Today we’ll be comparing the specs and performance of two entry-level models of the Roland FP lineup as we see how the Roland FP-30X and Roland FP-10 compare.
Digital Pianos
Digital Pianos
We’ll cover all of the critical differences between these two pianos that really do much of the heavy lifting for Roland’s digital piano lineup considering how affordable they both are so that hopefully if you’re looking within this general category for your next instrument, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision.
With that in mind, we’ll jump in to see exactly how the piano actions of these two pianos measure up to one another.
Discontinued Model: The Roland FP-30 Digital Piano has been replaced by the FP-30X, please see our YouTube review here.
Piano Action: Roland FP-30x vs Roland FP-10
This will actually be the easiest and most straightforward part of our comparison because the action utilized in both pianos is literally exactly the same.
PHA-4 Standard Keyboard Action with Escapement
Roland puts the PHA-4 Standard Keyboard action with escapement and ivory touch into both the FP-10 and the FP-30X, and there’s really no difference between them.
The PHA-4 hammer action is equipped with a triple sensor, although some of the marketing literature doesn’t necessarily make that very clear. This means both pianos will have exactly the same MIDI accuracy and touch sensitivity, so the real differences are going to come down to sound-related aspects and some of the features.
Interestingly, you’ll also find the PHA-4 action in the next model up in the FP series – the FP-60x. Roland also uses it in the F-701, RP701, RP107, HP702, FP-E50, Fantom-08, RD-08, RD-88, and the brand-new V Stage 88.
Basically, it’s the go-to Roland action for their beginner, mid-range, and pro-stage lineup. This means you would need to spend almost three times as much money as the FP-10 before you got any sort of meaningful improvement in the action.
For people out there who are focused on a good-feeling practice instrument or something that’s going to deliver the best touch in as portable and as inexpensive a package as possible, it’s really hard to dispute that either instrument, but especially the FP-10 as delivering fantastic value.
We’ve got a lot of experience with this action over at Merriam Music, and it’s an action that we’re very fond of it.
It’s not at all a clunky action so there isn’t an overabundance of mechanical noise or anything like that, it hits the key bed a little bit harder than say a comparable Casio, Kawai, Korg, or Yamaha action.
Key Texture
We really like some type of texture on the keys when it comes to digital piano actions as it adds some extra grip, which is especially helpful in more humid playing environments. The ivory feel here actually winds up absorbing a little bit of that extra moisture that sometimes gets generated.
The escapement, feature or some people call this let-off, is a simulation of the feeling you get on a real acoustic piano when the hammer comes off the knuckle. When you’re playing in the softer dynamic ranges such as pianissimo, the escapement is a nice feature to have. It actually adds a lot of authenticity to the experience.
There’s no question we’ve got a great-feeling action here that we would say is well suited for contemporary repertoire, and it works really well for jazz. For somebody just starting out in the classical world, we think you’d have no issues working up to medium difficulty repertoire with this action until you might want to consider an upgrade to an acoustic piano or high-end digital piano.
Roland Digital Piano Actions | PHA-4, PHA-50 & Hybrid Grand | Digital Piano Actions Explained
Piano Sound: Roland FP-30X vs Roland FP-10
Now we’ll be able to get into some real differences between the FP-10 and the FP-30x. Let’s start with the speakers.
22-watts vs 12-watts Speakers
The FP-30 has 22 watts of speaker power while the FP-10 has 12. Given the FP-10’s size and price, those 12 watts actually give quite a bit of horsepower – certainly more than what any of us were expecting the first time we sat down at one.
There’s actually a fairly decent amount of body and depth to the sound, along with some adjustable reverb settings. It’s probably only going to be sufficient for situations where you’re really playing by yourself or maybe playing along with one other person as it’s not enough sound to fill up a medium room nor would it be enough for a performance situation.
Ideally, you might want to get the amplifier setup going or invest in a solid set of headphones to take advantage of the SuperNATURAL sound engine that the FP-10 is equipped with.
FP-30x’s SuperNATURAL Piano Sound Engine
The FP-30 is also equipped with the SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine, but there is a slight difference in the chipset between the FP-10 and the FP-30x.
96 vs 128 Polyphony
The FP-10 has 96-notes of polyphony, whereas the FP-30 has 128. What does that actually mean for someone playing both pianos? For starters, you will hear a slight difference in the richness or complexity of the tone. The FP-30x sounds a little bit thicker, and you can especially hear that difference once you compare the treble ranges.
Unless you’ve got them side by side comparing the default grand piano tone though it’s going to be pretty hard for an average listener to tell the difference between these two in terms of the piano sound that it produces aside from the extra volume the FP-30x has at its disposal.
Onboard Sounds
When it comes to the sheer quantity of the different types of sound presets that each instrument has on board, there are about three times the number of tones on the FP-30x than on the FP-10. There are a few more acoustic pianos, electric pianos, and definitely more in the generic “other” category which is going to include things like strings, pads, vibes, synths, etc.
Features & Connectivity
Bluetooth MIDI
When it comes to features and connectors, both pianos are equipped with Bluetooth MIDI. Roland makes a few of their own music apps which both pianos are compatible with, and while they work with both Apple iOS and Android devices, things seem to run a little bit smoother with Apple devices. Bluetooth wireless technology isn’t a given in the price range, so kudos to Roland here.
Roland’s Piano Partner 2 and Piano Designer are compatible with both pianos, but you’re given more parameters to work within Piano Designer on the FP-30x.
There are of course other great apps out there such as Garageband as well.
Standard Functions
Standard functions like a metronome and twin piano mode are covered on both instruments, but while the FP-30x also has Split, the FP-10 does not.
