When it comes to digital pianos, Roland has always been a brand known for its innovation and quality, consistently pushing the boundaries of what digital pianos can offer.
The Roland F701 is no exception. Released as part of Roland’s stylish and modern lineup, this piano blends sleek design with advanced technology, making it a great option for those seeking an instrument that not only plays well but also fits seamlessly into a contemporary living space.
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Roland F701 Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Keyboard | 88 keys, PHA-4 Standard with Escapement and Ivory Feel |
| Sound Engine | SuperNATURAL Piano Sound Engine |
| Maximum Polyphony | 256 voices |
| Piano Tones | 15 Piano Tones (including Concert, Ballad, Bright, etc.) |
| Other Sounds | 324 total sounds, including electric pianos, organs, strings, and more |
| Speakers | 2 x 12 watts |
| Speaker Size | 2 x 4.72″ (12 cm) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.0 (MIDI, Audio) |
| USB | USB to Host, USB to Device (for MIDI, Audio Recording) |
| Pedals | 3 Pedals (Damper, Soft, Sostenuto) |
| Dimensions (with stand) | 1360 x 345 x 778 mm (53.5 x 13.6 x 30.6 inches) |
| Weight | 36.5 kg (80.5 lbs) |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 x 1/4″ Stereo jacks (front and back) |
| Metronome | Yes (with tempo, beat, and volume adjustment) |
| Recording Function | SMF Recorder (1 track), Audio Recording (WAV) |
| Internal Songs | 377 songs (including practice pieces) |
| Twin Piano Mode | Yes (splits keyboard for teacher-student use) |
| Finish Options | White, Light Oak, Black |
| Power Consumption | 17W (average consumption) |
| Included Accessories | AC adapter, music stand, headphone hook |
Design and Build Quality
One of the standout features of the Roland F701 is its contemporary and minimalist design. Roland clearly put a lot of thought into the aesthetics of this model, which is likely to appeal to those who want a digital piano that looks as good as it sounds.
Sleek and Compact
At first glance, the F701 strikes you with its minimalist appearance. The design is clean and unpretentious, making it a perfect addition to a modern living room, apartment, or studio space. The piano comes in three finishes: white, light oak, and black, allowing it to blend with different decor styles. Personally, I opted for the white finish, and I was impressed by how well it fit into my space without being overwhelming. The compact size is ideal for those who are tight on space but still want a full-sized digital piano.
At just 1.2 meters (about 47 inches) in width and a depth of 34.5 cm (around 13.6 inches), this piano takes up minimal floor space. One of its key advantages is its integrated stand, which gives it the look of an upright piano without the bulk. This makes it less of a focal point in a room while still having a solid and reliable build.
Simple, Yet Functional Controls
The Roland F701 avoids the cluttered appearance often seen in digital pianos, thanks to its intuitive control panel. Instead of a huge dashboard filled with knobs and buttons, it features a slim front panel with discreet buttons. This not only keeps the design minimalistic but also ensures that the piano feels more like an acoustic instrument than a piece of digital hardware.
The buttons are hidden under the key cover, maintaining the streamlined look when the piano is not in use. Once you open the lid, you get access to essential controls like volume and a few function keys, without feeling overwhelmed by too many choices.
Build Quality
In terms of construction, the F701 is sturdy, but it’s also light enough to move around easily. At 36.5 kg (about 80 pounds), it is lighter than traditional acoustic pianos but still feels substantial. Despite its lighter weight, it feels solid and reliable, and there are no compromises in the materials used. The pedal unit is firmly attached to the stand, providing a stable base for the pedals and ensuring that they won’t move during play.
The piano feels durable and well-built, which gives me confidence that it will hold up well over time, even with regular use. It’s perfect for a home environment where you need both durability and aesthetics.
Key Action and Feel
When it comes to digital pianos, the feel of the keys is one of the most important aspects, and the Roland F701 does not disappoint. One of Roland’s trademarks is their attention to detail in recreating the feel of an acoustic piano, and this model showcases that strength.
PHA-4 Standard Keybed
The Roland F701 is equipped with the PHA-4 Standard keyboard, which provides an 88-key graded hammer action. This means that the keys have a heavier touch in the lower registers and become progressively lighter as you move up the keyboard, mimicking the behavior of an acoustic grand piano. Having played on acoustic pianos for years, I can say that this graded response is both noticeable and satisfying.
