NAMM Show 2025: Roland V-Stage Keyboard Takes The Stage For Gigging Musicians

Roland enters the stage with the V-Stage 88 and 76 stage performance keyboards, just what the gigging musician needs on tour, in the studio or at the club, but how does it fair to the competition?

Robin Tindill

Robin Tindill

Roland Enter the V-Stage Keyboard Concept.

The Roland V-STAGE keyboard is a digital stage & portable piano designed for the gigging musician, bringing together four advanced sound engines: V-Piano, SuperNATURAL Electric Piano, Virtual Tone Wheel, and ZEN-Core Synth. These allow the V-STAGE to offer a wide variety of sounds, from realistic acoustic pianos to synths and organs ready for all your gigs and tours. It features 88 hammer-action, Ivory Feel keys, providing a realistic piano experience as well as also being available with 76 keys semi weighted waterfall style keys/ With an almost knob per function interface, 512 scene memories, and 128 scene chains, it allows easy sound switching and modulation during live performances. The V-STAGE is also portable, weighing 21.8kg, and offers robust connectivity, including balanced XLR outputs, USB-C audio/MIDI, and dual USB ports.

Roland V-Stage Performance Keyboards in 88 and 76 keys!

Premium Sound Engines:

The V-STAGE range is powered by four exceptional sound engines, allowing you to perform a wide range of genres with ease.

  • V-Piano: Delivers realistic acoustic piano dynamics with natural resonance.
  • SuperNATURAL Electric Piano: Offers expressive tones like classic tine, reed, and clavinet pianos.
  • Virtual Tone Wheel: Recreates the warmth and depth of vintage organs, complete with rotary speaker effects.
  • ZEN-Core Synth: A powerful synthesizer engine offering over 400 tones and free Model Expansions for endless sound possibilities.

Intuitive Interface for Live Performances:

The V-STAGE 88 and 76 are designed for smooth operation on stage, with easy-to-use controls and a vibrant 4.3-inch colour display that makes navigation effortless.

  • 512 Scene Memories: Store and recall complex setlists, quickly accessing your preferred sounds.
  • 128 Scene Chains: Seamlessly arrange multiple scenes for smooth transitions during performances.
  • Discrete Sound Sections: Organised control areas for each sound engine, simplifying live adjustments.

Expressive Touch & Playability:

Featuring a full-size 88-note weighted hammer-action keyboard with escapement and Ivory Feel keys with the V-Stage 88 and a semi-weighted waterfall action keyboard on the V-Stage 76, both offer an authentic playing experience that adapts to a variety of playing styles. The channel aftertouch provides additional expressive control, especially useful for organ performance techniques.

Comprehensive Connectivity:

Built with professional-grade connectivity options, the V-STAGE 88 ensures you can integrate it easily into any performance setup:

  • Balanced XLR Outputs: For clear, studio-quality audio signals to external speakers or mixers.
  • XLR Mic Input: Ideal for vocalists and keyboard players who need to use a microphone alongside their performance.
  • USB-C Audio/MIDI: For quick and easy connection to computers and DAWs, enabling seamless integration into your music production setup.
  • Dual USB Ports: Allow you to connect external devices such as USB storage or MIDI controllers.

Built for the Road:

The V-STAGE 88’s lightweight build (21.8kg) and robust construction make it a perfect choice for musicians who need a dependable instrument on the move. Whether you’re on tour or gigging locally, the compact footprint makes it easy to transport without compromising on features.

Quick fire questions:

  • How many sounds does the Roland V-Stage have?

    The Roland V-Stage range has 4 engines which offer a range of sounds per engine, the Zen-Core Synth offers over 400 sounds! You’re also able to save up to 512 scene memories.

  • What type of keyboard does the V-Stage have?

    The Roland V-Stage comes in two flavours:
    – V-Stage 88: 88 Hammer Action Ivory feel keys
    – V-Stage 76: 76 Semi Weighted Waterfall action keys

  • Does the V-Stage require a DI for live performance?

    No! Both V-Stage keyboards feature XLR outputs meaning that your sound engineer won’t need to reach for a DI box.

  • Controls?

    The Roland V-Stage offers a ton of reachable controls, such as drawbars, filter controls. Everything you might want to reach for instantly on stage.

Roland V-Stage vs. Nord Stage vs. Yamaha CP88 Stage Keyboards:

Lets take a look at the Roland V-Stage with the other Stage Keyboard titans Nord, Korg and Yamaha. The Nord Stage 4,  Yamaha CP88 and the Korg Grandstage X have all been excellent choices for musicians over the years, but how do they compare?

Keybed and Playability:

Roland V-STAGE:

The V-STAGE 88 features a hammer-action keybed with escapement and Ivory Feel keys, offering a natural acoustic piano feel. It also includes channel aftertouch, which is particularly useful for expressive control in organ and synth performance. The 76-key version uses a compact design while retaining expressive playability.
Best For: Musicians who need a versatile keybed for various styles, from piano to organ and synth techniques.

