1st Note

Roland

Roland HP-603A Review

Roland's premium console piano from a proven generation

Discontinued
88 Keys 53 kg pha 50 Bluetooth Intermediate

Where to Buy

MSRP

$1,600

Retail prices change, so check current pricing at retailers.

No verified product page is available yet, so these buttons open retailer search results. Stock and listing status can change without notice.

Scores

10.0 8.0 1.5 8.8 7.2 Beginner Night Practice Portability Touch Reality Value

Beginner

10.0

Night Practice

8.0

Portability

1.5

Touch Reality

8.8

Value

7.2
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 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 53 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 256 notes +1.5
Sound Modeling SuperNATURAL Piano +0.5
Key Surface ivory-feel +0.5

Our Verdict

The HP-603A pairs Roland's PHA-50 hybrid action with a powerful 4-speaker system and 377 built-in songs, offering serious playability in a traditional furniture cabinet — now available at clearance prices.

Pros

  • PHA-50 action with ivory-feel keys delivers a responsive, piano-like touch with escapement
  • 60W output through 4 speakers produces a full-bodied, room-filling sound
  • Bluetooth MIDI enables wireless connection to Roland's Piano Every Day app
  • 377 built-in songs provide extensive material for practice and enjoyment
  • Dual headphone jacks (6.3mm + 3.5mm) with Headphones 3D Ambience for immersive silent practice
  • Elegant tall cabinet design suits traditional living room décor

Cons

  • No Bluetooth audio — you cannot stream music from your phone through the speakers
  • 53 kg weight requires professional delivery and a permanent placement spot
  • Discontinued — replacement parts and support may become limited over time

The Roland HP-603A was a well-respected console piano in its day, and it remains an excellent instrument if you can find one at a discount. The PHA-50 action and 4-speaker system deliver a playing experience that competes with current models costing significantly more. The main trade-off is the lack of Bluetooth audio — you get MIDI only, which is fine for app connectivity but means no wireless music streaming. If you spot one at a good price and don't need the latest wireless features, it is a smart purchase.

Technical Deep Dive

About the Key Action

The PHA-50 action combines molded materials with an internal construction designed to mimic wooden keys. It has a satisfying weight and a subtle escapement click that helps you develop expressive control. The ivory-feel key surfaces provide natural grip and resist moisture from your fingertips. For an intermediate player, this action offers enough nuance to practice dynamic pieces with confidence.

Who Is This Piano For?

The HP-603A is for intermediate players and serious returning pianists who find one at a good clearance price. If you value touch quality and speaker power over modern wireless audio streaming, this piano punches well above its discounted price point. The PHA-50 action is the same quality found in Roland's current mid-range models, so you are not compromising on the fundamentals.

Demo Video

Video coming soon for this model

We embed videos from manufacturer official channels and trusted reviewers. As soon as a suitable demo or review is available, it will appear here.

Specifications

Keys 88
Key Action Pha 50
Polyphony 256 notes
Sounds 319
Weight 53 kg
Speakers 60W (×4)
Bluetooth 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

$1,600

Retail prices change, so check current pricing at retailers.

No verified product page is available yet, so these buttons open retailer search results. Stock and listing status can change without notice.

How It Compares

HP-603A vs CLP-725

The CLP-725 edges ahead in Night Practice. The HP-603A costs $100 less. Choose the CLP-725 if you prioritize quiet practice.

Yamaha CLP-725 →

HP-603A vs YDP-175

The YDP-175 edges ahead in Night Practice. The HP-603A costs $400 less. Choose the YDP-175 if you prioritize quiet practice.

Yamaha YDP-175 →

HP-603A vs HP-701

The HP-603A scores higher in Touch Reality, while the HP-701 edges ahead in Night Practice. The HP-701 costs $100 less. Choose the HP-603A if you prioritize realistic touch.

Roland HP-701 →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Roland HP-603A good for beginners?

Yes. The Roland HP-603A scores 10/10 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 HP-603A have Bluetooth?

The Roland HP-603A has Bluetooth MIDI for wireless app connectivity, but no Bluetooth Audio for streaming music.

How heavy is the Roland HP-603A?

The Roland HP-603A weighs 53 kg (117 lbs). It scores 1.5/10 on our Portability scale. This is a stay-in-place instrument — plan its location before setup.

Can I use headphones with the Roland HP-603A?

Yes. The Roland HP-603A has 2 headphone jacks (6.3mm, 3.5mm). It scores 8/10 on our Night Practice scale. It also features headphone sound optimization for a more immersive experience.

How many keys does the Roland HP-603A have?

The Roland HP-603A has a full 88-key keyboard, the same as an acoustic piano. This gives you the complete range for any piece of music.

Who is the Roland HP-603A best for?

The HP-603A is for intermediate players and serious returning pianists who find one at a good clearance price. If you value touch quality and speaker power over modern wireless audio streaming, this piano punches well above its discounted price point. The PHA-50 action is the same quality found in Roland's current mid-range models, so you are not compromising on the fundamentals.

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