Skip to content

Roland RD-88 Professional Stage Piano Review

Roland RD-88 Professional Stage Piano Review

Looking to take your piano playing to the next level? Look no further than the Roland RD-88 Professional Stage Piano, 88-key. This incredible instrument combines the acclaimed sound and playability of Roland’s RD series with a lightweight and compact design, making it perfect for musicians on the go. With its Ivory feel piano-touch keyboard, you’ll experience world-class playability at your fingertips. The RD-88 also features new SuperNATURAL pianos and electric pianos, as well as three zones with external control and Apple MainStage integration. And that’s not all – when you purchase a Roland piano, you’ll receive three months of free piano lessons from Pianote, the ultimate online piano lessons experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, the RD-88 and Pianote will help you reach your piano goals in the comfort of your own home. Start your musical journey today!

Roland RD-88 Professional Stage Piano, 88-key

This image is property of Amazon.com.

Discover more about the Roland RD-88 Professional Stage Piano, 88-key.

Why Consider This Product?

If you’re in the market for a professional stage piano, the Roland RD-88 is a top contender. With its acclaimed Roland RD sound and playability, this instrument offers a high-quality piano experience. Not only is it lighter and more accessible, but it is also more affordable than other options on the market. The Roland RD-88 is designed with a lightweight and compact design, making it easy to transport and set up wherever you go.

But what sets this piano apart is its Ivory feel piano-touch keyboard (PHA-4) which ensures world-class playability. You’ll feel like you’re playing on a grand piano every time you touch the keys. Additionally, the Roland RD-88 features new SuperNATURAL pianos and electric pianos based on the acclaimed RD series. This means you’ll have an extensive range of realistic and expressive piano sounds at your fingertips.

Features and Benefits

The Roland RD-88 boasts several impressive features that make it a great choice for professional musicians and aspiring pianists alike. Let’s take a closer look at some of its key features and the benefits they offer:

Lightweight and Compact Design

The lightweight and compact design of the Roland RD-88 makes it incredibly portable. Whether you’re gigging regularly or simply need a piano that you can easily move around your home or studio, this instrument fits the bill. You won’t have to sacrifice quality for convenience with the RD-88.

Ivory Feel Piano-Touch Keyboard

The PHA-4 Ivory feel piano-touch keyboard is one of the standout features of the Roland RD-88. This keyboard provides an authentic and responsive touch that emulates the feel of an acoustic piano. With the RD-88, you’ll experience a natural and expressive playing experience that truly brings your music to life.

SuperNATURAL Pianos and Electric Pianos

The SuperNATURAL pianos and electric pianos on the RD-88 are based on the acclaimed RD series. These meticulously sampled sounds recreate the tonal characteristics and nuances of acoustic and electric pianos with incredible accuracy. Whether you’re playing classical pieces or rocking out on some funky electric piano tunes, the RD-88 has the sounds to match your style.

Three Zones with External Control and Apple MainStage Integration

With three zones and external control, the RD-88 offers immense control over your performance. You can split the keyboard and assign different sounds to each zone, allowing you to create layered and complex arrangements. Furthermore, the integration with Apple MainStage opens up a world of possibilities for live performances and studio work.

Product Quality

Roland is a renowned brand in the music industry, known for producing high-quality instruments with exceptional craftsmanship. The RD-88 is no exception. Each component is carefully designed and expertly manufactured to ensure optimal performance and durability. Its solid build and attention to detail make it a reliable and long-lasting investment for musicians of all levels.

Check out the Roland RD-88 Professional Stage Piano, 88-key here.

What It’s Used For

The RD-88 is a versatile instrument that can be used for various purposes. Whether you’re a professional musician performing on stage or a hobbyist honing your skills at home, the RD-88 has something to offer.

Live Performances

The RD-88 is an ideal choice for musicians who frequently perform live. Its lightweight design makes it easy to transport, and the onboard speaker system ensures that your sound fills the room. The ability to use multiple zones and the integration with Apple MainStage allows for endless creative possibilities on stage.

Studio Recording

For producers and composers, the RD-88 is a valuable tool in the studio. Its extensive range of high-quality sounds and the natural feel of the keyboard make it easy to create professional recordings. The RD-88 can be seamlessly integrated into any studio setup, whether you’re using it as a MIDI controller or recording its internal sounds.

Home Practice and Learning

The RD-88 is perfect for aspiring pianists who want to learn and practice at home. It offers an authentic playing experience with its Ivory feel piano-touch keyboard, making it feel like you’re playing on a real piano. The three months of free piano lessons provided by Pianote give you the opportunity to enhance your skills and learn from professional teachers in the comfort of your own home.

Songwriting and Composition

If you’re a songwriter or composer, the RD-88 can be an endless source of inspiration. Its wide range of sounds and expressive capabilities allow you to explore different genres and musical styles. The convenience and portability of the RD-88 make it easy to capture your ideas whenever inspiration strikes.

