To purchase the Roland RD-88 on Amazon, please help me out by using the link below - I get a partial credit for the sale! Thank you. amzn.to/3ABbMfw This link is for the new RD-88 EX which replaces the RD-88 and still at the same price!
Wow, I had to look at a ton of RD-88 videos before I found one that doesn't just show some keyboard player demonstrating how he or she *can sound just like everybody else* but actually goes through the different sounds of the instrument! THANK YOU!!
What a great demonstration. I’ve ordered one of these. This is exactly what I wanted to see. Your demos of the sound are short and to the point, with an amazing repertoire of appropriate music for each patch. Your Doors and Wedding March particularly made me smile. Roland should be paying you!! Thank you for the education and demonstration. I can’t wait to get mine!
Absolutely excellent tutorial. I looked at many, many tutorials and what Chuck has done is all the homework. Watch this from beginning to end and you will know your keyboard....................... thank you Chuck. Larry.
Thank you Chuck! I just joined our church's praise team which uses the rd88. I've used many different brands before, but somehow never a Roland. This video has helped me greatly with getting used to it. You actually show us how to use it, not just demonstrate sounds. Thanks again!
Really appreciate how comprehensive your reviews are. Just got this keyboard today! Really excited to play with it...only using the onboard speakers for now, but using headphones will really deliver that gorgeous sound
Hey, Chuck, your videos have been my go-to for quite some time. Your opening "Forgotten" song as well as your instrument demos bring such a relaxing, laid-back vibe. Very enjoyable!
Thanks Chuck. Just got one yesterday and it looks like you’ve saved me plenty of time reading the manual. Very pleased so far. Thanks for the tip on the pedal.
I just LOVE what you've done here. Ordered my RD-88, read manuals for 3 days, but NOTHING compares to how you've demonstrated the "rubber meets the road" details. A MILLION times thanks!
You actually read the manuals? Could you write up a summary of what a user should know? I would pay for this written summary if it is good. I just bought this key board too. Still learning
Thank you so much! You just sold this model for me. Like being in a store, but better! Was looking for something in between my Yamaha P-255 and my insanely heavy and old Kurzweil. This fits this bill. Thank you again for the thorough demo of sounds and capabilities!
I'm glad you found what you like. The P-255 is a bit short on voices and stage features, but it still outperforms most other portable pianos. Yamaha has not been able to replace this model satisfactorily. None of its portable pianos (P-series & DGX) has a plastic action so agile. The P-515 has a wood action, and is so heavy that it is stretches the concept of "portable" too far IMO.
We're in complete agreement. I got rid of my MODX 8 and replaced it with an RD-88. I hated the action on the MODX 8. I have a Nord Compact connected to it and control the Nord piano through it sometimes. It makes a world of difference playing a weighted 88 with the Nord Compact. Thanks for a wonderful overview. Stay safe and be well.
The manual might as well be written in ancient Sumerian ... I, for one, am lost without videos like these, and being a boomer, I still struggle. But this makes it much less daunting.... So thanks, fella
The RD-800 was the last RD to use the PHA-4 before the RD88. The RD2000 has the PHA-50, an upgraded version of the PHA-4. They are both outstanding digital piano actions. To me the PHA-50's escapement is more realistic. Excellent video.
The PHA-4 Standard in the RD-88 is somewhat different and 2 levels down from the PHA-4 Concert in the RD-800. The materials/finish are different, there is additional noise dampening in the Concert and an additional acceleration(velocity?)sensor. imgbb.com/L5tnd4Y
Excellent overview Chuck. I own this board and, for the money, this brings a LOT of value and useful features. You just cannot beat this board in the $1000 and below category !
Thanks Chuck! I just ordered one. I had bought a Yamaha CP88 and had it for a week and sent it back. I decided it was just too much to have invested into a beat around gigging Stage Piano. Don't get me wrong - the CP is gorgeous and very well thought out. However I already own a Kronos2-88 that lives in my studio (I'll never move that thing!) The CP is beautiful like the Kronos. However I needed something to schlepp around to gigs and even leave at the Piano Lounge where I play for from time to time for other players. I just knew I'd stress out over leaving the CP as a house piano. Plus this RD ($1000 less than the CP88) really fits the bill for me. It's 29lbs - 11 lbs lighter and more streamlined than the CP. It should even fit into a Casio Privia gig bag that I already had (no way the CP would fit). Thanks to your review I also learned the RD is chunk full of sounds (the CP only help about 60 - albeit very high quality - sounds). I'm very impressed with your review of the RD88! You Fine Sir are surely underpaid!
Thanks Bill! BTW: Casio's SC800 gig bag for their newer, slimmer pianos (PX-S and CDP-S series) fits the RD88 perfectly and gives it a lot more protection than their previous Privia Gig Bag. See my review of that at: th-cam.com/video/JnwqIWcGgBA/w-d-xo.html
Your comprehensive review is exceptional and so informative. I love your enthusiasm! Thank you so much!! I really love the sound of the RD-88. My only pet peeve is the key rebound sound that can many times be heard. I hear it in your video as well. It’s very annoying.
