Roland AX-7

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An AX-7
An AX-7

The Roland AX-7 is a keytar that was manufactured by Roland Corporation from 2001 to 2007. This modern instrument contains many more advanced features than early keytars such as its predecessor, the Roland AX-1, and the the Yamaha SHS-10. It runs on 6 AA batteries or an external power source. It has a 45 velocity sensitive keys (without aftertouch), and a 3-character LED display. Several features aimed towards stage performance are present, such as a pitch bend ribbon, touchpad-like expression bar, sustain switch, and volume control knob, all on the upper neck of the instrument. There is also a proprietary "D-Beam" interface, made up of infrared sensors that detect nearby motion.

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[edit] MIDI Functionality

This instrument functions as a MIDI controller; it produces MIDI messages that are sent to an external synthesizer or sound module. (Thus it produces no sound on its own.) It is fully compatible with General MIDI, General MIDI Level 2, and Roland's own GS MIDI implementation. It has both MIDI in and out ports, and can store up to 128 patches.

[edit] Artists who play Roland AX-7s

Herbie Hancock performing with a Roland AX-7 at the XM Sonic Stage at The Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
Herbie Hancock performing with a Roland AX-7 at the XM Sonic Stage at The Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival

John Giddens of Showbread, Victoria Asher of Cobra Starship, Geoff Downes of Asia, The Duke (Kasson Crooker) and Sean T. Drinkwater of Freezepop, Hal Ritson of The Young Punx, Herbie Hancock, Vadim Pruzhanov of DragonForce, Lisa Harriton with the Smashing Pumpkins and Benny Normal of Retard-O-Bot currently play AX-7s.


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