Roland F701 & Rp701 Review

If you’re searching for a digital piano that seamlessly blends into your living room decor while delivering exceptional performance, look no further than the Roland F701 and RP701.

These furniture-style console pianos are designed to enhance your playing experience and add a touch of elegance to your home. With their sleek low-profile body and traditional upright piano design, the F701 and RP701 are both visually appealing and structurally solid.

The fully weighted keys with Ivory simulation and textured surface provide a premium feel and enhanced grip, allowing for a truly immersive playing experience. Powered by the PHA-4 Standard key action and the SuperNATURAL sound engine, these pianos produce realistic and detailed sounds that are sure to captivate any musician.

With a wide range of features, including transposing, recording capabilities, and Bluetooth connectivity, the F701 and RP701 offer versatility and convenience. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, these pianos are designed to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Key Takeaways

• The Roland F701 and RP701 are furniture-style console digital pianos designed for living room settings.
• Both pianos have a solid construction, larger speakers, and a semi-reflective finish for an enhanced playing experience.
• The F701 and RP701 feature the PHA-4 Standard key action, fully weighted keys with Ivory simulation, and a textured surface for a premium feel and added grip.
• The SuperNATURAL sound engine powers the 324 tones on the pianos, providing realistic and detailed sounds with improved piano sounds and 256 notes of polyphony.

Product Overview

Now let’s take a closer look at the product overview of the Roland F701 and RP701 digital pianos. The F701 and RP701 are furniture-style console digital pianos designed for living room settings.

The F701 features a low-profile body, while the RP701 has a more traditional upright piano design. Both pianos come in multiple colors, with the F701 available in Contemporary Black, White, and Light Oak, and the RP701 available in those colors plus Rosewood.

In terms of aesthetics, the F701 stands out with its sleek and modern design, which is why it won a Red Dot award for its control scheme and overall appearance. The RP701, on the other hand, offers a more traditional look with its upright piano design. Both pianos have a solid construction and feature a semi-reflective finish, adding a touch of elegance to any living room.

Moving on to the product features, the F701 and RP701 have the same control scheme, with familiar buttons from the FP-90X. They both feature a 128 x 64 dot matrix OLED screen for displaying information and an encoder knob for navigation, with a push function to act as an enter key. However, one downside is that the volume controls on both pianos are not as convenient, requiring separate buttons instead of a knob or fader.

View on Amazon	Keys	Width	Depth	Height	Weight
	88	53.5"	13.6"	30.7"	79.4 lbs
	88	53.8"	18.2"	40.4"	101.4 lbs
	88	54.3"	16.2"	32.1"	83.3 lbs
	88	54.8"	11.7"	31.5"	75.6 lbs
	88	54.7"	11.7"	31.4"	69.4 lbs
	88	53.4"	16.6"	32"	83.7 lbs
	88	53.4"	15.8"	33.5"	83.6 lbs

The keys on the F701 and RP701 are fully weighted with Ivory simulation, providing an authentic playing experience. They have a textured surface and faux-ivory texture on the white keys for a premium feel and added grip. The keys use the PHA-4 Standard key action, which closely emulates the feel of an acoustic piano with mechanical weights and triple sensors. This combination of the PHA-4 Standard key action and the SuperNATURAL sound engine results in a seamless and realistic playing experience.

The Roland F701 and RP701 digital pianos perfectly combine style and functionality. Whether you’re a fan of the sleek and modern design of the F701 or you prefer the classic look of the RP701, both pianos are expertly crafted to seamlessly fit into your living room while delivering an exceptional playing experience.

Design and Construction

When it comes to the design and construction of the Roland F701 and RP701 digital pianos, aesthetics and construction quality are key considerations. Both pianos feature a solid construction and a semi-reflective finish, giving them a sleek and premium look.

The F701, with its low-profile body, offers a modern and minimalist design, while the RP701 embraces a more traditional upright piano aesthetic.

In terms of playability, both pianos excel with their key action. They’re equipped with the PHA-4 Standard key action, known for its quality and realism. The keys are fully weighted and provide a premium feel, with textured surfaces and faux-ivory texture on the white keys for added grip.

