Roland- FP series vs. HP

[pianomayg]

Hi All,

I am new to the forum but after I hit your site on a google search, I thought this might be a great place to seek advice.  I am an advanced pianist (non-professional; I play as a hobby and hope to start teaching eventually,) in search of a digital piano with basic features, realistic touch and reaction, and a USB/computer hook-up so I can use it with my laptop for programs like Sibelius, etc.  Fancy voices/bells and whistles/etc not necessary.  I have shopped for digital pianos around the DC area and the general consensus seems to be that Roland is best, though some have also recommened various Yamaha digital pianos to me as well.  I found an HP 2 at an area piano store, and loved it, but since it was sold and I can't seem to find any other HP 2's around the DC area (I understand they are being discontinued for a newer model.)  I have heard that the Roland HP 1 isn't really worth it, and so I am looking to different Rolands at this point, and am also quite open to other brands.  Running searches on sites like musiciansfriend and zzounds have turned up Roland FP 2's and 5's.  I was wondering if anyone out there knew what distinguishes the Roland FP series, and if they would recommend it to someone with my aspirations/interests.  I am a recently graduated (from undergrad) 20-something and hoping not to spend more than $2,000 as I would eventually prefer to invest in an acoustic piano.

Thank you so much.

[xvimbi]

I don't believe that the consensus puts Roland at the top. I was personally never fond of Roland. In the end, however, it's a personal choice. In any case, don't go by what people recommend. From your post, I get the impression that you haven't tried the Yamahas yet. IMHO, one has to try at least some typical representatives of Yamaha, Roland, and Kawai to get a decent idea of what's out there. I can personally recommend the Yamaha P or PF series. The action is the same on all those models, so trying just one should tell you about the feel. The sound samples appear to be identical, so the difference will lie mostly in the speakers and the polyphony. Better models (P-120, PF-500 and up) allow for more realistic pedaling. Go to a GuitarCenter and check out what they have (the noise level is very high there, so ask for headphones). Look at the Yamaha PF-500. It's great, and it is in your price-range. Also, check out the Kawai MP-9500. There ought to be a Kawai dealer in the DC area who has one. It has a very realistic action, although I don't care too much about the excessive key wobble.

Don't go with what the consensus appears to be; go with what YOU like best.