...just found this channel & I really like it...I'm diggin' Chuck's style/presentation. Comes from a true gigging musician's perspective. I was thinking about buying the RD-88...answered a lot of my questions...thanks Chuck...liked/subscibed!
Chuck..... I recently bought a Fantom 7........but am thinking about buying a RD-88 for my grandson who is now taking piano lessons. Seems to me that you are having a blast demo-ing this Roland. Have a great time with this one!!!
Well chuck.......... I will let him prove himself through his lessons.....he is 15 yo and is going on his 5th lesson upcoming this Friday. I already bought him a Yamaha 88 key beginner piano for now, But in January,just after NAMM2021 is over.....I will buy something more advanced then........But you can bet I will place the ROLAND RD-88 high up up my shopping list for now!!!!(especially since I own a Roland Fantom 7 to transfer scenes and sounds....from my Fantom into the RD-88 memory library! Thanks Chuck for your endorsement of this wonderful Baby-Fantom!
Great review. Picked this up a few months ago knowing (thanks to this review) that I'd dig the sounds. Fortunately I loved the action too. Thanks for the help.
Super helpful and understandable. Going right away to showing how to access the sounds rather than having to scroll through all the scenes was great. Well organized presentation thank you Chuck. By the way I also got the casio case you recommended. Thanks Piano man!
Awesome video. I'd say RD-88 is a good candidate for a midi controller as well. Only marginally more cash than some other upper end controllers, and you get a lot on top of a good keybed. 🙂
Better keybed compared to NI KK S88 mk2 and Arturia Keylab 88 mk2 - and you get sounds. What you lose is aftertouch and of course the tighter daw and plugin integration
Guys I played the rd88 at guitar center today. I'm in USA. I love the keyboard and action is finominal. I am disappointed with speakers as I want to maybe play nursing homes or jewelry stores around Christmas time and use the mic. I was messing around and hit the "key touch" button then I adjusted the "Velocity" from "Real" and incremented it up to 100 to 125. You literally get almost twice the volume out of those speakers its actually very loud but keys are very sensitive. But if you now lower the volume a bit it sounds pretty good with still more volume out of those speakers. My question " what the heck did I do?" It must set the key velocity like your slamming down on them when your really not. But is this a legit way to get more volume out of these speakers. Can you guys try this and let me know. I wonder also if this effects the mic volume as well I really want to get on of these puppies Thanks any advice appreciated. Thanks Mj.
Excellent! Very thorough review. Also like the secondary demo of the onboard speakers. It's a very powerful KB, wish it was about $300 less. I'm not quite sure of the quality of the voices. Casio's AIR & AIX Sound engines are impressive. If you could pack the guts of a PX-s3000 into an RD88, I think that would be really great. The never ending search fro it all. Thanks again Chuck, you are good!
Thanks for the review on this keyboard, the only thing that troubles me with this keyboard is the fact that there is no wheel to advance through the sounds with. Is it possible to advance through the voices with a foot switch? Otherwise, those buttons are going to eventually malfunction. How do you feel about this? Thanks
Hello Piano Man Chuck, I've watched many others demo this keyboard, and you are the only one that answered my question. I wanted to know if I could split the keys and also have a layer. Thanks. From one pianist to another, I love your videos. Cheers
Hi Chuck! Thanks for this awesome review. I was wondering does the keyword have patch remain? I think that’s what Roland call it! Id like to know when you switch sounds if you can hold the last sound using say the sustain pedal and that sound continues sounding as you start playing the next setup/tone. It sounded like the delays on some of the scenes faded over nicely from one to the next but I wondered about sustaining. Thanks!
Thanks for your excellent video on the Rd 88, I just purchased mine, however the manual really lacks detail info on how to, I am trying to find all the preset banks, plus I want to make 3 layer scenes, When I put on the lower from the split and try to make that voice cover the whole keyboard the 2 upper become silent.
Thank you so much for showing how to navigate a lot of the different functions and adjustments. You have shaved hours off of the time it would take someone who has this board or someone like me who's thinking of buying the RD-88. I was hoping you'd demonstrate how to store a sound that you manipulated or customized into the favorites bank. I understand the are 10 banks of 10. Is there another demo where you show that? Unless I missed it, I don't think it's in this video. It's really important to me for quick access playing live with a band. Thank you 😊
Unbelievable! Are you that selfish and lazy that you cant download the manual and look it up? Once you have the manual its 10 seconds to look it up but you rather have someone else take the time to make a video for that? UNREAL!
I loved that keyboard from the first time you played it a week or so ago and I didn't know it was only with the internal speakers only until you mentioned it! Not bad for the price either. On another note ( pun intended) They all sound good when you play them. Whatever it is that you have, God given or whatever, you certainly have the gift. Did I ever tell you that Marvin Hamlisch and his dad Max tested me for pitch? Marvin was 18 and I was 12 or 13! The father took me for a student. There is only 1 video on here about Max and only 1 comment ( mine). Parents of great musicians don't get much air time I guess. Actually he was better with an accordion. So,That and $2.50 will get me a bus ride Thanks Chuckie, great vid!!! "Forgotten" sounded great on this RD-88. Loved it.. stay safe!!
