Hi, I have tried out the roland hp2 in my local music shop but I have no idea what the roland hp1 might sound like. According to the specs its the same only with less tweaking allowed.
Has anyone tried these out?
Im just wondering where the extra $500 or so is going on the hp2.

Oh yeah, how does the yahmaha p60 compare to the p90? I know the p90 has no speakers but it probably sounds better.

The HP2 has more onboard sounds, a two track recorder, split keyboard function, 65 built in songs, metronome, keyboard cover, and back panel (sometimes called modesty panel). The HP1 has none of these. Also, and most importantly, there is a difference in the action. The action for the HP1 is built for Roland by an Italian company (I think Fatar), whereas the HP2 is Roland's signature PA5 action. While the HP1's action is nice, and competitive with any other brand's in that range; The HP2's is much improved. Hope this helps!

The HP1 is nothing like the HP2 and has no hammer action.
The HP2 is very nice. I have one at home. I find the sustain pedal week, but that is just me.
The HP3 is not much better considering the price difference. The HP7 is much better, but unless you really know your pianos, you will be hard pressed to hear a difference worth the extra money.

The P90 has 64 notes of polyphony, the P60 has 32.
P90 has 24 voices, P60 has 10.
The P90 has newer samples, and sounds a little better.
The P90 has several other little features the P60 does not (2 headphone jacks, etc.).

Luke's Dad,
I' new to piano forums, so I have been surfing around reading some different things on the site.
Just to clear up a misconception I noticed in your reply.
The Roland HP-1 isn't made by Fatar but instead is built by Roland Europe S.p.a. A subsidiary company of Roland Corporation. They are based in Italy but all production is Roland. The lower end Atelier Organs are built there as well. When i was retailing in the UK I was fortunate enough to get a tour of the factory.

Yes, the HP1 and the KR3 are built in Italy, as is the KR11, I never claimed they weren't. The action, however, is not built by Roland. To my understanding it is subcontracted out to Fatar (also in Italy).

Fair Enough,
I may have misunderstood what i read. But let me assure you that no part of any of those pianos is contracted out to any 3rd party. All the parts are by Roland. I physically saw the actions under construction while touring the factory. Not really a big issue. I don't know why I am jumping to Rolands defense so quickly, I guess it's cause they treated me very well in the UK while I was retailing there and I am strong beleiver in the product.

Roland buys 3rd party parts all the time (as do every other manufacturer).

Believe me, nobody needs to defend Roland, and nobody appreciates their product line more than I. Their sales reps are the best in the business. I have already told my wife that if I ever went into the wholesale side of things, Roland would be who I would want to work with. The fact that they subcontract for the actions on their HP1's diminishes these pianos in no way. As a matter of fact it helps them bring a great piano into a lower price point. I'm just stating that the HP2's action is significantly better. Of course, that's part of the reason it costs more.

Hey by the Way,
Have you seen the HP101 online? It has a compact prog hmr action. I think out of the FP-2. Should be a coup for the entry level pianos for Roland. According to my local dealer, they are going to be shipping at the end of sept here in Canada.
Cant wait to try it!