LearnJazzPiano.com archives: Got a new Roland FP4 digital piano

Jazz+ -- 04/02/2007, 22:05:40 -- #34351

I bought a FP4 to replace my Kawai ES4 and FP2 (+ SRX11, SRX12 in XV-2020) for gigging. The FP4 action is really fast. The key return is quicker than  any digital piano I have played. I found it noticeably more difficult playing the same fast scale runs on the other models in the showroom, which were the RD-700SX, FP7, RD-300SX (slowest), Kawai MP8, CP-300. The new textured key surfacing is very nice, it gives much better traction and feels almost like ivory keys. My old ES4 and FP2 keys are easier to slip on. The FP4 "Piano 1" uses the same samples as the "Superior Grand" on the RD-700SX,  not the "Ultimate Grand" samples found in the RD-300SX and Fantom. The "Superior Grand" on the RD-700SX has a fatter note sustain after the initial attack and somewhat more clarity.  However, when playing live I think that the FP-4 will sound almost exactly the same. I listened while my friend played the same repeated melody and chords back and forth between the RD-700SX and the FP4 using a Motion Sound stereo amp. From a distance of  20 feet and then 30 feet, with my eyes closed, they sounded virtualy the same to me, especialy the single note runs. Listening up close, especialy when playing full chords, the RD-700SX had the edge with a fatter woodier sound with better presence. But with a little bass boost the FP4 single note runs were almost identical. I think that the RD-700SX Piano 1 is better for playing solo at home and for recording, but for live I don't hear much difference. And the FP4 weighs only 33 pounds.

kensuguro -- 04/03/2007, 06:00:24 -- #34351

wow, didn't know the thing was so light AND had internal speakers

Whacky -- 04/03/2007, 07:16:21 -- #34351

Wow - thanks Jazz+! My second FP8 just bit the dust (keys crumbled like bad teeth)  I've been considering the RD700Sx or the S90, but the thought of an FP series was one I wanted to check out further.  I did not know they were so light too!

Whacky -- 04/03/2007, 07:19:46 -- #34351

I meant Yamaha S90ES  I've played each of those live and was not blown away by either one...(I love my cue stick piano)

Paul -- 04/05/2007, 05:40:43 -- #34351

Sounds like a nice keyboard. Are the internal speakers loud enough for a low to moderate level group situation in a small venue?

charlp88 -- 04/05/2007, 08:03:32 -- #34351

hey JAZZ what did it cost? thx Charlie

Whacky -- 04/05/2007, 12:04:14 -- #34351

In a a quick 10 second yahoo search I found them between $1295 & $1495 USD....

Jazz+ -- 04/05/2007, 13:35:55 -- #34351

I paid $1015 (+ $20 shipping)

Whacky -- 04/05/2007, 14:52:43 -- #34351

was that online or a local store?

DaveB -- 04/08/2007, 15:38:48 -- #34351

"was that online or a local store?" "+$20 shipping" Online is my guess!! Dave

jaledin -- 04/08/2007, 21:39:55 -- #34351

Am I reading you correctly when you say you're no longer using the SRX-12 expansion card?  Even if you are still using the SRX Rhodes, would you say the FP-4 Rhodes is adequate for "exposed" playing -- taking solos, comping in a small combo, even solo piano?

Whacky -- 04/09/2007, 12:42:10 -- #34351

Good guess Dave, but I've learned that "Assume" makes and "Ass" out of "U" and "Me" :) The real question is whether Jazz+ plus got a special deal because of some connection or is it a tip he is  willing to share. I'm guessing it's the former - but then there's that "Ass" "U" Me" thing again :)

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