Roland AX-Synth “Shoulder Synthesizer” (Keytar) Now Available

The new Roland AX-Synth Shoulder Synthesizer (aka keytar) is now available.

AX-Synth Features:

  • Built-in sound engine with voices from Roland’s latest synthesizers.
  • Ribbon controller, D Beam, modulation bar, knobs, and easy-to-see display for stage.
  • USB MIDI for easy connection to PC.
  • Dedicated V-LINK button for video/visual control.
  • Innovative bender mode for expressive solos.
  • Long battery operation (approx. 6 hours).

The AX-Synth is now shipping with an MSRP of $1,349 USD.

If you’ve used the Roland Ax-Synth, leave a comment with your thoughts!

Description:

Created with the art of performance in mind, the AX-Synth allows keyboardists to connect with their audience as guitarists and singers do. Real-time controls such as the Ribbon, Modulation Bar, D BEAM, and aftertouch knob controllers give musicians the ability to perform memorable and expressive solos. When wearing the battery-powered and wireless AX-Synth, keyboardists can create kinetic musical performances, moving freely around the stage without any encumbering wires or cables.

The AX-Synth features 49 velocity-sensitive keys and is the first shoulder keyboard to include a 128-voice polyphonic sound engine with 256 distinct tones accessible from eight bank buttons, plus a collection of ultra-expressive sounds generated by Roland’s SuperNATURAL sound engine. The AX-Synth also includes an easy-to-use software editor/librarian for designing and storing user-created sounds.

18 thoughts on “Roland AX-Synth “Shoulder Synthesizer” (Keytar) Now Available”

  1. Man, I think they really missed the mark on this one. If they would've just made it a ~$500 midi controller, it would sell like hotcakes. I would get one in a second. But I have no use for the Roland sound engine, especially not for the extra $600+.

    I know people REALLY like the V-Synth GT (never heard it in person myself), but I've never been a huge fan of Roland digital sound engines. I don't claim to know anything technical about it, but "SuperNATURAL" sounds super cheesy.

  2. This is totally wack and off the mark imho. First off for this type of cash, how about some type of wireless MIDI type configuration? I happen to like Roland's rompler suite for certain applications, but, in a keytar? no bueno. Also aesthetically It looks super geeky in that kinda, late 90s faux contemporary way. People interested in keytars probablly want a stripped down controller to play they're vintage monosynth on stage (how about a couple of knobs??? jesus christ, roland!) with no real 'look' one way or the other simply because synth companies usually balls it up with geeky-tron type looks as pictured here. Does it come with a clip on ponytail? cause that changes things. 😉

    Further, I think synth companies need to abandon this philopophy of 'all in one' type synths that have 10,000 'urban rap' and 'techno' samples. These kits insult our intelegence and are almost always laughably fruity caracatures of whatever genre they attemt to emulate. Stop talking down to us roland.

  4. Agree 100% with wi_ngo. I would be super keen on this if it was just a controller, but I am not going to spend double for a synth I don't want.

    I am 100% soft-synth these days and loving it. My hardware synth doesn't get used anymore because it's just too cumbersome, limited. I use a lot of layered synths in my productions and the fact that a soft-synth has unlimited polyphony and multi-timbrality through creation of multiple instances in a project is just a total game changer that is integral to my sound and I cannot live without it.

    Unimpressed.

  5. Sorry to disagree – for the less technologically enlightened among us: 1) I played it on stage, and people loved it; 2) it's super user-friendly; 3) I like that it's not just a controller. Bottom line, it was fun to play, and people love to watch the keyboard (which they normally can't do, because it's flat and horizontal!).

  6. Sorry to disagree – for the less technologically enlightened among us: 1) I played it on stage, and people loved it; 2) it's super user-friendly; 3) I like that it's not just a controller. Bottom line, it was fun to play, and people love to watch the keyboard (which they normally can't do, because it's flat and horizontal!).

  8. I don’t understand the complaints. The AX looks like a lot of fun. I’ve never been a fan of keytars and felt like something was lacking that gave it positive “stage presence” and not look out of place. Roland finally did it and made something that people will actually enjoy not only playing but also watching. The keyboard is no longer relegated being second string or third string on the stage.

  11. I bought one and lovin it. The only issue for me is it is stereo and no one makes a wireless stereo. So I have to go mono for wireless. It is fun to play and the presets are great AND can be editied to my lliking. For what it is, it is worth it. It's a hi tech synth that looks good. And remember, some folks hear with their eyes (as a Roland Digital Accordionist FR-7, I know!)

  12. It looks great, and I'd really like to try one.
    However, I personally think that it is way too expensive. I was expecting something around the $700-$800 mark, but WHOA. My jaw actually dropped.
    Looks like fun though.
    Check out brettdomino 's videos on YouTube. He uses this and they're really great videos.

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