🎹Roland F701 Digital Piano Review - All New Roland F140R Replacement🎹
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- čas přidán 26. 03. 2021
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Comparable Alternatives:
🛒 Roland RP701▸geni.us/Roland-RP701
🛒 Yamaha P515▸geni.us/Yamaha-P515
🛒 Casio PX-560▸geni.us/Casio-PX-560
🛒 Kawai ES5920▸geni.us/Kawai-ES920
🛒 Roland FP-60X▸geni.us/Roland-FP-60X
#F701 #Roland #DigitalPiano
Hello and welcome to the Merriam Pianos CZcams channel. In this video, we’ll be taking an in-depth look at the brand new Roland F701 home digital piano.
The F701 is the update to the F140r, which was a massively successful instrument during its multi-year run, so to say there are high hopes for the F701 would be a huge understatement.
If this is the first time to the Merriam Pianos channel, please like, subscribe and hit the notification bell, we’d really appreciate the support!
Piano Sound:
The first big upgrade over the F140r is the inclusion of Roland’s new BMC sound chip, which can also be found in some of Roland’s other brand new models. While the SuperNATURAL engine is the same, the BMC chip ups the processing power, resulting in higher polyphony, more complexity, and an overall higher fidelity tone.
The polyphony has been doubled from 128 to 256 notes! Roland kept the speaker output power the same at dual 12-watt speakers (24 watts total) which while lower than other instruments in this class from other manufacturers, actually sounds more powerful than 24 watts due to the way Roland uses speaker enclosures.
The total number of sounds has nearly doubled as well, with the F701 offering 324 tones. There are also 377 internal songs which is another big upgrade.
The acoustic piano tones sound fuller and lusher, as do the E piano tones which are especially impressive. Anyone who likes to layer tones will be especially happy about the extra polyphony!
Piano Action:
Roland’s brought back the trusty PHA4 action from the F140r here once again. This is Roland’s go to action for everything throughout the lower half of their digital piano lineup.
The PHA4 uses a triple sensor, escapement, a nice texture on the keys along with nice weighting and repetition speed.
While this is a durable action for the price, it’s not really an action designed for heavy commercial or institutional use. An instrument with Roland’s upper tier actions, the PHA50 and Hybrid Grand actions would and their wood construction would be a better fit for those situations.
Piano Features/Connectivity:
In terms of connectivity options, a number of things have been upgraded on the F701, most notably, the inclusion of Bluetooth Audio. You can now stream audio to the F701 and listen back via the onboard speakers.
You can also record audio files onto a USB key, which was not possible on the F140r. Interestingly, it also has a USB audio interface, meaning you can connect your F701 to a computer, and send and receive USB audio digitally to and from your computer.
The F701 is available in black, white, and light oak. Roland is also now including a bench which is actually quite a nice addition since the F140r did not come with a bench. The new control interface deserves mentioning; there’s been a significant improvement in how easy it is to navigate the instruments menu, and since the F140r’s menu felt cumbersome at times, this is another really nice update.
The F701 pairs up really well with Piano Designer and the new Piano Every Day app, which has a new super easy-to-use remote control function, so you can navigate the features of the instrument via tablet or smartphone.
Summary:
Just like the F140r, the F701 should be a big player in the popular midrange, home digital piano category.
Thank you for watching!
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Always appreciate these videos. Based on your recommendation a while back, I decided to purchase the Kawai ES920. Still waiting for it was on back order.
Still waiting! They’re saying June now. Ugh
FINALLY!!! I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS VIDEO FOR 3 MONTHS.
THANK YOU!!!
same here
Bought the FP30 a year ago because of Stu's reviews. Love the PHA4 action, if you are on the fence, go for it!
I bought this piano over a year ago after watching your review. I am still very happy with my purchase . Thank you
You're very welcome! Thank you so much for tuning in! We're happy to hear that you found the review video helpful! :)
Great Review thankyou Stu
Hi! Thanks for the review! Does the action on the piano match or surpass your review on the roland FP 10?