Great Video Chuck. I have look at multiple videos to determine if the RD88 will allow a volume control pedal to adjust the volume of a zone or voice. (For example: the swell of strings or organ while layering). You have answered my question. But how do you program the RD88 to deliver that feature. I need to know the answer before I buy the keyboard...
I discover your channel, very informative and precious, thanks for your reviews. Only a question: is it playable from a daw on more than one midi channel? I'm searching a good midi controller keybed with mod weel and this solution seems to be a good candidate also for the ability to offer sounds on the fly without the needs to open plugins on daw. Thanks for your videos ;)
Thanks for the video Chuck, very helpful, I bought one a couple days ago, but unlike my RD 700,I can't seem to designate a stop and start for the rhythms to Fc1 or FC2. Am I missing something?. I see no mention of it in the manual
@@Paulplayskeys That's true. Don't get me wrong. I like Chuck. He might call out his favorite board from each NAMM, but he doesn't really offer criticism of the keyboards he reviews. He loves everything, but he sells keyboards so that makes sense.
@@garycitro1674 He doesnt have to bash Roland to provide a balanced review that highlights positives AND negatives. Chuck's approach to reviews is that of a salesman and not that of a critic. Which is fine if that's what you want. I like reviewers to really tell me the positives and negatives of a board.
Just bought an RD-88, very impressive indeed for what it is. Can you edit a sound? In spite of it having so many sounds I cannot find the string sound I want to play 'All my love' by Led Zeppelin, I need to be able to edit the sound shape via envelope control. Also I used to have a VR-09 combo, it sounded great. There were sounds on the VR-09 I would love to be able to get on this such as the 'Jump Brass' sound which sounded just like the Oberheim. Also the VR-09 organs were great, can I load those (as well as other sounds from the vr-09) into the RD-88.
Wow, looks like a great keyboard for the money. Thank you for the very extensive review. Is there any software that allows this be plugged into a computer/tablet without a DAW to see/control the keyboard?
There probably is, and asking this question on a more specific forum would probably get you a quicker answer. Try the Digital Piano forum over at pianoworld.com
I have the same type if e piano volume is turned off and the keys are pressed there is a jerking sound. the settings on one touch use 3 layers if we move to settings one or two the sound of lower or up 2 volume must be turned or not immediately changed.
Would you say if it's okay for a beginner? I'm mainly a bassist, but lately I've taken a likeness to piano again, since i used to play piano before back in college, I play for a few years, but I was thinking on getting this one since it's pretty complete and a reasonable price and I've seem pretty good reviews. And after all I do it with the thought of bringing it to my gigs later on, so thats why I'm even considering it, since im looking forward to the future and all. And I say it because right now I might not need it at the stage where I'm at. Since it would be to reintroduce to playing piano for awhile.
Hi, since you reviewed the VIVO S9 a little while ago, how would you compare the keybeds of the Rd88 to the s9 ? I love the touch of the S9 , but repetition is not on par with - let’s say -KAWAI DP’s. However slides on the s9 are easy and the response is great. It’s 20kg though versus 13 for the RD. I wonder what I would loose in keybed quality in favor of the reduced weight. Knobs also seem a bit flicky compared to the s9 which has bigger controls . And aftertouch of course. Any thoughts ?
Piano Man Chuck I love your reviews and your vast knowledge of the keyboards that you review and demonstrate. However, when demonstrating actual acoustic instrument sounds such as a guitar, trumpet, sax or violin , could you avoid playing them like you're playing a piano or organ and try to mimic the instrument. You played the solo brass using big chords taking away from the realism. On the other hand, you demonstrated the oboe sound beautifully using great articulation and sticking to playing only single notes. This isn't meant to be a criticism, just a suggestion as you're a wonderful demonstrator! Keep up the great work buddy! 🎵🎶🎹
Can you program change into this bad boy’s ch 4 to 16 w/ general midi? I get that it’s a 3 part multi. But can I sequence external midi tracks into the RD-88 on 4 to 16? Any Ronald experts out there :)
Only minus (big minus) is lack of music stand. Anybody managed to make custom or found some solution?? I want to use this keys for controling Keyscape but no music stand is such a lame move from Roland.
Roland doesn't do music rests on their stage pianos. Use a floor stand like orchestral musicians do, that way you can place it wherever you want and never get any movement or vibrations while you play.
Hey there! Agonizing between whether I should get the RD-88 or save some $ and get the FP-30. The action should be the same, the FP-30 has no line outs (which matters/doesn't matter depending who you ask for connecting to audio interfaces, PAs etc), I like the audio in and mic input on the RD88 and the EQ. The rhythms on the FP30 require the app and look a bit clunky to use, not sure if the ones on the RD88 are any more usable or just for practice. I play 90% at home, 90% piano-10% electric piano/organ sounds, record alot including TH-cam videos through an audio interface, will be playing the occasional SMALL room gigs (cafes etc) once the world returns to normal. Any thoughts on whether the RD88 is worth the extra $ for me or would I be better with the FP-30?