The keys themselves are ivory-feel, textured keys with a matte finish, which gives them a premium look and helps reduce finger slippage during long practice sessions or performances. This is especially beneficial for those who practice in warmer environments or have naturally sweaty hands. The texture adds a slight grip that helps with control but is not too coarse to distract from playing.
Responsive and Expressive
One of the things I love about the F701 is how expressive it allows you to be. The PHA-4 action provides excellent dynamic range, responding well to both delicate and forceful playing. Whether you’re performing light classical pieces or powerful jazz, the keys respond appropriately, allowing for great control over dynamics.
I also found that the key escapement feature adds an extra layer of realism. Escapement refers to the slight “notch” felt when the key is pressed halfway down, simulating the mechanical feel of an acoustic grand piano. For advanced players who are used to the nuanced feedback of acoustic pianos, this feature enhances the authenticity of the experience.
Sound Quality and Sound Engine
Sound quality is arguably the most important factor in choosing any piano, and the F701 offers some of the best audio fidelity in its price range. Roland is known for its superior sound engines, and this model benefits greatly from their SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine.
SuperNATURAL Piano Sound Engine
The F701 uses Roland’s SuperNATURAL sound engine, which blends sampling and modeling to create an incredibly rich and dynamic sound. Unlike purely sampled sounds, where each note is recorded at different velocities, SuperNATURAL modeling adjusts the sound based on how you play, providing more fluid transitions between dynamics and timbres. This makes the F701 sound much more realistic than many other digital pianos in this category.
The piano tones are vivid and expressive, responding to the player’s nuances in touch and dynamics. You can go from soft, whisper-like passages to powerful, thundering chords, and the piano will handle it all without sounding artificial. Even when played through the built-in speakers, which are not as powerful as a separate sound system, the F701 delivers an immersive experience.
Piano Tones and Variety
The Roland F701 offers several different piano tones, ranging from classical grand to bright pop pianos, which allows for some versatility depending on the genre you’re playing. I found the default tone to be warm and balanced, suitable for most styles of music, but I also appreciated the ability to switch to a brighter tone for jazz or rock-oriented pieces.
In addition to its piano sounds, the F701 also features a range of other instrument voices, such as electric pianos, strings, and organs. While these aren’t the primary focus of the instrument, they are well-rendered and can add variety to practice sessions or compositions.
Effects
The Roland F701 digital piano offers a variety of sound effects that enhance the overall playing experience and provide more depth and richness to its sound. These effects are designed to replicate the natural acoustics of a grand piano and expand the tonal possibilities for different musical styles.
One of the primary effects is the reverb setting, which simulates the natural resonance of playing in different spaces, such as a small room, concert hall, or cathedral. This adds depth to the sound and makes it more immersive, especially when performing classical or ambient pieces. The reverb effect can be adjusted to suit the player’s preference, allowing for more or less resonance depending on the environment and type of music.
Another key effect is chorus, which thickens the sound by creating a subtle layering of tones, making the piano sound richer and more dynamic. The brilliance control adjusts the brightness or warmth of the sound, useful for tailoring the tonal quality to different genres or personal preferences.
Additionally, the F701 includes damper noise and key-off resonance, which mimic the subtle mechanical noises of an acoustic piano, further adding to the realism of the instrument. These sound effects help deliver a highly expressive and authentic playing experience.
Piano Designer
The Piano Designer feature on the Roland F701 digital piano is a powerful tool that allows players to customize and fine-tune the sound of their instrument to a high degree. While the F701 is designed to deliver a natural and expressive piano tone right out of the box, Piano Designer provides deeper control over various sound elements, offering a level of personalization that can enhance the playing experience.
Through Piano Designer, users can adjust several key parameters that affect the tonal and acoustic characteristics of the piano. These include string resonance, which simulates the sympathetic vibrations of unplayed strings when others are struck, and damper resonance, which replicates the effect of dampers lifting off the strings in an acoustic piano. Additionally, players can tweak settings for key-off resonance, which captures the subtle sound produced when a key is released, adding another layer of authenticity to the playing experience.
Other customizable elements include hammer noise, which simulates the sound of the hammers striking the strings with varying intensity depending on the playing style, and duplex scale adjustments, which influence the harmonic overtones of certain strings. These features allow players to craft a piano sound that aligns with their preferences, whether they’re seeking a bright, sharp tone or a warmer, more mellow timbre.
