Roland RD-2000 EX and RD-88 EX Stage Pianos arrive with new sonic treats for performers

By Connor EdneyJuly 23, 20247 mins read

Image Credit: Roland

Roland has introduced the RD-2000 EX and RD-88 EX, expanding its prestigious RD family of stage pianos.

Building on the strengths of their predecessors, the Roland RD-2000 and RD-88, these new models are aimed at professional performers looking for a professional sound, exceptional performance capabilities and versatility.

RD-2000 EX Stage Piano

Originally launched in 2017, the RD-2000 set a high standard for stage pianos with its advanced design and performance features.

Now, the new RD-2000 EX elevates the instruments with its two pre-installed V-Piano Expansion titles. These include the German Concert V-Piano Expansion 01 and the Essential Upright V-Piano Expansion 02.

Firstly, the German Concert V-Piano Expansion 01 is inspired by iconic concert grand pianos. The instrument provides 17 new tones that offer a rich, organic sound for both solo and ensemble performances.

Additionally, the Essential Upright V-Piano Expansion 02 brings a fresh character with 14 tones that capture the distinctive qualities of a high-end upright piano.

Furthermore, the RD-2000 EX boasts two independent sound engines powered by Roland’s V-Piano and SuperNATURAL technologies.

Offering comfortable performances is its PHA-50 keyboard with premium hammer-action playability, sophisticated sound layering, and advanced effect processing capabilities.

The Piano Designer also tools enable users to tailor the V-Piano sounds to their musical style and touch with various parameters available for adjustments.

RD-88 EX Stage Piano

Originally introduced in 2020, the RD-88 brought the acclaimed RD sound and playability in a more compact and affordable package.

Now the RD-88 EX retains these core features and adds the SuperNATURAL Acoustic Piano 3 Expansion. Pre-installed in the RD-88 EX, this expansion adds 15 distinctive tones and 20 scenes.

These range from bright, dynamic sounds suited for live performances to more subdued textures for solo and ambient music.

The RD-88 EX also features the expressive PHA-4 hammer-action keyboard, intuitive controller tools, and a powerful onboard stereo speaker system. Ultimately, it’s an ideal choice for musicians seeking high-quality performance in a portable format.

Upgrade options for existing RD Models

For current owners of the RD-2000 and RD-88, Roland offers upgrade packages that allow these instruments to access the new EX sounds.

Available through Roland Cloud, the RD-2000 EX Upgrade and RD-88 EX Upgrade provide these new sonic enhancements for $199.99 and $99.99, respectively.