I've been researching these pianos for weeks, and you just helped me make the decision in a single video. This is the best review on this topic, by far.
@@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12 I've listened to a lot of Stu's reviews including the Yamaha keyboards. I have a p515 and found Stu's review to be dead on. I have yet to see any evidence at all of bias towards one brand or another.
That is awesome to hear! Congrats on your new FP30X! It is a powerhouse instrument for the money. I know you will be thrilled with what it has to offer musically. :)
I was sitting on the fence. I think I’ve watched about 600 keyboard reviews. 😂 These two digital pianos both seem to be excellent keyboards that I think most people will be happy with in the end. I was leaning, rather strongly, towards the Yamaha, mostly because that’s where all of my musical (non-piano) experience is. I’ve always had good experiences with Yamaha, so since they seemed so close, I was going to get the Yamaha, until I watched this review. You made me feel much more comfortable with the Roland in this comparison. Thank you for all of the good information. I’m looking forward to getting started on the piano again. (I took lessons as a very young child.) New subscriber.
Hi! Brent here! Thank you kindly for tuning in! It is exciting to hear that you're relaunching your piano journey! The FP30X is an exceptional instrument, so I'm happy to hear that these videos helped further introduce you to the model. They offer an exceptional cost-to-value ratio as well as one of the most authentic feeling actions at their price point. I am confident that you will be very pleased with what it offers musically. :)
I don’t want to start a fight obvs, but I’ve been playing piano for 30 years. The Roland has noticeably better ambience and tones and how it sounds at varied columes. The tone becomes very different at different volumes. where the Yammy just gets quieter or louder with the same tones (to my ears). I’m going to go check an 30X and see if escapement makes a huge different in feel. I trained on a Korean acoustic and I want to find something similar to that. It is a $300 dollar different though. The P225 comes in white (which the FP10 doesn’t so if I want that aesthetic the starting point with Roland is the FP30. These are great reviews you guys put out. Very helpful.
Thanks so much! We really appreciate that. We're glad that you have found the reviews/comparisons to be helpful. You certainly aren't starting a fight. The beauty of music and musical instruments is that the experience is subjective. Every person and player will have their own tastes and opinions. This ultimately makes music interesting and compelling. If everyone liked the exact same tones and the exact same stylistic decisions, all music would sound the same. That sounds like it would be quite boring to me (pun intended!). :)
Thank you for another great video 😀 I have had my FP30X for a year now, and it is a great piano for me as a beginner. Thanks to the reviews from Stu and his friends I was able to choose a piano that works for me. Thank you! 🙂
You're welcome! We're glad you found our content helpful in your selection process. Congratulations on your FP30X! It is an amazing instrument with a great combination of touch and tone. Happy playing! :)
@@rhapsodyman100 There are not any issues with the keys themself. There is a problem with lubricant, for some batches. 2 yr warranty should cover full service of that.
I’ve had a Roland FP8 since they came out, i’m guessing that might’ve been 38 years ago. I had been playing piano for 17 years at that time, so I was used to the variations in “real” pianos, including the differences in grands, uprights, consoles. The Yamaha DX7 had come out maybe the year before so I went through a short period of time where I really wanted that one. But I am a pianist and I needed a piano. I immediately fell in love with the FP8. The touch and the sound were both what I would have wanted in a traditional piano. I’ve had a couple buttons replaced and a slider replaced over the years. It still feels and sounds like a beautiful piano.
That's awesome to hear that you've got so much longevity out of your FP8! I'm happy to hear that you're still enjoying the musical experience that it offers. Thanks for tuning in! :)
Tried both. I’m just not a fan of the Roland action. Find it sluggish (and I have a heavy-action 6-ft. Kawai grand for comparison) not much like a real piano. Also find the 225 action improved over the 125 (which I consider to be light), and the sound better more mellow than the 125’s brightness. To each his own.
For sure! Tone and touch preferences are deeply personal and subjective. Every player will have their preference between these two digital piano titans. :)
Me neither. Action was a con for me for the Rolands. On the other hand, I guess I could live with it if I stopped comparing it to others after a while.
Last year, I began playing piano and bought an FP60x. It’s just a bit more money, but I think it added some nice features. Anyone considering a 30x or P225 should consider the 60X. That said, now that I know more about what I would like in a digital piano, I wish I would have went with the Fantom-08.
I am not sure about picking 60x over 30x this times... Because this models are from 2021, so maybe in finals of next year roland could release new models of the series...
I do not see any advantages of FP-60X over FP-30X. I had FP-90X and did not even use its internal sounds, let alone any features. I bought it strictly because of PHA50 action
I think the FP-60X is a swell instrument. Its biggest drawback is its weight, but it is built well and has super friendly controls at a modest price. It's ideal for the gigging pianist who doesn't need a fully-fledged stage piano, but does need to make a lot of adjustments on the fly, and can wheel the FP-60X down hotel corridors and so on. The Fantom 08 is lighter, but bulkier. The price is very good. I presume it has a graded action (PHA-4) but you might need to check, since synths and stage pianos often don't have grading.
The FP60X's speaker system in particular provide a wonderful sonic experience for the player! With that said, if you're mainly using the instrument with headphones or on stage, the FANTOM-08 is a very compelling option too! :)
Already having a Yamaha Genos with their CFX and C7 samples, I bought a Roland FP10 simply as a weighted controller keyboard. I fell in love so much with the Roland Piano sound I ended up getting the FP60X. True the Roland piano and Yamaha piano are chalk and cheese, but for me the Roland piano sound and key action is more expressive, more dynamic, and the Roland piano sound when performed through good hifi or monitors have a beautiful and musical depth, bottmo end, harmonic richness and just sounds more piano-like. That saying I'll still use the Yamaha piano sounds when recording, and for a 'clean' poppy piano. For just playing for enjoyment though I gravitate to Roland everytime.
Thanks for your insights! The Roland FP line is certainly impressive. The musical output is immense when you factor in the combination of their actions and state-of-the-art tone engines. :)
I went with the Roland a few years ago as a purchase for my daughter - first, because I’ve always been a fan of the brand, but also because I really liked the feel of it when I tried one before making my decision. Of course, I ended up getting it at a bad time (I think I paid about $160 more than what it sells for now - thanks, inflation), but for my daughter, it was worth it. My only (minor) gripe about it is that unlike their premium siblings (the 60X and 90X), they decided to go with a proprietary pedal connection instead of the 3 1/4 in. jacks used by their RPU-3 pedal set. 😕 Anyway, minor gripe but the important thing is that my daughter loves it. As she continues to progress, perhaps I’ll upgrade her to a 60X.
The FP30X is an excellent instrument! I'm glad to hear that your daughter has been enjoying it. Prices certainly fluctuate, which can sometimes lead to us paying a bit more at times. But, it is all relative of course. Thanks for tuning in and sharing your insights! :)
The pity of these reviews are that Stu noticably doesnt want to alienate any brand. And I get it, in the same price ranges there are most likely no big differences. But why review any piano if it always comes down to "they are the same other than the sound, and the sound preference is personal so test for yourself".
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in! I don't think that Stu has ever made any claims that two pianos are the same aside from the tone. Each different model presents a very different musical experience in a number of ways, including tone and touch. I believe the sentiment that Stu is expressing sometimes is that both pianos are viable options for players of a certain level and that there is no "best" instrument. The choice ultimately comes down to what a specific player connects or resonates with.
1.This is the best piano sound comparison I’ve ever seen (hundreds)! 2. It’s quite shocking to find them sounding so similar, actually. 3. The Roland sound used to be referred to as an “inside instrument”, more commonly found in a mix of a recording. 4. Although I prefer the Roland sound (dynamics/response) overall, the echo on the high notes is a bit too much. 5. Once again, such an excellent (professional) conclusion - keys, sounds… Yet, for speakers (show), I would probably bring a few monitors and a VST on an iPad 🙃
Thanks so much for the kind words! We really appreciate it. And thanks for sharing your insights and thoughts too! A lot of it comes down to subjectivity of course, but resources like external speakers and VSTs provide a lot of flexibility to achieve the exact sound you're looking for once you've found an instrument that you love the feel of.
The PHA4 action is an incredibly rewarding action! And I certainly agree. A really great set of headphones can really enhance the practicing experience. :)
@@mfurman It's not that pronounced on my unit and I use headphones (HD660s) 95% of the time anyway. On a different note, I've heard pianos with louder action than the fp30x.
Man... Before this video, the P-225 sounded to me to have the closest to a piano sound on its price range. Now, after listening to the FP30X, it sounds so digital xD
The new Roland app brings another 173 tones, same action as the 60x, just put a tablet where the music goes, it is definitely worth every penny. Plenty of nuance as well, the 30x is the best piano bang for the buck period.
Well you may be right about the FP-30X, but the P-125a has been very cheap lately, here in Europe. The Yamaha app needs a few more features, including a more sophisticated recording facility (say 4-track?) and some extra patches, such as saxes - then players could create their own play-alongs.
I am wondering why Stu never tests (or even mentions) how noisy (clicky) PHA-4 action can be, especially when the white keys are coming to the rest position. I started to check the noise of the actions after I realized that this is what usually bothers me about a piano action when playing very quiet (p or pp) passages. When I tested FP-10 recently and played J.S. Bach Prelude No.1 in C Major BWV846, I was distracted by the noise of lower octave key sounds and once again realized that I need quiet action. When playing an acoustic piano (C7 in my case), it is different because of dispersion of the sound but the keys do not click much when coming up to resting position. What is noisy are the sounds of moving pedal mechanism. GHC action of P-225 is light, quite fast and relatively very quiet but I like the escapement feel of PHA-4 and the fact that the keys move easily after the initial resistance. This is why I am still coming back to PHA-4 which is an interesting but compromised (by its clickiness) action. Michael
Hi! Brent here! It comes down to a matter of subjectivity when discussing an appropriate level of mechanical key noise associated with a specific action, such as the PHA4. Some players are highly sensitive to even the slightest degrees of mechanical key noise, while others don't seem to be too concerned or bothered by it. With that said, it also depends on the volume you play/practice at as well as whether or not you are using headphones or the onboard speakers. In any case, this is a decision that players will have to make for themselves when selecting a piano.