Piano Designer is accessible via Roland’s Piano Partner 2 app, making it easy to make adjustments using a smartphone or tablet. This level of customization is ideal for advanced players looking to replicate the specific tonal qualities of an acoustic grand piano or those who want to explore different sound textures in their performances.
In summary, the Piano Designer feature enhances the F701’s versatility, allowing for a highly personalized playing experience.
Built-in Speakers
The piano is equipped with two 12-watt speakers, which may not seem particularly powerful, but they are more than adequate for home use. The sound is clear and rich, with enough volume to fill a medium-sized room. The speakers are located underneath the keyboard, which helps with sound projection, although you can definitely hear a difference when you switch to external speakers or headphones.
For a richer sound, using high-quality headphones allows you to experience the full depth of the SuperNATURAL engine without any room interference, and this is where the F701 truly shines. I found that the quality of sound through headphones was superb, making it ideal for late-night practice sessions.
Features and Connectivity
Modern digital pianos need to offer more than just great sound and feel—they need to integrate into a modern music environment. The F701 has a range of features that make it a versatile and tech-savvy instrument.
Bluetooth and MIDI Connectivity
The Roland F701 comes with Bluetooth MIDI and audio capabilities, allowing you to connect the piano to a range of external devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. With Bluetooth audio, you can stream music from your device directly through the piano’s speakers, which is a nice feature for casual listening or playing along with backing tracks.
I found the Bluetooth MIDI particularly useful for connecting to music apps. Whether you’re using Roland’s own Piano Partner 2 app or another piano learning app, the connection is stable and quick. This opens up a lot of options for practice and composition, as you can easily link up with DAWs (digital audio workstations) like GarageBand or Logic Pro for recording purposes.
USB and Headphone Options
In addition to Bluetooth, the F701 has a USB port for connecting to a computer or other MIDI devices, as well as two headphone jacks—one on the front for easy access, and another on the back. The dual headphone jacks are a great feature for teachers or students who want to practice together or for silent practice without disturbing others.
Metronome, Recording, and Other Tools
The F701 comes equipped with a built-in metronome—an essential tool for practice sessions. You can adjust the tempo, time signature, and even volume to suit your needs. Additionally, the piano has a recording function, which allows you to record your performances directly onto the piano’s memory. This is a great feature for tracking progress or reviewing your performance.
While the recording options are somewhat basic compared to more advanced keyboards or pianos, they get the job done and are easy to use.
Modes
The Roland F701 digital piano offers several modes that enhance flexibility and accommodate different playing styles and learning needs. These modes adjust the way the piano functions, making it versatile for both practice and performance.
1. Twin Piano Mode
One of the standout features is Twin Piano Mode, which splits the keyboard into two identical pitch ranges, effectively creating two mini-pianos side by side. This is especially useful for duet playing, teaching, or student-teacher practice sessions, as both players can perform in the same octave range simultaneously. It’s a great tool for lessons, allowing the teacher to sit next to the student and play along or demonstrate techniques more effectively.
2. Split Mode
Split Mode allows players to divide the keyboard into two distinct instrument sounds, such as having a bass in the left hand and a piano or strings in the right. This mode is ideal for accompanying yourself or experimenting with different instrument combinations in one performance.
3. Layer Mode
In Layer Mode, players can layer two different sounds across the entire keyboard, such as combining piano and strings for a richer, more orchestral feel. This is particularly useful for creating lush textures in performance or for experimenting with different sound combinations in compositions.
These modes add versatility, enabling more creative practice and performance options for pianists of all levels.
Learning Tools and Pedagogy
One of the key selling points of the Roland F701 is its pedagogical focus. Roland has included a variety of features that make this piano especially useful for beginners or those looking to improve their playing.
Roland Piano Partner 2 App
Perhaps one of the best tools available with the F701 is Roland’s Piano Partner 2 app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. The app connects to the piano via Bluetooth and provides interactive features like built-in songs, rhythm accompaniments, and flash card exercises to help beginners learn the basics of music theory and piano technique.
I found the Song Library feature particularly useful, as it provides sheet music that scrolls along with the music as you play. This is an excellent tool for visual learners who benefit from seeing the notes in real-time. The practice exercises are well-designed and can significantly enhance the learning experience for newer players.
Twin Piano Mode
For students and teachers, the Twin Piano Mode is a fantastic feature. This mode splits the keyboard into two identical sections, allowing two players to sit side by side and play the same notes simultaneously. This is perfect for piano lessons, as the teacher can demonstrate a piece in the same octave as the student, rather than jumping back and forth between octaves.
