Love the default sound of the Kawai. I’ve watched a few of these comparison videos now and the Kawai sound never fails to make me smile when I hear it. There’s just something special about it.
Right... we have the same thoughts about it. unlike yamaha easy to explain the tone, roland and casio as well. But kawai?? Theres something special that even i cannot put into words but the best word to explain close to the feeling is i guess the SWEET tone it has. And the rest is just down there unwilling to get expressed 😉. And that keeps me inlove with it. Kawai🖤
I tried out all the different e pianos in my local store here in Berlin, and the action of the FP30 was my favourite, especially for playing classical music
+1 I really was not happy with the es110 action at all. I know a bit about kawai's actions having 2 Ca49 GFC as well as Es8 RH3 (love the grand feel even the GFC [grand feel compact] tolerant of the RH3 compared to anything that was in near and 300-400 dollars over at the time]) That said, expected more of the es110 RHC action. Had a really weird rebound that felt unnatural and not at all like a good dp hybrid "mimic" should.
Thanks so much for the thoughtful, thorough and fair reviews we can count on you to provide. Since I discovered your reviews, I rarely bother with anyone else’s. There’s just one thing that would be nice, though: at the beginning of your reviews, when you are comparing two pianos for their basic sound quality, could you play the same piece on both? It would make it easier to tell the difference. Thanks so much for your excellent work.
You are absolutely right! I can't believe no reviewer I've seen does this. I think they should also play smaller pieces as it's easier to retain the sound of a smaller piece as they swap products than longer ones.
I'm glad you did a 180 and scooted back to the harpsichord.. Yes there are some of us out there,, and for organ sounds too. Tough choice.. from the video alone I'm leaning towards the Roland piano sounds, but would have to try hands on
Honestly, 14W vs 22W does not matter a lot. Going from 14W to 28W (double the power) would result in +3 dB actual volume output assuming the speaker sensitivity were identical and you're not limited by the speaker cone movement. The actual performance difference between these pianos is probably 2 dB and if there's any more, it's due speaker element differences or other design differences.
21:20 key point! The Kawai is more playable. The Roland is hard work to play, it’s fatiguing if you play a lot. Many folks don’t like it and believe the Kawai is more pianistic.
Just want a genuine simple piano sound, looks like the Kawai has the sound and the feel. That Kawai just melts me...or is it your playing, can imagine that Kawai being played late at night in a Hotel Lounge, dreamy! They also do a white version not on your comparisons. Thanks for your comparrison and review of the ES110, just ordered one in white, to match all our workstation kit.
Wow Stu! 👏🏼 Great review 👍🏼 At the end of the day, for the key action, the Watts, the Bluetooth recording through App, I think I’ll go with the FP30. PS I appreciated you did your little homework with the harpsichord sound 😄👍🏼🤙🏽 PS 2 Sometimes I forget about the review and I just enjoy your great playing 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Regarding 14W vs 22W it's worth remembering that when it comes to audio a doubling of the effect means a 3dB increase in volume. So even though the Roland has 50% more watts it's only about 1.5dB louder.
Yangmin Lian Hey ! How does your Roland feel like, is it nice ? I am going to buy my first digital piano but I’m still hesitating between the Kawai and Roland...
Kawai has more body, a thicker, beautiful blend of harmonics, which more closely resembles a fine acoustic concert grand. Roland is thinner, sounding more hollow with less harmonic content. Roland is very good - Kawai is excellent. Using the scale of 1 - 10, Kawai gets my 10, and Roland gets 9. I believe either would satisfy, so long as you don't hear the other. Now that I've heard both, I'm favoring Kawai. My comments are only regarding tone. I need to play and feel the action, and know the features of both, before rating the one preferred best "over all." In Tone, Kawai sounds closest to fine acoustic grand.
I watched your videos before making my mind about purchasing one of these keyboards and also the video of the P-125 and the ES-110. Needless to say I opted for the ES-110 because of the sound. One thing you never mentioned in your videos was that the ES-110 keys when released have a little BOUNCING, which I think it's a little excessive, not that it may be a problem when playing or that it affects the playing but it would have been nice to know. Also the MIDI, Bluetooth device in the ES-110 is NOT the regular Bluetooth that people think it is. It also gave me problems in connecting to my iMac macOS Catalina, Ipad and Iphone and a Motorola g6.
Kawai ES110 is a great instrument, the action is lighter and very precise, main piano sound is probably a bit better in terms of timbral range and long practice sessions listening fatigue being a bit more clear. I got Roland FP30 though, because I liked it's substantial action and more "playful" main piano sound (tone generator in FP30 models string, damper and key-off resonances, but you can't turn them off which might be a bother to some people - though they are "always on" on acoustic pianos).
I really like the sound on the Kawai but the keys are so noisy. It allows for very expressive playing and excellent dynamics but when you play quietly depending on how you release the key I found the noise distracting. The action is very light almost like synth action, not that it is bad, it is just not realistic at all if they were trying to emulate acoustic. The real problem is the noise from the keys.
I am surprised how opinions about which piano has the best sounds, differ. I had three Roland digital pianos and I prefer the sound of Yamaha P125 and am currently waiting for ES110
@@r.w.8182 Sorry I don't smoke. I'm just loyal to the company where I used to work & earned from there. So I'm just giving back. But I never bash the competition. Because I want to try & enjoy all of them. I don't mind playing from low end products to high end. As long as me and my friends enjoy playing for other people. But now I'm into drums my 3rd. hobby. Currently I have 4 hobbies. I just take turns using my talent. Thanks! But my dream board is a Korg Kronos 2 88 keys, Yamaha Montage 7. Thanks!
First impression from your first example is that Roland sounded to me like it was inside of the huge metal tube. The Bass was not a natural piano string bass.
Hi stu! Great comparison. Another thing to add, I owned an es110 and it has this effect on the treble side more realistic like an acoustic piano would have. Roland has good flexible sounds. Seriously i love them both but from my opinion, fp 30 is more good touch with escapement and has a lot of fun to play with. Overall, If you want authentic piano sounds = kawai If you want best feel acoustic piano = roland (Im not saying that roland sound is bad. I mean is that its not as good as kawai but roland still rocks) Ps. Fp 30 would edge out es110 if it has a dedicated line out.
