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Average Price: $179

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Description

Unleash your creativity with the Roland JV-30, a classic synthesizer that has captivated musicians with its rich sound and versatility. This powerful instrument is a member of Roland's JV series, known for delivering high-quality sounds that span a wide range of musical genres. Equipped with 61 velocity-sensitive keys, the JV-30 offers an expressive playing experience, making it ideal for both live performances and studio sessions. It features a comprehensive array of onboard sounds, from pianos and strings to cutting-edge synth tones, ensuring you have the perfect sound at your fingertips for any musical endeavor.

The JV-30 stands out with its user-friendly interface, allowing musicians of all levels to easily navigate and tweak sounds to perfection. With 28-note polyphony, it ensures smooth transitions and layering of sounds without note dropouts. The inclusion of MIDI capabilities extends its versatility, seamlessly integrating with other gear in your setup. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an aspiring artist, the Roland JV-30 opens up a world of musical possibilities with its robust features and intuitive design.

Key Features:

  • 61 velocity-sensitive keys for dynamic performance
  • 28-note polyphony for rich, layered sounds
  • Comprehensive onboard sound library
  • User-friendly interface for easy navigation
  • MIDI capabilities for seamless integration with other devices
  • Part of the renowned Roland JV series, known for quality and reliability

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model JV-30 61-Key Multi-Timbral Synthesizer
Finish Black
Year 1991 - 1992
Categories Keyboard Synths, Workstation Keyboards
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 12 Voices

FAQs

Is the Roland JV-30 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Roland JV-30 is suitable for live performances due to its full-size 61-key keyboard and multi-timbral capabilities, allowing you to layer and split sounds effectively on stage.

What kind of sounds can I expect from the Roland JV-30?

The Roland JV-30 offers a variety of preset tones and percussion sounds, utilizing Roland's GS format for enhanced tone mapping, making it versatile for different musical styles.

How does the MIDI functionality of the Roland JV-30 work?

The Roland JV-30 features MIDI Input, Output, and Through, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with other MIDI-compatible equipment for expanded control and sound possibilities.

What is the polyphony of the Roland JV-30, and how does it affect performance?

The Roland JV-30 has a polyphony of 12 voices, which means it can play up to 12 notes simultaneously, suitable for most performance and composition needs but may limit complex layering.

Is the keyboard action on the Roland JV-30 weighted?

No, the Roland JV-30 features synth action keys, which are not weighted, providing a lighter touch suitable for fast playing styles and synthesizer techniques.

The Circuit Symphony

The Circuit Symphony

Roland JV-30 Synthesizer

Video thumbnail for Roland JV-30 Synthesizer by The Circuit Symphony

Roland JV-30 Synthesizer

The Circuit Symphony

The Circuit Symphony

Video thumbnail for Roland JV-30: Has the veteran GS synth still got legs? by Gearfacts

Roland JV-30: Has the veteran GS synth still got legs?

Gearfacts

Gearfacts

Video thumbnail for Roland JV - 30 tone / voice - test and review 2024 by Dian Nono Official

Roland JV - 30 tone / voice - test and review 2024

Dian Nono Official

Dian Nono Official

Video thumbnail for Roland jv 30 cek sound ( request Customer by Mr Abi ) before sending by BAMB

Roland jv 30 cek sound ( request Customer by Mr Abi ) before sending

BAMB

BAMB

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland JV-30.

Features and functionality

  • The JV-30 includes an MT-32 mode activated by pressing Performance and Variation buttons, though it lacks true LA synthesis for detailed sound editing.

    Source
  • The JV-30 has been used as a MIDI controller, with some patches sounding identical to the MT-32 when playing themes like Space Quest III.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The JV-30's MT-32 mode makes it suitable for enhancing audio in DOS games, leveraging patch mapping and sampled sound effects compatibility.

    Source
  • The JV-30 is sought after for replicating sounds from early Mortiis recordings, appreciated for their "cheesy yet epic" quality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The JV-30 is essentially a Sound Canvas synth engine with keyboard and basic patch memory, distinguishing it from true LA synthesis models.

    Source
  • The JV series, including the JV-30, was prevalent in '90s pop music, contributing to its familiar sound profile among enthusiasts.

    Source
  • The JV-30, JV-35, and JV-50 are noted to belong to the same General Sound/General MIDI family, sharing limited PCM samples with the broader JV series.

    Source
  • The JV-2080, JD-990, and XV-5080 offer more editing capabilities than the JV-30, ideal for users seeking deeper sound modification.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the dated '90s sound, particularly the "Oohs and Aahs," which provide unique inspiration despite the synth's basic nature.

    Source
  • The JV-30 can replicate certain MT-32 patches used in classic Sierra OnLine games, offering nostalgic value for retro gaming enthusiasts.

    Source
  • Disassembly to access switches is the most labor-intensive part of repair; not overly complex for inexperienced techs, but requires patience.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Button issues are common, with intermittent responsiveness due to contact switch failures; recommended to replace all switches for consistent feel and sound.

    Source

Build quality

  • Button shells can deform over time from excessive pressure, affecting performance; careful adjustment or replacement is necessary.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Sourcing replacement switches on eBay is suggested for DIY repairs, ensuring long-term functionality.

    Source

3.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Rick Savage uses Roland JV-30

Rick Savage

Bassist

Def Leppard

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo Rick Savage plays a Roland JV-30 keyboard

See how Darren Partington uses Roland JV-30

Darren Partington

Drummer, Music Producer

808 State

...
Verified via 808state

"I've just bought a JV30, the new Roland synth, and that's very Pet Shop Boys, very polite stuff, and that usually contrasts with the rest of what we've got."

D

David DeFeis

Music Producer

Virgin Steele

...
Verified

David DeFeis confirms his use of the Roland JV-30 Multi-Synth, stating, "I mainly use a Roland JV30 Multi-Synth, a Kurzweil PC88MX, and a Mason & Hamlin studio Grand Piano. They are all good for different applications." This information is sourced from the Official Virgin Steele Homepage.

See how Arnoldas Lukošius uses Roland JV-30

Arnoldas Lukošius

Keyboardist

Foje

...
Verified via YouTube

In video it plays at top synthesizer. It can see from 0:27.

Album Usage

The Roland JV-30 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 JV-30, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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inaekkum

inaekkum

Gear IQ 153

mikkel_moller_pedersen

mikkel_moller_pedersen

Gear IQ 214

donca

donca

Gear IQ 537

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