Yamaha
NP-15
$230
Yamaha's lightest piano-style keyboard — Piaggero series
5.7 Beginner 6.5 Night Practice 10.0 Portability 1.7 Touch Reality 6.5 Value
61 4.5 kg
View Details Roland
Roland GO:PIANO 61 Review
A pocket-sized Roland that runs on batteries and fits in a backpack
61 Keys 3.9 kg semi weighted
Bluetooth
Beginner
Scores
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
7.3| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 3.0 |
| Lesson Function | Yes | +1.5 |
| App Connectivity | Yes | +1.5 |
| Recording | No | +0 |
| Metronome | Yes | +0.5 |
| Transpose | Yes | +0.3 |
| Layer / Split | No | +0 |
| Preset Songs | 0 | +0 |
| Sound Variety | 40 sounds | +0.5 |
Night Practice
6.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 | +1 |
| Headphone Type | 3.5mm | +0.5 |
| Headphone Optimization | No | +0 |
| Key Action Quietness | semi weighted | +1.5 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | +0 |
Portability
10.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 3.9 kg | +3 |
| Width | 877 mm | +1 |
| Battery | Yes | +1.5 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 61 keys | +0.5 |
Touch Reality
2.2| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | semi weighted (grade 2) | +1.2 |
| Key Count | 61 keys | +0.2 |
| Polyphony | 128 notes | +0.8 |
| Sound Modeling | No | +0 |
| Key Surface | none | +0 |
Our Verdict
The Roland GO:PIANO 61 puts Roland sound quality into a ultra-portable 61-key package weighing under 4 kg, with battery power and Bluetooth MIDI for learning anywhere.
Pros
- • Just 3.9 kg — light enough for a child to carry to a lesson or move between rooms
- • Battery operation (6 AA batteries) means true portability with no power outlet required
- • Bluetooth MIDI connects wirelessly to learning apps on tablets and smartphones
- • Roland sound engine delivers noticeably better piano tones than most sub-$300 keyboards
- • Compact 877mm width fits on a desk, kitchen table, or small apartment space
- • USB MIDI for connecting to computers and DAWs for music production experiments
Cons
- • 61 semi-weighted keys — no substitute for a full 88-key weighted action for serious study
- • Only 1 headphone jack (3.5mm) with no headphone optimization — basic silent practice only
- • 5W speakers are quiet and thin-sounding — adequate for personal practice but not performance
- • No recording function, no layer/split, and no preset songs limits creative exploration
- • No damper pedal included — must be purchased separately if needed
The Roland GO:PIANO 61 is not a practice instrument for serious piano students — it is a gateway. Its value lies in accessibility: the small size, battery power, Bluetooth connectivity, and Roland's sound quality make piano exploration possible in situations where a full-sized instrument simply would not fit. For what it is, it does the job admirably. Just know what you are getting and plan to upgrade when commitment grows.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The semi-weighted action provides some resistance compared to an unweighted synth keyboard, but it is fundamentally different from the hammer-action keys found on full-sized digital pianos. For beginning exploration and casual playing this is fine, but students planning to transition to an acoustic piano should expect an adjustment period. There is no graded weighting from bass to treble.
Who Is This Piano For?
The GO:PIANO 61 is for absolute beginners who are not yet sure if piano is for them, children starting their first lessons, or anyone who needs a genuinely portable keyboard that still sounds like a real instrument. It pairs beautifully with tablet-based learning apps via Bluetooth MIDI. If you live in a tiny apartment and need something you can put away in a closet after practice, this is one of the few instruments from a major brand that delivers at this size and price.
Specifications
| Keys | 61 |
| Key Action | Semi Weighted |
| Polyphony | 128 notes |
| Sounds | 40 |
| Weight | 3.9 kg |
| Speakers | 5W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | MIDI |
| Key Surface | None |
| Sound Modeling | — |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 |
| Headphone Type | 3.5mm |
| Headphone Optimization | No |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | No |
| Lesson Function | Yes |
| App Connectivity | Yes |
| Recording | No |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | No |
| Preset Songs | 0 |
| Battery | Yes |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 877×271×72 mm |
| Stand Included | No |
| Pedal Included | No |
Recommended Accessories
🪑
Stand
Stand not included (sold separately)
A sturdy X-stand or furniture-style stand is essential if one isn't included.
🎧
Headphones
Closed-back headphones with good bass response make practice sessions more enjoyable.
🎹
Sustain Pedal
The included pedal is usually basic. A half-damper pedal upgrade is worthwhile for expressive playing.
💺
Bench
An adjustable-height bench helps maintain proper posture during long practice sessions.
How It Compares
GO:PIANO 61 vs NP-15
The GO:PIANO 61 scores higher in Beginner and Touch Reality, while the NP-15 edges ahead in Night Practice and Value. The NP-15 costs $70 less. Choose the GO:PIANO 61 if you prioritize beginner-friendly features.
Yamaha NP-15 →GO:PIANO 61 vs PSR-E373
The GO:PIANO 61 scores higher in Touch Reality, while the PSR-E373 edges ahead in Beginner and Night Practice and Value. Choose the GO:PIANO 61 if you prioritize realistic touch.
Yamaha PSR-E373 →GO:PIANO 61 vs NP-35
The GO:PIANO 61 scores higher in Portability, while the NP-35 edges ahead in Beginner and Touch Reality and Value. Choose the GO:PIANO 61 if you prioritize portability.
Yamaha NP-35 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Roland GO:PIANO 61 good for beginners?
Yes. The Roland GO:PIANO 61 scores 7.3/10 on our Beginner scale, which means it has strong learning features like lesson modes, app connectivity, and built-in songs to help new players get started.
Does the Roland GO:PIANO 61 have Bluetooth?
The Roland GO:PIANO 61 has Bluetooth MIDI for wireless app connectivity, but no Bluetooth Audio for streaming music.
How heavy is the Roland GO:PIANO 61?
The Roland GO:PIANO 61 weighs 3.9 kg (9 lbs). It scores 10/10 on our Portability scale. This is light enough to carry between rooms or to lessons.
Can I use headphones with the Roland GO:PIANO 61?
Yes. The Roland GO:PIANO 61 has 1 headphone jack (3.5mm). It scores 6/10 on our Night Practice scale.
How many keys does the Roland GO:PIANO 61 have?
The Roland GO:PIANO 61 has 61 keys, which is smaller than a standard 88-key piano. This is fine for beginners and casual playing, but advanced pieces may require more range.
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8.6 Beginner 6.5 Night Practice 10.0 Portability 1.3 Touch Reality 6.4 Value
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View Details Yamaha
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