Roland FP-60X Review: The FP-30X With a Display, Speakers and a Mic Input

Who Should Buy It

Key Specifications

Where the FP-60X Sits

Roland's FP-X series runs FP-10, FP-30X, FP-60X and FP-90X. The FP-30X and FP-60X share the PHA-4 Standard action and the SuperNATURAL engine; the FP-60X adds a display with dedicated buttons, 358 tones instead of 56, onboard Piano Designer, a 2 x 13 W amplifier with custom speakers, a microphone input with effects, and a more elegant cabinet based on the award-winning FP design. The listing confirms the amplifier and speakers, the engine, the curated sound set and Piano Designer; Roland's specification adds 256-note polyphony, Bluetooth audio and MIDI, USB audio and the included DP-10 pedal.

Action

PHA-4 Standard is a three-sensor graded hammer action with simulated escapement and Ivory Feel key tops, and it is the same keyboard as the FP-30X. It remains the most realistic action in the mid-range portable class, heavier and more detailed than the compact actions from Yamaha and Casio. The FP-90X's PHA-50, with wooden key sides and a longer pivot, is the step up within Roland, and the Kawai ES920's RHIII with let-off and counterweights is the closest rival at the FP-60X's price.

Sound, Speakers and Tones

SuperNATURAL Piano models tone continuously and the FP-60X's grands are bright, expressive and adjustable through Piano Designer directly on the panel, where lid position, hammer noise, string resonance and more can be set without an app. The 358 tones cover electric pianos, organs, strings, synths, brass, bass and drums, and the display makes finding them practical. Polyphony is 256 notes.

The speakers are the FP-60X's biggest difference from the FP-30X: 2 x 13 W through custom drivers, with a fuller low end and enough volume for a living room, a rehearsal or a small venue without an amplifier.

Connectivity

Bluetooth audio and MIDI, USB audio and MIDI, quarter-inch line outputs, two headphone jacks, the mic input, a sustain jack and a port for the KPD-90 three-pedal unit cover home, stage and studio. Roland's Piano App adds remote control and a recorder; the Piano Every Day app provides practice content.

Setup and Accessories

The FP-60X ships with the DP-10 half-damper pedal, a music rest and a power adapter. Roland's KSC-72 stand and KPD-90 three-pedal unit turn it into a slim console with soft, sostenuto and progressive damper pedals. At 42.6 pounds it needs a double-braced X-stand or the furniture stand and a heavy-duty case for transport.

FP-60X Against the Alternatives

Against the FP-30X, the FP-60X is the same action and engine with a display, far more tones, louder speakers and a mic input; the premium is justified for performers and for anyone who plays through the speakers. Against the FP-90X, the FP-90X adds the PHA-50 wooden hybrid action and PureAcoustic modeling at a much higher price. Against the Kawai ES920, the Kawai has the more refined action and 2 x 20 W speakers; the Roland has more tones, the mic input and Piano Designer on the panel. Against the Casio PX-S5000, the Casio is slimmer with hybrid keys; the Roland has the speakers, display and mic input.

Buy the FP-60X for performing and for living-room playing; buy the FP-30X for headphone practice.

Daily Use at Home and On Stage

At home the FP-60X's display is the feature owners use most: tone selection, the metronome, Piano Designer and the recorder are visible operations rather than key combinations, and the speakers are strong enough that headphones become a choice rather than a necessity. On stage the mic input, line outputs and the sectioned tone library turn it into a solo performer's instrument, and Bluetooth audio lets a backing track play through the same speakers. The DP-10 pedal in the box supports half-damper from day one, which the FP-30X's switch pedal does not.

Long-Term Fit

The FP-60X is a portable that owners keep for years because it does everything a solo performer needs. The reason an owner upgrades is the wish for a wooden action, which the FP-90X provides. As the mid FP-X model it holds value well.

Strengths and Limitations

Alternatives to Consider

Roland FP-30X

Anyone who wants the complete mid-range portable: realistic action, generous polyphony, every connection

Read the Roland FP-30X review →

Roland FP-90X

Serious pianists and performers who want Roland's flagship action and modeled piano without a cabinet

Read the Roland FP-90X review →

Kawai ES920

Serious pianists who want the best action and sound in a portable before the price of a Kawai console

Read the Kawai ES920 review →

Head-to-Head Comparisons

• Roland FP-60X vs Kawai ES520 Compare →
• Casio Privia PX-S5000 vs Roland FP-60X Compare →
• Yamaha P-225 vs Roland FP-60X Compare →

Questions Buyers Ask