Roland just announced a new product line for their upright home digital piano. The brand new LX700 series initially consists of three models: the LX705, LX706, LX708.
WHAT’S NEW ABOUT THE LX700
The LX700 series uses the traditional upright piano design. The cabinets are lifted high and have the classical acoustic look.
Although they look big and bulky, I have to admit I kinda like that. Together with their realistic key action and good sound system, the new LX700 brings back the acoustic experience.
This new LX700 series uses Roland’s new PureAcoustic Piano Modeling to create the best piano tone that Roland can offer right now. Instead of sampling an acoustic piano, this technology uses computer modeling to re-produce every physical interactions when you press a key on a concert grand.
Based on Roland’s past products, I would say modeling make the tone more expressive and may someday replace the sampling technology.
The new LX700 features two grand piano modeling: the European Classic with a rich and mellow tone and the American Grand that is bright and clear.
There is also a big upgrade in the speaker system that you will find on the new LX700 series. Each model is equipped with Roland’s Acoustic Projection System, which promises to create realistic, rich and room-filling grand piano sound.
The flagship LX708 comes with a whopping 4 way 8 speakers system. Can’t wait to get my hand on that and see how it performs.
Key action is another upgrade you would find in the LX700 series. Although the entry level model LX705 uses the old PHA-50.
I’m not saying the PHA-50 is bad, but I would love to see a more advanced key action on this entry level model. This is again the market segregation we have been seeing from so many manufactures.
The LX708 and the LX706 uses a much better key action, called: Hybrid Grand Keyboard. The keys are much longer than older models, which makes them smoother and more responsive to play. The extra length also help reduce the difference in force needed to press the keys from edge to end.
One thing that I haven’t seen elsewhere is that in this new Hybrid Grand Keyboard key action, the pivot point of the black keys are further back than the white keys. This should help ensure a more leveled weight between the black keys and the white keys.
All the LX700s have Bluetooth built in. And to celebrate the new product line, Roland launches a new app called Piano Every Day. The app is said to help motivate you to practice every day. It remains to be seen how that works.
THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MODELS
Roland LX705 Digital Piano
This is the entry level model in the LX700 line. It is said to replace the older HP605.
The LX705 has the most compact design of the LX700 series. It is equipped with a 2 way 4 speakers Acoustic Projection System.
The key action is also the least impressive of the LX700 line. It uses the older PHA 50.
There are four different colors to choose from: Polished Ebony, Dark Rosewood, Light Oak and Charcoal Black.
The price and shipping date for the LX705 are as follows (subject to changes):
| Model | Color | Price | Shipping date |
| Roland LX705 | Polished Ebony | €2,899.00 | Dec-2018 |
| Roland LX705 | Charcoal Black | €2,421.00 | Dec-2018 |
| Roland LX705 | Dark Rosewood | €2,399.00 | Dec-2018 |
| Roland LX705 | Light Oak | €2,399.00 | Dec-2018 |
Roland LX706 Digital Piano
Roland LX706 Digital PianoNext in the line is the LX706. This is the model that has all the important advanced features, with fewer bells and whistles compare to the LX708.
The LX706 is said to replace the older LX7. It is equipped with a 3 way 6 speakers Acoustic Projection System.
The key action you can find on the LX706 is the brand new Hybrid Grand Keyboard, just like on the flagship LX708.
There are three different colors to choose from: Polished Ebony, Dark Rosewood and Charcoal Black.
The price and shipping date for the LX706 are as follows (subject to changes):
| Model | Color | Price | Shipping date |
| Roland LX706 | Polished Ebony | €4,037.00 | Feb-2019 |
| Roland LX706 | Charcoal Black | €3,330.00 | Dec-2018 |
| Roland LX706 | Dark Rosewood | €3,330.00 | Dec-2018 |
Roland LX708 Digital Piano
Roland LX708 Digital PianoHere comes the flagship of Roland’s new LX700 line, the Roland LX708.
This one is said to replace the LX17 and is equipped with an impressive 4 way 8 speakers Acoustic Projection System.
Being the flagship of the line, you can rest assure to find the best key action Roland can offer right now, the Hybrid Grand Keyboard.
It has the biggest cabinet and features a folding key cover unlike the other models with a sliding one.
Another feature that’s unique to the LX708 is the openable lid on the top of the cabinet. This is said to subtly change the tone characteristics.
The LX708 has just been awarded the ‘Good Design Award 2018‘ by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion.
There are three different colors to choose from: Polished Ebony, Polished White and Charcoal Black.
