Background

Since its official announcement, the Roland FP-E50 has been frequently cited as a “game changer” within the digital piano community. When one examines the cost-to-value ratio being offered by Roland with this innovative new model, it is very hard to object to that notion. While this model seems to have been designed with the intention of competing head-to-head with Yamaha’s celebrated DGX-670, the FP-E50 takes things to a completely different level and stands in a class of its own.

The massive list of features packed into this portable digital piano makes it seem like someone accidentally combined the spec sheets of three models. However, be assured, it is no mistake. The FP-E50 features one of the most sophisticated and intuitive auto-accompaniment engines ever integrated into a digital piano. There are 177 preset accompaniment styles, which can be combined with 140 preset chord patterns or 256 user-generated chord patterns. The player can seamlessly transition between intros, endings, and two different variations, which helps keep things fresh and exciting at all times. If this isn’t enough, the “interactive” function actually adapts the accompanimental intensity directly to your playing.

Beyond its powerful accompaniment capabilities, at its core, the FP-E50 is well-equipped to provide a proper piano experience. The PHA-4 action provides an authentic touch, which perfectly complements the SuperNATURAL Piano tones. Stereo 11 W onboard speakers also transform this model from being solely intended for stage use. For players that have been desperately seeking a “one-and-done” piano option that can satisfy their needs on stage, in the studio, and at home, the FP-E50 is the perfect solution. 

Piano Action

The Roland FP-E50 features one of the most reliable actions in the industry right now: the PHA-4 Standard Keyboard. The PHA-4 is renowned for its heavier-weighted touch, excellent escapement simulation, and ivory feel key texture. The combination of these ingredients makes for a playing experience that is both authentic and rewarding. Furthermore, triple sensors ensure that every nuance and detail of the player’s performance is captured.

In addition to providing a great feel, the PHA-4 is incredibly durable, which makes it an excellent candidate for a gigging musician that is going to be putting many hard playing hours on the keyboard. There is a very good reason as to why Roland has trusted this acclaimed action on so many of their digital piano models in recent years. High performance, reliability, and excellent value; what more can you ask for?

Sound Engine

The Roland FP-E50 features another stalwart from Roland’s arsenal: the SuperNATURAL Piano engine. This revolutionary tone engine combines sampling and synthesis to create the perfect blend of authenticity and flexibility. Whether you are a beginner or a veteran player, the immersive grand piano sound will keep you inspired to play for hours at a time. The onboard Piano Designer feature even gives you the ability to custom-tailor your piano sound with eight adjustable parameters.

Given the FP-E50’s price point, the SuperNATURAL Piano tone engine would have been more than sufficient. However, the addition of Roland’s cutting edge, expandable ZEN-Core engine takes the Roland FP-E50 to another level. This is the same advanced sound generator that is included in Roland’s professional tier synthesizers like the JUPITER-X and FANTOM models. Through this engine, one has access to a multitude of classic Roland synth sounds as well as instrument sounds ranging from orchestral to world music instrumentation.

In combination, these two tone engines offer 38 pianos, 34 e.pianos, 36 strings, 184 organs/pads, and 726 synths/other instruments (including 74 drum sets). This extensive catalogue allows the FP-E350 to be a musical chameleon so-to-speak. Whether you are using the piano for personal practice, music composition/production, or live performance, you will have everything you need at your fingertips.

The Roland FP-E50’s massive library of sounds are brought to life via the piano’s stereo 11 watt speakers. The pair of high-quality 12 cm speakers are housed within a speaker box, which leads to a surprisingly powerful, clear, and balanced sound. The inclusion of onboard speakers also makes the model suitable for at home practice. 

Connectivity

The Roland FP-E50 is well-equipped with connectivity options. In addition to a DC In jack and two pedal jacks (both of which are capable of continuous detection), the FP-E50 offers a stereo miniature Input, ¼ inch Output (L/Mono, R) jacks, two Headphone jacks (stereo mini and ¼ inch), and even a ¼ inch Mic Input. The presence of a microphone input is quite convenient for gigging musicians looking to streamline their performance rig. In fact, the impressive onboard mic effects, which even includes auto harmonization, offers everything you really need, meaning that you can leave your bulky PA system at home.