I've just bought the F701 based on your excellent review. I got Piano Everyday and Designer connected and they work great. I am however, a bit disappointed that this piano is not compatible with Piano Partner 2 app. I don't understand why Roland has left this model out when they took away the rhythms from it which the F140R has built in and can connect to the PP2 app.
It just doesn't make sense. Anyway, It's not a problem for you and just wanted to post here in case, like me, others think this piano can use Piano Partner 2. It can't 😪 EDIT: Sorry, I found that the Piano Everyday app does indeed have the rhythms that the F140r has and works just fine. I had trouble getting this information when reviewing it and obviously it is demonstrated here.
Great review. I am considering RP701 (vs HP702) as HP702 is much heavier. Would you be able to comment on how different is RP701 vs HP702?
What about this vs the DP603. Is it worth the increase in price for piano modeling and better action? How does an older modeling piano compare to a brand new sampling piano?
Hi, thanks for the review.
Any consideration about the space for the pedals?
does the compact line and the pedals position sacrifices the comfort? it seems they are too close so that you have to seat far from the keyboard? am i wrong? Thanks
Hello and thanks for answering my question about accessing rhythms. One question. Will the 701 be able to use one finger chords with accompaniment like the 501R did? Via the app?
At 4:53 it's less bright hence better. Thank you very much for the demo
could do with a comparison of the FP90X vs this F701... slightly different, but this could be a better model for many. I've ordered an FP90X but thinking of changing to this model instead. Any input would be really helpful
disregarding (theoretical) mobility, is this model just straight up better than a FP-30x in a stand?
I tried this model today and really, really liked it. Having watched various CZcams reviews last night, I expected to like the Kawai KDP 120 better, however of the digital pianos I tried today - this was the one I enjoyed most. Today, I also tried the FP30x and the Kawai ES 120. Last weekend, I tried the Korg C1 Air, and Korg B2.
So far, I’m most impressed with both the Korg’s and the Roland’s. 😊
Thank you so much for tuning in! We appreciate it! The Roland F701 is a wonderful instrument. The PHA4 action provides a wonderful touch and I am personally a huge fan of the streamlined cabinet design. :)
Which Roland did you prefer if you don't mind me asking?
@@ivopauwels5064 Of the ones I tried, I really liked the Roland F701.
Hi, thank you for that, what about the ph50 noise? Is it quieter thant Ph4 please?
Hi I have seen you playing PH4 without music to illustrate keybed noise, but never seen the same for PH50, or have you? In which video?
Thank u very much, I’m glad to watch your videos. Your experience is very interesting for me. Now I want to buy piano similar to Roland f701 or Korg G1 Air (instead of my Yamaha p45). What is the best for home using, in your opinion? I didn’t find reviews about Korg digital pianos at your channel.
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for tuning in! We're glad that the reviews have been helpful for you. We are not Korg dealers at this time, so it is tougher to tackle reviews of their instruments. With that said, for me the F701 would be the preference. It is a matter of subjectivity of course, but the PHA4 action on the F701 is an awesome, authentic-feeling touch. I also love the form factor that it offers! :)
"Whoa, thats like, really mellow". We need more sweet 1-liners like this from him.
Interesting comments on the longevity of the PHA4 action. You almost made me nervous that I made a mistake getting the FP-30X... Then I realized I am talking at most an hour a day use for me at the moment so I think I'll be good for a while 😉 great review!
I certainly made a mistake purchasing FP30X. I'm practicing for ABRSM exams and boy does this piano not cut it.
Is there a mode which would make the sound less metallic/bright?
Thanks for this comparison. Would you recommend the F701 for someone just getting into piano or would you suggest a different brand/model?
Hi there! Thanks for tuning in! The F701 is a fantastic option for someone getting into piano for the first time. The touch in particular via the PHA4 action is quite impressive and would serve as a wonderful action to learn on. :)
How does this compare to the Kiyola KF-10
19:47 I actually found Roland PHA4 Standard to be probably the quietest action around. Which other ones should I consider if mechanical noise is a concern?
