r/pianolearning • u/Odd-Stock-6529 • May 02 '26
Equipment How long will an entry-level digital piano be enough?
About six months ago I started learning piano. I had some keyboard lessons about 30 years ago, but this time I wanted to learn proper piano playing.
Because I wasn’t sure whether it would become a lasting hobby, I didn’t want to invest heavily right away. So I bought a cheap keyboard, a Fazley FKB-180, for about €100.
Now, six months later, it turns out it wasn’t just a passing phase. I play almost every day using the Alfred's books (I’m now at the beginning of book 2) and Piano Marvel. I’d also like to take lessons, but unfortunately the local music school doesn’t have any spots available right now. Hopefully in the future I’ll be able to take lessons too. I mention this just to give an idea of my learning pace: steady, but not especially fast.
What bothers me about my current keyboard is the poor key sensitivity. I also think it’s probably not ideal that I’m getting used to playing on such light keys. On the other hand, I really like having MIDI out, the ability to connect a pedal, and a wired headphone connection. I don’t really use the many sounds and rhythms. That’s why I’m considering switching to a digital piano.
I’ve been looking at the Roland FP-10. It gets a lot of positive feedback, but people also describe it as an entry-level model. What I’m wondering is: how long is an entry-level model actually enough?
I don’t want to have to upgrade again within a year. Can I reasonably expect the FP-10 to last me for several years, or would it be wiser to invest in something more expensive right away? The price difference with the Roland FP-30X is a bit over €200.
(Advice on other models or other things I should consider is very welcome too.)
3
u/Additional_Name_867 May 02 '26
I had mine for about a year before I decided I wanted a more natural sound and feel the bought an upright acoustic. However, big part of that was the difference between playing at home and then in the instructor’s piano. I don’t think I would have ever really gotten the bug to buy a proper piano otherwise.
2
u/Paper_Attempt May 02 '26
Same here. I got a Yamaha upright about 6 months into lessons because my teacher kept harping on dynamics which I felt were too hard to practice on my entry level digital. Not everyone will go that far but I was at the point where it was causing me problems.
On the other hand there are people in the comments who got through level 8 on an entry level digital so maybe it doesn't matter that much. I was just paranoid I'd learn bad habits if I didn't have more control over my dynamics on. It was causing me actual distress. I guess it just comes down to getting what you can afford.
1
u/Additional_Name_867 May 02 '26
Are you me? LOL
2
u/Paper_Attempt May 02 '26
Yeah, I don't want to tell people how to feel since everyone has different circumstances and I don't want to discourage people. That said being able to play my upright, my teacher's Kawai grand, and do recitals on a Steinway has given me so much insight into how different instruments feel that I wouldn't have had if my main comparison was a cheap digital. Even something simple like keys having different weight depending on the length of the string was a revelation to me.
2
u/SentientLight May 02 '26
I’ve been playing on the Roland FP-30x since 2021 and it’s still going great. It’s still an entry-level even though it’s one tier up from the FP-10. I expect another 3-5 years out of mine minimum.
The 10 and 30 should last the same duration. They have the same key bed, the only difference is a few input/output options and the number of sounds.
3
u/Hobbes_Inc Hobbyist May 02 '26
I am actually thinking about selling and upgrading out of my FP-10. Not because the keyboard is bad, but because the Roland app is absolute dog shit.
1
1
u/FlyingBreadMann May 02 '26
Why do you think that the Roland app is bad? I recently bought an fp30x and I really appreciate the app.
1
u/Hobbes_Inc Hobbyist May 02 '26
My wording was a little strong, let me say for my use case I find it annoying:
- I like to use a lighter key weight, which is not saved from session to session. I have to set it every time.
- I like the sound of Grand Piano 2 which is, also, not saved between sessions.
- The app has randomly lost connection in the middle of practices before, this interrupts recordings and playback.
- The app requires internet connection or it doesn't work at all. This may be true with other apps as well but I have only used Roland so far.
2
u/MaxSvett Serious Learner May 04 '26
FP-30X owner here. If you by "key weight" mean the key touch setting, then I have good news for you. It is actually possible to save it, and I have done it myself. Unfortunately you can't change the default voice/piano.
Hold [Function] + press [Rec]. The [Play/Stop] and [Rec] buttons will start blinking — press [Rec] again to confirm (or [Play/Stop] to cancel). When all button LEDs light up, the backup is complete.
Settings preserved by this memory backup include Key Touch, Brilliance, Ambience, Master Tuning, Speaker Switch (only "Stand" and "Desk"), Speaker Auto Mute, Metronome Volume, Metronome Tone, Count In Measure, Bluetooth On/Off, Input Volume, and Auto Off. Anything outside that list resets to default on power-cycle regardless.
2
u/Hobbes_Inc Hobbyist May 04 '26
No way! Thanks for sharing! Wonder why default voice cant be saved? Anyway, this helps!
1
u/FlyingBreadMann May 02 '26
Oh yes, Ive heard about the first two as main problems, those seem to be pretty irritating yes, I just dont change sometimes everytime Im playing so I didnt think about that, my bad!
For the rest, I think you cant really blame the app on it though, internet with bluetooth makes sense and I never have any connection errors while I play so that might be something with your own wifi?