In terms of other features, the FP-30xhas a recorder function and the ability to playback USB audio (SMF, WAV) through the USB flash drive on the back while the FP-10 doesn’t have either one of those functions.
Headphone Jacks Differences
Another difference – we’ve got two headphone jacks, a 1/4-inch, and 3.5-mil on the FP-30 to choose from while the FP-10 has a single 3.5 mil headphone output.
Neither instrument has a line out to connect to an amp, so you’ll need to use the headphone port if you plan on doing that.
Pedal Systems
Another important difference has to do with the pedals, and this is probably going to be one of the biggest deals for people with piano experience or who plan on taking piano lessons. The FP-10 does not have a port for the three-pedal unit option, whereas the FP-30 does.
While you need the KSC-70 designer keyboard stand for the KPD-70 triple pedalboard to function, just having that as an option will be a huge deal for some people.
At the very least with the FP-10, you’re going to want to upgrade yourself to the DP-10 Roland sustain pedal since it only includes a basic switch pedal in the box. A proper damper pedal makes all of the difference.
Both instruments come with a music rest for your sheet music as well as a power adapter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main differences between the Roland FP-30X and FP-10 ACR digital pianos?
A: The Roland FP-30X and FP-10 ACR digital pianos differ largely in features and specifications. The FP-30X offers more advanced features such as a richer sound engine, better polyphony, and enhanced speaker systems. Additionally, the FP-30X comes with Bluetooth connectivity, whereas the FP-10 ACR lacks this functionality, making the FP-30X more versatile for modern music applications.
Q: Which digital piano is better for beginners, the Roland FP-10 ACR or FP-30X?
A: For beginners, the Roland FP-10 ACR is often considered a more suitable choice due to its affordability and user-friendly interface. It provides essential features that are great for practicing, while still delivering excellent sound quality typical of Roland’s pianos. The FP-30X, although slightly more expensive, includes features that can benefit more committed players as they progress.
Q: What sound features can be expected from the Roland FP-30X compared to the FP-10 ACR?
A: The Roland FP-30X features an advanced sound engine that provides a more authentic piano experience, with an impressive range of sounds including various piano tones, electric pianos, and strings. It also has an enhanced speaker system that delivers higher sound quality and greater volume. The FP-10 ACR, while also offering quality sounds, does not have the depth or variety found in the FP-30X’s offering, making the latter more appealing for serious musicians.
Q: Is the connectivity of the Roland FP-30X superior to that of the FP-10 ACR?
A: Yes, the connectivity options on the Roland FP-30X are superior to those on the FP-10 ACR. The FP-30X features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to connect wirelessly to apps and other devices for interactive play and practice. This feature enhances the learning experience by providing access to a wide array of educational tools and digital music libraries. In contrast, the FP-10 ACR lacks this capability, which may limit its utility for tech-savvy users.
Q: How portable are the Roland FP-30X and FP-10 ACR compared to other digital pianos in their class?
A: Both the Roland FP-30X and FP-10 ACR are designed for portability, making them excellent choices for musicians on the go. The FP-10 ACR is particularly lightweight, making it one of the most portable digital pianos in its class, ideal for traveling musicians or those with limited space. The FP-30X, while slightly heavier due to its advanced features, still maintains a portable structure and can be easily transported to gigs or practice sessions. This makes both models competitive among other digital pianos in the market.
Q: What kind of learning tools or features do the Roland FP-30X and FP-10 ACR offer?
A: The Roland FP-30X and FP-10 ACR both offer features conducive to learning. While the FP-10 ACR includes basic metronome and recording features, the FP-30X elevates the experience with its advanced Bluetooth capabilities. This feature allows users to connect to Roland’s Piano Partner 2 app, which provides a wealth of interactive lessons, games, and tools designed to enhance learning. Both models come with built-in learning capabilities but the FP-30X offers a more comprehensive suite of resources for dedicated learners.
Q: Are there any notable design differences between the Roland FP-30X and FP-10 ACR?
A: Yes, there are some design differences between the two models. The Roland FP-30X has a more contemporary and polished design, which often appeals to users looking for aesthetics that blend with home interiors or performance settings. It features a more robust and stylish cabinet. Meanwhile, the FP-10 ACR has a simpler and more compact design, making it suitable for small spaces or casual use, but with less emphasis on aesthetics compared to the FP-30X.
Q: In summary, which model should I choose?
A: In summary, both the Roland FP-30X and FP-10 ACR cater to entry-level musicians and more seasoned players alike, though they each serve slightly different needs and preferences. The FP-30X, with its advanced features and greater connectivity options, is ideal for users who may need more versatility and quality in their digital piano experience. The FP-10 ACR, conversely, remains an excellent option for those who wish to focus on learning without breaking the bank. Choosing between the two ultimately boils down to personal preferences, desired features, and budget considerations.
Closing Thoughts
So, we’ve covered all of the key areas where these instruments are similar and where they depart from one another. The one that’s probably going to be the biggest sticking point for a lot of folks is the fact that the FP-10 doesn’t have the triple pedal option.
Both instruments are extremely good value, and for folks that just need as good action in as affordable and compact a package as possible, the Roland FP-10 will really stand out here.
If some extra sounds, more speaker power, a few extra features, and that triple pedal option are important, the FP-30 is well worth the extra few hundred dollars.
If there’s one area we’d like to see improved in the future, it would be to have each instrument have a dedicated line output as a traditional stage piano or synthesizer does.
Thanks for reading! Visit Merriam Music for more piano reviews and Articles. Also, visit our Youtube Channel for more in-depth piano covers.
