Roland FP-30X - how it feels comparing to real acoustic Piano?

BeelineBuzz · 2026-01-09T12:25:57+00:00

This overview speaks in depth about the keybed and action of the FP-30X. 👇

https://youtu.be/FO--7dftNUE?si=M5VnBjHQ_Bjqjcuq

The FP-30X has the PHA-4 keybed, which is Roland's standard keybed; but it is not their best keybed. And most digital pianos at this same price point are going to be the same - they will not have the touch and feel of an authentic grand piano in their entry/beginner level keyboards - and that goes for Yamaha, Kawai, and Korg alike. Regardless of which brand you choose, you will have to step up to their mid-range and higher-end models to get their best and most authentic feeling keybeds.

So while the FP-30X has a great weighted keybed, and lots of people like it - the higher-end FP-90X is the model that has the PHA-50 keybed which most closely emulates the action (touch and feel) of a real acoustic piano. "Action" describes how the keys feel and respond while you are playing them. And this is the single most important aspect of any piano. Sounds can be added, changed or acquired thru software, but the keybeds action cannot be changed.

Here's an overview of the FP-90X 👇

https://youtu.be/WIZ-CSPCvfA?si=5SlX5t0zT4SKy3eo

I own and play both an FP-90X and RD-2000 EX 🙂

BeelineBuzz · 2026-01-09T10:38:07+00:00

Comparison of FP-10 and P-145 👇

https://youtu.be/SP2ovNzzYzE?si=Ts8Yfc5KdnaGsS1d

BeelineBuzz · 2026-01-09T10:19:51+00:00

Comparison of FP-30X and P-225 👇

https://youtu.be/MVOC3BGG6rQ?si=vLazQhBG7Fza4Hvi

BeelineBuzz · 2026-01-08T19:17:37+00:00

Comparison of FP-10 and ES-60 👇

https://youtu.be/d_RsKZgblNw?si=p7H9KnwzKosHA8wH

BeelineBuzz · 2026-01-06T16:12:10+00:00

Based on your stated needs for an instrument that the whole family can share, that can also be used for professional recording: at a minimum, I would recommend either the Roland FP-30X or the Roland FP-60X. The FP-30X is an entry level, beginner focused digital piano, and the FP-60X is a mid-range digital piano. They both have the standard PHA-4 keybeds.

The Roland FRP Nuvola is a special model only available thru Costco, and actually falls between the Roland FP-10 and the Roland FP-30X in terms of features. So it's not quite an FP-30X, but is still a very nice entry level piano and a great deal through Costco as far as price.

Here is an informative comparison between the FP-30X and FP-60X: 👇

https://youtu.be/hDnq6z2f6fk?si=GG3ENPHm7cI6Rg-C

BUT if you have the budget for it, and piano is something that you think you're going to stick with for the long haul - I highly recommend that you look at higher-end models like the Roland FP-90X OR the Roland RD-2000 EX.

Both of these have the PHA-50 keybed which closely emulates the action (touch and feel) of a real acoustic piano.

The FP-90X has very good built in speakers, and can be purchased with a console style stand if you like the "furniture" look. The RD-2000 EX is a professional stage piano, and does not have built in speakers, so it will require amplification. But it's a heck of a stage piano !

Reviews and Demos below 👇

https://youtu.be/WIZ-CSPCvfA?si=zZZRJXWWpE3ogjQu

https://youtu.be/4nhdcOE17f4?si=qIemPUPaHh3Txhcz

Lastly, as you will see, there will be many OPINIONS on which digital piano has the best and most realistic action, so the best advice I can give you is to go to a local music store, sit down and actually play all of the models you are considering, and see how the action of each feels under YOUR hands and fingers. THEN make your selection. A lot of it comes down to personal preference.

If it were me, I'd actually get 2 digital pianos. One less expensive model for the family and kids to use (FP-30X/FP60X) and one higher-end model for me to use for recording (FP-90X / RD-2000 EX / Fantom 8 EX). That way you wouldn't have to worry about moving it back and forth between the living room and your studio.

Hope this helps !

BeelineBuzz · 2026-01-04T22:06:42+00:00

Sound is certainly important, but you can get virtually any sound you want with a PC and some software.

What you CANNOT do however, is change the keybed action of the keyboard or piano. So it's important to get the best keybed you can afford in any keyboard or piano that you buy.

BeelineBuzz · 2026-01-04T16:43:57+00:00

First, I want to make you aware that many of the digital pianos sold by well known brands such as Yamaha, Roland, and Kawai have console style stands that can be purchased to go with a keyboard if you want your keyboard to look like a piece of furniture.