@@MerriamPianos It is not only about sensitivity of a player but how tolerant those around are to the constant clicking noise (assuming that the practice is done with the headphones). PHA-4 has a very specific thumping clicking noise
Thanks to Stu and Merriam for another enjoyable and informative video. I have a theory about why the audio over MIDI feature was missing on the P-125a. I have found that (as implemented on the P-125/P-121) it cuts out occasionally. A potential embarassment to Yamaha? Anyway, it's good to see it back again on the P-225. Presumably, it doesn't cut out anymore. One of the useful P-125/P-121 features is the on/off/auto switching for the inbuilt speakers. 7+7 watts is little for stage monitoring, but additional monitors can be added via the headphone outputs without eliminating the onboard speakers. This is potentially useful when the main outputs are already connected to a PA mixer or FOH system at a gig. I hope the P-225 has retained that feature. I agree with Stu who has mentioned that the GHS action is a bit tiring. I believe it's because the key return is a little too quick. I notice that I hold the keys back when I play these models. But I still prefer GHS as implemented on the P-125/121 to GHS as implememted on the P-45, because it responds better to rapid playing. Let's hope that the new GHC action is friendlier still. It's disappointing that Yamaha still hasn't added a battery option, or bluetooth or stereo line in. And I have doubts about the wisdom in moving the speakers and shortening the keys. On the P-125 you get two sequencing tracks, but you can't record bass on just one of these tracks - it has to be both, because bass only works in split mode, and single track recording only works without split mode. Let's hope that's been improved on the P-225. Though I haven't tried the P-225, I have tried the FP-30X. I like most things about it, but not the volume controls. Typical of Roland portable pianos, it needs a bit of tweaking IMO. The standard touch curve setting felt wrong to me and (lacking a screen) I ran out of time before I could find out how to change it. But IMO the sound improved a lot over the FP-30 and the lineouts are welcome - now it can be gigged more readily. I like the action too. The downward pointing speakers are OK till you get a carpeted floor. And Stu, didn't you mean to say Graded Hammer Action while explaining GHS?
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for checking out the video and writing in with your insights and experiences! We appreciate it. It is possible that the audio interface was removed on the P125A due to issues with its functionality. With that said, I know it will be a welcome return for many players out there that utilize that feature. As for the other features, they would be nice to include, but, generally, at this price point, manufacturers have to make certain concessions and focus in on investing costs on the areas that they feel are most impactful to the user's experience. Thanks again and all the best! :)
That is certainly a good way of putting it. They both offer very different flavours musically. I think you made a wonderful choice with the FP-E50 though! It is a powerhouse machine for the money. :)
Great review. I tend to be a Yamaha man, but I have to say I definitely liked the Roland a lot more. The clarity in tone at both ends was noticeable. Understandable they sampled two different pianos, but one thing I have noticed is the CFX gets a bit muddy When playing multiple notes or certain chords in the C1 and C2 range.
I have just tried a P-225 with its GHC action, but briefly. It is softer and smoother than GHS, perhaps less tiring, but I think I prefer the GHS on the P-125, even though it's a bit fierce on the key return. Better still IMO is the FP-30X action - the PHA-4.
Thanks for sharing your experiences and insights! The FP30X's PHA4 is quite the action for this price point, so it is definitely a difficult one to compete with.
Great! I was waiting for this so hard! 🤩Thank you for the effort. I'm looking forward to the "inevitable" match Kawai ES 120 vs Yamaha P 225! 😜Cheers from Europe. PS: At the moment, here the Yamaha P 225 is more expensive than the Roland FP 30x, 15-20%.
Thank you very much for your videos. I am a piano player and already own the MODX8, which I will still use for the gigs, where performance and sound is more important, because it has a really good key action and great sounds; however looks cheap and plasticy and has no built-in speakers. I just bought the P225 as my keyboard of choice for wedding gigs and jazz lounge at hotel bars. The design is really nice and it is super compact and lightweight. In the mid range I find the key action to be a bit hard but it's okay. Definitely a good "second piano" for me (even though I'm going to use it more often than my "first piano").
You are very welcome! Thank you for tuning in! It is certainly necessary to have an arsenal of several digital pianos at your disposal for different musical applications and situations. It sounds like you have an excellent pairing of instruments to tackle your needs. :)
Having 2 sensors is not always a disadvantage. More important can be how they are implemented. GHS is not my favourite action, but it's OK for entry level or light use on gigs. The P-121 (with GHS) for example, is the most portable graded hammer action piano in the world, and it's highly affordable too.
We're happy to be able to share this comparison as we know we had quite a few people waiting for it. We will be tackling a P225 versus an ES120 comparison as well. Stay tuned for that! ;)
Tone-wise, they're fairly even. Action wise, I don't think it's even close. The Kawai RH-C was already a better action than the Yamaha GH-S (better dynamic range, less stiff, a little easier to play at the back of the keys), but the Yamaha GH-C is even more compromised. Yamaha made the action worse to try to compete with Casio's line of crummy-action pianos which prioritize slimness over playability.
@@Persun_McPersonson Did you play on P-225? I had three digital pianos with PHA-4, one with PHA50, one with NWX, one with GHS, ES110 (and tested ES120) and currently have P-225. I do not feel that GHC is worse than GHS. It is definitely less noisy and nicer to play than PHA-4. By the way, I regularly play Yamaha C7 and I can easily move between that grand piano and P-225
I love your universal piano review show. If you completely run out of new pianos to review you might review piano amps, mostly because they are much louder than the zillions of low priced keyboards you’ve talked lots about. For example, practicing and learning with a good LOUD piano in your room. I recently got a 10” Roland mono amp that faces me and I’m liking it though with slight hi-res and distortion complaints. But bass and loud is fine.
Thanks so much! We're glad you have enjoyed them. Thanks for the suggestion! We actually just expanded our keyboard amp offering a few months ago, so I think tackling this subject in a future video is a great idea! :)
I've had the P-525 keyboard for less than 3 months, and there's a key that's no longer working. Despite it still being under warranty, the technical service is asking for 100 euros for the repairman's visit. Beware of the manufacturer's warranty, which is really poor.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! I am very sorry to hear that you have experienced issues with your manufacturer's warranty from Yamaha. We are not Yamaha dealers at this time, so I don't have too much experience with the company in terms of warranty claims. In any case, I hope that your P525 can be repaired at the lowest possible expense to you. Best of luck!
The Yamaha sounds decent but I do prefer the Roland overall. If I wanted to spend more money in this category I'd get the Roland, and if I wanted to spend less money I'd get a Casio. The Yamaha sort of occupies a middle space between the two which I don't think necessarily needs to be filled.
The FP30X is a very tough piano to compete with at this price point. With that said, every player will have different needs, which may lead them towards other models. For instance, the lightness and portability of the PXS1100 or PXS3100 make them really compelling options for gigging musicians. :)
Did you write those songs, Sir? I really like them! I really love the Roland sound. It's got a much better sound to me and sounds more like my acoustic piano.
In India, the Yamaha YDP 105 is only 50$ costlier than the P225. Is it worth considering that as an option ? I loved the feel of the YDP's ghs much more than the Roland Fp30x. While the YDP does not have CFX sampling. As for the P225, it definitely sounds the best to my ears , and its GHC action felt quite sturdy and well built but not on the lvl of YDP. Also it might be weird to say but I personally think the GHS used in Pseries is inferior to that in YDP or DGX.
It all comes down to a matter of personal preference of course. And, it sounds like you've really connected with the YDP's GHS action. I know that it is a tough call when you prefer the P225's tone. For me, I tend to prioritize the action when shopping for a digital piano as that is the invariable element of a digital piano. You can always get more speaker power/fidelity via an external amp and you can always access different piano sounds via VST plugins.
Went to Guitar Center for testing these pianos. I prefer the lighter action of Yamaha P225. FP30X felt heavy and a little tiring to play. Same thing with the FP10 currently sold by Costco.
Even with a beginner, the question is, does that person want to prioritize acoustic piano emulation or do they intend to move in the direction of rock, pop or jazz? If the former, then Roland. If the latter, between these two then Yamaha. I have researched, not played. But I would say, if multiple members of a household with different goals were going to be using the instrument, then definitely Yamaha is the versatile choice. At the entry level price point, the best instrument for someone who knows they want to play jazz or rock is the Casio Previa-PX1100. The Casio is good enough to use as gig keyboard but acoustic piano emulation is not its strength. I figured that out.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! At the end of the day, any of these instruments can be successfully used in any context. The decision really comes down to the musical preferences of the player. To some extent, tone is in the fingers. This essentially means that a gifted player can make virtually any instrument sound work for their musical goals.
I think that Yamaha could add more piano or other voices rather than insert onboard rythm style in this new p225. I agreed with the opinion of somebody for which there aren't many news expecially about electric pianos and other that are the same of the previous p125. Surely the keyboard could be higher quality level and new Cfx sample piano is very good. But this comparison,for me, put in evidence a supremacy of Roland fp30x!!!!! Without any doubt, Fp30x is at first place!!!!
It comes down to a matter of taste and preference of course, but the FP30X is a tough piano to compete with in this price category. It has a great blend of tone, touch, and features. :)
@@MerriamPianos Exactly Stud, and than Fp30x has one of the best keyboard as quality. We must remember that It has 3 sensors for each key and a weighted system as no other piano in its price range. Probably the best at all!!!! Surely,however, Yamaha in this new p225 has made a good job filling the empties of p125 in the connecting panel( another output for external highspeakers), new better quality Ghc keyboard and new Cfx acoustic piano voice that for me can rivalry with Fp30x grand piano 1, my preferred!!!!!
FP30X rocks as a newbie keys as well as MIDI. Coupled it with Ableton Live (Arturia and Roland Cloud Banks). Some black keys klick louder than the rest (with the sound off), don't know why. Maybe I'd have picked up Yamaha 225, but I was on Roland FP30 (due to your previous video and my friends' experince) and FP30x popped up. Thus I pratice some basic exercises, improvise, and enjoy FP30X. Thanx for the review!
You're very welcome! The FP30X is a really solid piano that presents an excellent cost-to-value ratio, particularly for players looking to optimize the key action in this price category. Thanks for tuning in! :)
Just got a Roland FP60X and also noticed right away some of the black keys click louder when playing at low volumes and even more noticeable when off. I do have a Kawai GL10 baby grand, a Yamaha P515 and a CasioGP510. Haven’t had that experience with those. I just love having multiple pianos to experience different tones and feel. Do you think all Rolands have this issue?
