The Roland FP-10 is designed for discerning musicians seeking an affordable and dependable instrument with an exceptional piano sound, a convincing keyboard, high portability, and onboard speakers. The FP-10 excels on all those fronts, especially at this price! Its authenticity, both tonally and physically, stands out in intricate details like string resonance, dampening effects, and key release, which are meticulously reproduced for heightened realism. The latest generation 88-key dynamic weighted keyboard is responsive, nuanced, and a joy to play. The FP-10 is highly portable and exceptionally user-friendly, featuring only four control buttons. Users can fine-tune various parameters directly on the FP-10 or, more intriguingly, through an external app. Moreover, the FP-10 facilitates MIDI transmission via both USB and wireless Bluetooth.
Featuring 15 distinctive sounds, including six grand and upright pianos, convincing reverb and "brilliance" effects, and a polyphony of 96 voices - the Roland FP-10 is both versatile and expressive. The graded hammer action is both sensitive and responsive, allowing fast repetitions and delicate phrasing. The keys provide a realistic feel, complemented by subtle balancing across the keyboard. Sturdily built and thoughtfully designed, the FP-10 includes a sheet music holder, a sustain pedal port, and a stereo mini-jack output for headphones or external speakers. Notably, two 6W speakers eliminate the need for additional equipment and provide sufficient volume for room levels. The FP-10's main functions are accessed via the control buttons, and the firmware updated via USB. More advanced functionalities are available on the "Piano Partner 2" app, which is both iOS and Android compatible.
Although the Roland FP-10 is primarily designed for beginners to start playing right out of the box, more experienced players will also benefit from its qualities and can make adjustments to tailor the FP-10 to their individual preferences. Piano students will appreciate the built-in metronome for tempo practice and the possibility to share the keyboard with their teacher during lessons using the "Twin Piano" mode. The keyboard's Bluetooth and MIDI connectivity also opens up the world of DAWs and apps, allowing data transmission via MIDI and SMF files. Tablet owners can also use the "Piano Partner 2" companion app with the FP-10, providing access to additional sounds (such as a Wurlitzer), extended parameter settings (442Hz tuning, for example), and a library of songs, scores, and learning tips to assist the budding pianist.
The Roland company was founded in 1972 in Osaka, Japan, and has been designing and building electronic musical instruments ever since. During its successful history, Roland has launched many ground-breaking instruments, from legendary drum machines such as the TR-808 and the TR-909 to synthesizer classics like Jupiter-8, SH-101 and the iconic TB-303. Besides synthesizers, Roland's workstations and electric pianos are also very popular. Equally well-known is Roland’s subsidiary Boss, under whose brand name it designs and sells principally guitar pedals and effects units. Under the Roland Professional A/V label, the company additionally develops and distributes professional equipment for virtually every branch of audio and video production - from home studios through to commercial applications.
Weighing only 12kg, the Roland FP-10 is easily carried to a small concert venue or a practice room, along with its transformer. The included sheet music holder can stay at home or not; however, the pedal (also included) is essential. For more complete control, the sustain pedal can also be upgraded to a Roland DP-10, for example. With their free hand, the user can carry a lightweight stand (available separately), and the frequent performer might also consider purchasing a dedicated transport case, such as the Roland FP-10 Keyboard Case made by Thon. At home, the Roland KSCFP10-BK custom stand and piano bench will suit perfectly.