I’m a novice hobby player and I absolutely love this piano. I don’t believe it’s overkill. The Bluetooth midi and audio out work great. And the PHA50 action is heavy but in a good way. It’s solid. Love it. Would buy again.
Thank you for all of the great reviews. TODAY I pulled the TRIGGER and ordered an FP90X. I'm 82 years old and haven't played in 20 years, so it will be an interesting journey. I promise I will be back at some point with questions and looking for help from you and the group.
You're very welcome! Congrats on your FP90X! That is very exciting indeed. It is quite the instrument. It has a wonderful tone and touch. I am quite confident that you will be very impressed with what it offers. :)
Very nice rundown! After going back and forth between the Kawai ES920 and the FP90X, because of the more robust key action, more robust build, connectivity options, and the intrigue of the modeling engine, I purchased the FP90X today-should get it in 3 to 5 days. Decided to just get a great keyboard instead of nickel and diming myself with upgrades over time. This one should last! Thanks again for all the time you put into these reviews-they are second to none!
You're very welcome! Thanks for supporting the channel! We're happy to hear that our reviews and comparisons were helpful through your decision making process. Congrats on your FP90X! I know you will be beyond thrilled with it for many years to come. The combination of the state-of-the-art modelling engine and the PHA50 action is quite spectacular and rewarding. :)
Danny, I went back and forth between the Kawai ES920 and the FP90X and went with the ES920. I'm pleased. Being 79 years old, I basically bought this for a 3-year-old grandchild. I'm hopeful that her father will enroll her in piano lessons. My choice was purchased online, so I never tried playing them.
@@GeorgeAlexa - Good deal! Something for everyone. I love being able to connect the FP90X to my iMac via USB MIDI-so simple! And the action! Oh my!! My mother has played acoustic piano all her life, and when she sat down to play my new Roland, she couldn’t believe how much it felt like a grand piano. Just unreal!! Glad you’re enjoying the Kawai-that was next to the top of my list.
This is my digital piano. I have been finally happy with what I got after trying six different ones (including two MIDI controllers). It was a year old discovery of what I really like and need. I use it with piano VSTs - recently mostly VSL Synchron. By the way, I got it last year for just $2800 CAD
Thanks for sharing that you use this Roland to play piano VSTs, including Synchron. Do you mind sharing (briefly) how you did this? I want to do the same with my Roland LX-705 (which has 2-USB out ports for USB-MIDI and a USB-memory port (for recording a performance as audio--i.e., Wav file). I assume that Roland FP-90X is manufactured similarly. I happen to use: a capable PC (rather than Mac), Ableton Live as my DAW, & a MOTU audio interface. I want to play piano VSTs from Synchron, Keyscape & Garritan.
@@kob79jd I think that LX-705 does not have USB Digital Audio Interface. I just connect FP-90X with USB cable to my MacBook (all my tests show that VSL Synchron pianos do not work well on a PC) that runs VSL. The same cable brings digital audio signal to FP-90X (Roland DigitalPiano shows as digital output for Piano Player) that just uses it as its sound. I set Function/Local Control to Off on Roland. If LX705 does not have Digital Audio Interface, you will need to use an external Digital Audio Interface (Focusrite Scarlett for instance) and connect its output to external audio input of the piano. It is more expensive and a bit more complicated but it works. Good luck
That's awesome! I'm happy to hear that you've discovered the FP90X and were able to get it at an awesome price! There have been several industry-wide price increases, which go hand in hand with the inflation we're seeing across the board these days. Enjoy your FP90X! :)
I just bought it piano two weeks and i also just purchased the Garritan CFX sound to play with this. I'm ready to take my piano passion to the next level!
Hi Stu, thank you very much for putting together this FAQ. Here's one laugh and one other fact for you: Laugh: I got the FP90X to bridge a delivery schedule gap of another "keyboard", so to have something good to work on until my "motherboard" gets delivered, but that quality of sound and action on the FP90X makes it a keeper instead of just getting over a delivery schedule. My criteria to choose were exactly those you mentioned: pure acoustics modeling (from higher L-Series), PHA50 and freedom of good built in speakers. This thing stays planted here for the pure joy of that great package. Another fact: If somebody wants to enjoy the pure acoustic sound of the FP90X via midi from another keyboard, that signal needs to be sent via midi channel number 4 into the FP90X. In my case, the sending device is a cp88. I did not find any information on this anywhere, so the Roland support kindly provided me this hint. If PureAcoustics is your thing, that's the way to go. Would be glad if this is of benefit to anybody out there, wanting the freedom of PureAcoustics, which is a wonderful experience IMHO. You can even play around there with string resonances, etc, maybe needless to say. That's about one laugh and one fact. All the best & looking forward to your further videos.
Thank you for sharing this hack for inputting MIDI into the FP-90X. My hat is off to you for figuring that out! I am daunted by the (I believe) simpler task of how to use my Roland LX-705 as a MIDI controller to play VST pianos (obviously through my audio interface (MOTU) and DAW (Ableton Live) on a very capable PC.
Thank you kindly for tuning in and for the very helpful insights! That is awesome that you have fallen in love with the FP90X and has evolved to be a more permanent fixture for you opposed to a stop gap. It is unquestionably a fantastic digital piano and I know you will be thrilled with what it offers. Thanks so much again and happy playing! :)
@@MerriamPianos Thank you very much for this feedback. I have still one question in my mind...which is about.... I currently do not know how the Roland modeling of Pure Acoustic and V-Piano can be differentiated. I never had a V-Piano in reach to make a comparison. From what I see about all the descriptions of those "piano designer" functions (aka virtual technician) they look pretty similar. Googling about it just brings me to general explanations. I could ask Roland directly, but as soon as my "motherboard" - a Fantom 8 - crosses the delivery milestone - I will see something more. But if you ever come across any facts about the differences - Information would be very much appreciated. This might be a deep dig, but maybe there's interesting news down there :) All the best!
@@Mat-q5z Martin, I am not sure whether this helps you or not. But I have Arturia's Piano V, as well as a Roland modeled Piano (in my case the LX-705). I quite like several of the Arturia virtual pianos included in Piano V (The latest update--Piano V version 3--improved them quite a bit.) However, the modeled sound from my Roland LX-705 is (to my ear) head and shoulders above any of the Arturia offerings. The Roland modeling makes it a deep pleasure to play, and it makes me sound as if I were a better pianist than I am. Just one user's on-the-ground observations but I believe 95% of pianists listening blindfolded to both Arturia Piano V, and comparing it with the LX-705 would also say the latter sounds better.
@@kob79jd Hi Martin Fierro, this sounds interesting. I have no experience yet with those VST or MIDI over Laptop sound creation offerings. Since I am working with computers all day, I prefer „hardware Pianos“ for playing. A bit of firmware fiddeling is still tolerated in that zone :) Interesting to hear your comparison beteen the L-Model and the virtual V. Congratulatuions to you L-Model, by the way.I just checked this Artutia V-offering. The „V-Piano“ which I mentioned has really been a physical stage keyboard which Roland did put out approximateley a decade ago. Maybe you know that anyways. The engine behind that is also included in the actual Fantom (and I guess RD 2000). And as said above, the tone tweaking features are very similar, between „V-Piano“ and „SuperNatural“, so I wonder if there‘s any technical relationship regarding similarities and especially „how close“. This is Roland chips family stuff :) I will check with Roland directly and let know ;). Thank you very much for sharing your own experience, it‘s always something to learn from other peoples experiences. Take care & happy playing!
That is a very good question! I have not personally attempted that, but my guess is that it would be sent through the unit's line outs. Perhaps, one of our resident digital piano gurus in our community here that has experimented with this functionality can chime in. :)
Simply the best piano reviws i have watched. Im in the process of looking for a new piano and at the moment it is between this and the RD88. Keep up the excellent work.
Thanks a million! We appreciate that! The RD88 and FP90X are both amazing and fully-loaded instruments. While the RD88 has an edge on the portability factor, the FP90X is quite the powerhouse and the PHA-50 action is incredibly rewarding to play. :)
Stu - your review are always excellent, thanks! I play in a restaurant that owns the FP90X and I love the PHA50 action with the great acoustic piano modeling. I have an RD700NX in my music studio and about a year ago replaced my RD300NX with the RD88 for gigging. My question is: can you download sounds from the Roland Cloud & import to the FP90X? I find that I prefer the (built in) tone wheel organs, electric pianos, vibes etc. on my RD88 to those on the FP90X. If Roland left this capability out on the FP90X that's a shame - on my RD88 I've not found a need to download any sounds from the Roland Cloud as of yet. Keep up the great work - you are a fabulous pianist - very inspiring!
Thanks for checking out the review and for your kind words! Both are very much appreciated. :) I believe accessing and downloading Roland Cloud patches is on available on models that utilize the ZEN-Core engine, which, unfortunately, the FP90X does not possess. Instruments that feature this engine, such as the FANTOM models, do have this capability though from my understanding.
@@MerriamPianos I never thought of that detail before. It seems the RD88 is the most affordable keyboard with the ZEN-Core technology. Maybe you could try in an upcoming video their EXZ013 Concert Grand Piano wave expansion collection, available as a download from the Roland Cloud, to see how it stacks against the built-in samples.
The FP90X and ES920 are both wonderful machines, but given the very different approach in regard to their tone engines (sampling vs physical modelling), it will ultimately come down to the preferences of the player. :)
I think that is not a fact, but an opinion. I have played the FP90X vs Kawai ES920 vs Yamaha P515 in the same room. I prefer the P515. Besides, what is really meant by the word "best"?
@@Instrumental-Covers Your behavior on this channel is beyond obnoxious. You're trolling/spamming this channel spreading misinformation and undermining its credibility. You're clearly a Yamaha ambassador, along side with your best buddy who's a Yamaha artist, and your claims are clearly aimed at attempting to devalue, undermine and smear this channels credibility. This channel's most popular videos are actually about Yamaha digital pianos. They actually do carry 100's of used Yamaha acoustic and digital pianos and the fact that you see them as affiliate links is simply this channel's attempt to monetize international traffic because they can't sell them physical pianos. Those types of links are called dynamic insertion links...FYI. Also, why does it matter that they are not an official Yamaha dealer? The fact that you're hyper-focusing on the fact that Merriam is not a Yamaha dealer, despite the fact that hey do sell Yamaha pianos, tell me that you're probably a Yamaha associate or dealer.... Does the fact that they are not a direct Yamaha dealer somehow take away from massive time, effort, resources and expertise that channels like this one pour into producing super-valuable content. I also find it interesting that you're posting 100's of comments repeatedly attacking Stu's credibility while comments are turned off on your own channel. You're spreading misinformation and spamming this channel and I would be very careful about continuing to do that because they have the ability to kick you off the channel. I know I certainly wouldn't tolerate that in their shoes....
@@013Petar You are being excessively one-sided in your personal evaluation, but I do understand opposing opinions can be perceived by some the way you perceive them. This channel came to my attention about 2 years ago for being very interesting. However, the channel does place an emphasis on Kawai, Roland, and Casio over Yamaha in comparisons. I argue in many comments that most of those statements are subjective in nature, they are opinions. In addition, there can be some isolated technical errors (for example, in this same video: there are no tweeters shooting out the back, as claimed). That is not equal to spreading misinformation and undermining its credibility, but rather placing subjective statements in such a category, or attempting to address a mistake. This channel features a diversity of content, including digital piano comparisons, which is probably their most subjective topic. Talking about sound and action in a digital instrument is highly personal. I think they try to make is as objective as possible by breaking it down in segments, but in the end is highly subjective. For example, how exactly you prove that the Roland FP90X is "better" than the Yamaha P515? I think any attempt to go in either direction will have a high dose of subjectivity. If you have visited Kawai or Roland dealers, you must have noticed they do stack used Yamaha pianos for sale. While you can buy a used Yamaha product from them, they would be happier if you buy what they sell in the first place. In my experience, Kawai and Roland dealers will always explain why their products is "better" than Yamaha. And that is when the subjective part comes into play.
Stu, I really enjoy watching your videos. I'm currently looking for a keyboard for my church worship team and find your videos helpful and your playing extraordinary. I'm curious if you have a video out on your personal musical history; your training and playing experience, and if you have any instructional improvisation videos? Keep up the good work!