@@MerriamPianos and please when comparing digital pianos, compare how the keyboard functions and responds to a VST like pianoteq/keyscape , because for example I heard that the fp90x is a lot better than the p515, although the 515 is overall better of a stage piano it's not goot for Vst(or so I've been told). I'm really interested in the new grand-touch-S vs the pha-50 for the vsts because I'm thinking of getting something to the level of the vpc1 , but portable that also has some good sounds. The p525 might be the way to go
Very interesting (I believe you are in Canada?) Where I am the new Yamaha 225 is considerably more expensive than the Roland FP30X - Roland is approximately $770 USD and the Yamaha 225 is approximately - USD$ 1130! Wonder why that is? Both are basic models with no stands or frills, just the basic keyboard.
Yup - we are located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada! The prices do vary in different markets/regions. There are a number of reasons why that is, which vary from market to market of course.
The back facing speakers on the 225 are giving much better sound than even the p515 I think. It also has front speakers through the gap between the keys and the controls :)
General question about the 30x, I'm 1 year and a half in playing piano on a regular basis on the roland, I can now decently play Clair de Lune (see my channel) + couple other pieces, I'm wondering when shoud I upgrade to a higher tier of digital piano ? Right now I feel I can stick with the 30x a year or two, if you have experienced a difficult upgrade choice yourself please let me know ! thanks
Thanks for the question! That is ultimately a personal decision that every player will have to make. The FP30X is quite an impressive piano for the money and can certainly satisfy even high level players. The moment you feel uninspired or hindered by the musical performance of the instrument is usually a pretty good indication that an upgrade may be in order. :)
I'm currently in a dilemma between these 2. I love both actions and sound. Id say i love how substantial the roland feels but the yamaha doesn't have lateral give which i like
They are both very solid pianos. The decision really comes down to a matter of personal preference. With that said, I would personally give a slight edge to the FP30X due to the authenticity of its action. :)
Can you please review the Yamaha P-525? It’s an upgrade to the P-515, I know they upgraded the action to the Grand Feel S, but I’m curious if there’s anything else they upgraded as well such as the sounds.
As a completely beginner, I was about buy a new Yamaha P-145 with full price. Then I came across a person selling like-new Roland FP30X with $170 cheaper than the full price new YahamaP-145. Should I go for the second hand Roland? Your review made me indecisive a little 😂. But it’s a great review!
Thank you kindly! We're glad you enjoyed it. Personally, for me, the Roland FP30X is a far superior instrument, particularly when it comes to the feel of the action. With that said, I would make sure that the instrument is in good standing and that everything is functioning when purchasing from the used market.
I try to buy used when I can. I purchased a used Roland RD-600 nearly 30 years ago and it’s been an absolute solid piano. Other than having to replace a few broken hammers over time (routine wear and tear), I’ve had no problems at all with it. However, I’m looking to upgrade because the new models are so nice. If you can find a used Roland in good condition, I’d say go for it.
I like how they sound in the midrange, but in the treble particularly they are thin and with little sound. I like better keybed as well. But I guess the price then are double what it is for these pianos.
Naturally, more expensive models will offer more advanced tone engines and actions. But, in this price category, these two instruments are wonderful performers! :)
You can't judge a patch/sound too well via RUclips streaming. I have two pianos with the old CFiiiS patches, and I love these patches, even more than when I bought these pianos. Supposedly CFX patches are better, but I'd have to play CFX patches for quite a while to be sure. So far, I don't find them better, but I'm not playing the most delicate music. Nevertheless, the classical piano patch on mine (not the first patch) is a bit thicker (less tight) and interests me more at the moment. Yamaha patches aren't always thinner and brighter. Rolands can boom in a way that is unpianistic too my ears, but I still respect the FP-30X as a slightly better-than-entry-level piano.
Many thanks for this. As well as being informationally informative, it was a pleasure to watch and listen to your review. It is so nice to hear someone who plays well, approaches things methodically, and who is so articulate.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for taking the time to check out our channel. We're so happy to hear that you've been enjoying Stu's excellent reviews/comparisons. All the best and happy playing! :)
These two digital pianos have $300 price difference in Canada. The action of P-225 is much quieter than PHA-4! I recorded the sound of GHC and PHA-4 and put on my channel (search Michael Furmaniak). Here are the numbers illustrating the actions: Roland FP-30X: Action: Middle C (C4) - >60g C7 - ~51g C7 - 55g C3 - ~53g C4# - ~>50g - ~65g (middle of black key) ~ 80g to get the sound (T) on C4, 85g on C2; C7 - 80g (S)] Comparing with GHS, GHC keys are quite “springy” - especially the black ones. I can press both white and black keys (easier) close to the fulcrum than GHS. I have less problems playing soft (light touch) black and white keys simultaneously Thank you Stu! I like GHC but PHA-4 may be better for some pieces of music (closer to the feel of Yamaha C7 action that I play regularly). I currently have P-225 that I just use for practice - my playing and recording is done on Yamaha C7. I very much like how small and light P-225 is. Michael Ps. I had FP-10, A88 mkII and FP-30X - all returned because of clicking action. I like PHA-4 but I cannot tolerate how noisy the action is (especially after 3-4 months of intensive use)
Thanks for sharing the detailed analysis of the key weights of these two powerhouse digital pianos. We appreciate it! All the best and happy playing! :)
Согласен полностью, клавиши у Роланда стучат как подковы лошади по мостовой. Это постоянный звук мешал моим близким, когда я тренировался на гаммах в наушниках. Я продал свой FP30X, из за стука. И чем дальше, тем сильнее. И эта постоянная проблема с блютуз. Каждый раз приходилось его перенастраивать для Айпада. Но все равно я люблю Роланд.
@@Persun_McPersonson No, I am not saying it. PHA-4 action is better than GHS and definitely the action of PX-S1100/5000. I am just saying that GHC is not worse (at least I could not measure or feel the difference) than GHS, in this respect. I do not know what the difference in pivot length there is between GHC and GHS. The difference in depth between P-125 and P-225 can be to some extent attributed to the difference in speaker position. Notice that the depth of FP-10 is 258mm and P-225 is 272mm. The pivot length of PHA-4 is slightly less than 200mm
Hi! Brent here! Thanks so much! We're glad you have been enjoying our channel! We haven't got a P525 model in yet, but I imagine you will eventually see a review/comparison video featuring that model down the road. :)
It depends on which market you are talking about. The price (and corresponding price gaps) associated with different models vary from location to location.
Can you do a video on stretch tuning and why digital pianos come with that as default? It feels tedious to have to manually retune so many keys on the roland with its unreliable designer app. I wish there was an easy way to turn stretch on or off. Have only played real pianos a few times, to me stretch sounds out of tune.
Thanks so much for the suggestion! I think that would be a very interesting topic to tackle in a video. We will do our best to cover that topic in an upcoming video. :)
In Europe, the Yamaha is about 150 euros more expensive than the FP-30X. I would consider these in the same class of instruments. I've played the FP-30X and also tried the GHS (in a P45) and the Roland is so much better. I guess it would be the case for P225 and the new action. The smaller form factor is a selling point and can be important for some people though.
Thanks for the insights! And you're definitely right about the size and portability of the instrument playing a part in some players' decision making process. This is one of the really appealing aspects of a model like the Casio PXS1100. Thanks for tuning in and all the best! :)
Thanks for the video! I'd like to ask an advise; I basically only play classical music. I had a "real piano" until I moved and now I can only buy an electric piano, but don't have any experience with it. Which type would you recommend? One of these two? Casio (in this case which type?) Another one? I can't spend a huge amount of money, so I need something that costs more or less like these two! And I need something that feels similar to the acoustic piano and that is suitable for classical music. Thanks! 🎹
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in and sending in your question! While it all comes down to tastes and preferences, I personally feel that the Roland FP30X would be most aligned with what you're looking for. It has a heavy, authentic-feeling touch, which is one of the closest feels you will find to an acoustic piano.
Hi Stu - that's the third video I've watched today, and once again - BRAVO - thorough, informative and fascinating. One question for you - I too am hooked on instruments with long key pivot points (so sadly the Yam P225 has just dropped of my potential chuck-in-the-car and go-for-a-gig list) ... ... do you know of ANY authoritative source that lists key dimensions (visible length, hidden length to pivot, etc? Even width (my DX7 and SY99 synths have fractionally narrower keys than standard)?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you once again for tuning in! We appreciate all of the support. :) Unfortunately, key dimensions and pivot lengths are seldom discussed explicitly by manufacturers. To that point, the only real resources are things like message boards/forums. Some players out there open up various digital pianos, take measurements/photos, and share them with the community. With that said, perhaps, this is a topic that we have to take on ourselves via a video. ;)
I've got an FP-30x on the way. I've had a FP 10 before. This shows very well the warmth of the Roland sounds compared to the brilliance of the Yamaha. Helps cement my decision. It's a good video.
@Merriam Music thanks for the reply. According to Instrumental Covers last time I talked to them the P225 is at least 1.6 inches deeper than the Casio PXS3100 so I'm hoping the weight between white and black keys won't differ that much or hopefuly not at all🎹🎶
You're very welcome! Thanks for the question! :) At the end of the day, the most important thing is to test out the piano in person to see if you personally connect with its action and touch. Thanks again and happy playing!
@@MerriamPianos yeah review the p525 PLEASE asap! I'm totally considering buying it , but no one has reviewed it yet and waiting for you as I you are my most reliable source of info you are not buyous unlike many other channels
@@radoslavdragnev8797 Merriam Music is not a Yamaha dealer so they may put reviews of other digital pianos first, and they can be bias at times you're beteroff going to a store and trying it out for your self if possible🎹🎶
Can someone please help me decide? The Yamaha is brand new just came out a few months ago and the Roland is over 2 years old. Should that determine my purchase? It must be a bit outdated by now no? Or am I looking at this wrong
Hi! Brent here! Personally, I wouldn't let the fact that the FP30X has been out for a couple years rule it out. At the end of the day, it is the musical experience the instrument provides that is of critical importance. My suggestion would be to test both out in person and go with the one that you resonate with the most. :)
That is ultimately a question that every player will have to answer for themselves of course. Some may see the value in doing so, while others may want to hold off to jump into a higher-end model.