The price and shipping date for the LX708 are as follows (subject to changes):
| Model | Color | Price | Shipping date |
| Roland LX708 | Polished Ebony | €5,046.00 | Dec-2018 |
| Roland LX708 | Polished White | €5,299.00 | Dec-2018 |
| Roland LX708 | Charcoal Black | €4,037.00 | Dec-2018 |
SPEC SHEET FOR THE ROLAND LX700 SERIES
For more details, check Roland’s product page for the LX700.
| Roland LX708 | Roland LX706 | Roland LX705 | |
| Sound Generator | |||
| Piano Engine: | PureAcoustic Piano Modeling | PureAcoustic Piano Modeling | PureAcoustic Piano Modeling |
| Max Polyphony Piano Engine: | Limitless (solo playing) | Limitless (solo playing) | Limitless (solo playing) |
| Max Polyphony Other Tones: | 256 notes | 256 notes | 256 notes |
| No. of Other Tones: | 324 | 324 | 324 |
| Pure Acoustic Ambience | |||
| Type: | Studio, Lounge, Concert Hall, Wooden Hall, Stone Hall, Cathedral | Studio, Lounge, Concert Hall, Wooden Hall, Stone Hall, Cathedral | Studio, Lounge, Concert Hall, Wooden Hall, Stone Hall, Cathedral |
| Depth: | 11 types | 11 types | 11 types |
| Keyboard | |||
| Type: | Hybrid Grand Keyboard | Hybrid Grand Keyboard | PHA-50 Keyboard |
| Haptic Key Vibration: | Yes | No | No |
| Acoustic Projection System | |||
| Speakers (total): | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Cabinet Speakers: | 25cm x 2 (with Speaker Box); 20W x2 | 25cm x 2 (with Speaker Box); 25W x2 | 12cm + 2.5cm (coaxial) x2 (with Speaker Box); 25W x2 |
| Near-field Speakers: | 12cm x 8cm x2 (with Speaker Box); 6W x2 | 12cm x 8cm x2 (with Speaker Box); 7W x2 | – |
| Spatial Speakers: | 12cm x 8cm x2; 6W x2 | – | – |
| Spatial Speakers (front): | 2.5cm x 2 (Dome type); 6W x2 | 2.5cm x 2 (Dome type); 5W x2 | 2.5cm x 2 (Dome type); 5W x2 |
| Headphones: | Headphones Acoustic Projection | Headphones Acoustic Projection | Headphones Acoustic Projection |
| Touch Sensitivity | |||
| Key Touch: | 100 types, fixed touch | 100 types, fixed touch | 100 types, fixed touch |
| Hammer Response: | 10 types | 10 types | 10 types |
| Tuning | |||
| Pitch: | 415.3 – 466.2Hz (adjustable in increments of 0.1Hz) | 415.3 – 466.2Hz (adjustable in increments of 0.1Hz) | 415.3 – 466.2Hz (adjustable in increments of 0.1Hz) |
| Temperament: | 10 types (Equal, Just Major, Just Minor, Pythagorean, Kirnberger I, Kirnberger II, Kirnberger III, Meantone, Werckmeister, Arabic), selectable temperament key | 10 types (Equal, Just Major, Just Minor, Pythagorean, Kirnberger I, Kirnberger II, Kirnberger III, Meantone, Werckmeister, Arabic), selectable temperament key | 10 types (Equal, Just Major, Just Minor, Pythagorean, Kirnberger I, Kirnberger II, Kirnberger III, Meantone, Werckmeister, Arabic), selectable temperament key |
| Piano Designer | |||
| Functions: | – Lid – Key Off Noise – Hammer Noise – Duplex Scale – Full Scale String Resonance – Key Off Resonance – Cabinet Resonance – Soundboard Type – Damper Noise – Soft Pedal Type – Single Note Tuning – Single Note Volume – Single Note Character. |
– Lid – Key Off Noise – Hammer Noise – Duplex Scale – Full Scale String Resonance – Key Off Resonance – Cabinet Resonance – Soundboard Type – Damper Noise – Soft Pedal Type – Single Note Tuning – Single Note Volume – Single Note Character. |
– Lid – Key Off Noise – Hammer Noise – Duplex Scale – Full Scale String Resonance – Key Off Resonance – Cabinet Resonance – Soundboard Type – Damper Noise – Soft Pedal Type – Single Note Tuning – Single Note Volume – Single Note Character. |
| Internal Songs | |||
| US: | Total 399 songs | Total 399 songs | Total 399 songs |
| Other: | Total 389 songs | Total 389 songs | Total 389 songs |
| Listening: | 22 songs | 22 songs | 22 songs |
| Ensemble: | 30 songs | 30 songs | 30 songs |
| Entertainment: | 20 songs | 20 songs | 20 songs |
| Easy Piano: | 10 songs (US only) | 10 songs (US only) | 10 songs (US only) |
| Let’s Sing with DO RE MI: | 30 songs | 30 songs | 30 songs |
| Lesson: | 287 songs (Scale, Hanon, Beyer, Burgmuller, Czerny 100) | 287 songs (Scale, Hanon, Beyer, Burgmuller, Czerny 100) | 287 songs (Scale, Hanon, Beyer, Burgmuller, Czerny 100) |
| Data Playback | |||
| Standard MIDI Files: | Format 0,1 | Format 0,1 | Format 0,1 |
