This is BY FAR the best RD88 demo I have seen (heard). Your playing is absolutely gorgeous and and your understanding of the instrument has truly helped me to understand its features. Thank you so much for your thorough and articulate demo.
@@onrode Well, I played 6 hours on it today. 2 1/2 hour practice and 3 1/2 jam. The action is as good as new. So is the chassis and switches, etc. Shows no sign of wear. I transport it in a padded soft case.
Incredible. I want to get one of these in the future for my church here in Honolulu, HI Excellent video review. I learned a lot. The RD-88 is an incredible dream stage piano they made with everything subconsciously on my wishlist, including much more affordable, compact, lighter, more portable than the flagship RD-2000, and with built-in speakers, a multitude of sounds, features, capabilities, and excellent connectivity. What more can you ask from an ideal stage piano at this price. There are lots of other great brands that I have a few keyboards from, but Roland has always been my longtime favorite and go to brand for a lot of my music gear.
Thanks for this review. You answered questions about layering and split that none of the other reviewers touched on. And you had some really great tips, too. You have a really great understanding of the keyboard and what performers need.
Tony White.... THE BEST!!!!! I am purchasing this keyboard in a few days, and your video really assisted in sealing the deal for me! Thank you. I will save this video and use it often as I learn how to use my new amazing keyboard. I have a vintage Juno 106 and a D-50... so this will be a marvelous addition! Thank you!!!! I hope there's a way to contact you... you are a brilliant instructor! Thanks again! Pamela Ruby Russell
Thanks Tony, 2 years since it’s release, & your review of this keyboard has still been the most helpful. Among other details not mentioned, the others didn’t bring up and explain the built in interface. Since I plan on often using an IPad, that’s quite significant. I think that as long as anyone is even thinking about buying a used RD 88, this review can be very helpful to someone like ..(although I am seriously thinking of buying a new one)..me, even over in Central California. Thanks much.
One thing to consider is the RD88 is very tall (6.3"). Compare to the A88 Mk2 controller which has the same PHA-4 keyboard but is only 4.68" tall, or the RD-2000 (5.5") . This can be significant depending on your studio setup and preference. If you have long legs like me you may prefer a less tall keyboard to allow enough clearance without having the keyboard too high.
I can’t believe this piano is on sale for $1200 here in the states! Just ordered mine. Excellent demo. Better than just plowing through patches. Wish you were running Logic Pro X so we could see some integration tips. Everything else is stellar!
I am a guitarist primarily but have played keys as a secondary instrument for a number of years. Recently, I have gotten decidedly more serious about piano. Tony is one of my go to guys on TH-cam when I want information on a keyboard that I am looking to potentially acquire. Guy is just a beautiful player and also very articulate in describing keyboards. I want an instrument that has a keybed with an acoustic feel, has a beautiful piano preset(s), 73 to 88 keys, has other superior sounds, could be used with my DAW, has speakers and is lightweight. I know that is quite a list but the RD seems to hit the mark across the board. Had a Kronos but sold it largely because I tired of its complexity and weight, although it was an awesome rig. Any thoughts by others about other potential contenders would be appreciated. Best.
Roland has some very nice keyboards with a great action. I just wish that the support arm of the company had a great action. I bought a Roland RD 88 keyboard and 2 months later it died. I took it to a Roland repair center where it has been for over a month waiting for a part that is coming from Japan. When someone spends this much for a keyboard one would expect the company to keep adequate parts on hand to repair their product.
The demo of the RD88 was excellent.Admittedly I am not doing live gigs now.However if I was,I think the RD88 would be a great choice as it covers the piano,synth and management of sounds very well.This is all I would need for gigs or studio work.
Thank you for this! It was very helpful.. It's a great board and I'm growing to love it more as I've experimented with other keyboards. Namely, the action because i'm coming from a baby grand and I want it to feel as close to that as possible. I always really like the EQ settings that allow you to make it sound exactly how you want it.
Great video! But I was hoping you would have shown more in detail of how it controls Mainstage and how advanced the integration could be if you used it in a live setting with Mainstage? Every review I have have seen about this keyboard has shown more about the internal keyboard features, but no one is showing the key marketable feature; the Mainstage Integration, and why should I buy this one. Please make another video showcasing the deep benefits of purchasing the RD-88 and the Pros and Cons using it with Mainstage. Thanks.
