Piano Keyboard Reviews

Roland keyboards

Roland Keyboards & Digital Pianos: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

By

Image result for Roland Keyboards & Digital Pianos

Roland keyboards and digital pianos are prized for their excellent features, sounds, and rhythms, which is why many professionals, intermediate players, and novice pianists play one of their models at some point in their music journey. 

If you are a potential customer or a loyal customer, you may have a question or two (or more!) regarding Roland keyboards. In this article, we’ve gathered a series of questions and answers that Roland customers have for this world-renowned piano and keyboard company. 

  • How Do I Contact Roland Support?

Roland support is available from Monday to Friday, from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm. You can contact them via their contact number (323) 890-3740. You can also send in your query via their online email support system. You will get a response within 24 working hours by a member of their customer care support staff. 

If you are interested in ordering parts or have any repair issues, you can contact Roland’s Parts and Service department at (323) 890-3771. This department is open from Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. 

  • Where are Roland Digital Pianos Made?

Roland is a Japanese manufacturing company of electronic musical instruments. The founder – Ikutaro Kakehashi founded the company in Osaka on April 18, 1972. However, the company’s headquarter was relocated to Hamamatsu in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.

 Apart from Japan, the company has its factories in various parts of the world, including Taiwan, Malaysia, and the United States. Its testing laboratory is located in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan, and the main offices are in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan. 

  •  How Much Is a Roland Digital Piano?

There isn’t any fixed price when it comes to Roland digital pianos. The price of each Roland digital piano varies depending on its size, design, model, and overall features. Generally, the price of a Roland digital piano starts as low as $400 and can go to as high as $20,000. 

Beginners can consider purchasing a digital piano within the price range of $500 – $900. Low-priced digital pianos come with basic features, apt for first-timers. Since they are inexpensive, they are great for first-time pianists for practicing and brushing up on their piano skills. Intermediate and advanced/professional pianists can go for slightly expensive Roland pianos, ranging from $1200 to $19000. 

  • Where to Buy Roland Digital Pianos from?

There are plenty of online and offline sources from where one can buy Roland digital pianos. One of the most popular websites where you can find an extensive range of Roland pianos is Amazon.com. 

If you want to get Roland pianos at a more reasonable price, visit eBay.com and Etsy.com to utilize their amazing sales offers. 

You can also purchase Roland pianos directly from a Roland store in the UK, USA, Japan and a number of Middle Eastern Countries. Shopping in-store will give you an edge as you get to compare the prices and qualities of different digital pianos. Plus, you can play the piano to assess its overall playability –whether or not the keys are easy to press, the sound they produce, if the keyboard is tuned or not, how difficult or smooth it is to play, etc. 

  • How to Turn on a Roland Digital Piano?

First and foremost, you will need to use both your hands to open the lid of the piano. Make sure that you do it from the edge of the lid and push it away from yourself. 

Once you have opened the lid, you will need to press the “switch on” button. After a short while, you can play the piano. Check that it’s working properly by pressing each key. This will also let you know whether any of the keys are faulty and need to be repaired. To change the volume, use the volume buttons – press [+] to increase the volume and press [-] to lower the volume. This will change the volume of the speaker of your keyboard or the volume of your earphones/headphones, but ensure that these devices are properly connected to adjust the volume. 

  • How to Turn off a Roland Digital Piano?

Once you are done playing a Roland digital piano, you can turn off the instrument by pressing the “turn off” switch. Next, gently hold the piano lid from its right and left corners and gently lower it down using both your hands. 

Be vigilant while closing the lid to avoid getting your fingers pinched between the lid and the panel. If a small child is using the piano, make sure that they close the lid with the assistance of an adult. 

  • How to Fix Keys on a Roland Keyboard?

For a DIY Roland key repair, you will need to turn off the keyboard first. Next, loosen the screws on the back and the rear side of the keyboard with the help of a screwdriver.

Look for the broken key and carefully extract it out. Check whether the white hammer, the one that ensures the movement of the keys, is broken or not. If it is, replace it with a new one. Once the new hammer perfectly fits in its place, slide in the new key that is perched over the hammer. Now, tightly screw the back cover of the keyboard on and turn it on to play the instrument! 

  • How to Replace the Hammer in a Roland Digital Upright Piano?

To successfully replace the hammer in a Roland digital upright piano, follow the tutorial below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bc50Q10oWUA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXb7KCsOG8c

  • How to Repair a Roland Digital Piano?

