Roland HP207e

The Roland HP207e is the current top model of the series "HP" compact digital pianos of this Japanese producer.

The model is available in the colors Rosewood (ERW for Europe), but also "light oak", ideal for modern interiors ("ELA") and in the color noble "ebony polish" with the extension "EPE" with real piano lacquer-and-of course higher price than the other two finishes.

It is positioned, if we compare with two other brands in the same niche as the Yamaha CLP-380 and the Kawai CA-91 while remaining bcp. cheaper than the CLP-380 (which only exists in two versions, type gloss) and slightly less expensive than the Kawai CA-91. Well, if you want to be ultra-precise specifications side, the HP207e is placed over the CLP-370 and below the CLP-380 and the top of the CA-71 and slightly below the CA- 91, but its "claim" is anyway to be in the high end I find justified. After it becomes a matter of small details and some gadgets not necessarily useful. For example, I do not really feel the need to connect my piano directly on the Internet ... We did not need a power amplifier which does not benefit because it would blow the roof and walls of the hut ...

The equipment is complete and of course-it's too long to list here in its entirety.
All (e) person (s) can learn about the exact specifications on the website of Roland, which is quite well done and informative. Roland International on the site, you can also download the user guide in English to get a first impression.

While Roland is a Japanese company, a product proudly "Made in Italy" label on the back of the box the keyboard-so it's a product that is - for the European market, mainly assembled in Roland factory in Italy, which I find quite positive!

We chose this model for the sound of piano (3 versions) that is incredibly successful on real sampled Steinway (!), Its very elegant and as well for classical music than jazz. Of course, the sound is a matter of personal taste, so if you prefer the sounds of "Big" (piano acoustic) Yamaha or Kawai, which of course are also very good instruments .... as for us, the Steinway has a completely seduced.

The furniture is very elegant with its brass parts on the feet, the pedals and
Guard pages of the desk. In addition to the Roland logo (plastic) takes the same color. Once assembled, the whole gives a good impression of solidity.

My opinion: 100% successful. Will really test it before making your final choice for a particular model!

UTILIZATION

The keyboard is another highlight of this instrument: real wood white keys covered with a synthetic ivory white to slightly broken and with a certain porosity to absorb moisture extra finger ...! Everything to help you feel like on a real grand piano. Touch can be adjusted so extensive as your preferences and needs (eg less burdensome for children).

The configuration is relatively easy to understand and the device comes with a French manual, a manual in English, fitting instructions and a book of 60 classical pieces were all in the memory of parts of the camera very useful if we want to perform on "sound scheme", although most of the pieces require an advanced level of mastery of the piano.

For assembly, better to have a few screwdrivers slightly larger than that provided to avoid damaging the screw head and a larger rubber hammer to gently position the wooden pegs used in the assembly.

The only thing we noticed was the absence of the metal insert with thread used to accommodate the hook for storage of headset (of course, you can simultaneously connect two !)... but hey, this metal hook may possibly vibrate like a tuning fork to certain frequencies of the piano .. it would have perhaps not gone anyway! This does not apply to deduction of points for me.

Small problem: you can save your settings on the device (settings "Piano Designer" which allows you to set the feel of the keyboard, the feeling of lid open / closed, scales, tuning, resonance and so on.) parts of the menu "Functions" as the basic parameters of the integrated metronome, the functions assigned to the pedal, languages ​​(WARNING: choice between English and Japanese!), the 3D effect, reverb etc.. - But only once. So there is a maximum of two settings in the device: the factory setting that can "remember" the fixed memory of the device if you want to do a "reset" and therefore a setting you have registered and that will be used every time you turn the camera (and you can edit and save again, of course).

SOUNDS

First they sought an instrument with a piano sound without compromise and not a "set" to simulate an entire orchestra - and here, for us it's a downright 12/10
for this instrument!
Also very good are the sounds of organ, some string instruments, some wind and brass-and especially great compliment-percussion, drums and special effects. Good ideas for kids (not too young, anyway) to laugh and to approach the instrument of the playful side. 10/10!
Of 337 sounds, it is clear that not everyone can be hyper-realistic, such voices are rather down compared to other brands, but as I said, we wanted a piano ... especially Ca rest of the 10/10 at all!

OVERALL OPINION

It was the instrument for a month.

It is surprising that the "trunk" very realistic that this instrument is capable of producing, and there is even still room for the menu "features", you can increase the "master gain" well course, the seller notified the benefits and also know when you may be demonstrated ... anyway, the sound is nothing "feeble" with 2 * 60W available 4 speakers and arranged ingeniously . When testing in the store, no one knew what to say so much what we sound
"Mind-blowing" ...

In principle, there is nothing we do not like ... everything is going, what! Settings saved for the sole, we found a compromise that suits all "pianists" in the family.

Before hearing the Roland, it was tested a GEM (I think it was a PR-910) and we had gone to see Kawai, we would have preferred to Yamaha (which are certainly very good, but I ' love unless we see almost as Yamaha in music stores across the province) ... but once the Roland tested, it does not even make the effort to find a store with Kawai on hand to test and not just a list of suppliers "possible", a musical instrument, it is especially chosen with the ear (and fingers, of course) and not with a photo and a description more or less accurate! !

It was a very good price (in store! / In original sealed packaging! / Cheaper than online!), So value for money outright excellent!

For those who find the current price still too high relative to their budget, the "little brother" HP204e might be a good alternative. He had also been able to test in store. Not bad either. Smaller and HP203e HP201e intended for beginners and slightly more advanced.

To experience: wait a little (I can add another passage later), but it's very good start and I do not see why it would change ...

Updated after a year of use: everything is at best, we are always pleased to have chosen this piano!