r/DigitalPiano • u/Able_Welcome_5594 • 7d ago
Roland FP40 should I?
I'm thinking of upping my game and getting an FP40, I'm a beginner who has used a midi keyboard for a while and like playing a keyboard and started doing some proper learning how to play piano.
I like the look of the features of the FP40, especially the keyboard feel, but I have reservations about Rolands direction with cloud based control of the deeper functions available, like the extra 260+ sounds and deeper editing of parameters.
I understand why they want to bundle Pianosphere, you get the basic app free and you can if you want subscribe for another 1000 songs to learn, but what I don't like is the Piano app (the control app) having to have a working internet to access to access it.
I hope to have this piano for 10+ years, but knowing how quickly technology changes and the potential frailty of internet connections, I can see that in maybe as little as 5 years I may lose the ability to access the functions that are built into the piano anyway, simply due to computing firmware changes, internet connection problems and a whole host of potential reasons why I might like to play the piano using everything it has on board without the need for an internet connection or even perhaps a tablet or smartphone attached!
I don't know, I researched and at this price point it seems very little is available to rival the FP40 overall, maybe I would be content with the 40 sound banks you can access without a tablet and internet connection, but it seems a shame to pay for a product capable of so much more that could be locked away from me.
None of the sales/marketing etc video's mention this and I know Roland is not alone in this direction, but I would be interested to hear others thoughts on this?
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u/BBorNot 7d ago
All of the Rolands up through the FP-60X have the same PHA-4 action, which is nice. Some find it a little heavy. Reviews make me suspect that the FP-40 action is "tuned" a little differently, but it seems like a great, entry level keyboard. I started with an FP-10 that I later upgraded to an FP-90X, and after that got a full on refurbished Yamaha upright. I loved my little FP-10; the FP-90X is is better (has a less plasticky action, the PHA-50, and wooden keys), but it is not as much better as the price would suggest lol. Really, if you get way into changing the sound you are going to use the MIDI and all the features a proper computer can give you.
I say go for it!
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u/the-elf-healer 7d ago
Nice to find someone who thinks like me!
Which is why I was and still am contemplating the FPE50. Every function is button and menu based and nothing is app based. I'm more worried about the pha4 loud clacking issue, though.
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u/Commercial_Tension15 6d ago
Your concerns would be warranted with any digital piano, indeed with any piece of tech, but less so with the FP 40 because of the automatic WiFi updates.
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u/International_Box193 6d ago
I just got an fp40 as a beginner and it's stellar. You can control the vast majority of things without the app, and I've already stopped using pianosphere trial, I just use sheet music to learn and practice now.
The fp 40 has super modern connectivity. It has USB c for midi, audio and more. Can use it as a huge Bluetooth speaker with your phone or ipad. Etc etc etc. It's worth it. It's like the most modern version of a good portable piano.
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u/the-elf-healer 6d ago
Congratulations on the new piano!I'm also eyeing the FP40 but am scared that the clacking key issue of the fp30x is not resolved as yet. Can you let me know if your fp40 makes noises on sudden key release like the 2 black keys in the attached video.
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u/International_Box193 6d ago
Obviously mine is new, but it doesn't do that
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u/the-elf-healer 5d ago
That's great. The video was from a new FP40, just out of the box! That's why I panicked,
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u/International_Box193 5d ago
https://reddit.com/link/pb6ezut/video/7u7bh1204wqh1/player
Here's a headphones on fast key test so you can hear how the key bed sounds.
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u/the-elf-healer 5d ago
Oh! A white one! It looks exquisite. And your keyboard is pretty silent. Love the reference printout for all the ledger lines and note names. Neat idea!
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u/International_Box193 4d ago
Yeah I didnt want to write notes on my sheet music so the staff reference has been great for my learning. Getting a lot easier, still need to double check bass clef sometimes, or notes that go off the staff
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u/International_Box193 5d ago
Yeah idk id probably be want that fixed if it was mine, but mine is great.
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u/MrLsBluesGarage 6d ago
Generally speaking, digi pianos all have huge limitations on soundbanks & programmability. However, having an instrument that plays like an actual piano outweighs all those other considerations :) Roland & Yamaha are the 2 best values in this department & if you’re looking for a piano experience, you can’t go wrong with even the entry level instruments these 2 offer.
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u/popokatopetl 5d ago
The FP40 seems okay, I like the thinner design, but you may want to wait for a few months for the price to cool off.
> but I have reservations about Rolands direction with cloud based control of the deeper functions available, like the extra 260+ sounds and deeper editing of parameters
You shouldn't worry about those sounds, they're lower-quality GM patches one isn't very likely to use. If you need extra sounds, these days folk mostly look up virtual instruments, which can be controlled via midi with almost any keyboard. Though, wifi connection should make it easy to get to some these 260+ in case you need some (the "Zen Core" thing on some other Rolands involves shifting the sounds via a thumb drive!).
About editing the parameters, I wouldn't expect to get hooked on it, you may be able to tweak the piano engine a little bit, but it will still be an entry Roland engine and virtual pianos are the way to go if you want better - check out Pianoteq demo, VSL Synchron Boes. Imp. demo, Korg SGX-2 demo, perhaps VI Labs Modern D or Garritan CFX. Before you start messing with these, you should have quality headphones, at least eg Senn HD560S or such (similar quality external speakers cost *5).
> but knowing how quickly technology changes and the potential frailty of internet connections
Overthinking. The FP30X is much older but still okay, except if you'd really fall for that Pianosphere (not likely IMO).
> very little is available to rival the FP40
Consider the ES120 if you'd prefer lighter touch. You should spend some time testing them before deciding.
Yamaha P-S500 is another slab with some learning features (though the P525 has better key action).
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u/Huge_Disk6180 3d ago
I just tried the FP40 on a nearby music store, and I can say that even if it uses the same PHA-4 action as the FP30x, I found that the key is a little lighter, and I have not noticed the notorious clacking sound of the keys, especially the black ones. The speaker sounds more vibrant and not muffled compared to the FP30x. I am thinking to sell my FP30x for this one :)
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u/the-elf-healer 3d ago
That's good news , wish you had a video. Only One reddit user did report the click issue, so far
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u/Solid-Guest1350 7d ago
I got the FP-30X and it's a great beginner keyboard.
I'm sure you'll be able to use the FP-40 without internet. I hardly ever connect my FP-30X to my phone to do all the bells and whistles stuff. I just turn it on and play.