🎹Yamaha P125 vs Roland FP-30X Digital Piano Review - Upgraded FP-30 vs The Industry Favorite🎹
Vložit
- čas přidán 23. 08. 2024
- Introduction - 2:21
Piano Sound - 3:25
Action Comparison - 26:04
Piano Features - 32:27
🛒 Get the Yamaha P125▸geni.us/Yamaha...
🛒 Get the Roland FP-30X▸geni.us/Roland FP-30X
🛒 See More Yamaha Digital Pianos▸geni.us/Yamaha...
🛒 See More Roland Digital Pianos▸geni.us/Roland...
💕 Subscribe to Merriam Pianos HERE ▸ bit.ly/Subscrib...
🔔 Click the 🔔 bell to be notified of all videos! ▸ bit.ly/Subscrib...
Alternative Options - Comparable Digital Pianos
🛒 Roland FP-60X ▸geni.us/Roland...
🛒 Kawai ES110 ▸geni.us/Kawai-...
🛒 Kawai ES920 ▸geni.us/Kawai-...
🛒 Korg B2 ▸geni.us/Korg-B2
🛒 Yamaha P-45 ▸geni.us/Yamaha...
🛒 Yamaha DGX-660 ▸geni.us/yamaha...
🛒 Yamaha YPG-535 ▸geni.us/Yamaha...
#P125 #FP30X #DigitalPiano
Welcome to Merriam Pianos on CZcams. Today we’ll be comparing two of the most popular mid-range all-in-one portable digital pianos with the Yamaha P-125 and Roland PHA4.
Please like the video below, and if it’s your first time to the channel, subscribe and hit that notification bell!
Piano Background
We’ve done a number of videos on the recently released Roland FP-30X, as well as several on the Yamaha P-125, but we have yet to actually compare these two pianos side by side.
Both are very solid instruments, and you can’t really make a bad choice going with one or the other.
Piano Sound
On paper, the FP-30X’s 22 watts of power pumping through it’s dual speaker system led us to assume it would have a more powerful bass and stronger treble presence than the P-125’s 14 watt system. While the FP-30X does have a fuller bass, the P-125 actually manages to have a clearer, more defined treble due to it’s 4 speaker system that utilizes a pair of tweeters.
Now, this is a bit of a moot conversation since both of these pianos are built for professional applications where you’ll surely need to use the line out to connect to an amp for more juice. That said, comparing the on-board speakers is still a worthy endeavor.
What are the respective sound engines behind these speaker systems? In the case of the FP-30X, Roland has incorporated their new BMC processing chip to power the SuperNATURAL engine, resulting in a higher fidelity, more complex tone than what the FP-30 was capable of. The polyphony has been upped to 256 notes as well.
The P-125 uses Yamaha’s Pure CF sound engines, which is a 4 sample layer based engine derived from their CFIIIS concert grand piano. This is no longer their flagship concert grand having been replaced by the new CFX, but it’s still an excellent piano.
As far as the number of on-board tones available on each piano, the FP-30X is the obvious winner here with 56 total sounds, and access to the entire GM2 sound bank via Roland’s app.
The P-125 comparatively has 24 sounds. This is still a good selection for the price point, but it’s important to note that the FP-30X more than doubles it up, even without getting into the GM2.
The default grand piano tone is great on the P-125, but once you get into the other tones, the P-125 shows its age - the FP30X’s e. pianos, organs and strings simply sound better, with the exception of a few of the sounds on the P-125 that are rendered exceptionally well.
Piano Action
The FP-30X brings back the venerable PHA4 action that can be found pretty frequently throughout the lower half of Roland’s lineup. This action has a triple sensor, escapement, a nice key texture and a really nicely firm return pressure. We love this action, and think it’s hands down the best action at this price point.
Roland has also improved the dynamic response when playing at lower volume levels due to the new BMC chip, giving the impression of more sensitivity.
The P-125 is using Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action, which has been on the market for several years now.
This action uses a dual sensor and does not have escapement, which might not matter depending on your experience level and the type of music you play.
The repetition speed is great, but oddly, the key return feels sluggish and delayed.
The GHS isn’t a bad action by any means, but the PHA4 is simply impossible to beat in this price category.
Summary
These pianos compare really well, with a lot of similar specs and features. The FP-30X is very tough to beat as a total package, but it does cost more, and the P-125 is still a powerhouse in the category for a reason.
Thanks for watching!
Connect with Merriam Music:
● Website ▸ www.merriammus...
● Contact Us ▸ www.merriammus...
● Instagram ▸ / merriammusic
● Facebook ▸ / merriammusic
● Twitter ▸ / merriammusicinc
Stu, you're on top of your game. This video was informative yes, but also so much fun to watch. You're the best. Keep it up.
"Nerding out with us piano geeks" is so damned accurate lmao. I already own and enjoy the FP-30X yet here I am "nerding out".
and what do you think? Fp30x better?
Yeah , is it better?
???,
same with me.
Can I ask what setting you use I can't seem to find a perfect setting for my ears.
Thank you for this! As an amateur guitar/bass/mandolin player since 14 now planning to buy my first piano/keyboard ever - at 67 - this is very informative and helpful. Happy new year from Finland.
Hello from Canada! You're very welcome! Thanks a million and congratulations on beginning your piano journey! It is a very rewarding instrument to learn and play and I am confident that you will have no problems picking it up given your musical background. Thanks again and happy playing! :)
Your channel and this video series is imho the most factual, straightforward and informative comparison which really helps a key load of players to decide which board to get.
Really well done, bro
I just tried out the Yamaha P-125 and was very impressed with the bell like tone quality of the higher notes. The action was also remarkable!
Glad to hear that you connected with the piano! Having an inspiring tone and touch is half the battle in finding motivation to practice and play! :)
I was looking for a digital piano to buy, but after watching for 10 minutes I just enjoyed watching you playing and having fun. 😁
Nicely done! 👍👍
I just wanna say a HUGE thanks for your reviews and comparisons, I just brought home a beautiful white FP-30X and you helped me tremendously settle on that final choice among other options (p125, es110, fp30, etc). It sounds absolutely amazing, I'm so impressed. Sounded good in your videos, sounded better in the store, and sounds even more delightful in my living room. Thank you! And the touch is so juicy, omg!
