Thought I'd kick this off (like KPro81 has done over at Rolandclan ).

Links:
http://www.rolandconnect.com/product.php?p=rd-700nx
http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.php?ProductId=1128

So:
- PHAIII, ivory feel, escapement (PHAIII smart, ivory dumb, escapement ?).
- SN APs built-in (smart).
- SRX expansion gone (~smart - they were dead anyway, though I like expansion).
- Some kind of simple recording (WAV?) capability (smart).
- "Sound Focus" takes the place of one of the multi-effects knobs (was this dumb / smart?).
- Same stupid joystick making it physically too long (dumb).
- Sexy new screen (smart, though I don't want to pay much for it).
- Probably same weight or heavier (dumb).

There are 3 SN grand-piano types with 30 variations - how does this compare to the RD-700GXF or any of the other 'F' Rolands?

The FP-7F looks very interesting as it has the same keys and no stupid joystick (though no SN EPs nor TW organs). Anyone know if the SN AP offerings in it are the same / different as the NX? It has vocal stuff I don't care about, but the rhythm stuff seems interesting. It could be a great piano to recommend to students as it also has built-in speakers, a music rest, and 3 pedal option.

Questions:

1) I wonder if the RD-700NX keyboard action will be more or less noisy (or the same) than the RD700GX?

2) I wonder if any of the RD700NX acoustic pianos will be better or worse (or the same) as the RD700GX?

3) I wonder if FINALLY you'll be able to MIDI record with all of the parameters properly rendered. (This one could cause me to pull the plug - assuming that the APs are at the very least equal).

4) I wonder if they have FINALLY fixed the problematic fake ivory coating? I actually think that it feels good. However, there seems to be some sort of quality control issue - with some, not all units utilizing this technology.

Comment:

I could care less about the new improved screen. It's a stage piano, for pity sake.

The record to audio is a nice addition.

Anyone out there got an FP-7 who can comment on the internal speakers? Are they OK, good, bad, etc.?

I personally don't care about this too much, but others seem to. I would think it would be comparable to the GX as the third sensor is just a sensor - the mechanics should largely be the same.


The $10,000 question.


The other $10,000 question.


I'll admit I'm a sucker for a sexy screen. I just don't want to pay too much for it. $100 tops.


I agree, and quite critical for those who can't conveniently get their PC near their DP (after the layoff they took my laptop away - wah!).

I'm glad they have included the Ivory Touch, but yes, I would have a slightly uneasy feeling if I were to buy one.

I've been considering getting a Casio PX-330 for portability, however now I'm wondering whether I should just replace my existing MP9000 (sniff!) with an FP-7F. (don't need a full blown stage piano). The FP is not as light as the Casio, but it's definitely portable, and of course it has Roland's flagship action and AP sounds. Very nice.

Greg.

I agree, the FP-7F is very a enticing offering from many angles. My main concern is how the SN AP patches compare to those in the GXF/NX.

I actually think that it feels good. However, some, not all units utilizing this technology still seem to have problems, in-spite of claims that the problem only applied to early units.

From my personal experience, I own (or have owned) four Roland instruments using the Ivory Touch technology. Three have stood up with no issues at all, but one (my RD-700GX) has been sent back with premature keyboard wear issues, after only three months - really only two months of playing (see my signature).

So, yes, I too have a VERY uneasy feeling about this.

it doesn't have the same keys, the FP-7F has

- Newly developed PHA III Ivory Feel-S Keyboard with Escapement

while the 700NX has

- Deluxe PHA III Ivory Feel Keyboard with Escapement

it makes me think the FP has a 'lower grade' keyboard (GH vs GHS) given the fact that the 700NX says 'deluxe'

Yes, first off, kudos to dewster for starting this thread over here. I'm going to give away the fact that I am KPro81 at the RolandClan Forums, so that we can really dig into this new RD700NX as objectively as possible

Like I was mentioning over at the RolandClan forums, I really believe that there should be no worries at all about the sound of the AP's from the FP-7F as to the NX. It's all the same and even more so, because the FP-7F now has the PHA3 action. Don't get confused with Roland's marketing hype to try and confuse us with which model has the top of the line action! Roland only has one PHA3 with Ivory feel action and it's the same as the V-Piano. Ultimately the FP-7F is kind of a "stripped" down version of the NX and I mean that VERY lightly. It simply doesn't have the SN EP's, but it has speakers and the nice 3 pedal unit, similar to the V-Piano. In a way it's a "stripped" down "upgrade".....what a paradox!

Great thread guys, nice one.

The FP-7F is looking pretty impressive on paper - great update to what was already an excellent board.

Cheers,
James
x

I stand corrected. The telltale '-S' does indeed seem ominous.

Have I expressed my profound hatred for market-speak (and/or modern management) lately?

