Roland FP-30X vs Yamaha P125: What are the Differences?

Hi, Everyone! This is Anne Watson again for another digital piano comparison review of the Roland FP-30X vs Yamaha P125. The Roland FP-30X, one of the latest releases of Roland digital pianos, is the successor of the popular FP-30.

Both the Yamaha P125 and Roland FP-30X are mid-range portable pianos marketed for under a thousand US dollars. Although both these digital pianos have many similar features, some key differences may influence your purchase decision.

Hence, in this post, our discussion is centered on the differences. For detailed information on these models, check out our in-depth reviews of the Roland FP-30X and Yamaha P125.

Roland FP-30X vs Yamaha P125 Spec Comarison

Similarities

Both the Roland FP30X and the Yamaha P125 are light-weighted portable digital pianos with many similar features, such as

• a metronome and accompaniment rhythms
• onboard recording
• dedicated quarter-inch stereo outputs (AUX OUT)
• dual (layers), duet or twin, and split modes.

Overall, Yamaha P125 has easier controls on selecting voices, adjusting the sound volume, and accessing the accompaniment rhythms on the piano itself, whereas, on the FP-30X, some of these settings are only accessible via Roland’s Every Day app.

Additionally, the FP30X is over 6 six pounds heavier than the P125. The trade-off is the more powerful speakers in FP30X.

Both pianos come with a plastic foot switch functioning as a piano damper pedal. In addition, both brands offer optional stands that match your piano with an optional triple paddle unit. This allows you to easily convert your slab into a console-style upright piano for home use without losing its portability.

Considerable Differences

It goes without saying that the Roland FP-30X vs Yamaha P125 comes with different looks and onboard control buttons. But what are the major differences that may swing your purchase decision? Let’s take a closer look at the top three considerations: Sound, Key Action, and Connectivity.

Sound

Let’s talk about sound.

The P125 is equipped with Yamaha’s CF 3 concert grand piano sound. Even though the CF3 sound is a notch down from the CFX, it is still a world-class sound from a piano.

Roland presents the SuperNATURAL piano sound on the FP-30X. It samples every single one of a piano’s 88 keys at full length, with completely natural decay. Like any great technology, SuperNATURAL simply happens beneath the hood, but it provides an extremely realistic piano-playing experience.

In short, it is very subjective to judge which sound engine is better. However, the FP30X has an advantage in the sheer number of onboard voices, 56 plus over 120 tones accessible via a Roland mobile app, versus 24 voices on the Yamaha P125.

Speakers

Interestingly, the speakers on these two models have their own strengths. The FP-30X comes with a really good bass presentation, while the P125 has really nice treble clarity. Roland FP-30X’s more powerful speakers are still facing downwards. That is where the Yamaha P125’s 2-way 4-speaker system has an edge, especially in the high-pitch range.

Polyphony

Polyphony on digital pianos is the maximum number of notes that an instrument can sound simultaneously. The FP-30X presents 256 notes, while the P125 has 192.

In general, the 192 polyphony is enough to play some very complex music pieces with sustaining and layering without losing any notes.

The FP-30X offers lid position, string resonance, damper resonance, and key-off resonance that can consume the polyphony quickly. Therefore, it is beneficial to have the 256 notes polyphony. On the other hand, the P125 only has damper resonance.

Keyboard

The Roland FP-30X and the Yamaha P125 keyboards have 88 fully weighted and graded keys. This means the keys on the bass section are heavier than the ones on the treble section, just like an acoustic piano.

The key action on the FP-30X has Roland’s PHA-4, its signature 3-sensor key detection system. It is superior to Yamaha’s GHS on P125, which is a couple of decades old and has a dual-sensor system.

Additionally, the FP30X has textured surface keys that simulate an ivory feel versus the white glossy keys on the P125.

The biggest advantage of the Roland FP-30X key action over the Yamaha P125 is the escapement mechanism. This makes the FP-30X more like a grand piano.

Connectivity

Most people choose digital pianos because of their technological features. We are now living in a world with ever-increasing wireless connectivity and wireless devices.

Roland has equipped the FP-30X with wireless connectivity. It supports both Bluetooth Audio and MIDI interfaces, while the P125 still requires a USB cable to connect to Yamaha’s Smart Pianist app.

Using the Bluetooth Audio capability on the FP-30X, you can wirelessly stream your playlist from your mobile phone, sound out on your piano speakers, and use the Roland’s Every Day app without a cable.

Connector	Roland FP-30X	Yamaha P125
Headphone jack	One 3.5 millimeter headphones jack One 1/4 inch headphones jack	Two 1/4 inch headphones jacks
IN/OUT	AUX OUT (Useful for externally powered speakers)	AUX OUT (Useful for externally powered speakers)
USB-to-Host (USB Type B)	Yes	Yes
USB-to-Device (USB Type A)	Yes	–
Bluetooth MIDI & Audio	Yes Wireless connection to smart devices or computer	–

Conclusion

In terms of Roland FP-30X vs Yamaha P125, overall, there is not a bad choice between the two. In order to help you with your purchase decision, we merely indicate the differences. Therefore, you may decide which one is better to fit your needs and personal objectives of using the piano.

In Summary, here are the three considerable differences:

• Both come with excellent sound engines. The Roland FP-30X offers some advantages in sound resonance, higher polyphony, and more voices.
• The Roland FP-30X key action is superior to the Yamaha P125 in technology, key texture, and escapement.
• The FP-30X offers some connectivity features that do not exist in the Yamaha P125, such as Bluetooth Audio and MIDI interfaces, two types of headphone jacks, and a USB-to-Device (type A) port for data transfer.

While choosing a piano is really a subjective matter, we would recommend the Roland FP-30X. Since it comes with more advanced technology, it may be worth keeping for a longer period. Moreover, it features a powerful speaker system for more expressive sound effects.

On the other hand, if you would like to scrutinize the price on Amazon, the P125 seems to be at a lower price than the FP-30X.

Related Reviews:

• Yamaha 125 Review

• Roland FP-30X Review

• Kawai ES110 vs Yamaha P125: Which is Better?

• Casio vs Yamaha Keyboards: Which One is Best for You?