As a long-time Roland fan, I was excited to get my hands on the new FP-30X model to see how it compares to its predecessor, the popular FP-30 digital piano. In this in-depth guide, I’ll walk you through the main upgrades and new features Roland has included in the FP-30X.
Enhanced Sound Quality
The first thing I noticed when I started playing the FP-30X was the improved sound. The onboard sound engine has been overhauled to provide richer and more detailed piano and instrument sounds.
Some of the key sound upgrades include:
- More powerful processing for better resonance, sustain and expression
- Enhanced piano cabinet, damper and string resonance modeling
- More nuanced and realistic key-off noises like hammer, damper and key release sounds
- Wider tonal spectrum from rich basses to sparkling highs
The harpsichord instrument in particular now has a clearer and more vibrant character. Hammond organ sounds also have more presence across the keyboard.
When playing piano, there is now more “air” and openness to the sound. Subtleties like pedal noise come through with more detail. The improved dynamic range means the transition from soft to loud passages feels more effortless.
Overall the instruments feel more responsive and alive under the fingers. This inspires you to dig into your performance and develop more refined technique.
Beefed Up Speakers
The FP-30X features upgraded 4 x 6 cm, 8W onboard stereo speakers. The new custom speaker setup provides fuller and louder sound projection.
In particular, the lower frequency response has been enhanced. Roland has incorporated what they call “V-shaped speaker equalization” which boosts both the lows and highs.
This gives the sound a hifi richness and clarity that fills the room. It’s especially noticeable when playing bass lines or lower piano register chords.
The speakers breathe more life into piano performances. And they provide plenty of power for jamming along to backing tracks or instrument layers.
More Polyphony
For complex pieces with lots of notes and sustained pedaling, polyphony can be a limiting factor on digital pianos. This determines how many notes you can play simultaneously while maintaining sound quality.
The FP-30 now boasts an impressive 256-note polyphony – up from 192 notes on the previous FP-30 model.
For most playing scenarios this headroom is more than sufficient. But if you’re a heavy pedaler or play dense classical pieces with lots of contrapuntal lines, the upgrade is beneficial.
Those extra 64 notes ensure sound stability and reduces note dropout even on busy passages played forte. This gives you extra confidence to be more expressive in your playing dynamics and phrasing.
Piano Designer App Integration
Another great new feature on the FP-30X is compatibility with Roland’s Piano Designer app. This iOS/Android app lets you customize various piano sound parameters to craft your own unique piano tones.
Piano Designer connects with the FP-30X via Bluetooth LE and provides deep editing options including:
- Tuning and temperament
- Lid position, soundboard and environment modeling
- Key off, damper and string resonance levels
- Hammer noise and mechanical action volumes
- EQ and effects like reverb/chorus
Having this degree of customization allows you to finely tune the piano’s tonal character to your personal playing style and musical needs.
Consistent Premium Keyboard Feel
The FP-30X utilizes the exact same PHA-4 Standard keyboard action found in Roland’s premium digital pianos including the LX700 series. This action features:
- Textured ivory and ebony style key surfaces for grip and authentic feel
- Triple sensor mechanism for precise repeating notes
- High resolution sensing for accurately capturing playing dynamics
- Escapement simulation for authentic response on rapid key repetition
The keyboard feels solid under the fingers while retaining a good amount of weight sensitivity. The keys have a piano-like texture and move smoothly from front to back.
I don’t notice any difference between the FP-30X and previous FP-30 actions. But this consistency across Roland’s portfolio is actually a good thing. The PHA-4 keyboard is widely praised for its authentic feel across varying dynamics in the under $1000 price point.
Connectivity
The rear panel connectivity on the FP-30X has had a minor upgrade. It still features 1/4 inch sustain/expression pedal inputs, 1/4 inch stereo headphone output, and the DC power input.
But notably, Roland has now included a pair of 1/4 inch TS outputs along with the phone outputs. This allows for easier connectivity with PA systems, mixers and audio interfaces without the need for adaptors.
The FP-30X also adds Bluetooth 4.0 audio capability. This means you can wirelessly play songs from your phone/computer through the piano speakers to play along to. This handy feature was missing on the older FP-30.
