Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Roland GO:88 Weighted keyboard. If you're in the market for a portable, affordable, and yet surprisingly capable digital piano, this might just be the one for you. We'll cover everything from its key features to who it's best suited for, and even some potential drawbacks. So, grab a coffee, settle in, and let's get started!

What is the Roland GO:88 Weighted?

The Roland GO:88 Weighted is a digital piano designed for portability and ease of use. It's part of Roland's GO:PIANO series, which aims to provide accessible instruments for beginners and musicians on the go. The key selling point? It offers 88 full-size, weighted keys in a relatively compact and lightweight package. This makes it ideal for students, songwriters, and anyone who needs a piano that can be easily moved around.

But what does "weighted" actually mean? Well, unlike cheaper, non-weighted keyboards, the GO:88 Weighted's keys are designed to mimic the feel of an acoustic piano. This means that the keys offer resistance when you press them, and that resistance varies depending on how hard you play. This is crucial for developing proper piano technique and expressive playing. The weighting isn't as sophisticated as you'd find on a high-end digital piano, but it's a significant step up from synth-action or semi-weighted keys.

The GO:88 Weighted also boasts a range of features beyond its keyboard action. It includes a variety of built-in sounds, from grand pianos to electric pianos, organs, and strings. It has Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect to your smartphone or tablet for lessons, backing tracks, and more. It's also battery-powered, making it truly portable. Plus, it has a built-in speaker system, so you can play anywhere without needing to plug into an amplifier.

In a nutshell, the Roland GO:88 Weighted is a versatile and accessible digital piano that's perfect for a wide range of users. Whether you're a beginner just starting your piano journey or an experienced musician looking for a portable practice instrument, the GO:88 Weighted has something to offer.

Key Features of the Roland GO:88 Weighted

Let's break down the key features that make the Roland GO:88 Weighted stand out:

• 88 Weighted Keys: This is the big one! The full-size, weighted keys provide a realistic piano playing experience, allowing you to develop proper technique and expression. The weighting, while not top-of-the-line, is definitely a significant improvement over non-weighted keyboards, offering a more nuanced and responsive feel.
• Portable Design: Weighing in at around 16 pounds, the GO:88 Weighted is surprisingly lightweight for a full-size, weighted keyboard. This makes it easy to transport to lessons, gigs, or even just around the house. The battery-powered operation further enhances its portability, allowing you to play anywhere without needing a power outlet.
• Built-in Sounds: The GO:88 Weighted features a variety of built-in sounds, including acoustic pianos, electric pianos, organs, strings, and more. While the sound quality isn't on par with high-end digital pianos, the sounds are perfectly adequate for practice and performance. The piano sounds are particularly well-suited for beginners, providing a realistic and inspiring playing experience.
• Bluetooth Connectivity: This is a game-changer! The Bluetooth connectivity allows you to connect your smartphone or tablet to the GO:88 Weighted, opening up a world of possibilities. You can use it to play along with your favorite songs, access online lessons, or even use music apps to record your playing.
• Built-in Speakers: The GO:88 Weighted has a built-in speaker system, so you can play without needing to plug into an amplifier. The speakers are decent for practice, but you'll likely want to use headphones or external speakers for performance.
• Headphone Jack: Speaking of headphones, the GO:88 Weighted has a headphone jack, allowing you to practice silently without disturbing others. This is a must-have feature for anyone who lives in an apartment or shares a space with others.
• Battery Powered: As mentioned earlier, the GO:88 Weighted can be powered by batteries, making it truly portable. This is a great feature for musicians who need to play on the go or who don't have access to a power outlet.

These features combine to make the Roland GO:88 Weighted a versatile and accessible digital piano that's perfect for a wide range of users. Whether you're a beginner just starting your piano journey or an experienced musician looking for a portable practice instrument, the GO:88 Weighted has something to offer.

Who is the Roland GO:88 Weighted For?

The Roland GO:88 Weighted is a great option for a variety of musicians. But who is it really for? Let's break it down:

• Beginners: This is perhaps the most obvious target audience. The GO:88 Weighted's affordable price, weighted keys, and built-in features make it an excellent choice for beginners who are just starting their piano journey. The weighted keys help to develop proper technique, while the built-in sounds and Bluetooth connectivity provide a fun and engaging learning experience.
• Students: The GO:88 Weighted is also a great option for students who need a portable and affordable piano for practice. The lightweight design makes it easy to transport to lessons or school, while the weighted keys allow for realistic practice. The headphone jack is also a plus for practicing in shared spaces.
• Songwriters: Songwriters who need a portable and inspiring instrument will also appreciate the GO:88 Weighted. The built-in sounds and Bluetooth connectivity provide a wealth of creative possibilities, while the weighted keys allow for expressive playing. The battery-powered operation also makes it easy to write songs on the go.
• Musicians on the Go: As the name suggests, the GO:88 Weighted is perfect for musicians who need a portable instrument. Whether you're a traveling musician, a gigging musician, or simply someone who likes to play in different locations, the GO:88 Weighted is a great option.
• Anyone on a Budget: Let's face it, pianos can be expensive! The Roland GO:88 Weighted offers a fantastic balance of features and affordability, making it a great choice for anyone on a budget who still wants a quality playing experience. You get the benefit of weighted keys without breaking the bank.

