With its attractive and innovative design, the Roland LX 700 series has been internationally recognized by the largest and most respected design competitions in the world.

The overall lineup received both the 2019 iF Design Award and Red Dot Product Design Award 2019, while the flagship LX708 model was honored with a Good Design Award 2018.

Let’s take a deep dive into these upright digital pianos to see what makes them so special! You can find out more about the Roland LX series on the Roland Website.

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Roland LX 700 Series Models

The three models in the LX700 series ensure that every player can find the best match for their musical taste, style, and budget.

While each model includes the latest piano sound technology, the Roland LX 705, Roland LX 706, and Roland LX 708 each have specific combinations of speaker configurations, cabinet variations, and keyboards.

An important factor to consider is that the Roland piano sounds come from modeling technology, which differs from other brands that use sampling. Some argue that modeling is a better way of creating sounds as it allows for maximum expressiveness.

Roland LX 705

The LX705 has pure acoustic piano modeling and a world-class 4-way speaker system. Roland describes the LX 705 as ‘warm and authentic’, and its stylish looks will help it to fit perfectly into any living space. 

The LX705 speakers comprise two independent pairs of speakers, each pair optimized to recreate specific elements of a piano’s sound, such as cabinet and body resonance, and the sound of the hammers striking the strings.

Sound Quality

Sound is where the LX705 truly shines. It employs Roland’s PureAcoustic Piano Modeling and PureAcoustic Ambience technology, delivering a rich and immersive sound that closely mimics an acoustic piano.

The depth and resonance produced by its speakers are impressive, providing a captivating musical experience.

Design

The LX705 boasts a compact and elegant design, making it a suitable addition to both small and spacious interiors.

Its classic and timeless appearance, available in various finishes, effortlessly blends with different décor styles. The construction is robust, ensuring durability and stability during performances.

Keyboard Action

The Hybrid Grand Keyboard on the LX705 is meticulously crafted to replicate the feel of an acoustic grand piano.

The keys have a comfortable and responsive touch, allowing for expressive playing. Whether you are playing staccato or legato, the keyboard responds accurately to your nuances.

Roland LX 706

An exceptional instrument with a head-turning sound courtesy of the 6-way acoustic projection speaker system. Roland says it adds a ‘touch of elegance to any room’ due to its classic style. 

Design and Build

Like the LX705, the LX706 boasts a sleek and elegant design but with a slightly larger build, providing a more commanding presence.

The cabinet is taller, offering a more immersive sound experience. Its finishes are exquisite, making it not just a musical instrument but also a piece of art that enhances the aesthetics of any space.

With more onboard piano tones and a more sophisticated user interface, the LX706 provides an enhanced user experience, making it easier for musicians to navigate and select their desired settings and sounds.

Sound Quality

While the LX705 delivers impressive sound, the LX706 takes auditory brilliance a step further with its enhanced Acoustic Projection System.

This feature allows for a more dynamic and vibrant sound, closely mimicking the resonance and depth of grand pianos. The sound experience is more expansive, providing musicians with a richer sonic palette to explore and enjoy.

Keyboard Action

Both pianos utilize the Hybrid Grand Keyboard, but the LX706 offers a more refined touch and response due to its longer keys and advanced sensing technology.

This improvement allows for more precise expression and control during performances, catering to the needs of more advanced and professional pianists.

Roland LX 708 

The LX708 is a high-end digital piano that is designed to replicate the experience of playing an acoustic piano. It is the flagship model in the LX series with a rich and expressive sound.

While the LX705 and LX706 are impressive, the LX708 offers enhanced features, sound quality, and keyboard action, providing a playing experience that is sublime and unmatched.

For those looking to invest in a top-tier instrument, the LX708 is undoubtedly a contender worth considering.

Design and Build

The LX708 boasts a taller and more prominent cabinet than both the LX705 and LX706, resembling the grandeur of an acoustic grand piano.

Its design is visually captivating and functional, enhancing the overall sound projection and providing a deeper resonance. The finishes available are sophisticated, making it a striking addition to any room.

The LX708 shares many features with the LX705 and LX706 but introduces new ones that set it apart. With a broader selection of tones and a more intuitive interface, it offers musicians endless possibilities for creativity and exploration.

Its technology is designed not only to replicate the sound of a piano but also to provide the experience of playing a grand piano, making it unparalleled in the digital piano market.

Sound Quality

While the LX705 and LX706 offer exceptional sound, the LX708 takes it a step further with its superior four-way, eight-speaker system, delivering a sound that is incredibly close to that of a concert grand.