| WAV: | WAV: 44.1kHz, 16-bit linear format. | WAV: 44.1kHz, 16-bit linear format. | WAV: 44.1kHz, 16-bit linear format. |
| MP3: | 44.1kHz, 64kbps – 320kbps, requires USB Flash Memory | 44.1kHz, 64kbps – 320kbps, requires USB Flash Memory | 44.1kHz, 64kbps – 320kbps, requires USB Flash Memory |
| Recorder | |||
| Standard MIDI Files: | Format 0, 3 parts, Approx. 70,000 notes memory | Format 0, 3 parts, Approx. 70,000 notes memory | Format 0, 3 parts, Approx. 70,000 notes memory |
| WAV: | 44.1kHz, 16-bit linear format, requires USB Flash Memory | 44.1kHz, 16-bit linear format, requires USB Flash Memory | 44.1kHz, 16-bit linear format, requires USB Flash Memory |
| Bluetooth | |||
| Audio: | Bluetooth Ver 3.0 (Supports SCMS-T content protection) | Bluetooth Ver 3.0 (Supports SCMS-T content protection) | Bluetooth Ver 3.0 (Supports SCMS-T content protection) |
| MIDI: | Bluetooth Ver 4.0 | Bluetooth Ver 4.0 | Bluetooth Ver 4.0 |
| Compatible Android / iOS Apps (Roland) | |||
| Piano Every Day: | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Piano Designer: | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Live Functions | |||
| – Metronome (adjustable Tempo/Beat/Down beat/Pattern/Volume/Tone) – Registration – Dual Split – TwinPiano (with Individual Mode) – Transpose (in semitones) – Speaker volume and Headphones volume automatically select function – Volume limit function – Panel Lock – Auto Off |
– Metronome (adjustable Tempo/Beat/Down beat/Pattern/Volume/Tone) – Registration – Dual Split – TwinPiano (with Individual Mode) – Transpose (in semitones) – Speaker volume and Headphones volume automatically select function – Volume limit function – Panel Lock – Auto Off |
– Metronome (adjustable Tempo/Beat/Down beat/Pattern/Volume/Tone) – Registration – Dual Split – TwinPiano (with Individual Mode) – Transpose (in semitones) – Speaker volume and Headphones volume automatically select function – Volume limit function – Panel Lock – Auto Off |
|
| Cabinet | |||
| Music rest: | with Music holders | with Music holders | with Music holders |
| Key cover: | Fallboard type, with Keyboard Lid Switch | Slide type, with Keyboard Lid Switch and Classic Position | Slide type, with Keyboard Lid Switch and Classic Position |
| Other | |||
| Display: | Graphic OLED 128 x 32 dots | Graphic OLED 128 x 32 dots | Graphic OLED 128 x 32 dots |
| Connectors: | DC In jack | DC In jack | DC In jack |
| Input jacks: Stereo miniature phone type | Input jacks: Stereo miniature phone type | Input jacks: Stereo miniature phone type | |
| Output (L/Mono, R) jacks: 1/4-inch phone type | Output (L/Mono, R) jacks: 1/4-inch phone type | Output (L/Mono, R) jacks: 1/4-inch phone type | |
| USB Computer port: USB B type | USB Computer port: USB B type | USB Computer port: USB B type | |
| USB Memory port: USB A type | USB Memory port: USB A type | USB Memory port: USB A type | |
| Phones jack x 2: Stereo miniature phone type, Stereo 1/4-inch phone type | Phones jack x 2: Stereo miniature phone type, Stereo 1/4-inch phone type | Phones jack x 2: Stereo miniature phone type, Stereo 1/4-inch phone type | |
| Power | |||
| Supply: | AC adaptor | AC adaptor | AC adaptor |
| Consumption: | 24W (22W – 70W) | 17W (16W – 55W) | 14W (13W – 35W) |
| Dimensions | |||
| With top lid close: | 1,395 (W) x 491 (D) x 1,180 (H) mm | 1,383 (W) x 493 (D) x 1,118 (H) mm | 1,383 (W) x 468 (D) x 1,038 (H) mm |
| With top lid open: | 1,395 (W) x 502 (D) x 1,253 (H) mm | n/a | n/a |
| Weight -PE: | 110.5kg | 98.0kg | 76.1kg |
| Weight -PW: | 110.5kg | n/a | n/a |
| Weight -CH: | 109.0kg | 96.5kg | 74.6kg |
| Weight -DR: | n/a | 96.5kg | 74.6kg |
| Weight -LA: | n/a | n/a | 74.6kg |
| Accessories | |||
| – Owner’s Manual – Leaflet “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” – “Roland Piano Masterpieces” – AC adaptor – Power cord – Headphone hook |
– Owner’s Manual – Leaflet “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” – “Roland Piano Masterpieces” – AC adaptor – Power cord – Headphone hook |
– Owner’s Manual – Leaflet “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” – “Roland Piano Masterpieces” – AC adaptor – Power cord – Headphone hook |
|
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I like the comparison chart you made, very helpful, thank you!
