The Roland RD series has produced some of the best-loved stage pianos of the last few decades and continues to introduce cutting-edge, performance-driven innovations. Roland’s RD-88 EX is the latest generation of the mid-priced RD model and an upgrade to the original RD-88.

Final verdict 4.7
The RD-88 EX is better than the original model because that SuperNatural piano expansion is great, but it’s the only difference between the two, and I’d like to see more.
If you can get an original model for significantly cheaper, I’d go with that. Otherwise, it’s still an excellent buy, especially for performers who want a blend of portability and premium features.
What I like
- Lightweight and portable.
- Lots of high-quality presets.
- Excellent integration with your DAW and external gear.
- Microphone input.
What I don’t like
- XLR mic input would be better.
- EX upgrade could be more significant.
Why you should trust this review

My first proper stage piano was a Roland RD-700 over 20 years ago, and I’ve been a fan ever since.
I’ve owned multiple Roland stage pianos over the years, and more importantly, I’ve been fortunate enough to play instruments from most brands and learn where each manufacturer excels.
Besides decades of experience with Roland stage pianos, I understand the importance of choosing the right instrument at every step of your musical development, especially when spending over $1000.
Contents
Use these jump links to navigate to the desired section of the review.
- Sound quality 4.8
- Speakers 4.7
- Keyboard 4.7
- Features 4.8
- In use 4.8
- Build quality 4.2
- Connectivity 4.7
- Comparisons
Sound quality 4.8
The sound quality is fantastic; much of that comes from Roland’s SuperNatural piano tones. Roland overhauled the SuperNatural engine for the release of the original RD-88, and the authentic, sympathetic resonance makes for a realistic and detailed piano.
The RD-88 EX includes the SuperNatural Acoustic Piano 3 Expansion, featuring 15 distinct piano tones. I have mixed feelings about this upgrade. I love the new expansion; it covers light, bright, dark, and moody beautifully, but I want to see more.
If you own an original RD-88, you can purchase the EX software upgrade for around $100.
As expected from Roland, the electric pianos are lovely and work well with the built-in effects. All the go-to sounds, like acoustic/electric pianos, organs, and synths, are very good.

My favorite sounds are the acoustic pianos, but some of the other standouts come from the synth selection, powered by Roland’s Zen-Core engine. The Zen-Core engine delivers many premium sounds that are featured in the flagship RD-2000 EX.
Built-in speakers 4.7
The built-in speaker system features two full-range 4.72-inch speakers and dual 6-watt amplifiers. The speakers deliver high-quality sound with excellent clarity, but I could understand some users expecting more from an RD Series instrument.
However, stage pianos don’t often come with built-in speakers, providing an easier way to practice at home without external amplification. A good addition, in my opinion.
Keyboard feel 4.7
The RD-88 EX has progressive hammer-action (PHA-4) keys with escapement. Progressive hammer-action keys are generally the most realistic because they get lighter as you move up the keyboard, just like a real piano. The downside is that manufacturers sometimes get it wrong, and the transition from heavy to light isn’t as smooth/natural as it should be. However, Roland has been doing it for a very long time and does it very well.

