Are you looking for a digital piano from Roland that offers the excellent sound quality, playability, features, and a complete set of accessories? If so, you probably came across the Roland FRP-1 digital piano.
Keep reading to learn if this Roland FRP-1 portable piano is the right choice for you!
In this article, I will thoroughly review Roland FRP-1 digital piano currently available at Costco. This comprehensive review will cover the following aspects in depth:
- Design
- Key Action
- Sound
- Features
- Connectivity
- Accessories
- Price & Availability
By the end of this review article, you'll better know whether the Roland FRP-1 Digital Piano fits your needs.
So, let's dive in!
Roland FRP-1 Digital Piano: Initial Thoughts
First, before I get into the Roland FRP-1, I want to point out that it is basically a rebranded FP-10 piano with a few added accessories.
The FP-10, priced at $600 on average, includes a music rack, sustain pedal, and power supply but no stand, bench, or headphones.
The FRP-1, on the other hand, comes with a padded bench, piano stand, and headphones, bringing the total cost to around $700 on average. It provides a more convenient option for those who want a digital piano complete with accessories.
Overall, I think FRP-1 is just the name of the bundle, and the actual piano you get is an FP-10. There is no difference between the FP-10 and the FRP-1 other than the FRP-1 includes a padded bench, piano stand, and headphones.
Roland FRP-1 Digital Piano: A Detailed Review
Quick Overview
The Roland FRP-1 Digital Piano is a compact and affordable digital piano that offers an authentic piano-playing experience with its advanced technology and features.
It comes with an 88-note hammer-action keyboard with Ivory-Feel keys that provides a responsive and expressive touch. The built-in SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine offers rich and dynamic tones that you can through the onboard speakers or headphones.
The FRP-1 also supports Bluetooth connectivity, making it easy to connect to various devices and apps. The free Piano Partner 2 app provides an intuitive interface for selecting sounds, adjusting settings, and viewing sheet music.
This Roland digital piano also has a twin piano mode, which lets two people play side-by-side in the same octave range. This makes it a perfect choice for piano lessons.
Additionally, it comes with a sustain pedal and music stand, so you can start playing immediately.
Overall, Roland FRP-1 is one of the best digital pianos for those looking for a musical instrument that offers the superior sound quality, playability, and features. It is an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced pianists.
Key Specifications
First, let's look at the main specifications of the Roland FRP-1 digital piano.
- Dimensions: 50.7 x 29.3 x 13.5 inches
- Keyboard Type: PHA-4 Standard Keyboard: with Escapement and Ivory Feel
- No. of Keys: 88
- Touch Sensitivity: 5 types, fixed touch
- Piano Sound: SuperNATURAL Piano Sound
- Tones: 15
- Polyphony (Max.): 96
- Demo Songs: 15 songs (Listening: 17 songs)
- Speakers: Yes (12 cm x 2)
- Effects: Yes
- Metronome: Yes
- Pedals: 1 (Sustain Pedal)
- Split Mode: N/A
- Connectivity: DC In jack, USB Ports (Type A & B), Phones jacks (usable as output jack) x 1: Stereo miniature phone type, Bluetooth MIDI interface
- Power Supply: AC adaptor
- Color: Black
- Weight: 12.3 kg (27 lbs)
Now that we have a brief knowledge of the Roland FRP-1, it's time to dive deeper into it!
Design
The FRP-1 digital piano has a sleek, compact design, making it an excellent choice for home use and professional performances.
Since this product is built with high-quality materials and sturdy construction, it will last for years.
It looks clean and modern. It can easily fit into any decor style. However, unlike other digital models, the Roland FRP-1 is only available in black.
Size & Weight
Being a portable digital piano, the FRP-1 is compact and lightweight. It weighs about 12.3 kg (27 lbs) and measures 50.7(W) x 29.3(H) x 13.5(D).
This digital piano is considerably smaller and lighter than the Roland FP-30.
Compared to its competitors in the market, the FRP-10 is one of the most portable digital piano keyboards.
Control
The Roland FRP-1 Digital Piano's control panel is user-friendly. It is simple to use, and this model has four toggle buttons to access all of its functions.
These buttons allow you to change the key transposition, select touch sensitivity, select instrument sounds, ambience/reverb, brilliance control, and metronome and access a song library with 17 song demos and 15 full songs.
You can also control the master volume using two toggle buttons on the control panel, which go from loud to soft. And you can see the volume level (minimum to maximum) through the lighted LEDs.
In addition, there is a power button for the entire piano and a default piano button that's useful for those who only want to play piano.
Overall, in terms of simplicity, the FRP-1 piano is easy to use even though it does not have a display. Because this piano doesn't have many "bells & whistles," a display screen is not as necessary as it would be if it did.
Key Action
The Roland FRP-1 piano has a full keyboard with 88 weighted keys. It uses Roland's PHA-4 key action, which is the company's basic but great entry-level weighted key action.