Thanks so much for your incredibly kind words and for tuning into our channel! :) I think that is a great idea for an upcoming video! I will certainly add it to the list of potential video topics for the future and have a discussion with Stu directly about it. I think a mini video biography about Stu's musical background would be awesome! Thanks for the suggestion! :)
1:34 How Much does the FP90X Cost? 1:57 Is the FP90X Worth the Money? 7:04 When were the FP90 and FP90X released? 7:56 Weight/Dimensions of the FP90X? 8:14 Differences Between the FP90 and FP90X? 9:17 PHA50 action - Which Models Have It? 10:20 Take Apart the FP90X ??? 11:25 Connect the FP90X to Bluetooth MIDI 13:35 Connect the FP90X to a Computer? 14:20 What Digital Pianos Compare Well to the FP90X?
Thank you Stu. (About the Bluetooth function on the Yamaha p515 it is important to note that it is not available in every country. I bought the p515 in Israel through an official importer and it is written in the manual:"Depending on the country in which you purchased the product, the instrument may not have Bluetooth capability".)
Hi Brian! It all comes down to subjectivity and tonal preference of course, but I do tend to agree with you. The European Grand tones are fantastic! :)
@@MerriamPianoscan you please tell me what sound on the fp90x is comparable to the European grand, which is the voice on the lx 700 series? Please help. Thank you very much
You're very welcome! :) We actually have a very detailed chart in our showrooms showcasing all of the current digital piano actions' pivot lengths. Perhaps, we should share this info in a video focused on pivot lengths. With that said the PHA50 has a shorter pivot length than the GFII and GFIII actions. However, Roland's Grand Hybrid action has a longer pivot length than the GFII and GFIII.
Thank you so much! Very, very useful, incredible reviews! I just bought one FP 90x, but later I would also be interested in some "update" mainly in a better action, not so much in aesthetics or sound nuances.
I've noticed that almost all reviews on these pianos lean heavily on stage playing, or "rock" music. Is there a way to convey more about the piano's actions regarding quiet passages for classical music, where smooth playing shows up strengths and weaknesses for this kind of music? After all, the precision of the action is where most professionals who aren't pounding out fortissimo chords all day long would be interested in learning about.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! While many players use the Roland FP90X for rock/pop stage playing, it is also an incredibly popular choice for advanced classical and jazz players that need a portable digital option. The PHA50 action of the FP90X is featured in numerous models across Roland's line, including the DP603, HP704, LX705, GP607, and GP609. If you check out some of our reviews of those models, you may find some more demos and discussions that further exemplify its precision and expressive potential .
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Loopz and Drum Beats+ are two apps that I have heard a lot of good things about, but I have not dabbled with myself. Hope this helps and thank you for tuning in! :)
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for the question. I am not familiar with any digital pianos that have that kind of functionality. The Roland piano models with the Piano Designer feature allow for individual note tuning in a range of +/- 50 cents. You can also transpose the entire keyboard of course. I am guessing that some modelling based instruments might have the capacity to do total remapping like that. The only other solution would be to generate your own sample set that was mapped out differently. Many of the Nord models have sampling capabilities, so that is one possibility.
@@MerriamPianos , I don't need transposing, I need reverting to get the keyboard sounds mirrored at D4, so I can practice right hand melody with left hand and vice versa.
Hello. Is it possible if I have sounds on my iPad to play them together with the piano (midi) and then input from my sound card into the piano and have the sound out from the speakers? (I have this “sunday keys” on my iPad)
I would say that the FP90X has a superior piano experience (i.e. better action and tone engine), but they are different offerings. The RD88 is far more portable. It is ultimately intended for stage use and gigging. The FP90X is certainly a gig worthy instrument as well, but it is quite a bit larger.
Hi, I tried to find an a CC for strings resonances from FP 90x to Logic, but didn't see and did not listen any. I tried with a Control Change 71 - resonance, but it doesn t work. Is there an way to receive some MIDI message for Strings and soundboard resonances (expression) in order to play them back out from the DAW? Thank s
Hi! Brent here! MIDI is not equipped to capture those details. Those would ultimately be settings on the tone engine side. With that said, if you were running back MIDI info via the tone engine to record/capture the performance as audio, those settings would affect the sound. :)
Is there a way to disable local control while leaving the amp and speakers active? E.g. use it to drive a VST on a computer and then use the FP90X as the sound output device for the computer. So... keyboard sends MIDI over USB to PC. PC runs VST and sends digital sound back over USB to FP90X. FP90X plays computer sounds over the speakers. FP90X does NOT play any sound generated internally over the speakers. Maybe it is as simple as turning down the volume on the internal sound but leaving a master volume up?
That is a very good question and one that probably needs to be answered via an actual test of that specific chain. The only thing that would need to be adjusted is the cable/connection you are using to send the audio. You would need to have some type of audio out from your computer/device that would then be sent to the audio input of the FP90X. While the chain makes logical sense, I would certainly advise actually putting it to practice. There may be some potential latency issues that may not make it a viable option. Perhaps, this is something worth exploring in a future video!
@@MerriamPianos So... I got access to a Roland FP-90X and tried it as you suggested. The only connections to the FP-90X were power and a USB cable to my laptop. In Pianoteq I used the following settings: Active MIDI input: Roland Digital Piano; Audio device type: Windows Audio (Low Latency Mode); Audio output: "Line (Roland Digital Piano)." On the FP-90X I went into the function menu and there is an option to turn off "local control," which I did. With this setup I can play the Pianoteq pianos, using the FP-90X keyboard, and listening through the FP-90X speakers. To my amateur ears the latency was acceptable. A similar effect can be achieved by leaving "local control" on and pulling the part volume slider(s) all the way down. You will still get the audio from the computer, controlled by master volume, but the local sound generation will be fully muted. The only odd thing was that the computer calls the FP-90X audio interface "Line (Roland Digital Piano)." Don't know why it would call it "line" vs digital or something else, but that is a nit, and you can rename it if you want to.
Hi! Brent here! The FP90X's PHA50 action is incredibly authentic feeling and feels quite comparable to an acoustic baby grand action in a lot of regards. There is a bit of mechanical key noise, which is to be expected from heavier actions with escapement simulation, but I wouldn't say that it is a drastic or distracting amount by any means.
@@MerriamPianos That a great help ‘ I believe I will purchase this maybe ‘ was Rd2000 or kawai mp11 se < but still deciding till I saw you video ‘ upstairs apartment so wooden floors Thank you again 👍
Emad, I doubt that Stu can answer your question, except to say that they are both good deals, since he represents Merriam Pianos which, no doubt, sells both models. Home pianos typically last longer than portable pianos, but there could be some exceptions. If aesthetics matter, you need the full cabinet.
No, they have different piano samples. The LX705 first piano patch is the "European Grand" whereas the FP90X is the "Concert Piano". The LX705 has 4 piano patches, and none of them is the "Concert Piano". I have played the LX706 and LX708 and don't like their piano patches (which are the same as the LX705). On the other hand, the FP90X has a much nicer piano patch. Even though the tone generators have the exact same name, the actual piano patches are completely different.
@@EmadSaedi Yes, it is. The Roland LX series was introduced in 2018, and the FP90X was introduced in 2021. So, they had 3 years to fix the LX series sound, which just doesn't sound right. Roland has a few modeling engines, another one is the "SuperNatural Piano Modeling" found in the DP603, HP702, and HP704. They still have one engine left based on sampling, not modeling, which is the "SuperNatural Piano Sound". That one is found in the lower-tier models, such as the FP30X, FP60X, RP501R, RP701, RP107, F701, and F107.
I agree fully with the analysis of applications for the FP-90X. It should be good for hotels and restaurants but absolutely needs a bag or case with wheels/castors. Accordingly the FP-90X is probably an excellent compromise if you need one piano for everything, including lots of light gigging. It seems that the action and speakers are the main culprits adding weight to the FP-90X. To be fair, the 60X is heavy for its category too, and that really surprises me, since the FP-30X (with the same PHA4 action as the 60X) is much lighter. I'd still purchase the FP60X (if I needed another portable piano) because it's a bit lighter, a lot cheaper and has most of the functionality of the FP-90X. Now that very serviceable stage pianos like the RD-88, MP-7SE & Numa X-73 are available for great prices, I'd only go above €1.5k (more in US dollars) if I needed a home piano.
Weight and portability is certainly an important consideration depending on the application and intended use of the piano. All of the models have their "place" and will fit the specific needs of different customers. :)
The other mid-range digital piano in the same category and price range of the FP60X is the Kawai ES520, but it is 10 lbs lighter. Since both pianos have the same speaker system configuration (both pianos have the same oval speakers size in plastic ported enclosures), it seems the extra weight comes from a combination of the action and the case of the instruments.
@@Instrumental-Covers Yes the ES520 & ES920 are much lighter than their predecessor, the ES8. It's an issue of strength vs portability. Evidently, Kawai felt under pressure to go for portability this time. I know that Stu speaks in favour of the portability, while JSP (Milan Studios) prefers the solid build of the P-515. The 520 also has a modified action "compact" or some such thing, which must help to make it so light. We all know that action and sound engine have a mutual dependancy, and I noticed that I couldn't make it ring as nicely as the 920. I'd give the 920 a second chance to impress, but I know I didn't like the 520 much. The 920 is probably the only choice if you want a quality 88-note portable piano under 18kg - which is what my P-255 weighs. I know I'd hate to carry much more weight, which is why I'd consider the FP60X, but not the 90X. If it gets that heavy, I want a full-fledged stage piano. The ES920 is exactly the same price as the P-515 here in Europe. Dunno which is best, but I usually opt for Yamaha because of the low-mid clarity and the soft treble. (So saying, the CFX treble on the P-515 seems harsher than on the CFiii engine, which I have.) Anyway, as we know, those who like a thick tawny sound generally prefer Kawai. Seems to me that the intonation is very different too. I'm so used to my Yamahas (Yamaha ears, lol) that I must be careful what I say, but the tuning on Kawais sounds weird to me. I'm trying to get past this, to remain objective, but it does bother me. In summary: I value Yamaha portables for piano tones and amplification, Roland portables for actions, other sounds & functionality, and Kawai portables are kind of in the middle. When I practice, the piano tone is the most important thing, closely followed by the action. On gigs, the functionality is very important, and other sounds can be too.
@@Zoco101 I think Roland and Yamaha are much more present on the stage than Kawai, probably due to having a more cut-through the mix type of sound, particularly Yamaha. You know, I had the Kawai MP6 before, but the short decay of the notes kept bothering me, so I sold it. Maybe they have addressed it in the new MP7SE since it has the HI-XL engine. One thing I like about Kawai is they always include 100 rhythms in all their digital pianos, and they are good quality drums.
Stu noted, in another post, that the FP90X doesn't have the ZEN-Core technology, which is reserved for their stage pianos and Fantom line. It allows to expand the sound bank. I was surprised the RD88 has 12cm speakers on the bottom and even tweeters on top, because it is a very quiet speaker system, which is unusual in Roland. If they give the speaker system some more volume and add a more complex piano engine, the RD88 would become a more attractive keyboard while still being light at 13.5 Kg (29 lbs). Neither Yamaha nor Kawai have stage pianos with built-in speakers, so the RD88 is a nice concept but needs more volume output. I don't care for the Korg SV2 sound. What is your opinion about the Dexibell ViVO S7 PRO M? It is 15.4 Kg and has built-in speakers with 108 dB volume output, which is obviously loud. It also has a similar concept to the Roland Cloud, where you can download extra sounds.
It sounds great in this video. When I played it at the store I didn't feel it sounded as good as my DGX/Pianoteq hybrid that I play at home. I have around $2,500.00 in my set up so in that sense they are pretty similar. The weight of the two instruments is very similar. Both are rather heavy. Given that the 90x is self-contained, It would be a better choice for gigging then what I have.