Of course, the GO:88 Weighted isn't for everyone. Professional pianists or those who demand the absolute best sound quality and keyboard action will likely want to look at higher-end instruments. But for the vast majority of users, the GO:88 Weighted provides an excellent playing experience at an affordable price.

Potential Drawbacks of the Roland GO:88 Weighted

No product is perfect, and the Roland GO:88 Weighted is no exception. While it offers a lot of value for its price, there are a few potential drawbacks to be aware of:

• Keyboard Action: While the keys are weighted, the action isn't as sophisticated as you'd find on higher-end digital pianos. The weighting can feel a bit light for some players, and the keys may not respond as nuanced as those on more expensive instruments. However, for the price, the keyboard action is still very good.
• Sound Quality: The built-in sounds are decent for practice and performance, but they're not on par with the sound quality of high-end digital pianos. The piano sounds are particularly well-suited for beginners, but more experienced players may find them lacking in realism and depth. Again, considering the price point, the sound quality is acceptable.
• Build Quality: The GO:88 Weighted is made of plastic, which can feel a bit flimsy compared to more robust instruments. While it's certainly durable enough for normal use, it may not withstand the rigors of heavy touring or frequent transport. However, the plastic construction is what helps keep the weight down, making it so portable.
• Limited Features: The GO:88 Weighted is a relatively basic instrument, and it lacks some of the advanced features found on higher-end digital pianos. For example, it doesn't have a built-in sequencer or a wide range of effects. However, for most users, the features it does offer are more than sufficient.
• Speaker Volume: The built-in speakers are adequate for practice, but they may not be loud enough for performance in larger venues. You'll likely want to use headphones or external speakers for performances.

Despite these potential drawbacks, the Roland GO:88 Weighted remains an excellent value for its price. The benefits of its weighted keys, portability, and built-in features far outweigh its limitations, making it a great choice for beginners, students, songwriters, and musicians on the go.

Alternatives to the Roland GO:88 Weighted

If the Roland GO:88 Weighted isn't quite the right fit for you, there are several other digital pianos to consider. Here are a few alternatives:

• Yamaha P-45/P-71: The Yamaha P-45 (or P-71, which is the Amazon-exclusive version) is a popular entry-level digital piano with 88 weighted keys. It's known for its reliable performance and realistic piano sound. It's a bit less portable than the GO:88 Weighted, but it offers a slightly better keyboard action.
• Casio Privia PX-160/PX-770: The Casio Privia series offers a range of digital pianos with 88 weighted keys. The PX-160 and PX-770 are both excellent options for beginners and students. They offer a good balance of features and affordability, and they have a reputation for being durable and reliable.
• Roland FP-10/FP-30X: If you're willing to spend a bit more, the Roland FP-10 and FP-30X are both excellent options. They offer a more sophisticated keyboard action and better sound quality than the GO:88 Weighted. They're also more versatile instruments, with a wider range of features.
• Alesis Recital Pro: The Alesis Recital Pro is another affordable digital piano with 88 weighted keys. It's a good option for beginners who are on a tight budget. However, the keyboard action and sound quality aren't as good as the other options on this list.

Ultimately, the best digital piano for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Consider your budget, playing style, and desired features when making your decision. And be sure to try out a few different models before you buy, if possible.

Final Verdict: Is the Roland GO:88 Weighted Worth It?

So, the million-dollar question: Is the Roland GO:88 Weighted worth it? In my opinion, absolutely! It offers an incredible value for its price, providing a realistic piano playing experience in a portable and affordable package.

While it's not perfect, the GO:88 Weighted's benefits far outweigh its limitations. The weighted keys are a must-have for developing proper technique, and the built-in features and Bluetooth connectivity provide a wealth of creative possibilities. The portability is a huge plus for musicians on the go, and the affordable price makes it accessible to a wide range of users.

If you're a beginner, a student, a songwriter, or simply someone who needs a portable and affordable digital piano, the Roland GO:88 Weighted is an excellent choice. It's a versatile and inspiring instrument that will help you on your musical journey.