Each key on the keyboard is individually weighed. This gives the piano the same feel as a real piano. On the left side, the keys are heavier, and as you move toward the right side, the keys gradually become lighter.
The piano keys are also velocity-sensitive. That means you can adjust the volume depending on how hard or soft you play them. This feature is essential for creating a realistic keyboard experience.
Since the PHA-4 has synthetic ivory key tops, it helps absorb moisture during extended playing sessions. It also helps to improve grip as you move your fingers across the keyboard.
Overall, the hammer action keyboard provides plenty of control over your playing dynamics.
Even though the Roland FRP-1 offers a slightly heavier playing experience than other models in the same price range, it is more expressive and dynamic.
Sound
The Roland FRP-1 digital piano delivers excellent sound quality. You'll feel like you are playing a real grand piano when you play this piano. That's because it has an authentic acoustic piano sound with plenty of depth and character.
Tones
The Roland FRP-1 has 15 different instrument tones. They include four pianos and two electric pianos, and the other instrument sounds include strings, organs, harpsichords, vibraphone, pad, and jazz scat which is a fantastic sound.
To access these sounds, press the "function button" on the control panel and simultaneously play an appropriate black or white key. Once you have completed that step, the FRP-1 is ready to play the sound.
You can even layer up to two sounds together or divide the keyboard into two sections with different sounds. Musicians will appreciate this feature on the FRP-1.
Effects
The Roland digital piano also has plenty of sound effects, such as ambience, brilliance, and more, to enhance your playing experience. You can use these effects to create your own sound, depending on your preferences.
Speakers
The FRP-1 digital piano has two 6-watt speakers facing the floor under the piano. Unfortunately, the sound is muffled when you play it because it points away from you (the player).
Unlike this Roland piano, the speakers on Yamaha, Korg, and Casio digital pianos in the same price range face the player, which produces a clearer and more immediate sound.
A digital piano cabinet and speaker system would sound better if the speakers were pointed upward. That way, you can hear the frequency range much better than speakers facing away from you and down to the floor, like with the FRP-1.
Also, each speaker of the FRP-1 produces 6-watt power. As a result, the total power output for this model is just 12 watts. They don't sound very loud and aren't very powerful.
With this limitation, the FRP-1 is only suitable for home use. If you're going to do any serious performance, you'll need an external monitor or speaker.
When the master control is turned up, the piano has sufficient volume. But the sound quality and speaker positioning could be improved. Considering its $600 price tag, it performs well.
Polyphony
Polyphony refers to the number of piano notes that can be played and heard at once on a digital piano. It describes the maximum number of piano notes played and heard simultaneously when playing and sustaining multiple piano notes at once.
The polyphony number depends on the complexity of the instrument sounds and affects the processing power needed. This model has 96 notes of polyphony, which is considered a bit low. And it reflects its lower price. It uses Roland's entry-level sound engine.
The 96 notes of polyphony should be sufficient for you if you don't layer or mix sounds and don't play at a high level.
Features
The FRP-1 piano model offers several features that make it a perfect choice for beginners and professional pianists. Some of its best features include:
Bluetooth Wireless MIDI
The Roland FRP-1 features built-in Bluetooth wireless MIDI connectivity.
That means you can connect the keyboard piano wirelessly to external Bluetooth devices like Garageband, Piano Partner 2, computers, DAW software, and more. This eliminates the need for a USB cable.
The Bluetooth connection does not affect what the apps and software do.
Roland Piano Partner 2 App
One of the best features of the FRP-1 digital piano is that it is compatible with Roland's free Piano Partner 2 app.
It provides interactive features such as lessons, sheet music, and games, along with the ability to control various settings and sounds on the piano directly from your tablet or smartphone.
You can select sounds, set metronomes, view Digiscore sheet music, and record directly from your smartphone. This app works on iOS and Android devices.
Modes
The keyboard piano has two modes, including;
- Dual mode: This mode splits the keyboard piano into two parts, allowing two players to play the same instrument simultaneously.
- Twin mode: Twin Piano mode is ideal for lessons. It allows students and teachers to play in the same octave ranges at the same time. Piano teachers acclaim this unique feature.
Pedal
The pedals on a piano are essential, especially the main sustain pedal. The Roland FRP-1 digital piano comes with a basic square plastic sustain pedal switch called the DP2.
The DP2 is an on/off pedal switch that activates the sustain and holds the piano sound when you press down the pedal.
As soon as you release the pedals, the piano sound stops sustaining. This pedal is pretty simple and does a good job.
In contrast to most other digital pianos, the FRP-1 does not have a triple pedal option. It may be a bit disappointing for professional piano players. But since it's an inexpensive piano, you can't expect some things.
Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, the Roland FRP-1 digital piano won't disappoint you. It features several connectivity options, including;
- DC In jack
- USB ports (Type A & B)
- Phones jacks (usable as output jack) x 1: Stereo miniature phone type
- Headphone jacks
The USB Type-A port lets you connect the FRP-1 to USB memory devices such as flash drives for easy storage and data transfer. You can use it to load new firmware updates or to transfer piano performance data.
