Yamaha P125 vs. Roland FP-30 (In Depth Comparison)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ย. 2024
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Two of the best selling best digital pianos in 2020 in their price point. The Yamaha P125 and the Roland FP30 - are here at the studio, and in this video I'll be telling you all about the differences between them. Both are attempting to be geared towards a certain audience, but I feel that one is far superior to the other in many ways.
It should be noted that in the first review I recorded with the FP-30 through the speakers because of the lack of direct outs. I knew given the option of having only headphone jack and speakers I could record slightly higher recording quality by way of the speakers. If you have a lot of experience in recording you can sometimes beat the system in this way, but I received a lot of feedback saying I should have used the lower quality headphone jack. It is for these people that I have recorded this video with the headphone jack.
The metronome is no longer available.
What happened to it?
Is it safe? Is it alright?
@@blockmovies9599 misfortune
No idea why I watch these review videos, I do not play piano, I am not in the market for a keyboard, yet I enjoy watching them right to the end, good work on your part.
Glad you like them!
I also watch these for fun. Strange isn’t it.
me neither but I am going to buy a piano to my 7 years old daughter and I always like to buy good stuff at least to resale it , and not to put it in the garage sale for 10 bucks ,
same here
Because they are very well detailed and explained. It's very informative
I am a long time guitar player, who is pondering buying one of these to revive the basic piano skills from my childhood. I really wish guitar reviews were that thorough and good.
Thank you very much. Keep up the good work!
Guitars are relatively simple things.
Much of the nuance come from the person playing.
Before watching this, I was almost certain on the FP 30. Mind changed. Thanks
I just got my p125 and it’s amazing
@@medwavy9689 thinking about buying one how much is a reasonable price (add what currency you use so i can translate if so)) thx
I actually just ordered a P125 a week ago (hasn't come in yet, should be here Saturday), the FP30 was the closest runner up. Satisfying to see a review that backs up my decision.
Same, had actually ordered the FP30. Saw James's review of the FP30 a week ago (?), gave me pause to reconsider. Got my new P-125 on Wednesday. This video confirms I made the right choice.
Been looking into these two for the past couple of weeks too. It's my final comparison to do, however I find that I keep leaning towards the Yamaha myself.
Enjoy!
I was literally torn between these two and I’m about to make my Yamaha purchase (either P-125 or the P-45) the sound is just much more authentic
George Servian does your have the same sound switching issue ?
I prefer your choice. Congratulations and enjoy playing on your beautiful piano.
This is a very timely comparison. I've been leaning toward the Roland FP-30, but now I'm re-thinking. I only need it for practicing at home (barely starting to learn) and thought the touch would be more important, but the sound comparison give me pause. Many thanks!
I found this video super informative and helpful. I tested both and ultimately went with the Yamaha P125 for my condo. With 25+ years playing classical music on an acoustic piano, I found the Yamaha's sound and keyboard action to be more familiar, authentic, and warm. Thank you!!
Seeing that ur a classical player as I am and mentioning that great qualities of the Yamaha p125 made me feel so much happier with the purchase I just made today. Yamaha it is!!
You are amazing! I had the Roland FP-30 but traded it for the Yamaha P125 last year for the same reasons you pointed out. Thanks for this amazing video! I am now a follower and subscriber to your channel.
Exactly what I was looking for. Appreciate how you spent a good amount of time analyzing the acoustic and electric piano sounds, as they are equally important to me.
Glad it was helpful!
Hi James. Watched Your videos for several years now. I am very fond of the way you always try to give an honest review. Do not waste time and energy defending your actions. Keep up the good spirit, greetings from Denmark.
Thanks James. I’m currently want to switch from P125 to FP30 for my first piano. Anyway, this video help to stick with P125 for my first time buying a digital piano. Great work mate.
Is it good?
Is it good ? x2
how good?
@@alis2068 I have one and it’s really good
Thanks so much for your reviews. I have been swinging between the FP-30 and the Yamaha P125 for the past month and have had to rely on reviews as not really able to get to a shop to try them out.
