The RD-2000 EX is the latest edition of Roland’s flagship stage piano. Roland’s RD series has been around for many years and is always a reliable choice. In this review, I’ll highlight the difference between the RD-2000 EX and the older RD-2000 and discuss the merits of both in 2024.
Final verdict on the Roland RD-2000 EX
The RD-2000 EX isn’t a new stage piano; it’s an RD-2000 with additional expansion packs that have been pre-installed. The included expansion packs elevate a stellar instrument to new heights, especially for pianists.
Roland’s RD-2000 EX ticks every box: it’s robust, feels fantastic, provides high-quality sounds in every category, and features, quite possibly, the most dynamic piano (V-Piano) sounds in any portable instrument. It’s outstanding.
What I like
- Most dynamic and organic acoustic piano sound.
- Deep DAW/VST integration.
- Expansion slots.
- Robust and realistic keyboard action.
- Intuitive interface.
- Up to eight keyboard zones.
- Dual sound engines.
What I don’t like
- I’d have loved an OLED display.
Note: If you own an RD-2000, there’s no reason to upgrade your hardware (it’s exactly the same). You can purchase the EX software upgrade package.
See current price at: SweetwaterAmazonWhy you should trust me
I’ve been playing piano for over 20 years and using portable stage pianos for most of that time.
One of the first lessons I learned as a working musician is that a keyboardist assumes many roles on stage. A good stage piano has to be versatile, built to last, and, most importantly, sound great.
The first stage piano I ever bought was a Roland RD-700 (2001), and I’ve had a strong affinity for the RD Series ever since.
Contents
Use these jump links to navigate to the desired section of the review.
Sound quality 5.0
I don’t often give a perfect score, especially when technology moves rapidly, because it leaves no room for improvement. But, in this case, it’s the only appropriate score since I rated the original model so highly.
The RD-2000 EX, like the original release, features two sound engines: SuperNatural and V-Piano. The only difference between the RD-2000 EX and the original model is the addition of two new expansion packs.
The SuperNatural sound engine powers many of Roland’s best keyboard instruments and delivers over 1100 premium sounds with 128-note max polyphony.
SuperNatural sounds include acoustic/electric pianos, organs, synths, strings, and more. In my opinion, the SuperNatural sound engine is among the best, with only a few stage pianos offering more quality and quantity.
My favorites are the tonewheel organs and electric pianos, particularly the wurly sounds, which have that authentic bite.
Roland always does fantastic organs; the impeccable Hammond sounds, vintage rotary effect, and physical drawbars make the RD-2000 EX one of the most convincing organ emulations you’ll play with weighted keys.
The enhanced V-Piano selection is what takes the sound to another level. It’s not just two new expansion packs; Roland has updated the V-Piano algorithm for better performance with less tweaking.
First up is the German Concert Expansion (released in 2022), modeling a pristine Steinway concert grand. The expansion contains 17 variations of this gorgeous piano, ranging from big and bold to warm and intimate.
With full polyphony, this V-Piano voice is the most dynamic and organic I’ve played on a stage piano. It rivals some of the most expensive Kawai and Clavinova hybrid digital pianos.
The second expansion is the Essential Upright pack. Although it’s more intimate than a concert grand, this first V-Piano upright has the presence and resonance of something like a Steinway K-52.
The V-Piano engine also produces excellent emulations of the iconic RD-1000 and MKS-20.
While the RD-2000 EX is a better choice than the original for new buyers, current RD-2000 owners who don’t prioritize acoustic piano sounds shouldn’t buy the upgrade package.
Keyboard feel 5.0
The RD-2000 EX features the flagship PHA-50 keyboard, the best Roland has ever put in a stage piano. The hybrid wood/molded construction and simulated ebony/ivory keytops deliver almost unrivaled realism.
When it comes to a realistic keyboard feel, my personal favorite is Studiologic’s Numa X Piano GT. However, the one quality I can’t confirm is longevity because I have yet to put it through extensive heavy use.
On the contrary, Roland’s hammer-action keyboards are notoriously robust, particularly the PHA-50. You can hammer away on this keyboard for years, and the action will never quit.