16:20 you’re actually playing Higher Ground though I’m sure somebody has already commented that :p Great video, I really appreciate your time and effort!
About the PHA-4 Standard Action of the Roland: People should be aware that this is actually the action at the bottom end of Roland actions’ line. Its name PHA-4 is misleading. Any advanced player should know that the pha-4 Standard version has nothing to do with the PHA-4 Premium or Concert versions. Only thing they got in common is the “PHA-4” part in their names “Concert” and “Premium” are the successors of the PHA-III action, which also is the predecessor of the much more sophisticated PHA-50 action. Whereas the PHA-4 STANDARD is more or less the successor of the lower level Ivory-Feel-G action. Although the PHA-4 Standard indeed feels quite nice and it can be played pretty dynamically while allowing fast runs it has one major drawback: Although it has 3 Sensors which should allow for fast repetitions on a single key this is not the case at all. Frankly speaking the PHA-4 Standard sucks in this field. You will not be able to do fast single key repetitions as with the PHA-4 Concert, Premium or the PHA 50. So any advanced player who needs an action with really fast repetition capabilities might get disappointed very soon.
@@quananginh9446 sorry, i have no expereience with the Alpha II action. But according to this discussion at pianoworld (and few other threads there) forum.pianoworld.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/2337383/Roland_PHA_vs_lightweight_acti.html it seems to be a enty level (lower end) keyboard.
Hi, Stu! Love your reviews! If you were picking one to use for songwriting, which obviously includes recording on a computer (via an audio interface), which would you go with and why? Thank you.
I really enjoy your review. I’m w beginner and I’m really torn with which one to get! 🙈 I’m drawn to the Roland for the keyaction but the tone of Kawai I love!
Super tough choice I agree. I find the ES110 speakers and native tone to be a little deeper and 'rounder' around the edges...from an action stand point you ideally should try them both...quite different but equally great. FP30 is a more versatile choice if you're going to be using it for things other than just playing. -stu
Merriam Music thank you for getting back to me, I decided to get the ES110 and I love it! I’m a beginner so just using it for practice at the moment! Xx
Don't get the roland, the action is great, but they start making a clicking soun and they start making a wobbly sound when you release the black keys over time and ot gets worse as you go.
@@JeremyMcCant appreciate the info, couldnt find either for sale anywhere so ended up with a p125, so much for watching this comparison video multiple times lol
Hi, someone know what is the "only one internal sound that can be recorded" who the guy talking about on minute 27:25 ?? Because, as i know, with the roland fp30 you can only use usb output like midi signal or the bad headphone output to record with a pc. And is the Bluetooth recorder App really the answer? Is the quality really hight and can you record all the various voices with this method?? Thanks
Thank you for this comparison! I've been practicing piano for one year with a very simple piano (5 octaves, no weighted keys) and I'm looking for something better. I only tried the FP30 so far, but personal feeling, the ivory touch was a bit rough surface and the dp-2 pedal is poor. For the rest I agree with pro and cons of the review One dumb question about escapement, should I worry about it? Or it needs years of practice to play a piece that "needs it"?
dros: I hope you don't mind me butting in. Perhaps you've got your new piano already, but just in case: At this level, escapment is one tiny luxury extra. Considering the instrument you are coming from, either of these pianos will make you feel like you've entered another universe. But even so, they are inexpensive instruments, lacking many niceties, such as an onboard screen, sympathetic resonance, the better sound samples and more. So don't worry about escapment. The Roland is richer in sounds and features, but classical pianists probably prefer the Kawai, which comes with a great pedal by the way. Buy a sturdy stand for any weighted instrument. If you need an inexpensive, highly portable instrument, look at the Yamaha P-121. If you want an attractive instrument in your living room, consider the Yamaha YDP-164 Arius. It costs a bit more, but wow! Comes in rosewood as well as black and white.
I came hear from after watching another well-known piano reviewer (initials JPS...). No-one seems to get into the details of the piano sound that go towards creating realism. I'm talking about things like sympathetic resonance, pedaling, etc. It would be great if one of you reviewers devised a method to show this; it would not be difficult to do. Other than that, an excellent review, thanks.
You can't buy his skills. But they are easy to acquire. You sart at age 7 or before and do 4 hours a day practice. At 12, when everyone tells you how good you are, you raise it to 6 or 7 until you are 20. Easy if you ask me.
I want to use a digital piano mainly as a MIDI controller: is a triple sensor, like in the Roland FP-10, more important than the level of control the ES110 is capable of with two sensors?
Kawai has more piano sounds, but only half of them are really of very good quality. Roland, maybe two out of the three. I feel that the hard attack on both of these is somewhat overly enhanced at higher velocity levels. The soft tone is nice on the Kawai, good on the Roland. There is a sense though of slapping brightness when playing loud on both of these. When you move up to ES8 and FP90, it's not anywhere near as pronounced and doesn't seem overly enhanced. That's the downside of this price point vs. the higher price point when timbre changes are part of the sound engines. Roland has an almost American sound to some of its patches. It's a kind of bold piano sound. Kawai is a bit more delicate. A little sweeter. Though the more expensive Rolands get sweet as well.
great comparison! the fact that fp30 doesnt have line outputs, isnt it an important disadvantage once amplifying? I mean, it could saturate the sound, or disable the posbility to listen the sound by headphones.
I own an FP30 and it has 3.5mm headphone jack which is very much helpful for home user and next to it, a line output (LR) with big phone jack. Most dig piano only have the large phone jack where you'll need a converter installed.
It does seem a contradiction that the seemingly most "stage oriented" piano at this price level does not have two dedicated outputs. I'd prefer the Yamaha P-121 for better outputs, price, portability and piano clarity at home. When things get this cheap, you don't miss 88 keys so much, in fact 73 can be a distinct advantage.
Real pianos will hurt your ears too. I usually practice on Steinway baby grands with headphones in my ears or I set the desk on top with the lid closed.
@@MegaMech Interesting. I don't have an issue with natural string sounds. I think it's more to do with the way the sound sample is processed on some DPs. I find that Roland's supernatural piano is more pleasing to my ears . Maybe because it's closer to the real thing.
Thx a lot for sharing this. I have a Korg right now that hurt my ears and i want to change it. After reading your comment i've placed an order for a FP-30. I was so undecided between this two.
