I agree with many other comments about how this video helped them make a final decision on purchasing an HP 704. Looking forward to picking it up this week. I appreciate all the helpful details, sound, PHA-50 action, the app, etc. Great stuff! Thank you Stu!
HP704 is a bit hard to find right now. I am interested and looking forward to hearing about your experience after you receive your much anticipated piano!
First, thank you Stu for all the videos you publish on this channel! I watched more than one before buying my digital piano, and a few more after as they're informative and I enjoy to watch them. I finally bought a HP704 a month ago and I love it. Initially, I was considering Korg, Yamaha and Roland brands (Kawai is not available in my local stores). After trying a few models, I was drawn to the Rolands. The HP702 was my price range but the much better 4 speakers system of the 704 convinced me to spend more. For my personal taste and my room, I lowered ambience to 3 and it even sounds better. Beside the modelled pianos, I also enjoy the upright, mellow upright, classical pianoforte and mellow pianoforte pianos. Among the piano designer library of pianos, both the LX-17 440.1 Hz concert piano by Hugo Veryzer and the LX-17 jazz stage sounds great on the HP704. Of course choosing Roland does not mean that the other brands are not good. But I could buy only one! P.S.: I already had a Yamaha P-80.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you for taking the time to check out our channel and write in with your insights! Congrats on your HP704! It is a fantastic console digital piano and I definitely agree that, if budget permits, it is a wonderful upgrade from the HP702. The additional speakers and PHA50 action really provide a wonderful musical experience. Thanks again and happy playing! :)
@@tomdroidtube... and what was the lower price you are waiting it to go down to? What season of the year was it in? I'm asking because I'd also like to get it in Germany. Thanks!
Great review! The HP704 is a wonderful instrument. It’s worth the investment plus the 10 year warranty. Besides sounding and feeling great, the technology is amazing. Bluetooth midi comes in handy for many apps and DAW. I hope that Roland keeps improving Piano Every Day App. My two main issues are the notes are too small, unless you have an iPad Pro 12.9, and recording features inside the app.
....... Just last week I just watched your video on the Roland FP30 and my teacher recommended I invest in the HP704 today.. and how.... HOW.. did you JUST post a video.. Ok that was so meant to be it's not even funny LOL... AMAZING VIDEO AS ALWAYS!
I have the LX7 which has the same action as this HP704. I take online lessons and my teacher has the HP504. The are no issues and it works fine. Let us all know if you’re getting the HP704 and what you think of it 😉
Hi Stu. You have such a warm, gentle approach and are a joy to watch. Today I went to our local music store thinking I was going to purchase the Roland RP701. Something was off about it... not sure what exactly. But then I tried the HP704 and loved it. It's been a while since this review, so I was wondering if it's still a model you would recommend or if there's something better at this proce point? In South Africa the 704 is currently selling for around $2600. If you still recommend it over others in this price bracket, I'm heading back tomorrow to order it. 😊
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in! I will be happy to pass along your kind words to Stu! :) The Roland HP704 is a wonderful piano. The PHA50 action, 4-speaker system, and modelling engine combine for a rewarding musical experience on all fronts. It is still a model that we frequently recommend and is easily one of the best cost-to-value ratios at its price point. Thanks again and happy playing!
Great Video, mate. Helped me to make a decision between this, the LX708 and some others. But of course you have to play and hear it in person. I ended up buying the HP704 because of the PHA50 feeling, its warm speaker tuning (compared to the LX708) and the fair price. The onboard sounds are quite good IMO, but once you play a VST like Garritan CFX through it, it's piano heaven. Great instrument.
Thanks so much! We appreciate it immensely. :) Congrats on your HP704! It is a fantastic instrument on all fronts: tone, touch and speaker system. I know you will be thrilled with what it offers musically! Also, an arsenal of good VST piano plugins will definitely take things up a notch as well!
I really enjoy your videos. I think your reviews are a good help in making a decision on which Roland I will end up buying. I live far away from any music shops, so I do more than 90% of my research online. Thanks 😊
Happy with Roland 704 from the sound and key action. You need to adjust the sound based on your taste, the default setting may not satisfied you but the piano designer solves the problem. I can connect with my android tablet via Bluetooth and turn page using the pedal.
How does the adjust exactly works? If I adjust it once it's already inside the settings of the piano, or it's like I have to adjust it with the tablet/app on the phone everytime i turn on the piano? (maybe it's a bit silly question but I'm still before the final decision if to buy this model and i'm hesitant because of the above)
Thank you for the detailed review! I'm torn between the Roland HP704 and the Casio AP-750. These models are five years apart but are similarly priced now. My concern with the Casio is its limited selection of voices (around 30, most of which are variations of the piano) compared to the 10-year-old Casio AP-650 and the Roland HP704, which both offer around 300 voices. The keyboard action seems slightly better on the Roland (is it?), while the internal speakers might be superior on the Casio. There's also the difference between recorded samples and direct sound synthesis between these two instruments.
