Yamaha
CLP-885
$5,200
The ultimate Clavinova — GrandTouch-EX redefines digital piano touch
10.0 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 1.5 Portability 9.8 Touch Reality 6.2 Value
88 82 kg
View Details Roland
Roland LX-9 Review
Roland's ultimate digital piano — a concert grand experience without the tuning bills
88 Keys 108 kg hybrid grand keyboard
Bluetooth
Advanced
Scores
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 | hybrid grand keyboard | +0 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | Yes | +0.5 |
Portability
1.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 108 kg | -3 |
| Width | 1428 mm | -0.5 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
9.8| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | hybrid grand keyboard (grade 10) | +6 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 256 notes | +1.5 |
| Sound Modeling | PureAcoustic Piano Modeling | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | wood | +0.3 |
Our Verdict
The Roland LX-9 is the flagship of Roland's home lineup, combining the Hybrid Grand Keyboard with a 150W, 8-speaker Acoustic Projection system and PureAcoustic Piano Modeling for an uncompromising musical experience.
Pros
- • Hybrid Grand Keyboard is Roland's finest action — full wooden keys with the mechanism of a concert grand
- • 150W power through 8 strategically placed speakers creates genuine Acoustic Projection throughout the room
- • PureAcoustic Piano Modeling reproduces the full complexity of string resonance, damper interaction, and cabinet vibration
- • Headphone 3D Ambience preserves the concert-hall spatial impression during silent late-night sessions
- • Bluetooth MIDI and audio connectivity keeps this flagship instrument future-ready
- • Commanding tall cabinet design that serves as a genuine furniture centerpiece
Cons
- • 108 kg means professional movers are non-negotiable — plan your placement carefully before delivery
- • $6,000 price puts it in competition with entry-level acoustic uprights and some used grands
- • The sheer size (1428mm wide, 1118mm tall) requires a dedicated space in the home
The Roland LX-9 is not just a digital piano — it is a statement. The Hybrid Grand Keyboard delivers touch authenticity that closes the gap with acoustic grands, and the 8-speaker Acoustic Projection system means the sound does not just come from the piano, it surrounds you. At this price, you are paying for the best that Roland's digital technology can offer, and for most players, it genuinely delivers on that promise.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The Hybrid Grand Keyboard is Roland's top-tier action, rated 10/10 in our key action scale. It uses a full wooden key assembly with the same pivot-length ratio as a concert grand piano. The result is an action where every aspect — weight, return speed, repetition capability, and escapement feel — mirrors the acoustic experience. Players accustomed to Steinway or Yamaha concert grands will find a familiar response under their fingers.
Who Is This Piano For?
The LX-9 exists for pianists who will not compromise. If you are an advanced player who has spent years at acoustic instruments and need that same connection in a digital format — for apartment living, silent practice, or the convenience of zero maintenance — this is Roland's answer. It is also the definitive choice for families investing in a generational instrument that children will grow into over many years of study.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Hybrid Grand Keyboard |
| Polyphony | 256 notes |
| Sounds | 324 |
| Weight | 108 kg |
| Speakers | 150W (×8) |
| Bluetooth | Audio + MIDI |
| Key Surface | Wood |
| Sound Modeling | PureAcoustic Piano Modeling |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm, 3.5mm |
| Headphone Optimization | Yes |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | No |
| Lesson Function | Yes |
| App Connectivity | Yes |
| Recording | Yes |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 377 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1428×493×1118 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.
How It Compares
LX-9 vs CLP-885
The LX-9 and CLP-885 score very similarly across all axes. The CLP-885 costs $800 less.
Yamaha CLP-885 →LX-9 vs CLP-895GP
The LX-9 and CLP-895GP score very similarly across all axes. The LX-9 costs $1,500 less.
Yamaha CLP-895GP →LX-9 vs GP-510
The LX-9 and GP-510 score very similarly across all axes. The GP-510 costs $1,000 less.
Casio GP-510 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Roland LX-9 good for beginners?
Yes. The Roland LX-9 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 LX-9 have Bluetooth?
Yes, the Roland LX-9 supports both Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio, so you can connect wirelessly to apps and stream audio.
How heavy is the Roland LX-9?
The Roland LX-9 weighs 108 kg (238 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 LX-9?
Yes. The Roland LX-9 has 2 headphone jacks (6.3mm, 3.5mm). It scores 8.5/10 on our Night Practice scale. It also features headphone sound optimization for a more immersive experience.
How many keys does the Roland LX-9 have?
The Roland LX-9 has a full 88-key keyboard, the same as an acoustic piano. This gives you the complete range for any piece of music.
Related Guides
Digital Piano Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know (2026)
Buying a digital piano can feel overwhelming. Hundreds of models, confusing specs, and marketing jargon make it hard to know what actually matters. This guide breaks down everything you need to understand — in plain language — so you can make a confident decision.
Read more →Digital Piano vs Keyboard — What's the Difference? (2026)
"Should I buy a digital piano or a keyboard?" It's the most common question beginners ask — and the most confusing, because the terms get used interchangeably even by music stores. They're actually quite different instruments designed for different purposes. This guide cuts through the marketing noise and explains exactly what separates them, when each one makes sense, and which you should buy based on your actual goals.
Read more →Graded Hammer Action vs Weighted Keys: What's the Difference?
"Weighted keys" and "graded hammer action" are two of the most common terms you'll see when shopping for a digital piano. They sound similar but refer to different things. This guide explains exactly what they mean, how they affect your playing, and which type you should look for.
Read more →Best Quiet Digital Pianos for Apartments (2026)
Living in an apartment doesn't mean giving up piano. Digital pianos were practically made for this situation — plug in headphones and the world disappears. But not all models are equally quiet. Key noise, headphone quality, and late-night optimization features vary widely. This guide helps you find the right piano for peaceful apartment practice.
Read more →Similar Pianos
Yamaha
CLP-895GP
$7,500
A baby grand that never needs tuning
10.0 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 1.5 Portability 9.8 Touch Reality 6.0 Value
88 115 kg
View Details Casio
GP-510
$5,000
Casio's ultimate Grand Hybrid — Bechstein heritage, concert-grade power
10.0 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 1.5 Portability 9.8 Touch Reality 6.3 Value
88 83 kg
View Details