Hi, how do you like the piano now? Have you experienced any clicking noises of the (black) keys?
@@MeneerWu no so far it's all good, I play almost everyday, please don't jynx me lol
Congrats! How and where did you find one of these beauties, especially a white one…which I def want…they are scarce as hen's teeth…and backordered where ever I look. Please advise 🤗! Thx in advance!
@@whitphoe I'm in Montreal and Nantel Musique had one, as simple as that, I just went to try a few keyboards with a friend to feel the touch and they had the one and I bought it :D It was the one on display and they had no other, maybe I just got hella lucky!!! Good luck
@@EvilDogFilmsOfficial how is quality of the speakers?
Merriam Pianos - and Stu - about the best piano reviewers and music store on CZcams. Honest, comprehensive, well recorded and edited videos.
Thank you so much! We really appreciate the kind words! :)
I prefer my Yamaha p - 125 , the sound is very good.
but it doesnot have midi / bluetooth connectivity if i am not mistaken
I may never buy a piano but here I am, enjoying all Stu's videos :)
The P-125 has served me very well as a secondary practice instrument for 2 years. I'm a professional classical pianist/teacher, and explore jazz a bit every day too. I usually use the 2nd piano variation or the main sound with +5 reverb. It doesn't replace anything but certainly gets the job done without being a hindrance.
You’re a professional clown 🤡 if you think the cheap Yamaha P125 is any good. Quit lying and buy a quality digital piano instead of a cheap toy
@@gustavopaulette3496 huh? These instruments are not toys. They have alot to offer for the price. Not everyone can afford a $5000 Nord stage
Meh, don't worry about gustavo. He's elsewhere in this comment section calling people clowns for enjoying making music on either of these instruments. It's like they came here just to poo poo other peoples choices. Some life.
Great video as always, really love the Roland sounds, the blend, texture and richness of the tones is just right.The yamaha's tones I find a bit too bright, and sharp sometimes especially with classical playing but its okay for POP style playing.
You
Must be deaf 🧏♀️
@@gustavopaulette3496 and you are a fool. Do not try to be insulting by referring to a disability.
@The Mastermind you’re a clown that’s broke and can’t afford a real piano.
@@gustavopaulette3496 oh wow, that's so rich.
I couldn't agree more...that's exactly what I feel...also, it seems to me its a matter of personal preference as I have seen comments saying they like the p125 piano sound more (though I honestly prefer the FP30X, for the reasons already stated by you)
I bought the fp30x after trying both it, and the p125 in a store. I just liked the feel of the keys and the action better. It felt more "solid", while the p125 felt kind of cheap tbh.
I needed a light weight gigging keyboard, and my main piano at home is a yamaha p515. I often play baby grands around town too. The fp30x was much closer to what I'm used to than the p125.
The FP30X is tough to compete with given its attractive price point. The combination of the PHA4 action and SuperNATURAL tone engine makes it a real home run! Congrats on your new FP30X! :)
For me personally the winner is the P125, but because I really like the CFX sample and even if more rich I find the modelling (edit: it has sampling combined with modeling between each note) on the FP-30X more artificial... I put it this way, those two digital pianos if you are serious about learning piano wont do it after at max 1-2 years, after that you will want to upgrade... So for me that boils down to what sound do you prefer, the action for a beginner in both of those pianos are plenty for learning.
Technically the FP-30X has a better action, so if you plan on using a VST o something like that, yeah.. It's a better choice, or if you are more interested in the other instruments other than the acoustic samples. BUT if you want to learn classical music and you're a beginner, go for the P125 and save the extra 200$ for a future upgrade or buy a good stand, even the P45 will do it just fine if you can bear the thin sound, plan to use headphone or to use a VST with external monitors.
FP30x uses sampling...
@@Biozene I looked it up, you're right, it uses sampling combined with modeling, my bad.
In the end I bought the yamaha clp735, I cannot say if it's superior but I'm quite hapoy with it.
@@MoonlightHusky If you're happy, that's all that matters!
I still prefer the piano sound from P-125 as I always use it with Roland headphone. It's almost the same as the acoustic one.
I just bought the FP-30x, still in its box waiting for me. Can't wait to use the Ravenscroft 275 and the Keyscape VSTs with it this week-end. I got this one mainly for the action and to use it as a midi keyboard with fl studio. Sorry for the name dropping but this ecosystem really got me to buy this keyboard.
Well this is very interesting, and I would like to know how the 30X sounds when played in tandem with the other pro piano voices you mention. Is there latency between the two or not?
@@vspatmx7458 Me too
Try tweaking the FP-30X itself with the piano designer app.
Hi, how do you like the piano? Have you experienced any clicking noises of the (black) keys?
@@MeneerWu genelde cogu insan ayni problemi yasamis.
Have watched dozens of your videos. Enjoy your playing. And amazed that you could play the Yamaha accurately with it swaying, rolling and shaking when you played forcefully. Was the P-125 perched on a $29 X-Stand?
FX30 is superior in every way imo, but is also 170€ more expensive. At least rn in Europe. Txs for the info.
As a sound engineer, the Roland sounds beautifully dynamically processed, and perfectly compressed and EQ’d ready for release. The Yamaha sounds maintains that glorious live stage sound.
That is a very good way of putting it! They both have their strengths, that is for sure. :)
Are you saying the Roland would be better for recording and the Yamaha better for the stage?
Thank you, again, Stu. Great to hear your playing through those various sounds. Watched another video of yours on the Roland FP-30X last night, and today visited a local shop (in Australia) and bought one for delivery! I'll have it next week. I'm so excited! I love the feel and individually weighted responsiveness of the keys, so much like a "real piano". Sound is fabulous. Lots of great features. There will never be *everything* in a less-than-$1,000-piano in any currency, but the FP-30X comes close for me!
Hi! Brent from Merriam music here! Thanks so much for tuning in and congratulations on your Roland FP30X! They are remarkable instruments for the price point and I am confident you will be thrilled with its exceptional action and piano sound. I will be sure to pass on your thanks to Stu! :)
@@MerriamPianos
Thank you, Brent!
