This one is for all you Roland fans out there.

I have been recommended to purchase a Roland Digital Piano in preference to buying a second Hand Technics

Now then, question is, which model do i go for ?

As a complete beginner, just about to start having lessons. I can pay £1000 for the HP2, or about £1200 for the HP3.

They look almost identical, other than the fact the the HP3 has a 2 stage closing lid and an extra 5W per speaker.
Any of the tech heads know of any other differences, and if the HP3 model is worth the extra £200 ?

Many Thanks

Stu Ward

The speakers are a little bigger on the HP3. You already mentioned the extra 5W per speaker. It doesn't look like theirs much else that is different. Which would lead me to think that the difference is in the sample (how the digi. will sound).

My best advice would be to try 'em both and see (hear?) if the difference in sound is "big enough" to warrant the extra cash.

The HP3 also has a progressive hammer action keyboard instead of just the hammer action keyboard on the HP2. I think it means that the weight of the HP3's keys is heavier in the lower registers and progressively decreases when going to the higher notes.

so more of an accurate representation of an accoustic piano ?

Ok i think my mind is set on a HP3

Thanks guys

No, thats not true (your thinking of the HP1). Both the HP2 and HP3 have progressively weighted keyboards. The HP1 is the one that is not progressively weighted.

Although, your description of what it means to have progressively weighted keys is accurate.

Only one color of HP2 has the keyboard like HP3
(http://www.roland.com/products/en/HP-2/index.html):
"Progressive Hammer-Action Keyboard is on HP-2-MH models only. HP-2e-RW/2e-LA features Roland's standard Hammer-Action mechanism."

From my recent shopping experience, all Rolands' models: HP-1, HP-2e, HP-3e have a different keyboard. From the worst(HP-1) to the best HP-3e.

Thanks for your comments

My final purchase was a Roland HP3.

Mighty fine piano for the money

no actually in Northern Ireland actually the HP2e does not have the progressive keys and truthfully is rubbish.

wow someone resurrected my old post

My final purchase (HP3e) sits pride of place in the dining room, and i'm learning steadily, but due to other commitments i still have yet to have any formal lessons.

I must get my arse in gear !!