I finally decided on the P125 and it arrived today. I am soooo pleased with it. All the things I was a little concerned about, (action and the shiny keys) are not at all a problem- and the sound is phenomenal. Love it!
Great to hear! I know what you mean about the shiny keys, they look like they should be super slippery but they really aren't. Honestly I feel like a lot of the talk about "synthetic ivory" is just hype. Some keyboards do have a textured finish to the keys, which can be nice, but I don't think it really makes my fingers grip to them better.
How can I give you more than a like,! the best piano comparative and reviewer in the world.. amazing job 👏🏻
Very nice review James. I own the FP30 and can agree wholeheartedly with your conclusion. It can be very frustrating to navigate the sound palette. I would not have bought it if it wasn’t for the Bluetooth connectivity which helps to guide you through the mess. In the Roland app you can adjust the keybed response to a more lighter setting which does help fix that partially. This keyboard is designed in my opinion for an emerging market, hence the narrow depth. If you go to countries like China, Hong Kong, Japan etc you find that living space comes at a premium, hence the quest for the most compact design. In these type of deep inner city high density suburbs you will almost never have the volume up past the first 20%. Having an amp becomes quite pointless and you may end up using headphones more that the speakers. I generally use it for midi note recording. In fact I doubt anyone would buy this piano to record the built in sounds, considering the vast array of top quality piano apps available nowadays. Just my 2c. Keep well everyone and stay safe. Greetings from Cape Town 🙏🏼
I'm having the same considerations for my upcoming purchase as well. I use piano VSTs anyway for recording (Pianoteq 6 and Garritan CFX) and I live in a small rented house, so space is indeed at a premium. My choices though are the Roland FP30 and the Kawai ES110. Obviously the lack of USB MIDI port in the latter could be a dealbreaker, unless I can find a dongle in the local music store.
Hey does Bluetooth connectivity means i can also use FP30 as a midi keyboard in my daw?
@@keshavdawra12 Yes, I use the FP over USB or Bluetooth to control my software libraries. Much cheaper than the FP30 or A88 Mk2 controller and it has the same action.
I worked in Yamaha store for 3 years and my opinion for these two digital pianos in terms of sound engine is that, if you are into classical music playing, get the Yamaha and Roland is for pop music and other genres like playing with a band as it gives you a bright piano tone. Check out also the line outputs you require because Roland doesn’t have but since I got the FP30 recently, I am using a 3.5 to standard jack for plugging into an amplifier. I love Yamaha especially the higher models in Clavinova that has CFX sound engine that gives you a perfect brilliant crystal clear tone so buy one that fits your requirement.
Try using the Roland piano partner app so you can easily switch the sounds
I wondered and... of course someone on the other side of the world took the time to make a video, good I love the internet
I bought the P125 now in August 2021: It is a good deal and it has a good satisfying action. The instrument samples are very good. Thank you for the good review.
I really liked the "seamless" transition you executed during the acoustic piano comparison between the two DP 13:58 . When you jumped from one piano to another in real-time and continuing the piece. In my opinion gives a much better idea of how the pianos sound instead to just repeat the same piece one at the time. It's a very brilliant idea. Looking forward for the P-125 and the ES110 comparison. Keep it up the great work James.
Oh and BTW the P-125 it does circles around the FP-30. It's not even a contest. The base acoustic classical piano sound of the P-125 is much more clean and crisp to my ears compared with the one coming from the FP-30. I use a pair of Sennheiser HD 598 headphones and the difference is very noticeable.
I'm torn between these two. Strictly for home use I'm leaning towards the Roland. Not having a line out isn't a big deal to me since I won't ever be playing live or taking it anywhere. I think the feel/action is the selling point to me on the Roland.
Im in the same exact boat but leaning towards Yamaha , i think it fits classical music better which is what im looking for
Looking forward for your review on the ES 110 vs P125!
Yep can't wait
Same
@@wbg123wbg well I don't plan on using my keyboard in a pretty small room. Is it really that quiet?
ES110 has a much better action, and a better slightly warmer sound. I played them both (and the roland) and went with the Kawaii over both
Mee too
Thank you for the helpful details! You play so beautifully, I enjoyed listening to your playing as much as to the actual comparison review.
