Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $700
Standard/Professional
$500
$1501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
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.
Videos
Ben Wilshire
Roland AX1 Keytar! Short Demo Playthrough!
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
Features and functionality
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
Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 7 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Björn Böttcher is seen using a custom-painted Roland AX-1 with a camouflage design, as shown in a user-uploaded photo on Flickr.
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.
Scotty - Hi there Jem, being the most technology-minded in the band, do you have a studio at home and what stuff do you use? Are any of the other band members into that kind of thing or do they leave it up to you? Looking forward to the new album. Scotty.
JD - I have my Mac at home and run Logic with Motu 828 interface for recording. As I said earlier I'm old-school so I love my keyboards hence I have a 1973 Minimoog, Nord Stage 88 as my main keyboard for Logic, Nord Stage Compact, Korg PA1 x pro, Korg M3 73 with Radias, Roland Fantom G7, Roland Fantom X6, Roland Fantom XR, Moog Little Phatty, the excellent Nord C1, best Hammond emulator I have ever played. 2 Korg o1/w, Roland AX-1, Roland AX-7... Well you did ask! Pete is well into recording and programming, Merv writes with a Korg pa80 and is getting quite a nifty keyboard player, Jim has a ProTools set-up and Stiv... well, we are still teaching him how to text! But when you can sing and write songs like he does, who cares!
Walter Savelli used the Roland AX-1 synthesizer during various years on tour with Claudio Baglioni, as shown in a photo shared on his Facebook page.
Nik Green has been documented using a Roland AX-1 red keytar, as evidenced by an image available on Equipboard.
Daniel "Nephil" Estrin is confirmed to use a Roland AX-1, as he is seen performing with it live during a keytar duel against Christopher Bowes at ProgPower Atlanta on September 5, 2018, as documented in the YouTube video by user cramx3 titled "Voyager vs Alestorm Keytar Duel (Daniel Estrin vs Christopher Bowes) @ ProgPower Atlanta."
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.
More Roland Synthesizers
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Synthesizers
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
neopolGear IQ 56
-