Roland FP-30X Review: The Ultimate Portable Piano Experience

The Roland FP-30X is the updated version of the popular FP-30 digital piano. I recently had the chance to spend extensive time testing and reviewing the new FP-30X model. In this in-depth article, I’ll share my thoughts on how the FP-30X performs and whether it’s a worthwhile upgrade over the original FP-30.

Design

View on Amazon	Keys	Width	Depth	Height	Weight
	88	51.2"	11.2"	6"	32.6 lbs
	88	50.8"	13.5"	5"	42.5 lbs
	88	50.5"	10.1"	5.5"	27.1 lbs
	88	52"	9.1"	4"	24.7 lbs
	88	51.6"	13.2"	4.6"	25.1 lbs
	88	52.2"	11.6"	6.0"	25.4 lbs
	88	52.2"	11.9"	6.5"	26 lbs

The Roland FP-30X weighs only 14.8 kg (32.6 lbs) and has a slim and compact body that can fit in small spaces or be easily transported to different venues. It also comes with a music rest that can be detached when not in use.

The FP-30X is available in two colours: black and white. Both colours have a matte finish that gives the piano a sophisticated and elegant look. The black colour is more classic and suitable for any environment, while the white colour is more modern and bright.

The FP-30X has a plastic casing that is durable and resistant to scratches and fingerprints. The plastic also helps to reduce the weight of the piano and make it more affordable. The plastic does not affect the sound quality or performance of the piano, as it has a solid and sturdy construction.

The FP-30X has a simple and intuitive user interface that consists of 13 tall buttons, a volume control knob, and an LED display. The buttons are clearly labelled and easy to access, allowing you to change settings, select sounds, activate functions, and more.

The volume control knob lets you adjust the sound level of the speakers or headphones with precision. The LED display shows the current sound, function, or setting that you are using.

The FP-30X has 13 tall buttons that are arranged in two rows on the left side of the keyboard. The buttons are divided into four groups: sound selection, function selection, metronome, and Bluetooth.

The sound selection buttons let you choose from 12 different sounds, including acoustic pianos, electric pianos, organs, strings, and more. The function selection buttons let you access various functions, such as transpose, tuning, split, dual, etc.

The metronome button lets you turn on or off the built-in metronome that helps you practice with a steady tempo. The Bluetooth button lets you connect your smartphone or tablet to the piano wirelessly and stream audio or MIDI data.

The FP-30X has a volume control knob that is located on the front panel of the piano. The knob lets you adjust the volume of the speakers or headphones easily and precisely. You can also use the knob to mute the sound by turning it all the way down.

I feel very impressed by the design of the Roland FP-30X. This digital piano combines a sleek and stylish appearance with a high-quality sound engine and keyboard. The FP-30X has a slim and compact body that is easy to transport and fits in any space. The black or white finish gives it a modern and elegant look that matches any décor.

Keyboard

The keyboard of the Roland FP-30X is one of its main features that sets it apart from other digital pianos in its price range. The FP-30X has a full-size 88-key keyboard that uses the PHA-4 Standard keyboard action, which is designed to mimic the feel and responsiveness of an acoustic piano.

The keys have a synthetic ivory feel that enhances the grip and comfort of playing. The keys also have escapement, which is a mechanism that allows for a slight click sensation when the keys are pressed halfway down, simulating the behaviour of a grand piano action.

The keyboard action is also graded, meaning that the keys are heavier in the lower register and lighter in the higher register, just like on an acoustic piano.

The keyboard of the FP-30X also has five levels of touch sensitivity, which can be adjusted to suit different playing styles and preferences. The touch sensitivity determines how loud or soft the sound is based on how hard or soft you press the keys.

You can choose from Super Light, Light, Medium, Heavy, and Super Heavy, or turn off the touch sensitivity altogether. The keyboard also supports half-pedalling, which allows for more expressive control over the sustain pedal. Half-pedalling means that you can vary the amount of sustain by pressing the pedal partially instead of fully.

The keyboard action is responsive and dynamic, and the keys have a comfortable and natural feel. The keyboard also offers plenty of options to customize the touch sensitivity and pedal response to your liking.

