Okay, so you’re finally ready to get serious with your piano game, huh? Maybe the old keyboard you’ve had since high school isn’t cutting it anymore, or you’re just looking to level up.
I know that struggle, so here’s my subjective list of 5 best digital pianos for advanced pianists. Amateurs will love these too!
But fair warning: after playing these, you might never look at a regular keyboard the same way again.
Quick Overview (TL;DR)
Here’s the short version if you’re in a rush:
- Roland FP-30X BK – Best for Budget
Affordable, feels great, and won’t make you eat ramen for a month. - Casio PX-S3100 – Best Sounds on a Budget
700 sounds? Are you really gonna use them all? Sure, why not. - Kawai ES-920 B – Best for Classical Players
Feels like playing a grand piano, minus the part where you sell your car to afford it. - Yamaha P-525 B – Most Versatile
542 sounds. Because why stop at just a few when you can have ALL the sounds? - Roland RD-2000 EX – Best for Stage Performances
Two sound engines, real-time control… basically, a spaceship disguised as a piano.
Clear? Cool. Now let’s break it down piano by piano.
Best Digital Pianos For Advanced Pianists
1. Roland FP-30X BK: Best for Budget
Not everyone has the cash to drop on a $5k grand piano. But if you want a digital piano that feels and sounds way more expensive than it is, the Roland FP-30X BK is your go-to.
It’s got 88 fully weighted keys with that nice “Ivory Feel” (you know, the kind that tricks your brain into thinking you’re playing a grand). And then there’s the SuperNATURAL sound engine, which is Roland’s way of saying „this piano sounds really, really good.”
You also get 256-note polyphony—so no matter how fast your fingers are flying or how much you’re layering, you won’t have to worry about notes cutting off. Also, it’s light (about 14.8 kg), so you can easily move it around if you gig.
Key Features:
- 88 keys with PHA-4 Standard action.
- SuperNATURAL piano sound engine (very fancy).
- Bluetooth and MIDI connectivity—‘cause we’re living in 2024, baby.
- Built-in speakers (11W x 2), loud enough for small venues or practicing at home.
- Compact design, great for tight spaces.
Why I Recommend It:
This piano is perfect for someone who wants great sound and feel without dropping a ton of cash. It’s portable but doesn’t feel like a toy (no offense, mini-keyboard lovers).
The Bluetooth connectivity is awesome if you’re into using apps for practice, and it’s got a really natural, expressive sound. Like, you’ll actually want to practice on this thing.
2. Casio PX-S3100: Best Sounds on a Budget
Oh, Casio. You used to be all about calculators and cheap keyboards, but look at you now. The PX-S3100 is sleek, portable, and packed with 700 (yes, 700) different sounds.
It’s perfect for someone who likes to mix things up—classical one minute, synth-pop the next. And with Bluetooth audio, you can jam along with your favorite tunes without messing around with cables.
The piano also has a 192-note polyphony, so you can layer sounds without worrying about dropouts. It’s battery-powered too, which is just… why? But hey, it’s an option. 😉
Key Features:
- 88 weighted keys with Smart Scaled Hammer Action (fancy way of saying “feels good”).
- 700 sounds and 200 rhythms. Yeah, good luck getting bored.
- Bluetooth audio and MIDI support (soooo convenient).
- 192-note polyphony for complex playing.
- Battery-operated option (because why not?).
Why I Recommend It:
This one’s for the sound explorers. With 700 sounds and built-in rhythms, you’ll never run out of things to experiment with. It’s also super portable and has Bluetooth audio, which makes it easy to jam wirelessly.
And did I mention it’s battery-powered? Not sure when you’ll need that, but hey, it’s a thing.
3. Kawai ES-920 B: Best for Classical Players
For those of you who want something that feels really close to playing an acoustic piano, the Kawai ES-920 B is where it’s at. Kawai’s Responsive Hammer III (RHIII) action is spot on—feels just like a grand, with that beautiful key weighting and pressure point simulation.
If you’re into classical pieces or anything that requires a real nuanced touch, this piano won’t disappoint.
The Harmonic Imaging XL sound engine with 88-key sampling makes sure every note you hit sounds rich and expressive, almost like you’re playing on an actual grand. And did I mention it’s got Bluetooth MIDI and Audio? I think I’ve made my point.
Key Features:
- 88 weighted keys with RHIII mechanism and triple sensor (feels so legit).
- Harmonic Imaging XL (HI-XL) sound engine.
- 256-note polyphony, for the complicated stuff.
- Bluetooth MIDI and Audio (wireless everything!).
- Built-in speaker system (2x20W), fills up a room pretty well.
Why I Recommend It:
This piano is perfect if you’re a purist who craves that acoustic feel without the acoustic piano price tag. The action on this thing is chef’s kiss, and it’s got enough polyphony to handle even the most intense classical pieces. Plus, the Bluetooth MIDI makes it great for working with apps.