You're very welcome! That is a very on point synopsis of the two offerings. They are both exceptional pianos, so the choice really comes down to personal musical preference. The HP704 will have a heavier action compared to the AP750. It will also have a more neutral tone, whereas the AP750 will be a touch more brilliant and clear. The AP750 would have the clear edge in the speaker department though. The best bet is to play both and see which musical experience you resonate with more. :)
Hello I can’t find the answer you so kindly gave me to the following question when I was about to say thank you and follow up with a new question depending on the answer I received 😏 My question was as follows: “Hey Stu! As many comments said before me I also want to say thank you for all good and interesting reviews and comparisons between different manufacturers of digital pianos. I’m love the look and feel of the Roland HP 704 and its bluetooth capability to use an iPad or a smartphone to use apps for educational purposes. But that’s just it I got a weird anxiety for the invisible radiation when sitting behind the instrument and practice perhaps for hours a day. Where is the sender & receiver placed on the piano? Guys should not have a laptop in their knees since it could be harmful to the balls for the risk of cancer. The seller in the local Music Store probably think I’m crazy and he said he’d never got that question from any customer before 😂. Since you Sir seem to everything that is to know about digital pianos I hope you can give me scientific honest answer to this question. If you think their is any risk with Bluetooth radiation should I perhaps look att Yamaha 735 B witch lacks Bluetooth capability and settle for that? Thanks in advance Regards Ruben”
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! I am not sure which video you posted this initial question, but I believe I did respond to it previously. Happy to answer it again though. :) Firstly, I am not an expert on wireless Bluetooth technology and its potentially negative health affects. With that said, I have not personally come across or been made aware of any instances where Bluetooth compatible instruments like the HP704 were causing harmful health effects due to Bluetooth radiation. With that said, I am not entirely sure as to the exact location that Bluetooth transmitters and receivers are placed within various piano models. At the end of the day, it is a personal decision that needs to be made by each piano shopper. Thanks and hope this helps!
@@MerriamPianos yes you did thank you very much 🙏 I looked at your answer very quickly because it was late in the evening. But this morning when I wanted to take a look at it again and complement my question with a follow up then I couldn’t find it. Perhaps you hade deleted my posts? 😭😀
Thank you now I see your answer! 😀 Who can give a correct answer to the exact location where the the Bluetooth transmitters and receivers are placed? It wood mean a great comfort for me to now. The manufacturer should definitely the the one who could give an answer to my worries. The problem is that I don’t speak Japanese 😅 (just joking) Regard’s Ruben
This video made me smile....Stu’s hair is getting longer each month during lock down. Can see Stu is trying his best to tame it. Anyhow yet another excellent video.
That's a tough comparison. CLP 745, CN39 and HP704 all have good upgraded speaker systems. The Yamaha and Kawai seem to be more similar in overall sound quality but the price of CLP 745 will knock you over.
Just under €2000 online. Sounds like it's worth it. I'd rather have this than most upright pianos. I've never been a Roland fanboy, but Roland pianos are getting better and better. The competition had better pay attention.
How does the modelling in HP704 compare to the acoustic piano in the RD2000? I've been trying out the F701 and didn't like the muddled base... then tried the RD2000 acoustic piano and LOVED the sound. My store doesn't have the HP704 so I can't try it out, and after reading both manuals it looks like RD2000 has some additional sound engine; however, when I hear you describe HP704, it seems like it might be similar to the RD2000. I'd really like your input! Thank you, and thank you for wonderful reviews.
Thanks for the detailed video you made. My daughter playing for one year now. I am thinking of buying this electric piano for playing at home. Her teacher has a Steinway (where my daughter started playing on) and I don't know if I have to buy an acoustic or that one. What is your opinion ? Thanks in advance.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! We do our best to tackle as many reviews and comparisons as we can and have had a few requests for this comparison. We will do our best to tackle it, but, with so many models, it is difficult to cover every single one. Thanks for tuning in! :)
You start by mentioning it but after watching the whole video I still don't get the difference between the hp704 and the lx705. Any chance to elaborate?
Both have the same PHA50 action. The main difference is in the sound (piano modeling engine). HP704 uses SuperNatural modeling engine, while LX705 has the newer Pure Acoustic modeling engine. Otherwise, they are pretty similar. Even the speaker system is similar. LX705 has a nicer looking cabinet but that doesn't make much difference.
I have recently realized that Roland HP and LX series digital pianos do not have Digital Audio USB interface (as Roland FP-90X does). It was a big surprise to me and made me much less enthusiastic about Roland console digital pianos.
You are absolutely right. It is a shame that these beautiful Roland HP and LX piano's lack this feature. But I think there is a workaround with an extra wire for audio only. And don't forget that none of the Kawai models has it. Only a lot of Yamaha models have Digital Audio USB interface.
I was going for CA79 but that is impossible to find due to supply chain issues. Now I'm looking for alternatives and HP704 is one of them. How do you compare Roland HP704 to Kawai CA59 in regards to sound and action? I'm a classical pianist and I'm going to practice heavy pieces. So I need a durable action and authentic sound.
The CA59 and CA79 had some manufacturing delays due to global chip shortages. That is one of the reasons why they are still quite scarce. With that said, the HP704 and CA59 are both incredible digital pianos with excellent, durable actions. In terms of the authenticity of the sound, the CA59's SKEX samples are some of the best and most realistic on the market. For classical playing, I would probably lean a little bit more in that direction, but the flexibility of the HP704's Piano Modelling engine allows you to achieve virtually any sound you can imagine if you get into customizing the parameters.
@@MerriamPianos Thanks a lot. very helpful. I called Barry (Toronto showroom in Eglinton) and he said CA59 is also having production problems like CA79 and none are available 😭
Not sure how or why this model seems to have a richer bass response than the LX708. I liked the 708 as it was well balanced and an engaging piano to play but tonally note for note the CA99 was richer in bass and that seems true of the HP704. I'm looking to sell my RD800 as I hate it but would be interested to know if the RD2000 has better piano sounds onboard? Is the 704 sharing the RD2000 sounds?
@@markcastaneda8802 how did it go? I tried the clp745 , I didn't like the key action at all. It's too light for me. Even the sound, I was not impressed at all. I haven't tried the rolnad hp704 as they are out of stock anywhere
Maybe the CLP745, not the CA49 or 59. But I am leaning toward the Roland HP704. It's a tough choice. Also the GP310 is good competition.
3 года назад
I love your content man. Keep em coming. I live on the 21th floor. The stairs are pretty narrow. I want a baby grand so badly. It's almost impossible to bring the piano up. Hoisting is not an option cause it is prohibitive expensive at that height. Anyone has any suggestion on what to do?