We need to talk about the Yamaha Smart Pianist app and how it bumps up the P125 significantly.
Thanks for the suggestion! Covering the various apps out there is definitely on our agenda for a future video comparison. :)
There is a category of digital pianos that neither Kawai nor Roland seem to be interested in developing anymore, and that is the "ensemble/arranger/entertainment digital piano". They used to make high-end arrangers a number of years ago in beautiful baby grand style furniture. Stu covered the Kawai CP1 back in 2017. Now only Yamaha offers those products. The cheapest one is the DGX-670, and the top of the line is the CVP 809GP. I wonder what has prompted them to stop making those arranger pianos.
Hey @Instrumental Covers - another great question. It's true, of course - Roland and Kawai have both pretty much abandoned that category. There were several reasons for it, in discussions with both Kawai and Roland insiders...
Newer users of digital pianos were simply not making music in this fashion - live accompaniment had become a matter of pre-conceived and prerecorded tracks, or at the very least loopable sections and patterns - vs the linear / live harmonic style of most arrangers. This user group was far more comfortable using software/controller combinations for live performance and wanted the increased flexibility and lowered weight and cost that these combos yielded.
Older users who were more accustomed to this style of music making were primarily only using the most basic versions of the auto-accompaniment offerings. An intro/outro, 1-2 variations, a few options to determine how it would pick up harmony, and that was about it. Roland decided to relegate this to their app, now the "Piano Everyday" app, vs build it into hardware and dedicated models. And Kawai offers it on their upper ES series, in a more basic version of what Yamaha does with the DGX670.
So it hasn't entirely disappeared, but the market for large self-contained units with tons of arranging options is so small at this point that there's only enough there to feed one manufacturer - in this case Yamaha. -stu
@@MerriamPianos Hello Stu, you have excellent points here. It may also be due to Yamaha's dominance in the arranger market. They have the PSR E, PSR SX, DGX, Clavinova CVP and the Clavinova CSP series, so it is a market where they have presence. Only Korg competes with Yamaha in the arranger category (in this case, only with portable arrangers, not furniture style). Casio has recently developed their CTX line with the Aix chip, which sounds pretty good (not amazing, but much better than their Air chip). I was happy to see Kawai adding accompaniment styles to the ES920.
The Top Gun tune was AWESOME! 20:09
When the sound calls for the Top Gun theme! ;)
Thanks for the detailed review !
You're very welcome! Glad it helped! :)
Not in the market for either one of these pianos, still i keep watching all of your videos. Best reviews on the web, by far.
Would love to know your opinion on the MP7-SE.
Just an FYI - if you are looking at the Yamaha P-125a (as opposed to the P-125) - The 125a is a huge downgrade. They removed the audio interface from the USB to host port (so you can no longer stream audio in or out). I owned an FP-30 (pre line outs, pre audio interface) and traded it in on a P-125 and was super happy with that choice. But now, if it was between the newer versions the FP-30X (which added the lineouts and the audio interface) and the P-125a (which still has lineouts but REMOVED the audio interface), the FP-30x is now the better choice (although I still prefer the Yamaha action, but that's just a personal choice)
Hi there! Thanks for tuning in and sharing your insights! It is interesting to see manufacturers making these updates/changes. In either case, changing a fan favourite can often be quite divisive as some players will prefer the old feature set while others will prefer the updated features. It is difficult to make the "perfect" piano that satisfy all players! Thankfully, there are a lot of options on the market these days. :)
I like your videos so much not only for reviews but also because it helps me to learn English!) Beautiful language
That's amazing! We're very happy to hear that! Thanks for watching! :)
i already bought p125 but still watchin all your videos about it and rivals . that means ur awsome . its fun to watch and get new info. but if u could make a video for ppl who wanna upgreade from a price range to another that would be awsome . i mean what i can buy after this p125 for a real upgread ? to get better feel better sound better action and dont pay too much . that kind of info could be nice .
Thank you very much for the video!! I'm currently in Morocco and there's practically nowhere so as to check or compare physically the two instruments, availability is also very limited, mostly online. Your video showcases all what needs clarifying in such an elegant manner. Spectaculous! I've decided I would get the Roland after all for its many perks and the majestic base. I'd love to know what were the songs you've played in the introduction of the video, so beautiful!
You're very welcome! Thank you for taking the time to check out our videos and channel. We really appreciate it! You certainly can't go wrong with the FP30X. It is a really impressive instrument! I'd have to check in with Stu as to what pieces he was playing at the beginning of this video. He also incorporates a lot of improvisation on these videos as well! :)
A great explanation about this review. Many thanks.
Here in India the Roland Fp30x cost 320$ more than the Yamaha P125.
So for the price yamaha is the better buy.
There are definitely disparities in terms of pricing within different markets, which will play a role in the decision making process.
It was so entertaining to watch! Amazing comparison. Thanks!
Roland has the better keys and technology but overall that YAMAHA sound is the real seller. Wide, open, bright and sits well in a mix. Just my opinion.
P125 keys aren't BAD tho... they are really quiet too
@@jortepap My P45 has the same keys. They were silent for about 6 months. Then the more used keys started slowly to wear out and got noisy. I expected first keys to get defective sooner or later. Fortunately that was not the case, they just got noisier. The piano is 3 years old now. I don't like it anymore and will sell it.
Bought the p125 for that reason..
Rolland keys are not better, heavier is not = better. The responsive is terrible.
What if I use them with MainStage ….
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience with us!
I just bought Roland 😁 (upgrade from Yamaha EW310)
You're very welcome! It's our pleasure! Congrats on your new Roland! Happy playing! :)
Thanks to Stu for another interesting review. On paper, and in demos too, other keyboards tend to outshine the Yamahas, but when you play one for yourself, the response (particularly the main piano) can be very satisfying. The stereo effects on the Roland organ patches were exciting, but these bonus effects disappear on stage. Actually I don't think these pianos are meant for heavy gigging - they're mainly for early level training and recreational performance, so the speakers are important.
If I were studying early grades of classical music I'd probably go with the Yamaha, but for experimenting with modern music, including jazz, the new FP..X range is hard to beat.
I loved the "really, really quite like.." comment. Equivalent to "like" in British English?