Despite the RD-88 EX being significantly lighter than many similar stage pianos, the weighted keys feel surprisingly authentic. The escapement lets each note ring out naturally, just as real hammers would.
Overall, the RD-88 EX feels very nice to play. While it may fall short of some high-end stage pianos, it beats most in its class.
Features 4.8
One of the biggest selling points of the RD-88 EX is that it delivers a comprehensive feature set with very minimal fuss.
- Compact design. I want to mention the compact design as a feature because it’s something that will appeal to a lot of players. Having a realistic feel and killer sounds is excellent, but when you have to carry a heavy stage piano from one gig to the next, it gets tiring quickly. For many people, the RD-88 EX will be a more convenient alternative to something like the heavier RD-2000 EX.
- Apple MainStage. MainStage, combined with three assignable keyboard zones, turns the RD-88 EX into a hardware/software hybrid powerhouse. You can simultaneously assign a combination of built-in and software sounds across the three zones. That could save you from using another keyboard controller or changing the patch multiple times in one song. The RD-2000 EX offers eight keyboard zones, but three are good enough for a stage piano in this price range.
- 400 scenes. When you create a sound/patch by layering or splitting sounds across the keyboard, you can save it as a scene. With space for up to 400 scenes, the RD-88 EX allows you to scroll through them or select your favorites.
- Zone/scene multi-effects. 90 effect types are available to each of the three keyboard zones I just mentioned. That means the effects used in each zone are entirely independent. You could have some chorus on an electric piano sound, saturation on a synth bass patch, and a little reverb on your lead sound.
- EQ and Tone Color per zone. In addition to the effects being available per zone, 90 multi-effect types are available per scene. As a live performance instrument, it’s tailor-made to give you complete control over your sound.
- Sympathetic resonance. Any good digital piano will try its best to sound and feel realistic, including recreating mechanical noise and the natural resonance of an acoustic piano. With the reverb down, the RD-88 EX has a very authentic decay, especially at the high end.
- DAW control. The RD-88 is a fantastic master keyboard for your DAW with a decent range of assignable controls. If you take the time to set up the RD-88 EX with your DAW, you can get extensive hands-on control over essential parameters.
- LCD screen. I want to mention the screen because it does just enough to keep you on the right track. The RD-88 EX is a tactile keyboard, but the small LCD screen makes the limited menu-diving easy.
- Microphone input. A microphone input is a nice addition for any singer-songwriter. Especially with the built-in speakers, it’s ideal for practicing your set at home. It’s a 1/4-inch input with a built-in preamp, but there is no phantom power. So, you’ll likely be using a dynamic mic unless you add an external preamp or DI box.
In use 4.8
There isn’t too much to say in this department, and, for a change, that’s a good thing. The RD-88 EX has the standard, tried-and-tested workflow that made the RD Series a top choice for performers.
I scored particularly high in this area because I believe having such premium features in a relatively lightweight package is a dream for any frequent performer. Additionally, the ability to practice without external amplification makes life easier.
Build quality 4.2
When a stage piano is lighter and more compact than most others, there will always be a trade-off. In this case, the trade-off is the build quality.
It falls considerably short of the RD-2000 EX or older models like the RD-800. The difference is those two were flagship models, and the RD-88 EX isn’t; it’s an entry-level model.

As it stands, the build quality is reasonably good, but not great. The buttons and encoders feel good, but the lightweight chassis will never feel as robust as you’d want it to be on the road.
I highly recommend the RD-88 EX for live performance, but ensure you have a solid hard case and take care of it.
Connectivity 4.7
The obvious standout here is the inclusion of a 1/4-inch microphone input, which is great, as well as an additional 1/8-inch audio input.
It’s really nice to see three pedal inputs rather than just a sustain; there are three 1/4-inch inputs.
Wrapping things up, you get MIDI over USB, two 1/4-inch audio outputs, and a single 1/4-inch headphone jack.
Compared to others
I consider Roland’s RD series among the best stage pianos, but it’s always wise to check out the competition.
Roland RD-88 EX vs Juno-D8
If the acoustic piano sounds are a priority, go for the RD-88 EX. But if you want a great-sounding alternative with a synth/workstation workflow, the Juno-D8 is awesome. See the current price
Roland RD-88 EX vs Yamaha CK88
I prefer the workflow of the cheaper RD-88 EX, but the Yamaha CK88 has a lot to offer, and it’s even lighter than the Roland. It’s so close; it will depend on whether you prefer the Roland or Yamaha acoustic piano sounds. Read the full review
Roland RD-88 EX vs Kawai ES520
The RD-88 EX is more versatile and probably better value for money. But I love the Kawai acoustic piano sound, and if that’s your priority, you should give it a try. See the current price
Who is the Roland RD-88 EX best suited for?
The Roland RD-88 EX is best suited for frequent performers who want a lightweight option, as well as serious students.
So, I have to ask, just as a straight comparison between the FP-e50 and the RD-88, which is better? They PHA-4 is the same on both boards, the 88 has more sounds but appears to be a much rougher go of navigation (though your scores between these don’t seem to indicate that?), the size/profiles are different, the Fp- is a bit more of an arranger, it has the auto-accompaniment, it has a chord sequencer, it has Roland learning apps that can be tied to it (the 88 can’t), it has a music rest, its speakers are more powerful (though in use I do wonder which is louder?), it has more vocal effects for the mic, the RD can be had for about $150-200 more for me. I’m wondering why the e50 had the lower score in essence when comparing the two?
I prefer the RD-88, despite the extra cost, but I have a longer history with RD models than FP models (starting with the two decades old RD-700), and my personal preference impacts some areas of scoring that don’t need to be entirely impartial. For example, you’re right that there’s more navigating to be done with the RD-88, but I think it’s easy to get around. Although I think the FP-E50 is easy enough to navigate, and other users might like it more than I do, I don’t find it as pleasant/enjoyable or fluid to use as the RD-88 (based on a combination of the process and button type/quality). The FP-E50 has some specific arranger-like features, especially things like the vocal harmonizer, that will absolutely sway some potential buyers, and in those cases, the FP-E50 will be a better buy. However, in the absence of a specific function/feature acting as a deciding factor, and looking at both as a quality stage/digital piano, when you get your hands on them, I believe the RD-88 feels like the more professional instrument, and offers an overall better user experience.