Roland FP-30X review

The FP-30X uses the same 88-note PHA-4 Standard keyboard as Roland's FP-60X, with escapement and ivory-feel keys, which is a step up in key detail from most portables at this level. The SuperNATURAL Piano engine runs at 256-note polyphony, and Roland lists 321 tones in total, 56 of them on the front panel and the rest through the Roland Piano App. Bluetooth handles both audio streaming and MIDI, USB carries audio and MIDI to a computer, and there are twin headphone jacks plus 1/4-inch outputs for an external speaker. The 11 W x 2 speakers are stronger than the P-145BT's. Roland's US product page does not show a price, so we left value scored conservatively until we can check a US price from Roland. It is also the heaviest portable here at 14.8 kg with the music rest. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not test it.

Who it is for

Returning players who want escapement and ivory-feel keys plus USB audio for recording.

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• PHA-4 Standard keyboard with escapement and ivory feel
• SuperNATURAL Piano sound with 256-note polyphony
• Bluetooth audio and MIDI
• USB audio and MIDI plus a USB memory port
• Twin headphone jacks and 1/4-inch line outputs

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Escapement and ivory-feel keys borrowed from the FP-60X
• Strength: 256-note polyphony and 321 tones through the app
• Strength: Two headphone jacks for teacher and student
• Weakness: Heavier than the Yamaha portables at 14.8 kg with music rest
• Weakness: Roland's US page shows no price, so check a dealer
• Weakness: Only 56 tones on the front panel; the rest need the app

Key facts

• Action: PHA-4 Standard, escapement and ivory feel
• Polyphony: 256
• Speakers: 12 cm x 2, 11 W x 2
• Bluetooth: Audio and MIDI
• Weight: 14.8 kg with music rest

Where it ranks

Roland FP-30X is No. 5 in our Best Digital Pianos verdict.