I knew it was too good to be true. I wonder how many sensors the FP-7F has, then? Btw, I had noticed the "-S" suffix, but I assumed that it was also used on the 700-NX - I just assumed this was the new flagship action! Arrgh.

Greg.

Interesting. I always thought the 'III' meant three sensors. I see they talk about a wood-look on the sides of the white keys on the RD-700NX - I wonder if that is the main difference between the "deluxe" keys and the -S keys?

Roland, if you're out there somewhere and you care about your customers, could you please de-obfuscate this issue?

Yes, I always assumed the III meant three sensors too, and let's hope that it still does.

If the differences are cosmetic, then it's no big deal.

Greg.

Here are the current descriptions of the key actions, from http://www.rolandconnect.com:

FP-7F:
"New PHA III Ivory Feel-S Keyboard
The FP-7F features Roland’s newly developed PHA III Ivory Feel-S Keyboard with Escapement. With the same progressive hammer action and escapement as the top-line PHA III, it offers unmatched expression and performance authenticity, capable of transforming the most subtle finger nuances into sound. It also provides incredibly fast key-repetition action. The surface of each white key replicates the unique appearance and comfortable feel of real ivory keys. The keys are constructed of a one-piece proprietary material that provides excellent moisture absorbency and a premium all white appearance around the tops and sides of the keys."

RD-700NX:
"PHA III Keyboard
The RD-700NX’s PHA III Keyboard with Escapement offers maximum comfort, playability, and response. PHA III improves key repetition and perfectly conveys dynamic, velocity-based tonal changes. The escapement mechanism recreates the authentic “click feel” of a grand-piano keyboard, which particularly enhances expression when playing pianissimo. The keyboard also features Roland’s acclaimed Ivory Feel, a comfortable and realistic moisture-absorbent material that prevents slipping from perspiration during performance. The authentic coloration of grand-piano keys can also been seen on the sides of the white keys."

Obfuscation indeed!

Greg.

Is this all the -S really boils down to? No fake wood color on the sides of the white keys?

If so, who cares - If not, I do.

I'm frustrated at how different the general wording is in each description. If the only difference really IS the authentic coloration, then why word each so differently?

Greg.

These new Roland digital pianos are fantastic.

For me the actions will be slightly different, being the RD700NX's the best. Only our fingers will tell of course.

I'm looking forward to try the 700NX, it has the exact features I wanted to be in the 700GX, and if the action is the same as the V-Piano (and it seems it is) oh my god this could turn into a serious GAS problem...

I'm sorry for Nord (Piano). Maybe it could have the best sounds in the market but the action is not even near to Roland's action.

I'm thinking this is an example of mission accomplished! by the marketing department. Envision a banner on an aircraft carrier with W in the foreground.

Maybe if they upped their Flash capacity 10x - but otherwise, no. And the whole Fatar thing is just too risky for my blood, they need to find themselves a keyboard manufacturer with a better track record.

I think the problem for Nord (and other smaller players like Kurzweil) is, that manufacturer may not exist. Apart from Yamaha, Roland, Korg and Kawai, who else but Fatar is manufacturing actions for electronic keyboards in significant quantities?

And, presumably, the big four wish to keep their actions for their own instruments.

Hopefully the RD700NX will meet all raised expectations one can sense in the air reading this thread. I do remember the fuss about the new CP line from Yamaha, and the disappointment following as people discovered they were not as revolutionary as expected.

IMO this will probably be the same: some minor upgrades, but not the ultimate stage piano with the best sound technology and action available, which is also carryable and affordable.

Because that is what we are all waiting for...


ps. Also wondering what the kawai update will bring us ;-)

RE: Kawai, I think I remember James saying that it would have the RM3 action, which, whilst undoubtedly very good, is not a triple-sensor action. IF this is true then that's a drawback, although I admit that the main reason I want a triple-sensor action is more for the warm & fuzzies than any real need.

Greg.

Greg, I don't believe I've ever mentioned any of specifications of the new MPs on this forum - at least not publicly. However, I don't think any would be too surprised to see the successor to the MP8II feature the latest wooden key action.



Hmm...I expect that warm feeling is probably just the result of hammering the same key as many times as you can.

Cheers,
James
x

Sorry about that, James! I've just been Googling to see whether I could find your post, but I can't. I guess I must have been assuming that it would be the RM3, and then I somehow made the leap from that to thinking you had actually stated it. I'm really sorry.

Greg.

On the Roland UK site it says availability is Nov. 2010. I don't know what it will be for this side of the pond, though.

As a recent buyer of a 700GXF, the only words that come to mind at the moment are: bloody heck.

Bingo.

I found an unlinked page that had a price and delivery date. Not sure if it is correct:

2599 on 11/15. Thanks, Andy.