Your Roland piano may act up for a bunch of reasons. Being equipped with DIY repair skills will allow you to fix the problem (whatever it may be) at the earliest. In case your piano doesn’t turn on, check the rechargeable battery or the adapter, which could be dead or damaged. If a replacement is needed, look for these parts online on Amazon or order them from the Roland Company. 

If the keyboard turns on but produces no sound, make sure that the volume is on. Even then, if the instrument produces no sound, check the headphone jack and the speaker cable. If everything is fine, then the culprit could be dead keys. In that case, you will need to replace them with new ones.

If the buttons on your keyboard are not functioning, it is likely that a “panel lock” is on. Turn off the panel lock by turning off both the volume and the keyboard. As you turn the power back on, the panel lock will be off, and the buttons should function. 

  • How to Clean a Roland Keyboard?

One of the most popular ways to clean Roland keyboards is by using a cleaning solution. Take a bowl and mix 2 drops of a dishwashing liquid in some water. Take a clean, dry cloth that is also soft and white in color. Dip it in the solution and gently clean all the keys with it. Doing so will help eliminate dust or fingerprints (if any) on the keys. 

Once you have cleaned the keys individually, take another dry cloth, and wipe off the excess that may be on the keyboard. You can also use a commercial cleaning and maintenance spray bottle to clean your Roland digital keyboard.

We hope we’ve answered most of your FAQs; for more information, you can visit the official website of Roland and discover more about the company. 

The Best Piano Songs to Learn

Where to Buy Yamaha Keyboard

How to Clean a Piano Keyboard

Roland Go: Keys Review: A Solid Entry-Level Keyboard by an Industry Leader

By


Roland GO:KEYS 61-key Music, Creation Keyboard with Integrated Bluetooth Speakers (GO-61K)

Please click image for more info

​​The Roland Go: Keys is so easy to use, it’ll help you create music even if it’s your first time with a piano.

The innovative Loop Mix function allows you to produce any kind of music and the touch control lets you play around with your own recorded looped sounds.

Record your performances with the in-built recorder and play it back to find out what needs to be fixed. Connect to MIDI through Bluetooth. Sync your Roland Go: Keys with your phone or tablet and mix your own sounds with your favorite tunes online.

Price

The Roland Go: Keys costs around USD 320, which is quite reasonable considering it comes with touch-sensitive keys (not weighted though). It is ideal for those who have begun taking an interest in music and don’t have a massive budget.

For those who have an even tighter budget, they can find a used version of the same keyboard at around USD 285.


See Reviews & More for Roland Go Keys
Quick Navigation

Quick Overview of the Roland Go: Keys
Roland Go: Keys Specs
Roland Go: Keys Features
Who is the Roland Go: Keys Most Suitable for?
What’s Included with the Roland Go: Keys Piano?
Additional Accessories to Consider 
Pros of the Roland Go: Keys
Roland Go: Keys YouTube Tutorials
Roland Go: Keys Manual
Roland Go: Keys vs. Yamaha P71
Summary

Quick Overview of the Roland Go: Keys



Apart from the Loop Mix function, the Roland Go: Keys offers a range of different sounds and recorder to take your music to the next level. With the Bluetooth connectivity feature, you can download your favorite tunes and learn how to play them on the piano. If you’re a novice, you can even download your piano lessons on your phone and easily play along.

This compact instrument weighs a mere 8.6 lbs and is battery-operated, so you can take your music with you wherever you go. Whether you’re playing on the streets, at a local club or your cousin’s bar mitzvah, you can easily take the Roland Go: Keys with you.

he Roland Go: Keys comes with 500+ sounds taken from the Roland synth models. The category buttons allow you to use sounds that imitate pianos, strings, bass, etc., so you can create your own one-man band.


See Reviews & More for Roland Go: Keys

Roland Go: Keys Specs

Here is a quick look at the main specs of the Roland Go: Keys. Consider this to be a checklist that’ll help you tick off the specs you’re in search of. It’ll also help you discover any bonus specifications in the instrument:

Specification

Description

Keys

61-key non-weighted keyboard- regular-sized keys 

Touch-sensitive keys

Weight

Weighs around 8.6 lbs (making it one of the lighter options available)

Display

LCD Display screen

Synthesizer

154 preset songs, including touch tutor, chord study, and chord progression practice songs

Jacks & Ports

Pitch modulation feature available

MIDI connectivity through USB

Comes with 1 headphone jack

Single pedal input

Power

Operated by 6 AA batteries

Features

Complete synthesizer action available

Built-in speakers

Bluetooth available offering compatibility with smartphones and tablets

Roland Go: Keys Features



Here is a look at the main features of the Roland Go: Keys:

  • The Loop Mix

Loop Mix essentially works in such a way that allows users to trigger loop phases from the keyboard and build up their own music so that it sounds more professional. It can help you incorporate the sounds of other instruments, such as drums and bass. 