Good review. Like your natural and loose presentation. Had no trouble watching the whole video :)
Thanks for tuning in and for the kind words! We appreciate it a lot! :)
Many thanks for a very thorough, enjoyable, and professional review!
You're very welcome! Many thanks for tuning in and sharing your kind words! :)
Super helpful! You have such a range of styles to draw from to demo with. Fun!
To everyone who owns the roland. You can connect to the app 100% of the time if you clear app data. Definitely not ideal, but get in the habit of pressing 2 extra buttons after each practice session, and youll have the app ready to launch and connect on the next one.
Thanks for the tip! :)
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for the in depth review ;)
Thank you both.
Hi, I must admit that I've enjoyed watching and listening to a bunch of your videos ... and it's time to decide which "digital" piano should we buy for our kid...
So, he is 9 (in two months) and he's been playing piano at teacher's and a "synth" at home (Yam.PSR-E535) for couple of years. He finished the first year of the primary music school, too. (It's a part-time schools, I guess... since he's in a regular primary school, starting 3rd grade now).
Anyways, he loves piano, but he also enjoys doing various things with the PSR (all of the different tones/voices, rhythms, arpeggios, even lesons). It is time to buy a better (well, way better) piano for the house and I'm stuck between Yamaha and Roland models (those I can buy here). And I'm thinking of FP-60X and DGX-660 or 670 ...
Would you suggest any of those for a kid or should we (for reasons other than money) go for another model/s??
Thanks a lot! :)
Amazing that youtube give you opportunity to study instruments and music
Thank you so much for tuning in! :)
Excellent comprehensive review! thanks so much
You're very welcome! Glad you enjoyed it! :)
I've fp-30x and the only decent piano sound to me is:
: D1#, ambience: max, brilliance: [+1..-1]
I hate the notes after C5 in a standard concert grand piano sound. They are so shrill, so unnatural. Moreover, they are not so clear. And that's not Steinway's problem. It sounds great in Pianoteq
I agree with the observation on the Yamaha key action. I have a CP1 and would agree the key bounce back on release is lacking. I thought I would get used to this over time, but after a while it becomes quite tiresome to play, flat and lifeless. Also the lateral motion is limited. Maybe Yamaha believe this is what an ideal key action should feel like, but when they make some of the best grand piano in the world, I find this hard to imagine.
PS. These are great reviews, comprehensive and very fair. A must watch channel for anyone considering buying a new piano.
Thanks so much for your kind words! We're glad you have enjoyed our videos! Thank you for sharing your insights as well. Every manufacturer has their own philosophy of what the ideal piano touch or tone is. However, needless to say, every piano player will have their own preferences, which may or may not align with it. :)
Excelente videos, parabéns pelo.canal muito importante o canal para nos ajudar a definir qual piano comprar! E tambem tirar dúvidas! Os dois pianos parecem ser muito bom, o Yamaha soa mais natural na minha opinião, mas o Roland tem uma sonoridade bem agradável, também.E na sua opiniao Stu,? Qualquer piano na sua mão é um show, voce toca muito bonito!
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks so much for taking the time to tune in! We appreciate it. We also appreciate your kind words. While I cannot speak on behalf of Stu, I personally favour the FP30X. In addition to my preference for the PHA4 action, I find the FP30X's piano tone to be a bit warmer and more balanced compared to the P125. However, it really comes down to a matter of personal preference of course. :)
Stu, no matter our personal preference, I love your reviews. I like that I live with you at the same time.
I had the fp30x for a few weeks. Has a pretty good sound for the price point. Only problem was the weird clicking sound on some of the keys. I could clearly hear it even with headphones on. Ended up returning it, but I hope I just got a defected piano.
I found the lower end to be a little mushy, and the high end was okay. But I wasn’t expecting anything jaw dropping. Despite my grips with it, I still think it is an excellent choice for most beginners/intermediate players.
what about now? got a new one or bought the Yamaha P-125?
@@MeneerWu I ended up going for a more premium piano. Got the Kawai ES920. Just arrived today, so I’m about to start playing with it. Really enjoyed playing it at the store I tested it at.
@@jordanfoster9697 Wow nice man! That is out of my budget, but hope you enjoy it. Still don't know whether I want the Yamaha P-125 or Roland P-30x. Those clicking noise stories fucked me up :/
I read review online same clinking complain
Lo compre hace unos meses y no hay ningún chasquido en las teclas, al contrario son más silenciosas que la p125, su toque es mejor y su sensibilidad al tacto responde bien, más expresivo. Hace poco e probado la p 125 y también tiene lo suyo honestamente. En cuanto al sonido si uno tiene buen oído lo va diferenciar, el roland es más profundo en las teclas graves y medios. El yamaha es más suave en todas sus teclas. Ambos tienen brillos diferentes. Ya sería cuestión de gustos. El roland fp 30 x responde excelente en músicas clásicas y el yamaha p125 en músicas modernas.
I grew up with an acoustic piano and just tested both today. Roland sounds so much more like a real piano and feels like one too. Yamaha feels cheap and the sound is not as natural. Roland will be mine soon!
Thanks for watching! The Roland FP30X is a powerhouse! It has an excellent touch and tone that really does provide an authentic piano experience. :)
Thanks for your opinion. I am an absolute beginner and am gonna go for roland.
Excellent video.
Thanks a million! :)
Both sound incredible for that price point.
Absolutely! They are both very impressive. :)
So I know it’s a stand issue, but what I noticed was how much more the Yamaha bounced around vs the Roland. That would irritate the heck out of me!
Currently, FP-30X is C$1260 and I bought a new Yamaha P-125a with a wooden, dedicated stand for C$800 a couple of days ago (all in Canada). I have no doubts which is a better deal (I also have P-515 but I am seriously considering selling it).
it
Stu’s review is very good and objective.
Michael
It will always come down to the subjectivity of the player and shopper of course. Different players will gravitate towards different actions and piano tones. Thankfully, we have a surplus of options on the market to choose from these days at virtually all price points!