If a realistic feel is a must-have, check out my picks for the best-feeling full-size keyboards.
Features 4.8
The RD-2000 EX is relatively feature-packed; here are some of the most impressive.
Deep integration via assignable controls
The RD-2000 EX boasts eight fully-assignable velocity-sensitive encoders and nine faders. All assignable controls have LED indicators for precision visual feedback in any scenario.
As well as providing hands-on control over onboard sounds and effects, the assignable controls allow deeper DAW and virtual instrument integration than most stage pianos.
Rainlink and Audio/MIDI interface
Roland’s exclusive Rainlink protocol further enhances that deep integration by ensuring expressive and dynamic performance from compatible virtual instruments through high-definition velocity control.
The built-in 24-bit/192 kHz audio/MIDI interface supports Apple’s MainStage.
Assignable zones
The RD-2000 EX provides eight assignable keyboard zones, allowing you to split and layer sounds in many ways.
The eight zones allow you to create custom patches that turn the RD-2000 EX into an entire section of sounds, meaning you can perform complex parts that would otherwise require multiple keyboards.
You can also create massive evolving soundscapes by layering various voices. One of my favorite performance features is the ability to control each layer’s level using the faders.
Vintage effects
High-quality effects are standard with any good stag piano, but Roland has gone one step further by modeling some classics. These classics include Roland’s Dimension D and the unmistakable Bos CE-1 Chorus.
Expansion slots
Expansion slots are historically underused features of the RD Series. But, thanks to Roland’s Axial website, you can access an ongoing stream of new sounds and presets.
Scene memory
Scene memory is vital for anyone who gigs regularly. It allows you to save an entire keyboard setup, such as split zones, effects, and custom patches. The RD-2000 EX allows up to 100 saved scenes.
In use 4.8
Like most top manufacturers, Roland has a particular way of doing things. I’m a fan of the RD workflow; it’s logical and easy to adjust on the fly.
Although there are many controls, most major selections are just one touch away. For example, each voice type (piano, organ, etc.) has a dedicated button. You can browse presets and variations within each voice type using the LCD screen and search encoder.
Some tweaking requires a little menu-diving, but it’s nothing too drastic, and the learning curve isn’t too steep.
I love the layout with the encoders and faders in close proximity, making it easier to make adjustments with one hand while still playing.
Build quality 4.7
I don’t have any real complaints regarding the build quality. It doesn’t get a perfect score because it lacks a few premium touches, like wooden cheeks, but these omissions are superficial.
The RD-2000 EX has an extremely robust metal chassis, and every button, knob, and fader feels high-end.
My old RD-700 easily survived life on the road for many years, and the RD-2000 EX is better in every way.
Connectivity 4.8
The RD-2000 EX has everything you need on stage or in the studio. It features balanced XLR outputs, removing the need for DI boxes on stage. It also has 1/4-inch jack outputs, and sub outputs if you need to send an out to another source.
MIDI In/Out/Thru and USB type A are available, along with four 1/4-inch pedal inputs and a single headphone jack.
Compared to other stage pianos
The RD-2000 EX is a powerhouse, but here are some worthy alternatives to consider before you decide.
Roland RD-2000 EX vs Studiologic Numa X Piano GT
I’m an owner and a huge fan of this stage piano. It can’t match the versatility of the RD-2000 EX, but it massively overdelivers at a far cheaper price.
Read the full Studiologic Numa X Piano GT review
Roland RD-2000 EX vs Yamaha CP88
The CP88 offers a one-to-one interface, which seals the deal for many performers. Roland’s V-Piano sound is the best acoustic piano, but the CP88 has some of the best electric piano voices available.
Read the full Yamaha CP88 review
Roland RD-2000 EX vs Korg Grandstage X
The latest version of Korg’s Grandstage is slimmer and more user-friendly. Korg stage pianos typically have a distinct sound, and some pianists prefer it over all others; it’s worth hearing.
See Korg Grandstage X’s current price
Who is the Roland RD-2000 EX best suited for?
The Roland RD-2000 EX is the best keyboard for performers who need world-class piano sounds and a versatile stage piano.
See current price at: SweetwaterAmazon
