Roland RP-701 DR - A compact and affordable digital piano offering a wide range of practice features dedicated to those looking to develop their skills, including built-in rhythm accompaniments and Bluetooth connectivity for piano apps on iPad/Android. It is equipped with a dynamic keyboard, authentic feel, and captivating sounds. It combines premium features, competitive pricing, and a compact, durable cabinet.
With built-in technologies derived from iconic digital pianos, it benefits from the SuperNATURAL technology sound generator. The PHA-4 keyboard with an ivory feel surface has touch sensitivity, while the Progressive Damper Action pedal allows for traditional playing techniques just like on an acoustic piano. It offers 324 tones, 377 built-in songs, and educational functions. The output for headphones features a 3D Ambience effect. It includes a built-in metronome, audio playback, and MIDI (from USB memory) through the piano's speakers, and the Twin Piano mode allows for duet playing with a partner or teacher.
With MIDI technology via Bluetooth, it is easy to explore online teaching platforms like Skoove or try the Roland’s Piano Every Day app, which automatically records your performance for self-assessment and challenges you to learn a new piece with the “One Week Master” program.
Sound generator: SuperNATURAL Piano
Maximum polyphony: 256 voices
Tones: 324
Keyboard: 88 PHA-4 Standard keys with Escapement and Ivory Feel
Pedalboard:
Damper (Progressive Damper Action Pedal, capable of continuous detection)
Soft (capable of continuous detection)
Sostenuto (with assignable function)
Sound system:
Speakers: 2 x 12 cm
Speaker Power: 2 x 12 W
Headphone output with 3D ambience effect
Tuning, Voices:
Touch sensitivity:
100 types, fixed
Hammer Response: 10 types
Main tuning: 415.3--466.2 Hz (adjustable in increments of 0.1 Hz)
Temperament: 10 types (Equal, Just Major, Just Minor, Pythagorean, Kirnberger I, Kirnberger II, Kirnberger III, Meantone, Werckmeister, Arabic), selectable scale
Effects: Brilliance, Ambience
Built-in songs: 377
Data playback:
Standard MIDI files (Format 0, 1)
Audio file (WAV: 44.1 kHz, linear format on 16 bits, MP3: 44.1 kHz, 64 kbps - 320 kbps, requires USB flash memory)
Recording:
Standard MIDI files (format 0, 3 tracks, memory for approximately 70,000 notes)
Audio file (WAV: 44.1 kHz, linear format on 16 bits, requires USB flash memory)
Bluetooth:
Audio: Bluetooth v3.0 (supports SCMS-T content protection)
I'm not an expert, I have minimal knowledge of pianos so I turned to musician friends who recommended Roland in general, for the PHA-4 technology. And to go try the pianos in the showroom. Which turned out to be a very good idea, even though I don't know much, I could feel the difference in key touch compared to other models/brands. I can't say exactly why but I preferred Roland. Otherwise, I think the options are sufficient and I haven't tested them all. I made 2 trial visits on several models and for delivery, the guys from SC were okay. Be careful, the box with the piano is relatively large (I didn't find the dimensions), it fits in a van, definitely not in a sedan.
Ideal for talented kids. A piano with a balanced sound, a bit metallic and not very expansive, but more than adequate for a normal room. The keys are very well balanced and pleasant to touch, maybe a bit more resistant to touch (but still okay, even for kids) and unfortunately a bit noisier than I hoped.
Otherwise, the control buttons on the piano are intuitive and easy to understand even for a child. In terms of design and ergonomics, it fits easily into most rooms, and is appreciated and loved. Easy and interesting connection interfaces and digital applications (which is why a tablet becomes almost mandatory, the phone is too small for portable use) with the only warning that these cause piano addiction, especially in children… but not only. Anyway, assembling the piano was actually enjoyable, everything fits perfectly - let's say the level of difficulty is minimal compared to typical Ikea furniture.
As for logistics, everything went wonderfully with Soundcreation, online ordering and payment, courtesy call upon receiving the order, delivery in record time. An experience beyond expectations, and the price was probably the lowest I've seen.