First off 5 stars out of 5 and kudos to Stu Harrison and Merriam Music for helping me decide which digital keyboard to upgrade to - Roland or Kawai or Yamaha or Casio or ?? I did a lot of research and comparisons even in my local music store .. I decided on the Roland FP30X and this has proven to be a great decision so far. The Roland comes though solidly I was surprised how good the bass sounds, my piano compositions are heavy using alternating bass octaves. The Yamaha has some sounds I like for example the Flute with articulation controlled by the pedal on the Yamaha PSR EW310, however Yamaha's Concert and Grand piano are too tinny for me, even on the P125.
The new Casios aren't in the local music stores so I can't hear them live, but another Merriam Music video compares them. If you want the highest quality selection of outstanding sounds, go with at least the Roland FP30X. If you want a trim light keyboard and better user interface Casio wins, Roland has a thicker form factor, however I care about the musician quality of the tones and audio over USB, so Roland FP30X wins for me. I play rolling bass octaves on an acoustic grand piano and the Roland action lets me come close to this, its the best action I've seen in this price range.
I'm not a professional musician so decide for yourself. I could setup microphones to record an acoustic grand piano to a DAW (I have Cakewalk by Bandlab), however I can't easily convert those acoustic clips to midi especially bass or polyphonic music even with melodyne. Roland lets me record my acoustic piano composition to midi and record the Roland audio tones over USB to my DAW.
There's a new Roland app which gets you to the hundreds of GM sound voices faster that replaces Piano Every Day, both seem to work. In one Merriam review the piano designer app wouldn't connect, I've found you need to disconnect bluetooth on Piano Every Day / Roland App to connect with Piano Designer, and vice versa. Roland software seems to only like one bluetooth device connected. In practice I use my Roland piano stand alone without the app. I also added cardboard reflectors under the keyboard speakers wedged by the stand because the FP30X speakers point down, the FP60X has a better interface and speakers point up. This Merriam Music video by Stu also helped me decide comparing Roland's sampling and modeling sound engines czcams.com/video/-6aTGI5PYLA/video.html
Thank you for the incredibly kind words and for supporting our channel! We really appreciate it. :)
Congrats on your Roland FP30X! We're happy to hear that you found our videos useful in your decision making process. The FP30X offers an incredible balance of touch, tone, and speaker fidelity. I am confident it will serve you well for many years to come.
As for a converting a grand piano audio recording to MIDI, a hybrid grand piano like the Kawai GL30 Aures 2 or GX2 Aures 2 solves this issue quite nicely! ;)
Finally, I know I'm not crazy!! LOL From the very first time I played the P125, I described it as "slapping my fingers in mud!"
I have been exclusively Yamaha since the 90s. Nothing feels as effortless as the CP300, but I want something I can actually carry. Once you talked about the hammer action feel of the Roland, I have finally decided to buy the FP-30x! Granted, I'm not thrilled about the speaker placement (pointing straight down to carpeting at home makes no sense), but I guess I'll get used to it or have to invest in some kind of amplification and speakers down the road. Thank you for your reviews and honesty Stu. That's hard to find these days.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in and supporting our channel! Roland's PHA4 action is a dream to play on. It is the preferred choice of many players at this price point (for a very good reason). I know you will be thrilled with what it offers musically! Also, if you did want top facing speakers and more premium features, the FP60X is worth considering as well. :)
@@MerriamPianosI had to go to Kansas City yesterday so I stopped in a music store to play the Yamaha P-125 one last time to make sure my issue with it wasn't just in my head. Sure enough, I sat there feeling like I was slapping my fingers in mud and several of the notes in my somewhat complex chords and runs didn't even play. That is one of the most difficult hammer actions I've ever played on and it quickly wore me out. It was like beating a rug with a bat! I'm done considering Yamaha. Was a huge fan for years, but I'm moving on. I'm looking for the best Roland FP-30x bundle.
I want a home stand (I already have 2 x stands) so I can have attached pedals so I'm not chasing them around the room, and a gig case. Unfortunately, the bundles include several things I don't want or need. Thanks again responding to my comment Brent!
@@bydesign868the P125 has 4 different key firmness settings. Which one did you use?
solo por escuchar como toca el piano ya vería sus videos, además sus conocimientos sobre los instrumentos es impresionante y además los transmite con claridad y fácil de entender, Además como pianista me veo reflejado cuando comenta las sensaciones que le dan los pianos que prueba pues de los que yo he podido tocar estoy de acuerdo en todo.
Respecto a éste video a mí no me gusta la acción de los pianos Yamaha porque como decías da la sensación de lentitud con la respuesta de tecla y a mí me produce mucho cansancio en las manos y desde que probé la Ph4 de Roland no volveré a tener un Yamaha. Además, una percepcion mía es que utilizando el interface audio del P125 tenía que hacer muchos procesos en el daw para conseguir un buen sonido y sin embargo ahora con el FP-30X sale directamente perfecto y escuchándolos por monitores también noto que el Yamaha saca un sonido "pequeño". Y para terminar ,el sonido de piano mezclandolo con el pad en el Roland es impresionante y aun pisando el pedal de sustain suena limpio y claro.
Muchas gracias por ofrecernos tus conocimientos y transmitir tu pasión por los teclados y pianos.Saludos
I chose the 30x. Concert piano and supersynpad layered is OK sounding. And the PhaseEPmix tone for electric piano ain't too bad either. But I'm never fully satisfied with any piano sounds. Pretty much, you get what you pay for. A cheap piano will always have a cheap sound. You need to spend thousands if you want a really nice one.
Hi, how do you like the piano? Have you experienced any clicking noises of the (black) keys?
That is not entirely true. Buy any keyboard and link it to your daw. I especially recommend the vsl synchron pianos. Sounds like pianos for many thousands of dollars.
I agree, but since my personal choice would be a Bosendorfer Imperial grand, at about $250k, I must compromise. 😁
@@adamrobinson8620 vsl Bosendorfer imperial for about 300...yeet
@@tobble1930 There’s a reason people like Elton John and Tori Amos still carry real grands…..
Thanks for the comparison - I'm trying to figure out which keyboard action resembles more an acoustic piano ( since I want to mainly practice using headphones on the digital piano , but I mainly love playing on the acoustic piano ). thanks !