@@ionuts.3007 Thanks. I love my FP30! Sound and action are brilliant. Play it every day and no earache ;) Hope you like yours. Let me know how you get on.
Nice comparison. You should have mentioned in the app section that Kawai apps are still only available for some exotic niche operating systems while the apps from Roland, Yamaha and most other competitors also support Android. Customers will most likely take this for granted these days and will be confused if they can't find the Kawai apps in the play store (at least I was).
I have FP30 and still like it's sound more that KAWAI. FP30 is warmer, single tone is more solid. One thing I've noticed since I start playing digital piano I can no longer play on the real upright piano, it's too loud and even when it's little of out of tune it's very noticeable.
@@88keys.hi, FP30 has 2 headphone connections in the front, 1/4 and 3.5mm. You can connect it to external devices using right cable. It's not a "line out" connection but should work fine. I have connected FP30 to my Yamaha NX-N500 speakers with 3.5mm jack cable and it worked ok.
I see everyone prefer the sound of the ES110, am I the only one that enjoy more the Rolan sound ? The Kawai sounds too sharp, almost like it was cut, while the FP-30 is a little softer, more varied.
Is there's an there's an ANDROID APP for Kawai ES110? I can only find Sound Museum App for Apple IOS. ... I love your videos. Great information. Thank you!
Good review, as always. I haven´t played the Roland but I found it very difficult to play thrills or rapid repeated notes on the kawai ES1110. You have to let the key almost reach the top to repeat it. I´m leaving my beloved Yamaha p90 looking for a better action under $1000 to control Pianoteq.
The P90 isn't bad, but the action is unconventional. I presume that built-in speakers are not important to you. You're best option might be the Korg D1. It's well within your budget and it boasts one of Korg's very best actions. It's a sort of junior stage piano and lacks speakers and lacks USB to host, but you can connect a conversion cable from the MIDI OUT port. Spend 20 dollars plus on the cable to get a good one. Or you could use a MIDI controller with weighted keys such as the Studiologic SL88 Studio, which is very inexpensive. I don't know how good the action is. The Roland FP30X is a very up-to-date digital piano, with a satisfying action and USB to host, and is still within you're budget.
@@Zoco101 thank you so much. Actually Korg D1 was my first option but if Roland's action is as good as korg's D1 I'd rather get a Roland because of it's extra features and it's piano sound, for I'd have the chance to leave my laptop at home if needed. Thank you again. I guess I'll have to try them.
@@Diego_Occhipinti You're welcome. I've tried the Roland FP30X action, and it is pretty good. I don't like the buttons much, particularly not the touch sensitivity controls and volume controls. The main sounds are well above average. I haven't tried the D1, but it's action comes well recommended. The sounds are PCM, and I doubt they are better than those on the FP30X since it's an older instrument. But they should be fine for occasional use.
Hello Stu, I'm a classical pianist and learned how to play piano using an old Yamaha Clavinova and was able to play using and old acoustic upright piano. It was a long time ago when I played piano with weighted keys. I do have a Yamaha DGX-230 and only played limited classical music and more mellow music also trying some gigs on modern songs. The Yamaha portable keyboard has a semi-weighted keys which make me forget how it key actions on a acoustic and digital piano feels. I'm planning to buy my second piano and which is a digital piano. I was wondering if what you can recommend since I was not able to see the Kawai ES 110 which I loved the tone and dynamic range of the keys. I was also able to play on a Roland FP-30 on a music store which I was impressed on the hammer or key action. But the only thing I heard about Kawai key is it feels lighter and some of the reviews considered it as a semi-weighted keys. So which me wonder if I will go with Kawai ES110 or Roland FP-30 or Yamaha P125.
@@Taichientaoyin Thanks, I was able to decide and bought Kawai ES110. There's no regret and I just love the piano and everything it has to offer, although the keys could be bouncy and noisy but I like the way it responds and its piano sound samples.
Being in my 7th month at piano and 3 weeks away from a half century old, everything sounds bad when I play so I can’t go wrong! Going w the Roland FP-30 upgrading from my 76 key Yamaha NP-32. Thank you for the great review! 🎹🤠🤚
Roland ! Yes...kawai sound a little bit better on piano(to bright for me) but it's subjective. Roland app works on Android, has better speakers, clean and modern design, and the Roland action is better(escapement, ivory and it's harder than Kawai) You must play however soft pieces, what you play is fortissimo.
@@k13468 Hi. I own the FP30 and from time to time I went to a music store just to play acoustic piano. The FP30 is as heavy as the upright piano (in my opinion, it is heavier than grand). I've tried the ES110 and the key is a bit lighter than grand piano. I would never do a slide with the FP30 using the 'standard' technique (using your nail...seriously, it's painful if you missed). As for the sound, if you use the dedicated stand, I prefer the FP30 sound character. To be honest, it doesn't sound nice with headphones on (Tried with Bose and Sony active headphones). Again, this is an individual preference.
I'm sorry, maybe I missed something... but why do you even need the phone to change the sound of the pianos? Can't you just simply change them from the keyboard's built-in buttons?
Even the fp10 is superior to the ox s1000 tried it at a guitar center and the action felt kind of cheap and the sound was tinny to me might just be preference but I far prefer even the fp10 so the fp30 is probably leagues better
@@andrewwexler4779 Yeah, thanks, I also saw reviews in the meantime in which it has been said that the action of the Casio is not so good, and that the Rolands, but also the Kawai ES-110 have better actions.
...so true story, my phone rang while taping right at the end of me recording that and we had to do a cut before coming back to play it back. Yeah, wish we could have made that a bit smoother. (Unless you were pointing out the mega-cheesy elevator music I chose to record...in which case....yeah....😝)
Does the FP-30 do Midi over USB? Or only over Bluetooth? If I'm wanting to use it as a controller for Logic Pro X, can I do it over both USB and Bluetooth? Is there a lag when using Midi over Bluetooth?
So in the end... :) what would be your personal preference if you were to look for mainly grand piano tones that would have to be nice-sounding (not cheap or plastic-sounding), rich, pleasant, to be played in a small environment or recorded?
In that context, my preference would be ES110 - the audio output to external device is better / easier, and I think the Individual 88-note sampling on the ES110 gives a very rich and life-like piano tone. The FP30 is great for action, versatility, and i like the control software that accompanies it much better than Kawai's, but for your use, ES110.
