Roland is one of the most influential manufacturers of electronic musical instruments. Founded in Osaka in 1972 by Ikutaro Kakehashi, the company has shaped the development of synthesizers, drum machines, digital pianos and electronic drums through numerous innovations.
Today, the range includes synthesizers, workstations, digital pianos, electronic drums, guitar amplifiers and effects, as well as solutions for recording, streaming and professional audio applications. Read more…
Since its foundation in 1972, Roland has developed electronic musical instruments that have had a lasting influence on numerous styles of music. The company combines distinctive sound concepts, practical operation and modern technology with a broad range of products for studios, stages, rehearsal rooms and music education.
Roland is particularly well known for its synthesizers and drum machines, but the range also includes digital pianos, electronic drums, guitar amplifiers, effects, loopers, and solutions for recording and streaming.
With instruments such as the Jupiter-4, Jupiter-8, Juno-106 and SH-101, Roland set important milestones in the development of analogue synthesizers. These instruments were valued for their characteristic sounds, practical control panels and versatile use in both studio and live settings.
Roland also played an important role in digital synthesis. The D-50 combined sample-based transients with digital synthesis and effects, becoming one of the best-known digital synthesizers of the 1980s. During the 1990s, sound modules and synthesizers from the JV Series became standard equipment in many studios and keyboard setups.
Some of Roland’s most famous instruments were originally designed for very different musical purposes, but were later rediscovered by electronic music producers. The TB-303 and drum machines such as the TR-606, TR-808 and TR-909 had a major influence on acid house, techno, hip-hop and many other genres.
Their distinctive bass lines and drum sounds remain a central part of electronic music. With product families such as the Roland Boutique Series, Roland revisited these historic instruments and translated their sound concepts into compact modern devices.
Roland develops synthesizers and workstations for a wide range of musical requirements. The selection extends from compact instruments for beginners and mobile setups to powerful performance synthesizers with extensive sound libraries, sequencing functions and flexible control options.
Modern instruments combine classic Roland sound models with sample-based and digital forms of synthesis. This makes them suitable for electronic music, pop, rock, film scoring, sound design and professional live performance.
In the field of digital pianos and stage pianos, Roland combines digital sound generation with responsive keyboard actions and practical features. The instruments are designed for beginners, advanced pianists, music schools and professional stage musicians.
Depending on the model, they offer a variety of piano sounds, accompaniment functions, speaker systems, recording options and connections for studio and stage use. The aim is to provide expressive playing with dynamic response and straightforward integration into modern music setups.
The V-Drums are among the best-known electronic drum systems. They combine velocity-sensitive pads, powerful sound modules and extensive practice and recording functions. Depending on the configuration, the sets are suitable for quiet practice, music education, home recording and professional live performance.
The range is complemented by electronic percussion instruments, triggers, pads and accessories that allow acoustic and electronic drum setups to be expanded flexibly.
Roland also offers numerous solutions for guitarists and bassists. The Jazz Chorus JC-120 is one of the brand’s most famous guitar amplifiers, known for its clean sound and distinctive stereo chorus.
The range also includes effects, modelling amplifiers and loopers for practice, songwriting and live performance. Loopers from the RC Series allow multiple musical layers to be recorded and overdubbed and are used by solo artists, bands and performers.
In addition to traditional musical instruments, Roland develops solutions for recording, streaming and audiovisual production. These include compact mixers, audio and video tools, and devices for content creation, live broadcasting and professional media applications.
Roland therefore covers a broad spectrum of electronic music technology, from historic synthesizer concepts and digital pianos to electronic drums and modern tools for production, performance and streaming.