@@jamessun7851 There are some aspects of GHS that I like but GHC is faster and less noisy (this matters to me a lot). Do not forget about MIDI Audio and Digital Audio Interface
Unless the P225 has some specific feature you feel you need that the P125 doesn't have, I just can't see any reason to buy the P225. I'd save my pennies, and wait until I could afford to move up into a higher performance category. The P225 just doesn't seem to fit that bill...
Great review. Yamaha basic piano sound is like a big grand acoustic. Roland, while a nice sound, sounds like a nice ELECTRIC piano. I bought the 225. One important HIDDEN feature is the “touch” adjustment. The firmer touch has a warmer sound but the soft touch has a brighter sound- totally separate from the piano selector switch adding one more voice to the piano. To change touch hold piano an press high C,D, or C#. From firm to soft is a big difference in sound!
I just ordered a YAMAHA P225 today and according to this video, there is not any obvious advantage on any aspect in the comparison? While FP-30x has larger dynamic range and doesn't have flt-area-hard-to-press issue. Should I return the YAMAHA P225 piano once it arrives and order a FP-30X?
It is really a matter of personal preference at the end of the day. These are both excellent pianos that boast fantastic cost-to-value ratios. The difference comes down to tone and touch preferences.
Strange. Here in Southern Africa the Roland FP-30X retails for around R17 000 (CAD 1 276). The Yamaha P225 is R25 000 (CAD 1 876). I wonder why that is? PS - I think your Roland link goes to a MIDI cable rather than the FP-30X, and the Yamaha link goes to the P125, not the P225.
Thanks for letting us know! I will let the production team know about the links. Ultimately, there are number of factors that impact the sale price of specific products and manufacturers in different regions/markets. In some cases, those disparities are quite pronounced.
It has to do with local distributors. Here in Brazil the local Casio distributor is the best, and prices are higher than the US, but not much. Yamaha is second place, with Korg and Roland being totally insane, charging around 3 to 4 times US prices.
Quite a high price, probably because of shipping and local markups so shops don't lose on selling the keyboards. It doesn't help that we (SA) don't have the dealers here that can sell directly at a good price and also limited options of financing it. I tend to look for an older model but that comes with it's own problems.
Sometimes, the prices of various models can differ quite substantially between different markets and regions. In Canada, the Yamaha P225 is less than the Roland FP30X.
I would only add that speakers are odd in that sitting 3 feet from a speaker is different from sitting 12 feet from it. It’s kind of like a director looking at a rehearsal from the front row and from the back row. Just saying.
Compared to Roland FP30X and Kawai ES120 updates this Yamaha feels underwhelming. You get shorter keys, smaller speakers, still no Bluetooth MIDI and higher price compared to P125. 😅
The FP30X and ES120 are certainly impressive offerings that are tough to compete with at this price point. With that said, it all comes down to a matter of personal preference in terms of tone and touch.
I wouldn't necessarily say one is better than the other. They are quite different in terms of form factor (the YDP145 is a console digital piano, whereas the FP30X is a portable digital piano). Beyond that, the decision ultimately comes down to one's musical preferences. I would personally give the edge to the FP30X as I find its action (PHA4) and tone engine (SuperNATURAL) to be more authentic feeling/sounding than the YDP145. But, it is a subjective matter of course.
Hi there! It really comes down to preference and budget, but I have always been a fan of Yamaha studio monitors. Models like HS7 or HS8 offer excellent value as well as a transparent sound that is ideal for digital pianos and VST plugins in my opinion. :)
The speakers are downward facing. So, with that said, the speakers would be pointing down towards the solid surface. It would not "mute" the sound, but it would affect it of course. With that said, models like the FP-E50 actually have a selectable "desk" and "stand" setting, which changes the speaker voicing to accommodate the specific context of use.
Thanks for the suggestion! We have quite a few videos in the queue right now, but I will certainly add that to the list of potential videos to cover in the near future. :)
So basically Yamaha has caved in to looks and portability and has made a piano with an overall poorer action. I guess they 'll see an increase in the sales of their GHS and GH3 pianos, especially from more advanced players. Anyway, I'll stick to my P-115 for a while longer...
Every customer's wants and needs are different of course. Thankfully, there are a plethora of options on the market for players to choose between, which ensures that most players can find an instrument that suits them. :)
Hi there! We take a direct line out feed into a Focusrite Scarlett interface. From there, we do not apply any post processing or effects to ensure the sound is represented as transparently as possible.
We take direct line out feeds from the pianos when capturing their tones. With that said, we do not do any additional tweaking or post-production work. We keep things as transparent as possible on that front. It is important to note that the environment the piano is in will have an impact on the overall sonic experience.
They are both excellent pianos! And you are certainly correct. It comes down to a matter of personal preference. You really can't go wrong with either option. :)
I've been researching these pianos for weeks, and you just helped me make the decision in a single video. This is the best review on this topic, by far.
We're so happy to hear that! We're glad you found our video helpful. :)
what did you choose?
@@licandres01 The FP-30X. It's really great.
The only unbiased, knowledgeable reviews on the internet. Thank you!
You're welcome! Thank you for the incredibly kind words! :)
I wouldn't say that. They are a Kawai/Casio/Roland dealer, and not a Yamaha dealer so who knows🎹🎶
@@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12 I've listened to a lot of Stu's reviews including the Yamaha keyboards. I have a p515 and found Stu's review to be dead on. I have yet to see any evidence at all of bias towards one brand or another.
Thanks for playing the same tunes on each. Makes comparison much easier.
You're welcome! Thank you for tuning in! :)
Eu já tive, pianos digitais, Roland, kurzweil, solton, e Yamaha, mas os sons da Yamaha, são superiores.
Finally pulled the trigger on a Roland FP30x, these review videos have been extremely helpful in helping me make my decision thank you for this!
That is awesome to hear! Congrats on your new FP30X! It is a powerhouse instrument for the money. I know you will be thrilled with what it has to offer musically. :)
I was sitting on the fence. I think I’ve watched about 600 keyboard reviews. 😂 These two digital pianos both seem to be excellent keyboards that I think most people will be happy with in the end. I was leaning, rather strongly, towards the Yamaha, mostly because that’s where all of my musical (non-piano) experience is. I’ve always had good experiences with Yamaha, so since they seemed so close, I was going to get the Yamaha, until I watched this review. You made me feel much more comfortable with the Roland in this comparison.
Thank you for all of the good information. I’m looking forward to getting started on the piano again. (I took lessons as a very young child.)
New subscriber.
Hi! Brent here! Thank you kindly for tuning in! It is exciting to hear that you're relaunching your piano journey! The FP30X is an exceptional instrument, so I'm happy to hear that these videos helped further introduce you to the model. They offer an exceptional cost-to-value ratio as well as one of the most authentic feeling actions at their price point. I am confident that you will be very pleased with what it offers musically. :)
I don’t want to start a fight obvs, but I’ve been playing piano for 30 years. The Roland has noticeably better ambience and tones and how it sounds at varied columes. The tone becomes very different at different volumes. where the Yammy just gets quieter or louder with the same tones (to my ears).
I’m going to go check an 30X and see if escapement makes a huge different in feel. I trained on a Korean acoustic and I want to find something similar to that. It is a $300 dollar different though. The P225 comes in white (which the FP10 doesn’t so if I want that aesthetic the starting point with Roland is the FP30.
These are great reviews you guys put out. Very helpful.
Thanks so much! We really appreciate that. We're glad that you have found the reviews/comparisons to be helpful. You certainly aren't starting a fight. The beauty of music and musical instruments is that the experience is subjective. Every person and player will have their own tastes and opinions. This ultimately makes music interesting and compelling. If everyone liked the exact same tones and the exact same stylistic decisions, all music would sound the same. That sounds like it would be quite boring to me (pun intended!). :)
I feel like Stu is one of those fortunate people who have found the perfect career. Cheers!
I think that is true! I know Stu loves what he does! :)
Thank you for another great video 😀 I have had my FP30X for a year now, and it is a great piano for me as a beginner. Thanks to the reviews from Stu and his friends I was able to choose a piano that works for me. Thank you! 🙂
You're welcome! We're glad you found our content helpful in your selection process. Congratulations on your FP30X! It is an amazing instrument with a great combination of touch and tone. Happy playing! :)
In this video, I prefer the tone of the Roland to the Yamaha.
@JoeLinux2000
In the video
In reality yamaha better 🤣
Hi, did you have any issues with the keys on Roland?
@@rhapsodyman100 There are not any issues with the keys themself. There is a problem with lubricant, for some batches. 2 yr warranty should cover full service of that.
I’ve had a Roland FP8 since they came out, i’m guessing that might’ve been 38 years ago. I had been playing piano for 17 years at that time, so I was used to the variations in “real” pianos, including the differences in grands, uprights, consoles. The Yamaha DX7 had come out maybe the year before so I went through a short period of time where I really wanted that one. But I am a pianist and I needed a piano. I immediately fell in love with the FP8. The touch and the sound were both what I would have wanted in a traditional piano. I’ve had a couple buttons replaced and a slider replaced over the years. It still feels and sounds like a beautiful piano.
That's awesome to hear that you've got so much longevity out of your FP8! I'm happy to hear that you're still enjoying the musical experience that it offers. Thanks for tuning in! :)
Tried both. I’m just not a fan of the Roland action. Find it sluggish (and I have a heavy-action 6-ft. Kawai grand for comparison) not much like a real piano. Also find the 225 action improved over the 125 (which I consider to be light), and the sound better more mellow than the 125’s brightness. To each his own.
For sure! Tone and touch preferences are deeply personal and subjective. Every player will have their preference between these two digital piano titans. :)
PHA-4 is a very noisy and clicky action
Me neither. Action was a con for me for the Rolands. On the other hand, I guess I could live with it if I stopped comparing it to others after a while.
Last year, I began playing piano and bought an FP60x. It’s just a bit more money, but I think it added some nice features. Anyone considering a 30x or P225 should consider the 60X. That said, now that I know more about what I would like in a digital piano, I wish I would have went with the Fantom-08.
I am not sure about picking 60x over 30x this times... Because this models are from 2021, so maybe in finals of next year roland could release new models of the series...