The keyboard of the FP-30X is one of the reasons why this digital piano is so popular among seasoned players and beginners alike.

I like the keys of FP-30X which are very responsive and realistic, with a graded hammer action that mimics the feel of an acoustic piano. The keys also have a textured surface that prevents slipping and adds to the tactile sensation.

On the other hand, the keys are also quite noisy, especially at the lower end of the keyboard. The sound of the keys hitting the bottom can be distracting and annoying, especially when playing softly or with headphones.

The keys also lack aftertouch, which is a feature that allows for more dynamic control over the sound by varying the pressure on the keys after striking them. This can limit some of the nuances and subtleties that can be achieved with other keyboards.

However, in practice I find the action to have a somewhat sluggish and inconsistent response. Compared to other digital pianos in this price range, the keys don’t return as quickly when playing rapid passages or trills. There is a noticeable gap between playing a note and being able to trigger the next one.

Sound

One of the main attractions of the FP-30X is its sound quality. The FP-30X uses the same sound engine as the higher-end FP-60X and FP-90X models, which means it has more detailed and dynamic piano sounds than the original FP-30.

The FP-30X also has upgraded speakers that deliver 22 watts of power, compared to 11 watts on the FP-30. The speakers are designed to project the sound upwards and downwards, creating a more immersive sound field.

The sound of the Roland FP-30X is rich and nuanced, with subtle variations in tone and timbre depending on how you play. The SuperNATURAL sound engine simulates the complex interactions between the strings, hammers, dampers, and pedals of an acoustic piano, giving you a more realistic and responsive sound.

The FP-30X also has a wide range of piano sounds to choose from, from bright and clear to warm and mellow. You can also adjust the tuning, resonance, lid position, and other parameters to customize your sound.

I have mixed feelings about the sound of the Roland FP-30X. On one hand, the sound quality is very good for a digital piano in this price range. The SuperNATURAL sound engine produces realistic and expressive tones that mimic the acoustic piano.

The speakers are also powerful and clear, and the headphone output is decent. On the other hand, the sound of the Roland FP-30X is not very customizable.

There are only a few sound options to choose from, and the effects are limited. The piano sound can also be too bright or harsh for some users, especially in the higher octaves.

The sound of the Roland FP-30X is not bad, but it could be better with more features and options.

Effects

The Roland FP-30X is a digital piano that offers a range of effects to enhance your playing experience.

One of these effects is ambiance, which simulates the acoustic environment of different venues, such as a concert hall, a studio, or a cathedral. You can adjust the ambiance level to create a more realistic and immersive sound.

Another effect is brilliance, which adjusts the brightness or warmth of the tone. You can use this effect to fine-tune the sound to your preference or to match different musical styles. For example, you can increase the brilliance for a more sparkling and clear sound, or decrease it for a more mellow and soft sound.

A third effect is rotary speaker effect, which emulates the sound of a rotating speaker cabinet commonly used with organs. This effect adds a distinctive modulation and vibrato to the sound, creating a rich and expressive tone.

You can also control the speed of the rotary speaker effect, from slow to fast, to vary the intensity of the modulation.

Polyphony

The Roland FP-30X is a digital piano that offers a high-quality sound and touch for an affordable price. One of its features is the polyphony of 256 notes, which means that it can produce up to 256 sounds at the same time.

This is important for playing complex pieces with multiple layers and effects, such as sustain pedal, without losing any notes or clarity.

The polyphony of the Roland FP-30X is double the amount of its predecessor, the FP-30, and it is powered by the SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine, which delivers realistic and expressive piano tones.

The polyphony of the Roland FP-30X also allows you to play along with music tracks and online lessons via Bluetooth or USB, without worrying about running out of notes.

Speakers

The Roland FP-30X is a digital piano that offers a rich and expressive sound quality with its powerful onboard speakers. The speakers are designed to deliver a balanced and immersive sound across the entire keyboard range, from the low bass to the high treble.