Standard USB Computer (USB type-B) and USB Memory (USB type-A) ports are also included. Notably, the USB Computer port supports both MIDI and audio. While the FP-E50 does include Bluetooth audio, which allows you to play music through the piano’s speaker system, it does not include Bluetooth MIDI. This means that you are not able to connect wirelessly to apps. This is perhaps the only setback on an otherwise fully-loaded all-purpose portable piano. 

Notable Features

Despite how much is packed into this piano, the Roland FP-E50 has a very sleek and streamlined enclosure design, which makes it quite comfortable to gig with. The clean and intuitive control interface layout is also important to note. Direct access to tone selection, favourite patches, transposition, scenes, and much more. Many buttons include the ability to save settings by pressing and holding, which prevents you from having to spend a ton of time diving into the menus.

It has to be said that the most impressive and unique feature of the Roland FP-E50 is its auto-accompaniment. This model ushers in a whole new era of the “one-person band.” An intelligent and interactive digital backing band is available at the touch of a button. Professional composers collaborated to create almost 200 onboard accompaniment styles. From one note triggering to full-chord detection, the FP-E50 allows beginner and advanced players alike to unlock creativity and fun unlike any other portable digital piano on the market.

The Chord Sequencer includes 140 preset patterns as well as 256 user chord patterns, allowing you to program full songs into the Roland FP-E50. Even more impressively, the Interactive mode automatically detects and responds to the intensity and complexity of your playing. As your playing ramps up, so does the accompanying virtual backing band. It will have you constantly turning around on stage to check whether a real live band is actually playing behind you.

• Two of Roland’s most cutting-edge tone engines: SuperNATURAL Piano and ZEN-Core
• 88-note PHA-4 Standard Keyboard Action with escapement and ivory feel keytops
• Onboard 11W stereo speakers housed within a speaker box
• Two headphone ports, which allow for convenient and quiet practice
• Lightweight and portable design that is perfect for the gigging musician
• Wireless Bluetooth Audio, which allows the piano to double as a stereo system
• Fully-interactive and intuitive auto-accompaniment with unparalleled control and customization
• Convenient practice/learning functions for teachers and students alike, such as Metronome, Transpose, Dual, and Twin Piano
• Microphone input with fives types of professional microphone effects
• Built-in Piano Designer with eight adjustable/customizable parameters 
• USB Computer port for connect the FP-E50 to a computer or device

Conclusions

Roland has drawn a line in the sand when it comes to what piano players can expect from a digital piano at this price point. While its upper-entry to lower-mid level price tag may suggest a more streamlined offering of features, the FP-E50 defies its cost by providing an arsenal of professional level functions as well as a top-quality playing experience. While most products that try to be everything to everyone usually fail, Roland’s FP-E50 succeeds in this lofty ambition. Whether you are practicing in the comfort of your home, flexing your creative muscles in the recording studio, or entertaining hundreds of people on stage, the FP-E50 is fully-equipped and prepared to handle any musical situation you throw at it. 

Specifications

SOUND GENERATOR

Sound Generator: SuperNATURAL Piano, ZEN-Core

Max. Polyphony: 256

Tones: Piano: 38 tones, E.Piano: 34 tones, Strings: 36 tones, Organ/Pad: 184 tones, Synth/Other: 726 tones (including 74 drum sets)

Ambience: Type – Studio, Lounge, Concert Hall, Cathedral

Depth: 10 types

KEYBOARD

Keyboard:  88 keys (PHA-4 Standard Keyboard: with Escapement and Ivory Feel)

SPEAKER SYSTEM

Speakers: 12 cm (4-3/4 inches) x 2 (with speaker box)

Rated Power Output: 11 W x 2

HEADPHONES

Headphones:  3D Ambience

BLUETOOTH

Bluetooth Ver 4.2

Profile: A2DP (Audio), GATT (MIDI over Bluetooth Low Energy)

CODEC: SBC (Supports SCMS-T content protection)

AUTOMATIC ACCOMPANIMENT

Style Preset: 177 styles

*Need to update to Ver1.10

Controls: Start/Stop, Intro/Ending, Sync Start. Variation1, Variation2, Interactive function