I do not see any advantages of FP-60X over FP-30X. I had FP-90X and did not even use its internal sounds, let alone any features. I bought it strictly because of PHA50 action
I think the FP-60X is a swell instrument. Its biggest drawback is its weight, but it is built well and has super friendly controls at a modest price. It's ideal for the gigging pianist who doesn't need a fully-fledged stage piano, but does need to make a lot of adjustments on the fly, and can wheel the FP-60X down hotel corridors and so on.
The Fantom 08 is lighter, but bulkier. The price is very good. I presume it has a graded action (PHA-4) but you might need to check, since synths and stage pianos often don't have grading.
The FP60X's speaker system in particular provide a wonderful sonic experience for the player! With that said, if you're mainly using the instrument with headphones or on stage, the FANTOM-08 is a very compelling option too! :)
Always love your detailed, in-depth reviews! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Thanks a million! We really appreciate it. :)
I am so glad that i came across your videos before getting my very first digital piano. Your detailed reviews on P225 and FP30X really helps 😊
Thank you so much! We're glad you found the videos helpful. :)
FP30x still standing.... I'm following reviews over a Year, and the key action and speakers/piano sound, are the best in this price range for Roland.
The FP30X definitely still holds up as an excellent buy in 2024! The combination of touch, tone, and features is quite impressive for its price point.
Already having a Yamaha Genos with their CFX and C7 samples, I bought a Roland FP10 simply as a weighted controller keyboard. I fell in love so much with the Roland Piano sound I ended up getting the FP60X. True the Roland piano and Yamaha piano are chalk and cheese, but for me the Roland piano sound and key action is more expressive, more dynamic, and the Roland piano sound when performed through good hifi or monitors have a beautiful and musical depth, bottmo end, harmonic richness and just sounds more piano-like. That saying I'll still use the Yamaha piano sounds when recording, and for a 'clean' poppy piano. For just playing for enjoyment though I gravitate to Roland everytime.
Thanks for your insights! The Roland FP line is certainly impressive. The musical output is immense when you factor in the combination of their actions and state-of-the-art tone engines. :)
I went with the Roland a few years ago as a purchase for my daughter - first, because I’ve always been a fan of the brand, but also because I really liked the feel of it when I tried one before making my decision.
Of course, I ended up getting it at a bad time (I think I paid about $160 more than what it sells for now - thanks, inflation), but for my daughter, it was worth it.
My only (minor) gripe about it is that unlike their premium siblings (the 60X and 90X), they decided to go with a proprietary pedal connection instead of the 3 1/4 in. jacks used by their RPU-3 pedal set. 😕 Anyway, minor gripe but the important thing is that my daughter loves it. As she continues to progress, perhaps I’ll upgrade her to a 60X.
The FP30X is an excellent instrument! I'm glad to hear that your daughter has been enjoying it. Prices certainly fluctuate, which can sometimes lead to us paying a bit more at times. But, it is all relative of course. Thanks for tuning in and sharing your insights! :)
For myself I go with Roland and it has more deeper sounds
The FP30X is one heckuva instrument! That is for sure! :)
The pity of these reviews are that Stu noticably doesnt want to alienate any brand. And I get it, in the same price ranges there are most likely no big differences. But why review any piano if it always comes down to "they are the same other than the sound, and the sound preference is personal so test for yourself".
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in! I don't think that Stu has ever made any claims that two pianos are the same aside from the tone. Each different model presents a very different musical experience in a number of ways, including tone and touch. I believe the sentiment that Stu is expressing sometimes is that both pianos are viable options for players of a certain level and that there is no "best" instrument. The choice ultimately comes down to what a specific player connects or resonates with.
1.This is the best piano sound comparison I’ve ever seen (hundreds)!
2. It’s quite shocking to find them sounding so similar, actually.
3. The Roland sound used to be referred to as an “inside instrument”, more commonly found in a mix of a recording.
4. Although I prefer the Roland sound (dynamics/response) overall, the echo on the high notes is a bit too much.
5. Once again, such an excellent (professional) conclusion - keys, sounds… Yet, for speakers (show), I would probably bring a few monitors and a VST on an iPad 🙃
Thanks so much for the kind words! We really appreciate it. And thanks for sharing your insights and thoughts too! A lot of it comes down to subjectivity of course, but resources like external speakers and VSTs provide a lot of flexibility to achieve the exact sound you're looking for once you've found an instrument that you love the feel of.
I just love the PHA-4 action. Also, good point about the headphones, for the ''best'' audio experience.
The PHA4 action is an incredibly rewarding action! And I certainly agree. A really great set of headphones can really enhance the practicing experience. :)
How do you like the clicking keys?
@@mfurman It's not that pronounced on my unit and I use headphones (HD660s) 95% of the time anyway. On a different note, I've heard pianos with louder action than the fp30x.
@@philipcooper8297 I also use Sennheiser headphones (HD600). I hear the noise of PHA-4. Check the video Roland FP-10 (PHA-4) action noise
Solid gold information for a piano newbie
We're very happy that you found the video helpful! :)
Man... Before this video, the P-225 sounded to me to have the closest to a piano sound on its price range. Now, after listening to the FP30X, it sounds so digital xD
The new Roland app brings another 173 tones, same action as the 60x, just put a tablet where the music goes, it is definitely worth every penny. Plenty of nuance as well, the 30x is the best piano bang for the buck period.
Well you may be right about the FP-30X, but the P-125a has been very cheap lately, here in Europe. The Yamaha app needs a few more features, including a more sophisticated recording facility (say 4-track?) and some extra patches, such as saxes - then players could create their own play-alongs.
It is hard to argue with the FP30X's impressive cost-to-value ratio! It is a powerhouse given its price point. :)
@@zzzaazzz6455 Oui, quel dommage le prix du P-225 en Europe! Pour le moment je préfère l'idée du FP-30X.
I agreed with you at all!!!!👍👍👍👍👍👍
More tones don’t very important for piano players
I am wondering why Stu never tests (or even mentions) how noisy (clicky) PHA-4 action can be, especially when the white keys are coming to the rest position.
I started to check the noise of the actions after I realized that this is what usually bothers me about a piano action when playing very quiet (p or pp) passages. When I tested FP-10 recently and played J.S. Bach Prelude No.1 in C Major BWV846, I was distracted by the noise of lower octave key sounds and once again realized that I need quiet action. When playing an acoustic piano (C7 in my case), it is different because of dispersion of the sound but the keys do not click much when coming up to resting position. What is noisy are the sounds of moving pedal mechanism.
GHC action of P-225 is light, quite fast and relatively very quiet but I like the escapement feel of PHA-4 and the fact that the keys move easily after the initial resistance. This is why I am still coming back to PHA-4 which is an interesting but compromised (by its clickiness) action.
Michael
Hi! Brent here! It comes down to a matter of subjectivity when discussing an appropriate level of mechanical key noise associated with a specific action, such as the PHA4. Some players are highly sensitive to even the slightest degrees of mechanical key noise, while others don't seem to be too concerned or bothered by it. With that said, it also depends on the volume you play/practice at as well as whether or not you are using headphones or the onboard speakers. In any case, this is a decision that players will have to make for themselves when selecting a piano.
@@MerriamPianos It is not only about sensitivity of a player but how tolerant those around are to the constant clicking noise (assuming that the practice is done with the headphones). PHA-4 has a very specific thumping clicking noise
Thanks to Stu and Merriam for another enjoyable and informative video.
I have a theory about why the audio over MIDI feature was missing on the P-125a. I have found that (as implemented on the P-125/P-121) it cuts out occasionally. A potential embarassment to Yamaha? Anyway, it's good to see it back again on the P-225. Presumably, it doesn't cut out anymore.
One of the useful P-125/P-121 features is the on/off/auto switching for the inbuilt speakers. 7+7 watts is little for stage monitoring, but additional monitors can be added via the headphone outputs without eliminating the onboard speakers. This is potentially useful when the main outputs are already connected to a PA mixer or FOH system at a gig. I hope the P-225 has retained that feature.
I agree with Stu who has mentioned that the GHS action is a bit tiring. I believe it's because the key return is a little too quick. I notice that I hold the keys back when I play these models. But I still prefer GHS as implemented on the P-125/121 to GHS as implememted on the P-45, because it responds better to rapid playing. Let's hope that the new GHC action is friendlier still.
It's disappointing that Yamaha still hasn't added a battery option, or bluetooth or stereo line in. And I have doubts about the wisdom in moving the speakers and shortening the keys.
On the P-125 you get two sequencing tracks, but you can't record bass on just one of these tracks - it has to be both, because bass only works in split mode, and single track recording only works without split mode. Let's hope that's been improved on the P-225.
Though I haven't tried the P-225, I have tried the FP-30X. I like most things about it, but not the volume controls. Typical of Roland portable pianos, it needs a bit of tweaking IMO. The standard touch curve setting felt wrong to me and (lacking a screen) I ran out of time before I could find out how to change it. But IMO the sound improved a lot over the FP-30 and the lineouts are welcome - now it can be gigged more readily. I like the action too. The downward pointing speakers are OK till you get a carpeted floor.
And Stu, didn't you mean to say Graded Hammer Action while explaining GHS?
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for checking out the video and writing in with your insights and experiences! We appreciate it. It is possible that the audio interface was removed on the P125A due to issues with its functionality. With that said, I know it will be a welcome return for many players out there that utilize that feature. As for the other features, they would be nice to include, but, generally, at this price point, manufacturers have to make certain concessions and focus in on investing costs on the areas that they feel are most impactful to the user's experience. Thanks again and all the best! :)
I would say, term of audio Roland sound is laid-back, while Yamaha sound is quite in-face kind of sound. I choose Roland FP E50 over yamaha dgx670
That is certainly a good way of putting it. They both offer very different flavours musically. I think you made a wonderful choice with the FP-E50 though! It is a powerhouse machine for the money. :)
Great review. I tend to be a Yamaha man, but I have to say I definitely liked the Roland a lot more. The clarity in tone at both ends was noticeable. Understandable they sampled two different pianos, but one thing I have noticed is the CFX gets a bit muddy When playing multiple notes or certain chords in the C1 and C2 range.