Ease of Use
The Roland F701 is incredibly user-friendly. Even with the variety of features it offers, it never feels complicated or overwhelming. Setting up the piano was straightforward, and it only took about 20 minutes from unboxing to getting everything in place.
Navigating the features, such as changing voices, adjusting the metronome, or recording, is easy, thanks to the simple and intuitive button layout. For those new to digital pianos, this piano won’t require a steep learning curve to get up and running.
Accessories
The Roland F701 digital piano comes with several essential accessories right out of the box, ensuring that players can start using it immediately. Included with the piano is a music rest, which provides a sturdy platform for sheet music or tablets, making it convenient for both practice and performance. The piano also comes with a headphone hook, allowing users to neatly store their headphones when not in use, a small but thoughtful touch for organizing your practice space. Additionally, the F701 includes the AC power adapter, which powers the piano.
One of the standout features is the inclusion of a three-pedal unit (damper, soft, and sostenuto pedals), attached to the piano stand, giving it a full grand piano feel and offering the essential functionality for advanced playing techniques.
While the F701 is well-equipped, there are optional accessories that can enhance the playing experience. For those seeking improved sound, you can purchase external speakers or studio monitors to amplify the piano beyond the built-in 12-watt speakers. High-quality headphones are another common add-on for silent practice, and brands like Roland or Audio-Technica offer excellent choices for clear sound reproduction.
For more mobility and protection, a piano cover can be purchased to protect the instrument from dust, while piano benches, often sold separately, come in various designs to complement the piano’s aesthetic. Overall, while the F701 includes all the essentials, additional accessories can be purchased to customize your setup based on your needs.
Price and Value for Money
At its price point, the Roland F701 offers a great blend of quality and functionality. It falls within the mid-range of digital pianos, but it provides many features that are usually found in higher-end models.
The F701’s high-quality sound engine, excellent key action, and modern design make it a strong contender for anyone looking for a digital piano under $1,500. While it’s not the cheapest model on the market, the quality justifies the price, and it offers good value for both beginner and intermediate players.
Comparisons with Competitors
Roland F701 vs. Yamaha YDP-165
The Roland F701 and Yamaha YDP-165 are both excellent digital pianos designed for home use, offering similar price points and features, but with some notable differences.
The YDP-165 features Yamaha’s CFX sound engine, which delivers a rich, bright tone, especially favored by those who appreciate the distinct sound of Yamaha’s grand pianos. In contrast, the Roland F701 uses the SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine, which offers a more nuanced and expressive sound, with smoother dynamic transitions, making it ideal for players seeking a more detailed, responsive tone.
In terms of key action, Yamaha’s Graded Hammer 3 (GH3) offers a solid, realistic feel, with heavier keys in the bass and lighter ones in the treble, providing a good replication of an acoustic piano. Roland’s PHA-4 Standard keybed, however, stands out with ivory-feel keys and a slight edge in sensitivity, offering a refined touch that’s more responsive to dynamic control and subtle nuances.
When it comes to design, the Roland F701 has a sleeker, modern appearance, making it a better fit for contemporary living spaces, while the YDP-165 features a more traditional aesthetic, which might appeal to those who prefer a classic piano look.
Both models offer Bluetooth MIDI connectivity, but the F701 also supports Bluetooth audio, making it more versatile for streaming music. Overall, the F701 excels in sound depth and modern features, while the YDP-165 shines with Yamaha’s signature tone and classic feel.
Roland F701 vs. Kawai KDP120
The Roland F701 and Kawai KDP120 are highly competitive digital pianos in the sub-$1,500 range, each catering to home pianists. The KDP120 features Kawai’s Harmonic Imaging sound engine, which delivers a warm, rounded tone reminiscent of Kawai’s grand pianos. However, Roland’s SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine in the F701 provides a more realistic and dynamic range, especially at varying velocity levels, making it better suited for players who want more tonal flexibility.
When it comes to keyboard action, Kawai’s Responsive Hammer Compact II offers a slightly heavier feel than Roland’s PHA-4 Standard. While both key actions are excellent, Kawai is often favored for its slightly superior tactile feedback. However, the F701 edges out with ivory-textured keys and more precise touch control for pianists requiring refined dynamic expression.
In terms of features, the F701 excels with Bluetooth audio and MIDI, enabling seamless connectivity to apps and external devices, whereas the KDP120 only offers Bluetooth MIDI. Both models are equipped with useful learning tools, but Roland’s Piano Partner 2 app enhances the F701’s educational appeal.
