The Roland RD-88 EX professional stage piano with authentic RD playability, expanded sounds, USB audio/MIDI, and more.

The RD-88 EX delivers a premium RD stage piano experience with expanded sounds and supreme playability. Perform at the highest level with SuperNATURAL and ZEN-Core engines and our expressive PHA-4 hammer-action keyboard. Freely combine internal sounds with computer-based virtual instruments. And perform anywhere with the portable design and room-filling stereo speaker system.

RD power.
The RD-88 EX embodies all the qualities that have made RD pianos the stage standard since 1986. Infused with Roland's industry-leading technologies and versatile controller features, this inspiring instrument is primed for every professional playing situation.

SuperNATURAL magic.
The RD-88 EX is filled with rich, characterful pianos powered by our acclaimed SuperNATURAL technology. Multiple expressive grand pianos are at your fingers, including the recently developed SuperNATURAL Acoustic Piano 3 Expansion. Classic EPs are also on hand, with stunningly accurate recreations of vintage icons from the '60s, '70s, and '80s.

ZEN-Core versatility.
The RD-88 EX also includes over 3000 non-piano sounds, letting you tackle all types of gigs with just one keyboard. Tap into organs, synths, strings, brass, world sounds, and more from the historic Roland library, fueled by the same ZEN-Core engine found in our flagship synthesizers.

Smooth workflow.
With the efficient RD panel… read more layout, you can quickly call up sound categories, save setups in Scenes, and jump to your main piano voice with a single touch. Multi-function controls provide hands-on access to volume levels and many other parameters. A large effect selection is also available, ready to enhance sounds with everything from basic studio color to intense over-the-top processing.

Creative zones.
The RD-88 EX features three zones for creating layers and splits with internal or external sounds--or both together. With the built-in USB audio/MIDI interface and dedicated control profile for Apple MainStage, it's easy to weave virtual instruments and studio tracks into your stage performances.

Magnificent touch.
The RD-88 EX offers supreme playability honed with five decades of Roland piano development. The PHA-4 88-note keyboard features weighted hammer action and Ivory Feel keys for an authentic grand feel, realized with an innovative design that reduces the instrument's weight without compromising the feel or performance.

Grab and go.
With its light and rugged build, the RD-88 EX is easy to carry wherever you want to play. Built-in stereo speakers project rich, room-filling sound, eliminating the need for an external amplifier for home practice, rehearsals, and performances in small venues. Visit the Accessories tab to check out pedals, stands, and other gear to support your RD experience.

Upgrade your original RD-88.
The RD-88 EX Upgrade available on Roland Cloud will equip an original RD-88 model with EX specs, including the SuperNATURAL Acoustic Piano 3 Expansion title.

A History...
In 1986, Roland transformed the music world with the RD-1000, a landmark stage piano with expressive capabilities far beyond other performance-class instruments of the era. Instantly embraced by leading artists around the world, the RD-1000 launched an evolving instrument line dedicated to the needs of modern stage pianists. Nearly 40 years on, the RD series continues to lead the way with three inspiring models that bring our advanced technologies to players of every level.

Decades of excellence: Throughout our history, we've continuously pushed the envelope of piano development through ongoing deep research and cutting-edge innovation. Each new RD generation carries on that mission, delivering our latest piano advancements in portable designs with exceptional sounds and player-friendly features.

1970s - Sowing the seeds: In 1973, we began our piano journey with the EP-10 and EP-20, two electronic piano models that generated sounds solely with analog circuitry. The EP-30, the first electronic piano with velocity sensitivity, was released the following year. These pioneering instruments set the blueprint for a legacy of Roland piano excellence that continues to this day.

1986 - The RD story begins: Driven by Roland's Structured Adaptive (SA) system, the RD-1000 was the world's first piano with a sound engine based on digital synthesis technology. SA was a significant breakthrough that elevated the electronic piano with tone and touch response previously only available with acoustic instruments. The powerfully expressive voice of the RD-1000--along with its sound module sibling, the MKS-20--became a staple of popular music throughout the late '80s and '90s.

1990s and 2000s - Continuing RD advancements: Through the mid-1990s and early 2000s, the RD-500, RD-600, and RD-700 refined the line with streamlined hardware and additional sounds for more versatility. In 2005, the RD-700SX firmly established the RD as the professional stage piano standard with important new advancements, including two ultra-detailed grand pianos built with newly developed 88-note stereo multi-sampling technology. These innovations paved the way for the acclaimed SuperNATURAL piano engine in the next-generation RD-700GX and every RD model since.

2017 - Stage revolution: Launched in 2017, the mighty RD-2000 introduced our most powerful stage piano to date. Designed for top professional performers, it offered the finest Roland sounds and playability, high-end controller features, and computer integration for modern workflows. Equipped with independent sound engines driven by V-Piano modeling and SuperNATURAL technologies, the creative possibilities were endless.