I too have been agonizing between those two boards and the Yamaha P-123. Given your planned usage, I suggest you save up for the RD-88. The user interface on the FP30 is really cumbersome and limiting--requires massive patience to deal with. Not for me, although its tones and action are great for the price. There really is very little compromise with the RD-88. My dilemma is different than yours--I already have a quality home board, the awesome RD-800. But is just too heavy and valuable to haul around. I want a board to grab-and-go. The RD-88 is right at the weight limit for me-about 30 lbs. I would love to have a lighter 71 or 76 key board but I have not found one that isn't too compromising.
@@selftrue670 Already bought the FP30 and after owning it for awhile, eventually got bored with the non piano sounds anyways - so now 99% of the time I use default piano sound, never use the app or most of the other stuff anyways, and I've gradually started memorizing how to adjust common settings with the goofy interface. Only thing that REALLY bugs me is not being able to see what BPM the metronome is at without the app
Some might, some won't, only YOU can answer that question by trying it out at your local retailer. If RD88 is not available, try FP10, FP30 or FP60 as they all use PHA-4 Standard.
@@PianoManChuck Follow-up: I did indeed purchase the RD-88 as a gigging board (the RD-800 is a very heavy beast.). I've been gigging on this board for about 7 months now and I absolutely love it. The action is fine, and the controls are intuitive and easy to access. Highly recommend.
To purchase the Roland RD-88 on Amazon, please help me out by using the link below - I get a partial credit for the sale! Thank you.
amzn.to/3ABbMfw This link is for the new RD-88 EX which replaces the RD-88 and still at the same price!
Now that’s a proper demo/review Chuck! Thank you.
Placing the pedal sideways is a GREAT idea. Why did I not think of that? I've been frustrated with my pedals sliding around for years. ARGGGG.
Wow, I had to look at a ton of RD-88 videos before I found one that doesn't just show some keyboard player demonstrating how he or she *can sound just like everybody else* but actually goes through the different sounds of the instrument! THANK YOU!!
What a great demonstration. I’ve ordered one of these. This is exactly what I wanted to see. Your demos of the sound are short and to the point, with an amazing repertoire of appropriate music for each patch. Your Doors and Wedding March particularly made me smile. Roland should be paying you!! Thank you for the education and demonstration. I can’t wait to get mine!
Awesome, thank you!
Can't say it enough, but I love the natural, non-stagy, from-the-heart kind of review. This is Chuck's personal touch. Absolutely lovely!
Wow, thanks!
Classical Gas is one of my favorite songs. Just ordered the RD88! Excited! Thank you for all the vids you make. Very helpful.
Enjoy!
My girlfriend just bought that and she was lost. To help her, I consulted you video....you are a lifesaver. Thanks.
Great to hear!
Absolutely excellent tutorial. I looked at many, many tutorials and what Chuck has done is all the homework. Watch this from beginning to end and you will know your keyboard....................... thank you Chuck.
Larry.
Thank you Chuck! I just joined our church's praise team which uses the rd88. I've used many different brands before, but somehow never a Roland. This video has helped me greatly with getting used to it. You actually show us how to use it, not just demonstrate sounds. Thanks again!
Thanks John, I appreciate that!
Really appreciate how comprehensive your reviews are. Just got this keyboard today! Really excited to play with it...only using the onboard speakers for now, but using headphones will really deliver that gorgeous sound
Enjoy!
Im going to come back to this just to learn the Whiter Shade of pale demo
21:31 Thanks!
Hey, Chuck, your videos have been my go-to for quite some time. Your opening "Forgotten" song as well as your instrument demos bring such a relaxing, laid-back vibe. Very enjoyable!
Thank you, very much appreciated!
This video was so helpful! I got an RD-88 for half a year now, still learned a lot of stuff about it today :)
Glad it helped!
Thanks Chuck. Just got one yesterday and it looks like you’ve saved me plenty of time reading the manual. Very pleased so far. Thanks for the tip on the pedal.
After watching quite a few reviews, this is the video that made me order it! Thanks for a great video and explanation of the RD88!
Glad to hear the video was helpful for you!
I just LOVE what you've done here. Ordered my RD-88, read manuals for 3 days, but NOTHING compares to how you've demonstrated the "rubber meets the road" details. A MILLION times thanks!
Thanks Keith!!
You actually read the manuals? Could you write up a summary of what a user should know? I would pay for this written summary if it is good. I just bought this key board too. Still learning
@@jtal19 This video is better than any summary I could write.
Thank you so much! You just sold this model for me. Like being in a store, but better! Was looking for something in between my Yamaha P-255 and my insanely heavy and old Kurzweil. This fits this bill. Thank you again for the thorough demo of sounds and capabilities!
You're very welcome!
