Roland AX-Synth Shoulder Synthesizer

$812.02 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (13)

1 Critic Review

4 Reviews

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

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5.0 (4)

$812.02 3 available Used

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Average Price: $812

Standard/Professional

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Roland AX-Synth Shoulder Synthesizer is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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Unleash your inner rockstar with the Roland AX-Synth Shoulder Synthesizer, a game-changing instrument that lets you break free from traditional keyboard setups. Designed for the daring performer, this shoulder synth combines the classic allure of a keytar with modern sound capabilities. Packed with a powerful built-in sound engine, it delivers an impressive array of solo-oriented tones that are perfect for live performances.

The AX-Synth doesn't just sound great; it feels great too. With its pitch-bend ribbon controller, D Beam, and modulation bar, you have an arsenal of tools to express your musical creativity fully. Whether you're navigating its vibrant display or using the intuitive controls, every note and nuance is at your fingertips.

For those looking to expand their sonic palette, the AX-Synth offers seamless USB connectivity for virtual instrument performances onstage. Customize your sound with downloadable PC software, making it easy to tweak and load your unique tones. Plus, with a remarkable battery life of up to six hours, you can enjoy untethered performances that truly let you roam the stage.

Key Features:

49-key design with a built-in sound engine featuring Roland's latest synthesizer voices
Expressive controls: ribbon controller, D Beam, modulation bar, and easy-to-see display
USB MIDI connectivity for PC integration and virtual instrument performances
V-LINK button for video and visual control
Battery-powered operation for up to 6 hours, plus optional AC adapter
128-voice polyphony with 256 tones and 8 SuperNATURAL tones
Dual 1/4" output jacks (L/Mono, R) and 1/4" stereo headphone output
Includes a foot pedal connector and shoulder strap for dynamic playability

Product specs

Brand	Roland
Model	AX-Synth 49-Key Shoulder Synthesizer
Finish	Black Sparkle, White
Year	2009 - 2012
Categories	Keyboard Synths, Keytar MIDI Controllers
Analog / Digital	Digital
Key Size	Full Size
Keyboard Action	Synth Action
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Number of Keys	49 Keys
Polyphony	128 Voices

FAQs

Is the Roland AX-Synth suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Roland AX-Synth is designed for live performances with its shoulder strap design, allowing for mobility on stage. It also features a variety of sounds and effects suitable for dynamic live use.
Does the Roland AX-Synth have built-in sounds?: Yes, the Roland AX-Synth comes with built-in sounds, including a wide range of synth tones, making it a standalone instrument without the need for external sound modules.
What type of polyphony does the Roland AX-Synth support?: The Roland AX-Synth supports 128-note polyphony, allowing for complex layering and sustained notes without cutting off sounds during performance.
Can the Roland AX-Synth be used as a MIDI controller?: Yes, the Roland AX-Synth can function as a MIDI controller with MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and USB MIDI connectivity, making it versatile for studio and live applications.
What kind of action does the keyboard of the Roland AX-Synth have?: The Roland AX-Synth features a synth action keyboard, which provides a lightweight and responsive feel suitable for fast playing and expressive performance techniques.

Videos

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PMTVUK

Roland AX Synth Demo - PMT

PMTVUK

Benny Reviews the Roland Ax-Synth Keytar | Axis of Awesome

The Axis of Awesome

AX-Synth Shoulder Synthesizer at NAMM 09

RolandChannel

AX-Synth Black Sparkle Shoulder Synthesizer Overview

RolandChannel

The Roland AX-Synth Keytar Review

Keytar Kris 🎹🎸

Roland AX-Synth Keytar -is it for you?

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Roland AX Synth

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Reviews

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PROS

Retro, guitar-like design appeals to specific musical aesthetics
Expansive sound engine with a wide range of tones
SuperNatural sounds offer organic, expressive options like cello and shakuhachi
Synthesizer-weight key bed allows for fast runs and effortless chord changes
Flexible, fun performance potential as a keytar
Intuitive UI with well-placed controls for live adjustments
Unique tonal controls on the headstock for sound variation

CONS

Plastic construction deemed fragile, not resistant to abuse
Heavy battery consumption, requiring eight AA batteries without the adapter

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland AX-Synth Shoulder Synthesizer.

Use cases and applications

0 0

The Roland AX Edge can be cumbersome for petite users, especially during extended performances, due to its 10 lbs weight with batteries.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

Roland AX Edge requires an external amp for sound amplification, as it functions as a synthesizer with built-in sounds.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

The Yamaha Reface DX with a keytar kit offers a compact alternative but lacks neck and expression controls essential for performance dynamics.
Source
0 0

The Korg RK100 mkii includes built-in sounds, unlike the Alesis Vortex, which relies on external sound sources via MIDI.
Source

User experience

0 0

AX Edge's rechargeable battery system can be inconvenient, necessitating multiple battery sets to ensure uninterrupted use.
Source

Critic Reviews

Roland AX-Synth review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Roland AX-Synth Shoulder Synthesizer dazzles with its sleek design and engaging playability, making it a hit among performers. Its onboard sounds, especially the 'Supernatural' instruments, provide diverse options for various genres. However, its high price and lack of extensive hardware controls might deter some. The neck's thickness could challenge those with smaller hands, and the absence of built-in speakers means you'll need external amplification. Despite these drawbacks, its robust feature set and eye-catching aesthetics make the AX-Synth a standout in the keytar realm.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 13 Ratings

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skasick

488

almost 3 years ago

A unicorn of an instrument!

The Roland AX-Synth was the first "serious" instrument I ever bought. It has been worth every single penny.

The sound engine is expansive - has everything a keyboard player would need and then some. I have spent hours upon hours going through the banks, seeing what was available, and having those sounds spark ideas for music.

The SuperNatural sounds are the real treat - my personal favorites are the cello and shakuhachi, which I used on several occasions during Christmas Mass. They are organic, with actual human expression built into every level of key press. The key bed, being synthesizer weight, allows for fast runs as well as effortless chord changes. Plus, with it being a keytar, the flexibility it offers by being over a shoulder makes being the keyboard player more fun, and gives you a chance to be the rock god you know you are!

BUT - there are drawbacks. While it is very well made, it does not take kindly to abuse. I would go so far as to say it's a bit on the fragile side, being all plastic construction.

And if you don't use the included power adapter or otherwise misplace it, you'll be spending a fortune on AA batteries - this thing takes eight of them. But all in all, that is a small price to pay for the world of sounds at your fingertips.

The UI is very straightforward, and the controls for pitch bend, vibrato, filter, octave up/down, sustain, and other functions are very naturally positioned near your left hand on the "neck" of the instrument.

If you can find one, get one. You won't regret it.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist

Genres:

Rock Indie rock Post-punk

lucasorrentini

3429

about 10 years ago

Wooohhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One day my neighbor comes over to show me the AX Synth " That day could not believe my eyes a wonder white lucicante with a pitch too cool , the Roland in my opinion is the best brand in the world for producing the tr 808 , 909 , 707 , EXCEED . Incredible."