2024 - The RD world expands: The RD-2000 EX and RD-88 EX stage pianos build on the foundations of previous-generation models with newly developed piano expansions. And with upgrade packages on Roland Cloud, RD-2000 and RD-88 owners can easily update their instruments to complete EX specs. This year also saw the introduction of the RD-08, an affordable RD piano that can be expanded with additional features as creative needs evolve.

A Look Inside...
Unparalleled piano realism.
The current RD lineup showcases our top-tier piano technologies, putting the authentic sound and tactile feel of classic acoustic and electronic instruments in the hands of every performer.

V-Piano: No-compromise performance.
The flagship RD-2000 EX features a dedicated sound engine powered by V-Piano modeling technology, bringing new levels of acoustic expression to the modern stage piano. First unveiled in 2009, the V-Piano engine offers unlimited range through Roland's extensive piano research, continual refinements, and the evolving capabilities of high-speed digital processing.

V-Piano delivers a piano experience with no compromises, erasing the limitations of standard piano sound engines based solely on sample playback. The complex sound and interactive feel of an acoustic piano are realized at every level, with rich and responsive tonal details and full keyboard polyphony. This powerful digital engine also provides deep customization options that enable ambitious players to craft the pianos of their dreams.

SuperNATURAL powers.
All current RD pianos include our acclaimed SuperNATURAL piano sound engine, a foundation of the RD lineup since 2007. This core Roland technology combines multi-sampling with advanced modeling, providing nuanced and responsive acoustic pianos with efficient use of DSP resources. The SuperNATURAL process also allows us to realize spot-on recreations of electronic pianos from the past, including iconic '60 and '70s instruments and our classic RD-1000 and MKS-20.
Sound expansion.

Recent RD models support expansion options on Roland Cloud and Axial. Along with the upgrade packages for the RD-2000, RD-88, and RD-08 models, you'll find a wide range of V-Piano and SuperNATURAL Expansions, Wave Expansions, and other titles for various RD instruments.

Performance...
Seize the stage: RD pianos are purpose-built for live performance, offering versatile sounds, fast navigation, and powerful tools for integrating with external gear and computers.

Intuitive workflow: The RD panels feature ergonomic layouts for executing quick actions in the heat of the moment. Direct-access controls support instant results, making it easy to call up sounds, create splits and layers, and tweak parameters as you perform.

Sound versatility: RD instruments come with a diverse selection of non-piano sounds, allowing you to cover any gig with just one instrument. Play authentic Virtual ToneWheel organs derived from the VK series, orchestral strings and brass, classic and modern synths, world instruments, and more.

Master keyboard features: Along with being a world-class piano, the RD-2000 EX is a powerhouse controller capable of commanding a large-scale stage rig. Combine internal and external tones in zones, access an extended array of hands-on controls, and go further with versatile audio connectivity and external control.

The RD-88 EX and RD-08 offer focused controller features, providing essential tools for streamlined applications.

USB and MIDI: Current RD models include a variety of features to enhance your creative range. Work with MIDI and audio in music production software. Play audio files and record directly via USB memory. And connect with external gear using traditional MIDI jacks.

Unlimited expression: From the beginning, Roland has been committed to developing authentic weighted-action keyboards that fully connect players with the nuanced capabilities of our sophisticated piano sound engines. The current RD models offer our best keyboards to date, bringing you unmatched responsiveness fueled by decades of development knowledge.

PHA-4 keyboard: Featured in the RD-88 EX and RD-08, the PHA-4 provides supreme playability with hammer action, escapement, and Ivory Feel keys. Our innovative keyboard design greatly reduces the overall weight, making these instruments highly portable and easy to carry.

An RD for every player.
The RD range offers models for everyone from top touring musicians and local pros to weekend warriors and home enthusiasts.

RD-88 EX: Stage ready, streamlined design.
The RD-88 EX offers acclaimed RD playability in a sleek, portable instrument with versatile sounds, intuitive controls, and onboard stereo speakers. It's ideal for serious players and gigging musicians who want top-tier performance but don't need the advanced features of the RD-2000 EX.

Features:

- Professional RD stage piano with expanded sounds, including the SuperNATURAL Acoustic Piano 3 Expansion
- Acclaimed SuperNATURAL pianos and electric pianos
- ZEN-Core engine with over 3000 additional sounds, including organs, synths, strings, brass, and more
- World-class playability with the 88-note PHA-4 keyboard with hammer action and Ivory Feel
- Room-filling onboard stereo speaker system
- Convenient built-in rhythms for jamming and performance
- USB audio/MIDI interface and dedicated control mode for working with Apple MainStage
- USB memory port for MP3/WAV audio playback and data backup
- Light and compact design for easy transport and setup
- DP-10 Damper Pedal included

read less