I am amazed with this Yamaha P125! Clear good realistic sound, comparing to the another one with so "toxic" sound. I don't know how can anyone make a decision to buy Roland
I ordered the FP-30 because of its superb key action. Its piano sounds are not excellent but good enough. For me, the superior action alone justifies why I bought it.
The FP-30 action does feel the most piano like at this price point, but suffers in fast repetitions. It does, at times, feel clumsy and not capable of playing all classical music well. I would chose the Yamaha P125 or the Kawai ES110 over the FP-30 (all are at the same price point). I believe that the FP-30 needs to be updated to stay competitive.
I have two that you might think about. The first is the Kawai es110 that seems almost exactly 1300 mm. I would advise that you double check the measurements. The second is the 73 key Yamaha 121 and it seems to be less than 1115mm. That one I will review soon and I think would make a perfect gigging keyboard as well. It has nice sounds and line outs.
Idk, bit seems that you are just counterpublishing roland
@@ThePianoforever Can you comment on the key spacing on the Kawai - I am leaning towards it but I have read reports of uneven key spacing and even in some cases keys rubbing together?
@@ThePianoforever Thank you for your videos. I'm novice. I misunderstand something. "The FP-30 action does feel like an accoutic piano" but at the same time "not capable of playing all classical music well and suffers in fast repetitions". But accoustic piano are supposed to be the best to play classical music. So why the P125 and ES110 are over the FP-30 ?
Thanks James, this was a monumental appraisal of the instruments and you covered both with an unbiased critique. Cheers from Missouri.
Thank you for the video. This video helped me decide to buy the Yamaha P125. Nice video and keep up the good work. I look foreword to your later videos.
I really like your style of presentation!
I've seen a couple of your vids just now and you come across as really knowing your stuff.
Thank you! You helped me a lot in my Quest for My Digital Piano (on a budget).
Glad you like them!
It's great hearing the two played at the same time with the same music, switching between the two. The Yamaha sounds so obviously better than the Roland in virtually every single sound option. The church organ was awesome in the Yamaha, wow.
Nice reviews! You are awesome.
If the goal is a concert grand piano, Can you make a list with diferent prices range with digital pianos recomendation? Only concert grand piano features like piano sound, feel of the keys, mechanism, etc no harp sounds, wifi o something like that, only the features of a "real piano".
Thanks for the review, your videos are very good and sorry for my english. Now im using a Roland FP30 with Keyscape, I think its the best mechanism for this range price, and with a computer you can simulate better sounds but I want your personal opinion. Thanks again for your reviews.
As a piano student, i bought the fp30 6 months ago after trying both roland and yamaha..the roland's keys feel much more like a grand piano.. so for me that's the most importnatnt thing, i play on accoustic pianos regularly with no problem at all and on top of that it sounds better then the yamaha p 125 (in a video you cant really tell the difference) so for learning piano the fp30 is much better
Hey there, would you recommend fp 30 for classical repertoire?
Awesome info. Thank you! I would love a comparison between the P125 and the FP-30X. Thus far, I am leaning toward the P125 thanks in large part to this review (and some of your others). It seems to sound a lot better, although I have not played either Roland myself.
Another enjoyable and informative review. I was considering buying an FP30 after watching other less honest reviews by retailers only interested in another sale , glad I didn't. I eventually bought a Korg SP280 which I am really pleased with.
I was just looking at these two keyboards earlier today. Thanks for your review in them. Starting to take lessons, again, and need to buy something as a good starter keyboard.
I really appreciate the insight you provide as a musician.
Your video helped me decide on the P-125 and it should be here today or tomorrow. I really love the sound produced from the Yamaha. Im glad I subscribed and thank you.
Wonderful job you are doing with your channel. People like you make me feel the human being still deserve some hope. Thank you.
This was VERY helpful! I was debating between the 2, now I know which one to learn towards.
If you like music, you might want to check out my second channel "Milan Recording Studios". Feel free to subscribe and hit the bell icon if you want to!
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Thank you! Going with the P125!
