Archive for Keyboards
A Brief History Of ALL Roland Synthesizers?
Posted by: | CommentsHere’s an animated GIF put together by Das Kraftfuttermischwerk that displays 88 Roland synthesizers in about three seconds; perfect for a quick electronic history lesson or inducing a seizure at will.
Like our sun, you shouldn’t stare directly at this for any length of time.
Feel free to comment on any of the models you can recognize before you pass out. 
A Question About Roland Digital Pianos
Posted by: | CommentsThis is a question from Mario of http://www.MGOrchestra.com …
“I figured from your web site, you might have come across the Roland KR 33 piano. Are the keys weighted or not?”
No Mario, the Roland KR-33 does not have weighted keys. It has 76 synth-style keys that are velocity sensitive.
“There is another Roland model said to have weighted keys (76) EP 7 II. Any idea if it produces a classical piano sound as well? (That’s what I am after.)”
This is the official feature breakdown:
The ep-7mkII has a 76-note velocity-sensitive, weighted keyboard and eight CD-quality instrument sounds for creating life-like performances that can be stored on the built-in four song recorder.
Features:
* 76 semi-weighted keys with touch sensitivity
* Built-in stereo sound system with two 5″ speakers
* Onboard digital reverb and chorus effects
* Dual headphone jacks for silent listening by two players or teacher and student
* Optional “console” type stand specifically for the EP7 and EP7mkII
Here’s a close up of the sounds available. You’ll note there are two different piano sounds available. On most Roland gear, these are typically a classical oriented piano and a jazz/pop/rock piano.
I hope this helps you with your search!
A Question About the Roland SH-1000
Posted by: | CommentsBill asks regarding the Roland SH-1000:
“Hi, 2 questions…I’m a ‘Cars’ fan and was wondering if you knew if Greg Hawkes used this keyboard? Would you happen to know if the long sweep sound that opens for the Cars “Moving in Stereo” was used on this?”
Bill, I don’t know.
If anyone knows the answer to this and would like to help Bill out and satisfy my curiosity too, leave a comment!
Akai X7000 Question From Carl
Posted by: | CommentsCarl F. writes…
Hi Al,
Came across your 11/19/09 post on the Akai X7000.
I have one and 25 sampler discs that I’m looking to sell. Would you be interested or would you know someone who is?
My asking price is $ 450.
I’m not in the market for one right now, but if anyone out there is, please leave a comment and include how Carl can get ahold of you.
Note: I do not know Carl and I cannot offer any endorsement or guarantee of either his character or the quality of the gear he is offering for sale.
Akai X7000 Keyboard Sampler
The Realistic Concertmate MG-1: A Moog In Cheap Clothing
Posted by: | CommentsYes, it’s true. There was a time you could walk into your neighborhood Radio Shack store and spot a genuine Moog synthesizer. It was right there next to the display that beckoned you to get your “FREE Battery Card!”
Not only does this bit of trivia make this a great find on the second hand market, it is usually reasonably priced. When new, if I remember correctly, it was only $300 – $400.
Here’s a demonstration of the sound and functionality of the Realistic MG-1. If you managed to find one of these gems, drop me a line and tell me how you found it.
