Roland announces new Fantom-G Series workstations
February 7, 2008
Roland has introduced three new keyboards in the Fantom-G range. The Fantom-G8 is a fully weighted 88 key instrument, while the Fantom-G6 features 61 synth keys and the Fantom-G7 features 76 synth keys, both with touch response and channel aftertouch.
All three models boast Roland’s ARX SuperNATURAL expansion bay, colour LCD, 24 track audio/128 track MIDI recorder, twice the ROM capacity of their predecessors, and a new effects engine with mastering effects.
Roland intros new line of Atelier Organs: AT-800, AT-900, AT-900C
February 7, 2008
Roland has introduced three new organs in its Atelier series. The AT-800, AT-900, and AT-900C feature a new “Articulation Voice” sound set and proprietary SuperNATURAL technology, improving various sounds such as the Violin, Trombone, Cello, and Tenor Sax voices.
It also offers new physical Harmonic Bars provide authentic, hands-on control of expressive organ playing with new organ tone sets, plus there’s a built-in D BEAM infrared controller which allows extra expressive control by passing your hand over it.
The flagship AT-900 offers the stately beauty of an impeccably crafted organ console. Crafted in America from seasonal natural wood, this organ is the genuine article.
The AT-900C is similarly gorgeous and stately, but this smaller unit is portable enough to be taken on the road. The contemporary, streamlined cabinet design combines an elegant Polished Cherry finish with eye-catching silver accents. Specially equipped XLR outputs facilitate professional setups for concert performances.
The AT-800 model offers a beautifully crafted cabinet finished in natural wood, a softly lit control panel and an advanced sound source. AT-800 ATELIER organ provides an outstanding organ playing experience at an affordable price.
All organs feature upper and lower key sets, both offering ten levels of initial touch, with the lower keys also having aftertouch capability. They all have an impressive maximum polyphony of 384 voices, at least 25 key pedalboard, expression and damper pedals, and 450 voices, drum and percussion voices.
For ease of operation, there’s a large colour backlit LCD screen, and a whole host of audio, video and computer connectors.
Roland announces HPi-7S and HPi-6S digital pianos
February 5, 2008
Roland has announced the launch of its latest digital pianos, the HPi-7S and HPi-6S. Both feature Roland’s DigiScore system featuring interactive, visual lessons aimed at making learning to play the piano more fun and rewarding.
The 7S features Roland’s most authentic grand piano sound and feel, thanks to the PHA II “ivory feel” keyboard with Escapement. The cabinet is fitted with an immersive four-speaker system. It has 100 levels of touch sensitivity, 128 notes of polyphony, 612 tones, 8 types of tuning temperament, and a built-in composer.
Roland announces E-09W interactive arranger keyboard
February 5, 2008
Roland has brought out a white version of its E-09 interactive arranger keyboard, unsurprisingly titled the E-09W.
The E-09 features 61 velocity sensitive keys, 64 notes of polyphony, 32MB of wave memory comprised of 870 tones and 70 drum sets, 47 different effects, 130 styles, 100 user programs, sixteen track recorder, pitch bend and modulation wheels.
Roland announces DP-990 digital piano
February 4, 2008
Roland has announced the new DP-990 digital piano, a sophisticated addition to their product line-up offering “amazing sounds and touch”.
It features Roland’s PHA II weighted keyboard with Escapement, which yields a heavier touch in the low range and lighter touch in the upper. It also provides lighter resistance for pianissimo passages and stronger resistance for fortissimo.
Each of the 88 keys features individual multi-samples, and a number of options are available which let the player design their perfect piano sound, by adjusting Damper, Strings and Key-off resonance.
Roland announces Collection/Score Series for AT organs
February 4, 2008
Roland has announced the availability of its Roland Collection Series/Score series for the AT Organs.
These new tools offer organ aficionados a quick and intuitive path to musical discovery and proficiency. Each DVD in the Roland Collection Series/Score Series is an anthology of musical pieces with visual aids that capture the performance styles of top players and arrangers.
The new series helps players master fingering techniques, facilitate casual playing, practice changing registration while playing or improve pedaling by simply observing the supplied video footage. Roland also included registration data on the bundled floppy disk as an aid for practice.
The Roland Collection Series includes Hector Olivera Organ Music Collection Vol. 1, and Tony Fenelon Organ Music Collection Vol. 2. The Roland Score Series is comprised of Organ Book Vol. 1 and Organ Book Vol. 2.
In addition to the titles above, Roland offers diverse lineup of songs, and many more titles are planned for the future.
Roland launches C-30 digital harpsichord
February 4, 2008
Roland has announced the launch of its C-30 digital harpsichord, designed to reproduce the sound, nuance, and touch of the harpsichord but with the advantages of modern technology.
Roland’s newly developed “click action� F-scale keyboard provides an authentic harpsichord feel, while two different types of unique harpsichord modes give you an expansive selection of sounds including French-type and Flemish-type harpsichord. Each mode has four stop variations: 8’1, (back), 8’11 (front), 4’, and Lute. In addition, Roland has added totally new sounds with the “Dynamic Harpsichord�, which can be played with dynamics and with a damper pedal. It also features two positive small-pipe organ sounds and the sound of the early fortepiano.
Sonic State video reviews Novation Nocturn Control
February 4, 2008
I haven’t heard much about Novation recently, but here’s a video from Sonic State’s Rob Jones, who does a 6+ minute practical review of the Nocturn Control, a nifty little device making it easy to control plug-in parameters and other effects.
Moog intros Minimoog Voyager OS
February 4, 2008
Moog introduces the Minimoog Voyager OS, featuring the analog sound engine of the Voyager, but without the digital controls.
Moog says that it’s the perfect solution for players looking for a roadworthy replacement for their Minimoog Model D, as a full-featured centrepiece for a modular synth rig, or for those craving direct, hands-on connection to their creativity.
Effective piano lessons for kids
February 1, 2008
Perhaps, after you’ve bought a child’s first keyboard, you may decide they need piano lessons.
The Intercom Music Blog has written a seven step guide on How to Make Beginner Piano Lessons Effective For Kids.
Steps include practising consistently at the same time, avoiding interruptions (especially from the dreaded TV), keeping music books tidy:
Numerous educational studies have shown that children are more likely to follow rules and guidelines if they have had input in making the rules. This is a favorite trick of early childhood teachers which can easily be incorporated into piano lessons for children. Have a set of piano practice rules in your head, and ask the child what rules need to be in place for the piano practice. Then gently steer them in the direction of the rules you have in mind.
