The Kawai-ES110 and Roland FP-10 digital pianos have long been my top two contenders, as I'm eager to find something that truly replicates the acoustic piano experience, especially when it comes to weighted hammer action.
While endless YouTube videos and knowledgeable experts on forum.pianoworld.com will attest that the Kawai/Roland are indeed "the next level" of entry-level digital pianos, I have found that the ES-110's PHA-4 action is more than a shade too expensive. It often touches £500, which leaves me wondering if it's worth the price for someone looking to experience high-quality pianistic qualities.
However, the Kawai-Roland hybrid approach has its benefits; the FP-10, for example, offers an impressive triple-sensor system on its keys, providing a wonderful "ivory touch" surface and allowing for dynamic/expressive playing. This action is graded (heavy lower, lighter upper) and features a built-in sounds module that rivals some of the top-tier pianos.
The Korg B2 digital piano has also piqued my interest with its limited yet impressive features; I've discovered it has a weighted hammer action similar to many high-end digital pianos. While the Donner DEP-20 offers a great value for its price, I couldn't help but feel that it's slightly compromised by the quality of its sound samples.
On the other hand, the Roland FP-10 is now available at an unbeatable £428 offer price, making it a truly stunning bargain. The piano interface may be limited to just three buttons, but with the Piano Partner 2 app running on your tablet/phone via Bluetooth, you can access most of the features and select up to 35 instruments for more dynamic playing.
One minor criticism I have is that the piano interface is very basic; three buttons and a combination of 88 keys make it feel somewhat limited. However, when used in conjunction with the Piano Partner 2 app, which connects directly to the piano via Bluetooth, you can access most other features and settings with ease. The built-in sounds module also allows for seamless integration into various music production software.
As an alternative, I've come across the Casio CDP-S100 digital piano, but it's a pricey option that feels somewhat out of reach for those on a budget. However, watching YouTube reviews by "Piano4ever" (James Pavel Shawcross) has shown me that even the lower-end options like the Kawai/Roland hybrid approach can deliver high-quality pianistic qualities.
Ultimately, my search has narrowed down to the Kawai-ES110 and Roland FP-10, with both offering a unique blend of weighted hammer action and built-in sounds. While I've enjoyed exploring other digital piano brands, there's something special about experiencing the authentic sound of an acoustic piano – one that the Kawai/Roland hybrid approach has promised for years.
For those on a tight budget, the Roland FP-10 is currently available at £428 offer price, making it an attractive option. While not everyone will find it perfect, it's clear that this digital piano delivers exceptional value for its price point, especially considering the limitations of its interface.
Y. Jenkins - 05/10/2025