I'm glad you found what you like. The P-255 is a bit short on voices and stage features, but it still outperforms most other portable pianos. Yamaha has not been able to replace this model satisfactorily. None of its portable pianos (P-series & DGX) has a plastic action so agile. The P-515 has a wood action, and is so heavy that it is stretches the concept of "portable" too far IMO.
Absolutely the most informative video on this topic, better than the manual!
Thanks!
We're in complete agreement. I got rid of my MODX 8 and replaced it with an RD-88. I hated the action on the MODX 8. I have a Nord Compact connected to it and control the Nord piano through it sometimes. It makes a world of difference playing a weighted 88 with the Nord Compact. Thanks for a wonderful overview. Stay safe and be well.
That why i own a MODX 6 and a RD 88. Great combination.
The manual might as well be written in ancient Sumerian ... I, for one, am lost without videos like these, and being a boomer, I still struggle. But this makes it much less daunting.... So thanks, fella
Excited! Will be trading in my Juno DS 88 for this board this week! Thank you for solidifying the decision!
Good choice!
Pity you won’t be able to use batteries in it unlike your DS88. Cuts out many performing scenarios imo.
You exude immense talent, your instant adaptions are amazing...thanks for this
Thank you too!
The RD-800 was the last RD to use the PHA-4 before the RD88. The RD2000 has the PHA-50, an upgraded version of the PHA-4. They are both outstanding digital piano actions. To me the PHA-50's escapement is more realistic. Excellent video.
The PHA-4 Standard in the RD-88 is somewhat different and 2 levels down from the PHA-4 Concert in the RD-800. The materials/finish are different, there is additional noise dampening in the Concert and an additional acceleration(velocity?)sensor. imgbb.com/L5tnd4Y
@@xp50player Good info tnx!
Excellent overview Chuck. I own this board and, for the money, this brings a LOT of value and useful features. You just cannot beat this board in the $1000 and below category !
You mean $1,199 and below :)
More like 1300-1400$ new.
Thanks Chuck! I just ordered one. I had bought a Yamaha CP88 and had it for a week and sent it back. I decided it was just too much to have invested into a beat around gigging Stage Piano. Don't get me wrong - the CP is gorgeous and very well thought out. However I already own a Kronos2-88 that lives in my studio (I'll never move that thing!) The CP is beautiful like the Kronos. However I needed something to schlepp around to gigs and even leave at the Piano Lounge where I play for from time to time for other players. I just knew I'd stress out over leaving the CP as a house piano. Plus this RD ($1000 less than the CP88) really fits the bill for me. It's 29lbs - 11 lbs lighter and more streamlined than the CP. It should even fit into a Casio Privia gig bag that I already had (no way the CP would fit). Thanks to your review I also learned the RD is chunk full of sounds (the CP only help about 60 - albeit very high quality - sounds). I'm very impressed with your review of the RD88! You Fine Sir are surely underpaid!
Thanks Bill! BTW: Casio's SC800 gig bag for their newer, slimmer pianos (PX-S and CDP-S series) fits the RD88 perfectly and gives it a lot more protection than their previous Privia Gig Bag. See my review of that at: th-cam.com/video/JnwqIWcGgBA/w-d-xo.html
How is the CP different than the RD 88 or RD 2000. What are you getting for extra dough?
Your comprehensive review is exceptional and so informative. I love your enthusiasm! Thank you so much!!
I really love the sound of the RD-88.
My only pet peeve is the key rebound sound that can many times be heard. I hear it in your video as well. It’s very annoying.
Thank you for that very informative and thorough walk through!!!
Thank you sir, for the amount of work and detail you've given into this clip.
My pleasure!
This was enormously helpful, thank you so much for making things hugely clearer.
Thanks Greg!
Merci pour ces explications claires et détaillées. Ça donne le goût d'en acheter un.
very Great Demo! Congratulations Chuck.
...just found this channel & I really like it...I'm diggin' Chuck's style/presentation. Comes from a true gigging musician's perspective. I was thinking about buying the RD-88...answered a lot of my questions...thanks Chuck...liked/subscibed!
Welcome aboard!
Chuck..... I recently bought a Fantom 7........but am thinking about buying a RD-88 for my grandson who is now taking piano lessons. Seems to me that you are having a blast demo-ing this Roland. Have a great time with this one!!!
Go for it!
Well chuck.......... I will let him prove himself through his lessons.....he is 15 yo and is going on his 5th lesson upcoming this Friday. I already bought him a Yamaha 88 key beginner piano for now, But in January,just after NAMM2021 is over.....I will buy something more advanced then........But you can bet I will place the ROLAND RD-88 high up up my shopping list for now!!!!(especially since I own a Roland Fantom 7 to transfer scenes and sounds....from my Fantom into the RD-88 memory library!
Thanks Chuck for your endorsement of this wonderful
Baby-Fantom!
Great review. Picked this up a few months ago knowing (thanks to this review) that I'd dig the sounds. Fortunately I loved the action too. Thanks for the help.
Thanks for watching!