I should add that PHA4 in a plastic cabinet designs seems to be even quieter than the F701. FP-10, FP-30X, FP-60X, A88 MKII are all nice and quiet.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! The PHA4 is impressively quiet for an action with its weighting as well as escapement. In terms of other actions to explore for key noise mitigation, Casio's Smart Hybrid Hammer Action has a solid feel with minimal key noise in my opinion. It is a lighter touch that does not have escapement, so it will be quite different than the PHA4 feel.
thanks so much for a speedy reply Brent. My partner and my neighbour will appreciate it too I’m sure.
Can you stream audio from your phone via Bluetooth to the F701 speakers and play along to it at the same time?
Yes can
I've just gone back to piano in my 40s, along with my 2 young daughters, after abandoning it in my rebellious teens. I'm battling to decide between the F701 and the RP701.
I like the sleekness and higher horizontal backboard on the F but hate how low the sheet music sits. I'm surprised nobody has complained about it that I've noticed. Do you think this is an issue? I prefer my music closer to eye level due to my poor eyesight.
The RP is beautiful and looks more like a real piano, and I like that the digital panel is centered. I find the lower horizontal backboard too bottom-heavy aesthetically. The music rest is higher on the unit too.
I have definitely had some customers express a similar sentiment about some models. Being comfortable reading the sheet music is certainly important and finding the right height of a music desk in relationship to the bench height and your height is important. The F701 and RP701 are both excellent instruments with the same musical design, but they are quite different structurally speaking. It sounds like the RP701 would be a better fit for you based on your needs. :)
I can’t tell what it sounds like your playing is to good
Is there any difference at all between the fpx30 and the f/rp 701 aside from cabinet and pedals?
Personally for me the key feeling of the f701 is smoother and less "clunky" than the fp30x. I bought a fp30x for 2 months ago and couldn't get used to the heavy key feeling. I was informing about speakers which I can plug in into the fp30x because I wanted to build a cabinet by myself and the salesman showed me the roland F701. When I started playing that one I was immediately sold and changed it for my fp30x. It saids to be the same PHA 4 keyboard, but it feels different, in my opinion much nicer.
Hi, im really trying to go for this piano especially since my local music store has it on sale
How does this piano compare to the yamaha clavinova and korg lp 380?
I would appreciate your response
Hi! Brent here! Every manufacturer has a bit of a different approach to tone and touch. Roland has (in my opinion) one of the very best and most authentic touches at this price point via the PHA4 action, which is featured on the F701. It also has a really well-balanced sound for those that are not a fan of overly warm or overly bright tones. From that perspective, I think it is a total home run! The Yamaha CLP models are solid instruments, but offer a different flavour tonally. There are also many models across several price points in that line. As for Korg, I have never personally favoured Korg's digital pianos and their overall playing experience. However, it is a matter of personal taste and subjectivity of course. :)
QUESTION:
I know that the F701 and RP701 have the exact same guts, inclusive of the speakers. However, does the RP701 sound better due to its larger cabinetry (resonance)?
Because of the cabinet size and shape of the RP701, it does have a slightly “warmer” tone.
I am currently thinking of buying the FP-30x or the F701.
Does the F701 also have a fully included Audio Interface which lets me use Pianoteq on my iPhone and hear the sound through the piano‘s speakers?
If yes, I think I will look for the F701, too.
Found one that is at the same price as the FP-30x with the wooden stand etc.
Hi there! The F701 does not have a USB audio interface like the FP30X. That feature is generally reserved for the portable/slab style digital pianos in Roland's line. Thanks and hope this helps! :)
@@MerriamPianos hmmm that’s sad. I hope it is also included because on your review of the F701 you mentioned:
,,It’s also equipped with a USB audio interface, which means you can send and receive USB audio digitally to and from your computer, either from a DAW or the system sound itself. This is going to be very handy for some users.“
Do you know if there is a non portable piano by Roland which has a dedicated Audio interface which let’s me use the internal speakers?
They will never sound as great as studio monitors. I have a studio setup for this.
The Roland would just be in my living room where I can record on my iPhone in Pianoteq. I don’t want any speakers, audio interface etc in the living room.
@@MerriamPianos Well, in fact it has one, USB Type B connection acts as a USB MIDI as well as USB Audio interface.