I recommend FP30X
Hi Stu, i think that finally i found proper comparison, your content may be received as a "Bob Ross of pianos". Please put somewhere in the description the name of the piece you are playing (for newbies), and maybe consider presenting all of this as an audio-only version somewhere with better compression (less lossly :)
This channel cristalizes as something uniqe and timless.
(I suspect that CZcams demonetization has to be laughably hardcore for you :)
Good and thorough review but I have some major objection to the conclusions :)
I actually compared the two (and also the higher model FP60X) a few weeks ago as I was looking for a new digital piano. I have to say I disagree on two very important points:
1 - IMO the Yamaha sounds better and more "alive". I would admit that the thing that got me most is the Rhodes sound. But this is something you compare in this video so... yeah, the Rhodes sound on the Roland really "comes out" as you play, it responds a lot more dynamically and is super satisfying to play. The one on the Roland sounds a bit flat and cold.
2- I found the Yamaha significantly more confortable to play, with a 'lighter' feel to it. I found the action and general feel on the Rolands quite heavy and disapointing. It reminded me of the cheap Casio I had before.
I was expecting a lot from the FP30x and FP60x. I was actually set on buying them and checked out other models in the store just to have a better refernece. I ended up buying the Yamaha P125 :)
Very interesting
I tested (at home) both before buying and I much more preferred PHA-4 action to GHS. I am used to escapement and Yamaha’s 52g on middle C was too light for me. I also found GHS action a bit louder (I play mostly on low volume and generally I use headphones). I admit that I do not care about any sounds but piano and I use Pianoteq most of the time. I also use Bluetooth for lots of apps
@@mfurman
Obviously the action and feel is also a question of personal preference. About the Bluetooth - I agree this point is a clear advantage for the Roland. I am actually still waiting for a cable to arrive by mail! :)
Just to be clear I am not saying the Yamaha is a better instrument taken as a whole, that would depend on what is important for you, and I think this review gives quite a balanced picture of the differences. I just found myself disagreeing on these points because they are critical for me and on both I preferred the Yamaha.
Hi Merriam Music i just bought a expression pedal. I can connect that to my alesis q88 midi controller but is it also possible to connect it to the Roland fp30x ? And if so, how? Thank you in advance, Wouter
Hi! Brent here! Unfortunately, the FP30X does not support expression pedals. You can use sustain/damper pedals or the KSC70/RPU triple pedal systems with it. With that said, there are other Roland models that will support expression pedals.
What is the first song played in the video on the roland? Or is that just improvising? Either way, it sounds good and I want to learn how to play it.
I get the feeling that the Yamaha speakers produce a more even sound but they're achieving that by giving equal weight to upper treble register as its lower bass register which sounds pleasant but "physically" unrealistic. Like what a piano sounds like from a distance but not up close.
Speakers should be irrelevant because if you are giging you would not be playing through the speakers.
@@virgilgray yep. I bought the fp-30x and the sound with headphones is noticeably better than the on board speakers.
The spaekers just aren't very accurate and lack power in the high frequencies and sound much darker than the line out or headphone.
It's my one criticism besides perhaps the piano action which I like but is admittedly heavier than most acoustic pianos, but oddly that's remedied by adjusting the keyboard sensitivity from medium to light.
Roland - better key action,yamaha natural sound.
Stu I listened to your videos while driving three hours through the California desert yesterday. Amazing! Hey, what is the best 88 weighted key controller/piano with speakers under $1,000 that is good for recording VST and everyday playing?
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for tuning in! We're glad our videos were able to keep you entertained through your drive. ;)
The Roland FP10 and Roland FP30X certainly have to come up in the conversation if you are looking at the best action available around the $1000 price point. The presence of built-in speakers allows it to also function as a standalone instrument in addition to a MIDI controller.
I have 2 questions
1. Is it possible to connect to the Roland the piano designer app and to CZcams at the same time so that you can play CZcams music simultaneously?
2. Is it possible to save sound presets in this Roland software and retrieve from there for playing?
Hi Brent from Merriam Music here! I am not at the showroom currently to run this test, but I believe that (in theory) it is possible to simultaneously run the Roland app and stream Bluetooth audio via CZcams. In terms of saving presets within the app and recalling them later, that is also possible. :)
The upright diatribe! I am with you on the sound massacre of the upright piano ...the VST's do a much better job.
And the upright pianos, themselves, do it even better. 🤪 On a serious note, usually on digital pianos, I find the main two or three tones are very good, but the rest are there just for the stats.
Awesome review/comparison! I plan to use the MIDI out to an audio interface, and subsequently route the interface to an iMac via USB-C, then use Logic Pro X for recording/mixing (which includes a ton of digital piano sounds). Since I live in an apartment, I would need to use headphones (1/4-inch or Bluetooth) anyway for casual playing. For my circumstances, it would seem that the quality of the sound from the outboard speakers wouldn’t really come into play? Will my planned setup work with this Roland? Thank you!
Hi Danny! Brent from Merriam Music here! Absolutely! The FP30X is MIDI compatible, so it will certainly integrate into your intended hardware/software setup quite easily and effectively. With that said, wireless Bluetooth headphones are not an option for any digital piano due to the latency (delay) between the touch of a key and the sound being transmitted. From that perspective, wired headphones will be required. Thanks and happy playing! :)
@@MerriamPianos - Thank you for the quick reply, Brent! I would likely be using the 1/4-inch headphone jack from the Focusrite Clarett for monitoring and mixing. Being that I’m now living in a townhouse, I don’t think studio monitors for mixing music will work. It’s a compromise, I know, but one I’ll have to live with for the time being. Besides, I think I can get the mix close. Thanks again!
this was a great comparison thanks! but what i really wanted to know was which would give me better softer sounds. i.e. a comparison of the una corda pedal.
You're very welcome! Thanks for the kind words! Ultimately, it would come down to preference. We always encourage our viewers to try as many models as possible at their price point to ensure that they find the instrument that connects with them best. With that said, I love that idea! I will certainly add exploring digital piano's una corda pedal simulation to the list of potential future topics. :)
Was torn between the Kawai ES120 and the Roland FP30x. Went with the Roland based on your reviews. Even though the Kawai piano tone sounded a margin better I also love film score music and the Roland seemed to offer more for that kind of thing.