It all comes down to preference and comfort. The FP90X is definitely an impressive and versatile all-in portable digital though. Great for gigging situations! :)
@@MerriamPianos Do those FP-90X 5" woofers really give a full piano bass on modest restaurant gigs? Or is it an issue of "good enough"? My DP has 4" woofers, and they've rescued me at a restaurant gig when all else failed but, so far, I prefer larger woofers, say between 6.5" and 10". A (very) satisfactory gigging sound with 5" woofers would be a breakthrough, resulting in lots of cocktail/restaurant pianists without external amplification. 😃
@@Zoco101 With the bass EQ bumped, it got to a 'good enough' situation for me. Far from ideal or full spectrum, but not sounding like an AM radio on the other side of the room. For background solo piano stuff, with a small enough audience (in my case around 50 people in a relatively small area), it worked. Each room is different, people's standards vary greatly, but I'd still stand by the claim that there are going to be gigging situations adequately served by those onboard speakers. I would definitely not suggest people show up to a new space with just an onboard speaker-equipped piano and expect success...know the space and the expectation, and you might find that something like the FP90x does the trick :) -stu
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for that Stu - I appreciate the reply, and what you say makes good sense. My take away is use it alone if it works (and it might) but don't go to untried venues without bringing a little external amplification.
Hi Stu, thanks a lot for your reviews, I enjoy so much watching your video, so informative and helpful. I am about to decide to buy this FP90x, and I am attracted by the microphone feature as I am practising sing and play(beginner level). May I ask if I plug in the mic and play, then connect to a Mac book etc for recording, in principle, I can skip using additional interface right. Not sure if the effect is good enough. Great if you can share some insight😊🙏🏻
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for your kind words! We appreciate them immensely. The only thing to keep in mind is that, if you use the line outs directly to your computer and are playing and singing simultaneously, you will not have independent control/isolation of your voice and piano playing. Therefore, whatever the volume blend between those two elements was is what the recorded audio will be. Hope this helps! :)
I went to Sweetwater yesterday and checked out the Roland fantom 08 it was cheaply made keys in all I also checked out the Roland 8 and its like day in night between those two keyboards Roland went cheap all the way around on the 08 but if you got the money you can't go wrong with the roland 8 and I also checked out the Roland fp 60x it sounded and keys were good too I also checked on the Roland fp 90x it is awesome sound in play keys have wood oh in it plays like a dream I also had the guy to set up a kawai es 920 it was toy like keys in all so much plastic didn't take me long to get off of it but went back to the Roland fp 90x in I really like it enough to purchase it its worth the $2.199 I think the Roland 8 would been great too but couldn't dish out $4000 so that's my opinion thoughts Roland fp90x in Roland fantom 8 can't go wrong with either On and the Kawai es 7 is great feel in sound outshines the Kawai es920 just saying 😉 thanks for your videos on keys you do great job
You're very welcome! Thanks so much for tuning in and sharing your thoughts and insights! We appreciate it. :) It is interesting that you enjoyed the FP60X's keys, but not the Fantom-08's keys as both pianos have the same keys/action, Roland's PHA-4 action. With that said, there can be slightly different feels between pianos that use the same actions based on other elements of their design. In any case, I'm happy to hear that you found a few models that you resonate with! That is the most important thing. :)
Hi everyone. I have the FP90X myself. I just did some recordings and saved in the internal memory of the piano, now I can't seem to download these recordings or find a way to transfer them to my phone or laptop. If someone could help me out with this issue I would be very thankful. Cheers
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! There are several to do this: You can plug a USB stick into the USB Memory port and transfer the audio files onto that. This will allow you to transfer the recordings onto your laptop and, from there, send them to your phone or any other device you desire. Alternatively, you have an audio interface, you could record the audio right out of the tone engine of the FP90X by using the piano's line out connections and plugging them into the audio interface's input. From there, you can use a DAW or some type of applicable recording software to capture the recordings. Thanks and hope this helps! :)
I remember when the V-Piano came out, which I believe was $6,000. They had it in a store sitting next to a Roland RG-3F (baby grand style using the SuperNatural engine). I spent some time in the store with a couple of Roland KC-110's trying to get the best piano sound out of the V-Piano (I think it had 3 main pianos, labeled Piano 1, Piano 2, and Piano 3, if I remember correctly), but the RG-3F had the speakers inside the cabinet in a way it made it sound more adequate for live playing. I also had the chance to play the Roland V-Grand, which was the same V-Piano but in a baby grand cabinet. The retail price was close to $20,000. To my knowledge, the V-Grand had the largest speaker I have seen on a digital piano: it was a 30 cm (12 inches) woofer firing under the piano (I couldn't resist watching the speaker on the bottom). Roland used to have 8- inch woofers in many digital pianos, but they have been using smaller speakers lately. The V-Piano was in my opinion the best modeling piano available at that time, since the other contender was Pianoteq, but the earlier versions of Pianoteq were significantly less realistic than the V-Piano. I think Roland started on the right foot with the V-Piano, then went backwards with the modeling provided as "European" and "American" pianos in the LX, then went back to the right path in the FP90X with their "Concert Grand' patch. At least to my ears, it sounds better than the previous iterations of the model. There are at least two more companies that have used physical modeling for their pianos, which are Viscount (Physis Piano back in 2012) and now the Studiologic Numa X Piano models (3 models). Viscount seems to have abandoned the project of modeling pianos, but continue the work in pipe organ sound. The new Numa X series have several modeling pianos, they also have a very similar action construction to the PHA-50 action, in the sense they also use the two strips of wood on the sides of the plastic white keys (called Fatar TP/400 WOOD). So, it seems the FP90X has a competitor from Studiologic.
Can i get your opinion on the fp-90x vs Yamaha p515? I am looking to upgrade from the Yamaha p115 so i am looking to get any opinion since most stores dont have it in store so i gonna have to order online.
OT: When Stu does the new Kawai ES120, be sure to remember to turn Off the internal Speaker EQ. It also effects Line Out and boosts the treble in a weird way.
@@MerriamPianos Thanks Brent …even Amazon has them at that price …. you folks are a good reason to move up north …. always watch your channel … you are doing a great job 👍👍👍👍
I bought the rd 2000,had to return,couldn’t get decent piano sound dialed in,have this fp90x arriving today,hope it is more user friendly getting a good piano tone
At the end of the day, it’s a matter of personal preference, but considering that the Roland FP90x is now priced below $2000(!), it’s an absolute steal in my opinion. In comparison, its main competitor, the Kawai ES920, has seen its price rise from sub $1600 to close to $2000 currently (as of July 2024), likely due to supply and demand dynamics. If your budget hovers around $2000, the FP90x easily outperforms other options. The PHA50 action alone is a compelling argument. Yes, some people simply prefer Kawai’s superbly sampled SK-EX, and that is fine. However, there are VSTs out there to address that. But keep in mind that you’re stuck with the action once you buy it-just a thought! 🎹💡🎶
Hi there! Thanks for the insights! The price points vary quite a bit in different regions. Here in Canada, the FP90X is $1100 more than the ES920, which naturally changes the conversation for some customers that are trying to stay within a specific price range.
Hello Stu, you said this piano has some tweeters shooting out the back of the instrument. That is incorrect. The FP90X has 2.5 cm (1 inch) tweeters mounted on top, shooting up. To be more accurate, the left tweeter is mounted behind the "Piano" button and the right tweeter is mounted behind the "Play/Stop" buttons, both shooting up, separated from the speaker box. On the far left and far right, you have a couple of small oval 8 x 12 cm speakers (about 3 x 5 inches) mounted on a ported box with thin slots facing the back. Roland states the FP90X consumes about 2 watts when playing at medium volume (from the amplifiers). Those 60 watts amplifiers are total rated output, not real output in the sense you won't get the amplifiers pumping out 60 watts when you turn the volume all the way up. If you play the FP90X side by side with the Yamaha DGX670, you will be surprised to realize they have the same volume output at maximum volume. In fact, the speakers on the DGX-670 are larger with a larger port for deeper bass. There is so much volume and bass you can get from smaller speakers like the FP90X. Keep in mind that you might get the impression the piano sounds super loud in a gig, because you are sitting at the piano away from it about 2 feet (basically your ears are super close to the speakers), but your 50-60 listeners in the audience are not getting the sound that loud. In fact, you move away from the piano just a little bit and the volume drops considerably and becomes tiny rather quickly. Regarding comparisons with the Yamaha P515: while you could argue the FP90X is objectively more rich in specifications, a different story is to say that it is "objectively better" or "objectively sounds better" or "objectively has a better action". In personal tests, I prefer the action and sound of the P515. That part is a matter of personal preference. Higher specifications don't necessarily cause an instrument to "objectively" have better sound or action, arguably the two most important features of a digital piano.
Hey @Instrumental Covers - thanks for adding some specificity to the tweeter comments - the 'tone ports' pointing out the back certainly add more projection towards a potential small audience; having played the FP90 and 90x side by side...it's quite noticeable, and underlying point that I was trying to make. My understanding was that the tweeters were providing the sound that was leaving those ports, but as you've pointed out, it may not be a 'direct' output. As usual, you dig deep on these details IC ;) I'm aware that the numeric value of an amplifier's total rated output, to a point, won't be super helpful since there are so many factors that can influence the sense of volume from a speaker...but certainly when the differences in wattage get large enough (when comparing various models), I've found that it can reasonably predict the a range of output. I.e. a keyboard with 60w vs one with 50w may not necessarily be louder. However, a 60w vs a 15w is almost guaranteed to blow it out of the water. Which is why I still feel it relevant to mention it in these videos. When I was discussing the small wedding I played without any reinforcement with the 90x, obviously I'm not using my perspective as a player at the instrument to gauge whether it's adequate for the room - that would have been an embarrassingly rookie move. I ALWAYS soundcheck from the edges and centre of whatever room or space you're playing because, of course, the sound dissipates. When I'm not working with a sound tech, I throw the demo tracks on, and scout the room/space to see if I need to lug extra amps in.....because goodness knows when I don't have to, why kill my back! :) And finally, I think most viewers are going to understand that my opinions are just that, and take in my thoughts as just one part of their broader research into the market and models. When I say 'objectively better', I believe those words to be true, but of course a personal opinion will always have some level of subjectivity to it, and I think viewers understand and accept that as part of the deal when you research on RUclips. I bring all kinds of personal preferences and experiences to these videos, and for anyone who finds that that compromises the value of the information, they can source lots of alternate sources. I get the point you're making here, but I think most viewers know that an opinion/review channel will contain opinions. Thanks @IC for the comments! -stu
@@MerriamPianos Hi Stu. Yes, those tone ports reminded me of the Tannoy Prestige Gold Reference audiophile speakers, which seem to have tone ports on the sides. I think that is an unusual move for a speaker enclosed in a plastic ported box, so it is an interesting design. But the tweeters are not providing the sound leaving those ports. Actually, the tweeters are not even in the same speaker box and are facing up. In comparison with the Kawai ES920, I find interesting the ES920 has the same speaker box design, but without tweeters, yet Kawai has very crispy drum beats, so it doesn't even need the tweeters. I always thought that Kawai ES8 speaker design was the best design for a ported speaker due to its simplicity and sound quality. I think Roland is borrowing the idea from Kawai in the FP60X. Roland and others do have some digital pianos where the tweeters are allowed to mix with other speakers, creating a more indirect effect. Regarding the amplifier rated output vs real life consumption: I have a power meter that I use to measure amplifier's consumption. I suggest, as part of your segments, to buy from Amazon a power meter (they are very cheap) and test in your videos the true power the amplifiers are giving. It is typically very little, just a couple of watts. I think such a test would be a first among digital piano reviewers, so I would like to see it in your channel first, if you consider it as a possible addition. Let me put it in this extreme context: the Yamaha AvantGrand N3X has something like 545 watts of rated power, with a bunch of amplifiers and 12 speakers. So, you would think that the N3X sounds extremely loud compared to other digital pianos... not really. The thing is: it is not consuming those rated watts. This is similar to the FP90X with its 60 watts rated amplifier. Assuming identical speakers, the difference between a 60 watt amplifier and a 15 watt amplifier is 6 decibels (15*2 = 30, 30*2 = 60). As you know, 6 decibels is not a dramatic difference in volume: 3 decibels is considered barely noticeable. I did turn on the Roland FP90X at full volume next to the Yamaha DGX-660 and they sounded comparable in volume. That was an actual test with the instruments side by side, even though the DGX-660 is only 6 watts per channel. The thing is that neither the DGX660 nor the FP90X are really consuming 6 watts and 60 watts. If that were the case, then yes, I would expect twice the volume (you need 10 times the power to double the volume), but only with identical speakers. But the FP90X has smaller speakers than the DGX660, which do impact the overall frequency response, and once again, more importantly, they don't hit those wattage ratings at all. One thing I don't like about digital pianos with the speakers facing up (like my Yamaha DGX-670) is that they sound very loud when you are the player. It can become very uncomfortable if you have to play super loud to fill a room. Those speakers might reach around 100 dB in your face... I came up recently with the idea of building a couple of 6.5" midrange stage monitors placed on the floor shooting vertically. I was very happy with the results. Only thing is that it is a DIY project. If you like doing DIY projects, I can tell you this setup works much better than expected: the sound reaches your ears and the audience in a natural way. This is not such a crazy project after all: think of the Roland Facet Grand Piano design, a super stylish piano with speakers on the floor. I think the phrase "objectively better" does need clarification in its component words: what exactly means "objective" and what means "better". When I hear the word "objective", I think of something that it is beyond opinions, it is pretty much a fact. And "better" is a fairly vague word... for example, Consumer Reports doesn't say that the Toyota Camry is "objectively better" than the Honda Accord, or vice-versa. Instead, they have this very long list of categories where each car receives a rating. Usually, neither car is an absolute winner in every single category. In a similar manner, I think digital pianos have categories where they can receive a rating, and even those categories are likely to be assigned subjective ratings. It seems to me this subjectivity is at the heart of comparisons in products that are certainly at a professional level, like those digital pianos from Kawai, Roland, and Yamaha. Thanks a lot for chatting with me! By the way, I did enjoy your description on how you walk around the room to check for sound presentation. That could be another area of interest for future videos. Your channel is getting a lot of content from many areas. 😃🎵
Many pianists consider the VPC1 to be the best MIDI controller ever made in terms of the authenticity of the playing experience. With that said, you can also consider the MP11SE as well. In addition to an improved action, it also has plenty of exciting bells and whistles to explore! ;)
PS While the MP-11SE has key sticks about an inch longer, the VPC1 has a special feature of great importance: a velocity editor (displaying a graph) which helps to make it compatible with many pianists and many MIDI devices.