Yamaha CP88:

The CP88 offers a natural wood graded hammer action keybed with synthetic ivory keytops, providing a realistic touch for piano purists. This focus on acoustic piano playability makes it a favourite for traditional pianists.
Best For: Pianists looking for a classic acoustic feel and straightforward usability.

Nord Stage 4:

The Nord Stage 4 includes a Triple Sensor keybed across its models, with weighted hammer-action keys in the 88 and 76 versions, and semi-weighted keys in the Compact version. The Triple Sensor design improves responsiveness, particularly for dynamic synth or organ playing.
Best For: Players who require versatility for layered performances, especially with synth-heavy setups.

Korg Grandstage X:

The Korg Grandstage X features an RH3 (Real Weighted Hammer Action 3) keybed, which is graded and offers a responsive, authentic piano touch. The 88-key version replicates the feel of a grand piano, with heavier keys in the lower range and lighter keys in the upper range. It is well-suited for pianists who value a traditional touch, but its versatility extends to organ and synth performance.
Best For: Pianists who want a highly realistic piano key feel while also accommodating organ and synth needs.

Sound Engines and Realism:

Roland V-STAGE:

Powered by four sound engines—V-Piano, SuperNATURAL Electric Piano, Virtual Tone Wheel, and ZEN-Core Synth—the V-STAGE excels in versatility and realism. The V-Piano engine offers full polyphony and natural dynamics, while the ZEN-Core engine delivers expansive synth tones with Model Expansions. The Virtual Tone Wheel provides convincing organ emulations.
Unique Feature: Combines piano realism with extensive synth and organ capabilities in one instrument.

Yamaha CP88:

Features 128 polyphonic voices, including 57 sounds such as grand pianos, electric pianos, and clavinets. The CP88 focuses on delivering authentic piano and electric piano tones, with a simpler, more curated sound set than the Roland and Nord.
Unique Feature: High-quality piano sounds with a focus on classic tones, ideal for pianists prioritising simplicity.

Nord Stage 4:

The Nord Wave 2 Synth Engine allows for three independent layers, while the Organ section includes award-winning simulations of vintage tone wheel and transistor organs. The Piano section features enhanced grand, upright, and electric pianos, alongside a vast sample library.
Unique Feature: Comprehensive layering capabilities and organ emulation for complex, dynamic performances. 

Korg Grandstage X:

The Korg Grandstage X boasts seven individual sound engines, including the SGX-2 Acoustic Piano Engine, EP-1 Electric Piano Engine, CX-3 Tonewheel Organ Engine, and AL-1 Analog Modeling Synth. This combination provides exceptional versatility and realism, from rich grand piano tones to dynamic synths and vintage organ emulations. The SGX-2 engine utilizes unlooped stereo samples for unparalleled piano sound fidelity.
Unique Feature: A diverse array of seven sound engines with premium-quality acoustic and electric piano tones.

Interface and Workflow:

Roland V-STAGE:

Designed with live performance in mind, the V-STAGE offers a 4.3-inch colour display, 512 scene memories, and 128 scene chains for seamless transitions. The interface is intuitive, with dedicated sections for each sound engine, making it easy to adjust tones and effects during performances.
Best For: Musicians managing complex setlists or frequently switching between sounds on stage.

Yamaha CP88:

The CP88 features a straightforward dial-and-button interface with a small LED display, focusing on simplicity and ease of use. Its seamless sound switching ensures smooth transitions during live performances.
Best For: Players who prefer a no-frills, user-friendly interface tailored for piano-focused performances.

Nord Stage 4:

The newly designed panel includes dedicated LED faders for each layer and physical drawbars with LED indicators for the organ section, enhancing real-time control. It also includes an intuitive preset library for quick access to sounds.
Best For: Performers who need fine-tuned, on-the-fly adjustments, especially for layered performances.

Korg Grandstage X:

The Grandstage X has an intuitive interface designed for live performances, with a colour OLED display and dedicated knobs for quick sound and effect adjustments. Its split and layer functionality is simple to use, allowing for seamless integration of multiple sounds. The favourite buttons enable quick access to commonly used settings, making transitions smooth and efficient during performances.
Best For: Performers who prioritize straightforward navigation and ease of operation in live settings.

Portability and Connectivity:

Roland V-STAGE:

Weighing 21.8kg (88-key), the V-STAGE is relatively lightweight for an 88-key stage keyboard. Connectivity includes balanced XLR outputs, USB-C audio/MIDI, dual USB ports, and an XLR mic input, making it highly versatile for stage and studio use.
Best For: Musicians who need robust connectivity options in a portable design.

Yamaha CP88:

The CP88 is lightweight and portable, making it easy to transport. It also includes XLR outputs and USB integration, ensuring compatibility with live and studio setups.
Best For: Gigging musicians prioritising portability and straightforward connectivity.

Nord Stage 4:

The Nord Stage 4 varies in weight depending on the model, with the 88-key version being lighter than the Roland V-STAGE at 19kg. It includes comprehensive connectivity, such as USB and multiple audio outputs.
Best For: Musicians who value portability with advanced connectivity.