At the same time, the USB Type B port allows you to connect the piano to your computer to access the best music apps.
In addition, it has a stereo mini phone jack for connecting any external device, such as amplification systems. You can plug in your headphones if you want to practice quietly without disturbing your family members and neighbors.
There is also a DC In jack where you can connect the power adapter, which provides the necessary power to run the piano.
Overall, the Roland FRP-1 digital piano offers a wide range of connectivity options, making it an excellent choice for musicians and music teachers. All these connectivity options give you more flexibility and control over how your piano is connected to other devices.
Accessories
As I mentioned above, the Roland FRP-1 digital piano comes with most of the accessories that some piano players may want. They include:
- Music Rest
- Headphones
- Dedicated Stand: KSCFP10
- AC Adaptor, Power Cord (for connecting AC Adaptor)
- Sustain Pedal switch (DP-2)
- Bench with Storage
- Owner's Manual
All these things provide a more convenient way to play piano. A padded piano bench helps you sit comfortably for long hours without causing discomfort or pain while the music rest securely holds sheet music.
You can plug in your headphones if you need to practice piano and don't want to disturb your roommates or neighbors. The headphones provide a private and quiet playing experience.
The sustain pedal allows you to create longer, sustained notes while playing. The dedicated stand provides a sturdy and stable platform for the piano, and the bench with storage offers a convenient place to store sheet music and other accessories.
Price & Availability
As we all know, price is one of the most crucial aspects when choosing a product. The same goes for digital pianos.
Fortunately, Roland FRP-1 digital piano is available at an affordable. It costs around $699.99 at Costco, which makes it an excellent value for money considering all its features.
You can buy the Roland FRP-1 digital piano from Costco. For the last few years, Roland has had the FP-10 model available at Roland piano dealers. It has now been repackaged for Costco and comes with a few extra accessories under the new name, FRP-1.
Previously, it was also available through a couple of other places besides Costco, but for now, the FRP-1 is only available at Costco and only while supplies last.
Let's take a quick look at Costco!
Costco is a popular store for in-store and online sales. As a membership-based warehouse club, Costco provides its members with quality brand-name merchandise at the best possible prices.
The company offers groceries, electronics, furniture, home goods, and more. Founded in 1983, it operates in various countries worldwide, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, and others.
The store always has a few digital piano brands on sale during the year. And occasionally, you can see a few digital piano models in person in some of their stores during the holiday season.
The Roland FRP-1 is one of the best portable digital pianos currently available at Costco.
Pros and Cons of The Roland FRP-1 Digital Piano
We have reviewed the Roland FRP-1 portable digital piano in-depth. Now let's summarize its pros and cons!
Pros
- Compact size and lightweight design.
- Excellent PHA4 with Ivory feel keys and Escapement.
- The keys are touch-sensitive, giving you a realistic feel.
- Easy to use interface.
- The digital piano offers a variety of sounds and effects.
- Piano Partner 2 app for extended functionality.
- It features Bluetooth connectivity and other connectivity options.
- The package includes sustain pedal, piano bench, and music stand.
- Affordable.
Cons
- The speakers are not very powerful.
- Some players don't like plastic keys.
- There is no internal recording capability on the device.
- No optional 3-pedal unit.
Who Should buy Roland FRP-1 Piano?
In my opinion, the Roland FRP-1 is a perfect entry-level digital piano for beginners and even lower-intermediate piano players. If you're on a tight budget, you can go with this one, as it's affordable and portable.
However, it is not a suitable option for professional pianists. That's because the most crucial factor for a digital piano is the authentic playing experience, including key action, sound, pedaling, and speaker system.
Other features, such as Bluetooth connection and accessories, are not as important. They will not excite pro-level players musically.
Therefore, if you're serious about playing piano, you should invest in the best piano-playing experience you can afford.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Roland FRP-1 digital piano is an excellent option for those looking for a portable instrument that offers good sound quality and playability without breaking the bank.
It has many features, such as velocity-sensitive keys and a variety of sounds, so it is a good choice for beginners and even experienced players.
This digital keyboard piano provides an authentic playing experience at an affordable price, thanks to its easy-to-use interface and modern design.
Although professional pianists may not find it the best fit, the FRP-1 still offers excellent value for its price.
Ultimately, the Roland FRP-1 is a good choice for anyone looking for an entry-level digital piano.
What do you think of this Roland FRP-1 Digital Piano review? Let me know in the comments!
And do you have any experience with the Roland FRP-1? I'd love to hear about it in the comments section.
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Harlan Kilstein began playing piano during covid with no piano background at all. He taught himself how to play learning what to do and what not to do.
Today he's an advanced intermediate player and can help you grow in your skills because he learned all this on his own.