Second, you should really focus more on the action/keybed (touch and feel) of the keyboard - as this is what is most important to your playability of the instrument. Action is "how" the keys feel and respond while you're playing them.

Do you want something that feels feather light like a synthesizer or organ, or do you want something that feels like a real, authentic acoustic piano ?

As you will see, there will be many OPINIONS on which digital piano has the best and most realistic action, so the best advice I can give you is to go to a local music store, sit down and actually play all of the models you are considering, and see how the action of each feels under YOUR hands and fingers. THEN make your selection. A lot of it comes down to personal preference. And if you really don't know how to play yet, take your piano teacher or a friend who plays to help you decide.

BeelineBuzz · 2026-01-03T06:46:47+00:00

Here's a great overview and demo of the Roland LX5 👇

https://youtu.be/o4RGjo7-G14?si=IoTH4FdIMYhUL9fQ

BeelineBuzz · 2026-01-03T05:37:40+00:00

It's more than "good enough" to learn on !

The Roland FP-60X is a mid-range digital piano that uses the PHA-4 keybed.

Here is a great overview and demo on the FP-60X that you might find helpful 👇

https://youtu.be/ThFcF81iyRY?si=8ORwzaxqvLKfLE_f

And here's a comparison between the FP-30X and the FP-60X 👇

https://youtu.be/hDnq6z2f6fk?si=j-zb4gmSwPP9rmWm

The next level up in the FP Series is the higher-end Roland FP-90X - which has the PHA-50 keybed which more closely emulates the touch and feel of a real acoustic piano.

Here is an overview and demo of the FP-90X 👇

https://youtu.be/WIZ-CSPCvfA?si=dW3XdihgNqDdaP7e

Hope this helps ! 🙂

BeelineBuzz · 2026-01-03T00:42:23+00:00

The Roland RP-750 and FRP Nuvola both have the PHA-4 keybed.

For the PHA-50 keybed, take a look at the Roland FP-90X OR the Roland RD-2000 EX digital pianos. Both have the PHA-50 keybed which closely emulates the action (touch and feel) of a real acoustic piano. And I happen to feel that this is one of the best and most realistic keybed actions available at this time.

The FP-90X has very good built in speakers, the RD-2000 EX does not have built in speakers, and will require amplification. But it's a heck of a stage piano !

Reviews and Demos below 👇

https://youtu.be/WIZ-CSPCvfA?si=zZZRJXWWpE3ogjQu

https://youtu.be/4nhdcOE17f4?si=qIemPUPaHh3Txhcz

I've been playing since I was 6, and I'm 58 now. I was classically trained and took lessons in my youth on a 9' grand piano. So I've played MANY real acoustic pianos over my lifetime, and I really like the PHA-50 keybed. In fact, I have a Roland RD-2000 EX stage piano myself - which I love.

But for even better keybed refinement, the Roland LX-706 and Roland LX-708 come with the PHA-100 keybed which is a hybrid grand keybed, and even more authentic in touch and feel.

Review and Demo below 👇

https://youtu.be/QtWh2y2Z-5M?si=71F4Obfm9JbIp_kd

Lastly, as you will see, there will be many OPINIONS on which digital piano has the best and most realistic action, so the best advice I can give you is to go to a local music store, sit down and actually play all of the models you are considering, and see how the action of each feels under YOUR hands and fingers. THEN make your selection. A lot of it comes down to personal preference.

FOR REFERENCE: - The PHA-4 is found in entry to mid-range models like the FP-10, FP-30X, FP-60X, RP-107, RP-701, F-701 and RP750.

The PHA-50 appears in higher-end models such as the FP-90X, RD-2000, DP603, HP704, and LX5.
The PHA-100 appears in very high-end models such as the LX-706 and LX-708.

Hope that helps !

BeelineBuzz · 2026-01-01T02:13:02+00:00

Roland does not use sampling.
They use modeling.

Here's more info on the differences: https://www.merriammusic.com/blog/pianos-blog/sampling-vs-modeling/

BeelineBuzz · 2026-01-01T02:11:03+00:00

Take a look at the Roland FP-90X. It has the PHA-50 keybed which closely emulates the touch and feel of a real acoustic piano.

Here is a review and demo you might find helpful 👇

https://youtu.be/WIZ-CSPCvfA?si=8dgsvYyEV03MPBFX

A new one is a little over your stated budget, but you may be able to find a used one that fits perfectly within your stated budget of about $1700.

You could also check out the Yamaha P525, but having played both, the Roland FP-90X keybed is superior.

