Roland’s new ‘keytar’ – the AX-Synth now shipping
COLUMN: Roland’s new “keytar” (guitar-like keyboard) is now shipping. The AX-Synth is a remote shoulder keyboard with onboard sound generator, ribbon controller, D Beam, modulation bar, and more. With specs similar to the current “Juno” keyboards, the AX is a long-awaited successor to Roland’s older strap-on controllers. The new AX promises to provide a better player experience based on better keyboard action (I sent back the one from the last generation, as the keyboard was simply awful). Look for my full review of the new controller next week!
Plug in and play — what could be more convenient? The AX-Synth has everything you need to steal the show. Unlike most remote synths of yesteryear, the AX-Synth is self-contained and loaded with hundreds of Roland's greatest sounds. External MIDI devices are not required. Everything is built-in and ready to rock.
Control Freak: The AX-Synth is packed with cool controllers for expressive live performance. Glide your fingers over the Ribbon Controller for ultra-smooth pitch bends. A Modulation Bar and dedicated control knobs are also provided for real-time sound shaping. Wave your hand over the invisible D Beam for attention-getting effects.
USB MIDI: While the AX-Synth is completely self-contained, it's also capable of driving external instruments via MIDI. Plug into a MIDI device, and enjoy an unlimited world of sounds and textures, all controllable from the AX-Synth.
Custom Programming: The AX-Synth has a vault of great solo sounds onboard, but if you want to customize your sounds, you can download the dedicated PC software editor/librarian application. The AX-Synth's USB/MIDI connector makes communication to and from your computer fast and convenient.
Aug 30, 2009 @ 6:07 PM PDT
Just got my AX Synth. LOVE IT!! But I need a case for it. You would think Roland would make cases for a keyboard that you carry like a guitar.
Aug 30, 2009 @ 7:29 PM PDT
Reply from Christopher Simmons:
Hey Jim C
according to my rep at Sweetwater, Gator will have a case very shortly for the AX-Synth. I was hoping Roland would have a guitar-stand for it, too, so you could lean it on something. I got mine on Friday, too, and it’s very cool. So much better than the prior keytar they did. 🙂 -Christopher
Nov 11, 2009 @ 2:44 AM PST
I just hit the rehersal studio with the Ax and I LOVED IT! I was waiting out front for the boys and since they don’t have a case for it yet people could see it clearly on my shoulder and they couldn’t stop staring. But this time they didn’t have a smirk on their face like they just said, “Look at the goofball from Duran Duran”, but instead like “WoW! That is so sick it’s dangerous!”.
But I agree, I need a stand so I can put it down on stage. And being the leadsinger means I get to be front stage the entire time and can stop walking to the back to do the keyboard work for half the songs. PLUS I now play keys in EVERY Song. My Ax is so versitile I can just choose the right sound ad play along
Dec 11, 2009 @ 1:44 PM PST
I too got my ax synth and love it!… I am a bass player and wanted to be able to play some synth bass lines. The problem is that Roland Canada says they don’t have a case for it. There are many U.S companies that are selling a “Roland” case for this synth but due to manufacturer rules and to protect the Canadian companies “that don’t sell it anyways” they won’t ship to Canada. I guess Roland thinks we are going to carry our synths in plastic bags to our gigs… Screw that! Until I get a case it’s not leaving my house… A message to Roland…. Absolutely Great product… Not having a case available EVERYWHERE you sell this product, very poor marketing…. Oh yes and a stand would be nice…
Regards, JC