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Pricing and availability

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Description

Experience authentic piano performance with the Roland RD-1000, a digital piano that has redefined the stage and studio experience since its introduction. Designed for professional musicians and enthusiasts alike, the RD-1000 combines advanced digital technology with superior craftsmanship to deliver an unparalleled playing experience. This digital piano is renowned for its SA Synthesis technology, which provides an incredibly rich and expressive sound that closely emulates the tones of an acoustic grand piano. With its full 88-key weighted action, the RD-1000 ensures a touch and response that feels just right under your fingers, making it ideal for both classical and contemporary music styles.

Whether you're performing live, recording in the studio, or simply practicing at home, the RD-1000 offers a versatile array of sounds and effects to suit any musical context. Its intuitive interface allows for seamless navigation, while its robust construction guarantees reliability and durability in any setting. Connect with other devices effortlessly thanks to its comprehensive MIDI capabilities, and explore a world of sonic possibilities that will inspire your creativity.

Key Features:

  • SA Synthesis technology for authentic acoustic piano sound
  • 88-key weighted action for realistic touch and response
  • Comprehensive selection of onboard sounds and effects
  • Intuitive interface for easy navigation and control
  • Robust construction designed for stage and studio use
  • Full MIDI compatibility for external device connection
Synth Cloud

Synth Cloud

ROLAND RD1000 | No Talking by MeX

Video thumbnail for ROLAND RD1000 | No Talking by MeX by Synth Cloud

ROLAND RD1000 | No Talking by MeX

Synth Cloud

Synth Cloud

Video thumbnail for Late Night E-Piano Improvisation with an old Roland RD-1000 by aioxio music

Late Night E-Piano Improvisation with an old Roland RD-1000

aioxio music

aioxio music

Video thumbnail for Elton John's piano sound and playing style... Burn Down The Mission intro - Roland RD-1000 by Rocket Max

Elton John's piano sound and playing style... Burn Down The Mission intro - Roland RD-1000

Rocket Max

Rocket Max

Video thumbnail for Roland RD-1000: walk through (Part 1) by Isaiah Shelley

Roland RD-1000: walk through (Part 1)

Isaiah Shelley

Isaiah Shelley

Video thumbnail for Roland RD-1000: walk through (Part 2) MKS-20 by Isaiah Shelley

Roland RD-1000: walk through (Part 2) MKS-20

Isaiah Shelley

Isaiah Shelley

Video thumbnail for Roland RD 1000 Digital Piano by TheRigRat

Roland RD 1000 Digital Piano

TheRigRat

TheRigRat

Video thumbnail for Roland RD-1000: walk through (Part 5) by Isaiah Shelley

Roland RD-1000: walk through (Part 5)

Isaiah Shelley

Isaiah Shelley

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland RD-1000.

Build quality

  • The RD-1000 weighs about 100 lbs, lighter than a Yamaha U3 but heavier than a Fender Rhodes, making it less portable but manageable for performances.

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  • The RD-1000 features weighted wooden keys, offering a highly satisfying tactile experience compared to plastic alternatives.

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Value and pricing

  • Priced under £200, the RD-1000 offers significant value, especially considering its rarity and historical use by artists like Elton John.

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Use cases and applications

  • The RD-1000 is suitable for jazz band performances, providing a more traditional piano sound compared to the distinctive tone of a Fender Rhodes.

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  • The RD-1000 doubles as a robust MIDI controller, making it versatile for both digital piano and modular synth setups.

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  • The RD-1000 is preferred by some for its authentic wood keys and longer key pivot points, enhancing the realism for virtual piano performances.

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User experience

  • Owners note that old digital pianos like the RD-1000 don’t command high prices compared to vintage guitars or analog synthesizers, making them affordable for enthusiasts.

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  • Owners appreciate the fast semi-weighted action of the keys, which are effective for both synthesizer and piano performances.

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Features and functionality

  • The onboard chorus and tremolo effects are praised for their exceptional quality, enhancing the piano's sound.

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  • Users may require a MIDI to USB converter for modern digital connections, as the RD-1000 lacks integrated USB support.

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Comparisons

  • The RD-1000 was once considered superior to its Korg counterparts for its sound quality during its release era.

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Setup and maintenance

  • The RD-1000's power supply is integrated into its pedal, a unique design choice that aids stability during use.

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Software and compatibility

  • It's noted that the RD-1000 may not include aftertouch, which could limit its versatility with certain virtual instruments that rely on this feature.

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Critic Reviews

Roland RD1000 Piano (IM Aug 86)

muzines.co.uk

The Roland RD-1000 is a welcome addition for gigging musicians, offering the convenience and reliability of an electronic piano with a near-authentic acoustic feel. Its 88-note, touch-sensitive wooden keyboard and diverse voice options, including two acoustic grands and electric pianos, deliver a satisfying playing experience. The RD-1000's standout features include a robust effects section and a sophisticated three-band equalizer, making it versatile for various musical styles. However, the subtle touch response settings may not cater to all playing preferences, and its MIDI capabilities are somewhat limited without a keyboard split function. Despite these minor drawbacks, the RD-1000 excels in live settings and studio sessions, providing excellent value for its price point in comparison to rivals like Yamaha and Technics.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Brian May uses Roland RD-1000

Brian May

Keyboardist, Guitarist

Queen

...
Verified via YouTube

Brian May can be seen playing a Roland RD-1000 on 'Too Much Love Will Kill You' at the 1992 tribute concert.

See how Elton John uses Roland RD-1000

Elton John

Singer, Keyboardist

Eric Clapton & His All Star Band

...
Verified via YouTube

Wikipedia states about the Reg Strikes Back 1988 Tour that "Elton does not play a grand piano on this tour, replacing it with a Roland RD-1000 digital piano, a mainstay of the Elton sound. Where Elton uses a Yamaha DCFIIISPRO concert grand piano with MIDI output on stage and has done since his switch to Yamaha pianos in 1993

See how Mark Kelly uses Roland RD-1000

Mark Kelly

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Marillion

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video the bottom keyboard of the three is an RD-1000.

Album Usage

The Roland RD-1000 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 RD-1000, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Korg Wavestation
Korg Wavestation Synthesizers
1

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