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The Roland FP-30X, shown here in its black version, is a solidly built digital piano that delivers a pleasing sound thanks to its high-quality features. It stands out from other pianos at this price point thanks to its 256-voice polyphony and Ivory Touch keyboard. The latter features a non-slip feel, which is particularly noticeable during longer playing sessions. It differs from its sister model, the FP-10, by virtue of its extensive polyphony and powerful onboard speakers. The weight of the keys is also graded to simulate the dynamics of a real piano. This instrument is equipped with Bluetooth audio and Bluetooth MIDI functions and can be connected to a PC, tablet, or smartphone, and the scope of delivery includes a sheet music holder, a power adapter, and a foot pedal.
The Roland FP-30X has 56 sounds, including a wide range of piano settings, which can be varied using effects. Also on board are two 11W speakers with a diameter of 12cm and additional headphone outputs on the left side of the front panel. Located above the keyboard are the 13 buttons with which the various settings are made. The FP-30X can be incorporated into composition and production apps such as Roland Zenbeats and Apple GarageBand by means of Bluetooth MIDI, while standard MIDI files as well as WAV and MP3 files can be used for recording and playback using a USB flash drive. Roland's Piano Every Day smartphone app is included for those daily practice routines, and those who like to utilise backing tracks stored on their mobile devices can do this by taking advantage of the FP-30X's Bluetooth interface.
The Roland FP-30X is a digital piano for beginners and amateur pianists suitable for performing, composing, and practising. Its sleek matt black housing will not stand out like a sore thumb in the living room, which may be an advantage from an aesthetical point of view. For those who enjoy practising with musical accompaniment, 30 songs are included in the memory. In addition, the two headphone outputs (one 3.5mm mini-jack socket and one regular 6.35mm jack socket) mean that all standard headphones can be connected for silent practice. Those who prefer to keep things a bit louder can simply connect a keyboard amplifier or their home sound system via the two 6.35mm jack outputs. The piano weighs a mere 14.8kg, making it easy to carry to lessons or performances.
The Roland company was founded in 1972 in Osaka, Japan, and has been designing and building electronic musical instruments ever since. During its successful history, Roland has launched many ground-breaking instruments, from legendary drum machines such as the TR-808 and the TR-909 to synthesizer classics like Jupiter-8, SH-101 and the iconic TB-303. Besides synthesizers, Roland's workstations and electric pianos are also very popular. Equally well-known is Roland’s subsidiary Boss, under whose brand name it designs and sells principally guitar pedals and effects units. Under the Roland Professional A/V label, the company additionally develops and distributes professional equipment for virtually every branch of audio and video production - from home studios through to commercial applications.
What better present to give friends or relatives on their birthday than to play them a birthday song - ideally an original composition? The Roland FP-30X is the perfect instrument for doing just that: After arriving with the piano and its power adapter (and of course the necessary sheet music), all that needs to be done is set it up on a table and plug it in - then it's show time. In the long run, a keyboard stand and a piano bench as well as a gig bag or even a hardshell case are also recommended for this instrument.