That's awesome! The FP30X is a fantastic piano! They're both really great instruments, so you can't go wrong in either case. :)
@@MerriamPianos I figured as much and I managed to get a better deal on the Roland. For me it was more important to have a feeling closer to a concert grand a decent sound but also good string sounds which I think the Roland has over a Kawai, despite the better piano sound on the Kawai.
I’m only a couple of months into lessons but I’m a guitarist and opera singer so using it mainly for practice.
Hi Stu, which piano would you recommend to a beginner?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! The Roland FP30X is a wonderful starting point for a beginner as it has a heavier touch than a lot of other instruments in its price category, which is a closer simulation to the feel of a real acoustic piano. :)
04:20 actually I'm looking to buy one of these specifically for gigs where I can rely on the internal speakers only. Everything else I have covered with other boards. I want one thing in a bag I'm just bringing to every small venue gig with just a stand, a seat and an extension cord. Thanks for the review!
You're very welcome! We hope that you found the comparison helpful! :)
Excellent thank you
You're very welcome! Glad you enjoyed the video! :)
Somebody to tell as keypad! In digital Pianino the key is important! The sonde you can mix it on computer... Pleas help Yamaha or Roland for keys on playing? which one is similar to acoustic piano
Roland
i always thought the pha 4 action would have 2 sensors(dual sensors)
Stu best reviews ever!
Can you please tell me the difference between the black one and the white Roland FPX 30? I saw online the white one is $800 and the black one is $750.
There is no different in terms of design or performance between the black and white FP30X pianos. With that said, in some markets, non-black finishes will have a slight premium attached to them. This is especially the case for console digital pianos.
@@MerriamPianos thank you!!
True colours was so nice
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for tuning in! :)
I think there's no mor room for the P-125. That new model they've just released which also works as an arranger does incredibly well.
The best Yamaha sound in this video? That's the Rhodes. Even in an above entry level piano such as their P-125, they've done that sound beautifully.
Roland does better in the acoustic piano department. Their sustain is mor natural, their tone changes color through the dynamic range, and so forth.
Nord has splendid upright piano sounds, and then there are VSTs like keyscape that nail it.
Sure, at twice the price!
which 'new' model are you talking about
@@orangecaprinun The model name is DGX670, Ezio. And thanks for recalling Assassin's creed 2 with your name. What a beautiful game that was!
Come on brother, just listen that artificial sound of the Rolland, any person could notice it.
@@colbycovington8104so strange, I find the yamaha artificial sounding
What app is it you are using for the Roland ?
I’m guessing that this was filmed before you started using well-placed condenser mics to record the internal speakers. I say that because I’m hearing a very echoey room and a mono-ish sound coming from the pianos. Makes it hard to judge when you’re not using the stereo line outs.
I think the side play in an acoustic grand is to allow the key felts to move smoothly and freely on the various pins. Mainly the balance rail pin, and the pin that stabilizes the front of the key. As for the Yamaha GHS action, I'm entirely OK with it. Every acoustic piano has a slightly different feel. My comment on the action is that it's not related to the action itself, but the sound being produced by the action. If the action on a digital is feeling sluggish to you, it's probably because the key off may be slightly sluggish and the entire thing is psychological. On the other hand the key could actually be sluggish, but that seems eliminated in this case because the repetition is so quick. The better the sound an instrument produces, the better the action will feel. because you are enjoying the sound the instrument produces. I love the sound of the piano I'm playing at moment so much that I'm entirely oblivious to any alleged short comings of the GHS action.
Back on the subject of side play, if the felts are pressing too tightly against the pin, the key will be very sluggish. At the same time you don't want too much slop in the side play. There should be just enough for the key to operate completely freely. One thing that works really great is Protek CLP piano lubricant. It is for felts, never tuning pins. It can make stiff felts seem like the mechanism is skating on ice. It's one of the most amazing lubricants I have ever seen.
This is great. Does it matter to anyone that the Yamaha is bouncing all over the place. A "piano" doesn't do that. Is the quality os the stand mentioned?
The stand being used in this video is not the proprietary Yamaha stand for the P125. It was a like a generic X-style stand. The little rubber feet on those tend to run off from time-to-time leaving a little bit of wobble.
Thank you sir@@MerriamPianos
does the roland rp701 have ALL features of the fp30x too? what does the rp 701 NOT have compared to fp30x
YES.
One note though. With FP30X you select tone by pressing the tone button and one of the keys. With RP701 you have to select with the rotary button. So if you need to switch tones fast FP30X is the better choice. Or you can always use the Piano Every Day app.
My keyboard just broke and Im here to hear what you say. Hmmm Yamaha or Roland I will probably just get yamaha. They are very reliable!
I am sorry to hear that your keyboard broke! With that said, the best bet is to get into a showroom and test out as many models as possible to make sure you find the right fit for you. :)
You are the HDTV Test, so the Vincent of Piano's for SURE
Thank you kindly! We appreciate that. :)
yamaha sounds better to me but my fp30x arrives tmr in the mail. i bought it for the action. i hope it sounds good in person
Congrats on your FP30X! The PHA4 action is exceptional and worth every penny! It also sounds fantastic as well. It is a more balanced voice than the P125 in my opinion. However, tone and touch preferences always come down to subjectivity of course.
Hola, Ud. es un muy buen Pianista!!!! Si Ud toca con esa sensibilidad gravando un video comercial, creo imaginar lo bueno que seria escuchar y ver a Ud en lá Sala de su casa.
No se si Los pianos son buenos, Ud. si que és bueno, Excelente!!!!! Saludos desde Argentina.
Thank you for tuning in! I will be sure to pass along your kind words to Stu on your behalf! :)
Which one have honky tonk sound?
Could you possibly review the Korg B2?
Don't bother, it sounds great but the keys develop clicking that is so bad you can hear it above half full volume, and it's a shame because a lot of them have that issue, Roland too can have the same issue so go Yamaha, or Kawai ES110. My B2 has a really nice tone, better than Yamaha speakers but it is actually going back to the store tomorrow for a refund, almost a year in and played on average one and a half to two hours six days a week, not a great track record for keys to fail with that amount of use. I'm going for the P145, good reports on heavy use with no key issues.
