Roland Go Keys 3 Review – From An Owner

My Roland GO 3 review

Roland Go Keys added two new members to the Go series: the Roland Go Keys 3 and 5. In this review, I will focus on the Go Keys 3, which I’ve owned for over two months. While aesthetics don’t mean much for keyboards, this is one of the cooler-looking portable keyboards on the market, as I went with the red one. If you’re wondering whether or not the Go Keys 3 is worth it for the money or if you should just go for a digital piano, you’ve come to the right place.

First things first: This could be considered an entry-level synthesizer with built-in speakers, considering the keys are not weighted.

Roland GO 3- 61
4.4

The Go 3 definitely caught me off guard and has provided me with another option for writing songs on the Go, no pun-intended. If you're looking for something budget friendly, with solid synth sounds, this is a good choice.

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Who Is This Built For?

I’m currently using this as a keyboard to play with while stationed next to my baby on a playmat. It’s a fun Roland keyboard with some surprisingly solid sounds, and it allows for me to write music while being on the move, even if that means while I’m on dad duty.

This being said, I would say this is for someone looking for a portable and affordable keyboard with solid sounds, as well as a beginner who is on a budget and maybe wants to do a little bit more songwriting exploring versus going down the classical piano route, as it’s also an arranger keyboard.

Unboxing Overview Of The GO Keys 3

My Roland GO 3 review

Overall, the packaging is rather light and the keyboard itself is as well. From a super cool aesthetic to a very portable build and easy-to-use interface, the GO 3 is about as inviting as you can be for an entry-level keyboard.

Sound Engine

Since I’m a keyboard junky, I had to compare the sound engine to others near its price point. I think the sounds from the Go-3 blow the Casio sounds out of the water for the same price point. 

The Roland GO 3 leverages the impressive ZEN-Core sound engine, making it a standout choice in the budget-friendly keyboard category. With access to 1,154 tones, 74 drum kits, and 203 styles, this keyboard offers a rich variety of sounds that elevate your music-making experience. The ZEN-Core architecture also allows for easy customization and expansion with additional sound packs, giving you the flexibility to enhance your sonic palette. Its seamless integration with both hardware and software ensures that exceptional sound is accessible to musicians at any level, proving that high-quality audio doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

What I Like About The Go Keys 3

There are many pros to the GO Keys 3. To make this information easier to follow, let’s take a look at my thoughts in bullet point format:

  • Incredible sounds: This keyboard is packed with some surprisingly solid synthesizer sounds that I could actuallyuse in my music. I wasn’t expecting this when purchasing it as I thought it would be more so for portability and writing purpose only.
  • Chord Sequencer/Arranger: This is where I have the most fun with the Go3. You’re able to quickly program up to 4 chords in a progression and then choose between a ton of different styles with the arranger. I spent a few hours messing around here when I first got the Go3.
  • Portability: This keyboard is super portable, and I find myself walking around in different spots of my house with it from time to time, specifically out to my balcony, which is where I’ve liked to write recent.

What I Dislike

Key-action: This keyboard isn’t meant to replace a digital piano and by no means imitates the action of a real piano. This is simply meant as a fun, synthesizer/budget-friendly keyboard for beginners and professionals.

Key-Action

Overall, the key action is probably my least favorite part about the Go 3, but to be honest, this is to be expected for the price point, given that it’s not a digital piano. While I wouldn’t say the action is bad, it’s just not what I’m used to with Roland, who’s making incredible action on their higher-end boards.

Speakers

The Roland GO 3 has built-in speakers featuring two 4.75-inch drivers and a 2 x 2.5W amplifier. While they provide adequate sound for casual playing and practice, the volume and clarity may not satisfy larger performances or detailed listening. They’re functional for basic use, but they’re not crazy-powerful.

Overall Sound

The overall sound of the Go 3 is surprisingly quite nice for the price point. As mentioned, I would put the sound of this keyboard over anything near its price point, and I believe it’s a nice advancement in recent years for this price in terms of the quality that you get.

Favorite Patches

Zenolead8000

The Zenolead8000 is a captivating patch that blends warmth with cutting-edge sonic textures. Its rich, evolving soundscapes are perfect for both melodic lines and dynamic leads, making it a go-to for creating atmospheric pieces. The flexibility allows for expressive performances that truly resonate.

