RD-2000 vs FP-90 vs Yamaha CP88

Stage Pianos
jalbert
Posts: 47
Joined: 06:50, 9 August 2014
Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Re: RD-2000 vs FP-90 vs Yamaha CP88

Post by jalbert »

That Schumann's From a Foreign Land demands a singing tone to be played well to connect the melody notes should not be a controversial point.
rd2000fan
Posts: 72
Joined: 15:47, 16 September 2018

Re: RD-2000 vs FP-90 vs Yamaha CP88

Post by rd2000fan »

Jalbert,

Your point would be more relevant in classical music instruments.

The RD 2000 was not even made for classical music, it was made for the stage, for contemporary music, it's for today's music! and even so it's very versatile.

All this discussion is like hearing someone talking about "how silent should be a sports car" or "how many passengers seats should have a war aircraft".

i mean, what's your point???

Please understand there are different categories of pianos/keyboards, for different purposes.

And please do me a favor, don't create a post now comparing the Fantom with the Jupiter X, or the Juno with the FP 90.
rd2000fan
Posts: 72
Joined: 15:47, 16 September 2018

Re: RD-2000 vs FP-90 vs Yamaha CP88

Post by rd2000fan »

A couple of years ago, I was using only software pianos. Really good software pianos, like the Keyscape, the Garritan Abbey Road CTX, the Grand 3, the XLN Addictive Keys Studio Collection, Synthogy Ivory II Italian Grand Virtual Instrument, and some of the Native Instruments pianos, including the definitive collection.

Then, I was looking for a great MIDI controller, with piano-like keys (something that really feels like a piano). I was looking for the Roland A-88 because I really like the Roland keybeds. But for my surprise, I didn't find it.

I realized that some of the most popular digital piano manufacturers stopped making 88-key MIDI controllers (including Roland, and Yamaha). Instead, they started making digital pianos with more MIDI controller features.

So I had to pass to the Plan-B: Purchase a digital piano that has great MIDI controller features.

That's how I purchased the Roland RD 2000.

For my surprise, the RD 2000 was not just any digital piano, it has an amazing arsenal of great acoustic and electric pianos, and more sounds.

Surprisingly I stopped using the software pianos, and started using the RD 2000 piano sounds.

But it was needing a little touch, for my preference. For my fortune, Roland also included great piano engines in the RD 2000, so you can customize your piano to sound the way you want.

Now, 90 % of the time, I play the RD 2000 piano sounds.

About the singing tone, Jalbert, you want a more classical singing tone? great, that's what you play, chopin, beethoven, mozart, etc, then go find an instrument that better fits your preference. I found mine already, and I'm not changing the RD 2000 for anything.

I play a lot of jazz and smooth jazz, gospel, pop, etc. Sometimes, but rarely I could play some classical music too. I also find that the RD 2000 is very versatile too, can play any style, yes.

But don't forget that it is a stage piano. I don't know if you are understanding what I'm talking about.
Sports car are for sports. Luxury cars are for luxury. Economic cars are for saving some cash.
War aircrafts are for war. Spacecrafts are for space exploration. And commercial planes are for commercial use.
Stage pianos are for the stage. Think about what kind of music is been more-often played on stage these days.

You understand what I mean?

Don't bring portable $300 toys to the topic. Those don't fall into any category. Maybe that's why your confusion.

A lot of people love the RD 2000 too, great musicians and everybody everywhere I play these sounds. My admirers want me to use the RD 2000 in fact. They love it!

so again, what's your point?
Piano56
Posts: 3
Joined: 04:07, 10 December 2019

Re: RD-2000 vs FP-90 vs Yamaha CP88

Post by Piano56 »

Can someone please explain the difference in sound technology between the RD2000 and FP90? My sense is the FP90 relies a bit more on traditional sampling vs. physical modeling? Is the FP90 sound the same as FP30?