Nicely done, James! Keep cranking out these awesome videos and we'll keep devouring them!
Just ordered the Yamaha DGX-660
@@ThePianoforever I'm definitely excited about seeing your thoughts on that instrument. Can't wait until that video comes out!
Thanks for the very informative video James. Convinced me to order a P121 at 4 in the morning!
Thank you for making this. I watched several reviews of both pianos before this one. Yours is by far the most thorough and honest. Watching your comparison of the Kawai es10 and this Yamaha next
Thanks for the way that you go into so much details on each of your reviews. And as you say, sometimes it's the little things that can make a very big difference.
I want to encourage my wife to take the piano back up, as she hasnt played since she was a child when she had lessons... your videos have been VERY helpful is how and what to evaluate... first Ive subtly suggested we put our money into the instrument versus thinking about the “piece of furniture” consideration .. first youtube search had me thinking the Roland FP series was solid.. but this Yamaha to my novice ear sounds MUCH better.. now to evaluate the Yamaha versus the Kawai... I note ive bumped myself up from the $500 range ( FP10) to the $700 range, not including a cabinet.. but figure buy once cry once and be happier lomger .. THANKS for your excellent information.. and if its availabe wed love to “enter “ the metronome contest ( Ive subscribed ) .. Take care, -Mark
Hi, James, thank you for your professional work. I find Roland's sound very muffy and I think it sounds like a tuppa bowl pressed... The Yamaha makes a lot of “show” sounds very broad but also a little artificial. Yamaha is much clearer in the E-Piano Sounds and the loudspeaker system is much better! But I like the keyboard at the Roland Piano better. The Roland Piano doesn't have a line out exits is an absolute NoGo! I find the acoustic piano sounds better at the Kawai Pianos for worlds than at these two pianos! Love greetings and stay healthy, Roland
Awesome! Was hoping you'd compare these two side by side. Thanks for the video!
Now I’m convinced! I’ve watched a couple of your videos about the comparisons of pianos, and I kept noticing that the p125 is really good. Now I’m going to save up and buy one of my own so I can play some cool songs!
Great comparison of the very two models i am considering for my house! Keep up the good work!
one of the best and illustrative reviews I've seen on piano comparison - thank you so much!
Thank you for such articulate and in depth comparison
Damn Straight
@@ChilloutLibrary fr
@@ChilloutLibrary In order for you to see him everywhere, you’d have to be everywhere yourself…. 😂😜
I am waiting to buy one of the two. You made my decision clear for me...thank you ever so much
Thank you for the great comparison of these two popular digital pianos. Now I know what to choose choose.
You make playing look fun! and thanks this is the best comparison/review I have ever seen on these 2 pianos
@Rafael del Rey Isn't *playing* supposed to be fun?! Even practicing should be fun! You can even focus deeply with a smile on your face, you know, and your playing will probably be better. Don't sweat it, man!
Thank you bro, I'm changing my mind after watching this. I was thinking the roland is better at first and nearly buying it,, but no line output actually a big thing, and no other reviewer mention it out
Thank you! I have an old Yamaha P140 which I love but the right channel has died. I’ve had my eyes and ears on the P 125, and your review answered all my questions, so thanks, and happy new year!
Thanks! This was an excellent comparison, very detailed. I've been agonizing over which one of these to buy, but this is going to help me make my decision.
Great review, I really wish I'd found it a couple of months before! I had some keyboard lessons for a couple of years 20 years ago when I was a teenager, and I had never played on a weighted piano before. Now deciding to go back to learn piano during quarantine, after watching all the reviews (pianodreamers, merriam music, anderton's blind test, etc.) saying that the Roland's PHA key action was better than Yamaha's GHS action, and not being able to try out for real in a store, I decided on Roland and bought the FP-10 at the end of March. 5 months later with some real world test of the Roland, and having seen this review I bought a Yamaha P125 and put my Roland up for sale on eBay. Only been a couple of days yet but I'm much happier. I miss a little bit the ivory-like touch of the white keys of the Roland, and the Yamaha's are much more of a fingerprint magnet, but this key action feels nicer to me, it's easier for me to play less loud dynamics and I miss a lot less notes. Plus, the rhythms feature of the Yamaha is really great, much better to practice with a drum tack than with the metronome, makes all the difference in the world!