With the combination of the PHA-4 Standard key action and the superb SuperNATURAL sound engine, the playing experience on the F701 and RP701 is seamless and immersive.

Aesthetics and construction quality

The sleek and stylish design of the F701 and RP701 instantly catches the eye, with their solid construction and elegant furniture-style cabinets that would enhance the ambiance of any living room. These digital pianos are functional and aesthetically pleasing, making them a beautiful addition to your home decor.

The F701 is available in Contemporary Black, White, and Light Oak, while the RP701 comes in those colors plus the rich Rosewood option. The choice of colors allows you to select the one that best matches your home’s interior design.

The oak hue of the F701 adds a modern touch, while the Rosewood option for the RP701 exudes a classic and timeless elegance. Regardless of your preference, both pianos are built with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity.

Key action and playability

Crafted with precision and meticulous attention to detail, the keys on the F701 and RP701 digital pianos provide a seamless and immersive playing experience, making you feel as if you’re sitting in front of a grand piano.

Here’s what sets the key action of these pianos apart:

1. Keybed: The F701 and RP701 feature the renowned PHA-4 Standard keybed, known for its quality and realism. This keybed closely emulates the feel of an acoustic piano, thanks to its mechanical weights and triple sensors.
2. Touch Sensitivity: The keys on these pianos are touch-sensitive, meaning they respond to your playing dynamics. Softly pressing the keys produces a gentler sound, while striking them harder creates a louder and more powerful tone.
3. Ivory Simulation: To enhance the premium feel and provide added grip, the white keys on the F701 and RP701 have a faux-ivory texture. This texture, combined with the textured surface of the keys, ensures a comfortable and secure playing experience.

With their exceptional key action and playability, the F701 and RP701 digital pianos allow you to express your musicality with confidence and precision.

Keyboard and Playing Experience

Get ready to experience an incredibly realistic and seamless playing experience on the F701 and RP701 digital pianos with their fully weighted keys and enhanced PHA-4 Standard key action. The keyboard on both pianos is designed to closely emulate the feel of an acoustic piano, with mechanical weights and triple sensors. This results in a premium playing experience that is both responsive and expressive.

To give you a better idea of the keyboard and playing experience on the F701 and RP701, let’s take a look at the following table:

Combining the fully weighted keys and the enhanced PHA-4 Standard key action on the F701 and RP701 ensures that every nuance and subtlety of your playing is faithfully captured. Whether you’re playing delicate pianissimo passages or powerful fortissimo chords, the keys respond accurately to your touch, allowing for a truly expressive performance.

Additionally, the white keys’ textured surface and faux-ivory texture provide a comfortable and secure grip, preventing your fingers from slipping during fast and intricate playing. This attention to detail enhances your playing experience and gives you the confidence to explore various musical styles and techniques.

The keyboard and playing experience on the F701 and RP701 digital pianos are top-notch. The fully weighted keys, enhanced PHA-4 Standard key action, and thoughtful design elements create an immersive and enjoyable playing experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pianist, these pianos will give you the realistic touch and responsiveness you need to elevate your playing to the next level.

Sound Quality

When it comes to sound quality, both the Roland F701 and RP701 digital pianos excel in providing an enhanced playing experience.

With a generous 256 notes of polyphony, you can play complex compositions without worrying about dropped notes.

The pianos have an updated SuperNATURAL sound engine featuring the Behavior Modelling Core chip, which results in realistic and detailed sounds.

This, combined with the PHA-4 Standard key action, ensures a seamless playing experience that closely emulates the feel and response of an acoustic piano.

Additionally, the Piano Designer feature allows for detailed customization of the SuperNATURAL piano sounds, allowing you to create your own unique piano tone.

Lastly, both pianos have bottom-facing speakers capable of pushing a lot of volume, ensuring rich and powerful sound projection.

Polyphony

Experience the richness and depth of your performances with the impressive 256-note polyphony on the F701 and RP701 digital pianos. This allows for seamless layering and sustained chords that will captivate your audience. The polyphony refers to the number of notes that can be played simultaneously without any dropouts or cut-offs. With 256 notes of polyphony, you can confidently express yourself on the keyboard without worrying about limitations.