Ive had Roland FP30 for a while but the keys start rattling after just weeks and only get worse. Would you recommend Kawai ES 110 in that sense? Or would you recommend some other models if I increase my budget to $1000?
Hello, could you please recommend which one is the best if i want to use it as a midi controller in ableton? And also love i to play acoustic piano... So i m looking for a portable 2in1 thing for when i travel..
Phil Luvschips, it's very hard to get the real sound from one or two reviews. I like what Stuart says somewhere about the giggability of the Roland, and how the Kawai shines as a solo piano. Hope he doesn't mind my paraphrasing. The FP-30 is more up-to-date than the ES110, and is perhaps more suited to modern music, but I still prefer the Kawai and Yamaha sounds, even for jazz. It's a shame the FP-30 needs a special Y cable to connect it to external amplification. A beginner can advance a lot while playing either of the pianos reviewed here, so they will give great service for the price. Another good contender is the P-121. It's cheaper, lighter, well featured and more compact. I think that at this level, 73 keys are better than 88 since they have a distinct space/portability advantage.
FP appears not to have proper line level outputs. It suggests using headphone output. What a horrible idea. Haven't heard the term "impedance mismatch" for decades.
I have the Roland FP30. You’re able to change the sound by pressing and holding the piano sound button and pressing 1-9 which is a piano key. It has it written above the piano key neck.
@@cyurenes9961 hey do you find any difficulty while connecting your fp30 into external speaker /amps ?? Is there some kind of noise while connecting it .
Good evening and thank you for your professional video and skill about the way of playing piano. From the comparison between this two stage pianos, I think that Roland keyboard can be higher quality ( with escapement) and for the ivory feel like keyboard. What's your opinion about the sensation under your fingers? Many compliments to you from Italy, go on so!!! 👍👍👏👏👏
Functionality wise I would go for Roland but the Kawai's grand piano sound is just crispy and delicious.
Same. Kawai makes me hungry.
Love the default sound of the Kawai. I’ve watched a few of these comparison videos now and the Kawai sound never fails to make me smile when I hear it. There’s just something special about it.
Right... we have the same thoughts about it. unlike yamaha easy to explain the tone, roland and casio as well. But kawai?? Theres something special that even i cannot put into words but the best word to explain close to the feeling is i guess the SWEET tone it has. And the rest is just down there unwilling to get expressed 😉. And that keeps me inlove with it. Kawai🖤
Great! Stu if u can now review ES 110 and the new FP-30x would be more relevant to current market.
I tried out all the different e pianos in my local store here in Berlin, and the action of the FP30 was my favourite, especially for playing classical music
+1 I really was not happy with the es110 action at all. I know a bit about kawai's actions having 2 Ca49 GFC as well as Es8 RH3 (love the grand feel even the GFC [grand feel compact] tolerant of the RH3 compared to anything that was in near and 300-400 dollars over at the time]) That said, expected more of the es110 RHC action. Had a really weird rebound that felt unnatural and not at all like a good dp hybrid "mimic" should.
The presenters command over the instruments and the ability to play are impressive. And I loved it.
I already bought the Roland FP30x but i keep watching these reviews. I dont know why, but i just cant stop. 😅
Same with me! 🤣
Very professional comparison and very pleasant to watch!
Thank you, Stu!!! Thank you Merriam Music!!!
Thanks so much for the thoughtful, thorough and fair reviews we can count on you to provide. Since I discovered your reviews, I rarely bother with anyone else’s. There’s just one thing that would be nice, though: at the beginning of your reviews, when you are comparing two pianos for their basic sound quality, could you play the same piece on both? It would make it easier to tell the difference. Thanks so much for your excellent work.
You are absolutely right! I can't believe no reviewer I've seen does this. I think they should also play smaller pieces as it's easier to retain the sound of a smaller piece as they swap products than longer ones.
I'm glad you did a 180 and scooted back to the harpsichord.. Yes there are some of us out there,, and for organ sounds too. Tough choice.. from the video alone I'm leaning towards the Roland piano sounds, but would have to try hands on
Honestly, 14W vs 22W does not matter a lot. Going from 14W to 28W (double the power) would result in +3 dB actual volume output assuming the speaker sensitivity were identical and you're not limited by the speaker cone movement. The actual performance difference between these pianos is probably 2 dB and if there's any more, it's due speaker element differences or other design differences.
21:20 key point! The Kawai is more playable. The Roland is hard work to play, it’s fatiguing if you play a lot. Many folks don’t like it and believe the Kawai is more pianistic.
Yes I share this view. The Kawai is MUCH more playable imo.
i could just listen for hours to you playing and reviewing... fantastic!!!!!
Thanks Gerd, really glad you like the videos and playing! They're really fun to make.
Just want a genuine simple piano sound, looks like the Kawai has the sound and the feel. That Kawai just melts me...or is it your playing, can imagine that Kawai being played late at night in a Hotel Lounge, dreamy! They also do a white version not on your comparisons. Thanks for your comparrison and review of the ES110, just ordered one in white, to match all our workstation kit.
kawai has noisy rattling keys which are heard not only in the night :)
@@AliaksejKa its not extremely noisy
@@variamente6855 is it only faint
Wow Stu! 👏🏼 Great review 👍🏼 At the end of the day, for the key action, the Watts, the Bluetooth recording through App, I think I’ll go with the FP30. PS I appreciated you did your little homework with the harpsichord sound 😄👍🏼🤙🏽 PS 2 Sometimes I forget about the review and I just enjoy your great playing 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Thanks Francesco! Glad you enjoyed the comparison, it was fun to do! -stu
Regarding 14W vs 22W it's worth remembering that when it comes to audio a doubling of the effect means a 3dB increase in volume.
So even though the Roland has 50% more watts it's only about 1.5dB louder.
Wow ! Great review Stu ! After listening to your video, I am sold for Roland FP30 !
Me too! Just got fp30 two days ago.
Yangmin Lian Hey ! How does your Roland feel like, is it nice ? I am going to buy my first digital piano but I’m still hesitating between the Kawai and Roland...