Thank you, I just purchased and used in a rehearsal last night jazz quartet session last night. I’m actually loving some of the EPs, would like to adjust vibrato/trem speed but haven’t how to do that yet. Btw, I’m pretty sure that in the video where you are talking about weight and dimensions the weight part didn’t make it on the tape.
would you ever do a comparison video with the ydp184? (although different, in terms of sound alone, as i’m personally stuck between the two for various reasons)
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for the suggestion! We typically stick to comparing models of the same price category and profile (i.e. two portable digitals or two console digital pianos). With that said, I'll be happy to pass along the suggestion to our production team for you. :)
Hi Stu, In the weight and dimensions you didn’t state the weight which is a very hefty 52lbs. That’s marginal in my view in terms of being portable if it’s just me carrying it.
I think the Kawai ES520 is currently the best compromise in terms of medium-range features and weight, particularly for gigging. It is 32 lbs, which is 20 lbs lighter than the FP90X, and still looks fairly similar to the FP90X interface (they both have almost the same layout). I have played the ES920 and the FP90X side by side, and the speaker system provides a similar volume output, and the ES520 has the same speaker system of the ES920. In fact, the FP90X and ES520 have the same speaker size (small oval speakers in a ported enclosure, with the Roland featuring tweeters on the inner sides of the speaker box and separated from it). Lighter than that and you have to go with the lower-tier group of pianos available (which are 6 lbs lighter on average), losing the mid-range functionality.
Jackofalltrades: Maybe low weight is more important than having speakers. Consider the Studiologic Numa X series. Lighter and cheaper, and great functionality for gigs. I fancy the 73-key model for band gigs. My 88 portable piano suits me better for solo work in restaurants etc, and still weighs less than 18kg. My knees are not too dependable, so I'm hestitant about buying a monster. We all get older! It's interesting that another viewer here purchased the FP-90X, but still uses his RD-88 piano for gigs. It's cheaper and lighter, and only has the PHA4 action, but what works, works. RDs have always been good for professional gigging musicians, while FPs have always been an amateur/ semi-pro line. Maybe the FP-90X has crossed over, and maybe the RD-88 has crossed the other way, but instinct tells me to favour RDs.
@@Zoco101 The Numa X with 73 keys is less than 12 Kg. It has Acoustic Modeling Technology for piano sounds... isn't that the same name that Roland uses? Looks excellent for gigs. I guess with a small stage monitor you can make it sound right.
Of course the exact thresholds for something being "portable" will always be subjective. However, "portable" really refers to the design more so than the weight. The fact that this piano is a slab-style digital without a built-in stand or cabinet, it falls under the "portable" category. Hope this helps clarify! :)
The entire FP line has shoddy built-in speakers that don't let you experience the full quality of each piano, but Yamaha HS7 speakers are a very different and far better situation. Headphones should be AKG K612 to best appreciate these pianos, in my opinion.
The AKG K612 are certainly very nice headphones. In regard to the Roland FP line, the speakers were one of the areas that received attention and updating with the transition to the FPX generation.
I do feel that the FP90x got an edge over Kawai es920. The Kawai ES920 is the Kawai flagship of portable digital lineup but it looks cheaply built (plasticky) and it offers only mid-range key action quality. If you live in an apartment where you play it wearing a headphone most of the time, the sound quality would not be much of a factor (meaning that FP90x wins on the key-action factor). And if you are a beginner/intermetidate player, then you need to have a keyboard with decent action to develop your techniques. The sound quality can be subjective but, overall, it's hard to deny that the FP90x is a more "complete package" of a product than Kawai's. Yamaha P515 is a distant third, IMO.
Thanks for tuning in and for sharing your insights! There are certainly a number of factors that will rank differently for different piano shoppers. Action, tone, speakers and feature quality are usually some of the top ones, but weight/portability and budget play their part as well. With that said, even the most discerning of players would be quite thrilled with either one of these wonderful pianos! The ES920 and FP90X are both absolute powerhouses within their class. :)
Not sure how many this affects, but the lack of on-board accompaniment in this piano is not a plus as it forces you to use an app that doesn't appear to be that great. I had more accompaniment options on a $900 Casio. I'd like to see Roland rethink this approach and update the software to unlock the accompaniment for on-board use.
Fewer and fewer companies are including onboard accompaniment these days because of the proliferation of apps and other supplemental accompaniment resources on the web. With that said, models like the FP-E50 are an excellent choice for customers that require this functionality. :)
The problem with Roland’s is, their tone is just down right bad. I had the p515, but that too seems to be downgrade to previous Yamahas P series tone, so I got the es920, hands down best tone I heard in a digital piano. The only complaint is the es920 keys are noticeably heavier when closer to the “fall board “ , where as p515 is more balanced but clunkier action otherwise and heavier, I had tired the ph50 actions of Roland , but that’s was in old hp600 series, they were good
Hey @Jitin Misra - piano tone is, of course, super personal and I know quite a few professionals that have wide opinions on what they feel is the best. Regarding the Roland tone, you're not alone in your dislike for some of their earlier engines...what I'd say is check out their latest engine (the Pure Acoustic) which has added some additional complexity and range to the piano tone. You may still not prefer it to the Kawai (which certainly has a great sound), but my point is that a Roland from 2022 may give you a totally different impression than a Roland from 5 years ago. As for action, the PHA50 has the longest key stick of any of the models you've mentioned, and therefore will have the smallest variation between weighting from the front of the key to the back. The ES520 has a shorter keystick than the ES920, but both of those are shorter than the PHA50. Good to hear from you Jitin, cheers! -stu
Jitin Misra, seems you like the CFiii patches. I do too, and so far, I prefer my P-255 to the P-515. I have to remember though that I didn't like the P-255 so much when I first tried it. The CFX sounds fabulous when Stu plays the VSL Synthogy version. Try to give each piano several tries, using some trusty headphones part of the time. IMO Roland is better for actions, electric pianos and organ sounds than for pure piano tonal beauty, but I still enjoy playing Rolands in most situations in which I get a chance to play them. And the RD stage pianos are fantastic on stage. The FP portable pianos have improved, but still have some glitches. Meanwhile, Yamaha has messed up by offering only the slow GHS action on all its sub 20kg pianos. These assorted problems in portable pianos drive me back towards stage pianos. I am not willing to carry a piano over 20kg unless it's very special. But as a weight saver, I'd rather shed speakers (or have fewer than 88 keys) than compromise too much on the action.
@@Zoco101 i owned the p515 for a couple years, and I never could get passed the sound. I think it sounds good on youtube, but in person, I like the cf3s wayy better, but at this time I love Kawai SK Concert Grand samples.
@@JitinMisra Depending on what you play, you might adjust to the ES90 action. When I tried it almost a year ago, it seemed a bit too light, but the demo model was placed at an awkward angle. Maybe you need an MP11SE. I'd go for the MP7SE (because it's cheaper and lighter) but it seems I'm not quite as demanding as you are regarding actions. Anyway, I still prefer CFiii over the Shigeru sound (and by a wide margin) but I might grow to love the latter too.
We are located in Canada. While experienced players will most likely be able to make determinations purely on demonstrations and spec sheets, there are many customers in the market that are purchasing an instrument for the first time. We try to be as thorough as possible, so that players of all experiences levels can enter the market feeling confident and empowered.
@@MerriamPianos I know your location. I am in Britain. I am in the second category. I will evaluate an instrument on its own merits. What do you mean by "purchasing an instrument for the first time"?
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I’m a novice hobby player and I absolutely love this piano. I don’t believe it’s overkill. The Bluetooth midi and audio out work great. And the PHA50 action is heavy but in a good way. It’s solid. Love it. Would buy again.
Absolutely! The FP90X is a total powerhouse! The PHA50 action in particular makes this a standout portable digital model. :)
I prefer light action. Should I check out Yamaha CP88 or Kawai MP7SE? Any other ideas? Thanks
Thank you for all of the great reviews. TODAY I pulled the TRIGGER and ordered an FP90X. I'm 82 years old and haven't played in 20 years, so it will be an interesting journey. I promise I will be back at some point with questions and looking for help from you and the group.
You're very welcome! Congrats on your FP90X! That is very exciting indeed. It is quite the instrument. It has a wonderful tone and touch. I am quite confident that you will be very impressed with what it offers. :)
Very nice rundown! After going back and forth between the Kawai ES920 and the FP90X, because of the more robust key action, more robust build, connectivity options, and the intrigue of the modeling engine, I purchased the FP90X today-should get it in 3 to 5 days. Decided to just get a great keyboard instead of nickel and diming myself with upgrades over time. This one should last! Thanks again for all the time you put into these reviews-they are second to none!
You're very welcome! Thanks for supporting the channel! We're happy to hear that our reviews and comparisons were helpful through your decision making process. Congrats on your FP90X! I know you will be beyond thrilled with it for many years to come. The combination of the state-of-the-art modelling engine and the PHA50 action is quite spectacular and rewarding. :)
Danny, I went back and forth between the Kawai ES920 and the FP90X and went with the ES920. I'm pleased. Being 79 years old, I basically bought this for a 3-year-old grandchild. I'm hopeful that her father will enroll her in piano lessons. My choice was purchased online, so I never tried playing them.
@@GeorgeAlexa - Good deal! Something for everyone. I love being able to connect the FP90X to my iMac via USB MIDI-so simple! And the action! Oh my!! My mother has played acoustic piano all her life, and when she sat down to play my new Roland, she couldn’t believe how much it felt like a grand piano. Just unreal!! Glad you’re enjoying the Kawai-that was next to the top of my list.
@@dannymcnealthe kawai is better…..
@@Gustavo-x8f3q - In your opinion, what makes the Kawai a better purchase choice?
This is my digital piano. I have been finally happy with what I got after trying six different ones (including two MIDI controllers). It was a year old discovery of what I really like and need. I use it with piano VSTs - recently mostly VSL Synchron. By the way, I got it last year for just $2800 CAD
Which midi controllers did you try?
@@GospelMusic4Life I had Roland A88 mkII for 3-4 months and M-Audio Hammer88 for a month or so.
