Review: Roland FP-30X – Portable Piano

It’s always nice to see something good become even better. This is certainly true of the Roland FP-30X. Like the previous FP-30 model, it offers many great features at a reasonable price. While the minimalist operating concept remains, the sound and polyphony performance have notably improved.

At first glance, those who know the FP-30 might see not much of a change. In fact, many of the specifications read the same. This applies to the PHA-4 Standard keyboard, for example. However: Why improve something that is already unbeatably good for the price? Nevertheless, let’s take a closer look at the details, as there are some significant innovations.

Great Playing Feel at a Low Price

This feature isn’t exclusive to the FP-30X, it also applies to the more expensive FP-90X model: The FP-30X has inherited the PHA-4 Standard hammer action keyboard from its bigger brother. Roland even turned the smallest model in the FP series, the FP-10, into a beginner’s piano that offers the best playability in the price range below $500.

Why Does the “PHA-4 Standard” Keyboard Play so Well?

Its graded hammer action provides balanced weighting, and the keys offer a nice response. Additionally, the keys have a slightly rough texture thanks to the ivory fee lcoating, which is pleasant to the touch when playing. There also is a let-off simulation.

Otherwise, the same applies here as in the predecessor model: You have good control over velocity and keystroke, and the keys don’t bounce or rattle when released. All in all, this is sensationally good in the entry-level segment.

Higher Polyphony

Compared to its predecessor, the FP-30, there has been a significant improvement: The polyphony now offers twice as many voices—256, to be exact—and the number of sounds has increased as well. However, the specifications on the manufacturer’s website are incomplete or contradictory in this regard. Some sources mention 12 piano sounds, 20 electric pianos, and 24 additional sounds. However, the Roland FP-30X has many more sounds, including drum kits and General MIDI (GM) sounds for playing MIDI songs via the USB port.

You can use the keyboard to switch between sounds, and certain keys let you operate the most important functions. The free “Every Day Piano” app from Roland makes this much easier.

Roland FP-30X: Good Acoustic Pianos

Roland’s SuperNATURAL piano technology produces authentic acoustic piano sounds. There are several versions of the grand piano, ranging from open and direct to soft. In any case, it is an excellent concert grand piano with a brilliant sound and lively finish.

The Roland FP-30X also offers several variants of an upright piano. It extends the tonal possibilities of the portable piano with a nice piano timbre. Here, the soft-sounding variant will please lovers of neo-classical music. Overall, it’s impressive!

Piano Designer

The piano sounds take into account all the essential details you would expect from a modern digital piano. These include sympathetic resonance, damper resonance, half-pedaling (though this does not work with the included DP-2 switch!), piano lid, and more.

Not only do these details interact to produce lively piano sounds, they are even customizable. Roland offers the free Piano Designer app to conveniently operate all these functions. Noteworthy is the Individual Note Edit feature, which allows you to intonate the acoustic piano sounds note by note.

Roland Piano App

The new Roland Piano App replaces the Piano Partner and Piano Every Day apps. Offering the same functionality as its predecessors, the app also provides a few additional features and is compatible with all current Roland digital pianos. Most importantly, it is a convenient way to adjust digital piano settings. You can also use the app for lessons and to display notes to help you learn and practice.

The Roland Piano App is available free of charge for iOS and Android.

The Electric Pianos of the Roland FP-30X

First, we find a rocking Fender Rhodes. This results in a sound with less bell tone and more attack and bite, which is perfect for dynamic playing. If you’re looking for softer variants, you’ll find them among the FP-30X’s GM sounds. In general, it’s worth browsing around for other sounds.

The Wurlitzer electric piano in the Roland FP-30X is impressive. This famous vintage electric piano perfectly captures the sounds of the ’60s and ’70s. Next are two FM pianos, which are great for typical ’80s-style ballads. The clavinet and vibraphone represent classic keyboard sounds.

…Even More Sounds

As mentioned earlier, the Roland FP-30X offers a wide range of sounds. Although the “E-Piano” label may be slightly misleading, this section also includes keyboards such as the clavinet, electronic organs, church organs, and accordions. You’ll even find pads, strings, and synth sounds, as well as the full range of General MIDI (GM) sounds, including effects (FX) and drum sounds.