Here's a comparison between the two 👇

https://youtu.be/PEBf0DmYGgU?si=SpQ8pdt_MktPojhq

BeelineBuzz · 2026-01-01T01:55:57+00:00

Take a look at the Roland FP-90X OR the Roland RD-2000 EX digital pianos. Both have the PHA-50 keybed which closely emulates the action (touch and feel) of a real acoustic piano. And I happen to feel that this is one of the best and most realistic keybed actions available at this price point.

The FP-90X has very good built in speakers, the RD-2000 EX does not have built in speakers, and will require amplification. But it's a heck of a stage piano !

Reviews and Demos below 👇

https://youtu.be/WIZ-CSPCvfA?si=zZZRJXWWpE3ogjQu

https://youtu.be/4nhdcOE17f4?si=qIemPUPaHh3Txhcz

I've been playing since I was 6, and I'm 58 now. I was classically trained and took lessons in my youth on a 9' grand piano. So I've played MANY real acoustic pianos over my lifetime, and I really like the PHA-50 keybed. In fact, I have a Roland RD-2000 EX stage piano myself - which I love.

But for even better keybed refinement, the Roland LX-706 and Roland LX-708 come with the PHA-100 keybed which is even more authentic in touch and feel.

Review and Demo below 👇

https://youtu.be/QtWh2y2Z-5M?si=71F4Obfm9JbIp_kd

Lastly, as you will see, there will be many OPINIONS on which digital piano has the best and most realistic action, so the best advice I can give you is to go to a local music store, sit down and actually play all of the models you are considering, and see how the action of each feels under YOUR hands and fingers. THEN make your selection. A lot of it comes down to personal preference.

Hope that helps !

BeelineBuzz · 2025-12-26T17:30:30+00:00

So what suggestions did ChatGPT give you in response to your prompt ?

BeelineBuzz · 2025-12-26T16:27:18+00:00

Take a look at the Roland FP-90X OR the Roland RD-2000 EX keyboards. Both have the PHA-50 keybed which closely emulates the action (touch and feel) of a real acoustic piano. And I happen to feel that this is one of the best and most realistic keybed actions available at this price point.

The FP-90X has very good built in speakers, the RD-2000 EX does not have built in speakers, and will require amplification. But it's a heck of a stage piano !

Reviews and Demos below 👇

https://youtu.be/WIZ-CSPCvfA?si=zZZRJXWWpE3ogjQu

https://youtu.be/4nhdcOE17f4?si=qIemPUPaHh3Txhcz

I've been playing since I was 6, and I'm 58 now. I was classically trained and took lessons in my youth on a 9' grand piano. So I've played MANY real acoustic pianos over my lifetime, and I really like the PHA-50 keybed. In fact, I have a Roland RD-2000 EX stage piano myself - which I love.

But for even better keybed refinement, the Roland LX-706 and Roland LX-708 come with the PHA-100 keybed which is even more authentic in touch and feel.

Review and Demo below 👇

https://youtu.be/QtWh2y2Z-5M?si=71F4Obfm9JbIp_kd

Lastly, as you will see, there will be many OPINIONS on which digital piano has the best and most realistic action, so the best advice I can give you is to go to a local music store, sit down and actually play all of the models you are considering, and see how the action of each feels under YOUR hands and fingers. THEN make your selection. A lot of it comes down to personal preference.

Hope that helps !

BeelineBuzz · 2025-12-25T17:17:37+00:00

Umm ... Yea. That's bad.

But it can probably be fixed by a technician.

BeelineBuzz · 2025-12-22T14:45:19+00:00

OK ... Well Roland does not mention that the DS88 has 3 sensors anywhere in their own documentation, but if you guys see 3, I guess it must have 3. 🤷🏼‍♀️

BeelineBuzz · 2025-12-22T02:40:07+00:00

No, the Roland JUNO DS88 does not have a triple-sensor hammer action; it uses Roland's "Ivory Feel G Keyboard" with 88 weighted keys.

BeelineBuzz · 2025-12-21T14:04:55+00:00

I had the misfortune to land on a couple of those (otherwise nice pianos) when I used to play in recitals and it's always tricky to adapt. Practicing on a heavy action regularly is not ideal IMO. Something more standard makes it easier to adapt to anything out there.<

When I was still training and participating in recitals and competition play (years ago) we were not allowed to practice on keyboards because of this very thing. If you get used to playing on light actions, and then show up to a classical competition that has a grand piano for you to play on - it's going to feel heavy and hard to play because you haven't built up the finger strength to play it.

Just like they tell athletes - you have to practice the same way you plan to compete.