Super helpful and understandable. Going right away to showing how to access the sounds rather than having to scroll through all the scenes was great. Well organized presentation thank you Chuck. By the way I also got the casio case you recommended. Thanks Piano man!
Glad it was helpful!
I need to learn that RIders on the Storm intro....
You sounded just like Ray
Thank you so much sir for taking the time out to do such a comprehensive review of this incredible board.
Thanks for this insightful and well explained review...I'm about to buy this keyboard, thank you...
Awesome video. I'd say RD-88 is a good candidate for a midi controller as well. Only marginally more cash than some other upper end controllers, and you get a lot on top of a good keybed. 🙂
Good point!
Better keybed compared to NI KK S88 mk2 and Arturia Keylab 88 mk2 - and you get sounds. What you lose is aftertouch and of course the tighter daw and plugin integration
Guys I played the rd88 at guitar center today. I'm in USA. I love the keyboard and action is finominal.
I am disappointed with speakers as I want to maybe play nursing homes or jewelry stores around Christmas time and use the mic.
I was messing around and hit the "key touch" button then I adjusted the "Velocity" from "Real" and incremented it up to 100 to 125. You literally get almost twice the volume out of those speakers its actually very loud but keys are very sensitive. But if you now lower the volume a bit it sounds pretty good with still more volume out of those speakers.
My question " what the heck did I do?"
It must set the key velocity like your slamming down on them when your really not. But is this a legit way to get more volume out of these speakers. Can you guys try this and let me know. I wonder also if this effects the mic volume as well I really want to get on of these puppies
Thanks any advice appreciated.
Thanks Mj.
This instrument is the reason i have sell my FA 08
Excellent! Very thorough review. Also like the secondary demo of the onboard speakers. It's a very powerful KB, wish it was about $300 less. I'm not quite sure of the quality of the voices. Casio's AIR & AIX Sound engines are impressive. If you could pack the guts of a PX-s3000 into an RD88, I think that would be really great. The never ending search fro it all. Thanks again Chuck, you are good!
Thank you kindly!
Well done Chuck. Thank you
Thanks for this detailed review.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the review on this keyboard, the only thing that troubles me with this keyboard is the fact that there is no wheel to advance through the sounds with. Is it possible to advance through the voices with a foot switch? Otherwise, those buttons are going to eventually malfunction. How do you feel about this? Thanks
Great show, as usual 🥳🥳🥳🎹🎹🎹
Thanks for listening
Hello Piano Man Chuck, I've watched many others demo this keyboard, and you are the only one that answered my question. I wanted to know if I could split the keys and also have a layer. Thanks. From one pianist to another, I love your videos. Cheers
Glad I could help!
Hi Chuck! Thanks for this awesome review. I was wondering does the keyword have patch remain? I think that’s what Roland call it! Id like to know when you switch sounds if you can hold the last sound using say the sustain pedal and that sound continues sounding as you start playing the next setup/tone. It sounded like the delays on some of the scenes faded over nicely from one to the next but I wondered about sustaining. Thanks!
This is my question as well. An important capability for live performance
Hi Chuck. Thank you for the comprehensive review. Do you think this is good for playing classical music? Thanks
This was immensely helpful…thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for your excellent video on the Rd 88, I just purchased mine, however the manual really lacks detail info on how to, I am trying to find all the preset banks, plus I want to make 3 layer scenes, When I put on the lower from the split and try to make that voice cover the whole keyboard the 2 upper become silent.
All Roland manuals suck.
Thank you so much for showing how to navigate a lot of the different functions and adjustments. You have shaved hours off of the time it would take someone who has this board or someone like me who's thinking of buying the RD-88.
I was hoping you'd demonstrate how to store a sound that you manipulated or customized into the favorites bank. I understand the are 10 banks of 10.
Is there another demo where you show that? Unless I missed it, I don't think it's in this video. It's really important to me for quick access playing live with a band.
Thank you 😊
Unbelievable! Are you that selfish and lazy that you cant download the manual and look it up? Once you have the manual its 10 seconds to look it up but you rather have someone else take the time to make a video for that? UNREAL!
Seems very good value. If it was only a midi controller with no sounds it would still be £1000.
Very helpful review thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
There's a88 which is like $1299 so yes pretty close
I loved that keyboard from the first time you played it a week or so ago and I didn't know it was only with the internal speakers only until you mentioned it! Not bad for the price either.
On another note ( pun intended) They all sound good when you play them. Whatever it is that you have, God given or whatever, you certainly have the gift. Did I ever tell you that Marvin Hamlisch and his dad Max tested me for pitch? Marvin was 18 and I was 12 or 13! The father took me for a student. There is only 1 video on here about Max and only 1 comment ( mine). Parents of great musicians don't get much air time I guess. Actually he was better with an accordion. So,That and $2.50 will get me a bus ride
Thanks Chuckie, great vid!!! "Forgotten" sounded great on this RD-88. Loved it..
stay safe!!
Thanks CJ... really appreciate that!
Excellent review.Can any particular sound be assigned to the left or right jack output whilsts in the split mode?
