Roland’s newest generation of HP pianos offers the most realistic and authentic digital piano playing experience possible. A digital piano like the Roland HP-207 isn’t just an affordable substitute for a used acoustic: with the incredible technology packed inside the HP-207, it is a practical and cost-effective alternative for a brand new acoustic piano. Nothing has been compromised in Roland’s quest to capture the characteristics of an acoustic piano in an easy-to-use package devoid of the perils of acoustic ownership.

Piano Sound and Feel

Roland offers the most comprehensive piano sample in the new line of HPs. Power on the HP-207, play a few notes and you’ll hear the full 88 key multi-sample piano sound from one of the finest concert grand pianos in the world. The sample even includes intricate details such as the sound of the hammers striking the strings, the damper pedal moving, the key-off buzz and even the duplex scale harmonics. Best of all, the great sound you hear the first time you play the HP-207 is the same sound you’ll hear every time you play it: tuning, voicing, and maintenance are never needed. The HP-207 will never be affected by direct sunlight, high humidity or overly aggressive playing. Roland puts each of its pianos through a rigorous testing process to ensure the highest quality and a long life.

The HP-207 also features Roland’s Progressive Hammer II Ivory Feel keyboard with Escapement and Natural Key sides. What that means is each key is a two-piece structure. The top layer of the key has been manufactured to feel just like real ivory or ebony depending on if you’re playing a white or black key. The keys are also weighted corresponding to their location on the keyboard: the lower keys have a heavier weight to replicate the effort it would take to strike one of the thick bass strings, while the upper keys have a lighter feel. The action itself is a gravity-based hammer action just like in an acoustic piano. Roland uses no springs in its actions; therefore the action never softens or wears out.

A great feature on Roland pianos is the key touch adjuster. If a child or beginner is using the piano, the keys can be set to produce a louder sound with a softer touch while the student develops hand strength. Likewise, the keys can be set to a heavy setting for a more experienced and dynamic player.

All of these benefits add up to a richly rewarding playing experience that cannot be matched by any other digital piano. All in all, Roland has created an incredible feeling piano with details and features that cost exorbitant amounts on traditional grand pianos, all for a reasonable price.

Added Functionality

One perk of digital pianos is that you’re not restricted to the piano sound. With the push of a button, the HP-207 can sound like a classic electric piano, harpsichord, organ, even an acoustic guitar. In fact, there are 63 panel tones on the HP-207, and more than 250 available through MIDI. The HP-207 is GM2/XG Lite compatible and can play MIDI files back from a memory key inserted into the USB host port, or from your computer via USB MIDI.

Education

Because the HP-207 accurately replicates the sound, touch and feel of an acoustic piano, it is an excellent option for a student. Even better, the HP-207 features Roland’s Twin Piano Mode. This feature splits the keyboard into two halves, both with a Middle C. This allows for duets between teacher and student to be played in the correct register, and in lab situations can be a real cost-saver: two pianos for the price of one. Even the pedals get re-assigned so there is a damper pedal for each of the split keyboards. The HP-207 also features a metronome, two headphone jacks, and the ability to transpose the keyboard.

Other Great Features

The HP-207’s USB Host Port can be used in many different ways. Along with a plugging in a USB memory key containing MIDI files into it for MIDI file playback, you can also load .wav files onto the memory key and play back real audio. Even better, you can actually transpose the .wav files in real time on the HP-207. This means you can take your favorite CD, rip it to a memory key and play along with it on the HP-207. And if the song is in a difficult key, just change it! Furthermore, you can use the “Center Cancel” feature to remove the lead vocal from the center of the mix, so you can play or sing the melody to your favorite recording yourself.

You can also plug an external CD drive into the USB host port and perform the same functions using your favorite CD. And if you use VIMA Tunes CDs, the karaoke lyrics to the songs will display on the internal graphic LCD screen.

The HP-207 also comes with a Roland Audio Port. This port allows you to directly connect a portable music player and plug it into the piano so you can play along with your favorite mp3s.

The Best of Both Worlds

Roland has combined the traits piano players have grown accustomed to on their acoustic pianos with the perks of modern technology to form a great digital piano. It’s a win-win situation: no piano has ever combined the incredible sound, feel, and functionality of the Roland HP-207.