Hi! Do you have any tips on how to configurate the piano creator, according to the physical space you have put the instrument? I have a HP704 and my room is quite small. I'm concerned that some effects may not be recomended in this situation... thank you
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! It all comes down to a matter of personal preference really. I would suggest mainly experimenting with the ambience/reverb settings. Those are used to simulate natural reverberation in different room sizes. Beyond that, the tonal parameters can be dialled in to taste.
Any opinions on the “digital sound” that folks had said the modeling creates, and does the professional tuner presets in the piano designer app make it sold more natural?
Hi! Brent here! Tone preference is a highly subjective matter. Some players are more fussy about certain elements of an instrument's tonal profile than others. While there are certainly elements of modelled piano sounds that I perceive as lacking authenticity, I also tend to think about them as their own entity with a very rewarding palette of colours and tones. I would also venture to say that Roland is the leader in this technology and every new engine they put out seems to get a step closer in replicating an acoustic piano as well as present more versatility in creating new "modelled" piano sounds. Also, the professional tuner presets and other adjustable parameters can certainly be leveraged to dial in a more authentic piano sound on the Roland engines. :)
Hi David! Brent from Merriam Music here! That is a very tricky question. Ultimately, it is a matter of subjectivity and preference. There are many players that prefer the SuperNATURAL piano sounds over the PureAcoustic piano sounds and vice versa. The most important thing is to get into a showroom to compare the two to discover which one you connect and resonate with the most. Thanks for tuning in! :)
It comes down to a matter of personal preference as the HP704 and LX5 use different tone engines. They are both excellent, but have slightly different musical characters.
Sophia probably means the Piano button at 5:10 for example. And no, it does not blink, that probably has to do with the framerate of the recording or something.
I don’t want to sound ignorant, but does the Roland 704 have Steinway samples. I play a Yamaha Clp 635 at the minute and looking to change and love the Steinway sound!! Tia!!
Just tried the Roland HP704 in the store, I feel the keys are thinner than my Casio CT-X800, INDEED the Action is incomparable to my poor sensitive unweighted keyboard keys, but why they're slimmer?? also the Black keys on the HP704 look plasticky not woody and doesn't have a good grip Which is why I want to upgrade from my slippery keys on the Casio... Disappointed with the keys...I like the sound, weighted feel, and cabinet, hate the slim keys (naturals and sharps) and weak grip plastic looking Sharp Keys.
It is good that you had a chance to test it out at a showroom. Every player is different and, at the end of the day, it is all about finding a touch and tone that you personally connect with. Given what you said about the HP704, it might be worth testing out a Kawai CA49 or CA59. You may prefer Kawai's all-wooden GFC action. Thanks and all the best!
You're very welcome! The letters at the end of the model name indicate the finish: DR = Dark Rosewood CH = Charcoal Black PE = Polished Ebony The pianos are the same musically-speaking. The only difference is the aesthetic.
The deal breaker for me was the lack of audio interface. I need the piano to act as a sound card from the usb to host. There is a workaround for this piano, but having to connect an audio cable on top of the USB is just a hassle I was not ready to accept for this price range.
i didnt know about this. i thought that only pianos like the roland rd 2000 has these kind of features. in the spec sheets from p515 i couldnt find Informations that it has a integrated audiointerface or not. however i dont care about audiointerface at all. but good to know.
does the roland HP704 have the same features as the fp 90x? as we can see it has the same key action. I want one of the pianos to have an audio interface like the fp 90x has. do they have roland or yamaha? Thank you very much from Greece, I watch you and you are the best channel!
Hi! Brent here! While the HP704 has the same PHA50 action as the FP90X, it uses a different tone engine. The HP704 uses the SuperNATURAL Piano Modelling engine versus the FP90X, which uses the PureAcoustic Piano Modelling engine. The Roland FP series instruments, including the FP90X, do in fact have USB Audio Interfaces. :)
The PHA50 action is incredible and does have some wooden componentry in the action (wooden side panelling). Overall, it is an impressively-authentic touch, which many players even prefer over some of the all-wooden key actions on the market right now. The best bet is to test them out in person. :)
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Are you referring to a USB audio interface? If so, the HP704 does not have a USB audio interface. However, you can still record the audio from the HP704 via the dedicated stereo outputs. Thanks and hope this helps! :)
Hi! Just a curiosity: does it seem that the Supernatural engine has this particulare isue. For me, it feels like some notes in the octave above the middle C octave (I don't know how to name it correctly, in our country is called the second octave) those notes (tones) are somehow muted or shorter relating the other ones. Is this specific to Roland piano? I have a Roland RP501 piano, but I've noticed the same thing in your reviews for other pianos. Thanks.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Ultimately, tonal preferences are very personal and subjective. I am personally a fan of the SuperNATURAL tone engine. While no digital piano sound is "perfect", I find the piano sound to be quite rewarding to play with. With that said, sometimes it takes some tweaking of the sonic parameters to get the sound dialled in exactly how you like. :)
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for your quick answer! I to like the tones of Roland pianos. But as I was learning Debussy's First Arabesque I've noticed that I need to put more energy in the specific portion of the keyboard I mentioned before. Just wanted to see if someone else noticed that or it is only me ;) Anyway, on my piano is not possible to modify the sound, but on a LX model, maybe... So, thank you again and best wishes to you all!
