MRDLC

Sooo...FYI I was able to modify my RD-88 action so that it is lighter, however it now longer has the progressive hammer action, but remains consistently light through each of the keys. Still a little 'sluggish', but much much better for what I need and a little closer to the action I had with my FP-4. For those who don"t like opening up their keyboards, I don"t recommend doing it (definitely voids your warranty).

Actually I would recommend this stand because the rubbers are adjustable. The width of the RD-88 Is fairly small. The wider the keyboard stand, the harder it is for the rubber to actually grip the RD-88, unless they have a double braced keyboard stand that is slim at the width and adjustable rubbers guards/grips.

I"ve been using this stand as it gets fairly low and gives the rd-88 a pretty good playing height. Also the rubbers guards/stoppers are adjustable so it keeps the keyboard in place. Hercules KS110B EZ-Lok X-Shaped Single Keyboard Stand

Luckily I"ve kept my FP-4 so I have no worries if I ever wanted to use it for gigs. I"ve decided to stick with my RD-88. Made a few tweaks and am possibly gonna do some DIY to actually tweak the action to make it lighter. Not gonna mention how I will do it, but I"m gonna try it out once this Covid isolating ends. That being said, I do feel like I"m actually getting used to the feel more now - kind of strengthened my fine motor muscles. But it"s noticeably different now when I go back to the Fp-4 (feels even lighter now and easier to do runs and tumbaos/montunos for salsa). We"ll see.

I feel like it is a TAD better than the RD-64 - but similar response when waiting for a key to return. Feels like a chore to play rather than being able to play freely and flowing.

Great features on the RD-88 that were not on the FP are: 1. tone selections - Piano and E. Piano sound a lot better on this 2. Ability to EQ tones - EQing Hi Mid and Low - 3. Knobs can change tone quality easily for live performances 4. Mod-Wheel and Pitch Bend (for Organ and other tones) 5. Weight & Length - 7 pounds lighter than FP-4 and a tad shorter (easier for transporting on gigs) 6. USB PORT - can charge ipad while on a gig; import zen-core sounds 7. ZEN-CORE sounds (if i wanted to use the 3000 tones available) But all this to reduce my ability to play well on a gig...not worth it really... If it just needs a breaking in period, then I'd consider keeping it - anyone out there have a FP-30 (or anything with PHA-4 Standard action for a couple of years, I'd like to know if anything has changed with your keyboard action)

Yup tried all that - right down to super light velocity curve setting. I did a gig simulation last night where I played a whole set of music from what would have been a gig I was going to do before Covid happened. There were many times that I noticed my rhythm in certain passages weren"t as accurate and my playing a little sloppy (I felt slow). It was tiring to play what normally is something more enjoyable to play. I recall having other pianists in the salsa scene comment that my FP-4 was a pleasure to play and I couldn"t agree more. If there is anyone out there who can tell me their keyboard with PHA-4 Standard action loosens up over time (FP-10, FP-30, FP-60 etc) , I"ll consider sticking with it. But is it worthwhile sticking with a keyboard that doesn"t have the same playability as the FP-4? I remember playing many acoustic grand pianos in college. There were brand new pianos that were sluggish and there were pianos that were beautifully broken in with great response. I"m looking for the latter in my DP and FP-4 (PHA ALPHA II action) is as close as it comes.

Haven"t played that model so I wouldn"t know. I just remember playing the FP-30 and it felt a lot lighter than what I"m feeling with the RD-88. Maybe because it"s brand new and hasn"t been broken in (as it could be played a lot in the showroom)? And I know they both have the same keybed (PHA-4 Standard). I"m just wondering if I"ve got to break this in to get it looser/faster/more responsive? If it just needs breaking in, I"ll probably keep it...but that"s not guaranteed. When I got my fp-4, it played beautifully right out of the box. Dilemma dilemma

Hey folks, I know everyone has been waiting patiently for the RD-88 and I would like to inform you I was able to receive mine. I actually received the RD-88 last Thursday. So I have to say - Roland did a great job streamlining this keyboard and adding some amazing features. It is definitely lightweight and the effects settings and the on-board speakers/monitors are wonderful to hear. Piano tones sound great. BUT...and this is a big BUT: I am not happy with the action. I play salsa piano and prefer to have a very responsive piano action. I need the keys to bounce back as quickly as possible. No matter how good my technique can be (not saying I have the best technique) I wouldn"t be able to play as fast and as accurate as I would Roland FP-4. For me, the action is THE key factor (pun intended). I am having my doubts as to whether I will keep this now...luckily I have a 30 day return window. I"m seriously leaning towards returning it because as far as I know, I need to have an easier time performing with greater ease onstage rather than worrying about practicing better technique to get even a fraction of a second quicker on my montunos. Don"t get me wrong - it"s a wonderful, wonderful keyboard - sounds great, has amazing features I wish my FP-4 would have. But I would still take my FP-4 to the gig because it plays better.

It"s March and this unit was supposed to be released to retailers. Any updates on when this will Be available for purchase? Any changes in release date?