How to set up an RD-2000 for classical music

Out of the box, the Roland RD-2000 is not configured for playing classical piano music.

So, in this short video, I make a suggestion how to set up this instrument accordingly.

[RWaterburyVOC]

Thank you. I just purchase a new RD-2000 and I truly appreciate your video. I've also seen lots of "bad sound" complaints about the RD-2000, but I think that there are so many options/variables on the RD-2000, that people are impatient and have difficulty arriving at the settings/sounds they want. My belief is the RD-2000 can likely do just about any sound one would like, but it is difficult to find and make those choices. Thanks again for sharing exactly the kind of help I value most highly.

[pgtips]

Thank you, this has transformed my piano. It sounds great for classical now.

[DamienSawyer]

I first watched this video 5 years ago and set up my RD as such. I just want to say thank you! It's pretty much the only time I use now. You really hit onto something here.

[zeroblackstar]

Got an RD2000 recently, this was a greet guide to getting a nice fuller sound for classical style playing, thanks!

[bhaveshmistry]

Your tone adjustment sounds really good & impressive. I have played the RD2000 but on first impression it was not so appealing for me like how other brands. I think V-Piano expansion has very good capability to edit the piano sounds. I am in to western classical music. Consider the my choice I feel that Kawai MP11se it has amazing key action but I think it’s time to look for replacement of MP11se. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. 🙏

[jimkost]

Great job! You have really unlocked the way to get this instrument to “sing”!

[stanleybednara]

Though you posted in 2017. I must say and thank you. No mumbo-jumbo just direct to the point. I am not an expert, But after all the reviews we purchased a RD-2000 and were greatly disappointed--on the sound. It has been returned as we had no time to go to college to figure out their controls. Needless to say if I saw this vid. earlier, we would have at least had a proper sound for a piano. I thank you for showing us how to attain the true sound.
the sound and your playing are top notch. Take care,

[Brcinskij]

Hi, thanks for this Video very helpful. I have already RD-2000 at home and I am very satisfied. It is the best stage piano right now on market. In my opinion better than MP11SE(Sound+Keyborad too) and than Yamaha CP4 too. Yamaha's Action is also good, but this one is the best. Better than this RD-2000 are only hybrid piano like Yamaha N1, NU1X, ... (Price 5000+)

[jimcovington]

what is additionally fun to do, is to make adjustments (to add color and tone) with the Hammer noise, etc. etc. adjustments that come with these Roland RD series keyboards. I have a 1965 Hamburg Steinway B (with an interesting NEC history in the USA), and I make adjustments to my Roland RD700GX to come as close to my B as possible.... but there is really no comparison when the B is Concert tuned and regulated). Roland and all the others DO make their keyboard instruments for THEIR market.... the pop and jazz stage performance.
I was VERY pleased to FINALLY, after 25 years, find someone who was interested in CLASSICAL music and how to make, at least, minor adjustments to these keyboards for OUR music. Trying to match or come close to ones personal instrument or one has heard at a concert is fun to do. You Tube, I find, is 99% dominated by only pop, rock, 'crap', and some other genres.... rarely do Classically trained individuals share experiences and adjustments.... but it is improving with the NEW revitalization of interest in the piano.... (China is now the dominate market for piano sales.... and Steinway, after the saving of the company from oblivion by the purchase of the new owner, is creating a foothold over there).... Restoration companies (like Lindeblad) are beginning to see a resurgence in people wanting to restore their pianos instead of having them hauled off to the dump.
Thank you Tiroh for posting, and perhaps others will share their settings as well.

[PeterFritzWalter]

Thank you so much, this is really needed for us classical musicians. Thanks for the good explanation ...

[Hz]

That's an amazing effortless talent you have. My brother learnt piano and keyboard playing when he was a kid but I never really got on with it in school. Now I regret not taking the time to learn. Still, I have a little tinkle on the old Roland midi controller for production and sampling purposes.

[Delectatio]

Oh, I am learning that Bach's D-moll invention you've played in the middle:) Great instrument, priceless recommendations! Thank you!
P.S.: excuse me, but you sound 100% like Claus from "American Dad":))

[travr]

Yep works great! Thank you! You should do some more RD-2000 videos!

[albertjandeboerNL]

To add to this conversaton, I use the RD2000 with a heavily modified Contemporary Concerto V-piano sound. With my configuration I'm able to play all nuances I want from an acoustic Grand and it sounds very realistic to me. However your comment about spatialness in the sound is spot on, that is the only remark I still have. I think the V-piano's have just the amount of playability you need to 'feel' the grand in combination with the amazing action.

Thanks for your video! :)

[brmh]

Great video, thanks for the work. It really is a gorgeous sounding piano the way you have programmed it.

[TheFlamingPiano]

I'm new to this, so what's the difference between Mellow Concert Grand and Mellow NX Concert? And what does "modulation" do? It only lights up for the non-stage piano tones

[WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

Yes, me too, worked with this RD for 6 months and gave up. Classical voicing and tuning is what I was looking for. This video is 7 years old, Roland has offered a new (must purchase) V-Piano expansion called German Grand. I am assuming a Steinway Concert D emulation. I have been very tempted to buy this for $150US. Have you added this expansion? Today I have demoted the RD2000 from solo acoustic piano for practice and recording to my synth studio for playing in orchestration with many other instruments, hiding the sound of the RD in the mix. Today I am very happy with the Yamaha DGX-670 for solo acoustic piano practice and recording (but only after my own sound design on it).

[MrJFoxProductions]

Very insightful video. it is reassuring to know that the RD-2000 possesses the potential to accommodate such intuitive classical demands with the right tone(s), effects and others specified adjustments.

I believe you created a great recipe on this instrument! It seemed to accomplish the objective quite successfully.
;) All the best to you and your beautiful instrument!

PS: don't forget to visit Roland's Axial website for some great (clasical) piano libraries if you have not already.

[arbiforumnow]

Excellent edit suggestions! Thank you!

[MsrAlaindeFerrier]

Hi at last an intelligent critique on this piano from Roland. I Would be so very interested to hear the whole range of the RD 2000 not just the middle of the piano if you would be so kind Thankyou, undoubtedly the most concise video of it all the best