Kawai has more body, a thicker, beautiful blend of harmonics, which more closely resembles a fine acoustic concert grand. Roland is thinner, sounding more hollow with less harmonic content. Roland is very good - Kawai is excellent. Using the scale of 1 - 10, Kawai gets my 10, and Roland gets 9. I believe either would satisfy, so long as you don't hear the other. Now that I've heard both, I'm favoring Kawai. My comments are only regarding tone. I need to play and feel the action, and know the features of both, before rating the one preferred best "over all." In Tone, Kawai sounds closest to fine acoustic grand.
Which one did you buy??
These reviews are great - knowledgeable, articulate & great playing. If only I was in Canada! (Though I do have a relative near Oakville).
I watched your videos before making my mind about purchasing one of these keyboards and also the video of the P-125 and the ES-110. Needless to say I opted for the ES-110 because of the sound. One thing you never mentioned in your videos was that the ES-110 keys when released have a little BOUNCING, which I think it's a little excessive, not that it may be a problem when playing or that it affects the playing but it would have been nice to know. Also the MIDI, Bluetooth device in the ES-110 is NOT the regular Bluetooth that people think it is. It also gave me problems in connecting to my iMac macOS Catalina, Ipad and Iphone and a Motorola g6.
i was thinking of getting an es110 over a roland fp30
can you elaborate more on what isn’t normal about the bluetooth ?!?!
Kawai ES110 is a great instrument, the action is lighter and very precise, main piano sound is probably a bit better in terms of timbral range and long practice sessions listening fatigue being a bit more clear. I got Roland FP30 though, because I liked it's substantial action and more "playful" main piano sound (tone generator in FP30 models string, damper and key-off resonances, but you can't turn them off which might be a bother to some people - though they are "always on" on acoustic pianos).
Roland is less dynamic
Okay that is troubling that you can't reduce the resonance if that is what you are saying even with the app.....
I really like the sound on the Kawai but the keys are so noisy. It allows for very expressive playing and excellent dynamics but when you play quietly depending on how you release the key I found the noise distracting. The action is very light almost like synth action, not that it is bad, it is just not realistic at all if they were trying to emulate acoustic. The real problem is the noise from the keys.
Thank you for taking the time to evaluate these two digital pianos. A very comprehensive review and quite helpful.
I am surprised how opinions about which piano has the best sounds, differ. I had three Roland digital pianos and I prefer the sound of Yamaha P125 and am currently waiting for ES110
Thanks for the great comparison! It gave me a chance to make my decision. By the way, you are a great musician - I really liked it!
whatd you choose?
@@miserywas8285 Kawai ES110
How is the es110 holding up :)
how was it? planning to buy also!
@@LadyYouLia answer dammit how’s it holding up
Roland sounds much richer & full body love it!❤😍 Thanks!
Kawai better
you have to try 😅
What did you smoke?
@@محمدالخلفي-ط1ل my friend has a Kawai not just the exact model this guy is using on the video. Thanks!
@@محمدالخلفي-ط1ل my friend has a Kawai not just the exact model this guy is using on the video. Thanks!
@@r.w.8182 Sorry I don't smoke. I'm just loyal to the company where I used to work & earned from there. So I'm just giving back. But I never bash the competition. Because I want to try & enjoy all of them. I don't mind playing from low end products to high end. As long as me and my friends enjoy playing for other people. But now I'm into drums my 3rd. hobby. Currently I have 4 hobbies. I just take turns using my talent. Thanks! But my dream board is a Korg Kronos 2 88 keys, Yamaha Montage 7. Thanks!
First impression from your first example is that Roland sounded to me like it was inside of the huge metal tube. The Bass was not a natural piano string bass.
Hi stu! Great comparison. Another thing to add, I owned an es110 and it has this effect on the treble side more realistic like an acoustic piano would have. Roland has good flexible sounds. Seriously i love them both but from my opinion, fp 30 is more good touch with escapement and has a lot of fun to play with.
Overall,
If you want authentic piano sounds = kawai
If you want best feel acoustic piano = roland
(Im not saying that roland sound is bad. I mean is that its not as good as kawai but roland still rocks)
Ps. Fp 30 would edge out es110 if it has a dedicated line out.
16:20 you’re actually playing Higher Ground though I’m sure somebody has already commented that :p
Great video, I really appreciate your time and effort!
About the PHA-4 Standard Action of the Roland:
People should be aware that this is actually the action at the bottom end of Roland actions’ line.
Its name PHA-4 is misleading.
Any advanced player should know that the pha-4 Standard version has nothing to do with the PHA-4 Premium or Concert versions.
Only thing they got in common is the “PHA-4” part in their names
“Concert” and “Premium” are the successors of the PHA-III action, which also is the predecessor of the much more sophisticated PHA-50 action.
Whereas the PHA-4 STANDARD is more or less the successor of the lower level Ivory-Feel-G action.
Although the PHA-4 Standard indeed feels quite nice and it can be played pretty dynamically while allowing fast runs it has one major drawback:
Although it has 3 Sensors which should allow for fast repetitions on a single key this is not the case at all.
Frankly speaking the PHA-4 Standard sucks in this field.
You will not be able to do fast single key repetitions as with the PHA-4 Concert, Premium or the PHA 50.
So any advanced player who needs an action with really fast repetition capabilities might get disappointed very soon.
how about the PHA Alpha II keyboard, how does it compare to the PHA-4 Standard?
@@quananginh9446 sorry, i have no expereience with the Alpha II action.
But according to this discussion at pianoworld (and few other threads there) forum.pianoworld.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/2337383/Roland_PHA_vs_lightweight_acti.html it seems to be a enty level (lower end) keyboard.
How would you compare the PHA-4 to the one in the Kawai in that regard?
@@stefanbalmus1659 good question
Hi, Stu!
Love your reviews!
If you were picking one to use for songwriting, which obviously includes recording on a computer (via an audio interface), which would you go with and why?
Thank you.
Keep hearing that the Roland FP-30 keys become very clicky and loud after just weeks of playing. Has anyone not had any issues with the FP-30¿?
Great playing, fabulous demo
Thanks for listening and commenting :) -stu
Why u have this low subscriber. I m from India and think that it is one of the best channel.
How come it seems *physically* *impossible* for you to hit a wrong note!?
Jazz
His chords are so complex there are no wrong notes.