Hi David! Brent from Merriam Music here! Personally, I found the pipe organ sound to be quite impressive on the HP704. Of course, it is a matter of subjectivity, but it does sound quite impressive (especially when the piano is turned up to full volume). Thanks for tuning in! :)
Just bought HP704 and regret it from the first sound when install it at home. When tried it at the store, it sounded OK, but it was harder to test because it was in an open room with not much resonance. Here are issues: 1. Mid octaves sounds very muffed and when you moved up the scales, it becomes more bright, which is not right. 2. Feels like tweeters do not work at all. Just dull sound from bottom speakers. 3. No matter how hard I hit a key, the sound is not what I would expect regarding dynamics. It sounds like hammers are very soft. 4. When setting the global volume to over 60%, there is a lot of distortion. 5. The volume between different sounds is not the same. When switching to Organ, for example, I have to set the global volume to 10% in order to match piano volume at 60%. 6. Except piano sounds, other sounds are very poor quality. 7. When switching between sounds, the prior sound cuts off immediately. 8. Tried their Android up and it is garbage. Very inconvenient. The piano technician app is crashing all the time and disconnects. 9. The modeling engine in HP704 is mediocre compared to sound samples from Kawai CA59. 10. Did not find any way to tweak piano parameters and save it as a custom piano. 11. The sound in headphones is brighter than from internal speakers. Looked in user forms and people just adjusting brightness every time they switch between speakers and headphones, which is ridiculous. My 20-year-old Kawai sounds way better. 12. Action - very noisy since you have to hit the key harder to get any decent sound out of it. 13. Dynamic range is very narrow. Looks like heavy compression. I hope, I will be able to return it and get Kawai, which I should have done in the first place. My HP704 on firmware 1.01 and does not look like Roland has any updates to the firmware.
@@someguyfromarcticfreezer6854 If HP704 would not cost that much in US: $3100 but had a correct price $2000 or less, then for that price it is OK. But not for $3K.
Personally I had found this video while looking for a solution to the sound problem. And since my piano is an exhibition model, after some thought I attempted a factory reset. And it worked for me, no more sound problem. People had probably touched the piano settings.
That is really a matter of personal preference. They both have wonderful actions, but offer something very different musically. My recommendation would be to try to get into a showroom to compare these two excellent digital pianos. :)
Stu, on my Yamaha SX 700 keyboard, when playing, I ofter hear a thump sound, along with the note everytime I press a key, coming through the speakers, whether they are on board speakers, or my external monitors. Any idea what is causing that?
@@valentinaharma2356 Aloha Valentina, I have not yet gotten an official response yet as to why this, "thump" type of noise emits not only when I play keys on my Yamaha SX700, but also on my Yamaha P125. Seems to be more noticeable when my volume is turned up, than low....Anyone else out there know what the issue could be?
this is a mystery model, it sounds pretty nice, but I can't find the price in the us - I did google a lot, still couldn't figure out if it fits my budget, seems very vendor is hiding the price tag ... lol. anyone help?
I agree with many other comments about how this video helped them make a final decision on purchasing an HP 704. Looking forward to picking it up this week. I appreciate all the helpful details, sound, PHA-50 action, the app, etc. Great stuff! Thank you Stu!
HP704 is a bit hard to find right now. I am interested and looking forward to hearing about your experience after you receive your much anticipated piano!
Thank you for explaining finer details of PHA-50 action. Great review as always
First, thank you Stu for all the videos you publish on this channel!
I watched more than one before buying my digital piano, and a few more after as they're informative and I enjoy to watch them.
I finally bought a HP704 a month ago and I love it. Initially, I was considering Korg, Yamaha and Roland brands (Kawai is not available in my local stores). After trying a few models, I was drawn to the Rolands. The HP702 was my price range but the much better 4 speakers system of the 704 convinced me to spend more. For my personal taste and my room, I lowered ambience to 3 and it even sounds better.
Beside the modelled pianos, I also enjoy the upright, mellow upright, classical pianoforte and mellow pianoforte pianos.
Among the piano designer library of pianos, both the LX-17 440.1 Hz concert piano by Hugo Veryzer and the LX-17 jazz stage sounds great on the HP704.
Of course choosing Roland does not mean that the other brands are not good. But I could buy only one!
P.S.: I already had a Yamaha P-80.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you for taking the time to check out our channel and write in with your insights! Congrats on your HP704! It is a fantastic console digital piano and I definitely agree that, if budget permits, it is a wonderful upgrade from the HP702. The additional speakers and PHA50 action really provide a wonderful musical experience. Thanks again and happy playing! :)
So far I was only considering Yamaha and Kawai, but you've helped me the Roland HP series on my list. Thank you.
You're very welcome! The Roland HP instruments (particularly the HP704 given its incredible PHA50 action) should definitely be considered! :)
@@MerriamPianos Ph 50 or Kawai Grand Feel Compact, which one?
Thank you! The HP-704 is on my list, hopefully the price will come down to a normal level back soon
How much is it at your shop?
@@91Hejsa 1795€ inkl. Transport in Germany
@@tomdroidtube... and what was the lower price you are waiting it to go down to? What season of the year was it in? I'm asking because I'd also like to get it in Germany. Thanks!
Thank you, Stu. Another great video, another very nice piano 👍
This video has me looking forward even more to the delivery of this piano I bought. I appreciate this video!
I just purchased this piano. Feeling good about it. It will replace my old Clavinova CVP 301.
Yup I have an ancient CLP 300, was my father's, must be nearly 30 years old, coming round to the same conclusion.
I got it Stu you are going for the Beethoven look. Lol 🤣🤣. Love your vedios .
Nah, he was just late for the video session, so he just dressed up right after showering, and was out the door; didn’t bother to dry his hair 😄
Beethoven was Nicknamed "The Spaniard" by his friends because of his skin color.
Great review! The HP704 is a wonderful instrument. It’s worth the investment plus the 10 year warranty. Besides sounding and feeling great, the technology is amazing. Bluetooth midi comes in handy for many apps and DAW. I hope that Roland keeps improving Piano Every Day App. My two main issues are the notes are too small, unless you have an iPad Pro 12.9, and recording features inside the app.
Thanks, the best review of this instrument, and the one that made me consider one.
Excellent and informative review. Thank you.
I love your reviews. And i must say this hair style looks so cool on you❤️👍.
....... Just last week I just watched your video on the Roland FP30 and my teacher recommended I invest in the HP704 today.. and how.... HOW.. did you JUST post a video.. Ok that was so meant to be it's not even funny LOL... AMAZING VIDEO AS ALWAYS!
