Roland

Two more JV‑series expander cards have become available, and both have managed to excite me rather more than the ...

Take the sound engine of the acclaimed JV1080/2080, add the data from three expansion boards (plus space for two more), a 5-octave keyboard arpeggiator, 40 multi-effect algorithms and four real-time control sliders and what do you get? Paul Farrer turns (XP)30...

Recognising that there are millions of synth-hungry guitarists out there, manufacturers have been trying for years to develop products which would appeal to them. Norm Leete traces the history of Roland's innovative GR range of guitar synths and controllers.

For those who want to fit an entire MIDI studio on a desktop, Roland have produced a baby keyboard stuffed with their Sound Canvas GM/GS sounds. Paul White clears space by his computer for the SK88 Pro.

When I did the recent roundup of Roland Expansion boards in the November '98 issue, the Vocal board had been announced but...

Even the more basic sound-manipulation tools offered by most samplers can lead a safe sample into a world of weirdness. Nicholas Rowland reverses, stretches, bends and loops, all in the interests of sampling science...

With the advent of 'groove'-based instruments like Yamaha's DJX, the humble home keyboard is acquiring a new hipness. Derek Johnson and Debbie Poyser explore Roland's attempt to make the cutting edge user-friendly.

The GM, XG and GS sound specs are frequently derided for imposing boring uniformity on the synth universe — but in fact they contain many unusual sounds. Dave Stewart, a man who knows a gopi-yantra from gankogwe, sheds light on some of the lesser-known instruments in the General MIDID set, and provides some useful playing tips.

Ever imagined what a guitar with a resinator body would sound like with a humbucker-style pickup, played at the 12th fret through a Marshall stack? John Walden creates just such a virtual instrument, with the help of Roland's VG88 V-Guitar System.

In their eagerly-awaited new flagship synth, Roland have harked back to the sampling technology of their respected S-series samplers, as well as adding some contemporary touches to equip it for the 21st century. Gordon Reid assesses past, present and future.