Review: Roland FP-10 – Portable Piano

With the FP-10, Roland enters a price range that was completely dominated by Yamaha in the last few years. If you wanted to get something “reasonable” for around $400, you simply couldn’t get past the P-45. However, the Roland FP-10 excels in the core features of a digital piano, reshuffling the deck.

As usual for its price range and category, the Roland FP-10 offers a stable and lightweight chassis. It is as compact as possible, and it endured the red pencil as a constant companion in terms of equipment during the development phase. A proven way to defy price pressure is to focus on the essentials. For a piano, these are the piano sound and keyboard. With the Roland FP-10, the manufacturer has found an excellent solution for both.

In any case, costs were cut on the included accessories. Instead of a proper sustain pedal, a small foot switch is provided. It’s difficult to control the FP-10’s half-pedal function with it, but a suitable sustain pedal is available as an optional accessory for around $45. The Roland DP-10 is a good choice. A stand (KSCFP10) is also offered as an optional accessory, which is standard for portable pianos.

SuperNatural Piano: Authentic Piano Sound

Even the smallest FP features Roland’s SuperNATURAL sound engine. The first notes played on the FP-10 make a good impression thanks to its excellent sound quality and keyboard response. The “Grand Piano 1” sound meets all the requirements of a digital piano. You can access it at any time with the direct selection button.

The Sympathetic Resonance and Damper Resonance features contribute to the piano’s excellent sound by reproducing string resonances in great detail. The progression of string vibration in the final notes also contributes to the sound. Thanks to the key-off effect, you can play with articulation, and the dynamics are also a real pleasure. While the 96-voice polyphony isn’t groundbreaking, it’s sufficient for playing the piano and exceeds that of the Yamaha P-45.

Best Keyboard in the Entry-Level Cass!

Even experienced pianists will feel right at home with this piano. The FP-10’s keyboard benefits from the larger FP-30 and FP-60 models. The “PHA-4 Standard” keyboard provides direct touch sensitivity. The keys do not play too smoothly and offer a pleasant counterweight for the fingers. In addition to the ivory touch surface, the keyboard features let-off simulation and effective graded hammer action.

The FP-10 offers an exceptional value, making it an excellent choice for beginners seeking authentic piano touch sensitivity. The moisture-absorbing ivory feel surface on the white keys is also uncommon in this price range.

Roland FP-10: Ease of Use

Actually, you do not need to do much to the FP-10 as long as you sit down to play the SuperNatural Piano. The volume control via two illuminated touch buttons is perhaps a bit awkward, but still is manageable. The headphone jack on the back of the case (which I personally don’t like, but is quite common in this price range) turns off the built-in speakers.

Piano Partner 2: More Comfort and Features

The minimally equipped control panel may give the impression that the FP-10 has few features. However, the reality is far from that. To comfortably use features such as split, layer, or twin piano for four-handed playing, we recommend using the Piano Partner 2 app. Roland offers the app for free for both iOS and Android tablets and smartphones.

With the FP-10 connected via Bluetooth MIDI, you can easily switch sounds, layer, set splits, and access piano exercises. Although saving sounds or settings is not possible, the mere existence of an app is a plus because it makes the FP-10 relatively easy to use.

Of course, you can easily control all imaginable software instruments in GarageBand, Korg Gadget, and other modules via Bluetooth MIDI.

How Does the Roland FP-10 Sound?

In terms of quality, the SuperNatural Piano is undoubtedly superior. However, the other 14 Tones are impressive as well. Strings and synthesizer pads provide great accompaniment to sustained keyboard sounds. If the piano sound needs more assertiveness, you can always add a crisp electric piano.

The built-in speakers accurately reproduce the piano sound. The dynamics are amazingly detailed. However, the instrument’s true potential is realized when used with headphones. As mentioned, Grand Piano 1 is particularly impressive here. The other piano sounds, as well as the electric piano and pad sounds, are also very usable. All in all, you can even use the Roland FP-10 as a stage keyboard.

Conclusion: For Beginners and Beyond

Thanks to its excellent piano sound and matching keyboard, the Roland FP-10 is highly recommended. It is a worthy recipient of the “Best Buy” award in the “Portable Piano Under $500” category. Read more in the 2019 Digital Piano Guide: The Best Entry-Level Digital Pianos.

Thanks to Bluetooth MIDI and the useful Piano Partner 2 app, there’s only one more thing to mention: As long as you don’t expect too much from the built-in speakers, Roland’s smallest piano has everything you need. Both beginners and advanced users will enjoy the FP-10 for years to come.

Roland FP-10 – Overview

Release date: January 2019
Keyboard: PHA-4 Standard with graded hammer action, let-off simulation and ivory feel
Polyphony: 96 voices
Piano app: Roland Piano Partner 2 (available free of charge for iOS/Android)
Accessoires: Keyboard stand (KSCFP10), sustain pedal (Roland DP-10)
Manufacturer/Distributor: Roland

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