I have the LX7 which has the same action as this HP704. I take online lessons and my teacher has the HP504. The are no issues and it works fine. Let us all know if you’re getting the HP704 and what you think of it 😉
@@KeepingOnTheWatch Nice! I definitely will Walter, thank you.
Hi Stu. You have such a warm, gentle approach and are a joy to watch.
Today I went to our local music store thinking I was going to purchase the Roland RP701. Something was off about it... not sure what exactly. But then I tried the HP704 and loved it.
It's been a while since this review, so I was wondering if it's still a model you would recommend or if there's something better at this proce point? In South Africa the 704 is currently selling for around $2600.
If you still recommend it over others in this price bracket, I'm heading back tomorrow to order it. 😊
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in! I will be happy to pass along your kind words to Stu! :)
The Roland HP704 is a wonderful piano. The PHA50 action, 4-speaker system, and modelling engine combine for a rewarding musical experience on all fronts. It is still a model that we frequently recommend and is easily one of the best cost-to-value ratios at its price point. Thanks again and happy playing!
Thank you Brent! Decision made 😊
Awesome review man, thank you very much!
Merci pour cette review ultra complète notamment d'avoir détaillé l'apport du key action PH50 par rapport au PH4 du HP702.
You're very welcome! Thank you so much for taking the time to tune in! We appreciate it. :)
Thank you Stu for the great review! Cheers..
This piano seems like a value for me as the LX is a bit out of my price range.
Great Video, mate. Helped me to make a decision between this, the LX708 and some others. But of course you have to play and hear it in person. I ended up buying the HP704 because of the PHA50 feeling, its warm speaker tuning (compared to the LX708) and the fair price.
The onboard sounds are quite good IMO, but once you play a VST like Garritan CFX through it, it's piano heaven. Great instrument.
Thanks so much! We appreciate it immensely. :)
Congrats on your HP704! It is a fantastic instrument on all fronts: tone, touch and speaker system. I know you will be thrilled with what it offers musically! Also, an arsenal of good VST piano plugins will definitely take things up a notch as well!
I really enjoy your videos. I think your reviews are a good help in making a decision on which Roland I will end up buying. I live far away from any music shops, so I do more than 90% of my research online. Thanks 😊
The 704 is great, so is CLP745 but oh the sound of Roland LX708 and Yamaha CLP785!
Stu, you are getting more and more handsome. Thanks for giving your advice on HP704, really thinking of purchasing it for my bday.
Happy with Roland 704 from the sound and key action. You need to adjust the sound based on your taste, the default setting may not satisfied you but the piano designer solves the problem. I can connect with my android tablet via Bluetooth and turn page using the pedal.
How does the adjust exactly works? If I adjust it once it's already inside the settings of the piano, or it's like I have to adjust it with the tablet/app on the phone everytime i turn on the piano? (maybe it's a bit silly question but I'm still before the final decision if to buy this model and i'm hesitant because of the above)
@@aleksandraj7873 You do it on the actual piano
excellent content, thank you
Man, the playing @14:25. Guy's a beast.
Thank you for tuning in! I'll be happy to share your comments with Stu. :)
Very helpful, satisfying to listen to your view!
Thanks for the video.
What about the CA-49? How does it compare to the 704 and CLP 735?
I have found the 704 to sound better than the Kawai. The 704 is probably between the CLP735 and 745.
Thank you for the detailed review! I'm torn between the Roland HP704 and the Casio AP-750. These models are five years apart but are similarly priced now. My concern with the Casio is its limited selection of voices (around 30, most of which are variations of the piano) compared to the 10-year-old Casio AP-650 and the Roland HP704, which both offer around 300 voices. The keyboard action seems slightly better on the Roland (is it?), while the internal speakers might be superior on the Casio. There's also the difference between recorded samples and direct sound synthesis between these two instruments.
You're very welcome! That is a very on point synopsis of the two offerings. They are both exceptional pianos, so the choice really comes down to personal musical preference. The HP704 will have a heavier action compared to the AP750. It will also have a more neutral tone, whereas the AP750 will be a touch more brilliant and clear. The AP750 would have the clear edge in the speaker department though. The best bet is to play both and see which musical experience you resonate with more. :)
Great video!
Very helpful
Thank You
Hey Stu - thanks for your excellent review - unfortunately There are no Roland pianos available in Australia - quite frustrating. Jeffri
This is a beautiful sounding piano.
Absolutely! It really is quite impressive. :)
Hello I can’t find the answer you so kindly gave me to the following question when I was about to say thank you and follow up with a new question depending on the answer I received 😏
My question was as follows:
“Hey Stu! As many comments said before me I also want to say thank you for all good and interesting reviews and comparisons between different manufacturers of digital pianos. I’m love the look and feel of the Roland HP 704 and its bluetooth capability to use an iPad or a smartphone to use apps for educational purposes. But that’s just it I got a weird anxiety for the invisible radiation when sitting behind the instrument and practice perhaps for hours a day. Where is the sender & receiver placed on the piano? Guys should not have a laptop in their knees since it could be harmful to the balls for the risk of cancer. The seller in the local Music Store probably think I’m crazy and he said he’d never got that question from any customer before 😂. Since you Sir seem to everything that is to know about digital pianos I hope you can give me scientific honest answer to this question. If you think their is any risk with Bluetooth radiation should I perhaps look att Yamaha 735 B witch lacks Bluetooth capability and settle for that? Thanks in advance Regards Ruben”
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! I am not sure which video you posted this initial question, but I believe I did respond to it previously. Happy to answer it again though. :)
Firstly, I am not an expert on wireless Bluetooth technology and its potentially negative health affects. With that said, I have not personally come across or been made aware of any instances where Bluetooth compatible instruments like the HP704 were causing harmful health effects due to Bluetooth radiation. With that said, I am not entirely sure as to the exact location that Bluetooth transmitters and receivers are placed within various piano models. At the end of the day, it is a personal decision that needs to be made by each piano shopper. Thanks and hope this helps!
