I saw a great price on the Roland FP-10 Digital Piano and I was wondering if anyone here has any experience with it.
One big question is whether it can be used as a MIDI controller for Kontakt and Reaper. It looks like it can be connected to the computer by USB and I would like to use it partly as a MIDI controller playing the Kontakt libraries but also as a stand-along digital piano.
I looked at this keyboard and I'd like to offer an opinion and, in turn, a suggestion.
I would be concerned with the MIDI being over Bluetooth as to the compatibility with other hardware. If you want to play virtual instruments, something just tells me that you may be happier in the long run with something wired. Also, not knowing how much you care about the sounds inside the Roland makes it difficult to say. If not, an M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 might better serve you. You can find those used for $100.
For example, I have an Alesis remote controller, that whole "keytar" thing. That sends MIDI by wireless. To use it with my keyboards I have to use a MIDI thru box and then hard wire from the thru box to the boards. Or in the case of using virtual instruments, hardware the thru box to the Focusrite (which is how I use the M-Audio, hardwired to the Focusrite).
But not knowing your end game and what you are working with as far as hardware, it's hard to say. That Roland may suit your needs just fine. Also consider that it is a discontinued model. A lot depends on how sweet the deal is and your budget. Perhaps check Sweetwater's used gear shop and maybe get a deal on something that may work as well or better. I just picked up a used Roland FA-06 for $800 at Sweetwater.
That may all be TMI and too much based on my opinion and experience because I have never used the model you are looking at. That MIDI over Bluetooth and USB would concern me.
I am using the new 1040XTRAEZ form this year. It has just 2 lines.
1. How much did you make in 2023? 2. Send it to us.
I looked at this keyboard and I'd like to offer an opinion and, in turn, a suggestion.
I would be concerned with the MIDI being over Bluetooth as to the compatibility with other hardware. If you want to play virtual instruments, something just tells me that you may be happier in the long run with something wired. Also, not knowing how much you care about the sounds inside the Roland makes it difficult to say. If not, an M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 might better serve you. You can find those used for $100.
For example, I have an Alesis remote controller, that whole "keytar" thing. That sends MIDI by wireless. To use it with my keyboards I have to use a MIDI thru box and then hard wire from the thru box to the boards. Or in the case of using virtual instruments, hardware the thru box to the Focusrite (which is how I use the M-Audio, hardwired to the Focusrite).
But not knowing your end game and what you are working with as far as hardware, it's hard to say. That Roland may suit your needs just fine. Also consider that it is a discontinued model. A lot depends on how sweet the deal is and your budget. Perhaps check Sweetwater's used gear shop and maybe get a deal on something that may work as well or better. I just picked up a used Roland FA-06 for $800 at Sweetwater.
That may all be TMI and too much based on my opinion and experience because I have never used the model you are looking at. That MIDI over Bluetooth and USB would concern me.
Thanks Eddie! I appreciate your thoughtful comments.
I have three criteria, 1) 88-key MIDI controller I can use to control/play Kontakt and other VSTi libraries, 2) 88-key stand-alone piano with nice feeling keys to learn on (without the computer) and 3) not spend a lot!
The deal I found is the FP-10 with stand, bench, headphones, and pedal for $550 from Costco so I can return it within 90 days if I don't like it.
What are your concerns about the connectivity? I think the bluetooth is only for interfacing with their app while USB wired is for connecting to the computer. That should work, right? I really have zero interest in MIDI ports unless that would be necessary.
M only concern would be that if your system ever grows to where you have modular synths for more sounds that I don't know how you'd get to them if you don't have an interface with MIDI ports. Not knowing your system it's hard to envision. If you go PC to USB to keyboard controller and mainly use VST base virtual sounds that'd be fine but if you ever add anything external the hardware config is radically different. Any of this kind of stuff.
I am using the new 1040XTRAEZ form this year. It has just 2 lines.
1. How much did you make in 2023? 2. Send it to us.
Thanks Eddie! But my system is not likely to grow to anything even remotely like what you have! And, in the unlikely event that it does, I could live with a requirement to replace this keyboard.
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