Korg Grandstage X:

The Korg Grandstage X weighs 20.8kg (88-key), balancing portability and durability. Connectivity includes balanced XLR outputs, 1/4-inch line outputs, MIDI in/out, USB audio/MIDI, and a damper pedal input, making it versatile for both live and studio environments.
Best For: Musicians seeking a balanced combination of portability, robust build, and comprehensive connectivity options.

Want to hear them all in action? Here’s our very own Jack D & Dan Bingham doing their blindfold comparison:

Conclusion:

The Roland V-Stage stacks up extremely well when compared to the competition, all 3 Stage Keyboards offer something for everyone, every gig and every tour. It really comes down to your personal preference, the Nord Stage 4 does come in lighter than the V-Stage, but the V-Stage also contains Rolands legendary Zen-Core engine, the Yamaha CP88 may offer more simplicity, but then the V-Stage comes fighting back with built in XLR outputs, we also can’t forget about Korg’s excellent heritage in the keyboard and synth scene which they’ve packed into their Grandstage X Stage Keyboard!  It’s a difficult question to answer. The only question now is, what’s best for you? And you’re the only one who can answer that!

Rock on fellow musicians!

Useful FAQ’s!

Q: What is a stage keyboard and how does it differ from a digital piano or digital synth?
A: A stage keyboard is designed specifically for live performance, offering a wide range of sounds, controls, and portability. It differs from a digital piano, which typically focuses on piano sounds with more emphasis on authentic touch, and a synthesizer, which offers more extensive sound creation capabilities and can become very complicated. Stage Keyboards love to sit in the middle. And are amazing for live performance.

Q: What features should I look for when choosing a stage keyboard for live performances?
A: Look for a responsive keybed, a variety of sounds or engines, ease of sound switching, portability, and connectivity options such as USB and XLR outputs, which are essential for seamless integration into live setups. All three examples offer industry standard connections and excellent keybeds.

Q: How many sounds or presets can a typical stage keyboard store, and are they customizable?
A: Most stage keyboards, like the Roland V-STAGE. Nord Stage 4, and Yamaha CP88, can store hundreds of presets. These presets are often customizable, allowing you to tailor sounds for specific performances and then recall them at a moments notice.

Q: Can a stage keyboard be connected to external devices like MIDI keybaord & controller or DAW / Recording software?
A: Yes, most stage keyboards, including the Roland V-STAGE, Nord Stage 4, and Yamaha CP88, offer MIDI connectivity and USB ports, allowing integration with MIDI controllers, DAWs, and other external devices. The beauty of these is that they don’t just have to be a stage performance instrument, but in the studio you can also them as your master keyboard!

Q: What types of sounds are typically included in stage keyboards, and how realistic are they?
A: Stage keyboards typically include a range of sounds like grand pianos, electric pianos, organs, and synths. The realism varies, but all three models—Roland V-STAGE, Nord Stage 4, and Yamaha CP88—offer highly realistic acoustic and electric pianos, with dedicated sound engines that improve authenticity.

Q: How portable are stage keyboards, and what accessories are recommended for gigging musicians?
A: Stage keyboards like the Roland V-STAGE, Nord Stage 4, and Yamaha CP88 are designed to be portable for live gigs. Accessories that may be useful include a sturdy keyboard stand, a sustain pedal, and a protective case or gig bag, most bags or cases come with wheels to help ye old back.

Q: Do stage keyboards come with built-in speakers, or do I need an external amplification system?
A: Most stage keyboards, including the Roland V-STAGE, Nord Stage 4, and Yamaha CP88, do not have built-in speakers, so an external amplification system or PA system is typically required for live performances, at home we’d recommend a good pair of headphones so you can rock all night long.

Q: Are stage keyboards suitable for studio recording, or are they primarily for live performances?
A: While stage keyboards are designed for live performance, they are also suitable for studio recording. Their versatile sound engines, like those in the Roland V-STAGE and Nord Stage 4, make them excellent tools for recording music in a studio environment.

Q: Can stage keyboards mimic vintage instruments like electric pianos, organs, and clavinets effectively?
A: Yes, stage keyboards like the Roland V-STAGE, Nord Stage 4, and Yamaha CP88 excel at mimicking vintage instruments. The Nord Stage 4 is especially known for its realistic organ simulations, while the V-STAGE offers Roland’s Zen Core which has gained fame for being scarily realistic, Yamaha of course are legends in the piano world and they’ve brought that heritage to their CP88.

The Roland V-STAGE, Nord Stage 4, and Yamaha CP88 are all highly capable stage keyboards, each with its own strengths. The choice between them ultimately depends on your specific needs, such as sound variety, keybed feel, portability, and connectivity options. All three models excel in providing a premium playing experience for both live gigs   and studio use. The stage, is your oyster.

Hungry for some more? Check out our other guides and blogs!

Roland Product Range

Synths & Workstations

Digital Stage & Portable Pianos

NAMM 2025

NAMM 2025 Keyboards & Pianos

NAMM 2025 Synths

 

Robin Tindill
Robin Tindill

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