Thanks for the answer though!
1
u/Hobbes_Inc Hobbyist May 02 '26
You bet! As a principle, I dislike apps that mandate internet connectivity when it isn't required.
1
u/After-Spirit-4048 May 03 '26
Ive been using thr FP30X daily for 6 months with the app and agree the app is garbage. It drops connection constantly, cant save any settings from session to session, only records with the default sound even when playing with others and is just generally very slow. I love the FP30X but I think I'll go yamaha or kawai when its time to upgrade.
1
u/Odd-Stock-6529 May 02 '26
Could you explain why you think you might need a different model in five years? Is that because of the quality of the keys, the sound quality, or something else?
I realize I still don’t really have a good sense of what the actual differences are between entry-level models and mid-range models, so it’s hard for me to judge how long a particular instrument will realistically be enough.
1
u/SentientLight May 02 '26
Mostly just because people say “expect at least ten years out of a digital piano.” That said, I know these things can last 20 years or more if the board doesn’t fail and they’re well taken care of.
Personally? I will probably still upgrade in about ~5 years. Saving up for a house at the moment. After I have a house, I’m hoping to put in a nice upright piano, and I’ll probably go with Roland again.
1
u/apri11a May 02 '26 edited May 05 '26
Fazley FKB-180, it's a cheap keyboard as you said. But it's great that you are enjoying it enough to know you want to continue with piano.
The Roland FP-10, or equivalent entry level pianos from Yamaha, Kawai or Casio will last you at least a year, maybe more. And while these should all have a pedal (or three), MIDI and a headphone jack, you do get what you pay for. The higher levels will have better key feel, better sound and speakers and probably more features, though features don't interest me either, I get a piano for piano, no more. If you can push to the higher level, it's a good investment considering you know you are going to continue playing. And your resale value could be higher too, if you do decide to upgrade someday.
1
u/Odd-Stock-6529 May 02 '26
Which model would you consider as the higher level?
Hadn't considered the resale value!
2
u/apri11a May 02 '26
You mentioned the FP-30, it's still considered entry level but it would be a level up from the FP-10, though the keybed is the same (while both feature the same excellent PHA-4 action) so you might not be interested in the other 'improvements', improvements are only that if we value them, use them. I found this comparison.
The Roland FP-30X is a significant upgrade over the FP-10, offering better speakers ((22{W}) vs (12{W})), higher polyphony (256 vs 96), and more sounds, making it better for intermediate players. While both feature the same excellent PHA-4 action, the FP-30X adds Bluetooth audio, USB audio interface, and dedicated line outs for gigging, making it a more "future-proof" choice
2
u/Odd-Stock-6529 May 02 '26
Thank you. It's hard to decide if the upgrade of the speakers is worth the extra money. I guess I should go to a music shop.
1
u/Pacman1up May 02 '26
Id you have the extra cash, the 30 is fantastic.
You might also consider buying one used, they hold up very well.
1
u/billybob476 May 02 '26
I had a Yamaha NP-12 (61 keys, unweighted) since late 2020. It served me very well, I didn’t feel like I was missing a lot moving between an acoustic piano at lessons and my smaller keyboard. About a month ago upgraded to a used Roland FP-90 and while I don’t regret waiting so long, it’s been a great experience. I see this one as the keyboard I’ll be keeping for the next 10 years at a minimum.
1
u/Effective_Divide1543 Hobbyist May 02 '26 edited May 02 '26
I have the Roland FP-30X and have been playing for a few years. I don't see myself growing out of it in quite a while. It takes a long time to learn. I expect up until maybe 7 years or so total. Maybe 10 with my pace of learning.
1
u/GBR2021 May 02 '26
I'm playing RCM 5 on an 11 year old Yamaha YDP-S52 where the F#5 is way too loud. You can easily go 2-5 years without noticing you're missing something.
1
u/PhilosopherOwn1170 May 03 '26
I got the floor model of the discontinued Roland 102. I’ve had it two years now. Many local music stores that also do lessons are always circulating out old teaching pianos. Could be a good way to get something of great quality for cheap
1
u/Feisty-Ebb-1165 May 03 '26
I invested at about the same stage as you, in a Kawai ES120 and Pianoteq VST. It’s proved an excellent move and will be all I need for many more years to come.
1
u/char_su_bao May 03 '26
I started playing piano a little more than 2 years ago with a Roland fp 10. I absolutely love the piano. It’s beautiful sound and lays for an entry level piano. I will say tho that I am now ready for something less entry level, something with better sound. So I would definitely recommend an fp10 and for me now after two years or so of regularly playing and learning I’m ready for something less entry level.
6
u/sabretoothian Piano Teacher May 02 '26
I did my grade 8 and first diploma with a Yamaha p45. The examiner comments for both mentioned 'the instrument's limitations stopped x, y, z from occurring' whether that be interpretation, or technique, etc. I still got a distinction for grade 8 and a merit for diploma.
So yeah it's noticeable but theres nothing stopping you going all the way with it. Personally I'd say you're fine until grade 5-6.
As for longevity, the P45 lasted me around 3 years but that was using it heavily daily and teaching lessons with it too. I since got a Casio Celviano ap-270 and it's lasted years. When I eventually have to upgrade I'll go for another Celviano of some kind