Nice demo and playing. I'm actually a guitar player, but was in the market for a portable digital piano. I bought the yamaha based on your review and very happy with it. Thank you
To everyone commenting about the difference in the sound: the Roland doesn't have line outs. So the Roland sounds worse on youtube than it does in person. The only way to fairly compare the sounds is in person like James did (through headphones or built-in speakers). No doubt the Yamaha sounds great and line outs are important for many people, but it is something to consider.
That makes sense, but why does audio quality differ if you record through the jacks. Isn't impedance the only real difference between a line out and a headphone out? It's not like an amp is being plugged in recorded with a microphone... Where during the process of recording does it go bad?
This is the biggest part of audio I don't know, so I'd love to have it explained. There is more information than I can understand.
@@habama1077 TBH I'm not an expert in this area either. I've used a Yamaha DGX-660 which only has one headphone jack, but you can go into the settings and configure it to be a line out, which I assume changes the impedance. But I didn't notice much difference in the sound quality (coming out of an amp). It still didn't sound great imo. If you compare the sound from James' videos on the Yamaha DGX-660 and P-125, I think the P-125 sounds noticeably clearer coming from the line out vs the combo jack on the DGX-660. Maybe when a manufacture includes a dedicated line out they use higher quality audio processing components because they know its going to be amplified or recorded? That's just my own speculation.
After a week of listening to synthesizer videos, this is a wonderful change.
Thank you so much for your videos. Watching from Jamaica I'm a complete beginner but your videos are a big help in my decision making process for getting a digital piano. I may not have the funds now but certainly when I do I'll be getting the Yamaha p125.
Nice job. I did much research and decided , with your help, on the P125 - my new self isolation companion
Overall I think the Yamaha is beter but the sound of the Roland isn’t that bad. In the deep review of the Roland the sound wasn’t that muffled. On the other hand this is the way Roland says you need to record it. So.. What I like the most of the review is when you start playing (fiddling) around. Beautiful. You playing is good. I know sometimes we all miss a note. Who cares. Do you think you are also going to compare the Yamaha P125 with the Kawai ES110? Because those are winners in my opinion. Thank you for sharing and playing!
Pity about the line-out missing for the FP30. It sounded like a mono sound, very tight center focused soundstage, compared to P125 which had a much more open and wider soundstage.
Very much looking forward to the review of the p515 :)
Great video! Now that Roland is releasing the FP-30X with proper outputs (among other improvements), would you consider it's beating Yamaha in this comparison? Thanks!
I do not know how to play most of the musical instruments, let alone the piano but I have watched and listened to many elactric piano like Roland, Casio, Kawai, Korg and Yamaha at the same price range reviews and found out that Yamaha P125 sound is more clear,, clean and sharp than any other one. In this video, the Roland FP30 sounds a bit too muddy and not frontal for my liking. I have the intention of buying an electric piano keyboard in a near future, My choice will be the Yamaha definitely. Thanks so much for the comparison between Yamaha P125 and Roland FP30.
Great work, thank you for taking the time and effort to make these videos possible!
I definitely prefer the sounds of the Yamaha P125.
I have owned at least a dozen differnt digital pianos....none compare to my older Technics PR604...but, I gig with my P125B and my P121B (B standing for black)....great pianos....121 is 73 key...work beautfiuly.
I wish to have the P125 soon and be back to my first love of playing the piano. I actually left that love 20 years ago.
It’s never too late man
What about Roland FP-30 versus the new Roland FP-30X?
Interested too
Interesting, at around 5:01is said that this FP30 do NOT have line out. While it seems that back of FP30X does have 2x 6.3 jack line outs as complement to 6.3+3.5 headphones outputs in front left side. That, and maybe more might be difference between FP30 and FP30X. Thanks for noting that I almost overlooked that there are two different models (one with X).
Yes! Would also definitely be interested in a new comparison 'shoot-out style' in that price segment (Yamaha vs Roland).
