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 RD-88 Review
3,000 sounds, 13.5 kg — the gigging pianist's workhorse
88 Keys 13.5 kg pha 4 standard
Bluetooth
Intermediate
Scores
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
7.1| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 3.0 |
| Lesson Function | No | +0 |
| App Connectivity | Yes | +1.5 |
| Recording | Yes | +1 |
| Metronome | Yes | +0.5 |
| Transpose | Yes | +0.3 |
| Layer / Split | Yes | +0.3 |
| Preset Songs | 0 | +0 |
| Sound Variety | 3000 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 4 standard | +0 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | +0 |
Portability
4.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 13.5 kg | +0 |
| Width | 1334 mm | -0.5 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
8.2| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | pha 4 standard (grade 7) | +4.2 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 256 notes | +1.5 |
| Sound Modeling | SuperNATURAL Piano Modeling | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | ivory-feel | +0.5 |
Our Verdict
The RD-88 strips away everything a stage pianist doesn't need (lesson functions, Bluetooth audio, fancy speakers) and loads up on everything they do: 3,000 sounds, professional outputs, one-touch scene recall, and a weight that won't destroy your back on load-in.
Pros
- • 3,000 built-in sounds — pianos, electric pianos, organs, synths, and everything in between
- • PHA-4 Standard action with ivory-feel keys — real piano weight for stage performance
- • 13.5 kg — remarkably light for a full-size 88-key stage piano with weighted keys
- • SuperNATURAL Piano Modeling sound engine — expressive, responsive piano tones
- • Line out, USB audio, and Bluetooth MIDI — connect to any PA system or DAW
- • Scene memory for instant sound switching between songs
Cons
- • Tiny built-in speakers (13W) — essentially useless for performance, you need external amplification
- • No Bluetooth audio — can't stream backing tracks wirelessly
- • No lesson function or built-in songs — this is a performance tool, not a learning tool
- • Only one headphone jack (6.3mm) with no headphone optimization
The RD-88 is laser-focused on what gigging musicians actually need. The 3,000 sounds cover virtually any genre or setting, the scene memory lets you switch patches between songs without fumbling through menus, and at 13.5 kg it's one of the lightest weighted 88-key stage pianos you can buy. The trade-offs are deliberate: the speakers are an afterthought, there's no Bluetooth audio, and there's nothing for beginners. That's the point. If you need a piano that performs on stage as reliably as you do, the RD-88 delivers professional capability at a price that won't bankrupt a working musician.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The PHA-4 Standard action gives you real weighted hammer feel at stage-piano weight — a trade-off that Roland handles well. The ivory-feel key surfaces provide grip under stage lights when your hands might be sweaty. The action is identical to the FP-30X, which means it's genuinely good but not the premium wood-hybrid feel of something like the LX-706. For most gigging pianists, this is the sweet spot: responsive enough for expressive playing, sturdy enough for transport, and light enough that you don't dread loading the van.
Who Is This Piano For?
You play in a band, at church, at wedding gigs, or at local venues — and you need an instrument that travels well, sounds professional through a PA, and gives you instant access to multiple sounds in a single set. You've been hauling a 20+ kg stage piano and your back is begging for mercy. Or you're a home studio musician who needs a solid keyboard controller with great built-in sounds. The RD-88 is built for musicians who perform, not for students who practice.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Pha 4 Standard |
| Polyphony | 256 notes |
| Sounds | 3000 |
| Weight | 13.5 kg |
| Speakers | 13W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | MIDI |
| Key Surface | Ivory Feel |
| Sound Modeling | SuperNATURAL Piano Modeling |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm |
| Headphone Optimization | No |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | Yes |
| Lesson Function | No |
| App Connectivity | Yes |
| Recording | Yes |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 0 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1334×291×137 mm |
| Stand Included | No |
| Pedal Included | Yes |
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-88 vs Privia PX-5S
The RD-88 scores higher in Beginner and Touch Reality, while the Privia PX-5S edges ahead in Portability. The Privia PX-5S costs $300 less. Choose the RD-88 if you prioritize beginner-friendly features.
Casio Privia PX-5S →RD-88 vs JUNO-DS88
The RD-88 scores higher in Beginner and Touch Reality and Value, while the JUNO-DS88 edges ahead in Night Practice. The JUNO-DS88 costs $300 less. Choose the RD-88 if you prioritize beginner-friendly features.
Roland JUNO-DS88 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Roland RD-88 good for beginners?
Yes. The Roland RD-88 scores 7.1/10 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 RD-88 have Bluetooth?
The Roland RD-88 has Bluetooth MIDI for wireless app connectivity, but no Bluetooth Audio for streaming music.
How heavy is the Roland RD-88?
The Roland RD-88 weighs 13.5 kg (30 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 RD-88?
Yes. The Roland RD-88 has 1 headphone jack (6.3mm). It scores 5/10 on our Night Practice scale.
How many keys does the Roland RD-88 have?
The Roland RD-88 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
JUNO-DS88
$1,000
88-key synthesizer workstation with weighted ivory-touch keys
5.6 Beginner 5.5 Night Practice 4.5 Portability 5.3 Touch Reality 6.5 Value
88 15.9 kg
View Details