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Description

The Roland MKS-20 is a legendary digital piano module that has earned its place in the hearts of musicians for its authentic and expressive sound. Perfect for studio sessions or live performances, this sound module is celebrated for its SA synthesis technology, which delivers rich and dynamic piano tones. Musicians appreciate the MKS-20 for its ability to seamlessly blend into a mix while maintaining a distinct sound profile that stands out.

With the MKS-20, you can explore a range of sounds beyond traditional piano, including electric pianos and clavinets. Its intuitive interface allows for easy navigation and quick adjustments, making it a reliable choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Whether you're crafting intricate compositions or looking for a dependable gigging partner, the Roland MKS-20 offers versatility and quality.

Key Features:

  • SA (Structured Adaptive) Synthesis technology for realistic piano sounds
  • Includes a variety of piano and electric piano tones
  • Intuitive interface for easy operation
  • Reliable sound module for studio and live use
  • MIDI connectivity for integration with other gear

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model MKS-20 Digital Piano Sound Module
Finish Black
Year 1986 - 1989
Made In Japan
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Rackmount Synths
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Through
Polyphony 16 Voices

FAQs

What kind of sounds can I expect from the Roland MKS-20?

The Roland MKS-20 is known for its high-quality digital piano sounds, including electric pianos and acoustic piano emulations. It features a unique digital synthesis technology that provides rich, expressive tones suitable for various musical genres.

Is the Roland MKS-20 compatible with modern MIDI setups?

Yes, the Roland MKS-20 features MIDI input and MIDI through connectivity, allowing it to be integrated into modern MIDI setups with controllers and sequencers.

How many voices of polyphony does the Roland MKS-20 have?

The Roland MKS-20 offers 16 voices of polyphony, enabling it to handle complex chordal passages and layered sounds without note dropouts.

What distinguishes the Roland MKS-20 from other sound modules in the MKS series?

The Roland MKS-20 is specifically designed as a digital piano sound module, offering high-quality piano and electric piano sounds, while other MKS series modules may focus on different instruments or synthesis methods.

Can the Roland MKS-20 be used with a MIDI controller?

Yes, the Roland MKS-20 can be used with any MIDI controller, allowing for real-time performance and control over its sound engine.

SpectrasonicsVIDEO

SpectrasonicsVIDEO

SHOOTOUT: MKS20 vs Keyscape!

Video thumbnail for SHOOTOUT: MKS20 vs Keyscape! by SpectrasonicsVIDEO

SHOOTOUT: MKS20 vs Keyscape!

SpectrasonicsVIDEO

SpectrasonicsVIDEO

Video thumbnail for Roland MKS-20 - the eight classic sounds by SynthMania

Roland MKS-20 - the eight classic sounds

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for ROLAND MKS-20 - (FACTORY SOUNDS) - TEST by Tiago Mallen #rolandmks20 #vintagekeys by Tiago Mallen

ROLAND MKS-20 - (FACTORY SOUNDS) - TEST by Tiago Mallen #rolandmks20 #vintagekeys

Tiago Mallen

Tiago Mallen

Video thumbnail for Quick Pickup: Roland MKS-20 Vintage Digital Synthesizer by Daryl Wise Jr

Quick Pickup: Roland MKS-20 Vintage Digital Synthesizer

Daryl Wise Jr

Daryl Wise Jr

Video thumbnail for Roland MKS-20 (Test Sounds) by Tiago Mallen

Roland MKS-20 (Test Sounds)

Tiago Mallen

Tiago Mallen

Video thumbnail for Roland MKS-20 | The BEST 80’s Digital Piano?? by Alamo Music Sound Lab

Roland MKS-20 | The BEST 80’s Digital Piano??

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Video thumbnail for 80's Magic! The Roland MKS-20 Digital Piano. by Rikard Zander

80's Magic! The Roland MKS-20 Digital Piano.

Rikard Zander

Rikard Zander

Reviews

PROS

  • Electric pianos have a big, full, and dynamic sound

  • Onboard effects from the classic Dimension D unit, rich and full

  • Distinctly electronic yet responsive and alive feel

  • Encourages creativity and fun in playing

  • Classic 80's sound for electric piano needs

  • Unique sounding instruments, enjoyable with effects

  • "Larger than life" Rhodes sound, very usable

  • Great vibes sound and a pretty good Clavinet sound

  • Nice stereo tremolo effect

CONS

  • Acoustic piano simulations not usable

  • Sounds dated compared to modern piano sampling

  • May require a step-up voltage translator for use in certain regions

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland MKS-20.

