Review
Roland RP701 review
Scout take
The RP701 is a versatile family piano for buyers who want more than a single piano voice in a conventional home cabinet. The extra interface and sound choices matter most when you will actually use them; a focused learner may be equally happy with a simpler setup.
Who it fits
- Long-term home practice
- Families sharing one instrument
Who should skip it
- Players who need a portable gigging piano
Model overview
The RP701's value is tied to the whole setup: cabinet, pedals, speakers, lesson functions, and everyday usability. A buyer should compare how its action feels against Yamaha and Kawai consoles rather than assuming the brand name settles the question. A store trial is especially useful because touch preference is subjective.
Keyboard action
MusicRadar and Pianist’s Compass are positive about the playing feel. The PHA-4 specification identifies the mechanism, but does not settle how its resistance compares with your teacher’s piano. Try gentle starts, repeated notes and a few minutes of ordinary practice. The RP107 is a useful comparison when deciding whether the RP701’s surrounding features justify the difference for you.
Piano sound and speakers
Both reviewers like the breadth and quality of the sound offering. Pianist’s Compass would nevertheless like more effects to accompany that variety. This matters more to a player exploring many keyboard sounds than to someone using a piano preset for lessons. Test the voices you expect to use, and listen through headphones as well as the cabinet speakers.
Controls connectivity and buyer fit
MusicRadar flags the volume control and awkward headphone-jack access, while Pianist’s Compass values the screen and pedal experience. These are practical details worth checking at the instrument. A child or seated adult should be able to reach everyday controls without a struggle. Compare the CN201 for a more piano-focused approach and the CLP-835 if Yamaha touch and voicing appeal. Include delivery, assembly and seating in the complete package comparison.
Purchase check
Measure the room with the bench pulled back, the music rest raised and cables connected. Arrange delivery and assembly before purchase. Test the pedal reach from a comfortable seat height. A cabinet can make everyday practice convenient, but it commits more space and is harder to move than a separate keyboard.
Pricing
USD 1649.99 historical promotional price (checked 2026-09-25). Current price needs checking; excluded from budget matching. — The promotional U.S. instrument price in the key specifications table below was checked 2026-09-25 with no stated end date. The displayed reference price is a comparison price, not an MSRP unless explicitly identified as one. Treat the offer as temporary and compare the same finish and package, including stand, bench, pedals, tax, delivery and assembly.
Owner evidence
The evidence collected for this article does not establish a rate of failures or a recurring long-term ownership problem. We do not generalise from isolated comments or present reviewer preference as owner consensus.
Family practice and recording checks
Roland documents two headphone sockets, Bluetooth audio and MIDI, and WAV recording to a USB flash drive. These are different workflows: Bluetooth audio can bring a backing track into the piano, while MIDI communicates a performance to compatible software. USB-drive recording creates a file on removable storage; that feature alone does not establish a computer USB audio interface. Before purchase, try selecting a voice from the display, reaching the headphone sockets while seated and making a short practice recording. Our recommendation is to judge the RP701 by those everyday tasks as well as its action, rather than by the size of its sound library.
Key specifications
| Status | current |
|---|---|
| Price reference | USD 1649.99 historical promotional price (checked 2026-09-25). Current price needs checking; excluded from budget matching. Instrument only; finish, tax, accessories, delivery and assembly may affect the total. |
| Keyboard action | PHA-4 Standard |
| Key construction | Not verified |
| Key surface | Ivory Feel |
| Escapement / let-off | Yes |
| Maximum polyphony | 256 |
| Piano sound technology | SuperNATURAL Piano |
| Speakers | 12 cm × 2 |
| Amplification | 12 W × 2 |
| Pedals | Three built-in pedals: progressive continuous damper, continuous soft and sostenuto |
| Bluetooth audio | Yes |
| Bluetooth MIDI | Yes |
| USB audio interface | Not verified |
| USB MIDI | Not verified |
| Line outputs | Not verified |
| Headphones | 1 × 6.35 mm and 1 × 3.5 mm stereo |
| Dimensions (mm) | 1366 W × 463 D × 1027 H (with stand and music rest) |
| Weight (kg) | 46 |
| Apps | Roland Piano App, Piano Designer |
| Warranty | Not verified |
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Research disclosure
Digital Piano Scout has not physically tested this instrument. This is original research-based analysis using manufacturer documentation for facts and attributed third-party reviews for playing impressions. The source publications may have their own commercial relationships. No star rating or universal winner is assigned.
Sources and research
- Roland RP701 official documentation — manufacturer
- musicradar.com — Roland RP701 review — independent review
- pianistscompass.org — Roland RP701 review — independent review
- Roland RP701 specifications and recording formats — manufacturer