Donner
DEP-45
$280
The cheapest way to get 88 keys, Bluetooth, and a battery
10.0 Beginner 6.0 Night Practice 8.5 Portability 3.5 Touch Reality 8.2 Value
88 7.5 kg
View Details Roland
Roland GO:PIANO88 Review
Seven kilos, battery powered, 88 keys — the piano that goes anywhere
88 Keys 7 kg semi weighted
Bluetooth
Beginner
Scores
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
7.1| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 3.0 |
| Lesson Function | Yes | +1.5 |
| App Connectivity | Yes | +1.5 |
| Recording | No | +0 |
| Metronome | Yes | +0.5 |
| Transpose | Yes | +0.3 |
| Layer / Split | Yes | +0.3 |
| Preset Songs | 0 | +0 |
| Sound Variety | 4 sounds | +0 |
Night Practice
6.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 | +1 |
| Headphone Type | 3.5mm | +0.5 |
| Headphone Optimization | No | +0 |
| Key Action Quietness | semi weighted | +1.5 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | +0 |
Portability
8.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 7 kg | +2 |
| Width | 1283 mm | +0 |
| Battery | Yes | +1.5 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
3.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | semi weighted (grade 2) | +1.2 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 128 notes | +0.8 |
| Sound Modeling | No | +0 |
| Key Surface | Standard | +0 |
Our Verdict
The GO:PIANO88 weighs less than a carry-on suitcase and runs on batteries. It's not trying to replace a real piano — it's the 88-key instrument you can actually bring to the park, a friend's house, or a dorm room.
Pros
- • Incredibly light at 7 kg — one of the lightest 88-key keyboards available
- • Battery powered (6x AA) — play anywhere without an outlet
- • Bluetooth MIDI for connecting to learning apps like Simply Piano
- • 128-note polyphony — more than enough for beginners and casual play
- • Roland sound quality in the 4 built-in tones (piano, e-piano, organ, strings)
Cons
- • Semi-weighted keys — noticeably lighter than a real piano, won't build proper finger strength
- • Only 4 sounds — no variety for exploring different genres
- • No recording function — can't capture your practice sessions
- • Only one 3.5mm headphone jack with no headphone optimization
- • No line out — limited options for amplification
Let's be honest: the GO:PIANO88 is not the piano you buy to train for a recital. The semi-weighted keys won't prepare your fingers for a real piano, and 4 sounds is bare-bones. But that's not the point. At 7 kg with battery power, it's the only 88-key Roland you can genuinely carry with one hand. The sound quality of those 4 tones is surprisingly good — this is still Roland, not a toy. If portability is your top priority and you understand the key-feel trade-off, the GO:PIANO88 delivers something no other piano in this price range can: true freedom to play anywhere.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
These are semi-weighted keys — meaning they have some resistance when you press down, but significantly less than a real piano or a hammer-action digital piano like the FP-10. The touch is closer to a keyboard than a piano. This makes them easier to play for long periods, but if you're serious about developing classical technique, you'll eventually want to upgrade to a weighted action. For casual playing, songwriting, and learning basic skills, the lighter touch is perfectly fine.
Who Is This Piano For?
You're a college student who wants to practice in your dorm without bothering your roommate. Or you're someone who wants to try piano for the first time without committing $700+ and a permanent spot in your living room. Maybe you already own a serious piano at home but want something you can throw in the car for a weekend at the cabin. The GO:PIANO88 is the piano for people who need portability above all else.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Semi Weighted |
| Polyphony | 128 notes |
| Sounds | 4 |
| Weight | 7 kg |
| Speakers | 10W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | MIDI |
| Key Surface | — |
| Sound Modeling | — |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 |
| Headphone Type | 3.5mm |
| Headphone Optimization | No |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | No |
| Lesson Function | Yes |
| App Connectivity | Yes |
| Recording | No |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 0 |
| Battery | Yes |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1283×291×87 mm |
| Stand Included | No |
| Pedal Included | Yes |
Recommended Accessories
🪑
Stand
Stand not included (sold separately)
A sturdy X-stand or furniture-style stand is essential if one isn't included.
🎧
Headphones
Closed-back headphones with good bass response make practice sessions more enjoyable.
🎹
Sustain Pedal
The included pedal is usually basic. A half-damper pedal upgrade is worthwhile for expressive playing.
💺
Bench
An adjustable-height bench helps maintain proper posture during long practice sessions.
How It Compares
GO:PIANO88 vs DEP-45
The DEP-45 edges ahead in Beginner and Value. The DEP-45 costs $120 less. Choose the DEP-45 if you prioritize beginner-friendly features.
Donner DEP-45 →GO:PIANO88 vs Recital Pro
The GO:PIANO88 scores higher in Beginner and Night Practice and Portability, while the Recital Pro edges ahead in Touch Reality. Choose the GO:PIANO88 if you prioritize beginner-friendly features.
Alesis Recital Pro →GO:PIANO88 vs Legato IV
The GO:PIANO88 scores higher in Portability, while the Legato IV edges ahead in Beginner and Night Practice. The Legato IV costs $100 less. Choose the GO:PIANO88 if you prioritize portability.
Williams Legato IV →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Roland GO:PIANO88 good for beginners?
Yes. The Roland GO:PIANO88 scores 7.1/10 on our Beginner scale, which means it has strong learning features like lesson modes, app connectivity, and built-in songs to help new players get started.
Does the Roland GO:PIANO88 have Bluetooth?
The Roland GO:PIANO88 has Bluetooth MIDI for wireless app connectivity, but no Bluetooth Audio for streaming music.
How heavy is the Roland GO:PIANO88?
The Roland GO:PIANO88 weighs 7 kg (15 lbs). It scores 8.5/10 on our Portability scale. This is light enough to carry between rooms or to lessons.
Can I use headphones with the Roland GO:PIANO88?
Yes. The Roland GO:PIANO88 has 1 headphone jack (3.5mm). It scores 6/10 on our Night Practice scale.
How many keys does the Roland GO:PIANO88 have?
The Roland GO:PIANO88 has a full 88-key keyboard, the same as an acoustic piano. This gives you the complete range for any piece of music.
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