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Roland’s F107 and RP107 digital pianos bring high-end sound and playability to the entry level.

The entry-level digital pianos market are highly competitive.  However, Roland says that, with its new F107 and RP107 models, it’s bringing “a new level of performance” to the category.

The focus here is on the two key areas of playability and sound. Both the F107 and RP107 feature Roland SuperNATURAL Piano engine, which combines sampling and modelling to emulate a real grand piano, and an 88-note PHA-4 keyboard that’s said to deliver “true weighted response”. Sustain, soft, and sostenuto pedals are also included.

Functionally, the F107 and RP107 are the same – where they do differ is in their design. While both have slimline cabinets, the F107 is based on the look of the Roland F701 – a 2021 Red Dot Design Award winner. And is apparently the more stylish of the two. The RP107 is more traditional in its design, but that might be what you are looking for.

In addition, the Bluetooth connectivity is also notable; not only can you use this for transmitting MIDI and streaming audio, but it also enables connection to the redesigned Roland Piano App, which provides remote control of sound selection, metronome settings, recording and more. Lessons and auto-accompaniment features – so that you can play along with a virtual band – are also included here.

The Roland F107 and RP107 digital pianos will be available in August priced at $1,100 and $1,200 respectively.

The Roland Piano App is a free download for iOS and Android devices – if you have a Core, Pro or Ultimate membership on Roland Cloud this also gives you access to 300 pieces of sheet music.

Find out more on the Roland website.

Casio has unveiled new versions of its compact digital pianos – the CDP-S360 and CDP-S110. And Casio promises improved sound, better playability and more features with its new affordable CDP-S digital pianos.

Choose from the beginner-friendly CDP-S110 and more capable CDP-S360. The CDP-S360 is the more capable, and now enables you to add Bluetooth audio and MIDI functionality via the optional WU-BT10 adapter. Polyphony has been increased from 64 to 128 notes, and the piano tone has improved decay.

The Casio CDP-S360 includes 200 rhythms and 700 tones, covering both keyboard instruments and strings, wind and percussion. It is compatible with the CS-470P fixed three-pedal stand and SP-34 three-pedal unit.

The Casio CDP-S110 is the successor to the CDP-S100, is one of the best digital pianos for beginners. Like the CDP-S360, it features an 88-note scaled hammer action keyboard, and still promises an authentic piano sound. A total of 10 tones are included, and you also get a high-quality speaker system.

The Casio CDP-S110 comes in black or white colour. The Casio CDP-S360 comes in black colour.

The CDP-S110 is priced at £389, and the CDP-S360 is priced at $633/£529. Both models are available now, and you can find out more on the Casio website.

The long and winding Rhodes to release MK8 continues…

Now under new ownership, Rhodes is playing the long game as it prepares to release its new electric piano, which we now know will be called the MK8.

This is being worked on at the company factory in Leeds, and will be going on sale soon.

Further details are still tantalizingly out of reach, but it is clear from the latest teaser photo that the distinctive look of previous models has been retained.

Expect more information to be drip-fed on a weekly basis between now and the release date.

Keep your eye on the Rhodes website for further details.