The 708 speaker system provides immersive and room-filling sound with four independent pairs of speakers. Each pair is optimized to recreate specific elements of a piano.

The powerful cabinet speakers produce the all-enveloping main sound, while the top-mounted spatial speakers reproduce the resonance of the piano’s frame, projecting through the front C-shape wide aperture.

The nearfield speakers and tweeters project the sounds you’re most likely to notice, including dramatic, dynamic overtones and even the noise of the hammers hitting the strings through the keyboard section.

The LX708 reproduces and lets you adjust the physical vibrations that resonate through the keyboard, even when using headphones. This is especially noticeable on the lower keys where piano body reverberation naturally occurs.

Keyboard Action

All three models feature the Hybrid Grand Keyboard, but the LX708’s keyboard action is more refined, offering a touch that is remarkably similar to a grand piano.

The keys respond to the subtlest nuances, allowing for expressive and dynamic performances that will satisfy the expectations of even the most demanding pianists.

Roland LX 708

Feature	Details
Piano Sound	Piano Sound: Pure Acoustic Piano Modeling
Polyphony	Piano: Limitless (solo playing using ‘Piano’ category tones) Other: 256
Tones	Total 324 tones
Ambience	Pure Acoustic Ambience Type: Studio, Lounge, Concert Hall, Wooden Hall, Stone Hall, Cathedral Depth: 11 types
My Stage	My Stage 12 types
Keyboard	Hybrid Grand Keyboard: Wood and Plastic Hybrid Structure, with Escapement, Ebony/Ivory Feel, and Haptic Key Vibration (88 keys)
Pedal	Responsive Damper Action Pedal (Damper pedal: capable of continuous detection, Soft pedal: capable of continuous detection/function assignable, Sostenuto pedal: function assignable)
Speakers	Acoustic Projection Cabinet Speakers: 25 cm (9-7/8 inches) x 2 (with Speaker Box) Near-field Speakers: (12 cm (4-3/4 inches) x 8 cm (3-3/16 inches)) x 2 (with Speaker Box) Spatial Speakers: (12 cm (4-3/4 inches) x 8 cm (3-3/16 inches)) x 2 Spatial Speakers: 2.5 cm (1 inch) x 2 (Dome type)
Power Output	20 W x 2 6 W x 2 6 W x 2 5 W x 2
Headphones	Headphones Acoustic Projection
Touch Response	Key Touch: 100 types, fixed touch Hammer Response: 10 types
Master Tuning	415.3–466.2 Hz (adjustable in increments of 0.1 Hz)
Effects	Brilliance
Piano Designer	Lid, Key Off Noise, Hammer Noise, Duplex Scale, Full-Scale String, Resonance, Key Off Resonance, Cabinet Resonance, Soundboard Type, Damper Noise, Soft Pedal Type, Single Note Tuning, Single Note Volume, Single Note Character
Internal Songs	US: Total 399 songs, Other: Total 389 songs, Listening: 22 songs Ensemble: 30 songs, Entertainment: 20 songs, Easy Piano: 10 songs (US only), Let’s Sing with DO RE MI: 30 songs, Lesson: 287 songs (Scale, Hanon, Beyer, Burgmuller, Czerny 100)
Data Playback	Standard MIDI Files (Format 0, 1) Audio File (WAV: 44.1 kHz, 16-bit linear format, MP3: 44.1 kHz, 64 kbps – 320 kbps, requires USB Flash Memory)
Recorder	Standard MIDI Files (Format 0, 3 parts, Approx. 70,000 notes memory) Audio File (WAV: 44.1 kHz, 16-bit linear format, requires USB Flash Memory)
Bluetooth	Audio: Bluetooth Ver 3.0 (Supports SCMS-T content protection) MIDI: Bluetooth Ver 4.0
Music Rest & Cover	Music rest: with Music holders Key cover: Fallboard type, with Keyboard Lid Switch
Connectors	DC In jack, Input jacks: Stereo miniature phone type, Output (L/Mono, R) jacks: 1/4-inch phone type, USB Computer port: USB B type, USB, Memory port: USB A type, Phones jack x 2: Stereo miniature phone type, Stereo 1/4-inch phone type

Roland LX 700 Series: Design

The LX700 concept was to create a range of instruments that are beautiful and inviting to play. The overall aesthetic is one of elegance and purity, while the general design is loyal to classic piano styling – but if you take a closer look, there are subtle twists.

From the tall, impressive cabinet flanked by one-piece side panels on the LX708, to the elegant front legs and sophisticated curves, every piano in the LX700 series draws you in and compels you to start playing.

