Roland GP-9-PE Digital Grand Piano (Black High-Gloss)

General

There's no getting around it: the Roland GP-9 digital grand comes at an eye-watering price, but what you get in return is more than enough to put joyful tears in the eyes of any demanding pianist. This model doesn't just offer astonishingly convincing sound but comes in an almost full-sized grand-style cabinet complete with a 150 Watt amplifier on board. Well worth clearing some space in the living room.

The Roland GP-9 Piano

While Roland one relied on sampling technology when it came to digital piano design, their current models now boast cutting edge physical modelling. So, at the core of the GP-9 lies a Reality Modeling Premium Sound Engine, which doesn't use any samples. Instead, the engine calculates the resonance of the virtual strings and the resonance of the unplayed strings on the spot in real-time and in response to every key stroke. The cabinet is also part of the calculations, resulting in a digital sound that encompasses all of the nuances of natural acoustic piano sound.

Further Highlights

Besides accurately modelled piano sounds, this digital piano has also been loaded with a full library of over 300 other sounds which, while sample-based, have been produced to the highest standard Roland has to offer. Various temperaments, effects and a full-sized Piano Reality Hybrid Premium Keyboard complete with adjustable velocity sensitivity have all been included as well, alongside two headphone outputs to support silent and more private duets or lessons; recording functions that can be used in combination with the Roland Piano app for Android and iOS; a USB memory port and a second USB port for direct connection to a computer. All in all, this completes an instrument that boasts authentic playability yet comes with all the modern perks.