The instrument also offers touch performance pads that can help you play around with and manipulate your own sounds until they sound perfect. 

  • Bluetooth

You can easily connect your smartphone or tablet to your keyboard with the Bluetooth function. Look up your favorite sounds and stream them through your keyboard’s speakers. Play piano instrumental of your top 5 songs and become the next musician to look out for on YouTube. 

The MIDI function is better utilized by mid to pro-level players. Convert the format of your music with the help of MIDI and incorporate it with pre-existing music. 

  • Portability

This lightweight instrument weighs a mere 8.6 lbs! It has built-in speakers, so you can play your music anywhere, from the subway to your living room. Take it on camping trips and midnight barbecues. If you don’t want to disturb your neighbors while you practice, simply plug in your headphones in the headphone jack to mute the sound. 

  • Wide Range of Sounds 

This piano is packed with over 500 high-quality sounds that you can play straight out of the box. These sounds have been taken from some of Roland’s most highly acclaimed synthesizers, which allows you to choose from a whole list of quality instruments. This includes a selection of responsive drums, bass instruments, realistic sounding strings, a large range of synths and so much more. This makes it a highly versatile instrument that allows you to take your songs to a whole new level by incorporating numerous sounds into your loop mix jams! 

  • ScratchX Compatibility

This Roland piano is believed to be the perfect companion for ScratchX. ScratchX is a free educational programming language and an online community mainly targeted at children. By combining this platform with the Go Keys ScratchX extension, children can create interactive games, stories, and animations, which is a great way for them to explore and expand their creativity.

  • Subscription to Skoove

When you purchase the Roland Go: Key, you don’t just get an amazing, high-quality keyboard, but you also get a 3-month Skoove subscription. Skoove is a great learning application that teaches you how to play your favorite songs on the piano via your computer or phone. It teaches music theory in a super fun, engaging manner where you get to learn all the songs that you really want to learn. The application also gives a tutorial on how to read notes and play different scales and chords. The best part is that the app is completely free for three months after you register. 

  • One-Touch Control 

A great feature of the Roland Go: Keys is that it includes a one-touch control that helps you manipulate the sounds of your loops and create exactly the kind of music that you really want.

Who the Roland Go: Keys Most Suitable for?



With the simple functions and easy-to-understand interface, the Roland Go: Keys is a fantastic beginner keyboard. Whether your child in high school wants to join a rock band or you want to busk in the subway and share your music with the world, the Roland Go: Keys is perfect for you.

The price range makes it fairly affordable for nearly anyone with an interest in music. Despite being lightweight, the Roland Go: Keys feels luxurious and is the ideal stepping-stone to the full, 88-key piano.

What’s Included with the Roland Go: Keys Piano?

source

The Roland Go: Keys package comes with the following items:

  • 61-key keyboard 

  • In-built Bluetooth speakers

  • AC adaptor 

  • User manual 

  • Safety use guide 

  • Power supply unit

Additional Accessories to Consider 

Here is a list of the main accessories that you will need before you’re ready to start creating music on your Roland Go: Keys:

Piano Bench & Stand 

In order to play the piano, you actually need a surface to play it on. A piano bench will ensure that you’re sitting at the right height to play your instrument on. 

Headset 

Even if you plan on playing your music for the public, you’ll need to practice for which you need a decent headset. Most pianists prefer headphones over earbuds since they’re noise-cancelling and more comfortable (although they may hurt your ears slightly after prolonged use).

AA Batteries

You’ll need 6 of these and some spares to play your instrument. Backups are important, especially if you’re performing live.

Pros of the Roland Go: Keys

PROS

  • Lightweight and compact size make it easy to take anywhere, and play with a cord or battery power

  • Offers fun features, such as the Loop Mix to help you release your musical creativity 

  • thumbs-up

    Easy-to-use interface (ideal for beginners)

  • thumbs-up

    In-built tunes to inspire you to create your own new sounds 

  • thumbs-up

    Touch-sensitive keys. 

cons

  • No option to save your Loop Mix sounds

  • Limited sound selection 

  • No quick access buttons

  • No split function. 