Is there a way to change the speed of the stereo panning in the 1975 E Piano sound? I gave it an honest try to find out myself and I'm stumped.
Great Video Chuck. I have look at multiple videos to determine if the RD88 will allow a volume control pedal to adjust the volume of a zone or voice. (For example: the swell of strings or organ while layering). You have answered my question. But how do you program the RD88 to deliver that feature. I need to know the answer before I buy the keyboard...
I discover your channel, very informative and precious, thanks for your reviews. Only a question: is it playable from a daw on more than one midi channel? I'm searching a good midi controller keybed with mod weel and this solution seems to be a good candidate also for the ability to offer sounds on the fly without the needs to open plugins on daw.
Thanks for your videos ;)
Thanks for the review. Can you record yourself internally with this keyboard?
Thank you a lot for a detailed explanation:)
great review, very thorough!
Much appreciated!
Thanks for the video Chuck, very helpful, I bought one a couple days ago, but unlike my RD 700,I can't seem to designate a stop and start for the rhythms to Fc1 or FC2. Am I missing something?. I see no mention of it in the manual
Hiya Chuck, I've got the RD 88, can you record a tune and upload it to your computer or tablet to post to social media. Thanks, Kev, in the UK.😊
Hey Chuck , can the RD 88 playback MP3 or WAV files off a USB flash drive? If I wanted to use it as a backing track, is that possible?
I bought one of these! Which piano is that you started out playing in the video! Thanks Chuck!
Hi Chuck , do you know if RD-88 can be combined with Synthe JD-Xi ( 'the small one . . ." ) ? Can I use JD-Xi with the RE-88 On board Speakers ?
Great video! 👍🏼
Thanks!
Chuck has never reviewed a keyboard he didn't like. A mighty good salesman, though.
But he has said which ones he prefers.
@@Paulplayskeys That's true. Don't get me wrong. I like Chuck. He might call out his favorite board from each NAMM, but he doesn't really offer criticism of the keyboards he reviews. He loves everything, but he sells keyboards so that makes sense.
He doesn't sell Roland, and he doesn't bash them, he has integrity.
@@garycitro1674 He doesnt have to bash Roland to provide a balanced review that highlights positives AND negatives. Chuck's approach to reviews is that of a salesman and not that of a critic. Which is fine if that's what you want. I like reviewers to really tell me the positives and negatives of a board.
He is scrupulous in covering the features and pros and cons. Can’t blame anyone for being an enthusiast.
Just bought an RD-88, very impressive indeed for what it is. Can you edit a sound? In spite of it having so many sounds I cannot find the string sound I want to play 'All my love' by Led Zeppelin, I need to be able to edit the sound shape via envelope control. Also I used to have a VR-09 combo, it sounded great. There were sounds on the VR-09 I would love to be able to get on this such as the 'Jump Brass' sound which sounded just like the Oberheim. Also the VR-09 organs were great, can I load those (as well as other sounds from the
vr-09) into the RD-88.
Wow, looks like a great keyboard for the money. Thank you for the very extensive review. Is there any software that allows this be plugged into a computer/tablet without a DAW to see/control the keyboard?
There probably is, and asking this question on a more specific forum would probably get you a quicker answer. Try the Digital Piano forum over at pianoworld.com
luuuv it!!
I see it was released in March 2020 How often do Roland release updates to their keyboards?
I have the same type
if e piano volume is turned off and the keys are pressed there is a jerking sound.
the settings on one touch use 3 layers if we move to settings one or two the sound of lower or up 2 volume must be turned or not immediately changed.
What patch is the intro to Babe by Styx I am looking for that sound. Is it built into this JUNO DS88? please help
Would you say if it's okay for a beginner? I'm mainly a bassist, but lately I've taken a likeness to piano again, since i used to play piano before back in college, I play for a few years, but I was thinking on getting this one since it's pretty complete and a reasonable price and I've seem pretty good reviews. And after all I do it with the thought of bringing it to my gigs later on, so thats why I'm even considering it, since im looking forward to the future and all. And I say it because right now I might not need it at the stage where I'm at. Since it would be to reintroduce to playing piano for awhile.
Hi, since you reviewed the VIVO S9 a little while ago, how would you compare the keybeds of the Rd88 to the s9 ? I love the touch of the S9 , but repetition is not on par with - let’s say -KAWAI DP’s. However slides on the s9 are easy and the response is great. It’s 20kg though versus 13 for the RD. I wonder what I would loose in keybed quality in favor of the reduced weight. Knobs also seem a bit flicky compared to the s9 which has bigger controls . And aftertouch of course. Any thoughts ?
Hi. Are there keyboards with both escapement and aftertouch? It had never occurred to me. Thanks.
@@njigyfd Yes - the Dexibell Vivo S9 has both (Aftertouch and Escapement)! PM me if you want a great price on a Dexibell Vivo S9 (mainland USA only).
@@PianoManChuck Dexibell has an incredible sound.
Q. Does the sustain pedal continually sustain the pad sound without hands?
Thanks, Chuck. You're great! Love the video. Can you tell me if it's possible to change the octave of just the upper half of a split?
