New Product Range: Roland LX700 Piano Series

Roland has introduced a new digital piano range — the LX700 series. This initially comprises three models: the flagship LX708, the mid-range LX706 and the entry-level LX705.

Roland LX708 digital piano with top lid open

These pianos, like Modartt’s piano emulations (see previous post), use mathematical modelling to produce the desired piano sound. Roland calls this PureAcoustic Piano Modelling. Instead of using samples of existing instruments, modelling creates the sound of a piano digitally, from scratch.

Modelling is considered more expressive than sampling. The modelling engine responds instantly to the player’s performance and can produce an almost infinite continual variation in the tone, whereas sampling relies on the use of discrete samples.

The modelling process further incorporates all the nuances of a piano’s character including such things as the sound the hammer makes when it strikes, string resonance, and key noise.

Roland LX708 control panel

At the root of the Roland LX700 series’ sound are two distinct grand piano models — one catering for those who prefer a European tone (rich, warm), the other offering more of an American feel (clarity, brightness). These are the blocks upon which various comprehensive preset models are built. They can, of course, be further modified by the pianist.

All three digital pianos have an onboard amp/speaker package, which Roland call their Acoustic Projection System. Cabinet speakers produce the main sound, whilst top mounted spatial speakers project additional frame resonances through a C-shaped aperture at the front of the pianos.

Various venue ambiences are available so the LX700 series instruments can be experienced in various spaces including concert halls, studios and cathedrals.

Here are the main differences between the models…

Roland LX708 Digital Piano

Roland LX708-PE (polished ebony finish)

The LX708, the “flagship”, is bigger than the other two pianos. It has a taller cabinet that houses its powerful 4-way/8-speaker audio package. The top lid opens, creating a tonal variation – much like that of an acoustic upright.

The LX708 employs Roland’s excellent Hybrid Grand Keyboard. The keys are longer than you would normally find on a digital piano which gives them a more unified touch response. They also include a stabilising pin to ensure smooth and precise vertical movement.

Haptic Key Vibration is a new development. When playing an acoustic piano, the subtle vibrations from the body of the instrument can be felt through the keys. The LX708 reproduces this effect, further enhancing the experience.

Roland has taken time to redesign the pedals, and their Responsive Damper mechanism strives to recreate the exact response of an acoustic piano’s pedal. The pedal reacts proportionally to the player’s touch, and also facilitates a “half-pedalling” action.

Roland LX706 Digital Piano

Roland LX706-CH (charcoal black finish)

The LX706 has a 3-way/6-speaker Acoustic Projection System, and a more compact, yet possibly more attractive, cabinet. There is no Haptic Key Vibration facility. Otherwise, the instrument incorporates most of the LX708’s features.

The Roland LX705 Digital Piano

Roland LX705-LA (light oak finish)

The LX705 has a more basic 2-way/4-speaker Acoustic Projection System, and again is smaller as a consequence. Roland has used their less sophisticated PHA-50 keyboard here and also incorporated their Progressive Damper Action pedals.

Detailed specifications for the three models appear below.

Piano Every Day

All LX700 series models feature Bluetooth connectivity. And, to coincide with the launch of these new digital pianos, Roland has just released a new app entitled Piano Every Day.

The app’s design encourages the use of the piano and helps with daily practice.

Piano Every Day connects to an online database of sheet music (the world’s largest?). This provides access to all your favourite pieces. The app will then record and monitor your playing, and subsequently, help you to improve your performance.

European guide prices and shipping dates are as follows. Note the different prices for the various casework finishes.

Roland LX708-PE (polished ebony): €4,999.00; £4,399.00; (Dec-2018)
Roland LX708-CH (charcoal black): €3,999.00; £3,519.00; (Dec-2018)
Roland LX708-PW (polished white): €5,299.00; £4,633.00; (Dec-2018)

Roland LX706-PE (polished ebony): €3,999.00; £3,519.00; (Feb-2019)
Roland LX706-CH (charcoal black): €3,299.00; £2,903.00; (Dec-2018)
Roland LX706-DR (dark rosewood): €3,299.00; £2,903.00; (Dec-2018)

Roland LX705-PE (polished ebony): €2,899.00; £2,551.00; (Feb-2019)
Roland LX705-CH (charcoal black): €2,399.00; £2,111.00; (Dec-2018)
Roland LX705-DR (dark rosewood): €2,399.00; £2,111.00; (Dec-2018)
Roland LX705-LA (light oak): €2,399.00; £2,111.00; (Jan-2019)

Prices and dates for the rest of the world are yet to be confirmed.

More information can be found on the Roland website.

LATE NEWS: The Roland LX708 has just been awarded a “Good Design Award 2018” by the Japan Institute of Design and Promotion… (more) 

Roland LX Series Specifications

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