I received mine yesterday and I'm able to play VST instruments with it, without using a line input port.
Like all the sample-based Supernatural Roland acoustic piano tones it sounds very nice when played softly but a truly awful metallic cacophony when played harder with what sounds like a very exaggerated U-shaped EQ treatment. Why can't they fix this?! Ten years we've all been listening to the same twanging racket!!
What I'd really like to know is - how noisy is the keyboard? So many digital pianos with 'authentic' acoustic touch sensitivity have keyboards that are so noisy with the 'weighting' that any quieter pieces - such as Beethoven's 'Moonlight Sonata', Satie's 'Gymnopedie No. 1' or Debussy's 'Clair De Lune' are spoiled because of the 'clunk' of the keys falling back into place. I currently have a Casio CDP-S350, and the keyboard action is so noisy that it's impossible to use it for recording. Is this piano any quieter?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! I am surprised to hear that you are experiencing a loud clunking from the CDPS350 as, usually, Casio's actions are on the lighter side compared to other manufacturers. The PHA4 is neither the loudest nor quietest action on the market in terms of key noise. I would say that the new Kawai ES120, which has additional padding in the new RHC action design, is fairly quiet. Whether it is quiet enough for your needs would certainly require testing though as every player's preferences are different of course.
Both the F140r and F701 have pha4 standard keys, but do they have the same action?
Yes - the PHA4 Standard keyboard is synonymous with the PHA4 Standard action. They mean the same thing. :)
Is this, more or less, a FP-60X in a cabinet? Any points that makes it better (subjective or not), or worse?
According to the specs, yes. There's slightly more technology supposedly in the 60x, but I think it's clear...this is a non-portable, cabinet calibrated speaker system FP60X
this was my first thought as well. on board equalizer and mic input looks just about the main difference. price is basically the same if you were to buy the fp 60x pedals and stand. same with the rp 701 look like a more solid build cabinet
@@anthonylim1940 I came to that understanding as well, more tech with the FP-60X but with a less fancy cabinet. IMHO the FP-60X is the better choice.
There are no line outs on the F-701 like the 60X
Hi i’ve been trying to figure out to buy the f701 or the yamaha arius ydp 144 they’re both on a pretty big discount please could you recommend me? Thanks, regard’s felix
Hi Felix! Brent here! While it comes down to a matter of personal preference, I would personally opt for the Roland F701 as I prioritize the action when it comes to digital pianos. I find the action of the F701 to be superior and more authentic in comparison to the YDP144. Thanks and hope this helps! :)
@@MerriamPianos thank you so much. Appreciate it!
Just bought this for my 7 year old son who has been using a $180 keyboard from Amazon since he was 3. The girl at the store said it was a good one. In retrospect I should have watched a couple reviews first. I just wish I understood some of the things he’s saying.
So, it's a fp10x/30x with better speakers in wood enclosure.
Would you reco the F107 over the RP107? Or what about the p125 Yamaha? Thanks!
I would say that the F701 is a superior instrument over the RP107 and P125. With that said, there are other reasons why some may favour the other choices (aesthetics, portability, etc.).
@@MerriamPianos I appreciate the honest opinion. Keep up the great content, you do a lot more than you know. Blessings
What’s the difference between rp701 & f701?
the cabinet
What is the first song you are playing in this video?
I believe that's Stu's improvising.Sounds lovely and jazzy.
what do you think about the new Kawai KDP120?
Where have you seen anything about that? Don't see anything anywhere mentioning a KDP120.
@@Kyuuketsuki02 It’s available online in the market in Europe. You can pre-order it.
@@khalidawadallah374 I found it on Thomann. As near as I can tell, it's exactly the same as the KDP110 except for the available finishes of satin black and white (the 110 is only available in Rosewood).
