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Hi guys

Well, it comes out I'm in the market for a new digital piano... I'll use it mainly for public playing, I'll be carrying it around to my college (where I make most of my presentations) and to other places, so I need it to be as portable (read "weight-less") as possible, but sound and feel are also a really important aspect...

Right now I have about US1700-1800 to spend on it... I was thinking about either the Roland's FP-2 or FP-5... the FP-5 says it's about 30 kgs, which is kinda heavy, they don't mention the weight of the FP-2... could anyone give me this info?...

What are the main differences between them? It seems the FP-2 is slightly smaller and lighter, is it different regarding sound?...

I'll also accept other suggestions... remember my budget goes until US1800 and the three important things are: Portability (Weight), Grand Piano Sound and Feel... I really don't care much about the look, brand, different instrument patches (I'll only use the gran piano one)...

SO, what do you say?

-Jon

Oh, and another important thing... I need it to have built.in speakers

The FP-2 weighs 14.kg.

You can download the manuals from Rolands's web site - they make you register and then e-mail it to you, if I recall.

You'll have to compare specs between the FP-2 and FP-5 to learn the subtle differences, but they both do have speakers.

Kevin

I think FP2 will be better for you. It is very light, which is around 14 kg and compact. So very easy to get on with regarding mobility. Key action is a bit lighter than FP5 model but sound is NEARLY the same. If I were on your shoes, I would get FP2 definetely...

By the way, FP2 has around ten piano variations and also other useful sounds such as strings, voices, epianos,pads, etc... You don'T need to look at sth else, just go and buy FP2. It has more than what you need:) But if you wanna have a look alternatives, you should try Yamaha P60, P120-Kawai ES3- Casio PX100,PX300, PX400R actually PX100 will be enough for u, due to you don'T need other sounds or style much i guess...

In my opinion Yamaha P120 is the best for your price range, it has built in speakers and a good piano sound/feel. Its quite light as well.

Yamaha P-120

Superb Acoustic Pianos and weighted piano action. Built in speakers, 43lbs and a beatiful mahogany finish. Add an FC-4 pedal for soft/sostenuto pedaling and you are all set!

BTW, I play solo piano, and the P-120 has the finest Acoustic Pianos and action, in my opinion.

Chris

The sound engine in the FP-2 and FP-5 is exactly the same. They employ the same piano sample.

The compromise (and it is not much of a compromise) between the FP-2 and FP-5 to save the weight is the use of a compact version of the progressive hammer action and a smaller speaker system on the FP-2.
This only makes the FP-2 a more portable solution than many comparable digital pianos available today with IMO no sacrifice in sound, feeling and features for day to day use....

Hope this helps

I again agree with propianoguy as FP2 is the best choice for you. I have played both and FP5 is a bit bulky comparing FP2 and its colour is a bit weird. FP2 has a moonlight grey colour and very very compact regarding its size and weight. Also it has a very straight forward menu and layout... Mainly the same hammer action with RD300sx so the action is professional enough. Yamaha P120 is a good piano but a bit manish, bulky and liveless... I also liked and felt surprised how good Casio PX400 R is, just have a look its site and see the demos... I recommend you to get Casio PX400R or Roland FP2. If u get Casio, u can get all the things you want at a lower price and if you get Roland FP2, you wil get all the things in a better package, better sound and better size as well as better design... Don't worry about Yamaha, not because it is a bad piano, because it is not your taste:)

Why not have a look at here... You will like it... But I should recommend you again that if you can afford, just take FP2, if not, take this PX400R as it has all your needs and wishes...

http://www.privia-instruments.com/euro/specials/imagefilm/

Care to explain more?

Chris

Because when I look at it and play it, I feel like that. This is my feeling, you may feel sth far more different:) It also looks dull to me regarding its design. Have you ever played FP2...? You will feel how lovely it is onces you do it... I do understand that you have a P120 so you suggest all the people your piano but why not recommending another brands? Can you say that FP2 is a crappy or useless piano?

Yamaha is heavy/bulky for carrying around all the time. And a bit expensive comparing with some others I have mentioned before. I think there are some other better alternatives for Balparda to get on... Ta:)

First off, I wasn't asking in a mocking or rude tone. Just asking an honest question.

You are certainly entitled to your opinion, but you didn't really clarify why you thought it was like that, so I just wanted to ask and get a little more information.

Yes, I have played an FP2 before, and an FP5. They are very nice pianos. I would recommend them to anyone who needs a good Acoustic Piano and action. I personally feel that the P-120 is superior sound and feel wise, but that is my personal opinion and preference.

Different Strokes for Different Folks.

Chris

Hi Chris, I have already stated that your digital piano is a very nice one. Just it is expensive and not easy to transport comparing the others. Otherwise, I also adore Yamaha's overall philosophy... My first keyboard was a Yamaha PSR6700 and I still miss sth from it...

What about FP-3? I think Roland discontinued this model but there're some local stores selling them around here. I thought that FP-3 is the model after FP2. If it is then why Roland no longer produce this model.

Any one here know the good/bad of FP3?
Thanks.

I guess it is not as good as FP2 because it was released before FP2... So don't get a wrong impression because of its number:)

How do you know that? I'm not saying that it definitely is the right piano, but you seem to have made Balparda's mind for him!

Simply put, the FP-3 was the predeccesor to the FP-2 nothing wrong with the sound or feel at all.
If the deal is right, you can't go wrong.
The FP-3 has many of the same features and is slightly heavier but a great piano nevertheless.
Roland now produces two FP pianos the FP-2 and FP-5 where there only used to be the FP-3.
Like I said, if the deal is right....Go for it.

PPBC

PS: Lanstif (sorry if I got that wrong) But before you offer very strong opinions on any products, make sure all your facts are straight please...I mean no offense at all...but forums like this are a great place for consumers to learn about instruments. And they can read a post and get the wrong info quite quickly.
(I have been taken to task on this same point as well)...I only ask that you offer your information based on fact if you know it to be fact or opinion if thats what it is. Thanks

Thanks for your info. PPBC.
Let me ask you a question. We got a price quote of $1000.0 for the FP-3, keyboard and stand. And a price quote of $1,295 for the FP-2, keyboard only. The FP3 has no on board speakers so we would need to buy some speakers. We're afraid that after adding the speakers, the price of the FP-3 will be the same or even higher than the FP-2. If you were us, which one you would pick?
Thank you.

For me, the FP-2 sounds like good value for money. See if you can get the dealer to throw in a single braced x stand as the keyboard is not that heavy.
PPBC