Across all three models, the finish has been carefully selected and meticulously manufactured, so you can choose a piano that truly looks at home in your living room.

Try an inspiring choice of non-traditional sounds, including electric pianos, organs, harpsichord, and strings, plus a library of onboard songs, from modern pop to classical repertoires with full orchestra backing – perfect for a change of pace.

There’s even a selection of onboard extras – from onboard metronome to recorder – to make learning easier.

You won’t pay for regular maintenance either, as LX700 models never need tuning. For the discerning pianist, a piano should always be a piano. But when you choose an LX700, it can be something more too.

Sometimes you want to make music. Sometimes you just want to sit back and enjoy it. Either way, the high-quality speaker systems found in the LX700 series will fill your home or venue with rich, exceptional sound.

When you’re entertaining friends, Bluetooth audio functionality allows the piano to replace your hi-fi, wirelessly connecting to your tablet or smartphone and playing your favorite songs and playlists through the speakers.

Roland LX 700 Series: Sound

Even experienced pianists need fresh inspiration. The LX700 series includes two completely different piano models; a classic European grand with a rich, deep tonal character, and an American grand that emphasizes clarity and brightness.

Think of it as owning two world-class pianos, representing two distinct but complementary sides of the piano’s tonal spectrum. You can even customize the sound so it’s exactly how you like it.

Each LX700 model includes an Acoustic Projection System, reproducing the rich, room-filling sound of a grand piano in a great venue – without needing the floor space.

The sound can be made even clearer by opening the top lid. The front C-shape wide aperture projects the resonance of the piano frame from the top-mounted special speakers.

Roland LX 700 Series: Keyboard

You’ll spend a lot of time touching the keys and pedals of your piano. And if you’re an experienced player, you should feel confident that your technique won’t be compromised.

Heavy or light, fast or slow – however you play, these keyboards and pedals have the accuracy and expression to support you.

The way you strike the keys, from the pressure to the speed and velocity, is critical to capturing the feel of a piece, from pianissimo to fortissimo.

Each keyboard supports the most advanced technique, so even highly accomplished pianists won’t need to adapt their playing or compromise their expression.

Each keyboard in the LX700 range feels natural and expressive to play, thanks to a number of innovations. The white keys combine beautiful wooden sides with a durable inner frame, ensuring years of reliable service without ongoing maintenance.

The pivot point on the black keys is 2cm further back than on the white keys, so they’re easier to press which avoids fatigue when you’ve been performing for a while.

Both the black and white keys are longer than you’d normally find on a digital piano, with the extra length reducing the weight difference between the key’s edge and its end.

Stabilizing Pin

Plus, all the keys include a stabilizing pin to ensure smooth and precise vertical travel, avoiding the sideways key movement and noise of playing glissandos on some pianos.

This has the same effect as the balance rail pins do on an acoustic piano which is to provide torsional stability. This means there is no lateral motion when playing this action, and also ensures excellent long-term durability.

Escapement, Triple Sensor & Textured Key Tops

The key escapement is recreated to enhance piano realism. LX series hybrid grand action also implements a triple sensor meaning the MIDI output and dynamic potential of the action are excellent.

As always with the PHA-50 action, there are Ebony and Ivory feel textures on the top of the keys which provide a good sense of piano realism and also absorb skin oils with ease.

Roland LX 700 Series: Pedals

Advanced techniques aren’t limited to the keyboard. Roland’s Responsive Damper mechanism on the LX708 accurately recreates the detailed damper pedal response of a grand piano.

This lets you channel the sympathetic resonance of the piano strings for a dramatic and lustrous sound. Lighter at first, the pedal’s resistance increases as you press, before becoming lighter again upon release.

Meanwhile, when a piece requires a lighter touch, use a more accurate ‘half-pedaling’ response, with the damper pedal depth allowing subtle control of tone decay

The sound produced by a piano is only half the story; the acoustic characteristics of the performance venue also contribute to the final sound.

The LX700 series includes newly developed Pure Acoustic Ambience technology, recreating not just the piano’s sound but the space all around it. The result is so realistic, that you’ll forget that you’re listening through the piano’s speakers or the headphones

Roland LX 700 Series: Practice With Headphones

A key advantage of a digital piano is using headphones, to avoid disturbing others. But the LX700 series takes it a step further, using Headphone Acoustic Projection technology to optimize the sound sent to the headphones.

You’ll enjoy all the benefits of the Pure Acoustic Ambience feature on the headphones, too – just close your eyes and you could be playing a midnight concerto in a concert hall, from the comfort of your own home.

The LX700 series not only reproduces the rich, powerful sound of a grand piano but also the space in which it’s played.