@@MerriamPianos yes you did thank you very much 🙏 I looked at your answer very quickly because it was late in the evening. But this morning when I wanted to take a look at it again and complement my question with a follow up then I couldn’t find it. Perhaps you hade deleted my posts? 😭😀
Thank you now I see your answer! 😀 Who can give a correct answer to the exact location where the the Bluetooth transmitters and receivers are placed? It wood mean a great comfort for me to now. The manufacturer should definitely the the one who could give an answer to my worries. The problem is that I don’t speak Japanese 😅 (just joking)
Regard’s Ruben
cheers mate thats a great vid
Thanks so much! We appreciate it! :)
super helpful, thank you
5:07 replay button for sound demo
This video made me smile....Stu’s hair is getting longer each month during lock down. Can see Stu is trying his best to tame it. Anyhow yet another excellent video.
What do you think if hp704 is compared with Yamaha clp745, which one is better?
Hp704
That's a tough comparison. CLP 745, CN39 and HP704 all have good upgraded speaker systems. The Yamaha and Kawai seem to be more similar in overall sound quality but the price of CLP 745 will knock you over.
Just under €2000 online. Sounds like it's worth it. I'd rather have this than most upright pianos.
I've never been a Roland fanboy, but Roland pianos are getting better and better. The competition had better pay attention.
How does the modelling in HP704 compare to the acoustic piano in the RD2000? I've been trying out the F701 and didn't like the muddled base... then tried the RD2000 acoustic piano and LOVED the sound. My store doesn't have the HP704 so I can't try it out, and after reading both manuals it looks like RD2000 has some additional sound engine; however, when I hear you describe HP704, it seems like it might be similar to the RD2000. I'd really like your input! Thank you, and thank you for wonderful reviews.
Thanks for the detailed video you made. My daughter playing for one year now. I am thinking of buying this electric piano for playing at home. Her teacher has a Steinway (where my daughter started playing on) and I don't know if I have to buy an acoustic or that one. What is your opinion ? Thanks in advance.
Will there be a video comparison between the Roland HP-704 and the Yamaha CLP-745? Thanks for all the great comparison videos!
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! We do our best to tackle as many reviews and comparisons as we can and have had a few requests for this comparison. We will do our best to tackle it, but, with so many models, it is difficult to cover every single one. Thanks for tuning in! :)
You start by mentioning it but after watching the whole video I still don't get the difference between the hp704 and the lx705. Any chance to elaborate?
Both have the same PHA50 action. The main difference is in the sound (piano modeling engine). HP704 uses SuperNatural modeling engine, while LX705 has the newer Pure Acoustic modeling engine. Otherwise, they are pretty similar. Even the speaker system is similar. LX705 has a nicer looking cabinet but that doesn't make much difference.
I have recently realized that Roland HP and LX series digital pianos do not have Digital Audio USB interface (as Roland FP-90X does). It was a big surprise to me and made me much less enthusiastic about Roland console digital pianos.
You are absolutely right. It is a shame that these beautiful Roland HP and LX piano's lack this feature. But I think there is a workaround with an extra wire for audio only. And don't forget that none of the Kawai models has it. Only a lot of Yamaha models have Digital Audio USB interface.
Hi. Thanks for your review. I have a doubt. How many sounds does hp704 have? The specifications say 324, but it has 4 groups of 9 sound each one.
I was going for CA79 but that is impossible to find due to supply chain issues. Now I'm looking for alternatives and HP704 is one of them. How do you compare Roland HP704 to Kawai CA59 in regards to sound and action? I'm a classical pianist and I'm going to practice heavy pieces. So I need a durable action and authentic sound.
The CA59 and CA79 had some manufacturing delays due to global chip shortages. That is one of the reasons why they are still quite scarce. With that said, the HP704 and CA59 are both incredible digital pianos with excellent, durable actions. In terms of the authenticity of the sound, the CA59's SKEX samples are some of the best and most realistic on the market. For classical playing, I would probably lean a little bit more in that direction, but the flexibility of the HP704's Piano Modelling engine allows you to achieve virtually any sound you can imagine if you get into customizing the parameters.
@@MerriamPianos Thanks a lot. very helpful. I called Barry (Toronto showroom in Eglinton) and he said CA59 is also having production problems like CA79 and none are available 😭
Not sure how or why this model seems to have a richer bass response than the LX708. I liked the 708 as it was well balanced and an engaging piano to play but tonally note for note the CA99 was richer in bass and that seems true of the HP704. I'm looking to sell my RD800 as I hate it but would be interested to know if the RD2000 has better piano sounds onboard? Is the 704 sharing the RD2000 sounds?
Im confused which one to buy.... Yamaha CLP 745 or Roland HP 704 or Kawai CA49?
well i tried getting a white CLP 745 back in march but they are so in back order im going in to go see a white 704 tomorrow
Yeah me too
@@markcastaneda8802 how did it go? I tried the clp745 , I didn't like the key action at all. It's too light for me. Even the sound, I was not impressed at all. I haven't tried the rolnad hp704 as they are out of stock anywhere
ha same here, only real testing out in shops will work.
Maybe the CLP745, not the CA49 or 59. But I am leaning toward the Roland HP704. It's a tough choice. Also the GP310 is good competition.
I love your content man. Keep em coming. I live on the 21th floor. The stairs are pretty narrow. I want a baby grand so badly. It's almost impossible to bring the piano up. Hoisting is not an option cause it is prohibitive expensive at that height. Anyone has any suggestion on what to do?
Hi! Do you have any tips on how to configurate the piano creator, according to the physical space you have put the instrument? I have a HP704 and my room is quite small. I'm concerned that some effects may not be recomended in this situation... thank you
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! It all comes down to a matter of personal preference really. I would suggest mainly experimenting with the ambience/reverb settings. Those are used to simulate natural reverberation in different room sizes. Beyond that, the tonal parameters can be dialled in to taste.