Thanks for sharing that you use this Roland to play piano VSTs, including Synchron. Do you mind sharing (briefly) how you did this? I want to do the same with my Roland LX-705 (which has 2-USB out ports for USB-MIDI and a USB-memory port (for recording a performance as audio--i.e., Wav file). I assume that Roland FP-90X is manufactured similarly. I happen to use: a capable PC (rather than Mac), Ableton Live as my DAW, & a MOTU audio interface. I want to play piano VSTs from Synchron, Keyscape & Garritan.
@@kob79jd I think that LX-705 does not have USB Digital Audio Interface. I just connect FP-90X with USB cable to my MacBook (all my tests show that VSL Synchron pianos do not work well on a PC) that runs VSL. The same cable brings digital audio signal to FP-90X (Roland DigitalPiano shows as digital output for Piano Player) that just uses it as its sound. I set Function/Local Control to Off on Roland. If LX705 does not have Digital Audio Interface, you will need to use an external Digital Audio Interface (Focusrite Scarlett for instance) and connect its output to external audio input of the piano. It is more expensive and a bit more complicated but it works. Good luck
That's awesome! I'm happy to hear that you've discovered the FP90X and were able to get it at an awesome price! There have been several industry-wide price increases, which go hand in hand with the inflation we're seeing across the board these days. Enjoy your FP90X! :)
I just bought it piano two weeks and i also just purchased the Garritan CFX sound to play with this. I'm ready to take my piano passion to the next level!
Enjoy!
Amazing! Congrats on your new piano! Happy playing! :)
My exact setup. I love it!
Hi Stu, thank you very much for putting together this FAQ. Here's one laugh and one other fact for you:
Laugh:
I got the FP90X to bridge a delivery schedule gap of another "keyboard", so to have something good to work on until my "motherboard" gets delivered, but that quality of sound and action on the FP90X makes it a keeper instead of just getting over a delivery schedule. My criteria to choose were exactly those you mentioned: pure acoustics modeling (from higher L-Series), PHA50 and freedom of good built in speakers. This thing stays planted here for the pure joy of that great package.
Another fact:
If somebody wants to enjoy the pure acoustic sound of the FP90X via midi from another keyboard, that signal needs to be sent via midi channel number 4 into the FP90X. In my case, the sending device is a cp88. I did not find any information on this anywhere, so the Roland support kindly provided me this hint. If PureAcoustics is your thing, that's the way to go.
Would be glad if this is of benefit to anybody out there, wanting the freedom of PureAcoustics, which is a wonderful experience IMHO. You can even play around there with string resonances, etc, maybe needless to say.
That's about one laugh and one fact.
All the best & looking forward to your further videos.
Thank you for sharing this hack for inputting MIDI into the FP-90X. My hat is off to you for figuring that out! I am daunted by the (I believe) simpler task of how to use my Roland LX-705 as a MIDI controller to play VST pianos (obviously through my audio interface (MOTU) and DAW (Ableton Live) on a very capable PC.
Thank you kindly for tuning in and for the very helpful insights! That is awesome that you have fallen in love with the FP90X and has evolved to be a more permanent fixture for you opposed to a stop gap. It is unquestionably a fantastic digital piano and I know you will be thrilled with what it offers. Thanks so much again and happy playing! :)
@@MerriamPianos Thank you very much for this feedback. I have still one question in my mind...which is about.... I currently do not know how the Roland modeling of Pure Acoustic and V-Piano can be differentiated. I never had a V-Piano in reach to make a comparison. From what I see about all the descriptions of those "piano designer" functions (aka virtual technician) they look pretty similar. Googling about it just brings me to general explanations. I could ask Roland directly, but as soon as my "motherboard" - a Fantom 8 - crosses the delivery milestone - I will see something more. But if you ever come across any facts about the differences - Information would be very much appreciated. This might be a deep dig, but maybe there's interesting news down there :) All the best!
@@Mat-q5z Martin, I am not sure whether this helps you or not. But I have Arturia's Piano V, as well as a Roland modeled Piano (in my case the LX-705). I quite like several of the Arturia virtual pianos included in Piano V (The latest update--Piano V version 3--improved them quite a bit.) However, the modeled sound from my Roland LX-705 is (to my ear) head and shoulders above any of the Arturia offerings. The Roland modeling makes it a deep pleasure to play, and it makes me sound as if I were a better pianist than I am.
Just one user's on-the-ground observations but I believe 95% of pianists listening blindfolded to both Arturia Piano V, and comparing it with the LX-705 would also say the latter sounds better.
@@kob79jd Hi Martin Fierro, this sounds interesting. I have no experience yet with those VST or MIDI over Laptop sound creation offerings. Since I am working with computers all day, I prefer „hardware Pianos“ for playing. A bit of firmware fiddeling is still tolerated in that zone :) Interesting to hear your comparison beteen the L-Model and the virtual V. Congratulatuions to you L-Model, by the way.I just checked this Artutia V-offering. The „V-Piano“ which I mentioned has really been a physical stage keyboard which Roland did put out approximateley a decade ago. Maybe you know that anyways. The engine behind that is also included in the actual Fantom (and I guess RD 2000). And as said above, the tone tweaking features are very similar, between „V-Piano“ and „SuperNatural“, so I wonder if there‘s any technical relationship regarding similarities and especially „how close“. This is Roland chips family stuff :) I will check with Roland directly and let know ;). Thank you very much for sharing your own experience, it‘s always something to learn from other peoples experiences. Take care & happy playing!
i bought mine yesterday. Its everything I hoped for.
We're glad to hear that! Congrats on your new Roland FP90X! Enjoy your new piano! :)
When connected to an iPad using Bluetooth, will the iPad audio be sent through the line out connections?
That is a very good question! I have not personally attempted that, but my guess is that it would be sent through the unit's line outs. Perhaps, one of our resident digital piano gurus in our community here that has experimented with this functionality can chime in. :)
Simply the best piano reviws i have watched. Im in the process of looking for a new piano and at the moment it is between this and the RD88.
Keep up the excellent work.
Thanks a million! We appreciate that! The RD88 and FP90X are both amazing and fully-loaded instruments. While the RD88 has an edge on the portability factor, the FP90X is quite the powerhouse and the PHA-50 action is incredibly rewarding to play. :)
Which is better, in terms of sound, touch, and features, the FP90x or the HP704?
They both have the PHA50 action, but the FP90X has a more advanced tone engine, which allows for customization and control.
Stu - your review are always excellent, thanks! I play in a restaurant that owns the FP90X and I love the PHA50 action with the great acoustic piano modeling. I have an RD700NX in my music studio and about a year ago replaced my RD300NX with the RD88 for gigging. My question is: can you download sounds from the Roland Cloud & import to the FP90X? I find that I prefer the (built in) tone wheel organs, electric pianos, vibes etc. on my RD88 to those on the FP90X. If Roland left this capability out on the FP90X that's a shame - on my RD88 I've not found a need to download any sounds from the Roland Cloud as of yet. Keep up the great work - you are a fabulous pianist - very inspiring!
Thanks for checking out the review and for your kind words! Both are very much appreciated. :)
I believe accessing and downloading Roland Cloud patches is on available on models that utilize the ZEN-Core engine, which, unfortunately, the FP90X does not possess. Instruments that feature this engine, such as the FANTOM models, do have this capability though from my understanding.
@@MerriamPianos I never thought of that detail before. It seems the RD88 is the most affordable keyboard with the ZEN-Core technology. Maybe you could try in an upcoming video their EXZ013 Concert Grand Piano wave expansion collection, available as a download from the Roland Cloud, to see how it stacks against the built-in samples.
This is the best portable, let's face it. Kawai ES920 is an admirable runner up though.
I think that's subgective🎹🎶
The FP90X and ES920 are both wonderful machines, but given the very different approach in regard to their tone engines (sampling vs physical modelling), it will ultimately come down to the preferences of the player. :)
I think that is not a fact, but an opinion. I have played the FP90X vs Kawai ES920 vs Yamaha P515 in the same room. I prefer the P515. Besides, what is really meant by the word "best"?
@@Instrumental-Covers Your behavior on this channel is beyond obnoxious. You're trolling/spamming this channel spreading misinformation and undermining its credibility. You're clearly a Yamaha ambassador, along side with your best buddy who's a Yamaha artist, and your claims are clearly aimed at attempting to devalue, undermine and smear this channels credibility.
This channel's most popular videos are actually about Yamaha digital pianos. They actually do carry 100's of used Yamaha acoustic and digital pianos and the fact that you see them as affiliate links is simply this channel's attempt to monetize international traffic because they can't sell them physical pianos. Those types of links are called dynamic insertion links...FYI.
Also, why does it matter that they are not an official Yamaha dealer? The fact that you're hyper-focusing on the fact that Merriam is not a Yamaha dealer, despite the fact that hey do sell Yamaha pianos, tell me that you're probably a Yamaha associate or dealer....
Does the fact that they are not a direct Yamaha dealer somehow take away from massive time, effort, resources and expertise that channels like this one pour into producing super-valuable content.
I also find it interesting that you're posting 100's of comments repeatedly attacking Stu's credibility while comments are turned off on your own channel.
You're spreading misinformation and spamming this channel and I would be very careful about continuing to do that because they have the ability to kick you off the channel. I know I certainly wouldn't tolerate that in their shoes....
@@013Petar You are being excessively one-sided in your personal evaluation, but I do understand opposing opinions can be perceived by some the way you perceive them. This channel came to my attention about 2 years ago for being very interesting. However, the channel does place an emphasis on Kawai, Roland, and Casio over Yamaha in comparisons. I argue in many comments that most of those statements are subjective in nature, they are opinions. In addition, there can be some isolated technical errors (for example, in this same video: there are no tweeters shooting out the back, as claimed). That is not equal to spreading misinformation and undermining its credibility, but rather placing subjective statements in such a category, or attempting to address a mistake.
This channel features a diversity of content, including digital piano comparisons, which is probably their most subjective topic. Talking about sound and action in a digital instrument is highly personal. I think they try to make is as objective as possible by breaking it down in segments, but in the end is highly subjective.
For example, how exactly you prove that the Roland FP90X is "better" than the Yamaha P515? I think any attempt to go in either direction will have a high dose of subjectivity.
If you have visited Kawai or Roland dealers, you must have noticed they do stack used Yamaha pianos for sale. While you can buy a used Yamaha product from them, they would be happier if you buy what they sell in the first place. In my experience, Kawai and Roland dealers will always explain why their products is "better" than Yamaha. And that is when the subjective part comes into play.
Watching stu talk about pianos is like ASMR for me
I couldn't agree more! Stu is amazing and we're very lucky to have his talent, knowledge, and passion for all things piano! :)
Has anybody told Stu that he sounds a lot like Todd Howard of Bethesda gaming studio, the makers of Fallout / Skyrim and (soon) Starfield? 👍
Just purchased.This smooth and professional FAQs presentation conveys confidence in my own researched decisions for selecting this keyboard.
Congrats on your new Roland FP90X! They are remarkable pianos and I know you will be very happy with what it offers for many years! :)
How are you liking it
Stu, I really enjoy watching your videos. I'm currently looking for a keyboard for my church worship team and find your videos helpful and your playing extraordinary. I'm curious if you have a video out on your personal musical history; your training and playing experience, and if you have any instructional improvisation videos? Keep up the good work!
Thanks so much for your incredibly kind words and for tuning into our channel! :)
I think that is a great idea for an upcoming video! I will certainly add it to the list of potential video topics for the future and have a discussion with Stu directly about it. I think a mini video biography about Stu's musical background would be awesome! Thanks for the suggestion! :)
1:34 How Much does the FP90X Cost?
1:57 Is the FP90X Worth the Money?
7:04 When were the FP90 and FP90X released?
7:56 Weight/Dimensions of the FP90X?
8:14 Differences Between the FP90 and FP90X?
9:17 PHA50 action - Which Models Have It?
10:20 Take Apart the FP90X ???
11:25 Connect the FP90X to Bluetooth MIDI
13:35 Connect the FP90X to a Computer?
14:20 What Digital Pianos Compare Well to the FP90X?