Product Specifications

Specifications Details
Keyboard Type PHA-4 Ivory feel piano-touch keyboard
Number of Keys 88
Sound Generator 2 parts
Maximum Polyphony 128 voices
Zones 3
Speakers Room-filling onboard speaker system
Lesson Subscription Three months of free piano lessons through Pianote
Connectivity USB, MIDI, Audio Out, Headphones
Weight 39.79 pounds (18.05 kg)
Dimensions (W x D x H) 52.8 x 12.6 x 5.31 inches (1341 x 321 x 135 mm)
Compatible Devices Internet-ready computer, tablet, or phone

Roland RD-88 Professional Stage Piano, 88-key

This image is property of Amazon.com.

Who Needs This

The Roland RD-88 is suitable for a wide range of individuals who have a passion for music and the piano. Whether you’re a professional musician, a hobbyist, or a beginner, the RD-88 offers features and capabilities that cater to different needs and skill levels. It’s a versatile instrument that can be used in various settings, from live performances to home practice and studio recording.

Pros and Cons

Before making a purchase decision, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of the Roland RD-88.

Pros:

  • Acclaimed Roland RD sound and playability
  • Lightweight and compact design for easy transport
  • Ivory feel piano-touch keyboard for a natural playing experience
  • Extensive range of SuperNATURAL pianos and electric pianos
  • Integration with Apple MainStage for enhanced performance capabilities
  • Onboard speaker system for room-filling sound
  • Three months of free piano lessons from Pianote for further skill development

Cons:

  • May be relatively expensive for beginners or casual players
  • Limited built-in sounds compared to more advanced models

Roland RD-88 Professional Stage Piano, 88-key

This image is property of Amazon.com.

FAQ’s

  1. Is the Roland RD-88 suitable for beginners? Yes, the Roland RD-88 is suitable for beginners. It offers a realistic playing experience with its Ivory feel piano-touch keyboard and provides access to three months of free piano lessons through Pianote. Beginners can learn at their own pace and receive support from real piano teachers.

  2. Can I use the RD-88 as a MIDI controller? Yes, the RD-88 can be used as a MIDI controller. Its MIDI connectivity allows you to control virtual instruments and software synths directly from the keyboard.

  3. Can I connect headphones to the RD-88 for private practice? Yes, the RD-88 has a headphone output that allows for private practice. You can practice without disturbing others and focus on your playing.

  4. Can I use the RD-88 with my computer or tablet? Yes, the RD-88 is compatible with internet-ready computers, tablets, and phones. You can access your Pianote lessons and connect to music software for recording or composing.

  5. Is the RD-88 suitable for gigging musicians? Yes, the RD-88 is lightweight and portable, making it a great choice for gigging musicians. Its compact design and onboard speaker system ensure that you can deliver a high-quality performance in any venue.

What Customers Are Saying

Customers who have purchased the Roland RD-88 have praised its superior sound quality, realistic keyboard feel, and the convenience of the lightweight design. They appreciate the range of sounds available and the flexibility of using it in different settings. Beginners have found the three months of free piano lessons from Pianote to be extremely helpful in their learning journey.

Roland RD-88 Professional Stage Piano, 88-key

This image is property of Amazon.com.

Overall Value

The Roland RD-88 offers excellent value for professional musicians, aspiring pianists, and hobbyists alike. With its premium sound and playability, lightweight design, and versatile features, it delivers on its promise of providing a high-quality piano experience. The three months of free piano lessons from Pianote further enhance the value of this product, allowing users to develop their piano skills at no additional cost.

Tips and Tricks For Best Results

To get the best results from your Roland RD-88, consider the following tips and tricks:

  • Read the user manual thoroughly to familiarize yourself with all the features and functions of the RD-88.
  • Experiment with different SuperNATURAL pianos and electric pianos to find the perfect sound for your playing style.
  • Take advantage of the three months of free piano lessons from Pianote to enhance your skills and learn new techniques.
  • Connect your RD-88 to music software and explore the possibilities of external control and Apple MainStage integration.
  • Regularly maintain and clean your RD-88 to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Roland RD-88 Professional Stage Piano, 88-key

This image is property of Amazon.com.

Final Thoughts

Product Summary

The Roland RD-88 Professional Stage Piano is a top-notch instrument that offers a high-quality piano experience at an affordable price. Its lightweight and compact design make it ideal for musicians on the go, while the Ivory feel piano-touch keyboard provides an authentic playing experience. With the SuperNATURAL pianos, extensive connectivity options, and three months of free piano lessons from Pianote, the RD-88 is a versatile and valuable tool for professionals and beginners alike.

Final Recommendation

If you’re in the market for a professional stage piano that combines quality, portability, and affordability, the Roland RD-88 is an excellent choice. Its exceptional sound quality, realistic keyboard feel, and wide range of features make it a worthwhile investment for musicians at any level. Whether you’re performing on stage, recording in the studio, or learning to play the piano, the RD-88 has everything you need to bring your music to life.

Click to view the Roland RD-88 Professional Stage Piano, 88-key.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

About the Author

Michael-B
Michael-B

Michael-B is a Music Producer, Musician, and Formally Trained (and was Certified by the Recording Institute of Detroit in 1986) Recording Engineer. As of to date, He's built 3 home recording studios go back to 1987, where he wrote, played all the instruments, and recorded his music. Michael B is also a Writer, Chief Editor and SEO of TrackinSolo.com