@@Kyuuketsuki02This is what is written on the websites: „This updated 2021 model features an improved version of the Responsive Hammer Compact II keyboard action, with improved cushioning material that helps to reduce action noise when keys are released. The KDP120 retains the superb Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano sounds of its predecessor, while adding a new, improved Low Volume Balance feature, which intelligently adjusts characteristics of the piano for optimal expression when playing at low volume levels. In addition to USB-MIDI, the KDP120 also incorporates Bluetooth MIDI connectivity, and supports Kawaiʼs latest PianoRemote and PiaBookPlayer apps, allowing sounds, settings, and lesson song scores to be selected from a compatible iOS or Android device.“
@@khalidawadallah374 Interesting. I'd bet the difference in the action is pretty subtle, if present at all, though I'd be interested to see a comparison. The "Low Volume Balance" is of limited or no utility in my experience with it on my CA49. The KDP110 had Bluetooth MIDI already, although the compatibility with the Piano Remote and PiaBook Player apps may be new (although Kawai could easily have added that to the 110 through a firmware update if they were so inclined).
So, just to be clear - this piano is using samples and not modelling, right?
I'm not sure but I think the basic piano tone is a sample, but the damper noise and other noises may be modeled.
Definitely sampled. The Supernatural engine basically layers a number of different samples together based on key input. So nothing modelled - just blended / stacked samples. Thanks! -stu
@@MerriamPianos Many thanks for the reply! I just got confused as you mentioned that the same chip is used in the 90X piano and I thought that 90X would be model based since its predecessor was. Having tried Pianoteq, I cannot go back to samples, so will wait for your 90X review.
Why is that the F701 in default piano mode seems to sound more "authentic" than the FP-30x or FP-60x in the other videos on this channel? The FP-30x and FP-60x seem to sound a bit more metallic to me. These all share the same BMC chip, so I wouldn't have expected differences in the default piano. Is it just my imagination?
Isn't the F701 in a cabinet? I suspect that's the difference. I feel it's a very nice sounding instrument. Seems closely related to the FP-60x. If someone was wanting a beginner instrument exclusively for their home this would be an excellent choice.
Does it sound that way only when comparing the sound out of the internal speakers? If so then IPA may be correct, it's the combination of the speakers and the cabinet. If it also sounds better to you on the direct line out feed, then it may just be your imagination. I'm pretty sure the sound engine is exactly the same. Unless perhaps it uses a slightly different default piano patch?
@@Kyuuketsuki02 From this video (4:14-5:54) and one with the FP60x (czcams.com/video/hDnq6z2f6fk/video.html 1:27-2:03), the F701 sounds better for both to me. The F701 sounds "crisper" and the bass notes seem more defined, whereas the FP60x sounds a bit muddier. I'm no sound engineer....maybe it's just what he is playing?
@@jimpmc Yeah I think I do hear what you're hearing. Given that there isn't any difference in the sound engine (unless there's some difference that isn't noted anywhere in the specs), my best guess is that there may be a different default EQ applied due to the differences in cabinets, or the parameters for the default piano patch are different. Otherwise, can't explain it.
They have the same engine but configured differently. You can try each preset configuration using the Piano Designer app.
On Roland website under specs it say only effects for this and RP701 are Brilliance and Ambience!!! WHAT!! No reverb or chorus or anything else!!!!!
I think what they call ambience is actually the reverb.
Just bought the LX705 for my apartment which sounds way more like an acoustic. The F-701 sounds too metallic/ synthetic for my taste and I found the downgrade from the PHA50 action too steep - so for my vacation home where space is limited, I have instead just bought the Yamaha YDP-S54. Though using sampling, it sounds more like an acoustic, is cheaper, prettier and has a nicer action. Only downside is you have to use a cable to connect with other devices plus not as many onboard sounds (though plenty for most users).
I don't know if you've actually played both the YDP S54 and the 701, but I think the 701 specs are identical to the Fp60x , and I have played that and the YDP, and frankly there's no comparison. It's not so much the sampling as the polyphony and voices. You get way more bang for your buck with Roland's, too many for me to list but if you play them both in person.... its like comparing a black and white TV to a new color TV.... its that obvious
@@SuiGenerisMan I have tried similar models next to one another - if replication of the sound and action from an acoustic were not my main criteria, I would agree.
@@SuiGenerisMan I'm not clear on which one you think is best.