Roland Go: Keys YouTube Tutorials

Check the out the following YouTube videos that will help you begin playing on the Roland Go: Keys piano and also help you understand its features:

Roland Go: Keys Manual

To learn more about the features of the Roland Go: Keys, along with a detailed user manual and instruction guide, you can check out the following links:

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD Roland Go: Keys MANUAL

Roland Go: Keys vs. Yamaha P71

Many buyers often get stuck when it comes to choosing between the Roland Go: Keys and the Yamaha P71. With both instruments being from renowned brands and offering a range of features, it becomes difficult to determine which one is the right choice. Here’s an overview of their basic features to help you decide between the two:

Cost

The Yamaha P71 costs around USD 400, whereas the Roland Go: Keys costs around USD320. This is not a significant price difference so we’ll walk you through some other differences in their features to help you make your decision. 

Number of Keys 

The Yamaha P71 has a full 88 keys, unlike the Roland, which has 61 keys. This means that for the more advanced players, the Yamaha appears to be the better option. If you intend to play certain types of music, such as classical, you will need the full 88-key piano. 

Weight 

The Roland Go: Keys weighs (8.6 lbs) nearly half that of the Yamaha P71 (25 lbs). This makes it more portable and easy to carry around. That being said, 25 lbs is also quite light for a full keyboard, which means that either one will be suitable if you want to take your music with you wherever you go. 

Polyphony 

Polyphony is a measure of an instrument’s ability to play multiple sounds at the same time. The Roland Go: Keys has a polyphony number of 128, whereas the Yamaha has a number of 64. Since the greater the number, the more sounds you can play simultaneously, it appears that the Roland Go: Keys wins in this category. 

Duo Function

The Yamaha P71 comes with a duo function or a split mode that allows the keyboard to be split into half. This means that two players can play the piano at the same time, and each gets 44 keys. This is a great option when it comes to piano lessons as the instructor and the student can play at the same time. The Roland Go: Key, on the other hand, doesn’t come with this feature. 

Both instruments have different features to offer and in the end, it comes down to what specifications you’re looking for and what factors are more important. If having an ultra-lightweight instrument is a must, then the Roland Go: Keys is ideal. If you need a full 88-key keyboard, then the Yamaha is better.

Summary

The Roland Go: Keys is a solid entry-level piano with a range of features that are ideal for beginner-level pianists. Its compatibility with platforms, such as ScratchX, makes it a great keyboard for children to help them jam along with their favorite nursery rhymes and understand how to read and play the piano. 

Just remember that while starting out with a 61-key keyboard will help you get the hang of piano basics, if you’re truly interested in music, this keyboard can’t be your lifelong companion. At some point, you will need to advance to a full 88-key instrument, but until then, the Roland Go: Keys is a good starting point.

Roland GO:KEYS 61-key Music, Creation Keyboard with Integrated Bluetooth Speakers (GO-61K)

Roland Go Keys (click image for more info)


See Reviews & Price for Roland Go: Keys 


How to Clean a Piano Keyboard

Roland Juno DS88 Review: A Feature-Packed Synthesizer at a Reasonable Price

By



Please click image for more info

With a reasonable price and a range of features, the Roland Juno DS88 is among the best synthesizers available on the market today. This 88-key synth offers more than 1,200 sounds, enhanced performance features, the ability to record and play back your tunes and basically, help you become your own one-man band. The easy-to-use interface is ideal for a pianist of any level. Let’s take a closer look at what the Roland Juno DS88 has to offer:


See Reviews & More for Roland Juno DS88
Quick Navigation

Overview of Roland Juno DS88 Keyboard
Roland Juno DS88 Specs (Summary)
Features of the Roland Juno DS88 
Who the Roland Juno DS88 is Most Suitable For
What's Included with the Roland Juno DS88 Keyboard
Additional Accessories to Consider
Pros & Cons of the Roland Juno DS88
Some Visual Guides about the Roland Juno DS88
Instruction Manual for the Roland Juno DS88
Roland Juno DS88 vs the Yamaha DGX 660
Summary

Overview of Roland Juno DS88 Keyboard



The Roland Juno range has been designed to provide a solid list of features and excellent sound quality at a reasonable price point. Despite having the full 88, weighted keys, the Juno DS weighs a mere 35 pounds and is easy to carry, especially if you’re a part of a touring band.

