Roland
HP-701
$1,500
Roland HP-701: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison
10.0 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 1.5 Portability 8.2 Touch Reality 7.3 Value
88 47 kg
Roland
Roland HP-601 Review
Roland HP-601: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison
Discontinued 88 Keys 45 kg pha 50 Intermediate
Scores
Where to Buy
MSRP
$1,700
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
8.6| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 3.0 |
| Lesson Function | Yes | +1.5 |
| App Connectivity | No | +0 |
| Recording | Yes | +1 |
| Metronome | Yes | +0.5 |
| Transpose | Yes | +0.3 |
| Layer / Split | Yes | +0.3 |
| Preset Songs | 377 | +1.5 |
| Sound Variety | 319 sounds | +0.5 |
Night Practice
8.0| 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 50 | +0 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | +0 |
Portability
1.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 45 kg | -3 |
| Width | 1379 mm | -0.5 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
8.8| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | pha 50 (grade 8) | +4.8 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 288 notes | +1.5 |
| Sound Modeling | SuperNATURAL Piano | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | ivory-feel | +0.5 |
Roland HP-601 review verdict
This Roland HP-601 review reads the published specifications from a comparison-first point of view: touch, sound, practice fit, value, and limits.
Roland HP-601 is best read as a console digital piano for players who already practise regularly. This review looks at weighted-key feel, sound, practice features, value, and realistic comparison points instead of treating the spec sheet as advertising copy.
Pros
- • Key count: 88 keys, a clear basis for digital piano comparison.
- • Touch: weighted hammer action, so the review stays focused on practice feel.
- • Quiet practice: Headphone practice support.
- • Connectivity: USB MIDI.
- • Use case: Its best fit is home practice.
Cons
- • Main limit: the need for maximum portability.
- • Furniture footprint should still be checked.
- • Used-market condition and support need careful checking.
Roland HP-601 is a console digital piano that makes most sense when its strengths are matched to the right practice situation. The useful points are 88 keys, weighted hammer action, 288-note polyphony, 28W speakers, and a weight of 45 kg. In a digital piano review, those details matter more than broad claims about being the best digital piano overall. For home practice, this model can be a sensible candidate if the layout and feature set match the way the instrument will actually be used. Because it is discontinued, the condition, accessories, and local support matter more than the original launch position. The fairest comparison is with models in the same price and use class, where touch, speakers, headphone practice, and connectivity can be judged side by side.
Roland HP-601 evaluation points
Roland HP-601 key action and touch
Roland HP-601 uses a weighted hammer action. For a digital piano with weighted keys, the important question is not only whether the keys are heavy, but whether they help steady daily practice. The ivory feel key surface is a useful comfort detail. The specification lists 288-note polyphony; that is enough for ordinary pieces, while more layered playing or heavy pedal use benefits from a higher number. This makes the key action a practical comparison point rather than a decorative specification.
Who the Roland HP-601 is for
Roland HP-601 is most relevant for players who already practise regularly. The main use case is home practice. Strengths: a more piano-like touch. Limits: the need for maximum portability. Buyers comparing digital pianos should also check the stand, pedal, headphone jack, app support, and local availability before deciding.
Roland HP-601 sound and speakers
Roland HP-601 offers 319 sounds and 28W speakers. That is the sound side of the review: enough variety for practice, but the real experience depends on speaker power, headphone use, and the room where it will be played. The headphone output supports quiet practice. For lessons, apps, or recording workflows, the useful connectivity is USB MIDI.
What to know before buying the Roland HP-601
Before buying Roland HP-601, compare it with nearby alternatives on touch, sound, portability, and value. The stand is included, which simplifies the purchase. A damper pedal is included, though some players may still want a fuller pedal unit. Because it is discontinued, the condition, accessories, and local support matter more than the original launch position. For searchers looking for a Roland HP-601 review, the practical conclusion is to treat it as one candidate in a digital piano comparison, not as a universal answer for every player.
Demo Video
Source:
Better Music Watch on YouTube ↗
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Pha 50 |
| Polyphony | 288 notes |
| Sounds | 319 |
| Weight | 45 kg |
| Speakers | 28W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | Ivory Feel |
| Sound Modeling | SuperNATURAL Piano |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm, 3.5mm |
| Headphone Optimization | Yes |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | No |
| Lesson Function | Yes |
| App Connectivity | No |
| Recording | Yes |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 377 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1379×430×1064 mm |
| Stand Included | Yes |
| Pedal Included | Yes |
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
$1,700
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
HP-601 vs AP-470
The HP-601 scores higher in piano-like touch. Choose the HP-601 if piano-like touch matters most.
Casio AP-470 →HP-601 vs CLP-825
the CLP-825 is stronger in beginner support and quiet practice. The HP-601 costs $399 less. Choose the CLP-825 if beginner-friendly features matters most.
Yamaha CLP-825 →HP-601 vs CLP-735
the CLP-735 is stronger in beginner support and quiet practice. The HP-601 costs $500 less. Choose the CLP-735 if beginner-friendly features matters most.
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Read more →Sources & transparency
- Last verified
- Data referenced from
- Published spec sheet
How the 5-axis scores are calculated
We do not aggregate user reviews or star ratings (see methodology for why).
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Roland HP-601