Additionally, the FP-30X’s sound generation is multitimbral. Without this feature, you could not play standard MIDI files. If you’re familiar with MIDI and DAW, you can use the FP-30X’s full sound repertoire for MIDI recording, as well as for composing and arranging on a computer.

Bluetooth & AudioInterface Included!

As with the previous model, there is Bluetooth, but this time there’s more to it. Bluetooth MIDI allows you to connect wirelessly to the Every Day Piano app, as well as other piano apps such as Ravenscroft 275 Piano. There’s also Bluetooth audio, so you can play back music and take online lessons from your tablet, smartphone, or computer through the Roland FP-30X’s audio system.

Roland has also improved the USB equipment. In addition to a port for playing SMF songs, you can look forward to USB MIDI and USB audio integration in the “to-host” connection. Therefore, you can transfer the digital audio signal from a DAW or piano app to the Roland FP-30X with only one USB cable. Very convenient!

Good Speaker Sound!

I don’t usually expect much from small, portable pianos, so I’m pleasantly surprised that the sound is passable from the device’s speakers. I also like the stored sound profiles, which you can easily access to adjust the FP-30X to the location. If it’s on a stand, select “Speaker Stand.” If you want to place the piano on a table, Roland provides a “Desk” setting. While a compromise, this helpful feature noticeably optimizes the bass range.

In Comparison: Roland FP-30X vs. FP-30

As the successor of the FP-30, the FP-30X offers improvements in all the right places. Although the case and design haven’t changed, the differences are clear.

• Double polyphony power: The sound generator produces 256 voices, which aligns well with the instrument’s new multitimbrality. This makes the Roland FP-30X ideal for MIDI recording with DAW and music apps.
• USB audio: While the FP-30 only had USB MIDI, the FP-30X can now transfer both MIDI and digital audio data over one USB cable. This allows you to integrate apps from mobile devices, as well as an audio computer (DAW), into the FP-30X’s audio system.
• Audio output: In order to connect to monitor speakers or a mixing console, the FP-30 required a headphone output and an adapter cable. Fortunately, the new model finally has an audio output in the form of two jack sockets (L/Mono and R).
• More sounds: The successor model has more sounds in every category. It’s also worth taking a look at the extensive GM sound list.

In Comparison: Roland FP-30X vs. FP-60X

The FP-60X sits in the middle between the FP-30X and FP-90X. With a price tag of around $1,000, it is actually closer to the smaller model: Despite being more similar to the top model in terms of casing, the price difference between the model numbers 60X and 90X is significantly higher.

Regarding feel and sound, the FP-60X is on par with the smaller model, as it also has the standard PHA-4 keyboard. The SuperNATURAL Piano sound generation is also identical.

With its larger cabinet and more powerful playback system, the Roland FP-60X is ideal for those seeking an affordable, portable piano with a powerful sound. The small model’s speaker system is designed primarily for home use, but you can definitely take the FP-60X to a small band rehearsal.

Conclusion: A Great Entry-Level Piano with Excellent Features

Its many great features make the smaller model of the new FP “X” series once again a powerful stage piano for at home and on the road. The Roland FP-30X also comes at an attractive price, as you won’t find a better keyboard in this price range. Additionally, important sounds, such as acoustic and electric pianos, are convincing.

With Bluetooth and USB for audio and MIDI, greatly expanded sound movement, speaker settings, and app connection for iOS and Android devices, you’re absolutely up to date.

Although the keyboard operation, push-button volume setting, and included small damper pedal are not exceptional, the FP-30X is highly recommended, especially given its affordable price. Anyone looking for a flexible, portable piano with good playing and sound characteristics, whether a beginner or an advanced player, can’t go wrong here.

Roland FP-30X – Overview

Release date: February 2021
Keyboard: PHA-4 Standard, graded hammer action, ivory feel, let-off mechanism
Piano apps: Piano Every Day, Piano Designer (iOS, Android, free of charge)
Included pedal: simple foot switch without half-pedal support
Manufacturer/Distributor: Roland