Modartt user forum - Roland A88 Controller Keyboard

Re: Roland A88 Controller Keyboard

null@example.com (sunnyolives) — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 22:05:32 +0000

A different opinion: I would not recommened. I tried one, based on feedback similar to what was found in this thread, but I found the keyboard sluggish and mushy, taking a lot of effort lifting fingers. I returned it for a Roland FP-30, because of its more springy keys than the A-88. The FP-30, for its lower price, also has speakers, built-in synths and rhythms, which can be useful at times, even if you are going to use it for pianoteq mainly. A-88 is both wider and heavier.The FP-30 does not has a LED-display, though, making settings somewhat cryptic compared to more expensive models (neither does the A-88), but for pianoteq use that hardly matters. At the time of purchase I had been practicing on an upright piano for some time, so a real piano was my reference, and of course, the keys of the FP-30 are much less springy and responsive than those of a real piano keyboard. But to get anything similar in feeling to a real piano (IMO), the price is > 4000$ for a digital-mechanical upright piano, and still the sound is inferior to pianoteq, I believe (this is limited to the keyboards I have been able to experience, I haven't tried the Kawai controller). I do with acceptable feeling and superior sound and control through pianoteq.

It depends on what you are used to, what you like and on what is your usecase. If possible, I recommened you try any keyboard before you buy it, and compare it to several others at the same time. The keys of both A-88 and FP-30 are covered by a nice ivory-imitation surface, and both have sufficient sensors for pianoteq and continous pedalling tech given the use of a capable pedal. I see the FP-90 is given a recommendation here, too, I do not know that one, but it is probably good. It has DC, mic, stereo and midi-inputs, while the FP-30 annoyingly does not have any inputs except for being able to read music files from an usb.

A final note is that the A-88 is a dedicated midi controller, so you have dedicated buttons. But I think you can program any buttons on any midi-sending keyboard through midi learn to do whatever you want, or additionally have an additional midi controller with sliders and knobs.

A review of FP-30 can be read on AZ piano news.

Re: Roland A88 Controller Keyboard

null@example.com (EvilDragon) — Sat, 21 Oct 2017 16:33:24 +0000

Only if your MIDI controller supports it. There are only a few that do (Casio PX5-S for example).

Re: Roland A88 Controller Keyboard

null@example.com (luciano620) — Sat, 21 Oct 2017 12:51:23 +0000

Hi, my first post,
inserting in the post it is necessary to change the midi language to 'high definition keyboard' when using pianoteq?

Re: Roland A88 Controller Keyboard

null@example.com (sigasa) — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 08:53:43 +0000

EvilDragon wrote:

FP-50 has the same keybed as A-88, not as RD-2000, so you're not losing out there. Only FP-90 has the next level keybed that is the same as RD-2000.

Sorry, I meant FP90 with PHA50 action/keybed,

Warmest Regards,

Chris

Re: Roland A88 Controller Keyboard

null@example.com (EvilDragon) — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 08:43:35 +0000

FP-50 has the same keybed as A-88, not as RD-2000, so you're not losing out there. Only FP-90 has the next level keybed that is the same as RD-2000.

Re: Roland A88 Controller Keyboard

null@example.com (sigasa) — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 08:35:01 +0000

EvilDragon wrote:

If you can stretch to FP-90 or RD-2000, they're even better.

Thank you. Yes they are. I would prefer an FP50 to an A88 but finances may prohibit.

Warmest Regards,

Chris

Re: Roland A88 Controller Keyboard

null@example.com (EvilDragon) — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 07:59:54 +0000

If you can stretch to FP-90 or RD-2000, they're even better.

Re: Roland A88 Controller Keyboard

null@example.com (sigasa) — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 23:52:43 +0000

jcfelice88keys wrote:

+1. Even though I own and use a vintage 1990 Roland A-80, the A-88 is a comparatively fine controller for Pianoteq.

Thank you Joe - much appreciated,

Warmest Regards,

Chris

Re: Roland A88 Controller Keyboard

null@example.com (jcfelice88keys) — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 19:21:37 +0000

+1. Even though I own and use a vintage 1990 Roland A-80, the A-88 is a comparatively fine controller for Pianoteq.

Re: Roland A88 Controller Keyboard

null@example.com (sigasa) — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 16:56:38 +0000

TJ76 wrote:

I own and use an a-88 since 2013. As a controller of 16 kg it is a very good keyboard and I would highly recommend it. There are better actions out there but all of those weight far more than 20 kg.
For its quality, price, and weight ratio a-88 is very hard to beat!

Thank you - to positive reviews - looks promising,

Warmest Regards,

Chris

Re: Roland A88 Controller Keyboard

null@example.com (TJ76) — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 15:36:03 +0000

I own and use an a-88 since 2013. As a controller of 16 kg it is a very good keyboard and I would highly recommend it. There are better actions out there but all of those weight far more than 20 kg.

For its quality, price, and weight ratio a-88 is very hard to beat!

Re: Roland A88 Controller Keyboard

null@example.com (sigasa) — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 15:22:09 +0000

lonelagranger wrote:

Absolutely. It is a great midi controller. It has a wonderful piano feel. It responds to Pianoteq extremely well.

Thank you,

Warmest Regards,

Chris

Re: Roland A88 Controller Keyboard

null@example.com (lonelagranger) — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 15:18:53 +0000

Absolutely. It is a great midi controller. It has a wonderful piano feel. It responds to Pianoteq extremely well.

Roland A88 Controller Keyboard

null@example.com (sigasa) — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 14:52:03 +0000

Hi all,

Would anyone here recommend the A88 Controller Keyboard from Roland for use with PianoTEQ?

Thank you,

Warmest Regards,

Chris