Its time to retire my faithful old Kurzweil SP2 to the reserve ( or Grandson ) bench and this is one i'm going to get due in part to this particular demo, plus my back aint going to creak as much carrying this one cheers and thank you .
Roland made Zencore for the workstation musicians, Piano players, Dj , Bedroom outdoor and DAW music creators. And it all comes together musically no more re-programming one musical instrument to match the other.
Thank you for helping me make the decision to go with this keyboard. Impeccable review. On another note, have you ever considered making your demo's available as midi files? Either free or as a purchase. Your playing is inspiring, and would love to learn from you. Even if much of it is improvisational, there is still plenty to dig into.
Thanks for the review, Very professional presentation. I live in Sweden and I wish you would have a shop here. I think I am going to buy this keyboard. Great presentation.
Great sounds & he’s the best @ demos, other than that I don’t understand for the life of me why these tiny screens still exist...I hope there’s an output or a way to get a screen or connect an iPad.
Thank you very much for this brilliant down to earth demo. Not some fancy stuff but infos that the real world user needs. Plus great playing! Thanx again and greetings from Germany.
I keep coming back to this one! Fabulous review! When one takes it home, does one just put on the headphones and take off? Will that be enough to get great sound?
Brilliant review! I would want to know if the Roland RD88 can play 16 tracks midi files. I would like play with some accompaniments. I don't need a lot of capabilities for recording and sequencing, I can do that using a computer. The only I need is the keyboard be capable of playing these backing tracks. Can this keyboard do that? I was reading the specifications and I couldn't find nothing about this matter.
I believe in one time investment in a great instrument.But i am confused between the P515 & RD88 Can you guide me through which one would be the best one to buy? My criteria is; good piano sound,exciting features and portability alongwith competitive pricing.Your advice would be very helpful in this regard.
Strange … I like this concept … portable, a lot of tones but … the sound of the acoustic pianos, it’s like you play all the time “piano forte” if you know what I mean. There is something strange about the decay (ADSR) . Maybe I’m wrong (I hope :) ) . I hope there are adjustments for that . I compare this with the Kawai ES520 , has not so many features but the pianosound is more natural for my ears.
Excellent Demo/Review. Very informative. I've been looking at this and the FP-60. I haven't made up my mind but, I'm leaning toward the RD88 due to the price. Thank you
As good as Kawai ES8, as far as the piano experience goes? My ES8 is too heavy but I love how it plays and sounds, but also wished it had more onboard sounds
Yamaha has a CK61 so Roland why can’t you release a RD61 too? We really could use lite and portable stage piano with good integration with MainStage or IOS music apps.
Hi, i have a very specific question. The scene Tempa-swell, number 180, Is there a way to change the tempo of the wobbleeffect from the modulation wheel. I’ve tried changing the scene tempo but nothing happens. Hope you can help!🤘🏼
Great review! Is there a "seamless transition" between sounds. For example, if a piano chord is sustained with the pedal, and you change to other sound combination, what happens? (This is where my Kurzweil SP6, with more or less same features absolutely fails) Thanks
Can you please explain how to connect laptop to keyboard in order to use VST. I want to get a sound of VST on my RD? I have Pianoteq and Win10. Thank you
This is BY FAR the best RD88 demo I have seen (heard). Your playing is absolutely gorgeous and and your understanding of the instrument has truly helped me to understand its features. Thank you so much for your thorough and articulate demo.
Yes
Bought it over a year ago and gig with it almost weekly. Absolutely love this board. Dependable and capable.
Would you say it's very sturdy in the way of heavy use?
@@onrode Well, I played 6 hours on it today. 2 1/2 hour practice and 3 1/2 jam. The action is as good as new. So is the chassis and switches, etc. Shows no sign of wear. I transport it in a padded soft case.
@@selftrue670 That's awesome! I'm going to go for it.
@@wesleycolemanmusic I can put it this way: If I lost that board today, I would order another one tomorrow.
@@selftrue670, I know what I'm saving up for then. :)
Incredible. I want to get one of these in the future for my church here in Honolulu, HI
Excellent video review. I learned a lot. The RD-88 is an incredible dream stage piano they made with everything subconsciously on my wishlist, including much more affordable, compact, lighter, more portable than the flagship RD-2000, and with built-in speakers, a multitude of sounds, features, capabilities, and excellent connectivity.