This high level of polyphony ensures that every note you play is heard clearly and accurately, even when playing complex passages or using the sustain pedal extensively. Combined with the SuperNATURAL piano sound engine, the F701 and RP701 deliver a truly authentic and expressive piano-playing experience. Each note resonates beautifully and naturally.

Whether you’re playing classical pieces or experimenting with different genres, these digital pianos guarantee that they accurately reproduce every nuance of your performance.

Enhanced sound engine

Immerse yourself in the exquisite sound quality of the F701 and RP701 digital pianos, as their enhanced sound engine, powered by the SuperNATURAL technology, brings realism and detail to your performances that will inspire and captivate your audience. This enhanced sound engine significantly upgrades from previous models, offering improved tonal expression and a more nuanced playing experience.

The SuperNATURAL technology combines advanced sampling and modeling techniques to faithfully recreate the sound of acoustic pianos and a wide range of other instruments. With a total of 324 tones to choose from, including pianos, strings, organs, voice presets, and drum kits, you’ll have endless possibilities for creating expressive and dynamic performances.

The construction of the F701 and RP701 also contributes to their enhanced sound quality. With larger speakers and a solid construction, these pianos deliver a rich and immersive sound that fills the room. The sound will be clear and full-bodied whether you’re playing soft and delicate passages or powerful and resonant chords.

Upgrade your playing experience with the enhanced sound engine of the F701 and RP701 digital pianos. Their construction and attention to detail ensure a premium sound quality that’ll elevate your performance.

Seamless playing experience

Indulge in the seamless playing experience the F701 and RP701 digital pianos offer. The combination of the PHA-4 Standard key action and SuperNATURAL sound engine ensures a level of responsiveness and authenticity that will inspire your musicality.

The PHA-4 Standard key action closely emulates the feel of an acoustic piano with its mechanical weights and triple sensors. This allows for expressive playing and nuanced dynamics.

The SuperNATURAL sound engine, powered by the Behavior Modelling Core chip, delivers realistic and detailed sounds. The improved piano tones sound fuller and more neutral. This combination results in a truly immersive and enjoyable playing experience.

Whether you choose the F701 or RP701, both console digital pianos will provide a seamless and satisfying musical journey.

If you’re looking for a more compact option, consider the FP-X series, such as the FP-30X or FP-60X. They offer the same features in a smaller package.

Customizable piano sounds

Enhance your musical expression with the customizable piano sounds on the F701 and RP701 digital pianos. You can personalize and fine-tune your playing experience to suit your unique style and preferences. The Piano Designer feature provides a wide range of customization options, giving you control over various parameters such as key touch, string resonance, and damper resonance.

With this level of control, you can create a piano sound that feels and responds just the way you like. Whether you prefer a bright and lively tone or a warm and mellow sound, the customizable piano sounds on the F701 and RP701 allow you to explore different tonal possibilities and truly make the instrument your own.

With the combination of the PHA-4 Standard key action and the upgraded SuperNATURAL sound engine, the F701 and RP701 deliver a seamless and immersive playing experience that’ll inspire you to reach new musical heights.

High volume speakers

Get ready to experience the power and clarity of the high volume speakers on the F701 and RP701 digital pianos – they’ll have you feeling like you’re playing on a grand stage! These speakers are designed to push out a robust sound that fills the room, immersing you in a truly captivating musical experience.

Here are three reasons why the high volume speakers on the F701 and RP701 are a game-changer:

1. Rich and Dynamic Sound: The high volume speakers deliver a wide frequency range, allowing you to hear every nuance and detail in your music. From the deep and resonant bass to the sparkling highs, these speakers reproduce the full spectrum of sound with exceptional clarity.
2. Immersive Performance: Whether you’re practicing at home or performing for an audience, the high volume speakers create a sense of presence and depth that transports you to a grand stage. You’ll feel the vibrations of the music as it fills the room, enhancing your connection to the instrument.
3. Enhanced Playing Experience: The powerful sound projection of the high volume speakers adds an extra dimension to your playing. You’ll feel the impact of your dynamics and expression, making your performances more engaging and captivating. The combination of the high volume speakers with the expressive key action and realistic sound engine creates a truly immersive and rewarding playing experience.

