenty on the RD2000, so I am sure it will be a tough decision. ;)

[@MrNot4saken]

Fantom o jupiter X and Juno X have supernatural and zen core pianos. What the is in integra 7 is it just supernatural or both supernatural and supernatural modeling

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! I have never personally used the Integra-7 rack mount module. To my understanding, it is just the SuperNATURAL engine and not the SuperNATURAL modelling engine. Perhaps, one of our community members that has experience with using the module can confirm that. Thanks for tuning in and taking the time to write in with your question! :)

[@lumpichu]

I'm a bit confused, either I mixed it up somehow or it seems there is another engine you missed (unlikely), namely "SuperNATURAL Piano Modeling", how Roland calls it, on Roland DP603 and probably also elsewhere. From the name it's clearly distinct from PureAcoustic and also it shouldn't be sample based, but modeling based (by the name).

[@MerriamPianos]

You are correct! The SuperNATURAL Piano Modelling engine is different from the PureAcoustic engine. While this video is intended to be an overview of the various Roland tone engines, there are a lot of them out there! Thanks for tuning in and all the best!

[@armengukasyan6710]

Is the Ritmuller UHX126 Upright Piano good?

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi there! I personally don't have any hands on experience with the Ritmuller UHX126 as I have not come across one at our showrooms yet. With that said, I'm sure Stu has some experience and insights about this model. Perhaps, we can feature it in an upcoming video. :)

[@armengukasyan6710]

@@MerriamPianos that would be great!! 👍🏼

[@PedroSalesJrAP]

The 4 pianos engines ranked (my sound taste): 1 - PureAcoustic modelling 2 - V-Piano modelling 3 - SuperNATURAL 4 - ZEN-Core

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks so much for tuning in and sharing your thoughts! We appreciate it. :)

[@winterheat]

Hi Stu... so I have been thinking Roland uses modeling vs other brands use modeling... not true then... FP-30X and 60X uses sampling while FP-90X uses modeling? I don't quite get it why you said the FP-90X is an improvement over 60X... if they are totally different technology (and some people prefer sampling than modeling). One thing too... I checked the manuals and FP-30X and it is Concert Piano, Ballard, Mellow, Bright, Upright, while FP-10 is Grand 1, 2, 3, 4... I actually wanted Grand Pianos more but I just ordered the FP-30X... so confusing... (and I just checked... there isn't a single KZbin in the world that has the title FP-10 FP-30X -- for comparing them)... the reason is... I saw this video using an FP-10 and it was so good... so I thought I'd buy FP-30X as a step-up... but then I am not sure if she was using a VST... kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4mqoJ6wgL52eMk

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for reaching out! While there are some differences in terms of the tone engine between the FP60X and FP90X, most players would consider the FP90X to be a substantial step-up in a number of regards. Firstly, the PHA50 is a more sophisticated design that most players find to be more authentic feeling than the PHA4. The FP90X also has a larger assortment of features and a higher-quality and more powerful speaker system. So, while some may not favour the Piano Modelling engine of the FP90X, it is superior to the FP30X and FP60X in a number of different ways. Thanks again and hope this helps clarify things a bit! :)

[@bbrekke]

I have a Roland FP-10 and I find that increasing the ambiance setting a little creates the most improvement in sound. The brilliance doesn’t help, to my ears.

[@MerriamPianos]

Congrats on your FP10 and thanks so much for the tip! I know the FP10 users in our community will appreciate the feedback. :)

[@jimcovington153]