Any opinions on the “digital sound” that folks had said the modeling creates, and does the professional tuner presets in the piano designer app make it sold more natural?
Hi! Brent here! Tone preference is a highly subjective matter. Some players are more fussy about certain elements of an instrument's tonal profile than others. While there are certainly elements of modelled piano sounds that I perceive as lacking authenticity, I also tend to think about them as their own entity with a very rewarding palette of colours and tones. I would also venture to say that Roland is the leader in this technology and every new engine they put out seems to get a step closer in replicating an acoustic piano as well as present more versatility in creating new "modelled" piano sounds. Also, the professional tuner presets and other adjustable parameters can certainly be leveraged to dial in a more authentic piano sound on the Roland engines. :)
In terms of sound chipset and quality, which one is better, the hp704 or the fp90x? Thnx
Hi David! Brent from Merriam Music here! That is a very tricky question. Ultimately, it is a matter of subjectivity and preference. There are many players that prefer the SuperNATURAL piano sounds over the PureAcoustic piano sounds and vice versa. The most important thing is to get into a showroom to compare the two to discover which one you connect and resonate with the most. Thanks for tuning in! :)
It seems this piano is very popular.. wk seeing is lx5 is better? I’m trying to decide between both
It comes down to a matter of personal preference as the HP704 and LX5 use different tone engines. They are both excellent, but have slightly different musical characters.
@@MerriamPianos thank you
Does that little light blink constantly whenever you switch the piano on?
Hi Sophia! I am not sure if I know which blinking light you are referring to.
Sophia probably means the Piano button at 5:10 for example. And no, it does not blink, that probably has to do with the framerate of the recording or something.
I don’t want to sound ignorant, but does the Roland 704 have Steinway samples. I play a Yamaha Clp 635 at the minute and looking to change and love the Steinway sound!! Tia!!
I know that the LX705 models both the American and the European built Steinway. I don't know if they flowed this down to the 704.
@@TimothyFish ok thank you
Just tried the Roland HP704 in the store, I feel the keys are thinner than my Casio CT-X800, INDEED the Action is incomparable to my poor sensitive unweighted keyboard keys, but why they're slimmer?? also the Black keys on the HP704 look plasticky not woody and doesn't have a good grip Which is why I want to upgrade from my slippery keys on the Casio... Disappointed with the keys...I like the sound, weighted feel, and cabinet, hate the slim keys (naturals and sharps) and weak grip plastic looking Sharp Keys.
It is good that you had a chance to test it out at a showroom. Every player is different and, at the end of the day, it is all about finding a touch and tone that you personally connect with. Given what you said about the HP704, it might be worth testing out a Kawai CA49 or CA59. You may prefer Kawai's all-wooden GFC action. Thanks and all the best!
Nice piano :)
Thank you for all the information. What is the difference between Roland Hp704 DR and Hp704 CH? Oh and then there's also PE. 😅
You're very welcome! The letters at the end of the model name indicate the finish:
DR = Dark Rosewood
CH = Charcoal Black
PE = Polished Ebony
The pianos are the same musically-speaking. The only difference is the aesthetic.
@@MerriamPianos thank you so much 🌺
Another nice sounding digital console piano. I wonder if they are still making acoustic pianos in a cabinet like this?
If you’re talking size then this Roland’s physical dimensions reminds me of a spinet acoustic.
Can you stream/play Bluetooth audio with your mobile devices on the hp series?
Yup! You certainly can use your mobile device to send audio via Bluetooth to the HP series instruments. :)
The deal breaker for me was the lack of audio interface. I need the piano to act as a sound card from the usb to host. There is a workaround for this piano, but having to connect an audio cable on top of the USB is just a hassle I was not ready to accept for this price range.
i didnt know that console digitalpianos have integrated audiointerface.
does the kawai ca 49 or the clp 735 have one?
@@alpay389 to my knowledge every Yamaha from CLP 600 onward. My 515 has audio interface
i didnt know about this. i thought that only pianos like the roland rd 2000 has these kind of features. in the spec sheets from p515 i couldnt find Informations that it has a integrated audiointerface or not.
however i dont care about audiointerface at all. but good to know.
It has Bluetooth connectivity. Does that not do what you need it to do?
does the roland HP704 have the same features as the fp 90x? as we can see it has the same key action. I want one of the pianos to have an audio interface like the fp 90x has. do they have roland or yamaha? Thank you very much from Greece, I watch you and you are the best channel!
Hi! Brent here! While the HP704 has the same PHA50 action as the FP90X, it uses a different tone engine. The HP704 uses the SuperNATURAL Piano Modelling engine versus the FP90X, which uses the PureAcoustic Piano Modelling engine. The Roland FP series instruments, including the FP90X, do in fact have USB Audio Interfaces. :)
Thank you again!
so the roland HP 704 also has an audio interface
@@panteliskaramatsoukis3951 no
For this price range , Roland should have given a full wooden key action like a CA99 or a Casio GP 500
The PHA50 action is incredible and does have some wooden componentry in the action (wooden side panelling). Overall, it is an impressively-authentic touch, which many players even prefer over some of the all-wooden key actions on the market right now. The best bet is to test them out in person. :)
@@MerriamPianos pls
Is any specific difference between the HP 704 and LX 705 ?
Thanks.
Does this piano have a built in audio interface?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Are you referring to a USB audio interface? If so, the HP704 does not have a USB audio interface. However, you can still record the audio from the HP704 via the dedicated stereo outputs. Thanks and hope this helps! :)
@@MerriamPianos Yes I was, and yes it does thanks!
