Roland RD-88 piano – what a versatile tool
The Roland RD-88 piano is an extremely versatile musical instrument from Roland. Indeed, functioning as both a classic digital piano and arranger keyboard, its numerous features allow it to meet the needs of all musicians. Through this article, I’ll tell you more about this high-end keyboard model.
First, we’ll examine the features of the Roland RD-88. Afterward, we’ll review the multiple user reviews of this digital piano. To conclude this article, I’ll share my personal opinion regarding this model.
If you’re ready, let’s begin the presentation of this musical instrument!
Roland RD-88 features and specifications
The Roland RD-88 piano has numerous functions and very interesting advantages. Let’s examine together the important points you should know.
✅ Key strengths
- Good portability, ideal for regular transport
- 88 keys, perfect for playing any musical repertoire
- Highly versatile instrument: digital piano and arranger keyboard
- Natural and authentic touch response
- Numerous electric and acoustic piano sounds
- Professional performance and advanced connectivity
- Includes sustain pedal
❌ Potential drawbacks
- Original speakers somewhat weak (but amplifiable with external speakers)
- Ships without stand or music rack
Detailed Roland RD-88 specifications
Portable digital piano: The Roland RD-88 is a portable digital piano. In this case, it’s the best option available. You can indeed transport it from stage to stage or room to room if you stay home!
88 keys: The second strength of this model concerns its 88 keys. That’s as many as a classic acoustic piano, which will never limit your playing, whether bass or treble.
Natural and authentic touch: Roland excels at this point and offers exceptional touch response. With such a keyboard, you’ll be certain to feel nearly the same sensations as on an acoustic piano.
Great versatility: Whether you’re into classic digital piano for learning at home, or conversely love stage performance or musical composition, the Roland RD-88 will meet all your expectations! Equally effective in digital piano mode as in arranger keyboard mode, this instrument will be limitless.
Sound quality and variety: Another great quality of this model lies in its sound quality resulting from very refined sampling. In addition to classic piano sound, you’ll enjoy numerous other electric piano sounds and other instruments (organ, clarinet…).
Connectivity and applications: The Roland RD-88 piano features high connectivity with jack inputs for headphones or speakers, microphone inputs, pedal connections, and USB and MIDI ports. You’ll also benefit from several applications like Roland Piano App, Apple’s MainStage, and Roland Cloud Manager.
As you can see, the Roland RD-88 piano doesn’t do things halfway. Now that it holds no secrets for you, it’s time to discover what its many buyers think!
Roland RD-88 customer reviews
Before considering purchasing the Roland RD-88 piano, it’s essential to read user reviews of this model. Let’s see without further delay the various feedback from users.
This versatile instrument achieves an excellent overall average rating. That’s an excellent rating that once again demonstrates Roland’s musical expertise!
Among favorable reviews, we can mention the excellent versatility of this Roland RD-88 piano. Indeed, all types of pianists will find their place. Composers, stage performers, those who stay home to learn… This multitasking keyboard meets all needs. Special mention also goes to the superb natural touch that absolutely delights everyone! Finally, the instrument scores points thanks to its high connectivity. This will indeed provide many interesting solutions for composers, for example.
We must nonetheless note somewhat weak speakers. As often happens, it’s better to connect an amplifier or external speakers to fully enjoy the magnificent sound of the Roland RD-88.
My opinion on the Roland RD-88
As a pianist, I use my digital piano as a practical solution because acoustic pianos present various constraints. I therefore need an instrument that can perfectly reproduce the sensations I would want to have on my acoustic piano. The Roland RD-88 piano has understood this well and offers us a versatile instrument with worthy sensations!
Where most models on this website like the Korg C1 Air, here we have a model that, in addition to that, provides solutions for composers and stage musicians. Thus, the Roland RD-88 piano offers unprecedented versatility that will please people in my playing category as well as others. That’s truly a superb idea from the brand!
It will nonetheless be quite expensive, and this is easily understood when you see what it’s capable of. Nevertheless, if you’re like me and don’t need the capabilities of a stage piano or master keyboard, the Roland FP-10 and Roland FP-30X will be better alternatives. They’re indeed less expensive and just as good in their sound and tactile quality.
Let’s sum up
In brief, this instrument knows exactly how to convince. Half digital piano, half arranger keyboard, this master piano offers extraordinary sound, touch, and performance.
Its versatility is truly what you should remember about this instrument. It’s a perfect hybrid between classic digital piano for people playing at home, and arranger keyboard for composers or stage performers. Basically, it definitely meets one of your criteria!
Where things get complicated is price-wise. This is justified, provided you use the Roland RD-88 piano in its entirety. If you only want a digital piano to learn at home and play classical pieces, other solutions will be less expensive. Among these, I can suggest, in 88-key models, the Donner DDP-80 or Yamaha P-225. Remember nonetheless that the Roland RD-88 piano does everything very well, so even as a simple digital piano, its above-average sound and touch will be absolutely breathtaking.
This instrument knows how to speak to pianists from what I see. In any case, by choosing it, you ensure exceptional musical moments in its company!
If you feel that the Roland RD-88 piano is going to be your next best friend, don’t hesitate to visit the product page by clicking the button below.
See the Roland RD-88 on AmazonThere you have it, have you made your choice? I hope you’re not missing a pedal, stand, headphones, or piano bench! If so, don’t hesitate to complete your piano accessories list.