ok... here is an unusual Question for you: We had a custom built 1965 Hamburg Steinway model B.... that was owned by the New England Conservatory and used in Jordan Hall... before we got it.... it brought us hours of enjoyment until my wife lost most of her eye sight and could no longer play (she always read music). I had over 58 yrs in the recording industry with studio ownership, recording many of the top 10 groups and artists in Burbank, Calif. Ok... here is the question: When you are analyzing the various sound tone engines of the Roland keyboards in this comparison video I am posting in... (or other engines)... WHICH has the characteristics closest to what our Hamburg Steinway B would have sounded like? I currently own a Roland RD-700GX with the SuperNatural chip added.... but am in the market for another keyboard with a newer tone engine.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi Jim! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for writing in! There is a lot of speculation and chatter within the piano community that Roland's default piano sounds are modelled after Steinway pianos, so, from that perspective, there tone engines will most likely come a lot closer to the sound that you have in your head compared to say Kawai or Yamaha tone engines, which draw from the companies' own pianos for their primary samples. I would personally say that the European Grand on the PureAcoustic Piano Modelling engine is worth exploring and may fit the bill nicely. With that said, the Casio GP310 and GP510 pianos actually have a Steinway Hamburg Model D sample on them, which is quite spectacular. Given that those models use a more traditional sampling approach opposed to Roland's modelling approach, it may be a more authentic representation of the sound you want. Thanks again and I hope this helps a bit! :)

[@shige-animeonpiano]

1:42 sounds like a Yamaha!

[@MerriamPianos]

The tonal flexibility of Roland's engines is quite impressive to say the least! When well versed with the adjustable parameters many iconic piano sounds are achievable. :)

[@BTMovieSecondChannel]

I agree!

[@JayTheLane]

Zencore having tried the software is just okay. I found the pianos usable but not inspiring.

[@MerriamPianos]

Fair enough! It is all a matter of preference at the end of the day. :)

[@ausitus]

But why fantom doesn’t have pure acoustic modeling engine, what’s the flagship product mean?

[@MerriamPianos]

The Fantom 8 is the most expensive and most technologically-advanced piano in Roland's line, hence why many consider it to be Roland's flagship piano. With that said, there are a multitude of different lines with different features for a very good reason. :)

[@ausitus]

@@MerriamPianos Thank you. So, if you can only choose one piano between those two (ignore the price), which will be? And why?

[@mchannel100]

I still think Kawai is way ahead of Roland in terms of sound quality. Way ahead honestly. Not only for modelling I’m talking what I get out of a digital piano… no comparison. Kawai is innovation

[@MerriamPianos]

Kawai and Roland offer very different flavours and capabilities musically! I certainly agree that Kawai's tonal authenticity is beyond impressive. With that said, Roland's modelling engines certainly have their place and they possess an impressive amount of customization. At the end of the day though, it really comes down to a matter of personal preference. :)

[@ET2carbon]

This still wasn't a tech dive. You should have listed specs and what they mean between the types. You did explain sonically what you're hearing which is good. But it should have been established concrete with the data as to why you're perceiving the differences better

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi there! This video is intended more as an overview of Roland's different tone engines. With that said, our video reviews on specific models take a much deeper dive into the technology and specific specs.

[@illusionyx907]

there is no any talk about KORG ... if this company is in pit-stop?

[@MerriamPianos]

We try to tackle as many of our community members' suggestions as possible and will certainly add Korg models to the list of potential candidates for upcoming review and comparison videos. :)

[@sale6257]

Which one is better, V-Piano or PureAcoustic?🤔

[@MerriamPianos]

That is ultimately a matter of preference! They're both excellent engines that offer something a little bit different musically. Both engines will certainly have their fan bases. :)

[@sale6257]

@@MerriamPianos Thank you for your explanation😄

[@ErraticFaith]

Obviously SuperN is the best engine ever made. I am the authority on all things preference :P

[@sale6257]

@@ErraticFaith Thank you for your opinion😄

[@ErraticFaith]

@@sale6257 You’re very welcome. Consider yourself now blessed and correctly informed! 😂👍

[@Transform108]

When will these keyboard companies start putting 2 terabyte hard drives and a operating system that can work with something like VSL so I can take it anywhere I want?

[@MerriamPianos]

This is a very good question! The current trend with digital pianos at the moment is for them to be partnered with other pieces of hardware like computers, laptops, tablets, cellphones, etc. in order to access certain features or store a large volume of files or data. Perhaps, completely standalone digital pianos with large, powerful hard drives for storage built-in will be a thing in the future. :)

[@mayiask654]

Never? Companies make money by selling products. Sometimes they release enhanced products to make customers buy those new products. So from their point of view making their old products too upgradeable would be very counterproductive. Once in a while they spit out a new firmware for bug fixes but nooo way they'll let the customers keep up with their newest technology without buying new.

