Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the Roland GO:88 Weighted keyboard. If you're on the hunt for a portable, full-sized, and weighted-key piano, this might just be the instrument you've been looking for. Let's break down everything this keyboard has to offer, from its features and playability to its pros and cons.

What is Roland GO:88 Weighted?

The Roland GO:88 Weighted is a digital piano designed for musicians who need a full-sized keyboard that's easy to transport. Unlike many portable keyboards that skimp on key feel, the GO:88 Weighted features 88 full-size keys with a weighted action, providing a more authentic piano playing experience. This makes it an excellent option for students, gigging musicians, and anyone who wants a practice piano without taking up too much space.

Key Features of the Roland GO:88 Weighted

Let's get into the nitty-gritty of what makes the Roland GO:88 Weighted stand out:

• 88 Weighted Keys: The full-size keyboard with weighted action is the star of the show. It simulates the feel of an acoustic piano, making it easier to transition between digital and acoustic instruments. The weighted keys respond to your touch, offering a dynamic playing experience.
• Portability: Weighing in at just over 15 pounds, this keyboard is incredibly easy to carry around. Whether you're heading to a gig, a lesson, or just want to play in a different room, the GO:88 Weighted won't weigh you down.
• Bluetooth Connectivity: Connect your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth to access a world of music apps and online lessons. Play along with your favorite songs, learn new techniques, or record your performances with ease. Bluetooth MIDI also allows you to use the keyboard as a MIDI controller with your favorite music production software.
• Built-in Speakers and Battery Power: The built-in speakers provide decent sound for practice and casual playing. For more serious performances, you can connect headphones or external speakers. The keyboard can also be powered by batteries, making it truly portable and allowing you to play anywhere.
• Variety of Sounds: The GO:88 Weighted includes a range of instrument sounds, including pianos, organs, strings, and more. While the piano sounds are the main attraction, the other voices can add variety to your playing and inspire creativity. You can layer different sounds together.
• Onboard Recording: The onboard recording feature allows you to capture your performances and practice sessions. This is a great way to track your progress, analyze your playing, and share your music with others.

Who is the Roland GO:88 Weighted For?

The Roland GO:88 Weighted is perfect for a variety of players:

• Beginners: The weighted keys help develop proper technique from the start, and the Bluetooth connectivity makes it easy to access learning resources.
• Intermediate Players: It's a great practice instrument for refining skills without the investment and space required for an acoustic piano.
• Gigging Musicians: The portability and battery power make it ideal for rehearsals and small gigs where space is limited.
• Music Educators: The GO:88 Weighted is a versatile tool for teaching piano in schools or private lessons.
• Anyone with Limited Space: If you live in an apartment or small home, this keyboard offers a full-sized piano experience without taking up too much room.

In-Depth Look: Roland GO:88 Weighted Features

Let's dig deeper into what makes the Roland GO:88 Weighted a standout instrument. We'll cover the keyboard action, sound quality, connectivity options, and more.

Keyboard Action and Feel

The keyboard action is arguably the most important aspect of any digital piano. The Roland GO:88 Weighted features 88 full-size keys with a weighted action. This means that the keys offer resistance similar to that of an acoustic piano, with heavier keys in the lower register and lighter keys in the higher register. This weighted action helps to develop proper finger strength and technique, making it easier to transition to playing an acoustic piano. The keys are also touch-sensitive, responding to the force with which you strike them. This allows for a wide range of expression, from soft and delicate passages to loud and powerful chords. While the weighted action isn't as sophisticated as those found in higher-end digital pianos, it's still a significant step up from the unweighted or semi-weighted keys found on many portable keyboards. This makes the GO:88 Weighted an excellent choice for beginners who want to develop good technique from the start.

Sound Quality and Variety

The sound quality of the Roland GO:88 Weighted is impressive for its size and price range. The piano sounds are sampled from Roland's high-end digital pianos, providing a realistic and expressive playing experience. The keyboard includes a variety of piano sounds, from bright and clear grand pianos to warm and mellow upright pianos. In addition to pianos, the GO:88 Weighted also features a range of other instrument sounds, including organs, strings, electric pianos, and more. While these sounds may not be as detailed as those found in dedicated synthesizers or workstations, they still offer a decent variety for practice and casual playing. The keyboard also includes built-in effects, such as reverb and chorus, which can be used to enhance the sound of the instruments. You can adjust the levels of these effects to create your own custom sounds. The built-in speakers provide decent sound for practice and casual playing, but you'll likely want to connect headphones or external speakers for more serious performances. The headphone output is clean and clear, allowing you to practice silently without disturbing others. Connecting to external speakers is easy thanks to the stereo output jacks on the back of the keyboard. Whether you're practicing at home, performing on stage, or recording in the studio, the Roland GO:88 Weighted delivers a versatile and expressive sound.

Connectivity and Technology

The connectivity options on the Roland GO:88 Weighted are a major selling point. The inclusion of Bluetooth connectivity allows you to connect your smartphone or tablet wirelessly, opening up a world of possibilities. You can use Bluetooth to play along with your favorite songs, access online lessons, or record your performances. Bluetooth MIDI also allows you to use the keyboard as a MIDI controller with your favorite music production software. This is a great way to create your own music, experiment with different sounds, and record your ideas. In addition to Bluetooth, the GO:88 Weighted also includes a USB port for connecting to your computer. This allows you to transfer MIDI data, record audio, and update the keyboard's firmware. The keyboard also features a headphone output for silent practice, as well as stereo output jacks for connecting to external speakers or amplifiers. The built-in speakers are decent for practice, but you'll likely want to use headphones or external speakers for more serious performances. The GO:88 Weighted is also compatible with Roland's Piano Partner 2 app, which provides a variety of interactive lessons and exercises. This is a great way to learn new skills, track your progress, and have fun while playing the piano. With its wide range of connectivity options and advanced technology, the Roland GO:88 Weighted is a versatile and modern instrument that can adapt to your needs.

Pros and Cons of the Roland GO:88 Weighted

Okay, let's break down the good and the not-so-good about this keyboard.

Pros:

• Full-Sized Weighted Keys: Provides a realistic piano playing experience.
• Portability: Lightweight and easy to carry around.
• Bluetooth Connectivity: Access to apps and online lessons.
• Battery Power: Play anywhere, anytime.
• Affordable: Offers great value for the price.

Cons:

• Sound Quality: While decent, it's not on par with high-end digital pianos.
• Key Action: The weighted action is good, but not as refined as more expensive keyboards.
• Build Quality: The plastic construction feels a bit flimsy.

Alternatives to the Roland GO:88 Weighted

If the Roland GO:88 Weighted isn't quite what you're looking for, here are a few alternatives to consider:

• Yamaha P-45: A popular entry-level digital piano with a good reputation for sound and key action.
• Casio Privia PX-160: Offers a similar feature set to the GO:88 Weighted, with a focus on sound quality and playability.
• Korg B2: A beginner-friendly digital piano with a simple design and user-friendly interface.

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

So, what's the final word? The Roland GO:88 Weighted is a fantastic option for anyone who needs a portable, full-sized, and weighted-key piano. It's perfect for beginners, students, gigging musicians, and anyone with limited space. While it's not perfect, its pros definitely outweigh its cons. If you're looking for an affordable and versatile digital piano, the GO:88 Weighted is definitely worth considering. Just remember to weigh its pros and cons against your specific needs and budget.

Hopefully, this review has been helpful in your decision-making process! Happy playing, guys!