Rockjam 54 Review

We rated the Rockjam 54 just a passing grade. While this toyish beginner digital piano is at the right price, we feel that the company isn’t entirely truthful in its advertising statements. This 54-key keyboard is unweighted and the non-keyboard sounds aren’t the best (which is to be expected in this price range)…

Like the others, it’s marketed as being perfect for beginners or intermediates. This is the main reason why I dinged it so many points. However, there are some neat features like the effects, recording and playback.

Overview

Also known as the RJ654, the Rockjam 54 key keyboard is a compact economical digital piano. According to the maker, this is what this specific model has to offer us:

“RockJam 54-Key Keyboard Piano – (is) the perfect musical instrument for aspiring pianists of all ages. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate player, this high-quality electronic keyboard will provide you with the tools you need to improve your skills and unleash your musical potential. With its compact and portable design, the RockJam 54-Key Keyboard Piano can be played anywhere – at home, on the road, or even outdoors.” –Rockjamshop.com

While I agree that the piano is indeed for aspiring pianists, the all-ages part doesn’t seem quite right. 

A Bit About Rockjam

Rockjam is a company that touts itself as being “Home of the world’s best-selling keyboard piano”. This maker also sells some hand percussion, an electric guitar, and other compact keyboards. While they excel at making things affordable, is it really worth it? 

My answer to that question is: Yes- but only for some beginners. 

So, let’s dive into the features to see what this little instrument can and can’t offer us. 

Rockjam 54: Features

Compact Chassis

One of the biggest selling points of the Rockjam 54 is its portability. You can take it with you on the go and play using battery power, or you can perform plugged in. There are two built-in speakers on either side which means that you won’t have to get extra amplification (as long as you are playing for yourself or a small group of 1-5 people).

Sheet Music Stand

The Rockjam sheet music stand can also hold a tablet like an iPad easily, making it a convenient accessory. 

LCD Screen

If you ask me, the most impressive feature of this little piano is the LCD screen. It lights up quite brightly and allows players to read the sheet music or chord symbols as they play. 

Simply Piano

Simply Piano is an app that works on both Android and IOS and is one of the most well-known piano apps out there. When you get a Rockjam 54, you also get access to the app and its learning software, which includes features like soloist courses and chord courses.

Demo Songs 

The instrument has 8 demo songs for children to listen to.

Unique Recordining/Notes Feature

This instrument allows you to save up to 41 ‘notes’. According to the maker, this helps players to review their progress over time. 

100 Voices, 100 Rhythms

The voices include keyboards like electric pianos and organs. There are also some orchestral strings, guitars, etc. This little keyboard gained some points back for variety, as there are also a lot of rhythms to choose from onboard. 

Other Features

Some other cool features onboard include:

• The ability to change the tempo of each song 
• A digital display that shows the details of the music (like what tone you are playing, the rhythm you are using, etc)
• Separate rhythm and master volumes
• A sustain button
• A vibrato button
• Transpose
• Buttons for the following percussion/sounds: Hi-hat, tik, snare drum, tock, bass drum, wood blocks and claps

Specifications

• Weight: 7 pounds
• Dimensions: 
• Depth: 4.7 inches
• Width: 33.5 inches
• Height: 13 inches

Who is it suitable for?

To keep it short and sweet, the Rockjam 54 is best suited for children. Since the keys aren’t weighted (or of the best quality) the keyboard isn’t ideal for classical rep. or for intermediates.  

The Rockjam in Action

Take a peek at this video by Hartwick Productions to see the Rockjam up close.

Amazon Ratings and Reviews

Surprisingly, this little keyboard was rated 4.⅘ on Amazon.com. It was rated a bit lower (4.2) on the Rockjam shop. 

Pros and Cons

Pros

• It is cheap 
• The piano tones are passable
• It fits in small spaces like little bedrooms and small studio apartments (you can probably even play it in the car or on a bus, honestly!)
• It has a good variety of voices
• Relatively easy to use
• It has headphone and mic inputs
• It comes with access to a really good app
• Makes for a cute auxiliary keyboard/ fun little instrument just to have around the house
• Full sized keys

This keyboard can be good for some young learners. While I’ve been a bit critical of the Rockjam 54 up until this point, I do think that musically interested students ages 4-12 could get some use out of this little keyboard. It does pack a bigger punch than you might think and has a lot of features for the price. Plus the addition of the LCD and Simply Piano access are two really nice included items. 

Cons

• It’s best for just kids (so the item isn’t really as advertised)
• The keys are not weighted 
• Some sites say this model has 100 demo songs but it actually only has 8! (There are some inaccuracies in the specs across the board when you do a quick Google search)
• No metronome that I could find
• Unideal for non-beginners and adult learners
• No foot pedal for sustain (the button can be inconvenient to use and doesn’t mimic real pianos)

Comparable Instruments

The two most comparable instruments to the Rockjam 54 include two of the maker’s other models: The company’s 61-key and 49-key. 

Rockjam’s compact 61-key keyboard actually costs less than this model (it has come down a fair bit since this review and is now only $66). To me this doesn’t quite make sense but alrighty! On the other hand, you can get Rockjam’s 49-key keyboard piano for about $48-50. All models have internal speakers (albeit small ones) and similar LCD screens as well.  

If you are looking for a keyboard of a higher build quality, try Casio. I think their beginner keyboards will last you longer. 

Quick View 

Rockjam 54: Conclusion

In conclusion, the Rockjam line isn’t the best- And this 54-key keyboard certainly won’t be servicing intermediate and up players anytime soon. But if you need a small keyboard to test the waters with, it will serve some beginners just fine. 

We don’t personally recommend Rockjams on a regular basis, but if you like them, to each his own! 

7Expert Score

We rated the Rockjam 54 just a passing grade. While this toyish beginner digital piano is at the right price, we feel that the company isn’t entirely truthful in its advertising statements. This 54-key keyboard is unweighted and the non-keyboard sounds aren’t the best (which is to be expected in this price range)... Like the others, it’s marketed as being perfect for beginners or intermediates. This is the main reason why I dinged it so many points. However, there are some neat features like the effects, recording and playback.

PROS

• It is cheap
• The piano tones are passable
• It fits in small spaces like little bedrooms and small studio apartments (you can probably even play it in the car or on a bus, honestly!)
• It has a good variety of voices
• Relatively easy to use
• It has headphone and mic inputs
• It comes with access to a really good app
• Makes for a cute auxiliary keyboard/ fun little instrument just to have around the house
• Full sized keys

CONS

• It’s best for just kids (so the item isn’t really as advertised)
• The keys are not weighted
• Some sites say this model has 100 demo songs but it actually only has 8! (There are some inaccuracies in the specs across the board when you do a quick Google search)
• No metronome that I could find
• Unideal for non-beginners and adult learners
• No foot pedal for sustain (the button can be inconvenient to use and doesn’t mimic real pianos)