[@Instrumental-Covers]

That product was already on the market a few years ago in the form of a rack module: the Muse Research Receptor. The highest model had exactly 2 terabytes of hard drive with 16 GB of RAM. I think the OS was a modified version of Linux. They stopped making the hardware and say they are currently working with other companies to license their technology. But I imagine that companies like Yamaha, Kawai, Roland and Casio would prefer to offer their own piano patches and tone generators so they can keep selling their upgrades, as another commenter noticed.

[@Zoco101]

"Acoustic piano generating tone engines". Wow, I'm letting that sink in for a bit. There is every reason to champion modelling of piano-like tones, but no musical reason to stop at any specific acoustic piano tone. If you are a singer, and you model yourself on another singer, doing covers ("close" immitations) of all his/her hits, you will always be mediocre. The big advantage of modelling is fresh possibilities for piano sounds. Roland, please forget 19th-20th century acoustic pianoforte, and think 21st century piano technology! If the Steinway Model D were only a poor facsimile of the whatever model of fortepiano, this would be a sad world indeed. The piano (I'm talking generically now) is always evolving. Think big!

[@MerriamPianos]

I definitely agree with your closing sentiment. As technology improves, so will the piano. In fact, the advent of digital tech has even sparked the invention of a brand new class of pianos, which, particularly with the recent physical modelling technology, allows for a brand new piano sound that is unique and beautiful in its own way. It is interesting to hear certain genres of music (namely electronic and pop music) embracing this technology to invent brand new and unique piano sounds. :)

[@mack_solo]

Although I agree with you in priciple about modelling sounds where no modelling has gone before and giving us new possibilities, I think the limiting factor is a perception of what the piano "should" sound like. The analogue to piano is another piano and humans are pretty quick to distinguish what sounds NOT like a piano. Personally I would like to see some more experimentation in digital modelling, but i can fully appreciate why such audacity may not pass the door keepers of what the piano should sound like.

[@Zoco101]

@@mack_solo True

[@Instrumental-Covers]

I think Yamaha and Roland have already been walking in that direction with their synthesizers. Some vst pianos use morphing technology to create piano-like tones, for example Pianoteq and Noire. The Yamaha Montage/MODX pioneered the so-called "Super Knob" in their synthesizers, which can control several parameters simultaneously and give you all sorts of sound possibilities. You could be playing an acoustic piano now, move the Super Knob, and end up with an electric piano, and get everything in between. In fact, almost all piano tones in the Montage are combos (mixed with other sounds) which you can tweak with the Super Knob (it is basically morphing technology). So, it seems to me that there are two separate concepts: one is a traditional piano and digital emulations of it, and another is "piano evolution" just to give it a name. A traditional piano has a recognizable sound profile regardless of manufacturer or model. A Kawai sounds like a piano, a Yamaha sounds like a piano, a Steinway sounds like a piano. They all have the same principle of a hammer hitting a string and exciting a soundboard. Of course, there will be variations of timbre, color, dynamic range, etc., depending on the quality of the materials, the type of woods, and so on. But the tone is easily identifiable as "piano". Digital pianos tend to emulate that traditional sound. The best digital pianos typically stick to emulating a traditional piano. If you sit on a Kawai CA99, it sounds more or less like a small vertical Kawai piano. If you sit on a Yamaha AvantGrand NU1X, it sounds more or less like a small Yamaha vertical piano. But if you want to hear non-traditional piano sounds, as I mentioned before, those attempts already exist from Roland and Yamaha and several others.

[@Zoco101]

@@Instrumental-Covers I'm not really talking about completely new sounds, I'm talking about innovative companies potentially improving on the pianoforte sounds (as we know them today) instead of begging to share some of the glory with (weaker) facsimiles of existing acoustic piano sounds. The acoustic piano is not a sacred relic - it's a largely mechanical musical instrument, and just like with every other musical instrument, there is always room for improvement.