It provides a range of sound at the lightest touch. The build is a combination of high quality plastic and rubber and the dials are pretty sturdy. There is some extra space on both sides of the keyboard if you want to prop your tablet or laptop against it for certain music tutorials. If you find the surface to be too slippery, use some rubber grips to secure it in place.

Roland Juno DS88 Specs (Summary)

Here’s a quick summary of the main features of the Roland Juno. Think of this as a checklist that will help you tick off all the features you’re looking for and any extras that are just an added bonus:

88-key keyboard with velocity-sensitive keys that have hammered action

Control panel divided based on functionality with easy to use knobs for fast and easy sound manipulation

DAW mode available

USB compatibility available

Vast sound options: standard piano sounds and extra (such as the sound of falling rain)

Vocal effects for solo performers

Sequencer for you to capture your sounds and adjust them 

Phrase pads for enhanced performance with the help of external sound tracks 

Compatibility with older Juno-Di models.


See Reviews & More for Roland Juno DS88

Features of the Roland Juno DS88 

What makes the Roland Juno stand out is that the keyboard is perfectly balanced, has a great response across its range and is not too stiff. Let’s look at some of its main features:

The Control Panel

The control panel is grouped into different sections based on functionality. The Mode section handles the import functionality of sample music and a DAW control button to activate the MIDI mode, allowing you to control any DAWs directly from the control panel. This makes it ideal for those who wish to record other instruments and incorporate them into their piano melody.

The next section on the control panel consists of 4 knobs and 4 sliders, which in DAW mode can be used to map a MIDI message of your choice. Their functions change based on the mode you have selected.

The 3rd section offers keyboard options such as: keyboard split, a dual switch (for double sound-stacking) and a “Super Layer” for stacking multiple sounds.

A Quick Lesson on DAW

DAW (or Digital Audio Workstation) is an inbuilt tape recorder of sorts that is a part of the computer’s software. DAWs help convert MIDI messages from their coded form to notation form. 

Power Source for the Control Board 

The control board can be powered with a combination of 8 AA batteries, which is particularly useful for street performers and other on-the-go musicians.

Sound

There are countless sound styles and variations built-in in the Juno DS and you have the additional benefit of generating your own custom sounds. It is particularly well-known for its organ and piano sounds, but the guitar and base sounds are just as popular. 

You can recreate your favorite pop, hip hop and rock music with this synthesizer. Apart from offering the classic sounds, such as those of the piano, there are even some quirky sound effects you can play around with, such as water sounds, planes, etc. The quality and quantity of the sounds combined make for a superb sound experience.

Interface

The user interface is quite human-friendly and easy to master. The screen on the unit is somewhat small, but it will not prevent you from generating quality sound. Apart from functionality, the instrument has a sleek design, and it is evident that you can have the best of both worlds - a decent-priced product with all the right features.

External Storage

You can attach a USB flash drive to the Roland Juno DS88.

​Other Features

​The keyboard features basic FM and 80, diverse sound effects, Auto-Pitch (which is similar to Auto-Tune) and a vocoder. It does not, however, have an XLR socket.

Who the Roland Juno DS88 is Most Suitable For



This lightweight model weighs roughly 16 kg, so you can travel the world with your music. Just like street guitarists with nothing but their guitars cases in hand, you can busk in the streets for fame, play in clubs around the country, or just carry your synth to the local pub every Friday night.

The Roland Juno is perfect if you just broke up with your band members and you are toughing it out on your own. Its additional sounds and the sound layering option will help you produce music sufficient for an entire band (or an orchestra if you’re on the classical route).

What's Included with the Roland Juno DS88 Keyboard



This model of the Roland synthesizer series features an:

  • 88-key keyboard

  • A lightweight cabinet that makes it easy to set it up and use

  • Audio playback option

  • Pattern sequencer for generating original music

  • Velocity-sensitive keys

Additional Accessories to Consider

Once you have your keyboard, the work isn’t over yet. There are a number of key accessories required before you are ready to produce music:

Sustain Pedal

The purpose of sustain pedal is the same as that with a classic piano. When the pedal is pressed down, it will sustain the tone being played.

Piano Bench

​Although the Roland Juno is designed for on-the-go use, you will obviously need to practice at home (or at a studio). A basic piano bench will help you play at the right height and maintain good posture as you play.

Metronome

​A metronome helps a pianist maintain perfect time and allows you to practice any piece of music you like at the pace you’re comfortable with. Although you can get a battery-powered metronome, there are even phone applications (for those on a budget) that provide this feature.