Features and functionality

  • The RD300s offers the same sound engine as the MKS-20, providing Piano 1,2,3, Clav, Vibraphone, EP 1 and 2 sounds without needing the bass EQ.

    Source
  • The MKS-20 is praised for its chorus circuit and velocity layers, which are key to its unique sound.

    Source
  • The MKS-20 uses structured/adaptive synthesis, combining tiny samples with additive synthesis to mimic the harmonic characteristics of real pianos, a pioneering technology in 1986.

    Source
  • It offers 16-voice polyphony and includes eight instrument models: 3 acoustic pianos, 2 electric pianos, harpsichord, clavinet, and vibraphone.

    Source
  • The MKS-20 features built-in Chorus and Vibrato effects, alongside a 3-band equalizer, enhancing its sound versatility.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Roland P330, a module of the RD300, is considered by many to have brighter acoustic piano sounds compared to the MKS-20.

    Source
  • The RD250 and RD300 share identical sounds and controls, differing only in the number of keys (76 vs. 88).

    Source
  • The Yamaha DX series, particularly the Reface DX, offers alternative 80s electric piano sounds with customizable presets.

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User experience

  • Owners appreciate the RD300 for its minimalist design, considering it superior in aesthetics to the RD1000.

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Use cases and applications

  • The RD300 is highlighted for its portability and suitability for live settings, negating the need for carrying a separate module or laptop.

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  • NeoSoul's MKSensations is a recommended Kontakt library for those seeking velocity-layered EP sounds similar to the MKS-20 at a lower price point.

    Source
  • Recommended for systems capable of reproducing sub-75Hz frequencies for optimal sound during climactic sections of compositions.

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Software and compatibility

  • Keyscape, with its extensive sound library, is highlighted as a superior choice for diverse piano sounds, now available as a standalone application.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners note the MKS-20's longevity, reporting no typical old-synth issues even after decades of use.

    Source

Critic Reviews

MATRIXSYNTH: Roland MKS-20 review - Old school synth-pop tutorial workflow and LIVE performance

matrixsynth.com

The Roland MKS-20 is a vintage gem from the '80s, offering a nostalgic digital piano sound with its distinct analog chorus and tremolo effects. Praised for its unique preset tones, particularly the irresistible E. Piano 1, it delivers an authentic retro vibe that software emulations fail to match. While its rarity might be a downside for some, its iconic sound, used by legends like Elton John, makes it a prized addition for any synth-pop enthusiast's setup.

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 6 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Prince uses Roland MKS-20

Prince

Singer, Guitarist

Prince

...
Verified via prince.org

Here is an excerpt from an interview with Dr. Fink and Rosie “ What is the bands using for piano squnds? Fink: I've been using'the [Roland] MKS-20. It works really. well, We, do our own patches and EQ them to taste, so they sound more realistic. On the last tour, I was using the MKS-20 and the Emax II grand piano sample. Sometimes I mixed them together; other times I used them separately, depending on what we needed. Did Prince play any keyboards in the most recent show? Fink: Yes, as a matter of fact. He did a .. whole section by himself, just playing piano and singing. A real piano? Fink: No, but it looks like one. [Pause.] I don't know if I should be announcing this. Oh, go ahead. Fink:: Well, this was my idea, actually. About three years ago, we had a real Yamaha grand. We put Barcus-Berrys and other pick-ups in there. They sounded okay, but they picked up a lot of ambient noise. And Prince used to get up on the piano and dance, so forget that. Anyway, the sound man came to me, because he didn't want to bug Prince, and said, "Matt, I got this problem with the sound in the piano. What do you think we can do?" I said, "There's this new MKS-20 thing. I think we should try that out, and put the Forte MIDI mod in the piano." So we put that in to trigger the MKS-20. I tried it out, and it sounded really good. Prince showed up for rehearsal a couple of days leter. He had no idea that we had modified anything in the piano. He sat down at the piano and started playing, not saying anything. I walked over to him and said, "So what do you think of your piano sounds" He said, "Sounds really great! What did you do?" I told him what we had done because of the ambient noise prob-lem. He said, "Wow! Good idea. Thanks a lot."”

See how Vangelis uses Roland MKS-20

Vangelis

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Aphrodite's Child

...
Verified via Google Books

Vangelis used a Roland MKS 20, according to this book.

