Roland announces new pianos and keyboards

Roland’s recent spate of product launches included the launch of no less than four new digital pianos –  the FP-60, HP601, HP603A and RP102.

The entry-level FP-60 is designed to offer affordable top-level performance, easy portability and Bluetooth audio/MIDI support in a streamlined design aimed at home players, stage performers, and music education.

The HP601 and HP603A aim to deliver ‘concert class’ piano for homes, education or  for performance. The lower cost HP601 features integrated Bluetooth audio/MIDI connectivity and premium piano action, while the HP603A (based on the current HP603) has support for Bluetooth audio along with Bluetooth MIDI.

Also announced was Piano Partner 2 Version 2.0, an updated version of the free iOS and Android companion app for Roland digital pianos. It is designed to enhance and extend the functionality of compatible Roland pianos, with digital notation, intelligent rhythms, and useful practice functions.

In addition, the firm also unveiled two V-Combo live performance keyboards – the V-Combo VR-730, which features top-quality organ, electric piano, acoustic piano, and synth sounds in a travel-ready instrument with a 73-note waterfall keyboard and the V-Combo VR-09-B – a travel-ready 61-note keyboard.

The VR-730 features onboard organs, historic electric pianos (which include a selection from the acclaimed RD-2000 Stage Piano); a smart user interface and direct access controls.

The V-Combo VR-09-B is designed to be lightweight, affordable, and outfitted with top-level Roland sounds, as the all-in-one solution for performing keyboard players. Dedicated organ, acoustic/electric piano, and synth engines are organised in three sections on the front panel, providing fingertip access to a variety of tones.

Rreal-time controls increase the opportunity for expression on stage, with hands-on sliders for tone shaping and a large array of knobs and buttons for tweaking the seven simultaneous effects and other parameters.