I was able to demo the RD2000 and the FP30 at length but have not gotten my hands on an FP90 yet. I assume the FP90 key length and action is similar or the same as RD2000 perhaps? Nice action on the RD2000.

FWIW I also demoed the Kawai ES8 and MP11SE which were great, sounded like the better sampled libraries I own. Really heavy though. I have a mental block against Yamaha but I know people love their products.

Pleasantly surprised at the FP30 for the money, what a bargain. I played a mix, mostly Keith Emerson Tarkus, Brahms Op. 5 Sonata, some Scarlatti. I liked Tarkus on the RD2000, liked the Brahms on the Kawais. Repeat notes in Scarlatti k141 tough on all which I expected, k27 ok. None of them reminded me much of my regular piano which is fine. As an aside, I enjoyed the Juno DS88 with the good Roland action and a great catch all piece for the money (not the best piano sound but I had fun with it).

Anyway thanks in advance for any clarification on the Roland sound technologies and FP90 action.
rd2000fan
Posts: 72
Joined: 15:47, 16 September 2018

Re: RD-2000 vs FP-90 vs Yamaha CP88

Post by rd2000fan »

Hi Piano56,

About the Piano Engines in the FP-90 and the RD 2000

The FP-90 and the RD 2000 both are using the latest modeling technology to recreate, rather than replay, the sound. So is not traditional sampling.

Traditional Sampling Vs Roland's Piano Modeling Technologies

Traditional sampling is like just listening back to a recording, while with the Roland's piano modeling technologies, is listening to an authentically live sound actually being there yourself, which means, in the RD 2000 and the FP 90, the rich and complex sound actually changes in response to the way you play; something impossible to achieve when a piano uses samples.

This is the reason why 99% of the time I'm not playing software pianos anymore, and I'm not playing Nord pianos, which sound great too, but they use samples, and while it sounds great, at the same time it doesn't really feels like a modeling technology. In a RD 2000 or FP-90, you feel the piano is alive.

So... Both the RD 2000 and the FP-90 have pretty much the same piano engines, same keybed, and both have amazing sounds... So what's the difference?

Yes the RD 2000 and the FP-90, both are amazing pianos. They have the same keybed (the amazing Roland's PHA-50, which feels very authentic). Also the piano engines are essentially the same. But they come from different concepts (see below).

The FP-90 is in the Roland's Portable Pianos category, which consists on digital pianos that can be played wherever you go, without the need to connect to external speakers.
And the FP-90 is the flagship on the portable pianos category (but note: this is not the same category on where the RD 2000 sits).
The FP-90 includes a variety of acoustic and electric pianos, strings, pads, and some other sounds, around 350 tones (not as much as the RD 2000). It doesn't has a many features as the RD 2000, but it includes some very convenient features, such as Bluetooth® wireless, transpose, metronome, equalizer, split to dual zone, etc, which could be great either at home, or on the go.
In overall is a great piano, no complaints.
The FP-90 is highly recommended for both, professional musicians and students.

The RD 2000 on the other hand, is in the Roland's Stage Pianos category, which consists on digital pianos designed specially for professional piano players for the stage. Although it doesn't has built-in speakers like the FP-90 (the RD has to be connected to external speakers), but it comes bundled with the most advanced and convenient features for the performance on stage, or even the studio, including the latest on MIDI features, eight independent zones, much more control, knobs, faders, buttons, LED indicators with instant visual feedback; everything you need to do your best possible show on the stage or the studio.
Additionally the RD 2000 comes with the new Scene function, which lets you recall any sound or combination with just pressing a button, while performing. Also the RD 2000 it's a great partner for combining your software instruments (VSTs) with the RD internal sounds. Other features include: an Integrated Audio Interface at 24-bit /192 KHz, flexible audio outputs, and much more.

Conclusion

Both the RD 2000 and the FP-90 have great piano engines, gorgeous piano sounds, same keybed, and other sounds. However, when purchasing either of the two, make sure it fits your needs. Roland Portable and Stage Pianos are not the same, they are made for different purposes.