I had P71 and returned it because sluggish to play - plus it didn't have enough loud enough velocity control to use for midi. wondering if P125 any better?
I imagine the P125 would be a step up. However, the FP30X features in this video is also worth consideration. In my opinion, it is the best action and sensor system available at this price point.
Yamaha piano sounds much better for me!
For me too
For sure!!!!!
Me too
Absolutely. I can't believe there is people talking about "Rolland sounds a lot more natural".
26:04 would you like to compare the best keyboards that are like acoustic piano in the market that is not that expensive, maybe the Korg D1, Roland FP-30X, Kawai ES520 or 120? Some say the Korg D1 is the best and the PHA-4 is not as good compared to the Korg's RH3
Hi there! We try to tackle as many review and comparison video suggestions from our community members as possible. We have had a number of calls to cover the Korg D1 in future comparison videos and have added it to the list of potential candidates. Thanks for tuning in and thanks for the suggestion! :)
@@MerriamPianos thank you. I have a P125 but then was thinking of getting a DGX670 for the CFX sound, but then it has the old style keyboard GHS, and it seems that CFX sound can be obtained from VSL or Garritan CFX... so it seems the sound nowadays can be easily set up, especially if on the Mac using Garageband or Mainstage, because we don't have to worry about the audio driver like on the PC (MME, DirectSound, ASIO), and just go with the Mac's default Core Audio driver. We can even get a Pianoteq Steinway D for $59, or SONiVox Eighty Eight Ensemble 2 for its Steinway (actually, I tried the recent Garageband Steinway and it wasn't bad... not sure if Apple tweaked it). So if the sound is easily available, then maybe there is a trend that the piano keyboard is more important. (some people say P125's GHS Grand Hammer Standard is a 20 year old technology and is outdated). Somebody was using a Roland FP-10 with Pianoteq Steinway D and for $600 plus $59 which is $659, he is getting a $200,000 Steinway D sound, so maybe FP-10 is a good entry point... for $599, but then, some people say PHA-4 isn't that great, and Korg D1 is only about $729
@@MerriamPianos while I am checking out Korg D1 vs Roland FP-10 and FP-30X, somebody mentioned Arturia KeyLab MkII, and there is a Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII 88-key on Amazon, with 80 reviews, and 95% of users gave it 5 stars... that is pretty rare... so you might want to check it out... or maybe you already have
Is there a way to make these keyboards less wobbly?
It ultimately depends on the stand you are using. The designer stands built for these models are usually quite sturdy. :)
Coming from someone who is used to an 88-key Semi Weighted controller - I played a Yamaha P125 today at the music store - and it felt SO heavy and SO sluggish.Are all weighted key beds like that? I LIKED the feel, but it also felt like it could be really annoying.
I think it is also a matter of getting used to something new. While it may feel more strenuous to play at first, there are a lot of benefits that come along with a heavier action. Firstly, your dynamic control and capabilities will expand quite drastically (particularly when playing at very soft dynamic levels). You will also start to feel a greater sense of connectivity to your instrument.
I just like the ''Roland piano sound'' and PHA4 action. I also do enjoy the ivory feel keys. Sure, the down firing speakers are not ideal and I still cannot understand why they keep doing this (not just Roland), but through headphones or studio monitors the Roland sound is very nice, very life like (the base concert piano) and the base piano sound is what I use 95% of the time. Triple vs dual sensor, I can't really tell the difference in normal use. Escapement is rather unnecessary as you don't really notice it unless you look for it. The only thing that I really do not like is that the FP-30X uses white LEDs, that are very bright. I have to cover the backlit buttons when playing at night, or at reduced ambiet light conditions.
Your comments are spot on. According to Stu the escapement feel helps him when he wishes to play very softly. He's a much better pianist than I am, but for me the escapement feature is essentially meaningless. I'm playing a DGX-670 at the moment, and while it has escapement it it's extremely subtle. The DGX has a spring action, and the escapement feels like there is a second spring kicking in, but I really don't know how the mechanism works. Perhaps the leaf spring just touches a wire that makes it feel momentarily slightly stiffer. In any case I'm with you. Digital pianos don't need escapement. Another point you brought up is dual and triple sensors. My previous Casio had triple sensors, while the DGX has only two. I can't tell the difference. However there is no latency between the DGX and the Pianoteq voice on my Linux Laptop. That allows internal DGX piano voices to be played simultaneously with a Pianoteq voice, and the end result is one of the finest pianos I have ever played, acoustic or digital. In fact the sound rivals that of an extremely expensive larger grand piano.
Finally the excessively bright LED's could be extremely annoying if the instrument is being played in a dark stage environment, and they become blinding.
I've always been a fan of Roland gear. I would die playing just the DGX piano voices with out the addition of Pianoteq to bring genuine life to the sound. At the same time adding the DGX support to Pianoteq enriches their piano tone significantly.
My big disappointment with the DGX is the fact that the string voices and other pad voices don't sustain with the sustain pedal, and that is an extreme handicap to an otherwise lovely sounding instrument. I would really like to know about the latency of these other instruments like Stu is demonstrating today when they are connect via MIDI to Pianoteq.
latency doesnt happen in your keyboard. it happens in your laptop. if you have a bad audiointerface or driver for your pc then you feel latency on your recording. however audiointerfaces have a monitoring function that allows you to hear the sound before the process which causes latency happens. it seems your stuff you use is good. with your current laptop you should be able to play on every keyboard without latancy. (i dont own a vst but i made some research for the case i want to buy one. nothing what i said is from "experience")
@@JoeLinux2000 DGX670 uses GHS action which does not offer escapement mechanism.
@@scottliu6042 You don't really need escapement on a digital piano.
@@philipcooper8297 I know, I was just stating that GHS does not have escapement.
tnx!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How did u record direct line out sound to camera? What tool did u use?
I wanna know the answer to this too
Stu, what is your opinion in which might be there better for playing Classical music on with there Concert Grand sound?
Min 6.49 .. the Tempo of the Song.. Is it binary or ternary ?
Hi there! I'm not sure if I understand the question correctly.
@@MerriamPianos songs always have binary shape (eg 2/4) or ternary shape (eg 3/4)
Please Korg b2 vs Yamaha p45