FP10 by RolandThe market is filled with great choices of console pianos. Amongst the best choices, you always find very attractive models by Roland. I’ve always been a fan of the manufacturer’s keys and their feel, the sound quality and options. The FP series features different models with increasing features and specs. The line is aimed at discerning aspiring or established piano and keyboard players. Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned pianist, you will be well served in the long term with the FP’s powerful processing and realistic feel. I’ve received the FP10—the entry model in the line, and put it through its paces. Keep reading to find out if this console keyboard is the perfect model for you, no matter your level.

I’ve filmed a short video detailing my impressions and featuring a few different sound samples.

 

High quality sounds and features

The FP10 features Roland’s PHA-4 keyboard, a highly detailed set of keys. The construction closely simulates a real acoustic piano, but with a little upgrade: moisture-absorbing material. Not only does the keyboard feel like the real thing, but everything will stay dry no matter the temperature or your intensity. The weight is also very well replicated; escapement permits fast note repetition, and the weight is subtly reduced as you go higher in the register.

The tones are generated by Roland’s Supernatural engine. You get 15 different sounds, including 4 different pianos, 2 electric pianos, 2 organs, 2 sets of strings, 2 harpsichords, a vibraphone, a jazz scat sample, and a synth pad. A 10-step ambience (or reverb) and brilliance adjustment are available to slightly customize the tones. The sound is projected by a set of 6W speakers mounted under the unit.

Bench and stand for the FP10

 

The FP10 has a USB connector, enabling you to transfer MIDI information between the keyboard and a DAW, effectively using it as a quality MIDI controller. There’s also a headphone output for silent practice. The sustain pedal jack is equipped to support half-pedalling techniques, which will probably interest more experienced pianists. Just plug in a compatible sustain pedal (such as Roland’s DP-10 pedal) to make use of this function. The included DP-2 pedal doesn’t support this option, unfortunately. An interesting internal function is the twin piano mode. This mode splits the keys into two equal parts, allowing a teacher and a student to play simultaneously in the same register on the same keyboard. This is a great way to practise and focus on those harder passages with your educator.

 

Additional accessories

While the FP10 isn’t shipped with a stand, it is compatible with universal stands with no issues. Roland makes one of these called the KS-12. In the videos and pictures, the FP10 I received was mounted on the optional KSCFP10. This is the compact furniture-style base made exclusively for the FP10. It is very easy to assemble, and its slick and minimalistic design will fit in with any type of décor. I also had the RPB-100BK, a very comfortable bench.

 

An excellent console keyboard

The first thing you notice when playing the FP10 is the fabulous keyboard. The sensation of the faux-ivory texture is simply pleasant, and the material doesn’t accumulate moisture. These characteristics compound into a great grip and feel that puts you in control. The weight of the keys is heavy and gives you the impression of playing a quality, wooden instrument. The hit and the return of the keys feels very realistic.

The sound of the keyboard is excellent. Although you are limited to 15 built-in tones, these are very good sounding ones. The first piano option is a rich-sounding sample that is very deep and satisfying. With the addition of the ambience and brilliance setting, you can really massage it gently and manipulate it just enough to cover a large amount of ground. The other tones are usable, but they may be underwhelming for fans of different organs, Rhodes, etc. If you’re looking for a wide variety of samples and deep editing, you’ll have to plug the unit into a sound library to have access to more parameters and satisfy your need for tweaking knobs.

While the speakers aren’t rated very high in power, they reproduce the sound in a very convincing way. They are powerful enough to cover a large room, and they are very defined while still producing a decent amount of low-end. You can always use the headphone out to plug into a bigger, more detailed speaker system if you need more volume and control. I highly recommend the appropriate stand, or at least a universal stand. It frees up the speakers and will keep the sound from getting muffled if you set it on a desk or bed.

Excellent choice for all types of players

 

Not just for beginners

If you are in the market for a first keyboard, it will be hard to find better value for your money. Thanks to high quality specifications and features, the FP10 will last you a very long time. I started playing on this type of product, and, even after 20+ years of use, it is still being used by my niece. Beginners will be well served by an excellent set of keys and high quality sounds.

For more advanced players, this might be an excellent practice (or even possibly teaching) tool. Thanks to such a well designed keyboard, you will have the closest thing (feel and sound-wise) to a real piano without all the necessary maintenance that comes with the latter. If you happen to have students, the dual piano function will serve you well. It might  possibly even improve your results thanks to its advantages.

I also like the idea of using this for recording, thanks to the USB connection. With a very attractive price tag, this is an affordable way to create convincing piano performances while using high quality, editable samples. If you are the type of keyboard player that has been producing on light-keyed MIDI controllers or other synths for a while, this might be an interesting option to have in the studio.

Check out the Roland FP10 at BestBuy.ca.

Nikolai Olekhnovitch
Nikolai Olekhnovitch
Nikolai Olekhnovitch is a professional guitarist from Montreal. The experience and musical versatility he acquired during his music studies and involvement with diverse musical acts come in quite handy when reviewing various instruments. When he is not on the road performing, he’s exploring martial arts and seeking out the perfect espresso.
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251 COMMENTS

  2. My wife Tiana would love this!

    She adds her own twist to piano songs and I’m looking forward to hearing her rendition of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

  8. I would love to entertain family with a round of Jingle Bells and then once it is safe to do so again, I would take this volunteering to entertain seniors.

  10. I would love to learn to play on this. It’s got weighted keys perfect for beginners so I love that! Great review – very informative.

  11. My son Riyu would definitely love the chance to learn! The theme song to Home Alone would for sure be his first choice.

    Thanks!

  20. I know my son Darcy would get the most use of this as he seems to pick up every musical instrument very quickly. The first song I hope he plays would be Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree.

  24. My wife, Ana, would love to start learning to play piano from home 🙂 “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” would be a great first song.

  26. My daughter would get the most use out of this as she is learning piano. I think we would play Jingle Bells to start.

  30. ME! I will get the most use out of this. I think I’ll play Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas first.

  31. My sister Ines is a piano lover, she would use it all the time. She would play Jingle Bells without a doubt.

  33. My brother Omar will get the most use as he always loved to play the piano and the first holiday song he will play is jingle bells

  34. Fantastic review! I would love to win this portable piano so my wife and I have a portable keyboard to be able to jam with our friends this Christmas and sing carols.

  36. Sebastien started when he was 9, so we didn’t invest much in his practice keyboard. He did stick with it though, and after four years he could use a proper piano with the right number of keys.

  41. I would love to win this, Roland is like THE KEYBOARD to get imo. I want to play again and dust off these fingers, so I’ll probably start with something simple and easy like Chopsticks.

  42. My niece, Eva, would love taking up piano. She’s enjoyed learning ukulele this past year and if she can progress as fast as she has with that instrument, I wouldn’t doubt for one second the household would be listening to her rendition of ‘Joy the World’.

  45. My boyfriend Rom would enjoy making more songs with this keyboard! I hope he plays White Christmas by Frank Sinatra!

  46. I grew up playing piano and have been looking for a weighted keyboard to get back into it! Would love to play “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole, one of my holiday favourites.

  48. I’m learning how to play the piano so this would allow me to practice at home instead of a practice room. So I will be the one using it the most. I would learn You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch first.

  49. I have been missing out on a nice set of keys for a while and would love to get back into it. Ode to Joy was one of the first songs I learned and I loved playing it. I’ll be re-learning it for sure. I should thank my mother for getting me started with lessons when I was just 5. Out of all the hobbies I picked up and left behind, piano was definitely the most special, for myself and everyone I played for.

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