If all you are looking for is great piano sounds, with an amazing piano modeling technology, both the RD 2000 and the FP-90 make the job very well.

However, if you don't need all the advanced and comprehensive features for the stage or the studio, the FP-90 should be just right for you.

On the other hand, if you are a stage or studio performer, and need the best features for Live-Performing, with the ultimate on MIDI technology and all you need for your show, then buy a RD-2000, and additionally I would also recommend to get a laptop with a DAW system (including software instruments) to expand your capabilities along with the RD. I personally need my laptop when performing, I strongly recommend it, but it is actually optional.

Hope the above is helpful!
Piano56
Posts: 3
Joined: 04:07, 10 December 2019

Re: RD-2000 vs FP-90 vs Yamaha CP88

Post by Piano56 »

Thanks very helpful, so core sound technology is the same (FP90 vs RD2000). I assume the actions are the same as well.

Not sure I would use all the features on the RD2000 and probably won’t play live with it, although who knows, something fun might come up. My studio is pretty well set, ok controller, great libraries, software etc. fantastic setup for recording my acoustic piano. So maybe the RD2000 is overkill but it’s not that much more expensive.

I mostly perform in recital halls which means classical and Steinway D. I got my D to match recital conditions, fewer surprises (although I maintain mine immaculately, not all halls do!). I just have circumstances where I need something portable for practice.

Fortunately I’m not crazy enough to expect the same experience with digital and trying to view this as different and good in a different way. I’ve enjoyed playing everything so far, even the FP30 especially for playing pop/jazz. I really liked the Kawai (no offense Roland fans). Everybody but me loves Yamaha acoustic...I get wanting some bite to cut through the mix in a band. Digital pianos seem mostly voiced in that direction as well, which I don’t love, but some more than others. I’m skipping Yamaha in this search.

I’m used to a little heavier action, although I had my D reworked recently for lower friction and very slightly lighter action. The digital actions so far are mostly pretty good, just some things like repeat notes are impossible, more like an upright. Hey Rachmaninoff learned his concerto 3 on a silent keyboard.

Anyway, appreciate info on this site. Cheers.
rd2000fan
Posts: 72
Joined: 15:47, 16 September 2018

Re: RD-2000 vs FP-90 vs Yamaha CP88

Post by rd2000fan »

Hi piano56,

Thanks for the appreciation. And I'm glad the information I provided is helpful.

Per what I read in your comment, you have the Steinway D model, and that has no comparison here (you already have the very best, and the real thing). You just have circumstances where all you need is a portable for practice, so it sounds like either of the FP-series portable pianos (FP-10, FP-30, FP-60, FP-90) would make the job, for what you need.

I've even seen world-class piano players practicing with the FP-10, it's surprising how useful it is for home use, amazing, and for its price it's just incredible; and it's just the smaller little brother (the little baby of the house) :-D. But it is great too.

The different models are just for covering different needs or desires, different use, and sometimes just different whims.

In your case, I would just go for any of the FP-series portable pianos which would definitely make the job for what you need.
Piano56
Posts: 3
Joined: 04:07, 10 December 2019

Re: RD-2000 vs FP-90 vs Yamaha CP88

Post by Piano56 »