Saw Lead 4

Saw Lead 4 is an iconic patch that delivers powerful, punchy tones ideal for any genre. Its bright and edgy character cuts through mixes effortlessly, making it perfect for energetic tracks. Whether for soaring solos or driving riffs, this lead inspires creativity and excitement.

70s Suitcase EP

The 70s Suitcase EP evokes nostalgia with its warm, vintage sound. Perfect for adding character to any composition, it shines in both soft ballads and upbeat tracks. The lush timbre captures the essence of classic electric pianos, making it a favorite for rich harmonic progressions.

Softstage EP

The Softstage EP is a gentle, expressive patch that enhances any arrangement with its delicate touch. Its smooth dynamics and warm tones are perfect for intimate performances, whether in solo piano moments or layered textures.This patch beautifully complements emotional melodies, adding depth and nuance.

EP Wah

EP Wah adds a funky, rhythmic twist to the classic electric piano sound. The wah effect brings an engaging texture that’s great for improvisation and dynamic playing. Its versatility allows for creative exploration, making it a standout choice for adding groove and flair to your music.

B.organ

The B.organ patch is a classic organ sound that fills the space with rich harmonics. Its robust and vibrant tones are perfect for both soulful ballads and energetic tracks. This patch brings a sense of nostalgia while remaining fresh, making it an essential tool for any musician.

Lo Fi AC Piano

The Lo fi AC Piano patch delivers a beautifully balanced sound that’s perfect for a wide range of styles. Its clear, resonant tones make it ideal for everything from classical to contemporary pieces. This is perfect for rainy day music and lo-fi beats as it reminds me of a sound you would hear from a lo-fi channel on Youtube.

Concert Piano

The Concert Piano patch embodies the majestic sound of a grand piano, ideal for powerful performances. Its full-bodied resonance and dynamic range capture the essence of live music, making it perfect for everything from classical to pop. This patch inspires confidence and expression in every note.

Power Octs

Power Octs is a patch that brings a bold, layered sound to your music. Its thick, harmonized piano tones create an expansive sonic landscape, making it perfect for anthemic choruses or dynamic builds. This patch energizes any track, inspiring creativity and elevating performances to new heights.

Vs The Casio Ct400

3 outshines the Casio CT-400 with its superior sound quality and key feel. The GO

features a broader range of high-quality sounds, offering more depth and nuance, which enhances creativity during performance. Its keys are responsive and well-weighted, providing a more authentic playing experience.

This contrast makes it easier to express dynamics and articulations in your playing. While the CT-400 has decent sounds, it lacks the richness and variety found in the GO 3. Overall, the combination of high-quality sounds and keys makes the GO 3 a more compelling choice for serious musicians.

Vs The Yamaha PSRE473

The Roland GO

3 offers distinct advantages over the Yamaha PSR E473 that make it a compelling choice for many musicians. Firstly, the sound engine in the GO

is known for its richer, more expressive tones, providing a wider range of high-quality sounds. The keys are also more responsive, allowing for a better touch and dynamic control, which is essential for nuanced performances. Additionally, the GO features a user-friendly interface with an intuitive loop mix function, enabling seamless layering and experimentation with sounds. Its Bluetooth connectivity allows for easy integration with apps and devices, enhancing the overall playing experience.

While the PSR E473 has its strengths, particularly in portability and a good selection of styles, the combination of sound quality and key feel in the GO

makes it a superior option for those who prioritize performance and creativity. For me, the Roland GO

3 truly stands out as a versatile instrument that caters to both casual playing and more serious musical pursuits.

Is This The Best Option For Its Worth Point?

The Roland GO 3 offers a solid package for its price, making it a competitive option in the market. Its high-quality sounds and responsive keys provide a satisfactory playing experience, appealing to various skill levels. While it has features like Bluetooth connectivity and a loop mix function, it may not fully replace dedicated gear for advanced musicians.Overall, it’s a decent choice if you’re looking for versatility and functionality in a single instrument, but it may not meet the demands of every player or performance scenario.

2 comments
  1. Good review! Btw, you can add way more than just 4 chords to a pattern. You can have up to 256 measures, with up to 4 chords per measure. And if you get tired of the tiny screen you can type them on your computer, save as CSV files, put them on a flash drive and import them to the keyboard. Look at a backup example to see how they’re formatted.
    Agreed about the keyboard action. I would prefer a synth style keyboard rather than an attempt at piano keys. I’m used to playing piano but playing this hurts my fingers after a few minutes.

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