Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $700
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$500
$1501+
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Description
The Roland AX-1 is a keytar that blends the world of synth and performance, offering musicians the freedom to express themselves on stage like never before. Designed with the performing artist in mind, this classic keytar provides an engaging way to interact with your audience. It connects effortlessly with MIDI-compatible devices, allowing you to control your favorite synthesizers and sound modules with ease. The AX-1 features 45 velocity-sensitive keys, giving you a dynamic range to explore your musical creativity.
Its intuitive user interface is equipped with a variety of performance controls, including a pitch bend ribbon, a modulation bar, and multiple assignable buttons, ensuring you have all the tools needed for expressive play. The AX-1 also includes a sustain switch input and an external footswitch control, providing additional flexibility for live performances. With its lightweight and ergonomic design, the AX-1 is comfortable to wear and easy to maneuver, making it perfect for energetic stage presence without compromising on functionality.
Key Features:
- 45 velocity-sensitive keys for dynamic play
- MIDI capability for controlling external sound modules
- Pitch bend ribbon and modulation bar for expressive control
- Multiple assignable buttons for customized performance settings
- Sustain switch input and external footswitch control
- Lightweight and ergonomic design for comfortable use on stage
- Intuitive user interface tailored for live performance
Product specs
| Brand | Roland |
| Model | AX-1 45-Key Keytar MIDI Controller |
| Finish | Black, Red |
| Year | 1992 - 2001 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Keytar MIDI Controllers |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output |
| Number of Keys | 45 Keys |
FAQs
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What kind of connectivity options does the Roland AX-1 keytar offer?
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The Roland AX-1 keytar features MIDI Input and Output ports, allowing it to control other MIDI-compatible devices and synthesizers.
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Is the Roland AX-1 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Roland AX-1 is designed for live performances with its lightweight design and full-size keys, making it easy to play while moving around on stage.
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Does the Roland AX-1 produce its own sounds?
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No, the Roland AX-1 is a MIDI controller and does not produce sounds on its own. It must be connected to an external sound module or synthesizer.
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How many keys does the Roland AX-1 have, and what is their action type?
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The Roland AX-1 has 45 full-size keys with a synth action, providing a responsive and dynamic playing experience.
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Can the Roland AX-1 be used with modern MIDI equipment?
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Yes, the Roland AX-1 can be used with modern MIDI equipment, as it features standard MIDI Input and Output connections compatible with current MIDI devices.
Videos
Ben Wilshire
Roland AX1 Keytar! Short Demo Playthrough!
Reviews
PROS
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Great gift for music enthusiasts
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Requires additional equipment for sound output
CONS
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Perceived as outdated by some users
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Negative association with "joke bands"
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May have shipping or tracking issues
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland AX-1.
Setup and maintenance
Features and functionality
Mods and upgrades
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Using a CME WIDIjack enables wireless MIDI connectivity to iPads or iPhones.
Source
Software and compatibility
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Roland Sound Canvas app offers a diverse set of sounds for use with AX-1 when connected to iOS devices via a MIDI interface.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 7 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Imogen Heap is pictured in the attached proof holding the Roland AX-1 (which is different from the Ax-Synth). The strap is also a Roland strap, and the color, and the button layout along the top of the keys is signature to the AX-1
In this YouTube video, at 0:09, Janne Wirman uses a Roland AX-1 Keytar. He used this keytar in his early stages at Children of Bodom together with his Korg N264 before replacing both with the Korg X5D in the early 00's.
Pogo has used a couple of this controllers during the Dead to the world tour and early MA touring, some of the controllers were partially painted black
At 12:20 in the video titled "Rick Wakeman & The E R E - 'Starship Trooper' Fairport's Cropredy Convention 2024" on YouTube, Adam Wakeman can be seen using the Roland AX-1.
Phil Oakey uses the Roland AX-1 synthesizer, as listed in The Human League's gear details in the Sounds article from August 12, 1978, featured on The-black-hit-of-space.
In this photo, you can see Henrik Klingenberg using his purple and black painted Roland AX-1 Keytar.
Used in this video. It is also visible in the artwork for MDK's single "Mega".
At the 39-minute mark of the YouTube video titled "Star One - Live On Earth 2003: FULL CONCERT (FULL HD)" by 80's DUDE, Joost van den Broek is seen using a Roland AX-1.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Roland AX-1, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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