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Average Price: $599

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$100

$601+

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Description

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model Axis-1 45-Key Keytar Controller
Finish Silver
Year 1984 - 1987
Categories Keytar MIDI Controllers
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
MIDI I/O MIDI Output
Number of Keys 45 Keys

FAQs

What type of MIDI connectivity does the Roland Axis provide?

The Roland Axis features a MIDI Output, allowing you to connect it to other MIDI-compatible instruments and devices for versatile control and performance options.

Is the Roland Axis suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Roland Axis is designed as a keytar controller, making it ideal for dynamic live performances where mobility and stage presence are important.

What is the key action type on the Roland Axis?

The Roland Axis features a synth action keyboard, providing a responsive and fast-playing experience suitable for various musical styles.

How many keys does the Roland Axis have, and are they full-size?

The Roland Axis has 45 full-size keys, offering a comfortable playing experience similar to traditional keyboards while maintaining a compact design for portability.

Can the Roland Axis be used to control external synthesizers?

Yes, with its MIDI Output, the Roland Axis can control external synthesizers and sound modules, expanding your sonic possibilities during performances.

Weder Clay Oliveira Ferreira

Weder Clay Oliveira Ferreira

playing Roland AX1

Video thumbnail for playing Roland AX1 by Weder Clay Oliveira Ferreira

playing Roland AX1

Weder Clay Oliveira Ferreira

Weder Clay Oliveira Ferreira

Reviews

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Herbie Hancock uses Roland Axis

Herbie Hancock

Keyboardist

The Headhunters

...
Verified via YouTube

At 3:37 you can see Herbie jamming with a Axis Keytar.

See how "Weird Al" Yankovic uses Roland Axis

"Weird Al" Yankovic

Singer, Keyboardist

"Weird Al" Yankovic

...
Verified via YouTube

in this video you can see Al playing a Roland Axis

See how Magne Furuholmen uses Roland Axis

Magne Furuholmen

Keyboardist

A-ha

...
Verified via Photo

Early on in A-ha's career, in the 80's, Magne Furuholmen used various keytars. This photo is from around 1985-1988 and shows the Roland AXIS

See how Neil Cicierega uses Roland Axis

Neil Cicierega

Singer, Keyboardist

Lemon Demon

...
Verified via Photo

in this photo uses the roland axis but grey

See how Luke Million uses Roland Axis

Luke Million

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Swiss

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo Luke Million is seen with a Roland Axis.

See how Gunnar Mathias Michaeli uses Roland Axis

Gunnar Mathias Michaeli

Keyboardist

Europe

...
Verified via Photo

Gunnar Mathias Michaeli is seen using a Roland Axis (in white), as evidenced by this photo.

See how John Avila uses Roland Axis

John Avila

Bassist, Music Producer

Oingo Boingo

...
Verified via YouTube

2:46 shows a good close up of the keytar in action. This wiki article indicates Avila as the player of the Keytar.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_Man%27s_Party_(album)

Choreographed shuffling on stage with Danny and the lead guitarist... does it get anymore 80's than this?

See how Larry Steinbachek uses Roland Axis

Larry Steinbachek

Keyboardist

Bronski Beat

...
Verified via Muzines

"We both have remote keyboards, a Yamaha KX5 and a Roland Axis, but I just feel a bit of a twit using them. I find the keys on the KX5 are too small, although Steve likes it, and the Axis is very good from the MIDI point of view with a lot of programmable functions, but I'm not sure that it looks good on stage because it's so big."

"I've used the Axis on TV shows to jump around with, but I'm not sure whether I'll get into it live yet. It's a bit gimmicky because you're so used to playing an upright keyboard, and I think guitar synthesizers will make the crossover between string and keyboard instruments much more effectively. You don't feel so bad if you have something to strum, and although we haven't got around to using a guitar synth yet, I know Steve's very interested."

See how Mark McGrath uses Roland Axis

Mark McGrath

Singer

Sugar Ray

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video by rockdoctherapy titled "Ezra Ray Hart Never Tear Us Apart (INXS Cover) Pittsburgh, PA," Mark McGrath is seen using a Roland Axis.

See how Tommy Tallarico uses Roland Axis

Tommy Tallarico

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

The screencap from Tommy Tallarico's studio in the 1990s at Virgin Games, sourced from the Virgin Press Kit's Tech Talk section.

See how Dave West uses Roland Axis

Dave West

Keyboardist

Go West

...
Verified

In the August 1985 issue of Electronic Soundmaker & Computer Music, Dave West is confirmed to use the Roland Axis, as detailed in the article "Roland Go West."

Album Usage

The Roland Axis 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 Axis, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Casio CZ-101
Casio CZ-101 Synthesizers
1
Roland Jupiter-8
Roland Jupiter-8 Synthesizers
1
Oberheim OB-Xa
Oberheim OB-Xa Synthesizers
1
E-Mu Emulator II
E-Mu Emulator II Synthesizers
1
Yamaha DX7
Yamaha DX7 Synthesizers
1
Yamaha KX5
Yamaha KX5 MIDI Keyboard Controllers
1
Roland S-50
Roland S-50 Synthesizers
1
Yamaha TX816
Yamaha TX816 Modular Synthesizers
1

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