Hi! Just a curiosity: does it seem that the Supernatural engine has this particulare isue. For me, it feels like some notes in the octave above the middle C octave (I don't know how to name it correctly, in our country is called the second octave) those notes (tones) are somehow muted or shorter relating the other ones. Is this specific to Roland piano? I have a Roland RP501 piano, but I've noticed the same thing in your reviews for other pianos.
Thanks.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Ultimately, tonal preferences are very personal and subjective. I am personally a fan of the SuperNATURAL tone engine. While no digital piano sound is "perfect", I find the piano sound to be quite rewarding to play with. With that said, sometimes it takes some tweaking of the sonic parameters to get the sound dialled in exactly how you like. :)
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for your quick answer! I to like the tones of Roland pianos. But as I was learning Debussy's First Arabesque I've noticed that I need to put more energy in the specific portion of the keyboard I mentioned before. Just wanted to see if someone else noticed that or it is only me ;)
Anyway, on my piano is not possible to modify the sound, but on a LX model, maybe... So, thank you again and best wishes to you all!
Does it have a good pipe organ sound pls?
Hi David! Brent from Merriam Music here! Personally, I found the pipe organ sound to be quite impressive on the HP704. Of course, it is a matter of subjectivity, but it does sound quite impressive (especially when the piano is turned up to full volume). Thanks for tuning in! :)
Just bought HP704 and regret it from the first sound when install it at home.
When tried it at the store, it sounded OK, but it was harder to test because it was in an open room with not much resonance.
Here are issues:
1. Mid octaves sounds very muffed and when you moved up the scales, it becomes more bright, which is not right.
2. Feels like tweeters do not work at all. Just dull sound from bottom speakers.
3. No matter how hard I hit a key, the sound is not what I would expect regarding dynamics. It sounds like hammers are very soft.
4. When setting the global volume to over 60%, there is a lot of distortion.
5. The volume between different sounds is not the same. When switching to Organ, for example, I have to set the global volume to 10% in order to match piano volume at 60%.
6. Except piano sounds, other sounds are very poor quality.
7. When switching between sounds, the prior sound cuts off immediately.
8. Tried their Android up and it is garbage. Very inconvenient. The piano technician app is crashing all the time and disconnects.
9. The modeling engine in HP704 is mediocre compared to sound samples from Kawai CA59.
10. Did not find any way to tweak piano parameters and save it as a custom piano.
11. The sound in headphones is brighter than from internal speakers. Looked in user forms and people just adjusting brightness every time they switch between speakers and headphones, which is ridiculous. My 20-year-old Kawai sounds way better.
12. Action - very noisy since you have to hit the key harder to get any decent sound out of it.
13. Dynamic range is very narrow. Looks like heavy compression.
I hope, I will be able to return it and get Kawai, which I should have done in the first place.
My HP704 on firmware 1.01 and does not look like Roland has any updates to the firmware.
In different video, a guy compare this to Kawai CN39 and fought hard tries to convince me that HP704 is better than Kawai CN series or CA series.
@@someguyfromarcticfreezer6854 If HP704 would not cost that much in US: $3100 but had a correct price $2000 or less, then for that price it is OK. But not for $3K.
Same here and that's the reason why i only play with a good headphones and the sound is great.
I simply don't believe you. A lot of what you say goes directly against this video and some others...
Personally I had found this video while looking for a solution to the sound problem. And since my piano is an exhibition model, after some thought I attempted a factory reset. And it worked for me, no more sound problem. People had probably touched the piano settings.
I just thought about this
Roland HP704 or Kawai CA49?
That is really a matter of personal preference. They both have wonderful actions, but offer something very different musically. My recommendation would be to try to get into a showroom to compare these two excellent digital pianos. :)
Stu, on my Yamaha SX 700 keyboard, when playing, I ofter hear a thump sound, along with the note everytime I press a key, coming through the speakers, whether they are on board speakers, or my external monitors. Any idea what is causing that?
I just bought a Clavinova CLP-725 and it makes the same noise. So annoying! Does this Roland make this noise too?
@@valentinaharma2356 Aloha Valentina, I have not yet gotten an official response yet as to why this, "thump" type of noise emits not only when I play keys on my Yamaha SX700, but also on my Yamaha P125. Seems to be more noticeable when my volume is turned up, than low....Anyone else out there know what the issue could be?
@@valentinaharma2356 HP704 has a better action much less likely to be problematic.
How is it different frm hp704LA
The "LA" simply indicates the finish (in this case the light oak finish). :)
Hp704 or lx705?
Oh, a new episode of Black Books
this is a mystery model, it sounds pretty nice, but I can't find the price in the us - I did google a lot, still couldn't figure out if it fits my budget, seems very vendor is hiding the price tag ... lol. anyone help?
It is about $1700-2000. Kinda...
@@skoppppppppka Really. It looks like close to $3000
@@olegvorkunov5400 I found it in the Internet, it costs a bit more than $2000. And pretty the same price in each country.
@@olegvorkunov5400 у нас в РФ это пианинко стоит порядка 150-170к, зависит от магаза.
@@skoppppppppka Looks like you are talking about HP702 and not HP704.
Roland HP 704 vs Yamaha CLP 735, which one is better? Thanks
I would say the CLP745 if you want comparable sound quality. The speaker system in the 735 doesn't compare.
@Sina Nazari It depends, the CN39, CA79, CA99 and the hybrids are competitive.
@Sina Nazari I would love to buy it from you.
Key touch soft, you use less muscle not less brain, come on Stu 😁😁
New hair style new approach to reviews please 🙏🙏
That's quite... rude?
the man is trying his best and from my experience makes some of the most detailed reviews on RUclips
The 1704 has a horrible sound. Sounds worse than a cheap second hand Casio a 9 year old would get for a birthday present.
Tonal preference is a very subjective matter of course. What sounds amazing to one set of ears may be unfavorable to another's.
The piano sound's horrible. Sorry.
It comes down to personal preference and subjectivity of course. Not everyone is going to connect with a specific piano's sound.