Chord Sequencer: Preset Chord Pattern: 140 types

User Chord Pattern: 256

*Import / export possible

SCENE

Scene Presets: 107 styles

User Scenes: 256

*Import / export possible

DATA PLAYBACK

Playable Software

Audio File (WAV: 44.1 kHz, 16-bit linear format, MP3: 44.1 kHz, 64–320 kbps)

RECORDER

Recording Format: Audio File (WAV: 44.1 kHz, 16-bit linear format)

Recording time: 390 min (Maximum recording time per song: 200 min)

Functions: New Song Recording, Overlapping Recording

Internal Songs: 3 Songs

TUNING, VOICING

Touch Sensitivity: Key Touch: 100 types, fixed touch

Hammer Response: 10 types

Master Tuning: 415.3–466.2 Hz (adjustable in increments of 0.1 Hz)

Temperament: 10 types (Equal, Just Major, Just Minor, Pythagorean, Kirnberger I, Kirnberger II, Kirnberger III, Meantone, Werckmeister, Arabic), selectable temperament key

Effects: Ambience, Equalizer (3-band digital equalizer)

Only for organ tones: Rotary Speaker Effect

Mic Effects: Auto Harmony (9 types)

Voice Transformer (Octave: -1–+1, Formant: -12–+12 semitones)

Vocal Designer (Type: 26 types, Tone; 26 types)

Compressor (Type: Soft, Normal, Hard)

Noise Suppressor (Threshold: -96–0 dB)

PIANO DESIGNER

Lid

String Resonance

Damper Resonance

Key Off Resonance

Cabinet Resonance

Single Note Tuning

Single Note Volume

Single Note Character

CONVENIENT FUNCTIONS

Metronome (adjustable Tempo/Beat/Down beat/Pattern/Volume/Tone)

Transpose (Keyboard/Style: in semitones)

Favorite Tone (50 tones)

Dual

Split (split point adjustable)

Twin Piano

Demo Song

Center Cancel

Auto Off

One Touch Piano

OTHER

Display: Graphic LCD 160 x 160 dots

Control: Master Volume slider, Accompaniment Volume slider, Song Volume sliders, Mic Volume slider, Mic Gain knob, Assignable Wheel x 2

CONNECTORS

DC In jack

Pedal1 (Damper) jack (capable of continuous detection when optional pedal connected)

Pedal2 (Damper, Sostenuto, Soft) jacks (capable when dedicated pedal board connected)

Input Stereo jack: Stereo miniature phone type

Output (L/Mono, R) jacks: 1/4-inch phone type

Mic Input jack: 1/4-inch phone type

USB Computer port: USB B type (supports USB MIDI/AUDIO)

USB Memory port: USB A type

Phones jack x 2: Stereo miniature phone type, Stereo 1/4-inch phone type

POWER SUPPLY

AC adaptor

Power Consumption

11 W (When using the included AC adaptor)

*Approximate power consumption when playing the piano at medium volume: 6 W

Power consumption when sound has not been played after power-on: 5 W

ACCESSORIES

Accessories

Quick Start

Leaflet “USING THE UNIT SAFELY”

AC adaptor

Power cord

Music rest

Damper pedal (DP-2)

OPTION (SOLD SEPARATELY)

Option (sold separately)

Dedicated stand: KSFE50

Dedicated pedal board: KPD-70

Keyboard stand: KS-10Z, KS-12, KS-20X

Damper pedal: DP series

Expression pedal: EV-5

Headphones

SIZE AND WEIGHT

Width: 1,300 mm / 51-3/16 inches

Depth (without music rest): 322 mm / 12-11/16 inches

Depth with KSFE50 and music rest: 357 mm / 14-1/16 inches

Height (without music rest): 174 mm / 6-7/8 inches

Height with KSFE50 and music rest: 953 mm / 37-9/16 inches

Weight: 17.1 kg, 37 lbs 12 oz (FP-E50 with music rest) / 27.3 kg, 60 lbs 3 oz (FP-E50 with KSFE50, KPD-70, and music rest)