Casio
Privia PX-5S
$1,000
Casio's stage workhorse — 370 sounds, no speakers, all business
5.6 Beginner 5.0 Night Practice 5.5 Portability 7.6 Touch Reality 7.2 Value
88 11.2 kg
View Details Roland
Roland JUNO-DS88 Review
88-key synthesizer workstation with weighted ivory-touch keys
88 Keys 15.9 kg ivory touch Intermediate
Scores
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
5.6| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 3.0 |
| Lesson Function | No | +0 |
| App Connectivity | No | +0 |
| Recording | Yes | +1 |
| Metronome | Yes | +0.5 |
| Transpose | Yes | +0.3 |
| Layer / Split | Yes | +0.3 |
| Preset Songs | 0 | +0 |
| Sound Variety | 1000 sounds | +0.5 |
Night Practice
5.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 | +1 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm | +1 |
| Headphone Optimization | No | +0 |
| Key Action Quietness | ivory touch | +0.5 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | +0 |
Portability
4.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 15.9 kg | +0 |
| Width | 1414 mm | -0.5 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
5.3| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | ivory touch (grade 5) | +3 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 128 notes | +0.8 |
| Sound Modeling | No | +0 |
| Key Surface | plastic | +0 |
Our Verdict
The JUNO-DS88 is a performance synthesizer that happens to have 88 weighted keys — offering over 1,000 sounds, deep layering, and stage-ready connectivity, but with a keyboard action designed for synth versatility rather than piano realism.
Pros
- • Over 1,000 built-in sounds spanning pianos, organs, synths, strings, brass, and drums
- • Lightweight at 15.9 kg for an 88-key instrument — genuinely portable for gigging musicians
- • Powerful layering and split capabilities for complex live performance setups
- • USB MIDI and standard MIDI connections for studio and stage integration
- • Phrase pads and pattern sequencer add rhythmic backing for solo performers
- • Still in active production with firmware updates and ongoing support from Roland
Cons
- • Ivory-touch weighted action is not a piano action — lacks the hammer mechanism and graded weight of real piano keys
- • No built-in speakers — requires external amplification or headphones for all use
- • Not a piano replacement — the keyboard feel and sound engine prioritize synthesis over acoustic piano emulation
The JUNO-DS88 is one of the best values in 88-key workstations: lightweight, packed with sounds, and genuinely useful for live performance. It is not, however, a digital piano in any meaningful sense. The ivory-touch action is adequate for keyboard parts but will disappoint anyone expecting a serious piano practice instrument. Think of it as a synthesizer with the convenience of full-size weighted keys. For that purpose, it excels — and at around $1,000, it is hard to beat for gigging musicians who need versatility above all else.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The ivory-touch action uses a weighted mechanism without individual hammers for each key. It provides consistent resistance across the keyboard with a slight textured surface, but it does not replicate the graded weight or escapement of a piano action. Compared to Roland's PHA-series keybeds, the ivory-touch feels significantly lighter and more uniform. It is designed for players who switch between piano, organ, and synth sounds — prioritizing speed and versatility over the depth of a dedicated piano keybed.
Who Is This Piano For?
The JUNO-DS88 is for the gigging keyboardist or worship musician who needs a wide palette of sounds in one portable package. If your set list requires piano on one song, organ on the next, and a synth pad under the chorus, this is the kind of instrument that handles all of it without needing multiple keyboards on stage. The 88-key layout with weighted keys gives it enough piano-like playability for basic piano parts, but let us be clear: this is a synthesizer, not a digital piano. If your primary goal is practicing Chopin or working through a classical method book, the ivory-touch action will feel too light and springy. But if you need an affordable, lightweight 88-key workstation that you can carry to rehearsals and gigs without a roadie, the JUNO-DS88 delivers remarkable versatility at its price point. It pairs well with a keyboard amp or goes direct to a PA system through its line outputs.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Ivory Touch |
| Polyphony | 128 notes |
| Sounds | 1000 |
| Weight | 15.9 kg |
| Speakers | — |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | Plastic |
| Sound Modeling | — |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm |
| Headphone Optimization | No |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | Yes |
| Lesson Function | No |
| App Connectivity | No |
| Recording | Yes |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 0 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1414×277×111 mm |
| Stand Included | No |
| Pedal Included | No |
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
JUNO-DS88 vs Privia PX-5S
The JUNO-DS88 scores higher in Night Practice, while the Privia PX-5S edges ahead in Portability and Touch Reality and Value. Choose the JUNO-DS88 if you prioritize quiet practice.
Casio Privia PX-5S →JUNO-DS88 vs RD-88
The JUNO-DS88 scores higher in Night Practice, while the RD-88 edges ahead in Beginner and Touch Reality and Value. The JUNO-DS88 costs $300 less. Choose the JUNO-DS88 if you prioritize quiet practice.
Roland RD-88 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Roland JUNO-DS88 good for beginners?
It's decent for beginners. The Roland JUNO-DS88 scores 5.6/10 on our Beginner scale — it covers the basics but may lack some advanced learning features found in higher-scoring models.
Does the Roland JUNO-DS88 have Bluetooth?
No, the Roland JUNO-DS88 does not have Bluetooth. You'll need a USB cable for app connectivity.
How heavy is the Roland JUNO-DS88?
The Roland JUNO-DS88 weighs 15.9 kg (35 lbs). It scores 4.5/10 on our Portability scale. This is manageable for occasional moves but not truly portable.
Can I use headphones with the Roland JUNO-DS88?
Yes. The Roland JUNO-DS88 has 1 headphone jack (6.3mm). It scores 5.5/10 on our Night Practice scale.
How many keys does the Roland JUNO-DS88 have?
The Roland JUNO-DS88 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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Roland
RD-88
$1,300
3,000 sounds, 13.5 kg — the gigging pianist's workhorse
7.1 Beginner 5.0 Night Practice 4.5 Portability 8.2 Touch Reality 7.1 Value
88 13.5 kg
View Details