4. Yamaha P-525 B: Most Versatile
If you’re someone who wants a piano that can do it all, the Yamaha P-525 B is the one for you. With 542 sounds, including the iconic Yamaha CFX piano and Bösendorfer Imperial, this piano is just AWESOME.
It’s versatile enough for any genre, from classical to jazz, and has enough tech features to keep you busy.
Want to layer sounds? Go for it. Need to record? It’s got you. It even has Bluetooth audio and MIDI because apparently, wires are so last decade. Oh, and it has a 256-note polyphony, which is great for the more complex stuff.
Key Features:
- 88 weighted keys with GrandTouch-S action and synthetic ivory tops.
- 542 sounds, including Yamaha’s best pianos.
- 256-note polyphony for big, lush chords.
- MIDI recording (up to 250 songs, if you’re feeling ambitious).
- Bluetooth audio and MIDI—because everything is wireless now.
Why I Recommend It:
This piano is ridiculously versatile. Whether you’re recording, practicing, or performing, it’s got everything you need, and then some. It’s got amazing sound quality (that CFX piano sample, though), and the Bluetooth options are a nice touch for the modern pianist. Seriously, this thing does it all.
5. Roland RD-2000 EX: Best for Stage Performances
Last but definitely not least, we have the Roland RD-2000 EX—a beast of a stage piano that’s made for live performers. This thing has TWO sound engines (because one isn’t enough apparently) and all the real-time controls you could ever need, with sliders and buttons galore.
You’ve got the V-Piano engine for super-realistic acoustic piano sounds and the SuperNATURAL engine for everything else, including electric pianos, organs, and synths.
Oh, and did I mention it’s got 1100+ sounds? Yeah, good luck running out of options.
Key Features:
- 88 keys with PHA-50 action (wood and plastic hybrid).
- V-Piano and SuperNATURAL sound engines.
- 1100+ sounds (seriously).
- Real-time control with sliders, knobs, and buttons (so pro).
- 100 scene memory locations for recalling setups during live performances.
Why I Recommend It:
If you’re performing live, this is the piano you want. Period. It’s got everything you need for real-time control on stage, from sound layering to effects tweaking.
The two sound engines are ridiculously powerful, and it’s got more sounds than you’ll probably ever need. Just be prepared—it’s a bit heavy (21.7 kg), so start lifting weights now if you plan on hauling this thing around. 😉
My Rating
Alright, let’s break it down. Here’s how each piano stacks up based on who it’s best suited for and how I personally rate it. Spoiler: they’re all great, but not everyone needs 1100 sounds (yes, I’m looking at you, RD-2000 EX).
| Piano | Who is it for? | My Score |
|---|---|---|
| Roland FP-30X BK | Budget-conscious players who want real feel | 8/10 |
| Casio PX-S3100 | Sound tinkerers who love variety on a budget | 8/10 |
| Kawai ES-920 B | Classical purists who crave acoustic feel | 8.5/10 |
| Yamaha P-525 B | Versatile players who dabble in everything | 9/10 |
| Roland RD-2000 EX | Live performers who need ultimate control | 9/10 |
FAQ
Q: How do I know if a digital piano will „feel” right?
A: Try before you buy, if possible. Otherwise, look for terms like „hammer action” or „weighted keys.” It’s all about mimicking that real piano feel. (Spoiler: All the ones here do a pretty good job.)
Q: Are built-in speakers really necessary?
A: Not necessary, but they’re super convenient for home practice. Unless you’re planning to always use headphones or hook it up to an external system, they’re a nice bonus.
Q: What’s the deal with Bluetooth on pianos?
A: Bluetooth is the future, man. It’s great for playing along with tracks or connecting to apps wirelessly. Plus, fewer cables = fewer things to trip over. 🙂
Q: Does polyphony matter that much?
A: Yes and no. If you’re playing classical music or using lots of layered sounds, more polyphony means smoother transitions. If you’re just practicing scales, it’s not as big a deal.
Q: Should I worry about weight when picking a digital piano?
A: If you’re gigging or moving it around a lot—yes! Look for something portable. But if it’s staying in one spot, weight doesn’t matter as much (unless you like moving furniture for fun).
Q: How long do digital pianos last?
A: With decent care, they’ll last years. Just don’t spill your coffee on it (I’ve seen it happen… twice).
Q: Can I upgrade the sounds later?
A: Some pianos (like the Roland RD-2000 EX) have expansion slots for more sounds. Most others—what you get is what you get. So make sure you like the sound library upfront.
Final Thoughts
There you have it. Whether you’re saving up for that perfect stage piano or just want something that feels like an acoustic without the bulk, one of these digital pianos will definitely do the trick.
Just pick the one that speaks to you (or your wallet), and start playing already! Time to make some noise. 🙂