With the high volume speakers on the F701 and RP701, you can unleash the full potential of your musicality and enjoy an exceptional playing experience that rivals that of a grand piano.

Versatile connectivity options

Experience the convenience and flexibility of the F701 and RP701 digital pianos with their versatile connectivity options. You can connect to a variety of devices and expand your musical possibilities. Both pianos feature built-in Bluetooth functionality, allowing you to wirelessly connect your smart devices for seamless audio streaming and MIDI connectivity. This opens up a world of possibilities, from playing along with your favorite songs to using music apps for learning and creativity.

Additionally, both pianos offer USB to Host and USB to Device connectivity. This allows you to connect to computers, tablets, and other compatible devices. It makes it easy to transfer MIDI data, record and playback your performances, and even expand your sound library with external storage devices.

With these versatile connectivity options, the F701 and RP701 ensure that you can easily integrate them into your musical setup and explore new horizons.

Features and Functionality

Regarding the control scheme and navigation of the Roland F701 and RP701 digital pianos, you’ll find a familiar layout with buttons similar to the FP-90X. Both pianos feature a 128 x 64 dot matrix OLED screen for displaying information and an encoder knob with a push function for easy navigation.

In terms of functions, these pianos offer a range of features, including transposing, a metronome, metronome settings, and master tuning, all easily accessible through the control panel.

In addition, the F701 and RP701 have different modes to suit your playing style. Both pianos offer Dual mode, allowing you to layer two sounds together. They also have Split mode, where you can split the keyboard into two sections with different sounds. Finally, the Twin Piano mode is available, which splits the keyboard in half and assigns each half to the same octave range, perfect for duets or teaching.

Regarding song recording and playback, the F701 and RP701 have you covered. You can record your performances onto the onboard memory or onto an external USB drive for easy sharing and storage. The pianos feature a two-track recorder, allowing you to record both hands separately. And if you’re looking for accompaniment features, you’ll need to use the Piano Every Day app, as these features are only accessible.

Suppose you’re looking for easy navigation, a range of functions, versatile modes, or the ability to record and playback your performances. In that case, the Roland F701 and RP701 digital pianos have the features and functionality to meet your needs.

Control scheme and navigation

The control scheme on the F701 and RP701, with familiar buttons from the FP-90X and an encoder knob for navigation, ensures a user-friendly and intuitive experience.

The button labels are clear and easy to read, allowing for quick and effortless navigation through the piano’s various features. The encoder knob, located conveniently on the front panel, provides a tactile and precise way to scroll through menus and select options. With a simple push function, it acts as an enter key, making it easy to confirm selections.

The control scheme on the F701 and RP701 is well-designed, allowing users to effortlessly access and control the piano’s functionalities. Whether you’re adjusting settings, selecting sounds, or recording tracks, the control scheme makes it a breeze to navigate and explore the features of these digital pianos.

Functions

Get ready to discover the impressive range of functions packed into the F701 and RP701 digital pianos, making your musical journey even more versatile and enjoyable. Both pianos offer an array of functions that cater to the needs of musicians, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player.

With their traditional digital piano design, these models are equipped with features that enhance your playing experience. From the wide selection of tones, including pianos, strings, organs, voice presets, and drum kits, to the convenient recording capabilities with the onboard memory or external USB drive, these pianos have it all.

The F701 and RP701 also include modes like Dual, Split, and Twin Piano, allowing you to explore different playing styles. Plus, with Bluetooth connectivity, you can easily connect your smart device and take advantage of the Piano Every Day app for even more functionality. These functions set the F701 and RP701 apart from other Roland’s product lineup models.

Modes

Explore the different playing styles available with the Dual, Split, and Twin Piano modes on the F701 and RP701 digital pianos. These modes provide versatility and allow you to experiment with different sounds and playing techniques.

Here’s a breakdown of each mode:

• Dual Mode: In this mode, you can layer two different sounds on the keyboard, creating a rich and layered sound. For example, you can combine a piano sound with strings or a choir, adding depth to your performance.
• Split Mode: Split Mode divides the keyboard into two sections, allowing you to play different sounds with each hand. This is perfect for duets or when you want to play different instruments simultaneously. You can easily adjust the split point using the encoder knob, giving you precise control over the split.
• Twin Piano Mode: This mode is especially useful for piano lessons or duets. It splits the keyboard into two equal parts, creating two middle C positions. This allows the student and teacher (or two players) to play side by side, mirroring each other’s movements.