Blessing from LORD
08:38 Is there some groove at Merriam’s? Oh, man...yes indeed! 🎹🎹🎹
you have really helped me on buying a piano. Ive gone for the roland.
I really enjoy your review. I’m w beginner and I’m really torn with which one to get! 🙈 I’m drawn to the Roland for the keyaction but the tone of Kawai I love!
Super tough choice I agree. I find the ES110 speakers and native tone to be a little deeper and 'rounder' around the edges...from an action stand point you ideally should try them both...quite different but equally great. FP30 is a more versatile choice if you're going to be using it for things other than just playing. -stu
Merriam Music thank you for getting back to me, I decided to get the ES110 and I love it! I’m a beginner so just using it for practice at the moment! Xx
If fp30's weren't sold out everywhere I may have picked one up but maybe it's good they are because I'm leaning es110 now
Don't get the roland, the action is great, but they start making a clicking soun and they start making a wobbly sound when you release the black keys over time and ot gets worse as you go.
@@JeremyMcCant appreciate the info, couldnt find either for sale anywhere so ended up with a p125, so much for watching this comparison video multiple times lol
Got the Roland FP30 2 years ago love it! Thanks!
no problem with the keys ? A lot of people said that the keys get really clicky with time.
@@WeaselDev no problem with mine Sir thanks.
I have both.
But kawai better for me
Nice presentation and very good review! Thanks!😀
Hi, someone know what is the "only one internal sound that can be recorded" who the guy talking about on minute 27:25 ?? Because, as i know, with the roland fp30 you can only use usb output like midi signal or the bad headphone output to record with a pc. And is the Bluetooth recorder App really the answer? Is the quality really hight and can you record all the various voices with this method?? Thanks
Thank you for this comparison! I've been practicing piano for one year with a very simple piano (5 octaves, no weighted keys) and I'm looking for something better. I only tried the FP30 so far, but personal feeling, the ivory touch was a bit rough surface and the dp-2 pedal is poor. For the rest I agree with pro and cons of the review
One dumb question about escapement, should I worry about it? Or it needs years of practice to play a piece that "needs it"?
dros: I hope you don't mind me butting in. Perhaps you've got your new piano already, but just in case: At this level, escapment is one tiny luxury extra. Considering the instrument you are coming from, either of these pianos will make you feel like you've entered another universe. But even so, they are inexpensive instruments, lacking many niceties, such as an onboard screen, sympathetic resonance, the better sound samples and more. So don't worry about escapment.
The Roland is richer in sounds and features, but classical pianists probably prefer the Kawai, which comes with a great pedal by the way. Buy a sturdy stand for any weighted instrument.
If you need an inexpensive, highly portable instrument, look at the Yamaha P-121. If you want an attractive instrument in your living room, consider the Yamaha YDP-164 Arius. It costs a bit more, but wow! Comes in rosewood as well as black and white.
Great video comparison. Would have liked to hear the speakers since there is a significant wattage difference.
Hi Merriam. Thanks for these helpful videos. I've just purchased the fp30 and was wondering what stand type (x or z) and brand would be best for it?
Anyone knows something about new digital pianos (same price of these...more or less) coming out from Namm 2020?
I like the sound of the Roland better.
I came hear from after watching another well-known piano reviewer (initials JPS...). No-one seems to get into the details of the piano sound that go towards creating realism. I'm talking about things like sympathetic resonance, pedaling, etc. It would be great if one of you reviewers devised a method to show this; it would not be difficult to do. Other than that, an excellent review, thanks.
The piano forever does
After watching this video, I prefer ES110 to FP30.
I prefer FP30 to ES110 :)
Es110 good choice
what a KING love u man keep up these fantastic reviews
But how do I buy your skills?
,💩
You can't buy his skills. But they are easy to acquire. You sart at age 7 or before and do 4 hours a day practice. At 12, when everyone tells you how good you are, you raise it to 6 or 7 until you are 20. Easy if you ask me.
I want to use a digital piano mainly as a MIDI controller: is a triple sensor, like in the Roland FP-10, more important than the level of control the ES110 is capable of with two sensors?
Triple sensor just marketing.
@@محمدالخلفي-ط1ل exactly
Hmm, I think I choose Roland fp 30x, Roland action way more like acoustic piano, and the sound of the piano is good too, thank you for the review 👍
This was an excellent review. :)
Really love your reviews
I think we just found the Marques Brownlee of Keyboards and Pianos. Didn't we...?
yessss! xd
Thanks for such a useful video, really helpful in my decision on which piano to go for.
how about compare the fp30 to korg d1
Kawai has more piano sounds, but only half of them are really of very good quality. Roland, maybe two out of the three. I feel that the hard attack on both of these is somewhat overly enhanced at higher velocity levels. The soft tone is nice on the Kawai, good on the Roland. There is a sense though of slapping brightness when playing loud on both of these. When you move up to ES8 and FP90, it's not anywhere near as pronounced and doesn't seem overly enhanced. That's the downside of this price point vs. the higher price point when timbre changes are part of the sound engines.
Roland has an almost American sound to some of its patches. It's a kind of bold piano sound. Kawai is a bit more delicate. A little sweeter. Though the more expensive Rolands get sweet as well.
Can someone please tell me what the pieces are he plays! I always love them but never know how to find them. Like the one at 5:08 . Thanks!
How do you connect fp 30? Which cables do you use and in which ports you put it in? Thank you for reply in advance.
great comparison! the fact that fp30 doesnt have line outputs, isnt it an important disadvantage once amplifying? I mean, it could saturate the sound, or disable the posbility to listen the sound by headphones.
I own an FP30 and it has 3.5mm headphone jack which is very much helpful for home user and next to it, a line output (LR) with big phone jack. Most dig piano only have the large phone jack where you'll need a converter installed.
It does seem a contradiction that the seemingly most "stage oriented" piano at this price level does not have two dedicated outputs. I'd prefer the Yamaha P-121 for better outputs, price, portability and piano clarity at home. When things get this cheap, you don't miss 88 keys so much, in fact 73 can be a distinct advantage.
I find some frequencies in the Kawai piano samples hurt my ears. That's why I got the Roland ;)
Real pianos will hurt your ears too. I usually practice on Steinway baby grands with headphones in my ears or I set the desk on top with the lid closed.