Thank you! The FP30X is an amazing instrument and a very tough one to compete with at this price point. :)
I just love that attack of the Yamaha. That’s why I’ve played them for 20+ years.
That Roland is very very good though.
That is certainly fair! They're both very solid instruments that offer something a bit different musically. :)
I have just tried a P-225 with its GHC action, but briefly. It is softer and smoother than GHS, perhaps less tiring, but I think I prefer the GHS on the P-125, even though it's a bit fierce on the key return. Better still IMO is the FP-30X action - the PHA-4.
Thanks for sharing your experiences and insights! The FP30X's PHA4 is quite the action for this price point, so it is definitely a difficult one to compete with.
Great! I was waiting for this so hard! 🤩Thank you for the effort. I'm looking forward to the "inevitable" match Kawai ES 120 vs Yamaha P 225! 😜Cheers from Europe. PS: At the moment, here the Yamaha P 225 is more expensive than the Roland FP 30x, 15-20%.
Thanks for tuning in! We will be tackling an ES120 comparison as well, so stay tuned for that! :)
Fp30x is currently priced lower than P225 in U.S. as well.
oh ok! Thanks @@davidmartin123
Thank you very much for your videos. I am a piano player and already own the MODX8, which I will still use for the gigs, where performance and sound is more important, because it has a really good key action and great sounds; however looks cheap and plasticy and has no built-in speakers. I just bought the P225 as my keyboard of choice for wedding gigs and jazz lounge at hotel bars. The design is really nice and it is super compact and lightweight. In the mid range I find the key action to be a bit hard but it's okay. Definitely a good "second piano" for me (even though I'm going to use it more often than my "first piano").
You are very welcome! Thank you for tuning in! It is certainly necessary to have an arsenal of several digital pianos at your disposal for different musical applications and situations. It sounds like you have an excellent pairing of instruments to tackle your needs. :)
Excellent review. Thank you. Subscribed.
You're welcome! Thanks a million for tuning in and subscribing! We really appreciate that. :)
Such a great video and review . i was expecting that review by you with this awesome detailed consideration. Thanks sir 🙋♂💐
You're very welcome! We're so happy to hear that you enjoyed it. Thanks for tuning in! :)
For me I already tried the PHA4 vs the GHS, and I liked the GHS more because of beter dynamic responce. I hope I'll like the GHC once I try it 2🎹🎶
It comes down to a matter of personal preference of course! These are both very solid instruments. :)
Having 2 sensors is not always a disadvantage. More important can be how they are implemented. GHS is not my favourite action, but it's OK for entry level or light use on gigs. The P-121 (with GHS) for example, is the most portable graded hammer action piano in the world, and it's highly affordable too.
@@Zoco101 I'm not the best player, but I some times play Liszt on a GHS, and it does the job just fine🎹🎶
Been waiting for Stu's thoughts on p225. I do hope you compare the p225 to the kawai es120. They seem evenly matched
We're happy to be able to share this comparison as we know we had quite a few people waiting for it. We will be tackling a P225 versus an ES120 comparison as well. Stay tuned for that! ;)
With the exception of the price - ES120 is 20% more expensive
@@mfurmanDepends on where you live.
Tone-wise, they're fairly even. Action wise, I don't think it's even close. The Kawai RH-C was already a better action than the Yamaha GH-S (better dynamic range, less stiff, a little easier to play at the back of the keys), but the Yamaha GH-C is even more compromised. Yamaha made the action worse to try to compete with Casio's line of crummy-action pianos which prioritize slimness over playability.
@@Persun_McPersonson Did you play on P-225? I had three digital pianos with PHA-4, one with PHA50, one with NWX, one with GHS, ES110 (and tested ES120) and currently have P-225. I do not feel that GHC is worse than GHS. It is definitely less noisy and nicer to play than PHA-4. By the way, I regularly play Yamaha C7 and I can easily move between that grand piano and P-225
I love your universal piano review show. If you completely run out of new pianos to review you might review piano amps, mostly because they are much louder than the zillions of low priced keyboards you’ve talked lots about.
For example, practicing and learning with a good LOUD piano in your room. I recently got a 10” Roland mono amp that faces me and I’m liking it though with slight hi-res and distortion complaints. But bass and loud is fine.
Thanks so much! We're glad you have enjoyed them. Thanks for the suggestion! We actually just expanded our keyboard amp offering a few months ago, so I think tackling this subject in a future video is a great idea! :)
I've had the P-525 keyboard for less than 3 months, and there's a key that's no longer working. Despite it still being under warranty, the technical service is asking for 100 euros for the repairman's visit. Beware of the manufacturer's warranty, which is really poor.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! I am very sorry to hear that you have experienced issues with your manufacturer's warranty from Yamaha. We are not Yamaha dealers at this time, so I don't have too much experience with the company in terms of warranty claims. In any case, I hope that your P525 can be repaired at the lowest possible expense to you. Best of luck!
The Yamaha sounds decent but I do prefer the Roland overall. If I wanted to spend more money in this category I'd get the Roland, and if I wanted to spend less money I'd get a Casio. The Yamaha sort of occupies a middle space between the two which I don't think necessarily needs to be filled.
P-225 is the same price as Casio PX-S1100
The FP30X is a very tough piano to compete with at this price point. With that said, every player will have different needs, which may lead them towards other models. For instance, the lightness and portability of the PXS1100 or PXS3100 make them really compelling options for gigging musicians. :)
Did you write those songs, Sir? I really like them! I really love the Roland sound. It's got a much better sound to me and sounds more like my acoustic piano.
The Roland FP30X is quite the piano to say the least! Many of Stu's performance segments are improvs. He is an immensely talented improviser. :)
In India, the Yamaha YDP 105 is only 50$ costlier than the P225. Is it worth considering that as an option ? I loved the feel of the YDP's ghs much more than the Roland Fp30x. While the YDP does not have CFX sampling. As for the P225, it definitely sounds the best to my ears , and its GHC action felt quite sturdy and well built but not on the lvl of YDP.
Also it might be weird to say but I personally think the GHS used in Pseries is inferior to that in YDP or DGX.
It all comes down to a matter of personal preference of course. And, it sounds like you've really connected with the YDP's GHS action. I know that it is a tough call when you prefer the P225's tone. For me, I tend to prioritize the action when shopping for a digital piano as that is the invariable element of a digital piano. You can always get more speaker power/fidelity via an external amp and you can always access different piano sounds via VST plugins.
I love the Roland, it sounds amazing.
The FP30X is quite the powerhouse to say the least! :)
Went to Guitar Center for testing these pianos. I prefer the lighter action of Yamaha P225. FP30X felt heavy and a little tiring to play. Same thing with the FP10 currently sold by Costco.
That is totally fair! That is why it is always a good idea to test out the options in person when possible. :)
Even with a beginner, the question is, does that person want to prioritize acoustic piano emulation or do they intend to move in the direction of rock, pop or jazz? If the former, then Roland. If the latter, between these two then Yamaha. I have researched, not played. But I would say, if multiple members of a household with different goals were going to be using the instrument, then definitely Yamaha is the versatile choice. At the entry level price point, the best instrument for someone who knows they want to play jazz or rock is the Casio Previa-PX1100. The Casio is good enough to use as gig keyboard but acoustic piano emulation is not its strength. I figured that out.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! At the end of the day, any of these instruments can be successfully used in any context. The decision really comes down to the musical preferences of the player. To some extent, tone is in the fingers. This essentially means that a gifted player can make virtually any instrument sound work for their musical goals.
I think that Yamaha could add more piano or other voices rather than insert onboard rythm style in this new p225. I agreed with the opinion of somebody for which there aren't many news expecially about electric pianos and other that are the same of the previous p125. Surely the keyboard could be higher quality level and new Cfx sample piano is very good. But this comparison,for me, put in evidence a supremacy of Roland fp30x!!!!! Without any doubt, Fp30x is at first place!!!!
It comes down to a matter of taste and preference of course, but the FP30X is a tough piano to compete with in this price category. It has a great blend of tone, touch, and features. :)
@@MerriamPianos Exactly Stud, and than Fp30x has one of the best keyboard as quality. We must remember that It has 3 sensors for each key and a weighted system as no other piano in its price range. Probably the best at all!!!! Surely,however, Yamaha in this new p225 has made a good job filling the empties of p125 in the connecting panel( another output for external highspeakers), new better quality Ghc keyboard and new Cfx acoustic piano voice that for me can rivalry with Fp30x grand piano 1, my preferred!!!!!
FP30X rocks as a newbie keys as well as MIDI.
Coupled it with Ableton Live (Arturia and Roland Cloud Banks).
Some black keys klick louder than the rest (with the sound off), don't know why.
Maybe I'd have picked up Yamaha 225, but I was on Roland FP30 (due to your previous video and my friends' experince) and FP30x popped up.
Thus I pratice some basic exercises, improvise, and enjoy FP30X.
Thanx for the review!
You're very welcome! The FP30X is a really solid piano that presents an excellent cost-to-value ratio, particularly for players looking to optimize the key action in this price category. Thanks for tuning in! :)
Just got a Roland FP60X and also noticed right away some of the black keys click louder when playing at low volumes and even more noticeable when off. I do have a Kawai GL10 baby grand, a Yamaha P515 and a CasioGP510. Haven’t had that experience with those. I just love having multiple pianos to experience different tones and feel. Do you think all Rolands have this issue?
@@gustavogo2915, I hope not, my next step will be Roland Fp90x or its successor in a year or so. Though Roland use different keys there.
PHA-4 action is very clicky/noisy. Check Roland FP-10 (PHA-4) Action Noise video.
Michael
@@mfurman then lucky me, 'cause I have this issue only with some black keys, the white ones are noisy within reasonable limits.
do the yamaha p525 vs roland fp90x that would be a brutal match!
We will do our best to tackle that comparison video as soon as we can! :)
@@MerriamPianos and please when comparing digital pianos, compare how the keyboard functions and responds to a VST like pianoteq/keyscape , because for example I heard that the fp90x is a lot better than the p515, although the 515 is overall better of a stage piano it's not goot for Vst(or so I've been told). I'm really interested in the new grand-touch-S vs the pha-50 for the vsts because I'm thinking of getting something to the level of the vpc1 , but portable that also has some good sounds. The p525 might be the way to go
@@MerriamPianos oh yeah and weigh the keys with your phone for example the same way you did in the fp90vsyamaha p515
Very interesting (I believe you are in Canada?) Where I am the new Yamaha 225 is considerably more expensive than the Roland FP30X - Roland is approximately $770 USD and the Yamaha 225 is approximately - USD$ 1130! Wonder why that is? Both are basic models with no stands or frills, just the basic keyboard.
