Roland AX Synth
26Jan09
This video, via SOS, captures a Winter NAMM Show demo for the Roland AX Synth “shoulder synthesizer”, which is pretty killer, as “shoulder synthesizers” go.
Roland seems to be very careful about avoiding the “keytar” moniker, though. Any guesses why?
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They wanted to avoid the word “keytard”, that’s why.
But it’s not nice to say ‘keytard’, they are not ‘keytards’ they
are ‘coolness-impaired’….
They really should just give in and embrace the term already. Their marketing department need to read more internets.
“Keytar” is a trademark for another shoulder keyboard controller (no sounds) made by some small company. That is why Roland doesn’t call it a “keytar”.
Cripes, that thing is huge. I was hoping for something like the supercool black AX-1 with revised features and usability.
“We have been looking forward to bringing back the AX-Series in style, and the AX-Synth is it,” says Vince LaDuca, Product Marketing Manager.
Yes, we have. And this is it? Oh, dear. Have to wait for the next version, then.
This does look rather big – possibly why they have a large guy demo-ing the unit. I'm gonna wait until it shrinks, too. The AX-7 might have to be an option now ~ even at astronomical ebay prices.
If they couldn't sell the AX-7 at $500 why would they think that making it twice as expensive and incorporating an onboard synth that I know I don't want would be attractive. I expect that this will be a flop and that it will scare away anyone from making a more suitable version of this kind of keyboard.
I keep bugging Novation to make one of these things.
And the word keytar is a pejorative to me.
I agree. Way too big. WAY WAY WAY too big. And I have always hated Roland's sounds so there's a feature (which added to it's girth) that I don't want to pay for.
AX-7 – yes.
This thing… NO friggin way.
PASS
Just spoke with someone in the know…. this will finally come out in August. Hopefully, the release will bring the eBay prices down on the AX-7 cuz there's no way I will buy this monster.
that think sucks…
i hope the ax-7 comes down in price once this hits the market.
As an AX-7 Owner, I have to say that this looks a bit much as the "next step up"…..that being said I feel that the 2 lbs difference shows its not THAT much bigger
Just ordered Ax-Synth. I've always wanted this type of keyboard. I like to move with my music.
Don't look that bad if you ask me. I haven't tried it, so I'll wait and judge upon receiving it.
And keep in mind, if it becomes a flop, I doubt the AX-1/AX-7 prices will sink, rather skyrocket… And if it becomes a hit, the AX-7 prices might sink, but then you may consider buying it?
Me, I look forward to it
I have tried it out and it feels fabulous. The weight is in the left hand if your right handed and as I said to the salesman in Billy Hyde, I'd just need to strengthen my left arm a little more to support the weight. I am a chick btw… but I'm also quite tall… just over 6'. The guys said it looked cool and it felt VERY cool. To me it means I can have heaps more freedom on stage and a better relationship with the audience as there isn't that locked in feeling from behind a keyboard. And to those who complain about price? Are you serious musicians or just here to make weird noises? Sure its around 2 Grand, but the opportunities it will abound me are absolutely unlimited… *jumps in the air and clicks heels*
Got mine last week. LOVE IT. Sounds are excellent… like having a Fantom-based keytar! Many sounds are very usable (for me at least) without using the USB~PC/Mac editor. Keyboard play is smooth and the extra keys and octave placement (different from AX1) is welcomed. Grip section is chunkier than the AX1/AX7 and it makes using the D-Beam difficult. Ribbon controller is textured and for me required some getting used to as I was expecting similar touch/feel to the smooth AX1 ribbon. Behind-grip controls (porta/bender/hold) are recessed and require practice to use without looking, but the added features (porta and bender) make things very interesting especially with the great on-board guitar sounds! D-Beam eats batteries (user manual warns about this). Would be nice if the AC-Adapter could be used to charge NiCad's in the keyboard so removing them would be un-necessary. Battery compartment is VERY snug, don't see any chance for loose batteries to mess things up mid-solo! Absolutely love the optional neck-strap placement, but I really wish that Roland spent $12 extra dollars and used Dunlop or Shaller strap-locks instead of standard buttons. I don't know who started what rumor, but this keyboard does not have a built-in wireless "anything" – you have to get that yourself. This keyboard is not for everyone, especially if you're shy – it begs to be used in-front with the lead guitar player, stealing licks and upstaging the rest of the band! Its only $1k… and if you add an off-brand wireless guitar and MIDI system, the leash is off!
This thing is awesome! Got mine last week.Cool sounds as well.Weight and size is just for me.
Weight and size is OK for me.
I have the AX-1 and just got the Ax Synth. It's sounds great with very rich with deep tone presets. I think the buttons on the back of the neck are to deep for easy access. It takes a bit more effort to use the pitch ribbon than that of the AX-1 due to the thick neck and the D-beam is a bit tough to get to while playing and using the expression bar/pitch ribbon (wish it was closer to the ribbon). It would be nice if the preset buttons were below the keys (next to your body to access with your thumb for quicker access without bending over or flipping the keyboard up just to see and read the labels). Last but not least, i wish they would have come out with color options right from the start! I prefer it in black like the prototype they gave to Jean Michel Jarre that created a hugh request for black in Japan. I may just return the white one and wait! It's just not cool.