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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

What kind of connectivity options does the Roland AX-1 keytar offer?

The Roland AX-1 keytar features MIDI Input and Output ports, allowing it to control other MIDI-compatible devices and synthesizers.

Is the Roland AX-1 suitable for live performances?

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.

Does the Roland AX-1 produce its own sounds?

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.

How many keys does the Roland AX-1 have, and what is their action type?

The Roland AX-1 has 45 full-size keys with a synth action, providing a responsive and dynamic playing experience.

Can the Roland AX-1 be used with modern MIDI equipment?

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.

Ben Wilshire

Ben Wilshire

Roland AX1 Keytar! Short Demo Playthrough!

Video thumbnail for Roland AX1 Keytar! Short Demo Playthrough! by Ben Wilshire

Roland AX1 Keytar! Short Demo Playthrough!

Ben Wilshire

Ben Wilshire

Video thumbnail for Roland AX-1 Keytar Demo.avi by finelinebargains

Roland AX-1 Keytar Demo.avi

finelinebargains

finelinebargains

Video thumbnail for playing Roland AX1 by Weder Clay Oliveira Ferreira

playing Roland AX1

Weder Clay Oliveira Ferreira

Weder Clay Oliveira Ferreira

Video thumbnail for "Roland AX1" Test by synthartist69

"Roland AX1" Test

synthartist69

synthartist69

Reviews

PROS

  • Great gift for music enthusiasts

  • Requires additional equipment for sound output

CONS

  • Perceived as outdated by some users

  • Negative association with "joke bands"

  • 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

  • Locktite blue is recommended for strap locks to prevent them from loosening.

    Source
  • Ensure the AX-1 transmits on the same MIDI channel as the Juno Stage to facilitate proper communication between devices.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The AX-1 is MIDI-only and requires an external synth for sound production.

    Source
  • Setting up the AX-1 to ignore bank change commands can allow seamless patch changes without affecting other synths like the Juno Stage.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Using a CME WIDIjack enables wireless MIDI connectivity to iPads or iPhones.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • 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

Use cases and applications

  • Playing different patches simultaneously on the AX-1 and Juno Stage requires specific MIDI channel configuration and understanding of patch commands.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Roland AX-1 (MT Apr 93)

muzines.co.uk

Revamping the keyboard player's stage presence, the Roland AX-1 is a portable MIDI controller that lets you rock out like a guitarist. While not without its quirks—such as awkwardly placed controls and a limited 45-note keyboard—the AX-1 offers a playful and expressive playing experience. Its unique design and features, like the touch-sensitive pitch bend and modulation controls, make it a standout for performers seeking freedom from static setups. Though it lacks onboard sounds and the sustain button is hard to reach, its GS MIDI compatibility and expressive capabilities offer a fun and functional solution for keyboardists seeking visual and performance impact.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 7 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Peter Gabriel uses Roland AX-1

Peter Gabriel

Singer, Keyboardist

Genesis

...
Verified via Photoshelter

Gabriel can be seen playing a Roland AX-1 in this live photo.

See how Lzzy Hale uses Roland AX-1

Lzzy Hale

Singer, Guitarist

Hollywood Vampires

...
Verified via Photo

Older photo of her with an AX-1

See how Imogen Heap uses Roland AX-1

Imogen Heap

Keyboardist, Composer

Frou Frou

...
Verified via Photo

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

See how Janne Wirman uses Roland AX-1

Janne Wirman

Keyboardist

Children of Bodom

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Madonna Wayne Gacy uses Roland AX-1

Madonna Wayne Gacy

Keyboardist

Marilyn Manson

...
Verified via PopScreen

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

See how Adam Wakeman uses Roland AX-1

Adam Wakeman

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Ozzy Osbourne

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Phil Oakey uses Roland AX-1

Phil Oakey

Singer, Keyboardist

The Human League

...
Verified via The-black-hit-of-space

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.

See how Henrik Klingenberg uses Roland AX-1

Henrik Klingenberg

Keyboardist

Sonata Arctica

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, you can see Henrik Klingenberg using his purple and black painted Roland AX-1 Keytar.

See how MDK uses Roland AX-1

MDK

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Used in this video. It is also visible in the artwork for MDK's single "Mega".

See how Bobby Caldwell uses Roland AX-1

Bobby Caldwell

Singer, Guitarist

Cool Uncle

...
Verified via YouTube

Caldwell is seen playing this keytar starting at 2:12 of this video.

See how Joost van den Broek uses Roland AX-1

Joost van den Broek

Composer

Ayreon

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Mistheria uses Roland AX-1

Mistheria

Keyboardist

Vivaldi Metal Project

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by Mistheria, the artist is shown using a Roland AX-1 keytar on stage. The post, captioned "Feeling a moment on stage 💙💜 @vivaldimetalproject" and credited to photographer Francie Baldwin, confirms Mistheria's use of this specific gear.

Album Usage

The Roland AX-1 has been featured on the following albums:

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.

Roland JX-3P
Roland JX-3P Synthesizers
1
Yamaha CS-30
Yamaha CS-30 Synthesizers
1
Roland SH-101
Roland SH-101 Synthesizers
1
Roland JD-800
Roland JD-800 Synthesizers
1
Korg N264
Korg N264 Portable & Arranger Keyboards
1
Roland Jupiter-6
Roland Jupiter-6 Synthesizers
1

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