Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,111
Standard/Professional
$400
$2001+
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Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Roland RD-88". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Roland RD-88 is a versatile and lightweight stage piano that combines professional-grade sound with user-friendly features, making it a top choice for both live performances and studio sessions. With its SuperNATURAL technology, the RD-88 delivers authentic acoustic and electric piano sounds that are rich in character and ready to captivate any audience. The 88-key PHA-4 Standard keybed offers a natural feel with ivory touch keys, providing a playing experience that mimics the nuanced response of a grand piano.
Designed for musicians on the move, the RD-88 features a sleek and compact design, ensuring hassle-free transport and quick setup, even in tight spaces. The intuitive interface allows for easy navigation, giving you access to over 3,000 sounds powered by Roland's ZEN-Core sound engine. Whether you're layering sounds or tweaking tones, the RD-88's straightforward controls keep everything within reach.
For added flexibility, the RD-88 integrates effortlessly with Apple MainStage, allowing you to control soft synths across three configurable zones. The built-in speaker system ensures you can perform anywhere without external amplification, making it perfect for intimate gigs or solo rehearsals.
Key Features:
- 88-key PHA-4 Standard keybed with ivory touch and escapement
- SuperNATURAL technology for realistic piano and electric piano sounds
- Over 3,000 sounds from the ZEN-Core sound engine
- Lightweight, compact design for easy transport
- Three configurable zones with Apple MainStage integration
- Onboard speaker system for versatile performance options
- Intuitive interface with easy access to essential controls and effects
Product specs
| Brand | Roland |
| Model | RD-88 88-Key Digital Stage Piano |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2020 - 2025 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Digital Stage Pianos |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Weighted |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Output, USB MIDI |
| Number of Keys | 88 Keys |
FAQs
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Does the Roland RD-88 have weighted keys?
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Yes, the Roland RD-88 features a PHA-4 Standard keyboard with weighted hammer action and Ivory Feel keys, providing an authentic grand piano touch.
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What sound engine does the Roland RD-88 use?
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The RD-88 utilizes Roland's SuperNATURAL sound engine, delivering high-quality acoustic and electric piano sounds, along with a range of other instruments.
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Can the Roland RD-88 be used as a MIDI controller?
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Yes, the RD-88 can function as a MIDI controller with both USB MIDI and traditional MIDI output, allowing integration with various DAWs and software instruments.
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Is the Roland RD-88 suitable for live performances?
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The RD-88 is designed as a stage piano, offering portability, high-quality sounds, and intuitive controls, making it ideal for live performances.
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Does the Roland RD-88 have built-in speakers?
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No, the Roland RD-88 does not have built-in speakers, which is typical for stage pianos, so external amplification is recommended for optimal sound projection.
Videos
RolandChannel
Roland RD-88 Stage Piano
Reviews
PROS
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Dual purpose as digital piano and master MIDI controller
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Superior grand piano sound and lighter weight than competitors
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Realistic voices with great natural key action
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Varied and plentiful piano sounds with punchy presence
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Rich library of work station quality sounds for gigs
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Hammer action leans towards the heavy side, offering both durability and delicacy
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Offers extensive features, sounds, and editing options in its price range
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Equipped with intuitive features and classic Roland sound quality
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Weighted keys ideal for both beginners and experienced players
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Good for bedroom practice with perfect sounding speakers
CONS
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Owner's manual is insufficiently detailed
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Leslie simulation not as authentic as desired
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Over 300 voices not easily accessible without saving as favorites
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Navigation through tones and voices can be convoluted without a numeric keypad
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Some perceive it as more plastic and less durable for stage use
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Odd dimensions may not fit well on standard keyboard stands
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland RD-88.
Build quality
Features and functionality
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The RD-88 includes 8 control knobs, but they are mainly for MIDI use and lack flexibility for sound effect adjustments.
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Changing sounds on the RD-88 resets the rhythm unit's tempo to 120 BPM, which cannot be saved with favorites, limiting its utility in live settings.
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The RD-88 has 3 assignable zones for controlling VSTs or hardware instruments, enhancing its versatility in live or studio settings.
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Users can assign control change (CC) values to all knobs on the RD-88, allowing for more customized performance setups.
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The RD-88 supports scene creation to save and recall specific configurations, which is especially beneficial for performers needing quick setup changes.
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Software and compatibility
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The RD-88's Zen engine supports only two wave expansion packs, limiting the number of additional sounds you can load.
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User experience
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Users note uneven volume across different Zen packs, requiring manual adjustments to maintain consistent sound levels.
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Users report a discrepancy between promotional video sound quality and actual experience, leading to dissatisfaction with the keyboard's performance.
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Owners highlight the 76 E. Piano sound on the RD-88 for its warmth and authentic Rhodes-like characteristics, especially when combined with a light clicking sound.
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Other
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The RD-88's audio-over-USB feature is praised for its convenience and compatibility with DAWs, enhancing studio usability.
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Comparisons
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The RD-88's piano sounds are less detailed than Roland's FP range, lacking features like sympathetic string resonance and hammer noise, unlike the Kawai ES920.
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The RD-88 offers a more sophisticated feel and warmer tones compared to the Juno DS-88, making it more appealing for those preferring acoustic-like key action.
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Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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In the attached article (and attached video inside the article), DOMi is doing a demo of the RD-88 for Guitar Center.
In this Vevo Live Performance on YouTube, Holly Humberstone can be seen at 0:41 playing a Roland RD-88. The exact name of the model is hidden by the microphone stand, but judging from its shape and the knobs visible it's a clear match.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Roland RD-88, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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