Roland GO:Keys Review for pianists who commute (3 pros and 1 con)

I'm a traveling pianist without a car and I've been looking for a very particular kind of keyboard to add to my collection: 1) it has to be portable enough for me to carry on my back on public transit or my bike, 2) it has to have a good real piano sound, and 3) the action of the keys has to feel more than decent. Oh, and 4) it has to be battery-powered.

The Roland GO:Keys is the closest winner for me so far! It will never replace my Roland FP4, my favourite digital piano (discontinued), but the Roland GO:KEYS seems like a great keyboard to grab quickly and take to certain gigs and rehearsals. Let me know if you have any questions!

[leonardneilignacio]

planning to buy this next month.. thanks for the review..

[stuartdarling]

This is absolutely the instrument that keeps on giving. The speakers sound good and are loud enough to accompany a small group of singers. The range of sounds available makes it a very useful 'top keyboard' for a 2 keyboard gig setup and I've used it on its own for some small duo shows with great success. You can play some classical rep on it, perhaps not a lot of high end etudes etc. But most things up to Grade 8 can be pretty effectively performed. For accompanying it's great. I bought mine last year in the UK lockdown so that I could teach outside in people's gardens but it's got far more use than I had ever imagined and is still being used weekly. The key action is surprisingly good and of all the keyboards at this price point (Yamaha piaggero etc) it's probably the best. I expect the new Casio CTS1 (just released) may be a little better but I haven't tried it yet. Ultimately it's a really useful instrument and Roland have smashed it out of the park on features/price

[TheRealMaskr]

Very helpful review, I was actually looking for a honest review from a pianist. Thank you!

[thephoenixchant]

Questions: 1) How loud are the built-in Speakers? 2) Does the sound quality improve when connected to an Amp? Does it sound like a beginner keyboard because o its speakers or because of its sound engine? 3) Can you Audio Bluetooth output or just input? 4) Can you use it as a USB midi controller? Can you power it up via the USB-C while using it as a Midi Controller with no need of D/C supply? How does its 2-track sequencer work?

[julietpang]

haha love the review, great useful tips for a gigger. you're alright Kristin! ;) Subscribed!

[edrock]

Thank you, Kristin, for your awesome review! I just learned about this keyboard today. And I am strongly considering purchasing one. Also, I noticed that you have replied to all of your comments. And I think that is so cool!

[Bagpipecoasters]

If you want to split the keyboard into 3 or more sections, you could have gone with the korg kross. I know that you have to have head phones or an exturnal speaker. But in the end, it is a lot of fun.

[joannawoon]

This is such a fun review! Loved how natural it was. <3 absolute LOVE. Please make more.

[akshaysingh]

A very helpful review.The ones I saw till now did not mention the split function but this makes me reconsider..Thank you!

[billligon]

Need a keyboard to practice on long cruises. Would you recommend this one, if only 61 keys.

[antwakefield]

Enjoying hearing your take on this keyboard, think i might get one ;)

[bbsingsong]

Just found out about this go keys. Hmmm..thinking should I just get this rather than a full range digital piano Yamaha p125. hmmm

[mgaeeeee]

Cool, thank you. Should fit nicely on top of my B3

[emilybestmusic]

I hope Roland gives you a cut! This is such a great in depth review and convinced to buy one. It’s on its way to me as we speak. I can’t wait!!

[danielnaimowicz]

It plays well...if u need more get 2 or add the little Yamaha hammond clone

[ChrisT-O]

For me the missing of the split function is the biggest con too.

[genuinefreewilly]

Ive tried it out, its ideal for rehearing and maybe performing. Not many decent keyboards this inexpensive.It looks a tad cheesy but I can live with that. With fewer patches the go piano sounds really good and real with 128 note polyphany. Best features its easy to use and its fun and portability thats what I am looking for. If you are into piano the Yamaha p45 and 115 are nice. They are heavier but have decent realistic weighted keys

[klfighter]

i buy it, i wainting few days for use

[Onelychild]

Hello, wonderful review! Keep up the great work!

[stanhesketh]

Hi, I have to go keys, , I take it away on holiday, , if I could I would advise you to carry on looking as good as it is you might be disappoint with the key action, it is touch sensitive you do have to be aware of this, you only get what you pay for so it works, ,