@@TomSilver_42 The X also has bluetooth and you can change sounds through smartphone or iPad, I think.
Been learning keyboard these past few months and looking to invest in a nice, still lowend keyboard, and these are at the top of my list!
Really enjoyed the review, think it's the P125 for me. I only want home use but, I want it as realistic sounding and feel to a acoustic piano as can be. Thanks
Unfortunately I found this video after I recently bought a Roland FP 30. I agree with your assessment of the two pianos and now like the sound and features of the Yamaha P125 better than the Roland
.
Same
I have a Yamaha P105 which I no longer use. I thought the sound was very nice but the action started to annoy me after a year and a half of practicing. I now use a Roland LX-7: the modeled sound is not that beautiful or 'inspiring' but the action satisfies my OCD tendencies.
Nice job bro! BTW, Goldberg variation is my favorite.
Thanks for the detailed demonstration, it was very helpful.
Excellent video! I like the sounds on the Yamaha better. Looking to get one of these in the near future for practice and gigging.
I just subscribed because I love the contents. And I love all your reviews. I actually made up my mind buying ES110 because of your review.
The Roland sounds almost like a toy piano at times when compared to the Yamaha
In general, I find the Roland sounding "muffled" compared to Yamaha's bright sound. I own both.
Another excellent review! Good info and nice playing James.
JP, I like the attention to detail and unfiltered opinions you provide in your videos. Since the ES110 and P125 seem to be your favorites in the under $1000 range, please do a review comparing the two.
It's in the works.
I have the P-125, Bach would love it played like your!
I had both, for my ears I preferred Yamaha all the way!! It took my few days to notice that Roland was not an option
Great review! Thanks for uploading. I'm looking forward to your ES8 vs ES110 comparison!
Definitely liked the Yamaha sound better.
I bought a P-125 at Christmas. Also considered the FP30, but based on this comparison it looks like I made the correct decision. Thanks.
Excellent comparison. As a beginner I think the Yamaha is the one I should get in the future.
Merci ! 😃 Great review, with an honest opinion. Bravo !
Love all your vids new 65 year old just learning. Bought GGX 660 to share music with grandkids. Thanks
I understand that the action on the Roland FP series can be "tuned" to be a bit softer or heavier... Can the Yamaha action be likewise tuned? Which one would be better suited to train piano (as a substitute of an acoustic piano, back at the conservatory) and organ (for renaisssanse, baroque and church type of organ music, all pipe/reed and electronic organs)? Especially, is there any of these models that can be "hard" piano action when playing piano and then softer, "on/off" action like an organ manual would? A metronome is a fantastic tool and a bitter enemy at the same time, LOL. Thanks a lot! Cheers!
Your videos are really enlightening and help comprehend most of the popular Piano features.
Great comparison!
Will you be also doing review for Yamaha P125 Vs Korg LP-380 & Yamaha P515 Vs Korg Havian 30.
Thank you for these detailed videos! Unbiased advice is rare these days...
I really wanted to like the fp-30 better. the yamaha sounds better in this demo, for both acoustic and e-piano.
I'm looking for something relatively cheap that can go in my living room/guest room. Not trying to get out my Amp and FA08 every time I just want to play. Thanks for the content!
Hi,
As a hobby I play gitar. I started to learn violin one year ago. I never played piano and I am not a musician, but I am planning to buy a piano within several years. Thank you for honest reviews. Here I can learn more about the pianos.
Nice comparison. Please review korg d1 in this series of best piano below 1000$. There are only few channel on which one can have faith and this channel is one of them. Good comparison.
Hi, great review and loved hearing you play all the samples! Question regarding recording songs on the P125. Searching the internet, I read that you can record songs externally via USB. Is it possible to record song directly to the keyboard instead of externally? If so, how many songs can be recorded to the keyboard? Thanks!
Thank you very much James! Realy wonderfull video. i like your enthusiasm and it is very inspiring. A good comparison and very detailed, also to the sounds and other difference. I've been thinking of buying something cheaper (say 300-400 US dollars), but this is going to help me make a better descision, I think. More money, but more fun and quallity too. Thanks!