Thank you kindly! :)
@@MerriamPianos At your service :-)
Thank you Stu. (About the Bluetooth function on the Yamaha p515 it is important to note that it is not available in every country. I bought the p515 in Israel through an official importer and it is written in the manual:"Depending on the country in which you purchased the product, the instrument may not have Bluetooth capability".)
Very good to know! Thank you so much for sharing! I'm sure some of our community members will find that info very help! :)
Any suggestions for the best setting for Pure Acoustic? I think European Grand 2 sounds the best.
Hi Brian! It all comes down to subjectivity and tonal preference of course, but I do tend to agree with you. The European Grand tones are fantastic! :)
@@MerriamPianoscan you please tell me what sound on the fp90x is comparable to the European grand, which is the voice on the lx 700 series? Please help. Thank you very much
Thank you! Can you tell us, please the pivot s length (is shorter than GF II and III?) and briefly some differences between all of them?
You're very welcome! :)
We actually have a very detailed chart in our showrooms showcasing all of the current digital piano actions' pivot lengths. Perhaps, we should share this info in a video focused on pivot lengths. With that said the PHA50 has a shorter pivot length than the GFII and GFIII actions. However, Roland's Grand Hybrid action has a longer pivot length than the GFII and GFIII.
Thank you so much! Very, very useful, incredible reviews! I just bought one FP 90x, but later I would also be interested in some "update" mainly in a better action, not so much in aesthetics or sound nuances.
I've noticed that almost all reviews on these pianos lean heavily on stage playing, or "rock" music. Is there a way to convey more about the piano's actions regarding quiet passages for classical music, where smooth playing shows up strengths and weaknesses for this kind of music? After all, the precision of the action is where most professionals who aren't pounding out fortissimo chords all day long would be interested in learning about.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! While many players use the Roland FP90X for rock/pop stage playing, it is also an incredibly popular choice for advanced classical and jazz players that need a portable digital option. The PHA50 action of the FP90X is featured in numerous models across Roland's line, including the DP603, HP704, LX705, GP607, and GP609. If you check out some of our reviews of those models, you may find some more demos and discussions that further exemplify its precision and expressive potential .
Hi Mr Stu, thanks for the great review! I have a question, does this keyboard have a headphone jack?
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for tuning in! Yup - the FP90X does have a headphone jack. :)
Thank you, Stu. Any suggestions for a compatible app that could provide rhythm accompaniment to the FP90?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Loopz and Drum Beats+ are two apps that I have heard a lot of good things about, but I have not dabbled with myself. Hope this helps and thank you for tuning in! :)
Hi Stu! Which digital pianos allow remapping kyes to play other notes than default? For example, I want E4 key to play C4 note.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for the question. I am not familiar with any digital pianos that have that kind of functionality. The Roland piano models with the Piano Designer feature allow for individual note tuning in a range of +/- 50 cents. You can also transpose the entire keyboard of course. I am guessing that some modelling based instruments might have the capacity to do total remapping like that. The only other solution would be to generate your own sample set that was mapped out differently. Many of the Nord models have sampling capabilities, so that is one possibility.
@@MerriamPianos , I don't need transposing, I need reverting to get the keyboard sounds mirrored at D4, so I can practice right hand melody with left hand and vice versa.
Hello. Is it possible if I have sounds on my iPad to play them together with the piano (midi) and then input from my sound card into the piano and have the sound out from the speakers? (I have this “sunday keys” on my iPad)
Hi there! The FP90X does have a USB audio interface, which allows you to play audio from the VST through the onboard speakers of the piano. :)
I'm considering the rd 88 and the 90x.
Which one is the best overall?
I would say that the FP90X has a superior piano experience (i.e. better action and tone engine), but they are different offerings. The RD88 is far more portable. It is ultimately intended for stage use and gigging. The FP90X is certainly a gig worthy instrument as well, but it is quite a bit larger.
Hi, I tried to find an a CC for strings resonances from FP 90x to Logic, but didn't see and did not listen any. I tried with a Control Change 71 - resonance, but it doesn t work. Is there an way to receive some MIDI message for Strings and soundboard resonances (expression) in order to play them back out from the DAW? Thank s
Hi! Brent here! MIDI is not equipped to capture those details. Those would ultimately be settings on the tone engine side. With that said, if you were running back MIDI info via the tone engine to record/capture the performance as audio, those settings would affect the sound. :)
🙏@@MerriamPianos
Thank you!
Is there a way to disable local control while leaving the amp and speakers active? E.g. use it to drive a VST on a computer and then use the FP90X as the sound output device for the computer. So... keyboard sends MIDI over USB to PC. PC runs VST and sends digital sound back over USB to FP90X. FP90X plays computer sounds over the speakers. FP90X does NOT play any sound generated internally over the speakers. Maybe it is as simple as turning down the volume on the internal sound but leaving a master volume up?
That is a very good question and one that probably needs to be answered via an actual test of that specific chain. The only thing that would need to be adjusted is the cable/connection you are using to send the audio. You would need to have some type of audio out from your computer/device that would then be sent to the audio input of the FP90X. While the chain makes logical sense, I would certainly advise actually putting it to practice. There may be some potential latency issues that may not make it a viable option. Perhaps, this is something worth exploring in a future video!
@@MerriamPianos So... I got access to a Roland FP-90X and tried it as you suggested. The only connections to the FP-90X were power and a USB cable to my laptop. In Pianoteq I used the following settings: Active MIDI input: Roland Digital Piano; Audio device type: Windows Audio (Low Latency Mode); Audio output: "Line (Roland Digital Piano)." On the FP-90X I went into the function menu and there is an option to turn off "local control," which I did. With this setup I can play the Pianoteq pianos, using the FP-90X keyboard, and listening through the FP-90X speakers. To my amateur ears the latency was acceptable.
A similar effect can be achieved by leaving "local control" on and pulling the part volume slider(s) all the way down. You will still get the audio from the computer, controlled by master volume, but the local sound generation will be fully muted.
The only odd thing was that the computer calls the FP-90X audio interface "Line (Roland Digital Piano)." Don't know why it would call it "line" vs digital or something else, but that is a nit, and you can rename it if you want to.
Hi how is the keybed ? Noise wise be helpful to know as it is body is plastic thanks 😊
Hi! Brent here! The FP90X's PHA50 action is incredibly authentic feeling and feels quite comparable to an acoustic baby grand action in a lot of regards. There is a bit of mechanical key noise, which is to be expected from heavier actions with escapement simulation, but I wouldn't say that it is a drastic or distracting amount by any means.
@@MerriamPianos That a great help ‘ I believe I will purchase this maybe ‘ was Rd2000 or kawai mp11 se < but still deciding till I saw you video ‘ upstairs apartment so wooden floors
Thank you again 👍
Stu, is LX705 an FP-90X in a cabinet? What are their differences except that, and is LX705 worth the higher price over FP-90X (for home use)?
Emad, I doubt that Stu can answer your question, except to say that they are both good deals, since he represents Merriam Pianos which, no doubt, sells both models. Home pianos typically last longer than portable pianos, but there could be some exceptions. If aesthetics matter, you need the full cabinet.
No, they have different piano samples. The LX705 first piano patch is the "European Grand" whereas the FP90X is the "Concert Piano". The LX705 has 4 piano patches, and none of them is the "Concert Piano". I have played the LX706 and LX708 and don't like their piano patches (which are the same as the LX705). On the other hand, the FP90X has a much nicer piano patch. Even though the tone generators have the exact same name, the actual piano patches are completely different.
@@Zoco101 That's a good point. So the cabinet helps with durability and maintenance.
@@Instrumental-Covers Didn't know that. I thought since both have the same engine, both have the same patches. Very interesting!
@@EmadSaedi Yes, it is. The Roland LX series was introduced in 2018, and the FP90X was introduced in 2021. So, they had 3 years to fix the LX series sound, which just doesn't sound right. Roland has a few modeling engines, another one is the "SuperNatural Piano Modeling" found in the DP603, HP702, and HP704. They still have one engine left based on sampling, not modeling, which is the "SuperNatural Piano Sound". That one is found in the lower-tier models, such as the FP30X, FP60X, RP501R, RP701, RP107, F701, and F107.
I agree fully with the analysis of applications for the FP-90X. It should be good for hotels and restaurants but absolutely needs a bag or case with wheels/castors. Accordingly the FP-90X is probably an excellent compromise if you need one piano for everything, including lots of light gigging.
It seems that the action and speakers are the main culprits adding weight to the FP-90X. To be fair, the 60X is heavy for its category too, and that really surprises me, since the FP-30X (with the same PHA4 action as the 60X) is much lighter. I'd still purchase the FP60X (if I needed another portable piano) because it's a bit lighter, a lot cheaper and has most of the functionality of the FP-90X. Now that very serviceable stage pianos like the RD-88, MP-7SE & Numa X-73 are available for great prices, I'd only go above €1.5k (more in US dollars) if I needed a home piano.
Weight and portability is certainly an important consideration depending on the application and intended use of the piano. All of the models have their "place" and will fit the specific needs of different customers. :)
The other mid-range digital piano in the same category and price range of the FP60X is the Kawai ES520, but it is 10 lbs lighter. Since both pianos have the same speaker system configuration (both pianos have the same oval speakers size in plastic ported enclosures), it seems the extra weight comes from a combination of the action and the case of the instruments.
@@Instrumental-Covers Yes the ES520 & ES920 are much lighter than their predecessor, the ES8. It's an issue of strength vs portability. Evidently, Kawai felt under pressure to go for portability this time. I know that Stu speaks in favour of the portability, while JSP (Milan Studios) prefers the solid build of the P-515. The 520 also has a modified action "compact" or some such thing, which must help to make it so light. We all know that action and sound engine have a mutual dependancy, and I noticed that I couldn't make it ring as nicely as the 920.
I'd give the 920 a second chance to impress, but I know I didn't like the 520 much. The 920 is probably the only choice if you want a quality 88-note portable piano under 18kg - which is what my P-255 weighs. I know I'd hate to carry much more weight, which is why I'd consider the FP60X, but not the 90X. If it gets that heavy, I want a full-fledged stage piano.
The ES920 is exactly the same price as the P-515 here in Europe. Dunno which is best, but I usually opt for Yamaha because of the low-mid clarity and the soft treble. (So saying, the CFX treble on the P-515 seems harsher than on the CFiii engine, which I have.) Anyway, as we know, those who like a thick tawny sound generally prefer Kawai. Seems to me that the intonation is very different too. I'm so used to my Yamahas (Yamaha ears, lol) that I must be careful what I say, but the tuning on Kawais sounds weird to me. I'm trying to get past this, to remain objective, but it does bother me.
In summary: I value Yamaha portables for piano tones and amplification, Roland portables for actions, other sounds & functionality, and Kawai portables are kind of in the middle. When I practice, the piano tone is the most important thing, closely followed by the action. On gigs, the functionality is very important, and other sounds can be too.
@@Zoco101 I think Roland and Yamaha are much more present on the stage than Kawai, probably due to having a more cut-through the mix type of sound, particularly Yamaha. You know, I had the Kawai MP6 before, but the short decay of the notes kept bothering me, so I sold it. Maybe they have addressed it in the new MP7SE since it has the HI-XL engine. One thing I like about Kawai is they always include 100 rhythms in all their digital pianos, and they are good quality drums.
Stu noted, in another post, that the FP90X doesn't have the ZEN-Core technology, which is reserved for their stage pianos and Fantom line. It allows to expand the sound bank. I was surprised the RD88 has 12cm speakers on the bottom and even tweeters on top, because it is a very quiet speaker system, which is unusual in Roland. If they give the speaker system some more volume and add a more complex piano engine, the RD88 would become a more attractive keyboard while still being light at 13.5 Kg (29 lbs). Neither Yamaha nor Kawai have stage pianos with built-in speakers, so the RD88 is a nice concept but needs more volume output. I don't care for the Korg SV2 sound.
What is your opinion about the Dexibell ViVO S7 PRO M? It is 15.4 Kg and has built-in speakers with 108 dB volume output, which is obviously loud. It also has a similar concept to the Roland Cloud, where you can download extra sounds.
Excellent review. Much appreciated!
