#1942329 - 05/14/08 09:48 PM
Going digital...looking at Roland RD300GX and FP7
|
cahsings
Member
Registered: 05/14/08
Posts: 3
|
Offline
|
|
I am new to the forums and tried to search as best I could for the answers to my questions before I post so please forgive me if it ends up being redundant.
I have played the piano for many years and am living in a duplex and can no longer live without having something to play at home. I'm in my second year of teaching K-8 music and until I get somewhere perminant, my piano that is at my parent's house isn't moving.
SO, I've been looking at keyboards. I stopped in at a local dealer the other day and played the RD300GX. I really liked the way it played with the softs and louds, etc. Anyway, the issue that I'm having is that since I'm mainly going to be using the keyboard for home use (though you never know what may happen in the future), I don't really know what kind of sound set up to get. I don't really want/need anything loud at this point and I don't really want to spend that much more on top of the keyboard for sound at this point (not that sound isn't important!). I also don't have a whole lot of room for big bulky speakers.
So, I guess my main question is would the FP7 give me the same feel and capabilities as the RD300GX? I haven't seen a whole lot about the FP7. Or does anyone have any good "compact" sound ideas for the RD300GX?
Thanks in advance!
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#1942336 - 05/14/08 10:16 PM
Re: Going digital...looking at Roland RD300GX and FP7
[Re: cahsings]
|
SK
Platinum Member
Registered: 12/24/06
Posts: 1506
Loc: Va.
|
Online
|
|
Welcome! Well, the GX is a nicer keyboard with slightly better sound and considerably better action. The FP7 is also a very nice keyboard and has built-in speakers, although not great quality speakers.
I would recommend for either to get a pair of powered studio monitors for the best sound at home. The GX, not having speakers, will require external sound. I'm happy with the KRK brand of studio monitors, which seem to give a lot of quality for less money, but there are greater extremes you can go. Do a search on KRK or any studio monitors and you should be set. Studio monitors are small and very accurate, requiring no amp.
You've made a good choice and I think you would be happy with either keyboard. The GX is nicer with the latest sound and action, but the FP7 is a great keyboard, also having just come out several months ago. The GX also has a lot more sounds and editable features, if that interests you.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#1942344 - 05/14/08 10:34 PM
Re: Going digital...looking at Roland RD300GX and FP7
[Re: cahsings]
|
TheOldHippy
Member
Registered: 01/15/08
Posts: 9
|
|
Offline
|
|
I had a 300GX on order - but was able to pick up a 700SX for less money. Call me crazy but I preferred the 700SX...
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#1942347 - 05/14/08 10:44 PM
Re: Going digital...looking at Roland RD300GX and FP7
[Re: TheOldHippy]
|
SK
Platinum Member
Registered: 12/24/06
Posts: 1506
Loc: Va.
|
|
Online
|
|
Some people do prefer the 700SX. The FP7 (and FP4) have the same top piano sample as the 700SX. The GX also has the same piano patch ("Superior Grand") plus a new piano sound and totally new action.
_________________________
If all else fails, there's always "pitch bend".
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#1942350 - 05/14/08 11:05 PM
Re: Going digital...looking at Roland RD300GX and FP7
[Re: SK]
|
Jazz+
MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 05/15/04
Posts: 2648
|
|
Offline
|
|
The FP7 ($1,225) has a heavier feeling action than the RD-300GX. The FP7's built in stereo speakers are a big advantage. A keyboard feels more alive with built in speakers. The FP7 , FP4 and RD-300GX use the same samples as the "Superior Grand" also found in the RD-700SX and RD-700GX, but "Superior Grand" has more clarity in the RD-700SX and even more in the RD-700GX series.