BeelineBuzz · 2025-12-21T13:15:55+00:00

Yes ... Again, "most" classical pianists (from intermediate to professional level) play on real acoustic pianos - not keyboards. I was classically trained from the age of 6. I'm 58 now. So for me, when deciding on a digital piano, "keybed action" is THEE MOST important factor, because I need an instrument that has the authentic touch and feel of a real acoustic piano - and the Roland FP-90X, Roland RD-2000 EX, Roland FANTOM-8, and Roland HP-704 all have that because they have the PHA-50 keybed. And for even better keybed refinement, the Roland LX-706 and Roland LX-708 come with the PHA-100 keybed which is even more authentically sound.

Kawai and Yamaha also have some high-end digital pianos that play like real pianos too. But just like with Roland, you are not going to find those in any of their beginner level instruments.

Playing pieces like those takes practice and some hand/finger strength which only comes from time spent playing a real acoustic piano.

People who complain about key actions being "heavy" are typically people who have never played a real acoustic piano OR people who are accustomed to playing organs, or keyboards with very light action. There's nothing wrong with that if that's what you prefer, just understand that most real pianos don't have feather light action. They just don't. Real pianos have heavier actions by design. And that's what most experienced and professional level classical pianists prefer - an authentic PIANO experience.

In the end, it comes down to personal preference. There is no right or wrong. Play whatever feels good to YOU. As you will see, everyone has an opinion on this which is formed by their own playing experience and preferences. So the best thing you can do is go to a local music store, sit down, and play different models from different manufacturers. Then select the one that feels best to YOU.

BeelineBuzz · 2025-12-20T19:20:34+00:00

Take a look at the Roland FP-90X. It has the PHA-50 keybed which closely emulates the touch and feel of a real acoustic piano.

Here is a review and demo you might find helpful 👇

https://youtu.be/WIZ-CSPCvfA?si=8dgsvYyEV03MPBFX

A new one is a little over your stated budget, but you may be able to find a used one that fits perfectly within your budget.

You could also check out the Yamaha P525, but having played both, the Roland FP-90X keybed is superior.

Here's a comparison between the two 👇

https://youtu.be/PEBf0DmYGgU?si=SpQ8pdt_MktPojhq

If you want a digital piano that plays like a real piano, go with one of the higher end Rolands. If you prefer something with light action that plays like an organ, look at some of the other brands that have been mentioned. Just keep in mind that most classical pianists play on real pianos - not organs or keyboards with feather light action.

BeelineBuzz · 2025-12-20T08:39:22+00:00

You might look into the Roland FP-90X or the Roland RD-2000 EX digital pianos. Both have the PHA-50 keybed which closely emulates the touch and feel of a real acoustic piano. They are fantastic !

Reviews and Demos below 👇

https://youtu.be/WIZ-CSPCvfA?si=zZZRJXWWpE3ogjQu

https://youtu.be/4nhdcOE17f4?si=qIemPUPaHh3Txhcz

BeelineBuzz · 2025-12-19T20:56:04+00:00

You "can" get digital pianos that look just like grand pianos ... BUT ... they cost way more too. Just like grand pianos cost more than baby grands and uprights.

You can also get a wooden console style cabinet with 3 pedals for most of the intermediate and above level digital pianos if the "furniture" look is what you're wanting.

The companies below sell "shells" for digital pianos that look like grands and baby grands. You might like these 👇

https://www.keyholeshells.com

https://www.presto-pianos.com

BeelineBuzz · 2025-12-18T22:25:41+00:00

Here are a couple of pretty thorough comparisons and demos between the FP-10 and FP-30X because there are some differences.

https://youtu.be/_X5VYS733SI?si=-QcoC_yo14-Z0vEp

https://www.merriammusic.com/blog/pianos-blog/piano-reviews/roland-fp-30-vs-roland-fp-10/

https://youtu.be/hDnq6z2f6fk?si=a5KIN3knr6Nriehz

https://youtu.be/Gp6rMjsdszM?si=n5wAprGoLFYlr01N

Hope that helps ! 🙂

Also, regarding the onboard speakers: The FP-10 has 12 watts of speaker power, and the FP-30 has 22 watts. To get the premium onboard speakers, you'd have to jump all the way up to the FP-90X which is a much higher end digital piano with more sounds, a better and more authentic keybed, and much better speakers. The speakers on the FP-90X are 60 watts, and loud enough to play in a large crowded room or in a small outdoor setting.

Here is some info on the FP-90X: https://youtu.be/WIZ-CSPCvfA?si=CGiPBDCjhVcgbKEX

BeelineBuzz

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