As you are panning though can you save one so that next time you dont have to pan through a million menu forwards???
Of course! Use the 'favorites' function. Its well outlined in the user manual.
Got a dilema, i can buy a used rd-800 (approx. 3 years old) or a new RD-88 (with warranty) for same price. What to do.....
Piano Man Chuck I love your reviews and your vast knowledge of the keyboards that you review and demonstrate. However, when demonstrating actual acoustic instrument sounds such as a guitar, trumpet, sax or violin , could you avoid playing them like you're playing a piano or organ and try to mimic the instrument. You played the solo brass using big chords taking away from the realism. On the other hand, you demonstrated the oboe sound beautifully using great articulation and sticking to playing only single notes. This isn't meant to be a criticism, just a suggestion as you're a wonderful demonstrator! Keep up the great work buddy! 🎵🎶🎹
Can we find a Mellotron sound (like Genesis) to fit with de RD 88 ?
Hello, do you know which music desk is suitable with the keyboard?
Can you program change into this bad boy’s ch 4 to 16 w/ general midi? I get that it’s a 3 part multi. But can I sequence external midi tracks into the RD-88 on 4 to 16? Any Ronald experts out there :)
Only minus (big minus) is lack of music stand. Anybody managed to make custom or found some solution?? I want to use this keys for controling Keyscape but no music stand is such a lame move from Roland.
Roland doesn't do music rests on their stage pianos. Use a floor stand like orchestral musicians do, that way you can place it wherever you want and never get any movement or vibrations while you play.
@@PianoManChuck Well they actually do. Every model from FP series has it. So I was thinking if stand from these models can be mounted to RD.
@@vrod2144 FP aren’t “stage” pianos. They are home models. RD is the professional line. No professional wants a stand attached.
@@scottabbott2269 actually my aging RD170 has a music stand. I've never actually used it, for reasons stated above.
Great demo...can you go over all the rhythms too to play on top of ?
Does the RD88 have the Roland MKS-20 sounds from the module they made in the 1980s?
Your best bet for getting an answer to that question would be in the RD-88 forum at forums.rolandclan.com/
@@PianoManChuck thank you for info
I heard that the decay on the piano sounds have a short decay. Do you find this true, or that the piano tones are good? Love your reviews!!
Get this and hook it into a Dexibell SX7 or SX8 and you will have the best of both worlds.
Hey there! Agonizing between whether I should get the RD-88 or save some $ and get the FP-30. The action should be the same, the FP-30 has no line outs (which matters/doesn't matter depending who you ask for connecting to audio interfaces, PAs etc), I like the audio in and mic input on the RD88 and the EQ. The rhythms on the FP30 require the app and look a bit clunky to use, not sure if the ones on the RD88 are any more usable or just for practice. I play 90% at home, 90% piano-10% electric piano/organ sounds, record alot including TH-cam videos through an audio interface, will be playing the occasional SMALL room gigs (cafes etc) once the world returns to normal. Any thoughts on whether the RD88 is worth the extra $ for me or would I be better with the FP-30?
I too have been agonizing between those two boards and the Yamaha P-123. Given your planned usage, I suggest you save up for the RD-88. The user interface on the FP30 is really cumbersome and limiting--requires massive patience to deal with. Not for me, although its tones and action are great for the price. There really is very little compromise with the RD-88. My dilemma is different than yours--I already have a quality home board, the awesome RD-800. But is just too heavy and valuable to haul around. I want a board to grab-and-go. The RD-88 is right at the weight limit for me-about 30 lbs. I would love to have a lighter 71 or 76 key board but I have not found one that isn't too compromising.
@@selftrue670 Already bought the FP30 and after owning it for awhile, eventually got bored with the non piano sounds anyways - so now 99% of the time I use default piano sound, never use the app or most of the other stuff anyways, and I've gradually started memorizing how to adjust common settings with the goofy interface. Only thing that REALLY bugs me is not being able to see what BPM the metronome is at without the app
great video, thank you!
Can you recommend an expression pedal?
Just got one nice review! I can only find about 300 sounds 10 banks x 30 sounds.If anyone has any suggestions please share!
See 17:15
How Do I set the 3 sounds (Up1, Up2 and Low) as layer sounds?
Do you know how to save favorite scenes into a bank? I can't seem to do this, it will just say unregistered each time..
are the keys weighted?
Does it have the MKS-20 Roland Piano module Patch?
figata
Are there any drum's sounds?
Hey, Chuck, I've had an RD800 for years. Would I be disappointed with the "Standard" action of the RD-88?
Some might, some won't, only YOU can answer that question by trying it out at your local retailer. If RD88 is not available, try FP10, FP30 or FP60 as they all use PHA-4 Standard.
@@PianoManChuck Follow-up: I did indeed purchase the RD-88 as a gigging board (the RD-800 is a very heavy beast.). I've been gigging on this board for about 7 months now and I absolutely love it. The action is fine, and the controls are intuitive and easy to access. Highly recommend.