Yup - we are located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada! The prices do vary in different markets/regions. There are a number of reasons why that is, which vary from market to market of course.
The back facing speakers on the 225 are giving much better sound than even the p515 I think. It also has front speakers through the gap between the keys and the controls :)
There have definitely been some meaningful updates to the sonic experience from its predecessor - that is for sure. :)
I would like the 61 and 73 key versions, thanks😋
Unfortunately, fully-weighted 61 and 73 key digital pianos have not really caught on yet. Perhaps, they will be more common in the future.
You are right, I hope one day the piano will be as portable as the guitar@@MerriamPianos
General question about the 30x, I'm 1 year and a half in playing piano on a regular basis on the roland, I can now decently play Clair de Lune (see my channel) + couple other pieces, I'm wondering when shoud I upgrade to a higher tier of digital piano ? Right now I feel I can stick with the 30x a year or two, if you have experienced a difficult upgrade choice yourself please let me know ! thanks
Thanks for the question! That is ultimately a personal decision that every player will have to make. The FP30X is quite an impressive piano for the money and can certainly satisfy even high level players. The moment you feel uninspired or hindered by the musical performance of the instrument is usually a pretty good indication that an upgrade may be in order. :)
FYI in the US the Roland isn't "several hundred dollars" more expensive - it's actually US $40 *cheaper* as od Xmas '23.
Thanks for letting us know! We are aware that the price gaps in different markets is more or less pronounced than here in Canada.
Thanks Stu! 👍🏼👏🏼😊
Thank you for taking the time to check out the video! :)
2:56 I think you can use a UD-BT01 adapter if you want Bluetooth MIDI (a feature not required by anyone I have ever known).
Yes - that is a good point! There are several products that can allow for Bluetooth functionality like the UD-BT01 adapter. :)
I'm currently in a dilemma between these 2. I love both actions and sound. Id say i love how substantial the roland feels but the yamaha doesn't have lateral give which i like
They are both very solid pianos. The decision really comes down to a matter of personal preference. With that said, I would personally give a slight edge to the FP30X due to the authenticity of its action. :)
Thanks a lot !!! You are great :D
You're welcome! Thank you so much for the kind words! :)
Can you please review the Yamaha P-525? It’s an upgrade to the P-515, I know they upgraded the action to the Grand Feel S, but I’m curious if there’s anything else they upgraded as well such as the sounds.
Thanks for the suggestion! We have had a few requests for that video review/comparison. We will do our best to tackle that as soon as we can! :)
As a completely beginner, I was about buy a new Yamaha P-145 with full price. Then I came across a person selling like-new Roland FP30X with $170 cheaper than the full price new YahamaP-145.
Should I go for the second hand Roland? Your review made me indecisive a little 😂. But it’s a great review!
Thank you kindly! We're glad you enjoyed it. Personally, for me, the Roland FP30X is a far superior instrument, particularly when it comes to the feel of the action. With that said, I would make sure that the instrument is in good standing and that everything is functioning when purchasing from the used market.
I try to buy used when I can. I purchased a used Roland RD-600 nearly 30 years ago and it’s been an absolute solid piano. Other than having to replace a few broken hammers over time (routine wear and tear), I’ve had no problems at all with it. However, I’m looking to upgrade because the new models are so nice. If you can find a used Roland in good condition, I’d say go for it.
I like how they sound in the midrange, but in the treble particularly they are thin and with little sound. I like better keybed as well. But I guess the price then are double what it is for these pianos.
Naturally, more expensive models will offer more advanced tone engines and actions. But, in this price category, these two instruments are wonderful performers! :)
You can't judge a patch/sound too well via RUclips streaming. I have two pianos with the old CFiiiS patches, and I love these patches, even more than when I bought these pianos. Supposedly CFX patches are better, but I'd have to play CFX patches for quite a while to be sure. So far, I don't find them better, but I'm not playing the most delicate music. Nevertheless, the classical piano patch on mine (not the first patch) is a bit thicker (less tight) and interests me more at the moment. Yamaha patches aren't always thinner and brighter.
Rolands can boom in a way that is unpianistic too my ears, but I still respect the FP-30X as a slightly better-than-entry-level piano.
Many thanks for this.
As well as being informationally informative, it was a pleasure to watch and listen to your review.
It is so nice to hear someone who plays well, approaches things methodically, and who is so articulate.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for taking the time to check out our channel. We're so happy to hear that you've been enjoying Stu's excellent reviews/comparisons. All the best and happy playing! :)
@@MerriamPianos Thanks very much, Brent.
These two digital pianos have $300 price difference in Canada.
The action of P-225 is much quieter than PHA-4! I recorded the sound of GHC and PHA-4 and put on my channel (search Michael Furmaniak).
Here are the numbers illustrating the actions:
Roland FP-30X:
Action:
Middle C (C4) - >60g
C7 - ~51g
C7 - 55g
C3 - ~53g
C4# - ~>50g - ~65g (middle of black key)
~ 80g to get the sound (T) on C4, 85g on C2; C7 - 80g (S)]
Comparing with GHS, GHC keys are quite “springy” - especially the black ones. I can press both white and black keys (easier) close to the fulcrum than GHS. I have less problems playing soft (light touch) black and white keys simultaneously
Thank you Stu!
I like GHC but PHA-4 may be better for some pieces of music (closer to the feel of Yamaha C7 action that I play regularly).
I currently have P-225 that I just use for practice - my playing and recording is done on Yamaha C7. I very much like how small and light P-225 is.
Michael
Ps. I had FP-10, A88 mkII and FP-30X - all returned because of clicking action. I like PHA-4 but I cannot tolerate how noisy the action is (especially after 3-4 months of intensive use)
Thanks for sharing the detailed analysis of the key weights of these two powerhouse digital pianos. We appreciate it! All the best and happy playing! :)
Согласен полностью, клавиши у Роланда стучат как подковы лошади по мостовой. Это постоянный звук мешал моим близким, когда я тренировался на гаммах в наушниках. Я продал свой FP30X, из за стука. И чем дальше, тем сильнее. И эта постоянная проблема с блютуз. Каждый раз приходилось его перенастраивать для Айпада. Но все равно я люблю Роланд.
@@IgorBarin 😊👍
Wait, so you're saying that it's easier to play at the back of the keys on the more compact action?
@@Persun_McPersonson No, I am not saying it. PHA-4 action is better than GHS and definitely the action of PX-S1100/5000. I am just saying that GHC is not worse (at least I could not measure or feel the difference) than GHS, in this respect. I do not know what the difference in pivot length there is between GHC and GHS. The difference in depth between P-125 and P-225 can be to some extent attributed to the difference in speaker position. Notice that the depth of FP-10 is 258mm and P-225 is 272mm. The pivot length of PHA-4 is slightly less than 200mm
Can’t get enough of Merriam Pianos and Stu you are incredible, thank you thank you thank you.
Will there be a video for the new Yamaha 525?
Hi! Brent here! Thanks so much! We're glad you have been enjoying our channel! We haven't got a P525 model in yet, but I imagine you will eventually see a review/comparison video featuring that model down the road. :)
From what I'm hearing and reading between the lines, the Roland FP-30x is still unbeatable as of the moment.
In my opinion, the FP30X is a tough piano to compete with at this price point. The PHA4 action and SuperNATURAL tone engine make one heckuva combo. :)
Very helpful!
You're very welcome! Thank you for watching! :)
The price seems to be the opposite of what he says at 0:50. The P225 is about $50-$100 more expensive than the FP30x
It depends on which market you are talking about. The price (and corresponding price gaps) associated with different models vary from location to location.
This was extremely helpful
We're glad to hear it! :)
Outstanding demo..
Thanks so much! :)
How about a radical approach to reproduce wood feel to the key action. Polyurethane foam cast with wood particles and wood veneers.
That sounds like a very interesting approach to a wooden keyboard action! :)
Can you do a video on stretch tuning and why digital pianos come with that as default?
It feels tedious to have to manually retune so many keys on the roland with its unreliable designer app. I wish there was an easy way to turn stretch on or off. Have only played real pianos a few times, to me stretch sounds out of tune.
Thanks so much for the suggestion! I think that would be a very interesting topic to tackle in a video. We will do our best to cover that topic in an upcoming video. :)
Great review.
Thank you! :)
In Europe, the Yamaha is about 150 euros more expensive than the FP-30X. I would consider these in the same class of instruments. I've played the FP-30X and also tried the GHS (in a P45) and the Roland is so much better. I guess it would be the case for P225 and the new action. The smaller form factor is a selling point and can be important for some people though.
Thanks for the insights! And you're definitely right about the size and portability of the instrument playing a part in some players' decision making process. This is one of the really appealing aspects of a model like the Casio PXS1100. Thanks for tuning in and all the best! :)
Yamaha's pricing differences in different markets is just astonishing!
Yes the P-225 is still too expensive in Europe, but the price is gradually coming down. The older P-125a is at a bargain price, while stocks last.
In US, the P255 is $50 more expensive than the FP-30X
@@anpcm How is it possible? Yamaha must have gone mad!
Thanks for the video! I'd like to ask an advise; I basically only play classical music. I had a "real piano" until I moved and now I can only buy an electric piano, but don't have any experience with it. Which type would you recommend? One of these two? Casio (in this case which type?) Another one? I can't spend a huge amount of money, so I need something that costs more or less like these two! And I need something that feels similar to the acoustic piano and that is suitable for classical music. Thanks! 🎹
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in and sending in your question! While it all comes down to tastes and preferences, I personally feel that the Roland FP30X would be most aligned with what you're looking for. It has a heavy, authentic-feeling touch, which is one of the closest feels you will find to an acoustic piano.
Hi Stu - that's the third video I've watched today, and once again - BRAVO - thorough, informative and fascinating.
One question for you - I too am hooked on instruments with long key pivot points (so sadly the Yam P225 has just dropped of my potential chuck-in-the-car and go-for-a-gig list) ...
