Kawai
MP7SE
$1,900
A gigging pianist's workhorse — 256 sounds, real hammer action, no compromises on stage
5.6 Beginner 5.0 Night Practice 3.0 Portability 8.2 Touch Reality 6.1 Value
88 22.5 kg
View Details Roland
Roland RD-2000 Review
Roland's professional stage piano — dual sound engines for the gigging pianist
88 Keys 22 kg pha 50 Advanced
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 | 1100 sounds | +0.5 |
Night Practice
5.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 | +1 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm | +1 |
| Headphone Optimization | No | +0 |
| Key Action Quietness | pha 50 | +0 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | +0 |
Portability
3.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 22 kg | -1.5 |
| Width | 1394 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 | V-Piano + SuperNATURAL | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | ivory-feel | +0.5 |
Our Verdict
The Roland RD-2000 is a professional stage piano combining the V-Piano and SuperNATURAL sound engines with 1,100 sounds, deep editing capabilities, and the PHA-50 action in a road-ready 22 kg chassis.
Pros
- • Dual sound engines — V-Piano modeling and SuperNATURAL — offer complementary tonal palettes for any performance context
- • 1,100 built-in sounds spanning pianos, electric pianos, organs, strings, and synths cover virtually every stage scenario
- • PHA-50 action with ivory-feel keys provides premium touch response that translates well to acoustic piano technique
- • Comprehensive I/O with balanced XLR outputs, line outs, and zone control for professional live setups
- • Deep sound editing with 8 assignable knobs and sliders for real-time tonal control during performance
- • USB MIDI for studio integration and MIDI control of external software instruments
Cons
- • No built-in speakers — requires external amplification or headphones for all use
- • 22 kg is manageable but heavier than some competing stage pianos like the Nord Stage or Yamaha CP series
- • No Bluetooth connectivity — wired connections only
- • No lesson function or learning features — strictly a performance instrument
- • Single 6.3mm headphone jack with no headphone optimization
The Roland RD-2000 remains one of the most complete stage pianos available. The combination of V-Piano and SuperNATURAL engines gives it a tonal range that few competitors can match, and the PHA-50 action ensures that touch quality does not suffer for the sake of portability. It is heavier than the lightest stage options, but that weight buys you a keyboard that feels like a proper piano under your fingers. For gigging professionals, this is a workhorse that delivers night after night.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The PHA-50 action in the RD-2000 is the same premium action found in Roland's home consoles like the HP-704 and LX-5. On stage, the ivory-feel surface helps maintain grip under hot lights, and the consistent action weight supports the dynamic control needed for live performance. The escapement mechanism adds realism, making the transition between acoustic gigs and digital performances less jarring.
Who Is This Piano For?
The RD-2000 is built for working musicians who perform live regularly and need a reliable, versatile stage instrument. If you play in a band, do session work, or perform at churches and venues, the dual sound engines and deep programmability let you dial in exactly the tone you need for each song. It is also a strong studio controller for pianists who want a premium action connected to their DAW. This is not a home practice piano — it is a professional tool.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Pha 50 |
| Polyphony | 256 notes |
| Sounds | 1100 |
| Weight | 22 kg |
| Speakers | — |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | Ivory Feel |
| Sound Modeling | V-Piano + SuperNATURAL |
| 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) | 1394×345×134 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
RD-2000 vs MP7SE
The RD-2000 scores higher in Touch Reality, while the MP7SE edges ahead in Value. The MP7SE costs $600 less. Choose the RD-2000 if you prioritize realistic touch.
Kawai MP7SE →RD-2000 vs MP11SE
The MP11SE edges ahead in Night Practice and Touch Reality. The RD-2000 costs $500 less. Choose the MP11SE if you prioritize quiet practice.
Kawai MP11SE →RD-2000 vs VIVO S7 Pro
The VIVO S7 Pro edges ahead in Portability and Value. Choose the VIVO S7 Pro if you prioritize portability.
Dexibell VIVO S7 Pro →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Roland RD-2000 good for beginners?
It's decent for beginners. The Roland RD-2000 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 RD-2000 have Bluetooth?
No, the Roland RD-2000 does not have Bluetooth. You'll need a USB cable for app connectivity.
How heavy is the Roland RD-2000?
The Roland RD-2000 weighs 22 kg (49 lbs). It scores 3/10 on our Portability scale. This is manageable for occasional moves but not truly portable.
Can I use headphones with the Roland RD-2000?
Yes. The Roland RD-2000 has 1 headphone jack (6.3mm). It scores 5/10 on our Night Practice scale.
How many keys does the Roland RD-2000 have?
The Roland RD-2000 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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Kawai
MP11SE
$3,000
Kawai's flagship stage piano with Grand Feel III wood action
5.6 Beginner 6.0 Night Practice 3.0 Portability 9.4 Touch Reality 5.4 Value
88 33.5 kg
View Details Dexibell
VIVO S7 Pro
$2,500
Italian sound engineering and wooden keys — at half the price of a Nord
5.6 Beginner 5.0 Night Practice 4.5 Portability 9.2 Touch Reality 6.1 Value
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View Details