Thank you kindly! We're glad you enjoyed it! :)
It sounds great in this video. When I played it at the store I didn't feel it sounded as good as my DGX/Pianoteq hybrid that I play at home. I have around $2,500.00 in my set up so in that sense they are pretty similar. The weight of the two instruments is very similar. Both are rather heavy. Given that the 90x is self-contained, It would be a better choice for gigging then what I have.
It all comes down to preference and comfort. The FP90X is definitely an impressive and versatile all-in portable digital though. Great for gigging situations! :)
Everything sounds great in stu’s hands 😉
@@MerriamPianos Do those FP-90X 5" woofers really give a full piano bass on modest restaurant gigs? Or is it an issue of "good enough"? My DP has 4" woofers, and they've rescued me at a restaurant gig when all else failed but, so far, I prefer larger woofers, say between 6.5" and 10". A (very) satisfactory gigging sound with 5" woofers would be a breakthrough, resulting in lots of cocktail/restaurant pianists without external amplification. 😃
@@Zoco101 With the bass EQ bumped, it got to a 'good enough' situation for me. Far from ideal or full spectrum, but not sounding like an AM radio on the other side of the room. For background solo piano stuff, with a small enough audience (in my case around 50 people in a relatively small area), it worked. Each room is different, people's standards vary greatly, but I'd still stand by the claim that there are going to be gigging situations adequately served by those onboard speakers. I would definitely not suggest people show up to a new space with just an onboard speaker-equipped piano and expect success...know the space and the expectation, and you might find that something like the FP90x does the trick :) -stu
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for that Stu - I appreciate the reply, and what you say makes good sense. My take away is use it alone if it works (and it might) but don't go to untried venues without bringing a little external amplification.
Hi Stu, thanks a lot for your reviews, I enjoy so much watching your video, so informative and helpful. I am about to decide to buy this FP90x, and I am attracted by the microphone feature as I am practising sing and play(beginner level). May I ask if I plug in the mic and play, then connect to a Mac book etc for recording, in principle, I can skip using additional interface right. Not sure if the effect is good enough. Great if you can share some insight😊🙏🏻
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for your kind words! We appreciate them immensely. The only thing to keep in mind is that, if you use the line outs directly to your computer and are playing and singing simultaneously, you will not have independent control/isolation of your voice and piano playing. Therefore, whatever the volume blend between those two elements was is what the recorded audio will be. Hope this helps! :)
Hi Brent, thanks a lot for your prompt advice. Very helpful to me🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thank You so much for all these reviews! 👍👍👍
You're very welcome! :)
I went to Sweetwater yesterday and checked out the Roland fantom 08 it was cheaply made keys in all I also checked out the Roland 8 and its like day in night between those two keyboards Roland went cheap all the way around on the 08 but if you got the money you can't go wrong with the roland 8 and I also checked out the Roland fp 60x it sounded and keys were good too I also checked on the Roland fp 90x it is awesome sound in play keys have wood oh in it plays like a dream I also had the guy to set up a
kawai es 920 it was toy like keys in all so much plastic didn't take me long to get off of it but went back to the Roland fp 90x in I really like it enough to purchase it its worth the $2.199
I think the Roland 8 would been great too but couldn't dish out $4000 so that's my opinion thoughts Roland fp90x in Roland fantom 8 can't go wrong with either
On and the Kawai es 7 is great feel in sound outshines the Kawai es920 just saying 😉 thanks for your videos on keys you do great job
You're very welcome! Thanks so much for tuning in and sharing your thoughts and insights! We appreciate it. :)
It is interesting that you enjoyed the FP60X's keys, but not the Fantom-08's keys as both pianos have the same keys/action, Roland's PHA-4 action. With that said, there can be slightly different feels between pianos that use the same actions based on other elements of their design.
In any case, I'm happy to hear that you found a few models that you resonate with! That is the most important thing. :)
Hi everyone. I have the FP90X myself. I just did some recordings and saved in the internal memory of the piano, now I can't seem to download these recordings or find a way to transfer them to my phone or laptop. If someone could help me out with this issue I would be very thankful. Cheers
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! There are several to do this:
You can plug a USB stick into the USB Memory port and transfer the audio files onto that. This will allow you to transfer the recordings onto your laptop and, from there, send them to your phone or any other device you desire.
Alternatively, you have an audio interface, you could record the audio right out of the tone engine of the FP90X by using the piano's line out connections and plugging them into the audio interface's input. From there, you can use a DAW or some type of applicable recording software to capture the recordings.
Thanks and hope this helps! :)
Hi Stu do you prefer V-Piano or Pure Acoustic Modelling, having used RD2000 and FP90X?
I remember when the V-Piano came out, which I believe was $6,000. They had it in a store sitting next to a Roland RG-3F (baby grand style using the SuperNatural engine). I spent some time in the store with a couple of Roland KC-110's trying to get the best piano sound out of the V-Piano (I think it had 3 main pianos, labeled Piano 1, Piano 2, and Piano 3, if I remember correctly), but the RG-3F had the speakers inside the cabinet in a way it made it sound more adequate for live playing. I also had the chance to play the Roland V-Grand, which was the same V-Piano but in a baby grand cabinet. The retail price was close to $20,000. To my knowledge, the V-Grand had the largest speaker I have seen on a digital piano: it was a 30 cm (12 inches) woofer firing under the piano (I couldn't resist watching the speaker on the bottom). Roland used to have 8- inch woofers in many digital pianos, but they have been using smaller speakers lately.
The V-Piano was in my opinion the best modeling piano available at that time, since the other contender was Pianoteq, but the earlier versions of Pianoteq were significantly less realistic than the V-Piano. I think Roland started on the right foot with the V-Piano, then went backwards with the modeling provided as "European" and "American" pianos in the LX, then went back to the right path in the FP90X with their "Concert Grand' patch. At least to my ears, it sounds better than the previous iterations of the model.
There are at least two more companies that have used physical modeling for their pianos, which are Viscount (Physis Piano back in 2012) and now the Studiologic Numa X Piano models (3 models). Viscount seems to have abandoned the project of modeling pianos, but continue the work in pipe organ sound. The new Numa X series have several modeling pianos, they also have a very similar action construction to the PHA-50 action, in the sense they also use the two strips of wood on the sides of the plastic white keys (called Fatar TP/400 WOOD). So, it seems the FP90X has a competitor from Studiologic.
Hi Dave! I would have to touch base with Stu to see what his personal preference is. With that said, both engines are quite impressive! :)
Can i get your opinion on the fp-90x vs Yamaha p515? I am looking to upgrade from the Yamaha p115 so i am looking to get any opinion since most stores dont have it in store so i gonna have to order online.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! This particular comparison is in the cards for the very near future! ;)
@@MerriamPianos thank you look forward to the video. Love your channel man 🙏
@@JohnSmith-ct4etwhat did you get?
OT: When Stu does the new Kawai ES120, be sure to remember to turn Off the internal
Speaker EQ. It also effects Line Out and boosts the treble in a weird way.
Thanks again! :)
As of today until month end September 2022 …. these are on sale for $1,999.99 in the US … anyone know why ??. Thanks
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! I have not heard of this promotion running myself, but, then again, we are located up north in Canada. :)
@@MerriamPianos Thanks Brent …even Amazon has them at that price …. you folks are a good reason to move up north …. always watch your channel … you are doing a great job 👍👍👍👍
Can’t find Roland piano everyday app,they have Roland piano app,rated very low and a couple other low rated apps?
Roland has consolidated to the Roland Piano App now. It is an excellent and very user-friendly app in my experiences. :)
@@MerriamPianos okay,thx
@@MerriamPianosk,thank you
I bought the rd 2000,had to return,couldn’t get decent piano sound dialed in,have this fp90x arriving today,hope it is more user friendly getting a good piano tone
At the end of the day, it’s a matter of personal preference, but considering that the Roland FP90x is now priced below $2000(!), it’s an absolute steal in my opinion. In comparison, its main competitor, the Kawai ES920, has seen its price rise from sub $1600 to close to $2000 currently (as of July 2024), likely due to supply and demand dynamics. If your budget hovers around $2000, the FP90x easily outperforms other options. The PHA50 action alone is a compelling argument. Yes, some people simply prefer Kawai’s superbly sampled SK-EX, and that is fine. However, there are VSTs out there to address that. But keep in mind that you’re stuck with the action once you buy it-just a thought! 🎹💡🎶
Hi there! Thanks for the insights! The price points vary quite a bit in different regions. Here in Canada, the FP90X is $1100 more than the ES920, which naturally changes the conversation for some customers that are trying to stay within a specific price range.
Please, the Yamaha P515 next!
Thank you for the suggestion! We will certainly try to feature the P515 in upcoming comparison videos. :)
Hello Stu, you said this piano has some tweeters shooting out the back of the instrument. That is incorrect. The FP90X has 2.5 cm (1 inch) tweeters mounted on top, shooting up. To be more accurate, the left tweeter is mounted behind the "Piano" button and the right tweeter is mounted behind the "Play/Stop" buttons, both shooting up, separated from the speaker box. On the far left and far right, you have a couple of small oval 8 x 12 cm speakers (about 3 x 5 inches) mounted on a ported box with thin slots facing the back. Roland states the FP90X consumes about 2 watts when playing at medium volume (from the amplifiers). Those 60 watts amplifiers are total rated output, not real output in the sense you won't get the amplifiers pumping out 60 watts when you turn the volume all the way up. If you play the FP90X side by side with the Yamaha DGX670, you will be surprised to realize they have the same volume output at maximum volume. In fact, the speakers on the DGX-670 are larger with a larger port for deeper bass. There is so much volume and bass you can get from smaller speakers like the FP90X. Keep in mind that you might get the impression the piano sounds super loud in a gig, because you are sitting at the piano away from it about 2 feet (basically your ears are super close to the speakers), but your 50-60 listeners in the audience are not getting the sound that loud. In fact, you move away from the piano just a little bit and the volume drops considerably and becomes tiny rather quickly.
Regarding comparisons with the Yamaha P515: while you could argue the FP90X is objectively more rich in specifications, a different story is to say that it is "objectively better" or "objectively sounds better" or "objectively has a better action". In personal tests, I prefer the action and sound of the P515. That part is a matter of personal preference. Higher specifications don't necessarily cause an instrument to "objectively" have better sound or action, arguably the two most important features of a digital piano.
Hey @Instrumental Covers - thanks for adding some specificity to the tweeter comments - the 'tone ports' pointing out the back certainly add more projection towards a potential small audience; having played the FP90 and 90x side by side...it's quite noticeable, and underlying point that I was trying to make. My understanding was that the tweeters were providing the sound that was leaving those ports, but as you've pointed out, it may not be a 'direct' output. As usual, you dig deep on these details IC ;)
I'm aware that the numeric value of an amplifier's total rated output, to a point, won't be super helpful since there are so many factors that can influence the sense of volume from a speaker...but certainly when the differences in wattage get large enough (when comparing various models), I've found that it can reasonably predict the a range of output. I.e. a keyboard with 60w vs one with 50w may not necessarily be louder. However, a 60w vs a 15w is almost guaranteed to blow it out of the water. Which is why I still feel it relevant to mention it in these videos.
When I was discussing the small wedding I played without any reinforcement with the 90x, obviously I'm not using my perspective as a player at the instrument to gauge whether it's adequate for the room - that would have been an embarrassingly rookie move. I ALWAYS soundcheck from the edges and centre of whatever room or space you're playing because, of course, the sound dissipates. When I'm not working with a sound tech, I throw the demo tracks on, and scout the room/space to see if I need to lug extra amps in.....because goodness knows when I don't have to, why kill my back! :)
And finally, I think most viewers are going to understand that my opinions are just that, and take in my thoughts as just one part of their broader research into the market and models. When I say 'objectively better', I believe those words to be true, but of course a personal opinion will always have some level of subjectivity to it, and I think viewers understand and accept that as part of the deal when you research on RUclips. I bring all kinds of personal preferences and experiences to these videos, and for anyone who finds that that compromises the value of the information, they can source lots of alternate sources. I get the point you're making here, but I think most viewers know that an opinion/review channel will contain opinions.