@@MegaMech Interesting. I don't have an issue with natural string sounds. I think it's more to do with the way the sound sample is processed on some DPs. I find that Roland's supernatural piano is more pleasing to my ears . Maybe because it's closer to the real thing.
Thx a lot for sharing this. I have a Korg right now that hurt my ears and i want to change it. After reading your comment i've placed an order for a FP-30. I was so undecided between this two.
@@ionuts.3007 Thanks. I love my FP30! Sound and action are brilliant. Play it every day and no earache ;) Hope you like yours. Let me know how you get on.
@@sambond0079 sounds are very nice, the action is a little heavier that i was expected, but is addictive.
Nice comparison. You should have mentioned in the app section that Kawai apps are still only available for some exotic niche operating systems while the apps from Roland, Yamaha and most other competitors also support Android. Customers will most likely take this for granted these days and will be confused if they can't find the Kawai apps in the play store (at least I was).
‘Exotic niche’ ? You mean Apple/Mac?
@@1KachUp 😂
I have FP30 and still like it's sound more that KAWAI. FP30 is warmer, single tone is more solid. One thing I've noticed since I start playing digital piano I can no longer play on the real upright piano, it's too loud and even when it's little of out of tune it's very noticeable.
Hey do you think fp 30 has a limiting advantage since it has got a 1/4 headphone jack. How to connect it to an external speaker/amps.
@@88keys.hi, FP30 has 2 headphone connections in the front, 1/4 and 3.5mm. You can connect it to external devices using right cable. It's not a "line out" connection but should work fine. I have connected FP30 to my Yamaha NX-N500 speakers with 3.5mm jack cable and it worked ok.
I see everyone prefer the sound of the ES110, am I the only one that enjoy more the Rolan sound ? The Kawai sounds too sharp, almost like it was cut, while the FP-30 is a little softer, more varied.
Agree with you Pablo
Roland sounds like a cranky fat old lady
Thanks for very useful information!
Is there's an there's an ANDROID APP for Kawai ES110? I can only find Sound Museum App for Apple IOS. ... I love your videos. Great information. Thank you!
Kawai has the best sound. hands down
Here? Yes. But new 30x beats Kawai 110.
Thank u so much for making these video's. Your reviews are easily the best on the web.
Fantastic playing!
Good review, as always.
I haven´t played the Roland but I found it very difficult to play thrills or rapid repeated notes on the kawai ES1110. You have to let the key almost reach the top to repeat it.
I´m leaving my beloved Yamaha p90 looking for a better action under $1000 to control Pianoteq.
The P90 isn't bad, but the action is unconventional. I presume that built-in speakers are not important to you. You're best option might be the Korg D1. It's well within your budget and it boasts one of Korg's very best actions. It's a sort of junior stage piano and lacks speakers and lacks USB to host, but you can connect a conversion cable from the MIDI OUT port. Spend 20 dollars plus on the cable to get a good one. Or you could use a MIDI controller with weighted keys such as the Studiologic SL88 Studio, which is very inexpensive. I don't know how good the action is. The Roland FP30X is a very up-to-date digital piano, with a satisfying action and USB to host, and is still within you're budget.
@@Zoco101 thank you so much. Actually Korg D1 was my first option but if Roland's action is as good as korg's D1 I'd rather get a Roland because of it's extra features and it's piano sound, for I'd have the chance to leave my laptop at home if needed.
Thank you again.
I guess I'll have to try them.
@@Diego_Occhipinti You're welcome. I've tried the Roland FP30X action, and it is pretty good. I don't like the buttons much, particularly not the touch sensitivity controls and volume controls. The main sounds are well above average. I haven't tried the D1, but it's action comes well recommended. The sounds are PCM, and I doubt they are better than those on the FP30X since it's an older instrument. But they should be fine for occasional use.
Great videos best of everything to you
Do you have a review on the Yamaha CY88?
Hello Stu, I'm a classical pianist and learned how to play piano using an old Yamaha Clavinova and was able to play using and old acoustic upright piano. It was a long time ago when I played piano with weighted keys. I do have a Yamaha DGX-230 and only played limited classical music and more mellow music also trying some gigs on modern songs. The Yamaha portable keyboard has a semi-weighted keys which make me forget how it key actions on a acoustic and digital piano feels. I'm planning to buy my second piano and which is a digital piano. I was wondering if what you can recommend since I was not able to see the Kawai ES 110 which I loved the tone and dynamic range of the keys. I was also able to play on a Roland FP-30 on a music store which I was impressed on the hammer or key action. But the only thing I heard about Kawai key is it feels lighter and some of the reviews considered it as a semi-weighted keys. So which me wonder if I will go with Kawai ES110 or Roland FP-30 or Yamaha P125.
There is a video about how wel balanced the action is. Kawai is the winner.
@@Taichientaoyin Thanks, I was able to decide and bought Kawai ES110. There's no regret and I just love the piano and everything it has to offer, although the keys could be bouncy and noisy but I like the way it responds and its piano sound samples.
@@doremifasollatido2255 I love the warmer sounds of kawai. I will buy a piano and it has to be a kawai.I just love the sound.
@@Taichientaoyin agree! almost everyone loves how Kawai makes its piano sound so rich and warm.
@@doremifasollatido2255 yes indeed!
General question, which app is best for learning piano.
is there a noise in the keys of Kawai es110..?
Being in my 7th month at piano and 3 weeks away from a half century old, everything sounds bad when I play so I can’t go wrong!
Going w the Roland FP-30 upgrading from my 76 key Yamaha NP-32.
Thank you for the great review! 🎹🤠🤚
Best of luck with the journey, and thanks for watching! -stu
Roland !
Yes...kawai sound a little bit better on piano(to bright for me) but it's subjective.
Roland app works on Android, has better speakers, clean and modern design, and the Roland action is better(escapement, ivory and it's harder than Kawai)
You must play however soft pieces, what you play is fortissimo.
Hey, im still torn between them.. do you know which one imitates accoustic piano better? Both sound and key-pressing feeling
@@k13468 Hi. I own the FP30 and from time to time I went to a music store just to play acoustic piano. The FP30 is as heavy as the upright piano (in my opinion, it is heavier than grand). I've tried the ES110 and the key is a bit lighter than grand piano. I would never do a slide with the FP30 using the 'standard' technique (using your nail...seriously, it's painful if you missed).
