Kawai
MP11SE
$3,699
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 4.8 Value
88 33.5 kg
Roland
Roland RD-700NX Review
Roland's flagship stage piano with PHA-4 Concert action
Discontinued 88 Keys 24.2 kg pha 4 concert Advanced
Where to Buy
MSRP
$3,000
Retail prices change, so check current pricing at retailers.
These buttons open retailer search results and may include affiliate tracking where available. Stock and listing status can change without notice.
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
6.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 | +2 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm | +1 |
| Headphone Optimization | No | +0 |
| Key Action Quietness | pha 4 concert | +0 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | +0 |
Portability
3.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 24.2 kg | -1.5 |
| Width | 1399 mm | -0.5 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
8.7| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | pha 4 concert (grade 9) | +5.4 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 128 notes | +0.8 |
| Sound Modeling | SuperNATURAL Piano | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | ivory-feel | +0.5 |
Our Verdict
The RD-700NX was Roland's top-tier stage piano, combining the premium PHA-4 Concert keybed with SuperNATURAL Piano tones and over 1,100 sounds — built for professional performers who demand concert-grade touch on stage.
Pros
- • PHA-4 Concert action — Roland's second-best keybed with ivory-feel surface and realistic escapement
- • Over 1,100 sounds including SuperNATURAL Piano for expressive acoustic piano tones
- • Comprehensive stage connectivity with balanced XLR outputs, multiple audio outs, and USB MIDI
- • Sound Focus feature projects piano tone clearly through a band mix without excessive volume
- • Dual headphone jacks for monitoring and sharing during rehearsal
- • Robust build quality designed for touring and repeated transport
Cons
- • 24.2 kg is heavy for a stage piano — significantly heavier than modern alternatives like the FP-90X
- • 128-note polyphony is modest by modern standards and can drop notes during heavy pedal use
- • Discontinued since the early 2010s — no firmware updates and parts availability is declining
The RD-700NX earned its reputation as one of the finest stage pianos of its generation. The PHA-4 Concert action remains genuinely impressive even compared to current mid-range instruments, and the SuperNATURAL Piano engine produces tones that sit beautifully in a live mix. Its age shows in the modest polyphony count and the absence of wireless features. But if you find one in good condition on the used market and your priority is the best possible keystroke for stage work, the RD-700NX still holds its own. It is a professional tool that prioritized what matters most: how the keys feel under a pianist's hands.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The PHA-4 Concert is Roland's second-highest grade keybed, one step below the PHA-50M and the hybrid grand keyboards. It features individually weighted keys with an escapement mechanism that replicates the subtle 'click' felt when pressing an acoustic grand piano key slowly. The ivory-feel surface provides secure finger contact, and the overall key weight is noticeably heavier than the PHA-4 Standard, making it more suitable for classical and jazz repertoire that demands precise dynamic control.
Who Is This Piano For?
The RD-700NX was built for the working professional pianist. If you perform in concert halls, function bands, or recording studios and need an instrument that feels like a grand piano under your fingers, the PHA-4 Concert action delivers that level of sophistication. The extensive sound library covers every genre from jazz trio piano to rock organ to orchestral strings, making it a one-keyboard solution for diverse gig requirements. The Sound Focus feature is particularly useful in live band settings, allowing the piano to cut through drums and guitars without pushing volume into uncomfortable territory. At 24.2 kg, it is not light, but professional pianists of that era accepted the weight as the cost of premium touch. On the used market today, the RD-700NX remains a respected instrument — its action and core piano sounds have aged well. However, it lacks Bluetooth, app integration, and the polyphony counts that modern players may expect. It is best suited for experienced players who value keybed quality above all other features.
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 4 Concert |
| Polyphony | 128 notes |
| Sounds | 1100 |
| Weight | 24.2 kg |
| Speakers | — |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | Ivory Feel |
| Sound Modeling | SuperNATURAL Piano |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 |
| 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) | 1399×376×170 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.
Where to Buy
MSRP
$3,000
Retail prices change, so check current pricing at retailers.
These buttons open retailer search results and may include affiliate tracking where available. Stock and listing status can change without notice.
How It Compares
RD-700NX vs MP11SE
The MP11SE edges ahead in Touch Reality. The RD-700NX costs $699 less. Choose the MP11SE if you prioritize realistic touch.
Kawai MP11SE →RD-700NX vs RD-2000 EX
The RD-700NX scores higher in Night Practice. The RD-2000 EX costs $100 less. Choose the RD-700NX if you prioritize quiet practice.
Roland RD-2000 EX →RD-700NX vs MP7SE
The RD-700NX scores higher in Night Practice and Touch Reality. The MP7SE costs $301 less. Choose the RD-700NX if you prioritize quiet practice.
Kawai MP7SE →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Roland RD-700NX good for beginners?
It's decent for beginners. The Roland RD-700NX 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-700NX have Bluetooth?
No, the Roland RD-700NX does not have Bluetooth. You'll need a USB cable for app connectivity.
How heavy is the Roland RD-700NX?
The Roland RD-700NX weighs 24.2 kg (53 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-700NX?
Yes. The Roland RD-700NX has 2 headphone jacks (6.3mm). It scores 6/10 on our Night Practice scale.
How many keys does the Roland RD-700NX have?
The Roland RD-700NX 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 RD-700NX best for?
The RD-700NX was built for the working professional pianist. If you perform in concert halls, function bands, or recording studios and need an instrument that feels like a grand piano under your fingers, the PHA-4 Concert action delivers that level of sophistication. The extensive sound library covers every genre from jazz trio piano to rock organ to orchestral strings, making it a one-keyboard solution for diverse gig requirements. The Sound Focus feature is particularly useful in live band settings, allowing the piano to cut through drums and guitars without pushing volume into uncomfortable territory. At 24.2 kg, it is not light, but professional pianists of that era accepted the weight as the cost of premium touch. On the used market today, the RD-700NX remains a respected instrument — its action and core piano sounds have aged well. However, it lacks Bluetooth, app integration, and the polyphony counts that modern players may expect. It is best suited for experienced players who value keybed quality above all other features.
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RD-2000 EX
$2,900
Roland's flagship RD stage piano with V-Piano expansions included
5.6 Beginner 5.0 Night Practice 3.0 Portability 8.8 Touch Reality 4.8 Value
88 21.7 kg
Kawai
MP7SE
$2,699
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 4.9 Value
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