_________________________
Live: Roland FP4 (33 lbs)+ bag, EV SXa-360 speakers (36 lbs), WS 550 stand, LiveWires in ear monitors
Sold: Kawai ES4, Yamaha P250, P120, P90. RD300SX, Kurz PC2X, Bose PAS, Mackie SRM450, JBL EON10,
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#1942363 - 05/15/08 12:20 AM
Re: Going digital...looking at Roland RD300GX and FP7
[Re: Jazz+]
|
mikecorbett
Senior Member
Registered: 01/14/06
Posts: 131
Loc: Halifax
|
|
Offline
|
|
Jazz,
for practicing classical piano, which do you think has a better action, the 300GX or the FP7. I played the 300GX, I really liked alot of the sounds and the features. I didnt find the action bad.....but, I dunno, good for learning classical?
_________________________
Thank God for MIDI, what would we do with all the modules.....?
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#1942368 - 05/15/08 12:42 AM
Re: Going digital...looking at Roland RD300GX and FP7
[Re: mikecorbett]
|
Jazz+
MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 05/15/04
Posts: 2648
|
|
Offline
|
|
I guess the FP7 action because it's heavier. It's more work. The built in speakers also make it feel more connected to the sound.
_________________________
Live: Roland FP4 (33 lbs)+ bag, EV SXa-360 speakers (36 lbs), WS 550 stand, LiveWires in ear monitors
Sold: Kawai ES4, Yamaha P250, P120, P90. RD300SX, Kurz PC2X, Bose PAS, Mackie SRM450, JBL EON10,
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#1942377 - 05/15/08 03:00 AM
Re: Going digital...looking at Roland RD300GX and FP7
[Re: Jazz+]
|
Aidan
Senior Member
Registered: 08/11/06
Posts: 311
Loc: Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
|
|
Offline
|
|
I was under the impression that the RD-300GX had the same action as the FP-4 - or is that not the case?
_________________________
Roland RD-700GX, Yamaha Motif XS7
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#1942381 - 05/15/08 03:50 AM
Re: Going digital...looking at Roland RD300GX and FP7
[Re: Aidan]
|
bloodyMary
Gold Member
Registered: 12/22/04
Posts: 583
Loc: Southern Israel
|
|
Offline
|
|
RD-300SX did have the same action as the FP4 (the 'Progressive hammer action-2, compact version"). Not sure about the new GX.
Actions on FP4,RD300SX and FP7, RD700SX are slightly different. the 'compact' action is a bit lighter. Personally I felt little to no difference between them, and the FP4 is just fine to me, not too light. I've played acoustic pianos much lighter than it.
_________________________
Korg Karma, Roland FP4, Yamaha S03 (retired), Korg K25, IBM laptop, Yamaha HS80M monitors - the new toy.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#1942569 - 05/15/08 12:16 PM
Re: Going digital...looking at Roland RD300GX and FP7
[Re: delirium]
|
DrpianoSP
Member
Registered: 02/25/08
Posts: 28
|
|
Offline
|
|
Another difference between 300gx and fp7 is that the fp-series have only stereo samples, as far as I know, whereas the gx also have mono-versions (am I right about this, Gx and FP-owners??)This doesn´t matter for home use, but can be handy on stage, for example if you have only one monitor to hear yourself. Stereo-samples can produce ugly comb-filter effects when mono-summed.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#1942572 - 05/15/08 12:19 PM
Re: Going digital...looking at Roland RD300GX and FP7
[Re: DrpianoSP]
|
DrpianoSP
Member
Registered: 02/25/08
Posts: 28
|
|
Offline
|
|
quote: "The GX also has the same piano patch ("Superior Grand") plus a new piano sound and totally new action. "
SK, did you mix up 300gx with 700gx, maybe?
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#1942574 - 05/15/08 12:21 PM
Re: Going digital...looking at Roland RD300GX and FP7
[Re: DrpianoSP]
|
SK
Platinum Member
Registered: 12/24/06
Posts: 1506
Loc: Va.
|
|
Online
|
|
Yep, I sure did.  cahsings, I misread your post to say RD700GX instead of RD300GX. (!)