As for the sound, if you use the dedicated stand, I prefer the FP30 sound character. To be honest, it doesn't sound nice with headphones on (Tried with Bose and Sony active headphones). Again, this is an individual preference.
@@riandarizza3697 hey did you connect your fp30 with external speaker /amps ? How can I use fp30 in performing gig ?
That blues demo there is lit🔥 9:51
I just want to listen him play all day…!
Can't find Sound Museum for the Kawai, can anyone help?
I'm sorry, maybe I missed something... but why do you even need the phone to change the sound of the pianos? Can't you just simply change them from the keyboard's built-in buttons?
@Ed Well now I know! I bought the ES110 and it's pretty good! Even better than I expected tbh...
@@GabrielCaride would you recommend it over Roland fp10? People said that the fp10 develops clicking noises over time. Does the same happens to ES110?
@@pianoenthusiast6649 nope i've had mine for over a year or so it still works like its brand new!
Excellent Review!
☆☆☆☆☆
Virtuoso Musicianship!
😎
Another great video Stu. Try Scarborough Fair (Canticle) used in the film, ‘The Graduate’ as a nice demo of a Harpsichord if you need to in future. 👌
Great video! Could you make a comparison between the Casio PX-S1000 and the Roland FP-30? That would be fantastic!
Even the fp10 is superior to the ox s1000 tried it at a guitar center and the action felt kind of cheap and the sound was tinny to me might just be preference but I far prefer even the fp10 so the fp30 is probably leagues better
@@andrewwexler4779 Yeah, thanks, I also saw reviews in the meantime in which it has been said that the action of the Casio is not so good, and that the Rolands, but also the Kawai ES-110 have better actions.
I believe Casio calculators are brilliant ;-)
@@eduardkeller6304 😅 Oh, that's an important point!
27:11 Really? :D
...so true story, my phone rang while taping right at the end of me recording that and we had to do a cut before coming back to play it back. Yeah, wish we could have made that a bit smoother. (Unless you were pointing out the mega-cheesy elevator music I chose to record...in which case....yeah....😝)
Nice one 👌
Does the FP-30 do Midi over USB? Or only over Bluetooth? If I'm wanting to use it as a controller for Logic Pro X, can I do it over both USB and Bluetooth? Is there a lag when using Midi over Bluetooth?
Hi Malaysian? Yes, Midi over USB, but with only 3.5mm Aux out, i assume recording is not going to be that good.
So in the end... :) what would be your personal preference if you were to look for mainly grand piano tones that would have to be nice-sounding (not cheap or plastic-sounding), rich, pleasant, to be played in a small environment or recorded?
In that context, my preference would be ES110 - the audio output to external device is better / easier, and I think the Individual 88-note sampling on the ES110 gives a very rich and life-like piano tone. The FP30 is great for action, versatility, and i like the control software that accompanies it much better than Kawai's, but for your use, ES110.
@@MerriamPianos Thank you a lot!
Ive had Roland FP30 for a while but the keys start rattling after just weeks and only get worse. Would you recommend Kawai ES 110 in that sense? Or would you recommend some other models if I increase my budget to $1000?
The pha4 action is utter shit! I've had five of them and I'm done with Roland.
@@Pe6ek which keyboard are you gonna choose after?
@@enrichgrowth617 I don't know! I keep reading bad things about just about every action out therr, even the Nord (Kawai). You?
The ES110 is noisy from the start.
For repeated notes which is better or has faster action?
I would say the ES110 would be a little quicker in terms of key return, which allows for faster repetitions.
1). Kawai es110 & roland fp30, have transpose??
2). is kawai can use the roland sustain pedal??
3). Which recomendation..?
Hello, could you please recommend which one is the best if i want to use it as a midi controller in ableton? And also love i to play acoustic piano... So i m looking for a portable 2in1 thing for when i travel..
An acoustic piano is not an option 😇 for the weight they are pretty simular thats not an issue
Sounds identical almost except the Kawai is a bit more realistic and expressive. Kawai rules with better piano and non piano sounds.
My ears aren't great, but the Roland sounds a bit 'backstage', I'll vote the Kawai.
It's a great sample set on the Kawai, for sure. Thanks for watching!
Phil Luvschips, it's very hard to get the real sound from one or two reviews. I like what Stuart says somewhere about the giggability of the Roland, and how the Kawai shines as a solo piano. Hope he doesn't mind my paraphrasing.
The FP-30 is more up-to-date than the ES110, and is perhaps more suited to modern music, but I still prefer the Kawai and Yamaha sounds, even for jazz. It's a shame the FP-30 needs a special Y cable to connect it to external amplification.
A beginner can advance a lot while playing either of the pianos reviewed here, so they will give great service for the price.
Another good contender is the P-121. It's cheaper, lighter, well featured and more compact. I think that at this level, 73 keys are better than 88 since they have a distinct space/portability advantage.
No mention whether there's a Leslie effect available on the organ sound in the Kawai (or the FP-30, which doesn't compare soundwise imo)
There is but it sounds crap. Just a wobble. As you might expect?
I just ordered the Kawai ES110 in white! It's $200US less than the new (and yet unproven) Kawai ES120, so I went with tried and true. 😀
The ES110 is an amazing model with an excellent tone and touch! I know you will be thrilled with what it has to offer musically. :)
FP appears not to have proper line level outputs. It suggests using headphone output. What a horrible idea. Haven't heard the term "impedance mismatch" for decades.
I have the Roland. Can you tell me how you are changing the sounds with your phone? That's so awesome!!!
I have the Roland FP30. You’re able to change the sound by pressing and holding the piano sound button and pressing 1-9 which is a piano key. It has it written above the piano key neck.
Download the Roland Piano Partner App
@@cyurenes9961 hey do you find any difficulty while connecting your fp30 into external speaker /amps ?? Is there some kind of noise while connecting it .
Good evening and thank you for your professional video and skill about the way of playing piano.
From the comparison between this two stage pianos, I think that Roland keyboard can be higher quality ( with escapement) and for the ivory feel like keyboard.
What's your opinion about the sensation under your fingers?
Many compliments to you from Italy, go on so!!! 👍👍👏👏👏
What Mobile App did you use to control the ES110?
Sound Museum