Standout Value in its Class
Considering its upgrades in sound quality, speakers and features, the Roland FP-30X is an impressive digital piano for under $1000.
It includes standout specs like 256-note polyphony and escapement simulation which are hard to find in competitor models at this price point like the Yamaha P125.
And Roland’s continuous improvements ensure their instruments stay ahead of the pack in realism and expression.
If you’re searching for an intermediate digital piano that won’t break the bank, the FP-30X hits all the right notes.
Below is a short summary chart I’ve put together showing the key differences between the Roland FP-30X and previous generation FP-30 based on my testing:
| Feature | Roland FP-30 | Roland FP-30X |
|---|---|---|
| Sound Engine | SuperNATURAL | SuperNATURAL + upgrades |
| Polyphony | 192 notes | 256 notes |
| Speakers | 2 x 8 cm, 5W | 2 x 6 cm, 8W |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | Yes – stream music wirelessly |
| Outputs | 1/4" headphone only | 1/4" headphone + twin TS outputs |
| Piano Designer | Not compatible | Customize tones via app |
| Key Action | PHA-4 with Escapement | PHA-4 with Escapement |
| Price | $749 | $999 |
It’s clear that the FP-30X offers meaningful enhancements across sound quality, connectivity and features while keeping everything we know and love about the previous FP-30.
As a regular gigging keyboardist, having an intermediate home digital piano I can rely on both for practice and small shows is essential.
After spending some time gigging and recording with the new Roland FP-30X, I’m confident in saying it’s the most inspiring instrument I’ve played in its price range.
The tweaks Roland has introduced with the sound engine and speakers might seem subtle on paper. But they make a noticeable impact on the playing experience.
The open and rich tone inspires you to get more creative with phrasing and dynamics. The speakers fill the room nicely both at home, and when mixed at small cafes or bars.
Having the extra quarter inch outputs is super handy for shows and recording sessions. I can just plug straight into the mixing desk or audio interface without fussing around with adaptors.
And the crucial keyboard action and pedaling performance feels identical to Roland’s more expensive models I’ve gigged extensively with.
For intermediate players that travel a lot, the FP-30X hits a real sweet spot. You get pro features and authentic tone in a lightweight and affordable package. It outclasses everything else as an expressive stage piano in the sub-$1000 price bracket in my opinion.
If you currently own the older Roland FP-30, you might be wondering whether “upgrading” to the FP-30X version is worthwhile.
In a nutshell – yes, I feel the improvements are substantial enough to justify the upgrade.
Especially if you dig into the key nuances around resonance modeling and play a lot of piano. The richer and more spatially immersive sound is a real benefit.
The FP-30X will feel familiar given the identical keyboard action. But over longer playing sessions you’ll likely appreciate the openness in tone. And tweaking piano presets with the Designer app is a bonus.
If your FP-30 usage is more casual or centered around organ/EP sounds, the upgrades might not be so noticeable day-to-day. But you’ll still benefit from the connectivity extras like Bluetooth support.
For regular gigging musicians however, I think you’ll really feel the improvements in sound depth and projection from the FP-30X. And appreciate the consistency when transitioning from home practice to stage environments.
The Roland FP-30X hits a real sweet spot for intermediate players looking for realistic piano sound and performance in an affordable package.
It carries the same authentic keyboard action that musicians love on Roland’s higher end models. Plus some standout extras like Bluetooth connectivity and MIDI over USB.
And Roland has meaningfully enhanced the SuperNATURAL sound engine under the hood for richer resonance and spatial depth. This inspires you to keep digging deeper into the dynamic range of piano pieces.
For home hobbyists the FP-30X provides inspiring concert grand sound at an accessible price point. And the streamlined controls with built-in lessons make it fun for beginners too.
For gigging musicians, it’s stage-ready right out the box. The 12kg lightweight design allows easy transport between home, cafes and performance venues.
Considering everything it brings to the table, the Roland FP-30X offers serious value at under $1000. It outperforms competitors as a realistic and reliable intermediate piano.
I have no hesitation recommending the FP-30X for students progressing in their technique, right through to working performers.
Have you had the chance to play the new Roland FP-30X yet? Let me know your experience or any questions in the comments below!