The speakers are also optimized for different playing scenarios, such as practising at home, performing on stage, or connecting to external devices.

The Roland FP-30X has two 12 cm speakers and two 11 W amplifiers that produce a clear and dynamic sound. The speakers are located on both sides of the keyboard, creating a stereo effect that enhances the realism and depth of the sound.

The speakers also have a Bass Enhance function that boosts the low frequencies for a richer and fuller sound.

The Roland FP-30X also has a Headphones 3D Ambience feature that simulates the sound of the speakers when using headphones, creating a spacious and natural sound field that surrounds the player.

The Roland FP-30X is a digital piano that combines a high-quality sound engine with powerful and versatile speakers, making it an ideal choice for musicians of all levels and styles.

Features

The FP-30X is a digital piano that includes many of the features that are typically found in practice-focused keyboards. In this section, we will briefly review the adjustable parameters and features that are available on the FP-30X.

Functions

The Roland FP-30X is a digital piano that offers a range of functions to enhance your playing experience.

One of these functions is transposing, which allows you to change the pitch of the keyboard or the song in semitones. This can be useful for playing in different keys, matching the vocal range of a singer, or learning a song by ear.

To transpose the keyboard, press and hold the [Function] button and use the [Transpose] buttons to adjust the pitch up or down. To transpose the song, press and hold the [Function] button and use the [Song Volume] buttons to adjust the pitch up or down.

Another function of the Roland FP-30X is the metronome, which helps you keep time and practice rhythm. The metronome can be turned on or off by pressing the [Metronome] button.

You can also adjust the tempo, beat, volume, and tone of the metronome by pressing and holding the [Function] button and using the corresponding buttons on the keyboard. For example, to change the tempo, press and hold the [Function] button and use the [Tempo] buttons to increase or decrease the speed.

To change the beat, press and hold the [Function] button and use the [Beat] buttons to select from 0 to 9 beats per measure. To change the volume, press and hold the [Function] button and use the [Metronome Volume] buttons to make it louder or softer.

To change the tone, press and hold the [Function] button and use the [Metronome Tone] buttons to choose from 8 different sounds.

A third function of the Roland FP-30X is master tuning, which allows you to fine-tune the overall pitch of the instrument. This can be useful for matching the tuning of other instruments or adjusting to different environments.

To change the master tuning, press and hold the [Function] button and use the [Master Tuning] buttons to raise or lower the pitch in 0.1 Hz increments. The default value is 440 Hz, which is the standard concert pitch.

Modes

One of the features that make the Roland FP-30X a versatile digital piano is its ability to switch between different modes of playing.

These modes allow you to customize the sound and layout of the keyboard according to your preferences and musical needs.

The first mode is called layer mode. This mode lets you play two different sounds at the same time, such as piano and strings, or electric piano and organ. You can adjust the volume balance of each sound using the function button and the keys.

To activate layer mode, you simply press and hold the function button and then press two sound buttons simultaneously. For example, if you want to layer piano and strings, you would press and hold the function button and then press the piano and strings buttons together. To exit layer mode, you just press one of the sound buttons.

The second mode is called split mode. This mode lets you divide the keyboard into two sections, each with a different sound. For example, you can play bass with your left hand and piano with your right hand. You can also change the split point of the keyboard using the function button and the keys.

To activate the split mode, you press and hold the function button and then press the split button. The default split point is F#3, but you can change it by pressing any key while holding the function button. To exit split mode, you just press one of the sound buttons.

The third mode is called the twin mode. This mode lets you split the keyboard into two identical sections, each with the same sound and pitch range. This is useful for duet playing or for teaching purposes.

You can also adjust the volume balance of each section using the function button and the keys. To activate twin mode, you press and hold the function button and then press the twin piano button.

The default split point is C4, but you can change it by pressing any key while holding the function button. To exit twin mode, you just press one of the sound buttons.

These are the three modes of playing that you can use on the Roland FP-30X. They offer a lot of flexibility and creativity for your musical expression. You can experiment with different combinations of sounds and keyboard layouts to find what suits you best.

