Roland
HP-701
$1,500
A dependable home piano that gets everything right for families
10.0 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 1.5 Portability 8.2 Touch Reality 7.2 Value
88 47 kg
View Details Roland
Roland RP-701 Review
FP-30X quality in a furniture cabinet — the family piano
88 Keys 45.5 kg pha 4 standard
Bluetooth
Intermediate
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 | pha 4 standard | +0 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | Yes | +0.5 |
Portability
1.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 45.5 kg | -3 |
| Width | 1366 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 | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | ivory-feel | +0.5 |
Our Verdict
The RP-701 takes the same PHA-4 Standard keyboard that makes the FP-30X so popular and puts it in a proper furniture-style cabinet with built-in stand, three pedals, and a matching bench. It's Roland's most affordable way to get a 'real piano' experience in your home.
Pros
- • PHA-4 Standard action with ivory-feel keys — same excellent touch as the FP-30X
- • Stand, three-pedal unit, and music rest included — no separate purchases needed
- • Two headphone jacks (6.3mm + 3.5mm) with Headphones 3D Ambience
- • Bluetooth Audio + MIDI — stream music and use piano learning apps
- • 377 built-in lesson songs plus recording function for tracking progress
- • 324 sounds with SuperNATURAL piano engine
Cons
- • Same PHA-4 Standard action as the $700 FP-30X — you're paying extra for the cabinet, not better keys
- • 45.5 kg — once placed, it stays put
- • 24W speakers are adequate but won't fill a large room the way the HP-702's 28W system does
The RP-701 is essentially an FP-30X that grew up and moved into a proper cabinet. You get the same excellent PHA-4 Standard action, the same SuperNATURAL sound engine, the same Bluetooth capabilities — but with a built-in stand, three pedals, and a piece of furniture that looks like it belongs in your home. At $1,400, you're paying about $700 more than the FP-30X, and most of that goes toward the cabinet, stand, and pedal unit. That's a fair deal if you value the complete furniture-piano experience. If you just need the keys and sound, the FP-30X on a good stand saves you significant money with zero compromise on playing feel.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The PHA-4 Standard action is the same mechanism used in the FP-30X — Roland's most popular portable piano. It provides weighted hammer action with a subtle escapement mechanism that mimics the feel of an acoustic piano's hammer releasing from the string. The ivory-feel key surfaces have a natural texture that helps your fingers grip without slipping. It's a keyboard that teaches good habits: you learn to control dynamics naturally because the keys respond proportionally to how hard you press.
Who Is This Piano For?
Your family decided it's time for a piano in the house. Maybe your child is starting lessons, or you're picking the instrument back up yourself. You want something that looks like a real piano in the living room — not a keyboard on a metal stand. You want built-in pedals so your child learns proper pedal technique from day one. And you want headphone jacks so practice doesn't drive the rest of the household crazy. The RP-701 is the piano families buy when they're serious about learning but sensible about budget.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Pha 4 Standard |
| Polyphony | 256 notes |
| Sounds | 324 |
| Weight | 45.5 kg |
| Speakers | 24W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | Audio + MIDI |
| Key Surface | Ivory Feel |
| Sound Modeling | SuperNATURAL Piano |
| 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) | 1366×463×1028 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
RP-701 vs HP-701
The RP-701 and HP-701 score very similarly across all axes. The RP-701 costs $100 less.
Roland HP-701 →RP-701 vs AP-550
The RP-701 scores higher in Touch Reality. The AP-550 costs $100 less. Choose the RP-701 if you prioritize realistic touch.
Casio AP-550 →RP-701 vs CLP-725
The CLP-725 edges ahead in Touch Reality. The RP-701 costs $300 less. Choose the CLP-725 if you prioritize realistic touch.
Yamaha CLP-725 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Roland RP-701 good for beginners?
Yes. The Roland RP-701 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 RP-701 have Bluetooth?
Yes, the Roland RP-701 supports both Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio, so you can connect wirelessly to apps and stream audio.
How heavy is the Roland RP-701?
The Roland RP-701 weighs 45.5 kg (100 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 RP-701?
Yes. The Roland RP-701 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 RP-701 have?
The Roland RP-701 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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