What more can you ask from an ideal stage piano at this price. There are lots of other great brands that I have a few keyboards from, but Roland has always been my longtime favorite and go to brand for a lot of my music gear.
Thanks for this review. You answered questions about layering and split that none of the other reviewers touched on. And you had some really great tips, too. You have a really great understanding of the keyboard and what performers need.
Another terrific review by Tony White.
Very constructive, and a great musician too.
Best online review of the RD-88.
Thank you and Bonners Music.
Thanks for such a thorough and professional overview of all the features that truly matter Tony. All beautifully explained!
Tony White.... THE BEST!!!!! I am purchasing this keyboard in a few days, and your video really assisted in sealing the deal for me! Thank you. I will save this video and use it often as I learn how to use my new amazing keyboard. I have a vintage Juno 106 and a D-50... so this will be a marvelous addition! Thank you!!!! I hope there's a way to contact you... you are a brilliant instructor! Thanks again! Pamela Ruby Russell
The best, most detailed reviews on all branda, thank you Mr. Tony
Thanks Tony, 2 years since it’s release, & your review of this keyboard has still been the most helpful. Among other details not mentioned, the others didn’t bring up and explain the built in interface. Since I plan on often using an IPad, that’s quite significant. I think that as long as anyone is even thinking about buying a used RD 88, this review can be very helpful to someone like ..(although I am seriously thinking of buying a new one)..me, even over in Central California. Thanks much.
this is the perfect time to stay in and practice or learn how to play the piano
Yes, I have no more excuses.
Does this piano can play pop vocal?
One thing to consider is the RD88 is very tall (6.3"). Compare to the A88 Mk2 controller which has the same PHA-4 keyboard but is only 4.68" tall, or the RD-2000 (5.5") . This can be significant depending on your studio setup and preference. If you have long legs like me you may prefer a less tall keyboard to allow enough clearance without having the keyboard too high.
The tall refers to when the piano place on the stand?
@@jiunli6684 on a stand or on a table
. The height of the RD88 is more so your hands will be higher up.
So what you mean is the piano body itself
@@jiunli6684 yes
most keyboard stands are adjustable for height.. no real an issue.
I love this keyboard, yet I can't play BUT I'd buy this because of your review and amazing playability.
I can’t believe this piano is on sale for $1200 here in the states! Just ordered mine. Excellent demo. Better than just plowing through patches. Wish you were running Logic Pro X so we could see some integration tips. Everything else is stellar!
Excellent review!
Imho, the #1 keys-channel on yt!
Was looking at a MP7Se, but this...we're spoiled for choice these days!
I am a guitarist primarily but have played keys as a secondary instrument for a number of years. Recently, I have gotten decidedly more serious about piano. Tony is one of my go to guys on TH-cam when I want information on a keyboard that I am looking to potentially acquire. Guy is just a beautiful player and also very articulate in describing keyboards. I want an instrument that has a keybed with an acoustic feel, has a beautiful piano preset(s), 73 to 88 keys, has other superior sounds, could be used with my DAW, has speakers and is lightweight. I know that is quite a list but the RD seems to hit the mark across the board. Had a Kronos but sold it largely because I tired of its complexity and weight, although it was an awesome rig. Any thoughts by others about other potential contenders would be appreciated. Best.
Roland has some very nice keyboards with a great action. I just wish that the support arm of the company had a great action. I bought a Roland RD 88 keyboard and 2 months later it died. I took it to a Roland repair center where it has been for over a month waiting for a part that is coming from Japan. When someone spends this much for a keyboard one would expect the company to keep adequate parts on hand to repair their product.
The demo of the RD88 was excellent.Admittedly I am not doing live gigs now.However if I was,I think the RD88 would be a great choice as it covers the piano,synth and management of sounds very well.This is all I would need for gigs or studio work.
Goodness, I love how you play Tony, strikes right at the heart.
I was saving to buy a Yamaha sx700 but after watching this review I have complely changed my mind .....Thank you for this wonderful post !