Agreed, like I said I thoroughly enjoyed the FP30, RD and also the Juno DS 88 - even though the Juno piano was probably not nearly as realistic or nuanced, but what a fun keyboard for the money. I think that can be a mistake, comparing these instruments too critically to acoustic pianos. Very good but different in some ways is still very good.
The one thing I worry about is playing an action that somehow encourages changing my technique, but the Rolands and the Kawai were terrific, nice actions. I’ve begged my way onto countless church or school pianos for practice - mostly not maintained, maybe even dangerous. I know someone who suffered focal dystonia after practicing on a very poor baby grand at school, pushing it to get more sound.
Ok the digital sound is different but the better ones still capture the essential piano character and of course acoustic pianos vary widely. I often have to do my best and perform on a very poorly maintained grand. I recorded a recital that aired on NPR radio here in the states...by the time I finished Scriabin Vers la Flamme the unisons were so far out of tune for the rest of the program you wouldn’t believe it.
So you take what’s in front of you and make your best music on that day and time. I’m facing a medical situation in a couple months where I’ll be in or near the hospital for about a month. I’m planning to take the digital instrument with me and will be grateful to keep up my hands a bit and for emotional support.
Very pleased with how much the technology has advanced and so many nice options. Thanks again. Great forum, love the Roland brand.
rd2000fan
Posts: 72
Joined: 15:47, 16 September 2018

Re: RD-2000 vs FP-90 vs Yamaha CP88

Post by rd2000fan »

You're welcome!

I'm happy to help!
Fleer
Posts: 100
Joined: 03:32, 22 July 2014
Location: Boston/Cambridge

Re: RD-2000 vs FP-90 vs Yamaha CP88

Post by Fleer »

Coming back to this thread and reading it through, I fully agree with jalbert.
Fleer
Posts: 100
Joined: 03:32, 22 July 2014
Location: Boston/Cambridge

Re: RD-2000 vs FP-90 vs Yamaha CP88

Post by Fleer »

BTW, just ordered that new RD-88.
If I want fully modeled, I’ll play my Pianoteq Blüthner and Steingraeber in it. Those beat V-Piano anytime.
But the Roland SuperNatural sampling/modeling hybrid still is something special so I’m happy I’ll get that in the RD-88, along with 3000+ Zen Core sounds.
rd2000fan
Posts: 72
Joined: 15:47, 16 September 2018

Re: RD-2000 vs FP-90 vs Yamaha CP88

Post by rd2000fan »

Lol lol lol
I can't stop laughing.

Fleer, you and Jalbert are the same person with two different accounts.

Lol lol

Hey but there's one thing I agree with you: The SuperNATURAL Sound Engine. Yes I love it too. My favorite pianos in the RD2000 are based on the SuperNATURAL engine.
Fleer
Posts: 100
Joined: 03:32, 22 July 2014
Location: Boston/Cambridge

Re: RD-2000 vs FP-90 vs Yamaha CP88

Post by Fleer »

Good to know. Still takes some time before that RD-88 is here. Should be March or so.
Chelsea4023
Posts: 1
Joined: 01:08, 8 March 2021

Re: RD-2000 vs FP-90 vs Yamaha CP88

Post by Chelsea4023 »

Hi,
Sorry to make my first post about such a negative subject, but I just read all three pages of this interesting thread and noticed that certain Forum members were unaware they were being subjected to 'Trolling' by another forum Member. I have copied and pasted a description of a 'Troll' and their actions which I believe is relevant to this thread. I do realise that the last post on this thread was over 12 months ago, but still think it's worth mentioning.

'Trolling is defined as creating discord on the Internet by starting quarrels or upsetting people by posting inflammatory or off-topic messages in an online community. Basically, a social media troll is someone who purposely says something controversial in order to get a rise out of other users'.

I am an RD2000 owner and regularly view these Forums. I am very happy with my digital piano and truly believe that my main limitation with it (if any) is my lack of playing ability. That said being retired and having plenty of time, I get great enjoyment from playing. I have the dedicated Roland stand and play through a pair of KEF LS50 speakers and an SVS PB1000 Subwoofer. The amplifier I use is a Cambridge audio CX-A60. I have had a pair of speaker stands made specifically for the KEF's so they sit at 'head height' when seated playing. A relatively good audio system for a great digital stage piano.

One of the main factors that led me to purchase an RD2000 is the ease of use for playing VST's and the ability to integrate them seamlessly with the internal sounds. Very useful for someone who doesn't do technology that well. My software pianos are Pianoteq 7 Stage and Ravenscroft 275.
Chris
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