1st Note

Roland

Roland GP-609 Review

A baby grand silhouette with the convenience of digital — Roland's showpiece piano

Discontinued
88 Keys 110 kg pha 50m Bluetooth Advanced

Scores

10.0 8.5 1.5 9.2 6.0 Beginner Night Practice Portability Touch Reality Value

Beginner

10.0

Night Practice

8.5

Portability

1.5

Touch Reality

9.2

Value

6.0

Where to Buy

MSRP

$6,500

This model is discontinued. New-old-stock or used listings may still appear, so confirm the current listing status at retailers.

This model is discontinued; links may show used listings, remaining stock, or unrelated search results. These buttons open retailer search results and may include affiliate tracking where available. Stock and listing status can change without notice.

How These Scores Were Calculated

Beginner

10.0
Factor This Piano Points
Base Score 3.0
Lesson Function Yes +1.5
App Connectivity Yes +1.5
Recording Yes +1
Metronome Yes +0.5
Transpose Yes +0.3
Layer / Split Yes +0.3
Preset Songs 377 +1.5
Sound Variety 324 sounds +0.5

Night Practice

8.5
Factor This Piano Points
Base Score 2.0
Headphone Jacks 2 +2
Headphone Type 6.3mm, 3.5mm +1.5
Headphone Optimization Yes +1.5
Key Action Quietness pha 50m +0
Volume Control Yes +1
Bluetooth Audio Yes +0.5

Portability

1.5
Factor This Piano Points
Base Score 5.0
Weight 110 kg -3
Width 1474 mm -0.5
Battery No +0
Foldable No +0
Key Count 88 keys +0

Touch Reality

9.2
Factor This Piano Points
Key Action Quality pha 50m (grade 9) +5.4
Key Count 88 keys +1.5
Polyphony 256 notes +1.5
Sound Modeling PureAcoustic Piano Modeling +0.5
Key Surface wood+molded +0.3

How was this calculated? — Read our methodology

Roland GP-609 review verdict

This Roland GP-609 review focuses on published specifications, practice use, and comparison context rather than sponsored rankings.

The Roland GP-609 wraps PureAcoustic Piano Modeling and a PHA-50M action inside a striking baby grand cabinet, delivering visual grandeur and serious musical performance without the maintenance demands of an acoustic grand.

Pros

  • Authentic baby grand form factor creates an unmistakable visual statement in any room
  • PHA-50M wooden hybrid action provides premium touch response worthy of the grand piano shape
  • PureAcoustic Piano Modeling with 6 speakers positioned inside the open lid projects sound upward like a real grand
  • 100W speaker system uses the cabinet's internal space for resonant, naturally projected tone
  • Headphone optimization lets you enjoy silent practice even on this showpiece instrument
  • Bluetooth MIDI and audio, lesson functions, and 324 sounds provide full modern functionality

Cons

  • 110 kg and a 1013mm depth footprint — this needs a dedicated room corner or performance space
  • $6,500 puts it above the LX-9 which has a superior Hybrid Grand Keyboard action
  • The PHA-50M action, while excellent, is the same as the LX-6 at nearly half the price — you are paying for the cabinet

The Roland GP-609 is equal parts instrument and furniture. Its baby grand silhouette commands attention, and the combination of PureAcoustic Modeling with a lid-projected speaker system means it sounds as impressive as it looks. The honest truth is that you pay a premium for the cabinet design over the equivalent LX-6 internals — but for many buyers, that grand piano presence in the room is worth every penny.

Roland GP-609 review details

Roland GP-609 key action and touch

The PHA-50M action used in the GP-609 is the same premium wooden hybrid action found in the LX-6. It incorporates real wood in the key sides with molded central frames, delivering organic warmth and reliable consistency. The escapement mechanism and dynamic range are excellent, though players seeking the absolute pinnacle of Roland's touch should note that the LX-9's Hybrid Grand Keyboard action sits one tier above.

Who the Roland GP-609 is for

The GP-609 is for pianists who want the visual drama and spatial sound projection of a grand piano in a maintenance-free digital format. If the look and presence of a grand matter to you — for a music room, studio, church, or living space where the instrument is a centerpiece — the GP-609 delivers what an upright-shaped cabinet cannot. It is also ideal for venues that need an impressive instrument without the tuning and climate-control obligations of an acoustic grand.

Demo Video

Source: Merriam Music Watch on YouTube ↗

Specifications

Keys 88
Key Action Pha 50m
Polyphony 256 notes
Sounds 324
Weight 110 kg
Speakers 100W (×6)
Bluetooth Audio + MIDI

Recommended Accessories

🪑

Stand

Stand included

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.

Where to Buy

MSRP

$6,500

This model is discontinued. New-old-stock or used listings may still appear, so confirm the current listing status at retailers.

This model is discontinued; links may show used listings, remaining stock, or unrelated search results. These buttons open retailer search results and may include affiliate tracking where available. Stock and listing status can change without notice.

How It Compares

GP-609 vs CA-901

The GP-609 and CA-901 score very similarly across all axes. The GP-609 costs $499 less.

Kawai CA-901 →

GP-609 vs CA-701

The GP-609 and CA-701 score very similarly across all axes. The CA-701 costs $1,201 less.

Kawai CA-701 →

GP-609 vs CLP-875

The GP-609 and CLP-875 score very similarly across all axes. The CLP-875 costs $1,201 less.

Yamaha CLP-875 →

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Sources & transparency

Last verified
Data referenced from
Manufacturer official

How the 5-axis scores are calculated

We do not aggregate user reviews or star ratings (see methodology for why).

Spot a mistake or have a question about what's on this page? Let us know and we'll review it.

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Roland GP-609