The best review I ever watched
Thanks
Thank you, Tony, a great review. I'd bought the last one you currently had in Milton Keynes already! I knew it would be good.
really enjoyed the presentation. would really have appreciated a picture-in-picture showing the buttons and dials you actually are touching
Best online review period. Taking notes during multiple viewings. What are your usual EQ settings? Thanks!
Beautiful! Will be ordering this tomorrow. Thank you for the video.
Thanks. This was the best RD-88 video review/overview that I've seen.
Thank you for this! It was very helpful.. It's a great board and I'm growing to love it more as I've experimented with other keyboards. Namely, the action because i'm coming from a baby grand and I want it to feel as close to that as possible. I always really like the EQ settings that allow you to make it sound exactly how you want it.
Very nice keyboard...... Great for serious players and very fun to produce your own great sounds
Great video! But I was hoping you would have shown more in detail of how it controls Mainstage and how advanced the integration could be if you used it in a live setting with Mainstage? Every review I have have seen about this keyboard has shown more about the internal keyboard features, but no one is showing the key marketable feature; the Mainstage Integration, and why should I buy this one. Please make another video showcasing the deep benefits of purchasing the RD-88 and the Pros and Cons using it with Mainstage. Thanks.
Its time to retire my faithful old Kurzweil SP2 to the reserve ( or Grandson ) bench and this is one i'm going to get due in part to this particular demo, plus my back aint going to creak as much carrying this one cheers and thank you .
Love your reviews, Tony. Very comprehensive . . . and your playing is superb!
WOW Tony!! Your pérfect demo makes me want to buy one!!!! You are a genius!
Thanks for this demo, it convinced me
Brilliant review, as always! Be well!
PianoManChuck ur such a positive friendly gentleman 🤗
Roland made Zencore for the workstation musicians, Piano players, Dj , Bedroom outdoor and DAW music creators. And it all comes together musically no more re-programming one musical instrument to match the other.
Good review and nice playing as well. I hope your business does not suffer too much from this crisis.
Thank you for helping me make the decision to go with this keyboard. Impeccable review. On another note, have you ever considered making your demo's available as midi files? Either free or as a purchase. Your playing is inspiring, and would love to learn from you. Even if much of it is improvisational, there is still plenty to dig into.
Thanks for a comprehensive review and wonderful playing Tony.
Thanks for the review, Very professional presentation. I live in Sweden and I wish you would have a shop here. I think I am going to buy this keyboard. Great presentation.
Thank you for great videos. Is it possible to say RD-88 has a heavier action or Juno Ds 88, for piano players?
Rd88 for sure
I was waiting for this video! it looks like the best package for the price.
Wonderful exhaustive review, thank you
Great video and awesome player. Outstanding mate.
Very professional video, thank you very much!!!
Your reviews are great. Thank you
Brilliant Tony’s playing amazes me very good .
Does it have audio over midi capabilities?
Yep, the most helpful review out there. Thanks!
Great demo and nice playing
Excellent review! I wish you would comment on your impression of the relative key bed noise (without amplified sounds).
Thanks for your time great explanation and review
Great sounds & he’s the best @ demos, other than that I don’t understand for the life of me why these tiny screens still exist...I hope there’s an output or a way to get a screen or connect an iPad.
Thank you very much for this brilliant down to earth demo. Not some fancy stuff but infos that the real world user needs. Plus great playing! Thanx again and greetings from Germany.
Just saw this at Sam Ash, got to get one.
This thing is perfect, it's so lightweight.
The Concert Grand sounds very identical to my Roland RD 700NX Concert Grand
Being able to import custom ZenCore tones from other devices like the Fantom is crazy👍. Might saved me from hauling 2 keyboards in the past.
Great review Tony.
08:30 very nice sound! Thank you for this excellent review
I keep coming back to this one! Fabulous review! When one takes it home, does one just put on the headphones and take off? Will that be enough to get great sound?
Great video. Does it have any kind of Bluetooth connectivity.
Great piano and great playing! The e-pianos sound also very nice. 3000 voices wow, is there a compact integra-7 inside? Thanks for the video!
No but It does make toast
Thanks for the review! Just wondering if you can make a drum beat from roland rd88. If this is possible, im thinking about purchasing this unit
What's the latency like if you use the RD-88 as its own interface?
Love your demos!