Song Recording And Playback

One of the advantages of the Roland FP-30X is that it allows you to record and play back your own performances. You can use the built-in recorder to capture your playing as audio or MIDI data and store it in the internal memory or on a USB flash drive.

You can also play along with your favourite songs by connecting your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth and streaming audio wirelessly through the onboard speakers.

Another feature that enhances your playing experience is the Roland Piano Every Day app, which is compatible with the FP-30X. This app helps you practice and learn piano more effectively by providing access to sheet music, exercises, and online lessons.

You can also use the app to control various settings of the FP-30X, such as selecting sounds, adjusting the metronome, and applying effects.

Connectivity

The Roland FP-30X is a digital piano that offers a range of connectivity options for different purposes. Here are some of the features that make the FP-30X a versatile instrument:

• Bluetooth Audio and MIDI: The FP-30X can wirelessly connect to your smartphone, tablet, or computer via Bluetooth and stream audio or MIDI data. This allows you to play along with your favourite songs, use apps to enhance your learning and practice, or record and edit your performances on a DAW software.
• USB Port: The FP-30X has a USB port that can be used to connect to a computer or a USB flash drive. You can use the USB port to transfer MIDI or audio files between the piano and your devices or to play back songs stored on a USB flash drive. You can also use the USB port to update the firmware of the piano.
• Audio Output: The FP-30X has two 1/4-inch jacks for audio output. You can use these jacks to connect the piano to external speakers, headphones, or an audio interface. The audio output can be adjusted using the volume knob on the piano or the dedicated buttons for headphones and speakers.
• Pedal Input: The FP-30X has a pedal input that can be used to connect an optional pedal unit (KPD-70) or a single pedal (DP-10). The pedal input allows you to control various functions of the piano, such as sustain, soft, sostenuto, or expression. You can also assign different functions to the pedals using the function menu on the piano.

Accessories

The Roland FP-30X is a digital piano that offers a range of features and accessories for both beginners and advanced players. Some of the accessories that come with the FP-30X are:

• Roland DP-10: This is a damper pedal that provides realistic half-pedaling and continuous response. It also has a non-slip rubber plate and an extended cable for flexible placement. The DP-10 retails for about $55, but it is included with the FP-30X.
• Music rest: This is a sturdy and adjustable stand that holds your sheet music or tablet device. It can be easily attached and detached from the piano.
• AC adapter and power cord: These are essential for powering the piano and connecting it to an outlet. The FP-30X has a low power consumption of 16 W, which saves energy and money.
• Owner’s manual: This is a booklet that contains important information about the piano, such as how to set it up, how to use the functions, how to troubleshoot, and how to care for it.
• Software: The FP-30X comes with two software programs that enhance your playing experience: Piano Every Day and Piano Designer. Piano Every Day is an app that helps you practice regularly, track your progress, and access online lessons. Piano Designer is an app that lets you customize the sound of the piano by adjusting various parameters, such as lid position, string resonance, key touch, and more.

These accessories are designed to complement the FP-30X’s performance and functionality, making it a versatile and professional instrument for any pianist.

Review and Score

Our Score: 87/100

I recently purchased the Roland FP-30X digital piano and I’m glad to share my experience with it. The keys on this instrument are great; they feel incredibly realistic as if you’re playing a real acoustic piano.

Additionally, its built-in Amplifier & Stereo Speakers work perfectly well offering an incredible sound quality that is easily adjustable from subtle background music to full concert hall levels within seconds.

It also has a wide range of tones so you can find one which suits your taste perfectly and I would award this product 87 out of 100 rating for all these amazing features!.

Like any other reviews we do when writing blog posts about products, I did the groundwork for customer ratings too before starting and found over 470 total customer reviews on Amazon most were positive but there were a few points outlined some customers pointed out like noise level could’ve been lesser or the build quality wasn’t described very well in the description.

But the majority agreed with statements such as “this was an investment worth every penny”, and “this truly feels like performance ready stage” alongside praising its perfect tone/ feel of realism.

All considered, after taking into account our own experiences associated with pros and cons shared by customers – We definitely recommend purchasing this musical device!!