If connectivity and modern aesthetics are important, the Roland F701 is the better option, while the KDP120 is ideal for players who prioritize keyboard feel and warmer tonal characteristics.
Roland F701 vs. Casio PX-870
The Roland F701 and Casio PX-870 are two popular choices for home pianists, but they cater to slightly different audiences. The PX-870 is part of Casio’s Privia line and is known for its AiR Sound Source, which delivers a clear, powerful sound with a focus on brightness. Roland’s SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine in the F701 offers a more sophisticated, nuanced tonal response, especially in terms of dynamics and expressiveness.
The PX-870 is equipped with Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II keys, which are responsive and comparable to Roland’s PHA-4 Standard keys. However, Roland’s PHA-4 keybed has a slight edge due to its ivory-textured keys and escapement feature, providing a more authentic acoustic feel.
Where the PX-870 shines is in its powerful 40-watt speaker system, which delivers a fuller, more resonant sound than the F701’s 24-watt system. This makes the PX-870 ideal for those who value room-filling sound without external amplification. On the other hand, the F701 excels in Bluetooth connectivity, offering both audio and MIDI streaming, whereas the PX-870 lacks Bluetooth audio.
For pianists seeking superior sound quality and touch realism, the Roland F701 stands out, but those wanting a powerful built-in speaker system may prefer the Casio PX-870.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional sound quality powered by the SuperNATURAL engine.
- PHA-4 Standard keyboard provides a realistic and comfortable playing experience.
- Stylish, compact design that fits well in modern living spaces.
- Bluetooth connectivity for streaming music and using apps.
- Twin Piano mode and educational features, perfect for beginners or lessons.
- Solid build quality with a choice of finishes.
Cons:
- Speakers could be more powerful for those who prefer louder sound without external amplification.
- The recording features are somewhat basic.
- Lack of advanced control options that some higher-end models offer, such as more in-depth sound customization.
Weaknesses
While the Roland F701 is an impressive digital piano that excels in many areas, it’s not without its weaknesses. These shortcomings may not be deal-breakers for every player, but they are worth considering depending on your priorities and expectations.
Limited Speaker Power
One of the more noticeable weaknesses is the limited power of the built-in speakers. The F701 comes with two 12-watt speakers, which are sufficient for small to medium-sized rooms but may lack the punch or volume for larger spaces. When compared to competitors like the Casio PX-870 with its more robust 40-watt speaker system, the F701’s sound output feels underwhelming. Players who prefer a fuller, more resonant sound may need to invest in external speakers or high-quality headphones for a richer experience.
Basic Sound Customization
The sound customization options on the F701 are somewhat limited. While the SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine delivers great realism, players looking for more in-depth sound tweaking may feel restricted. For instance, some higher-end digital pianos offer more detailed control over parameters like hammer noise, string resonance, and key-off simulations, allowing advanced users to craft a sound closer to their personal taste. The F701 focuses more on providing a quality preset experience rather than deep customization.
Lack of Advanced Recording Features
The built-in recording function on the F701, while useful for basic practice purposes, lacks the depth found in some other models. It allows you to record your performances, but the absence of multi-track recording or more robust editing features may disappoint those who want to do more serious music production without relying on external software or devices.
No LCD Screen
Unlike some of its competitors, the F701 lacks an LCD screen, which makes navigating through the various sounds, settings, and features slightly more cumbersome. Although the control panel is intuitive, having a display would simplify the process, especially for those who want to switch between different functions quickly.
In summary, the Roland F701 excels in many areas but does have a few limitations regarding speaker power, customization, recording features, and user interface, which advanced players should weigh when considering this model.
Final Verdict
The Roland F701 is an impressive digital piano that stands out due to its combination of design, sound quality, and playability. It excels in providing a realistic piano experience thanks to the PHA-4 keyboard and SuperNATURAL sound engine. The inclusion of Bluetooth connectivity and learning tools makes it a versatile option for both new and experienced players.
If you’re looking for a piano that performs well, looks great, and offers modern features without breaking the bank, the Roland F701 is a solid choice. While it may not have the sheer power or customizability of some higher-end models, it offers more than enough for home use, practice, and even casual performances.
In summary, the Roland F701 offers excellent value for the money, making it a top contender for those seeking a mid-range digital piano with premium features. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this model has a lot to offer in terms of sound, feel, and functionality.