From the outset, the new Roland RM-700 reveals a new direction for Roland® pianos. It offers all the same features of the KR-Series pianos and then goes on to improve them with excellent new features from some of Rolands other high end products.
It features an 88-note multi-sampled piano which is powered by Roland’s very own Sound Source Chip from the HP-Series pianos, along with their new PHA II Progressive Hammer Action with escapement and Ivory Feel keyboard. Enhanced educational applications like Visual Lesson, DigiScore and Wonderland from the successful I-Series pianos also makes an appearance. The inclusion of a beautiful touchscreen LCD featuring several stunning apps such as Slide Show, Anime and Piano Roll from Roland’s unique VIMA products really help to round out the package.
In person, one of the first things people notice about Roland’s RM-700 is the simple, classic design which comes in two different elegant finishes: classic ebony or warm mahogany wood. The unit also uses the “toe-block” design with the front legs. This is a feature you really only see on higher-end acoustic uprights. It gives the piano a more traditional appearance while adding stability.
When you sit down to play the piano you are immediately impressed with the look and feel of the aptly-named “Ivory Feel” keyboard. It’s textured keys are made of a special material to absorb oils and moisture during playing. It faithfully replicates the same look and feel of real ivory and ebony keys. Everything was thought of in the design of this Roland. It even replicates the “escapement” feel you get on an acoustic grand piano that occurs when the hammer releases. To put it mildly, the results are stunning.
The rich and full tones that emit from the RM-700 are a credit to its powerful digital technology. 88 notes of samples taken from a nine-foot grand captures each subtle nuance. All keys are touch sensitive, becoming louder the harder you play. And each key has varying tonal “colors” which mimics a real piano and is essential for artistic expression during play.
This is one of those pianos that has too many features to name. My advice, come into our store and play it! We carry both new and used variants. If you keep a keen eye on our used pianos page, you may even spot one at a great price. Although they don’t last long!
