The Roland FP instruments have been a popular series here at the store for quite some time since their introduction. The most obvious features that differentiates the FP series from our other instruments are the following:
- dual functionality (equally-well suited to be either a stationary OR portable instrument, detaching from the stand in under a minute with four thumb screws)
- high-quality built-in speaker system (the RD series, while portable, have no speakers)
- ability to store combinations easily using registrations (the HP series, while stationary, lacks this functionality)
- huge list of tones present at a very low price point
The FP-4 and the FP-7 were the two previous models. When Roland released the new sound engine and their SuperNATURAL piano, they released the FP-4F and FP-7F which featured this revolutionary new sound technology. Now we have the FP-50 and the FP-80, which are direct replacements for the FP-4 and FP-7. For those who are comfortable and familiar with either of the previous instruments, the FP-50 and FP-80 will be a very easy transition.
The Acoustic Pianos on the FP-4F and FP-7F both used the SuperNATURAL sound engine. Now, on the FP-50 / FP-80, the Electric Piano sounds also use the SuperNATURAL sound engine.
Roland has also introduced their new Air Recorder app functionality to the FP-50 and FP-80, allowing these keyboards to be wirelessly interfaced with iOS devices via the USB adapter. With the free Air Recorder app, you can play along with your favorite songs stored in your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and record your performance into the app at the same time.
Best of all are the improvements in sound. The HP505/507 have been using Roland’s new Acoustic Projection technology, which creates a richer experience by using speakers in varying arrays to project the right types of piano nuances and frequencies toward the performer in the right direction to create a richer, multi-dimensional sound. Obviously, the FP-80 has a much smaller body than the HP505/507, which made it an easy upgrade to add, but Roland was still able to include this system in the instrument. While the FP-50 does not feature Acoustic Projection, the new platform and design still deliver a fantastic improvement over the FP-4F.
All the words in the world can’t communicate the sound, though. So, for your enjoyment, here are a few videos of these new instruments in action!
Video: Roland FP-80 Tone Preview
Video: Roland FP-80 Rhythm Sound Preview