Hi Fei,
Glad to see you again. These new Roland digital pianos look awesome! Lets wait and see if they are as good as they seems. Would you be upgrading your current instrument? If so, come back for more digital piano reviews so that you can find your perfect match.
Wei,
I find this article very interesting and informative. My father practiced law for over 30 years but his passion is piano playing which he still does by working the nursing home circuits where he lives. I watched the video’s which is a nice touch for the article by the way and I noticed the pictures you have inserted show upright pianos. Is this how they are designed as opposed to being portable? If so, I did not know they made fully digitalized pianos now. This is a great article for any piano enthusiast.
Hi Cris,
Thanks for dropping by. Indeed if you look around now a days, it will surprise you how many digital pianos are out there and how many of them has the upright design. They not only look like a traditional acoustic upright, but they also sound like one and play like one.
Technology in the digital piano industry has been improving a lot and we have seen new tech being pushed out by major competitors every year. Just like the LX700 series, we see some brand tech developed by Roland.
I do firmly believe that there will come a day when digital pianos replace acoustic ones for home use.
Awesome review on the Roland pianos and keyboards. That’s one thing I would love to get back into. i used to play the keyboard when I was a kid but stopped later on when I was a teenager. There’s nothing more beautiful than the sound of a piano in my eyes. I had no idea that there are digital pianos now. That’s really cool, and I guess even classic instruments need to keep up with the times.
Which do you recommend, the keyboard or piano? And which model would be idea for a smaller sized house?
Hi Nicki,
Thanks for dropping by. Many of my pianist friends are just like you. They took lessons when they were kids because their parents asked them to. Stopped when they were teenagers and fall in love with the instrument again later.
Digital pianos now a day are very good instruments for home use. They are compact, good looking and have the ability to play with headphones. Also you never need to tune a digital piano. Oh, and they are much cheaper than your traditional acoustic pianos.
So yes, if you want to start again your piano journey, I would highly recommend a digital piano for your home.
Since you have some experience before, I have three recommendations for your based on your budgets:
1. Under $1,000, I will recommend the Kawai ES110 or the Casio PX870. Both are good and one is portable, the other is upright.
2. Around $2,000, the Kawai ES8 or the Yamaha YDP-184 are good choices. And again, one is portable, the other is upright, you can choose based on your design preference.
Come back for more digital piano reviews and you might find the one for you.
Now I’m not an expert at acoustic pianos, but do know what one really sounds like. After listening to these videos on my Songs system, the sound was pretty amazing. I found myself listening and watching the videos over and over and really enjoyed the sound.
The Live Functions and Pure Acoustic Ambience seem to be very inclusive and probably sound really good In person. Very impressive
Hi Stew,
Thanks for dropping by. The new Roland LX700 series does look very impressive in almost every aspect. Lets wait and see if they actually deliver. Based on Roland’s past performance, I have confidence that these premium digital pianos are going to be very popular.
Come back here and you might just find my reviews on these new LX700, once they are available.
Hey there! This is just the thing I needed to find as my church is looking for a new piano. I’m a member of the choir so I don’t know much about pianos but I will definitely forward this to the music director who I’m sure knows better than I do. I also trust that the information that you’ve provided is good. I also like how each one has Bluetooth connect-ability.
Thanks,
Marlinda
Hi Marlinda,
Thanks for dropping by. These brand new Roland LX700 are just announced. They won’t be available till Dec. 2018 the earliest. On paper, these look amazing and would be a perfect fit for your church and I’m confident they will be based on Roland’s reputation. However, I do urge you to wait and check some reviews once they are available before making a purchase.
If you church is in need of a piano right now, I would recommend you check the Yamaha YDP-184, or the Kawai ES8 if you need portability.
Wow!! I see you have knowledge about piano. I have a son who always asks me ” mom please i want a piano” and as i don’t have any skills about playing piano i could do anything about that. Please if you found piano for kids post it i ill be grateful. thanks
Hi Julienne,
Thanks for dropping by. If you are looking for a digital piano for beginners, you are in the right place.
I assume your son has no experience with piano. In that case, I would recommend you to start with something cheap, with a full weighted and graded 88 keys. My two recommendation would be the Yamaha P45 and the Kawai ES110. They are both really cheap so that you won’t have to invest a ton of money only to find out your son’s passion for piano is only temporary.