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Description

Step into the world of classic synthesis with the Roland D-10, a revered instrument in the realm of digital synthesis. Launched in the late '80s, this synthesizer is a blend of both the nostalgic and the innovative, offering musicians a distinct sound palette that remains unique even today. The D-10 is equipped with Roland's LA (Linear Arithmetic) synthesis, known for its ability to create rich and complex tones by combining sampled attack transient waveforms with synthesized sustain waveforms. This method allows for a more expressive and dynamic range of sounds, making it a favorite among electronic musicians and producers.

With 61 velocity-sensitive keys, the Roland D-10 provides a responsive playing experience, enabling musicians to explore various dynamics and nuances. The onboard effects, including reverb and chorus, add depth and dimension to your sound, while the 8-part multitimbral capability allows for intricate layering and sequencing. The D-10 also features a built-in drum machine with a wide array of rhythm patterns, perfect for crafting complete compositions directly from the keyboard.

Whether you're a vintage synth enthusiast or a modern musician looking to add a classic touch to your tracks, the Roland D-10 delivers versatility and depth in a compact form.

Key Features:

  • 61 velocity-sensitive keys
  • Roland's LA (Linear Arithmetic) synthesis for rich sound textures
  • 8-part multitimbral capability
  • Built-in drum machine with diverse rhythm patterns
  • Onboard effects including reverb and chorus
  • MIDI compatibility for seamless integration with other gear

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model D-10 61-Key Multi-Timbral Linear Synthesizer
Finish Black
Year 1988 - 1992
Made In Japan
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Number of Keys 61 Keys
Polyphony 32 Voices

FAQs

What type of synthesis does the Roland D-10 use?

The Roland D-10 uses Linear Arithmetic (LA) synthesis, which combines sampled attacks with synthesized waveforms to create complex sounds suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

How many voices of polyphony does the Roland D-10 offer?

The Roland D-10 offers 32 voices of polyphony, allowing for rich and layered sound performances.

Does the Roland D-10 have built-in effects?

Yes, the Roland D-10 includes built-in effects such as reverb, which can enhance the depth and ambiance of your sounds.

Can the Roland D-10 be used as a MIDI controller?

Yes, the Roland D-10 features MIDI input, output, and through ports, making it suitable for use as a MIDI controller in a studio setup.

What are the key features of the Roland D-10's keyboard?

The Roland D-10 has a 61-key full-size keyboard with synth action, providing a responsive and dynamic playing experience for various performance needs.

SynthMania

SynthMania

A few Roland D-10 sound demos

Video thumbnail for A few Roland D-10 sound demos by SynthMania

A few Roland D-10 sound demos

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for Roland D-10  Linear Synthesizer (1988) Tutorial by Robin Bausewein

Roland D-10 Linear Synthesizer (1988) Tutorial

Robin Bausewein

Robin Bausewein

Video thumbnail for Roland D-10 Patch Sounds by Daniele Ippolito

Roland D-10 Patch Sounds

Daniele Ippolito

Daniele Ippolito

Video thumbnail for Vintage synth restoration - Roland D-10 from 1988 by The Repair Lair

Vintage synth restoration - Roland D-10 from 1988

The Repair Lair

The Repair Lair

Video thumbnail for A Better Acoustic Piano for the Roland D-10/D-20 by Carl Georg Biermann

A Better Acoustic Piano for the Roland D-10/D-20

Carl Georg Biermann

Carl Georg Biermann

Reviews

PROS

  • Streamlined version of the classic D-50, maintaining key features

  • Multitimbral capabilities allow for complex compositions

  • Includes a variety of classic L.A. sounds (vox, strings, organs, basses, FX)

  • On-board PCM drum machine with distinctive 80s sounds

  • Can layer sounds with envelopes and LFOs for creative sound design

CONS

  • Patch editing is complicated and unintuitive

  • Limited parameters available for sound customization

  • Perceived as having a collection of "cheap" sounds

  • The filter functionality is limited, described as a "glorified tone control"

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland D-10.

Setup and maintenance

  • It's crucial to ensure all tact switches work, especially the "enter" button, as malfunctioning buttons can severely limit sound editing capabilities.

    Source
  • Owners have resolved dead keys by repairing corroded PCB traces, highlighting a common maintenance issue.

    Source
  • Replacing all front panel buttons can be time-consuming but is necessary for restoring functionality.

    Source
  • Dead memory retention battery can lead to loss of patches; restoring default patches requires MIDI transfer.

    Source
  • Adjusting MIDI transfer speed is crucial when re-loading patches to ensure successful data download.

    Source
  • Failed DAC chips can cause distorted audio, requiring replacement for sound restoration.

    Source
  • The D-10's buttons often require repairs due to age, similar to issues found in the DX21, suggesting necessary pre-purchase checks.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The Edisyn editor, compatible with the D110, may also work with the D-10 and can significantly simplify patch programming.