Thanks for the great demo
You should go on tour. I would buy a ticket to see you perform
Excellent demo - Thanks
Brilliant review! I would want to know if the Roland RD88 can play 16 tracks midi files. I would like play with some accompaniments. I don't need a lot of capabilities for recording and sequencing, I can do that using a computer. The only I need is the keyboard be capable of playing these backing tracks. Can this keyboard do that? I was reading the specifications and I couldn't find nothing about this matter.
Amazing! عزفك على البيانو فى قمة الروعة
Excellent review - thank you
Does the song player play MIDI files? With 3000 sounds on board I would like using them instead of an external sound source.
Good vidéo like all others from you! Thank you
What headphones do you recommend? I got some pro ones at Guitar center but gave them to my son. I need only for home recording. Thanks for the review.
Great demo! How does the pitch wheel feel? Is it rugged?
Great sound ! Social distancing means getting “closer” to your piano !
Organ, surely?!
Is there the classic mks 20 sounds like the rd 1000
Amazing! I love it!
Thanks! So this piano can be used with keyscape? Have a nice day!
Of course it can
I believe in one time investment in a great instrument.But i am confused between the P515 & RD88
Can you guide me through which one would be the best one to buy? My criteria is; good piano sound,exciting features and portability alongwith competitive pricing.Your advice would be very helpful in this regard.
Strange … I like this concept … portable, a lot of tones but … the sound of the acoustic pianos, it’s like you play all the time “piano forte” if you know what I mean. There is something strange about the decay (ADSR) . Maybe I’m wrong (I hope :) ) . I hope there are adjustments for that . I compare this with the Kawai ES520 , has not so many features but the pianosound is more natural for my ears.
Excellent Demo/Review. Very informative. I've been looking at this and the FP-60. I haven't made up my mind but, I'm leaning toward the RD88 due to the price. Thank you
Gary Driscoll I’m having the same thought. I can’t decide. Have you come to any conclusion?
Gary Driscoll Hi, keep in mind ... There is no a 5pin midi out / in connection on the Fp60 if you want to connect other gear. Only over usb.
As good as Kawai ES8, as far as the piano experience goes? My ES8 is too heavy but I love how it plays and sounds, but also wished it had more onboard sounds
Why didn't you get the Kawai mp7se? (I don't have one but I think it's the same as the es8 without speakers and way more sounds)
@@18yearsoldnot I wanted built-in speakers
18:25 there is mic crackle coming through right? Pretty sure not my head phones.
Travis Craven yeah that’s the clip on mic I think 🤔
Thank you for a great demo. Not bluetooth compatible I suppose?
19:20 si mantengo un sonido con el pedal y cambio el sonido se mantiene el primer sonido? Se puede grabar directamente desde el piano? Gracias
Hello
Do you think this piano can be used for learning the piano?
Yamaha has a CK61 so Roland why can’t you release a RD61 too? We really could use lite and portable stage piano with good integration with MainStage or IOS music apps.
Hi Tony, Great demo. When split and layering, can a volume pedal be assigned to a specific voice in a scene like the sustain is assigned?
Hi, i have a very specific question.
The scene Tempa-swell, number 180, Is there a way to change the tempo of the wobbleeffect from the modulation wheel. I’ve tried changing the scene tempo but nothing happens.
Hope you can help!🤘🏼
Can it transfer audio to the pc via USB cable without the need of an external USB audio interface?
8:30 what the name sound Pad ... and what number in Category?
Better question the seance works the same as the Fantom?
Great review! Is there a "seamless transition" between sounds. For example, if a piano chord is sustained with the pedal, and you change to other sound combination, what happens? (This is where my Kurzweil SP6, with more or less same features absolutely fails) Thanks
Yes there is. I saw it in other demos
does this have built in rhythms?
Yes
@@kalekotube 👍
I understand I can hear my software vsts throught the Rd's speakers, but can I use the Rd its self as a sound module played by the computer?
No mention of MIDI 2? Tonewheel organs?
Thanks for the reveiw, can the onboard drum rhythms be assigned to a F port, and if so is there a fill , similar to a drum machine
Can you please explain how to connect laptop to keyboard in order to use VST. I want to get a sound of VST on my RD? I have Pianoteq and Win10. Thank you
This helped me a lot! Answered several questions for me.
So how many sounds can you layer all together? just 2?
He said 3
15.37. Brilliant.