Thanks @IC for the comments! -stu
@@MerriamPianos Hi Stu. Yes, those tone ports reminded me of the Tannoy Prestige Gold Reference audiophile speakers, which seem to have tone ports on the sides. I think that is an unusual move for a speaker enclosed in a plastic ported box, so it is an interesting design. But the tweeters are not providing the sound leaving those ports. Actually, the tweeters are not even in the same speaker box and are facing up. In comparison with the Kawai ES920, I find interesting the ES920 has the same speaker box design, but without tweeters, yet Kawai has very crispy drum beats, so it doesn't even need the tweeters. I always thought that Kawai ES8 speaker design was the best design for a ported speaker due to its simplicity and sound quality. I think Roland is borrowing the idea from Kawai in the FP60X. Roland and others do have some digital pianos where the tweeters are allowed to mix with other speakers, creating a more indirect effect.
Regarding the amplifier rated output vs real life consumption: I have a power meter that I use to measure amplifier's consumption. I suggest, as part of your segments, to buy from Amazon a power meter (they are very cheap) and test in your videos the true power the amplifiers are giving. It is typically very little, just a couple of watts. I think such a test would be a first among digital piano reviewers, so I would like to see it in your channel first, if you consider it as a possible addition.
Let me put it in this extreme context: the Yamaha AvantGrand N3X has something like 545 watts of rated power, with a bunch of amplifiers and 12 speakers. So, you would think that the N3X sounds extremely loud compared to other digital pianos... not really. The thing is: it is not consuming those rated watts. This is similar to the FP90X with its 60 watts rated amplifier.
Assuming identical speakers, the difference between a 60 watt amplifier and a 15 watt amplifier is 6 decibels (15*2 = 30, 30*2 = 60). As you know, 6 decibels is not a dramatic difference in volume: 3 decibels is considered barely noticeable. I did turn on the Roland FP90X at full volume next to the Yamaha DGX-660 and they sounded comparable in volume. That was an actual test with the instruments side by side, even though the DGX-660 is only 6 watts per channel. The thing is that neither the DGX660 nor the FP90X are really consuming 6 watts and 60 watts. If that were the case, then yes, I would expect twice the volume (you need 10 times the power to double the volume), but only with identical speakers. But the FP90X has smaller speakers than the DGX660, which do impact the overall frequency response, and once again, more importantly, they don't hit those wattage ratings at all.
One thing I don't like about digital pianos with the speakers facing up (like my Yamaha DGX-670) is that they sound very loud when you are the player. It can become very uncomfortable if you have to play super loud to fill a room. Those speakers might reach around 100 dB in your face... I came up recently with the idea of building a couple of 6.5" midrange stage monitors placed on the floor shooting vertically. I was very happy with the results. Only thing is that it is a DIY project. If you like doing DIY projects, I can tell you this setup works much better than expected: the sound reaches your ears and the audience in a natural way. This is not such a crazy project after all: think of the Roland Facet Grand Piano design, a super stylish piano with speakers on the floor.
I think the phrase "objectively better" does need clarification in its component words: what exactly means "objective" and what means "better". When I hear the word "objective", I think of something that it is beyond opinions, it is pretty much a fact. And "better" is a fairly vague word... for example, Consumer Reports doesn't say that the Toyota Camry is "objectively better" than the Honda Accord, or vice-versa. Instead, they have this very long list of categories where each car receives a rating. Usually, neither car is an absolute winner in every single category. In a similar manner, I think digital pianos have categories where they can receive a rating, and even those categories are likely to be assigned subjective ratings. It seems to me this subjectivity is at the heart of comparisons in products that are certainly at a professional level, like those digital pianos from Kawai, Roland, and Yamaha.
Thanks a lot for chatting with me! By the way, I did enjoy your description on how you walk around the room to check for sound presentation. That could be another area of interest for future videos. Your channel is getting a lot of content from many areas. 😃🎵
@@Instrumental-Covers do you think Kawai should nake E drum sets? LOL🎹🎶
@@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12 To make drum sets? I'll buy their drum machine! 😁
Thanks for mentioning the VPC1. Looks like exactly what I need. (Edit) Nevermind. Keys are too short.
Don't go on hearsay, try one for yourself! Lots of players (including classical musicians) like it. Otherwise, the MP-11SE is the obvious choice.
Many pianists consider the VPC1 to be the best MIDI controller ever made in terms of the authenticity of the playing experience. With that said, you can also consider the MP11SE as well. In addition to an improved action, it also has plenty of exciting bells and whistles to explore! ;)
PS While the MP-11SE has key sticks about an inch longer, the VPC1 has a special feature of great importance: a velocity editor (displaying a graph) which helps to make it compatible with many pianists and many MIDI devices.
Did you say what the weight is? I missed it if you did.
The Roland FP90X weighs 52 lbs. :)
Thank you, I just purchased and used in a rehearsal last night jazz quartet session last night. I’m actually loving some of the EPs, would like to adjust vibrato/trem speed but haven’t how to do that yet. Btw, I’m pretty sure that in the video where you are talking about weight and dimensions the weight part didn’t make it on the tape.
would you ever do a comparison video with the ydp184? (although different, in terms of sound alone, as i’m personally stuck between the two for various reasons)
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for the suggestion! We typically stick to comparing models of the same price category and profile (i.e. two portable digitals or two console digital pianos). With that said, I'll be happy to pass along the suggestion to our production team for you. :)
Hi Stu,
In the weight and dimensions you didn’t state the weight which is a very hefty 52lbs. That’s marginal in my view in terms of being portable if it’s just me carrying it.
I think the Kawai ES520 is currently the best compromise in terms of medium-range features and weight, particularly for gigging. It is 32 lbs, which is 20 lbs lighter than the FP90X, and still looks fairly similar to the FP90X interface (they both have almost the same layout). I have played the ES920 and the FP90X side by side, and the speaker system provides a similar volume output, and the ES520 has the same speaker system of the ES920. In fact, the FP90X and ES520 have the same speaker size (small oval speakers in a ported enclosure, with the Roland featuring tweeters on the inner sides of the speaker box and separated from it). Lighter than that and you have to go with the lower-tier group of pianos available (which are 6 lbs lighter on average), losing the mid-range functionality.
Jackofalltrades: Maybe low weight is more important than having speakers. Consider the Studiologic Numa X series. Lighter and cheaper, and great functionality for gigs. I fancy the 73-key model for band gigs. My 88 portable piano suits me better for solo work in restaurants etc, and still weighs less than 18kg. My knees are not too dependable, so I'm hestitant about buying a monster. We all get older!
It's interesting that another viewer here purchased the FP-90X, but still uses his RD-88 piano for gigs. It's cheaper and lighter, and only has the PHA4 action, but what works, works. RDs have always been good for professional gigging musicians, while FPs have always been an amateur/ semi-pro line. Maybe the FP-90X has crossed over, and maybe the RD-88 has crossed the other way, but instinct tells me to favour RDs.
@@Zoco101 The Numa X with 73 keys is less than 12 Kg. It has Acoustic Modeling Technology for piano sounds... isn't that the same name that Roland uses? Looks excellent for gigs. I guess with a small stage monitor you can make it sound right.
Of course the exact thresholds for something being "portable" will always be subjective. However, "portable" really refers to the design more so than the weight. The fact that this piano is a slab-style digital without a built-in stand or cabinet, it falls under the "portable" category. Hope this helps clarify! :)
Thq 4 d INFO 💗💢👍👍
You're very welcome! Thank you for tuning in! :)
The entire FP line has shoddy built-in speakers that don't let you experience the full quality of each piano, but Yamaha HS7 speakers are a very different and far better situation. Headphones should be AKG K612 to best appreciate these pianos, in my opinion.
The AKG K612 are certainly very nice headphones. In regard to the Roland FP line, the speakers were one of the areas that received attention and updating with the transition to the FPX generation.
@@MerriamPianos I've heard it locally. The speakers are still awful, but convenient depending on the situation.
I do feel that the FP90x got an edge over Kawai es920. The Kawai ES920 is the Kawai flagship of portable digital lineup but it looks cheaply built (plasticky) and it offers only mid-range key action quality. If you live in an apartment where you play it wearing a headphone most of the time, the sound quality would not be much of a factor (meaning that FP90x wins on the key-action factor). And if you are a beginner/intermetidate player, then you need to have a keyboard with decent action to develop your techniques. The sound quality can be subjective but, overall, it's hard to deny that the FP90x is a more "complete package" of a product than Kawai's. Yamaha P515 is a distant third, IMO.
Thanks for tuning in and for sharing your insights! There are certainly a number of factors that will rank differently for different piano shoppers. Action, tone, speakers and feature quality are usually some of the top ones, but weight/portability and budget play their part as well. With that said, even the most discerning of players would be quite thrilled with either one of these wonderful pianos! The ES920 and FP90X are both absolute powerhouses within their class. :)
Not sure how many this affects, but the lack of on-board accompaniment in this piano is not a plus as it forces you to use an app that doesn't appear to be that great. I had more accompaniment options on a $900 Casio. I'd like to see Roland rethink this approach and update the software to unlock the accompaniment for on-board use.
Fewer and fewer companies are including onboard accompaniment these days because of the proliferation of apps and other supplemental accompaniment resources on the web. With that said, models like the FP-E50 are an excellent choice for customers that require this functionality. :)
The problem with Roland’s is, their tone is just down right bad. I had the p515, but that too seems to be downgrade to previous Yamahas P series tone, so I got the es920, hands down best tone I heard in a digital piano. The only complaint is the es920 keys are noticeably heavier when closer to the “fall board “ , where as p515 is more balanced but clunkier action otherwise and heavier, I had tired the ph50 actions of Roland , but that’s was in old hp600 series, they were good
Hey @Jitin Misra - piano tone is, of course, super personal and I know quite a few professionals that have wide opinions on what they feel is the best. Regarding the Roland tone, you're not alone in your dislike for some of their earlier engines...what I'd say is check out their latest engine (the Pure Acoustic) which has added some additional complexity and range to the piano tone. You may still not prefer it to the Kawai (which certainly has a great sound), but my point is that a Roland from 2022 may give you a totally different impression than a Roland from 5 years ago. As for action, the PHA50 has the longest key stick of any of the models you've mentioned, and therefore will have the smallest variation between weighting from the front of the key to the back. The ES520 has a shorter keystick than the ES920, but both of those are shorter than the PHA50.
Good to hear from you Jitin, cheers! -stu
Jitin Misra, seems you like the CFiii patches. I do too, and so far, I prefer my P-255 to the P-515. I have to remember though that I didn't like the P-255 so much when I first tried it. The CFX sounds fabulous when Stu plays the VSL Synthogy version.
Try to give each piano several tries, using some trusty headphones part of the time. IMO Roland is better for actions, electric pianos and organ sounds than for pure piano tonal beauty, but I still enjoy playing Rolands in most situations in which I get a chance to play them. And the RD stage pianos are fantastic on stage. The FP portable pianos have improved, but still have some glitches.
Meanwhile, Yamaha has messed up by offering only the slow GHS action on all its sub 20kg pianos.
These assorted problems in portable pianos drive me back towards stage pianos. I am not willing to carry a piano over 20kg unless it's very special. But as a weight saver, I'd rather shed speakers (or have fewer than 88 keys) than compromise too much on the action.
@@Zoco101 i owned the p515 for a couple years, and I never could get passed the sound. I think it sounds good on youtube, but in person, I like the cf3s wayy better, but at this time I love Kawai SK Concert Grand samples.
@@JitinMisra Depending on what you play, you might adjust to the ES90 action. When I tried it almost a year ago, it seemed a bit too light, but the demo model was placed at an awkward angle.
Maybe you need an MP11SE. I'd go for the MP7SE (because it's cheaper and lighter) but it seems I'm not quite as demanding as you are regarding actions.
Anyway, I still prefer CFiii over the Shigeru sound (and by a wide margin) but I might grow to love the latter too.
@@Zoco101 I’m happy with the es920 😊
Only in America or Canada can a musical instrument review be conducted purely by talking. Americans do not understand the concept of listening.
We are located in Canada. While experienced players will most likely be able to make determinations purely on demonstrations and spec sheets, there are many customers in the market that are purchasing an instrument for the first time. We try to be as thorough as possible, so that players of all experiences levels can enter the market feeling confident and empowered.
@@MerriamPianos I know your location. I am in Britain. I am in the second category. I will evaluate an instrument on its own merits.
What do you mean by "purchasing an instrument for the first time"?