With these modes, the F701 and RP701 provide a wide range of playing options, making them suitable for various musical styles and situations.

Song Recording and Playback

Capture and relive your musical moments with the convenient song recording and playback features on the F701 and RP701 digital pianos. These pianos allow you to record your performances directly onto onboard memory or an external USB drive, so you can easily listen back to your playing or share it with others.

With the ability to record up to 2 tracks, you can create multi-layered compositions or practice along with your own recordings.

Additionally, the pianos offer playback functionality, allowing you to listen to pre-recorded songs or accompaniments. The F701 and RP701 also provide audio in and headphone jacks, allowing you to connect external devices for even more flexibility in song recording and playback.

Whether you’re composing, practicing, or enjoying your favorite tunes, these digital pianos have covered you.

Accompaniment Features

Enhance your playing experience with the versatile accompaniment features found on the F701 and RP701 digital pianos. These pianos offer a range of accompaniment options to add depth and richness to your performances.

Here are three key features to take advantage of:

• Auto Accompaniment: With the Auto Accompaniment feature, you can play along with pre-recorded backing tracks in various musical genres. Choose from a selection of styles, such as pop, jazz, and classical, and let the piano accompany while you play the melody.
• Rhythm Section: The F701 and RP701 come equipped with a built-in rhythm section that provides a variety of drum patterns and beats. Whether you’re practicing scales or performing a full piece, the rhythm section adds a dynamic element to your playing.
• Twin Piano Mode: If you’re collaborating with a teacher, family member, or friend, the Twin Piano Mode is perfect for you. This feature splits the keyboard into two equal parts, allowing two players to play side by side. It’s a great way to learn, practice, or perform together.

These accompaniment features, combined with the key cover, low-profile body, and wood finish of the F701 and RP701, create a truly immersive and enjoyable playing experience.

Connectivity Options

When it comes to connectivity options, both the Roland F701 and RP701 digital pianos offer Bluetooth functionality. This means you can wirelessly connect your smart devices to the pianos for audio playback or MIDI communication.

The Bluetooth connectivity allows you to stream music or play with your favorite songs and use music apps and software with the digital pianos.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Take advantage of the Bluetooth connectivity on the F701 and RP701, allowing you to effortlessly connect your smart devices and explore a world of musical possibilities. With Bluetooth, you can easily connect your smartphone or tablet to the digital pianos and access a variety of music apps and resources. Here are three ways Bluetooth connectivity enhances your playing experience:

• Wireless Audio Streaming: Stream your favorite songs or backing tracks wirelessly from your smart device and play along with them on the F701 and RP701. This allows for a more immersive and enjoyable practice session.
• MIDI Connectivity: Bluetooth MIDI connects the digital pianos to music production software or virtual instruments on your smart device. This opens up endless creative possibilities for composing, recording, and performing.
• Piano Every Day App Integration: The Bluetooth connectivity enables seamless integration with the Piano Every Day app, providing you with a wealth of interactive lessons, sheet music, and practice tools. This app enhances your learning experience and helps you progress as a pianist.

Overall, the Bluetooth connectivity on the F701 and RP701 expands your musical horizons and makes playing the piano more interactive and enjoyable.

Accessories Included

The F701 and RP701 packages come with accessories such as headphones, a music rest, and a power supply. These accessories are essential for enhancing your experience with digital pianos. The headphones allow for private practice sessions, ensuring you can play without disturbing others in your living room. They also provide better sound quality, allowing you to immerse yourself in your playing fully. The music rest is a convenient addition that holds your sheet music or digital device securely in place, making it easier for you to read and follow along while playing. And of course, the power supply ensures that you have a reliable power source to keep your piano running smoothly.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s a table summarizing the accessories included in the F701 and RP701 packages:

Including these accessories in the package saves you the hassle of purchasing them separately. It’s a thoughtful touch from Roland, ensuring you have everything you need to start playing immediately. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, these accessories will contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable playing experience.