Discover how it sounds to play in larger spaces, including concert halls, cathedrals, and studios, adding an extra dimension to an already wonderful instrument.

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Roland LX 700 Series: Functions

Because it can recreate the acoustic ambiance of a venue, each LX700 model lets you explore several inspiring combinations of piano and location.

The ‘My Stage’ function offers a choice of tone collections, each perfectly matching the piano to the venue for an incredibly immersive experience.

For example, ‘Piano Recital’ lets you hear what it sounds like to play a European grand in a large concert hall, while Jazz Club lets you try an American grand in a smaller lounge with completely different acoustics.

If you’re moved by superior sound, you may also appreciate form and function. As you approach each piano in the LX700 series you’ll notice a classic, elegant cabinet that makes any room just look better.

The control layout is precise and logical. Each LX700 model puts the controls directly in your line of sight, so you can glance down, find what you need, and focus on your performance.

The thoughtful touches continue with buttons that become backlit when activated, an extra-wide music rest for the thickest music scores, and a rotary volume knob instead of the usual buttons.

You don’t even need to press the power button – just open the lid and start playing.

Roland LX 700: Bluetooth MIDI

Piano practice is a pleasure, not a chore when you use the LX700 series’ integrated Bluetooth MIDI functionality.

You can wirelessly connect to educational apps like the Roland Piano App, accessing digital sheet music, song libraries, and more. And when you’re just relaxing, the Roland Piano App lets you control the piano’s internal song library from the comfort of your sofa.

If you’re serious about mastering the piano, the LX700 series offers a range of digital extras that put you in control of your learning.

Convenient onboard features for daily practice include a metronome and recording function – plus songs that cover a variety of genres, helping you with everything from listening and ensemble work to entertainment and basic skill-building.

Another key advantage is compatibility with smartphone apps – you’ll be amazed how fast your skills improve with the Roland Piano App.

Roland Piano App

The Roland Piano App is a unique smartphone app that encourages you to play more often. Try the ‘1-week master’ option to track and display your progress as you learn a new piece, complete with exercises if required.

If you love playing piano, learn something new and play more often with the Roland Piano App.

Roland LX Series: Educational Features

The LX700 series provides an alternative to conventional book learning with an array of educational features.

Playing alongside the onboard songs prepares you for joining a band or orchestra, while Twin Piano mode lets a learner and teacher play side-by-side in the same key range.

The built-in metronome develops accurate timing, while the onboard recorder lets you capture what you’ve just played, and then listen back to evaluate your progress.

Meanwhile, the unique Do Re Mi Lesson found in the onboard songs lets you learn music basics, by singing solfege along with the songs or practicing score-reading.

Roland LX Series: FAQ

Piano Modelling vs. Sampling

Most digital pianos use ‘sampling’ technology, which records the individual notes from an acoustic piano and combines them to deliver the final sound. This approach results in a limited range of expression, similar to when animation is composed of still images.

Roland takes a different approach, producing the sound using advanced digital modeling technology that recreates the process of piano tone generation in real time.

It’s so accurate that your expression and touch are captured as you perform, and reflected onto the tone, resulting in a beautifully rich sound that compels you to play.

Which Roland LX Model Is Right for Me?

Choosing the right Roland LX model depends on your specific needs, preferences, and level of playing:

Roland LX 705

The Roland LX705 is suitable for beginners and intermediate players, or those with space constraints. It has a compact design, pure acoustic piano modeling, pure acoustic ambiance technology, and a hybrid grand keyboard.

If you are looking for a cost-effective, space-saving model with excellent sound quality and key action for practice and learning, the LX 705 is a fantastic choice.

Roland LX 706

The Roland LX 706 has a lightly yet larger build, enhanced acoustic projection system, refined key action, and more onboard piano tones.

The LX 706 represents better features with a moderate price increase over the LX705, with its improved dynamic sound and improved keyboard action for more expressive performances.

Roland LX 708

The Roland LX 708 is suitable for advanced players and professionals who want the best of digital and acoustic piano features.

It boasts a taller cabinet design, superior four-way, eight-speaker system, advanced technology for immersive sound, and grand piano-like key action.

If you are looking for the top-of-the-line model with the most features, best sound, and highest quality key action, and are willing to invest more money into your piano, then the LX 708 is the best option in the LX series from Roland.

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Conclusion

Before making a decision, consider your playing level, the features that are most important to you, and your budget.

Visiting a music store to experience each model firsthand can also greatly inform your decision.

Each LX model offers a unique set of features designed to provide a fantastic playing experience, so your choice will depend on your individual requirements and preferences.