    Source
  • Modern patch editor apps can simplify sound programming on the D-10, enhancing its subtractive digital synthesis capabilities.

    Source

Build quality

  • The D-10 is built robustly, often compared to a tank, but the buttons are prone to wear over time.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The D-10's keyboard is noted for its heft and quality, making it enjoyable to play despite its dated sound engine.

    Source
  • The D-10's unique sounds, such as "Hollow Koto" and pseudo-FM electric pianos, remain usable today, especially for bell/metallic textures.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Though the D-10 is often priced around $100, its resale value may range from $200-$250, though finding a buyer can be challenging.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing a broken pitch bender requires finding a suitable new component, as repairing broken PCB traces can be complex.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The D-10's Performance Mode allows combining two presets, creating a more "professional" sound compared to its single Multi-Timbral patches.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Unlike the DX21, the D-10 is velocity sensitive, making it a better option as a MIDI controller.

    Source
Add

3.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 11 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jimmarchi1

the wekest digital synth I've ever played... DO NOT BUY THIS

patch editing is not only complicated, but once you sort out the arcane menu diving, the amount of parameters at your disposal to edit is sorely limited. I bumped into one of these ina store yesterday and invested some real time into learning it. The price was so low I thought I might purchase it.... once I had the whole system figured out and felt comfortable I felt like it was basically just a bunch of sampled sounds you can layer up with a few envelopes and LFOs. The 'filter' is a glorified tone control with an envelope. It has some cheesy 80s drum sounds though and they're kinda cute....

john_withers

My second synth!

I was delighted to receive this one Christmas morning when I was in high school. It was my first polyphonic multi-timbral synth and I loved it. So much so that I am considering buying the improved D-50 boutique synth Roland offers. Along with a Roland sequencer (I forget the model but it was primitive) I composed my first music that was more than just piano. It will always have a place in my heart despite the improvements since and I wish I still had it in my possession. I lent it to a family member and they can't seem to find it...I learned my lesson!

D

its almost useless

it is a nice built synthesizer but the sounds they are really cheap, i just can not find any songs to play with it

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Legowelt uses Roland D-10

Legowelt

Music Producer

...
Verified via Legowelt

On the "Synthesizers" section of his official website you can find a list of gear pieces which Legowelt acquired. The Roland D-10 is one of these.

See how The Residents uses Roland D-10

The Residents

Guitarist, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Photo

Mentioned in a May 2002 Keyboard magazine article by Hardy Fox.

For the Cube-E tour in 1989, they used the Drumkat, Roland D-50, D-10, U-110, D-110, and a Roland sampler, all run with a Mac II and Opcode Vision.

See how jerry paper uses Roland D-10

jerry paper

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture, Jerry Paper uses a Roland D-10 live.

See how Ozoyo uses Roland D-10

Ozoyo

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Artist Ozoyo is seen using the Roland D-10 synthesizer in a post on his Instagram account, where he discusses his EP "Oquo" and a related remix competition.

See how Pete Cannon uses Roland D-10

Pete Cannon

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 15:46 he talks about using the D-10 strings.

See how Eric Persing uses Roland D-10

Eric Persing

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

Eric Persing, one of the few developers involved in the creation of the Roland D-10 synthesizer, showcases its capabilities during his performance in the "Roland D-50 Celebration Moments" video on RolandChannel.

See how Sergey Kuryokhin uses Roland D-10

Sergey Kuryokhin

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Sergey Kuryokhin is pictured with the back side of a Roland D-10 synthesizer. The instrument can be identified by the distinct rear-panel layout, including the placement of the output jacks and the “Roland D-10” marking visible on the chassis.

See how Man Without A Clue uses Roland D-10

Man Without A Clue

...
Verified via Twitter

"Pulled out the @Roland_US D-10 for this new record ! Got this one when i was like 7 years old ! "

See how Huminal uses Roland D-10

Huminal

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Sometimes you are lucky scavenging the thrift shops in your area! We found ourselves a 1988 @roland_us synthesizer for a bargain! Our body is ready for some rad 80ies synth pop!

Album Usage

The Roland D-10 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 D-10, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Roland D-50
Roland D-50 Synthesizers
2
Korg Poly 61
Korg Poly 61 Synthesizers
1
Roland AIRA VT-3
Roland AIRA VT-3 Vocal Effects Processors
1
Roland AIRA TB-3
Roland AIRA TB-3 Synthesizers
1
Yamaha PSR-D1 DJX
Yamaha PSR-D1 DJX Portable & Arranger Keyboards
1
Yamaha TG500
Yamaha TG500 Synthesizers
1
OctaMED
OctaMED Music Software
1
Atari 520 ST
Atari 520 ST Computers & Peripherals
1

Community setups

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monochrome

monochrome

Gear IQ 1064

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