So, no question there to me - I agree with the others - GO with the FP7 without a second thought. It will be better suited for home use plus speakers included. You can always add studio monitors for better sound if you choose. The 300GX lacks the advantages of the 700GX, which I described for no reason. 
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#1942651 - 05/15/08 02:46 PM
Re: Going digital...looking at Roland RD300GX and FP7
[Re: SK]
|
cahsings
Member
Registered: 05/14/08
Posts: 3
|
|
Offline
|
|
Yes, I figured out that the 700GX would be the *best* option...but it's more than I want to spend. I'm still back and forth between the two (FP7 and 300GX) for the simple fact that I don't know if I will JUST use it for home. Guess I need to do some more thinking. Thanks for all the help so far!
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#1942736 - 05/15/08 05:48 PM
Re: Going digital...looking at Roland RD300GX and FP7
[Re: cahsings]
|
SK
Platinum Member
Registered: 12/24/06
Posts: 1506
Loc: Va.
|
|
Online
|
|
the simple fact that I don't know if I will JUST use it for home.
The FP7 is an excellent 'gig' instrument too - not restricted to home use. It does weigh about the same as the 700GX (54-55lbs.), so both are heavier than the 300GX. And the FP7 costs less than the 700GX.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#1942839 - 05/16/08 04:50 AM
Re: Going digital...looking at Roland RD300GX and FP7
[Re: SK]
|
ewall08530
Senior Member
Registered: 11/09/04
Posts: 323
|
|
Offline
|
|
I've had the 300GX for a week now and gigged with it twice. I simply love it. The Superior piano patch is a joy to play and the mono version of it works very well also. I have a mini review posted here and you can find it with search or go back about 6 days and you''ll see it.
If there's a chance you'll be taking your keys out and gigging I would advise the 300GX over the FP4. Unless the speakers on the FP4 are the deal breaker for you, the 300GX offers 3Zones vs 2, Alpha/numeric screen with the ability to name your setups, easy control over any midi functions (sound module, sequencer), the same keybed as the FP4, and I think the wurly sound on the 300GX is better than the FP4 but I'm going by memory and not sure about that one.
Very soon most stores should have them both and you should compare side by side to be sure.
edwall.biz
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#1943502 - 05/17/08 02:38 PM
Re: Going digital...looking at Roland RD300GX and FP7
[Re: cahsings]
|
cahsings
Member
Registered: 05/14/08
Posts: 3
|
|
Offline
|
|
I just wanted to update everyone and let you know that I went to the music store and purchased the RD300GX today...and I have it in my hands. I'll be using headphones, though until my speakers come in. I intended on getting the KRKs but the music store suggested the Tascam VL-S21 monitors w/ sub. I'm not sure if that's the right decision or not (they seem to think I'll be able to just set these speakers on the keyboard...I'm not thinking they'll stay and I've yet to see mounts for them). So, if anyone has any ideas on how to get them off the keyboard, I'd appreciate it. I also ordered the KS G8 keyboard stand. I can't wait to get it set up for good (it's on a spare table for now)!
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#1943545 - 05/17/08 06:04 PM
Re: Going digital...looking at Roland RD300GX and FP7
[Re: cahsings]
|
SK
Platinum Member
Registered: 12/24/06
Posts: 1506
Loc: Va.
|
|
Online
|
|
That'll work.  You're getting slightly newer tech with the 300GX with some different features.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#1943848 - 05/18/08 12:15 PM
Re: Going digital...looking at Roland RD300GX and FP7
[Re: SK]
|
delirium
MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 06/09/05
Posts: 2700
Loc: Earth, NJ
|
|
Offline
|
|
BTW, with RD you're missing recorder. Can be handy at home sometimes.
_________________________
♫♫♫ motif XS, S90ES
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
Moderator: Dave Bryce, Stephen Fortner
|
|
|