... do you know of ANY authoritative source that lists key dimensions (visible length, hidden length to pivot, etc? Even width (my DX7 and SY99 synths have fractionally narrower keys than standard)?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you once again for tuning in! We appreciate all of the support. :)
Unfortunately, key dimensions and pivot lengths are seldom discussed explicitly by manufacturers. To that point, the only real resources are things like message boards/forums. Some players out there open up various digital pianos, take measurements/photos, and share them with the community. With that said, perhaps, this is a topic that we have to take on ourselves via a video. ;)
I've got an FP-30x on the way. I've had a FP 10 before. This shows very well the warmth of the Roland sounds compared to the brilliance of the Yamaha. Helps cement my decision. It's a good video.
Thanks! We're glad you found it helpful. Congrats on your FP30X! It is a wonderful piano. I know you'll be very happy with it. :)
@Merriam Music thanks for the reply. According to Instrumental Covers last time I talked to them the P225 is at least 1.6 inches deeper than the Casio PXS3100 so I'm hoping the weight between white and black keys won't differ that much or hopefuly not at all🎹🎶
You're very welcome! Thanks for the question! :)
At the end of the day, the most important thing is to test out the piano in person to see if you personally connect with its action and touch. Thanks again and happy playing!
When will you post video about Yamaha P-525 Digital Piano.
We have a few other videos in the queue first, but we will do our best to tackle that as soon as possible. :)
Same question ...
@@MerriamPianos yeah review the p525 PLEASE asap! I'm totally considering buying it , but no one has reviewed it yet and waiting for you as I you are my most reliable source of info you are not buyous unlike many other channels
@@radoslavdragnev8797 Merriam Music is not a Yamaha dealer so they may put reviews of other digital pianos first, and they can be bias at times you're beteroff going to a store and trying it out for your self if possible🎹🎶
@@MerriamPianos Thank You for your Reply.
Please Post the video about the newly released Yamaha P-525 As soon as possible.
Can someone please help me decide? The Yamaha is brand new just came out a few months ago and the Roland is over 2 years old. Should that determine my purchase? It must be a bit outdated by now no? Or am I looking at this wrong
Hi! Brent here! Personally, I wouldn't let the fact that the FP30X has been out for a couple years rule it out. At the end of the day, it is the musical experience the instrument provides that is of critical importance. My suggestion would be to test both out in person and go with the one that you resonate with the most. :)
An important question.. Is it worth upgrading from P125 to P225?
That is ultimately a question that every player will have to answer for themselves of course. Some may see the value in doing so, while others may want to hold off to jump into a higher-end model.
Yes. Digital Audio Interface alone is worth the upgrade. GHC is nicer than GHS. You also get Bluetooth Audio and CFX sound.
@@mfurman To me, I prefer the old GHS action. The new one seems a bit of downgrade to me.
@@jamessun7851 There are some aspects of GHS that I like but GHC is faster and less noisy (this matters to me a lot). Do not forget about MIDI Audio and Digital Audio Interface
Unless the P225 has some specific feature you feel you need that the P125 doesn't have, I just can't see any reason to buy the P225. I'd save my pennies, and wait until I could afford to move up into a higher performance category. The P225 just doesn't seem to fit that bill...
Great review. Yamaha basic piano sound is like a big grand acoustic. Roland, while a nice sound, sounds like a nice ELECTRIC piano. I bought the 225. One important HIDDEN feature is the “touch” adjustment. The firmer touch has a warmer sound but the soft touch has a brighter sound- totally separate from the piano selector switch adding one more voice to the piano. To change touch hold piano an press high C,D, or C#. From firm to soft is a big difference in sound!
Thank you kindly! We're glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and insights. We appreciate it! :)
I just ordered a YAMAHA P225 today and according to this video, there is not any obvious advantage on any aspect in the comparison? While FP-30x has larger dynamic range and doesn't have flt-area-hard-to-press issue. Should I return the YAMAHA P225 piano once it arrives and order a FP-30X?
It is really a matter of personal preference at the end of the day. These are both excellent pianos that boast fantastic cost-to-value ratios. The difference comes down to tone and touch preferences.
How would you rate each piano with number?
1.Kawai es120
2.roland fp30x
3.yamaha p125
125 -1
Fp3px -2
Everyone will have their favourites amongst these three fantastic pianos! :)
I would say: P-225 (Digital Audio Interface, better look, lower price), ES120, FP-30X (noisy action even though PHA-4 is nice)
@@mfurman FP-30x has the Digital Audio Interface too. I used it to for playing other piano sounds from PianoTeq
@@jamessun7851 FP-30X is a good digital piano with good but very noisy action
Sir can u make a difference between Kawai es120 and Yamaha p225. I am very excited to see what difference this piano have in between.
Hi there! Yup - that video comparison is in the works! Stay tuned. ;)
In Germany the Roland is substantially cheaper than the Yamaha! 598€ to 777€ at Thomann right now.
The prices do vary from region to region. Thanks for sharing your insights on the German market. :)
Really helpful. Thanks.
You're very welcome! Thank you for watching! :)
Strange. Here in Southern Africa the Roland FP-30X retails for around R17 000 (CAD 1 276). The Yamaha P225 is R25 000 (CAD 1 876). I wonder why that is? PS - I think your Roland link goes to a MIDI cable rather than the FP-30X, and the Yamaha link goes to the P125, not the P225.
Thanks for letting us know! I will let the production team know about the links. Ultimately, there are number of factors that impact the sale price of specific products and manufacturers in different regions/markets. In some cases, those disparities are quite pronounced.
It has to do with local distributors. Here in Brazil the local Casio distributor is the best, and prices are higher than the US, but not much. Yamaha is second place, with Korg and Roland being totally insane, charging around 3 to 4 times US prices.
Quite a high price, probably because of shipping and local markups so shops don't lose on selling the keyboards. It doesn't help that we (SA) don't have the dealers here that can sell directly at a good price and also limited options of financing it. I tend to look for an older model but that comes with it's own problems.
In the US the FP30x and p225a are almost the same price. Is this different in Canada?
Yep, Sweetwater: $750 for P225 and $700 for Fp30x.
P-225 is $900 and FP-30X is $1200, in Canada
Sometimes, the prices of various models can differ quite substantially between different markets and regions. In Canada, the Yamaha P225 is less than the Roland FP30X.
@@MerriamPianoswhat happened to going by American pricing?
@@gustavogo2915Canada is also in North America 😄
Gostei muito, principalmente do som do p225, da Yamaha.
Thank you kindly! We appreciate you tuning in. :)
@@MerriamPianos , ok.
I bought the P-225 as a complete beginner to the piano. Is it a good digital piano for a beginner?
Absolutely! They're super solid instruments that present a very good cost-to-value ratio.
I would only add that speakers are odd in that sitting 3 feet from a speaker is different from sitting 12 feet from it. It’s kind of like a director looking at a rehearsal from the front row and from the back row. Just saying.
That is certainly a good point! The proximity to the sound source can impact the sonic experience. :)
Compared to Roland FP30X and Kawai ES120 updates this Yamaha feels underwhelming. You get shorter keys, smaller speakers, still no Bluetooth MIDI and higher price compared to P125. 😅
The FP30X and ES120 are certainly impressive offerings that are tough to compete with at this price point. With that said, it all comes down to a matter of personal preference in terms of tone and touch.
So yamaha ydp 145 is better than Roland p30x?
I wouldn't necessarily say one is better than the other. They are quite different in terms of form factor (the YDP145 is a console digital piano, whereas the FP30X is a portable digital piano). Beyond that, the decision ultimately comes down to one's musical preferences. I would personally give the edge to the FP30X as I find its action (PHA4) and tone engine (SuperNATURAL) to be more authentic feeling/sounding than the YDP145. But, it is a subjective matter of course.
hi, what monitors do you recommend for yamaha p225?
Hi there! It really comes down to preference and budget, but I have always been a fan of Yamaha studio monitors. Models like HS7 or HS8 offer excellent value as well as a transparent sound that is ideal for digital pianos and VST plugins in my opinion. :)
Where exactly do the FP 30x have speakers? If I place the instrument on a solid surface, will the speakers be muted?
The speakers are downward facing. So, with that said, the speakers would be pointing down towards the solid surface. It would not "mute" the sound, but it would affect it of course. With that said, models like the FP-E50 actually have a selectable "desk" and "stand" setting, which changes the speaker voicing to accommodate the specific context of use.
@@MerriamPianos So, if I set the FP 30x to a solid surface, will the speakers be muted?
@@wavgust he said no
I would like to see Stu review Yamaha CLP 775.
Thanks for the suggestion! We have quite a few videos in the queue right now, but I will certainly add that to the list of potential videos to cover in the near future. :)
Please review the Yamaha P-S500! 🙌
Thanks for the suggestion! We will add it to our list of potential candidates for an upcoming video review. All the best! :)
So basically Yamaha has caved in to looks and portability and has made a piano with an overall poorer action. I guess they 'll see an increase in the sales of their GHS and GH3 pianos, especially from more advanced players. Anyway, I'll stick to my P-115 for a while longer...
Every customer's wants and needs are different of course. Thankfully, there are a plethora of options on the market for players to choose between, which ensures that most players can find an instrument that suits them. :)
I’m listening through my 2.1 channel stereo and I can’t tell the difference. I would like to know what equipment Stu is using for the Line Out use.
Hi there! We take a direct line out feed into a Focusrite Scarlett interface. From there, we do not apply any post processing or effects to ensure the sound is represented as transparently as possible.
Are you going to review the new Yamaha P-525 soon?
Thanks for the suggestion! We will eventually be covering that, but we have a few other videos in the queue right now. :)
How do you make these instruments sound this good? I have tried both in the store. They sound terrible in that environment.
We take direct line out feeds from the pianos when capturing their tones. With that said, we do not do any additional tweaking or post-production work. We keep things as transparent as possible on that front. It is important to note that the environment the piano is in will have an impact on the overall sonic experience.
Just buy the one you like. I like both of them, and prefer the electric piano on the Yamaha.
They are both excellent pianos! And you are certainly correct. It comes down to a matter of personal preference. You really can't go wrong with either option. :)
I´ll buy the P225 - Sample of the CFX like the expensive Arius.
You certainly can't go wrong with either of these digital pianos! :)