question about the ROLAND fp series

[Xsao]

I really like the FP3 (heard a video and it sounds so freaken good)

So I know they discontinued the FP3 so which keyboard has more of the FP 3 piano grand sound?

the FP4,5,or 7?


and can someone give me a low down on the FP series. (why do they have so many in the series and which one has the best piano grand sound, etc etc.

THANKS


P.S if you know a better keyboard that has a better "piano grand" sound then just tell me that.....

[-=AnatomiC=-]

I don't know about FP series, but I don't think it has the best piano Roland has to offer... (it's a matter of taste of course).
The best Roland piano is IMO Fantom x, RD-700sx/300sx and Complete Piano SRX.

* Watched some demos from Roland Us site*

I think FP-7 has the same piano sounds also, and also PHA II.
IMO FP-3 can't come even close with it's piano sounds.
But if I needed a piano, I would go for RD-700sx/300sx.

[Xsao]

so your saying all the keyboards you listed have a better grand piano sound that this


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvs5T670VSM

[MrPillow]

The newest Fp seies, RD series, Fantoms etc are all going to have far better grand sounds than that one.

[Xsao]

so the RD keyboards are upgrades of the FP series?

[-=AnatomiC=-]

so your saying all the keyboards you listed have a better grand piano sound that this


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvs5T670VSM

Yeah - they sound better... in theory - I don't what kind of multi-sample FP has, but Fantom derived pianos have a piano multi-sample which has different samples in it.
4 velocity switchings per key * each key has individual samples = 88 * everything is stereo 2 = 704.

This should give a very realistic sound.
As a acoustic piano player, I can say - when you strike a key harder, it doesn't just sound louder - it sounds different, much sharper and percussive. While if you play quite, you get a mellow sound.
Also a lower key, does not sound like a "lowered mid key".
But you probably already know this....

Here (http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.aspx?ObjectId=666) are some demos - click on audio/video

RD is not an upgraded FP.
FP is a digital piano/home keyboard. You can take it to stage if you like, but it's not really designed for it.

RDs are stage pianos - they have some features to make live performances easier.
Besides - RDs are a little bit older (1 year, I think). FP has PHA II, while RD has PHA I.
Notice that Fantom x8 (with PHA I)has the same sounds, BUT: it's made for sound design (aka ROMpler) so it gives an unique ability to create your own piano sounds and edit presets.
You can even sample your own piano, if you have a professional studio and 80 000$ Stainway & Sons grand, and make your own multi-sample piano patch.

[Xsao]

ok so the RD's are older, but you reccomend a rd 300sx over a FP-5?

[-=AnatomiC=-]

Yeah - if you have to choose between Fp 5 and RD-300sx you should take RD.
It beats Fp 5 (not 7) in almost every aspect, and it's cheaper.

But I recommend to go to your local store and try them out, and also other options.
Try Yamaha s90 (you won't find it new, though) - they say it's pretty good also, + it has much more than Fp and RD together, for the same price.
It has all sounds of his bigger brother, the Motif.

Or, there is also Roland Juno G - it can do almost everything Fantom x can, but it's cheaper than Fp or Rd. But you will have only 61 key.

I always liked this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkc209OxY1E&watch_response) piano piece/impro on YouTube.
Feel the beauty of the piano sound. And as I've recently have discovered, it's not even an X - it's s88!!! The "new" piano multi-sample should sound even better!

If you would tell what kind of music do you play, what do you need, how much do you perform live, what sounds you use etc I could give a better option, maybe...

[Xsao]

well I just want to play classical stuff, so all I want is the piano grand sound, or super grand sound, I dont care about gizmos and stuff.

and I can only pay less than $2000, so I was thinking the RD 700, inless you know of one thats better (just for the piano grand sound)

thanks again, your really helping me out

[MrPillow]

If all you need is piano sound, go with the FP7.

[Xsao]

thanks, ill prob go with that (going to test that and the rd 700)

I was thinking about hooking the keyboard up to my surround sound speakers, there really nice high end speakers with a subwoofer. would the sound be way better if I bought keyboard monitors or would it be a little difference.

[-=AnatomiC=-]

If you only need piano sounds, I suggest FP-7.
It's cheaper, has the same piano sounds as Rd-700sx, and has a better action. Or should I say more "piano-like" action.

Good monitors will always improve the quality of the sound.