- Which is better for a beginner?
- The Yamaha P-143B is the easier entry at $499.99, and its 10 voices and 64-note polyphony cover early lessons. The FP-30X costs more but its action and polyphony will not hold you back as you advance.
- Is the Roland FP-30X worth the extra $150?
- Yes if you play pieces with heavy pedaling or want Bluetooth. You get 256-note polyphony, escapement, 56 tones and stronger speakers. If you mostly play simple repertoire, the P-143B saves money.
- Which is easier to carry?
- The Yamaha P-143B at 11.1 kg (24 lb 8 oz) is about 3.7 kg lighter than the 14.8 kg FP-30X. Both are portable slabs, but the Yamaha is the easier solo carry.
- Does either work with apps and online lessons?
- Both have USB audio/MIDI. Only the FP-30X adds Bluetooth audio and MIDI, so it connects wirelessly to phones and tablets.
- Which has the more realistic key feel?
- The FP-30X. Its PHA-4 action has progressive hammer weighting and escapement plus ivory-feel key surfaces. The P-143B uses Yamaha's GHC weighted action without escapement.
- Can either handle complex pieces with the sustain pedal down?
- The FP-30X handles them better with 256-note polyphony. The P-143B's 64-note limit can cut off notes in dense, pedaled passages.