Roland demonstrates their commitment to delivering a complete and well-rounded product by providing these accessories. They understand that every detail matters when it comes to creating a sense of belonging and satisfaction for their customers. So, with the F701 and RP701 packages, you can rest assured that you’ll have everything you need to dive into the world of music and make the most out of your digital piano.

Final Thoughts

Pros:

• Uses Roland’s SuperNATURAL sound engine technology for rich and expressive sound.
• Features a PHA-4 Standard keyboard that responds to the slightest touch.
• Has a compact and modern design that fits discreetly into any room.
• Offers a Headphones 3D Ambience feature for an immersive and realistic playing experience when practicing with headphones.
• Allows for Bluetooth connectivity to play along with your favorite songs.
• Winner of the Red Dot Design Award for Product Design in 2021.

Cons:

• Priced at $1,599.99, which might be high for some buyers.
• Available in limited color options: black, light oak, and white.
• Despite being compact, the size might still be too large for very small spaces.

Overall, the F701 and RP701 packages offer a comprehensive and enjoyable playing experience, with thoughtfully included accessories to enhance your journey into the world of music. Both digital pianos come with everything you need to start playing right away.

The package includes a matching furniture-style stand, a music rest to hold your sheet music or tablet, and a sustain pedal for expressive playing. These accessories not only add functionality but also contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of the pianos.

The inclusion of these accessories shows that Roland understands the needs and desires of piano players, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician. The stand provides stability and a comfortable playing position, while the music rest ensures that your sheet music or tablet is securely in place. The sustain pedal allows you to add expression and depth to your playing, mimicking an acoustic piano’s sustain.

By including these accessories, Roland has made it easy to set up your piano and start playing immediately. You won’t have to worry about purchasing additional accessories separately, saving you time and money. Plus, the matching design of the stand adds a touch of elegance to your living room or practice space.

The F701 and RP701 packages not only provide exceptional sound quality, realistic feel, and a wide range of features, but also come with carefully selected accessories that enhance your playing experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, these pianos offer a complete package allowing you to dive into the world of music confidently and easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do the F701 and RP701 compare to other models in the Roland product line?

The F701 and RP701 digital pianos from Roland offer a range of features and upgrades that set them apart from other models in the product line. With their award-winning design, improved user interface, and upgraded sound engine, they provide a seamless and enhanced playing experience. The F701 and RP701 also come in furniture-style console designs, making them perfect for living room settings. Alternatives to consider within the Roland product line include the FP-X series, such as the FP-30X and FP-60X, which offer similar features in a more compact package. The F701 and RP701 stand out for their design, functionality, and performance.

Can the F701 and RP701 be used in a professional setting, such as for live performances or recording?

Yes, the F701 and RP701 can be used in a professional setting such as live performances or recording. They offer high-quality sound, realistic key action, and a range of customizable features that make them suitable for professional musicians.

Are there any notable differences in sound quality between the F701 and RP701?

There are notable differences in sound quality between the F701 and RP701. The F701 has a fuller and more neutral sound, while the RP701 has a more traditional upright piano sound. Both pianos offer realistic and detailed sounds with the SuperNATURAL sound engine.

Can the F701 and RP701 be used with third-party music production software?

The F701 and RP701 can be used with third-party music production software. Both pianos have USB ports for MIDI connectivity, allowing you to connect them to your computer and use them as MIDI controllers for your software.

Are there any additional features or functions that can be accessed through the Piano Every Day app?

Yes, the Piano Every Day app provides access to additional features and functions for the F701 and RP701 digital pianos. These include accompaniment features, access to a wide range of tones and sounds, and the ability to control the piano through a smart device.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Roland F701 and RP701 are exceptional digital pianos that offer a premium playing experience. The sleek design and solid construction make them perfect for any living room setting.

The fully weighted keys with Ivory simulation provide a realistic and comfortable playing experience, while the SuperNATURAL sound engine delivers detailed and authentic tones.

The extensive features and connectivity options, such as Bluetooth connectivity and recording capabilities, further enhance the overall functionality of these pianos.

Overall, the F701 and RP701 are highly recommended for pianists of all levels looking for a high-quality instrument.