Piano Stand

​You don’t want to keep your piano on your dining table. Imagine being stared at by your family as they’re trying to eat dinner and you’re trying to perfect your song. Look for a piano stand that isn’t too expensive but is durable, portable and can fit your synth.

Headphones

​Headphones offer better sound quality and block out external noises better than earbuds. They are also comfortable for prolonged use (although there might be a bit of sweat buildup overtime).

Sheet Music Stand

​If you’re serious about playing music, a sheet music stand is essential. Choose one that is portable and can be folded into a more compact size.

Amp & Amp Stand

​To really lift your music, especially if you are performing in a crowded area, an amp and an amp stand will really help.

Although there are many other accessories you may need before you are ready to start playing, these items are sufficient to help you get started.

Pros & Cons of the Roland Juno DS88

The Roland Juno has numerous benefits for the young musician but before you actually consider buying the Roland Juno, you need to consider everything, the good and the bad. We’ve already looked at the pros. Let’s weigh out the pros and cons before you make your decision:

PROS

  • The interface is simple and easy to use

  • There are eight pads on, which you can either run the keyboard on MIDI mode or standard mode

  • The presence of MIDI allows you to record and playback your music

  • The keys are weighted and have the additional benefit of giving an ivory feel. 

  • thumbs-up

    Realistic sounds of other instruments

  • thumbs-up

    Realistic, experimental sounds, such as planes, water, etc.

  • thumbs-up

    Quick response to the lightest touch

  • thumbs-up

    Lightweight and portable

  • thumbs-up

    Well-priced for the number of features and quality if offers

cons

  • The synthesizer does not come with a keyboard 

  • The LCD display is small and hard to read at times.

Some Visual Guides about the Roland Juno DS88

If you'd like to check out the nitty-gritty of the Yamaha PSR E363, here's a link to the model's manual:

For details about playing music on the Roland synth, check out the following YouTube videos:


Insert Video

Instruction Manual for the Roland Juno DS88

For more details on the features of the Roland Juno DS88 as well as a detailed instruction guide, you can check out the following links:

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD Roland Juno DS88 MANUAL

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD Roland Juno DS88 MANUAL

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD Roland Juno DS88 MANUAL

Roland Juno DS88 vs the Yamaha DGX 660

While both instruments have a lot to offer, certain features set them apart and make them suitable for different types of usage:

While both instruments have a lot to offer, certain features set them apart and make them suitable for different types of usage:

Playback

Whereas the Roland needs to be hooked up to a DAW program for recording and playback, the Yamaha has a built-in sequencer that’ll make the job easier.

Portability

The Yamaha weighs nearly double (61 lb) that of the Roland (35 lb), which makes it okay if you plan on recording in a studio or music school, but for travelers and roadies, the Roland is the lighter and more convenient option.

Built-in Accessories

The Yamaha has more built-in accessories, such as amps and a built-in stand that make it a better option if you don’t want to buy additional equipment. However, if you’ve been playing for a long time and already have the add-ins, the Roland will be perfect for you.

Price

The Yamaha costs nearly half that of the Roland and still provides 88 weighted keys, a MIDI feature and USB recording and is considered to be the better option for musicians who stay in one place.

Overall, both keyboards have features that cater to different needs. The most important difference is that the Roland is better for those who move around (or play street music) and the Yamaha is better for the studio.

Summary

​Although there are some minor cons in the Roland Juno DS88, some would say even the features picked out is us being too finicky. At around USD1000, it offers portability, quality and durability, a package that is usually quite hard to find.

If you’re a musician with big dreams of getting on the road with your band, playing gigs every night, this keyboard will not only be easy for you to carry, it will also help you generate amazing sound. 

Roland Lightweight, 88-note Weighted-action Keyboard with Pro Sounds (JUNO-DS88)

Roland Juno DS88 (click image for more info)

Even if you’re on your own and haven’t managed to find a band yet, this synthesizer will help you generate music that sounds like it’s been created by a complete pop band.

If you’re finding it difficult to buy a new one, you can look for sources to get a used synth. As long as it’s in good condition, you’ll still be able to produce good music.


See Reviews & Price for Roland Juno DS88


Yamaha MM8 Review


How to Fix Dead Keys on a Yamaha Keyboard


Yamaha P-105 Review


Best Headphones for Digital Piano (2019): Our Top 5 Picks


Yamaha MO8 Review

>