@@SuiGenerisMan really that different? i am struggling between the f701 and the ydp s54. so you say the roland is much better? good to know...they are not that different in price (at least in Italy). My concern is also the roland is new model, the s54 is 3 years old.
f701 is sampling too. modelling is for hp and lx series.
F701 and DP 630 which better? :)
While the Roland F701 is an excellent instrument, the DP603 is a meaningful step up in every regard (e.g. tone engine, action, speaker system, features, etc.). Thanks and hope this helps! :)
@@MerriamPianos because I am looking for a digital piano for my daughter, I find that the cost of dp603 is just a bit higher than F701, around usd 420. So I am thinking which one should I go for…
How big of a step-down is this from the KF-10?
For most players, the key difference will be the touch. The KF10 features the PHA50 action, which many find to be a substantial improvement from the PHA4 action. Additionally, it is very difficult to compare the overall craftsmanship of the cabinet given the boutique nature of the KF10. My suggestion would be to spend some time on each at a showroom for direct comparisons to see how substantial the difference in terms of tone, touch and aesthetics is to you personally. :)
28:42 :D
This piano may not be good for blind musicians . You always have to rely on the app🎹🎶
Roland F701 vs Yamaha P515? They exactly at the same price point. Especially as far as the action is concerned. Portability for gigging is not too important for me.
There are certainly some comparable elements between these two very popular pianos. With that said, the F701 is a bit of a different offering in that it is a console digital piano designed mainly for home-use. Thanks for tuning in! :)
Recently bought it, the feeling is amazing... Only issue is that I have one black key 'clicking' when pressing all the way. Still works perfectly fine but this clicketing could be annoying at times, has anyone experienced this?
I had a similar issue that came and went with temperature changes. Roland technician found excessive lubricant was the cause - removed the excess and problem went away. The “clicking” sound was cause by a part of the key rubbing up against the excessive lubricant.
@@derekchan1586 thanks for sharing Derek!
More on my issue, it actually solve itself about 3.5 weeks after buying the piano!! The 'clicking' noise juste suddenly stopped for the black keys... After heavily playing for some time, odd enough! (yet the seller advised that I just needed to play for at least 4 weeks before he would bring in a technician to check that noise)
ROLAND FP-90 X ?? WHEEEEN ? 🤍
@Konstantin Ridaya ohhhh ! Okay :)
@@sonii6157 It is also better for everyone if the videos are released regularly and with some time between them, instead of everything at once like a grapeshot and then nothing for a long while.
I’ve got the 90X and it’s modeled voices on my channel my friend, it’s AMAZING!
@@JS45678 ahhh okay ! I Watch it 🤍🤍
@@oscarpalm4863 okay :) :)
Hi Merriam Music, did you notice any rattling or clicking of the black keys when the keys return to their rest position? I bought an F701 from my local music store in South Africa after this amazing review and still remains one of the best purchases but I'm not sure if I may have a defective unit or if the rattle/click is normal. A roland specialist here seems to believe it's normal and its purpose is to emulate that of an authentic acoustic piano. Not to plug my channel, I posted a video of the issue with a timestamp of the issue if needed czcams.com/video/pmbwc43roek/video.html . Thanks again
Thanks so much for tuning in! We sincerely appreciate it. All actions have some mechanical key noise, particularly on the key return, which is virtually unavoidable. With that said, due to factors such as the weight and design of the action, some actions may have slightly louder key noise. In the case of the PHA4 used on the F701, it is normal for there to be a slight sound/noise when the key returns. If your local Roland specialist has assessed and deemed it to be normal, I think that is probably the case. Thanks and hope this helps! :)
Is this the Black color, because it looks like Dark Rosewood...ha,ha
Hi Andreas! The F701 featured in the review video is in the black finish. Even the black finish has a wood grain finish/texture to it. Thanks for checking out the video! :)
@@MerriamPianos Yours are by far the best reviews in youtube. Not to mention the English lessons with all these new words.! Fantastic
I still perceive the supernatural sound as overly metallic and unnatural. It is a true pity, the F701 is such a nice board…