See how Tony Banks uses Roland MKS-20

Tony Banks

Singer, Keyboardist

Genesis

...
Verified via Muzines

"The main sound you hear is a DX7 harp sound, and the MKS20 piano module is duplicating that part. The chord parts are mainly played on the Kurzweil 1000PX and the dominant sound is bell mixed with strings, with some guitar added to give a full sound."

See how Elton John uses Roland MKS-20

Elton John

Singer, Keyboardist

Eric Clapton & His All Star Band

...
Verified via Bn1studio

Wikipedia states ... "the rack form of the RD-1000, the MKS20, has been in his rack ever since, and its bright, expressive pianos and warm electric pianos are part of Elton's live sound to this day".

See how Danny Elfman uses Roland MKS-20

Danny Elfman

Singer, Guitarist

Oingo Boingo

...
Verified via Photo

In the September 1987 issue of Keyboard Magazine, it is mentioned in the third column on page 31 that Danny Elfman owned a Roland MKS-20 and a Roland MKS-30 Planet S rack in his home studio. The article was authored by Bob Doerschuk and Jeff Burger.

See how Charly García uses Roland MKS-20

Charly García

Singer, Guitarist

Serú Girán

...
Verified via YouTube

En este recital se puede ver el modulo Roland MKS-20 debajo del sintetizador Yamaha DX7

See how Roger O'Donnell uses Roland MKS-20

Roger O'Donnell

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Cure

...
Verified via Musicfanclubs

"Robert really likes the [Roland] MKS-20 piano module, so I've stuck with that. I've got some Prophet and Ell piano samples, but piano samples never seem to work live. I do actually use a piano sample for one of the old Cure songs, 'All Cats Are Gray' [from Faith], which has this really heavy single-note piano line at the end. For that part, I use a Prophet sample, which is quite powerful in the low range. The problem, of course, is that it's so difficult to get a piano sample that sounds real across the keyboard."

See how Thomas Dolby uses Roland MKS-20

Thomas Dolby

Singer, Keyboardist

Bruce Woolley & The Camera Club

...
Verified via Muzines

"There are three sound sources", he explains. "There's an Akai S900 which has samples transferred from the Fairlight Series III, a Roland Super Jupiter and a Roland MKS20 piano module. All of those go into an Akai MIDI mixer and through two effects: a Yamaha SPX90 and an Alesis Midifex. They're all mapped by a Cooper Electronics MIDI Link, and I play them from a KX5 slung round my neck and a couple of Yamaha pedals. They put out program numbers to the MIDI link and that sends out separate program numbers to everything else. In other words I'll build up an entire patch with sound sources, a mix, effects and a stereo output, and store it. Then, when I send one program number into it from either the keyboard or from the pedal, it'll send the appropriate numbers out."

See how Nils Lofgren uses Roland MKS-20

Nils Lofgren

Singer, Guitarist

Crazy Horse

...
Verified via reverb.com

This item was used by Nils Lofgren, and sold on his official Reverb shop in 2017.

See how Howard Jones uses Roland MKS-20

Howard Jones

Singer, Keyboardist

The Conspirators

...
Verified via Muzines

As if this isn't enough, Jones' collection of sound sources is breathtaking. Inhale deeply for an (incomplete) overview: Fairlight Series III; Yamaha TX816 rack; Akai S1000; Roland Super JX, MKS50, D50, Jupiter 8, Juno 60, D550, and MKS20 digital piano; Korg Wavestation; Prophet T8; MiniMoog; Vocoder VP330; Yamaha KX88 and TG77; and somewhere in a corner his old 808 drum machine. Still there?

See how pdogg uses Roland MKS-20

pdogg

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

"Roland MKS-20 vintage synth"

See how Brent Mydland uses Roland MKS-20

Brent Mydland

Singer, Keyboardist

Grateful Dead

...
Verified

In 1989, Brent Mydland was captured on stage with his PC-88, with the Roland MKS-20 and a B3 visible to his right. This setup is verified by Ryan Storm in his article "The Grateful Dead Keyboard Rigs - Yes, All of Them."

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 MKS-20, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Roland D-50
Roland D-50 Synthesizers
5
Yamaha TX816
Yamaha TX816 Modular Synthesizers
4
Roland JX-8P
Roland JX-8P Synthesizers
3
Roland S770
Roland S770 Audio Samplers
3
Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter
Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter Synthesizers & Sound Modules
3
Roland MKS-70
Roland MKS-70 Sound Modules
3
Yamaha TX7 Desktop Module
Yamaha TX7 Desktop Module Synthesizers & Sound Modules
2

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