For Immediate Release

Rebecca Eaddy
Marketing Communications Manager
Roland Corporation U.S.
(323) 890-3718
Rebecca.Eaddy@RolandUS.com

FP-5 DIGITAL PIANO

Compact Piano Boasts New Virtual ToneWheel Organ Sounds, Onboard Speakers and USB

Anaheim, Calif., Jan. 16, 2003—Roland is proud to announce the FP-5 Digital Piano, a stylish new instrument with stereo-sampled piano sounds, an 88-note Progressive Hammer-Action Keyboard, new “Virtual ToneWheel” organ sounds and a built-in speaker system. The FP-5 also boasts an enhanced Session Partner that makes practice fun and a USB port for direct connection to a PC.

The FP-5 starts with Roland’s finest stereo-sampled piano sounds, which are complemented by an expressive 88-note Progressive Hammer-Action Keyboard. This keyboard mechanism produces a lighter touch in the upper range and a heavier touch in the lower range. And with 64-voice polyphony and new half-pedal recognition, the FP-5 comes closer than ever to the feel of an acoustic grand. Aside from piano sounds, the FP-5 also includes an assortment of instrument tones including new organ sounds using Roland’s acclaimed Virtual ToneWheel technology. These organ sounds are not just presets; the level of each footage can be changed to create any organ sound imaginable. A new onboard speaker system faithfully reproduces every nuance of the FP-5’s superb sounds.

A more intuitive version of Roland’s Session Partner—first introduced on the FP-3 Digital Piano—gives players many new auto-accompaniment styles and rhythm patterns to play along with. Players can even define their own chord progressions, making the Session Partner more fun than ever. It is even possible to use the FP-5 as a GM2-compliant sound source; just connect a USB cable from the FP-5 to the computer and start sequencing.

Connections to the FP-5 include a stereo Line output, stereo Line input, two stereo Headphone jacks, MIDI In and Out, a USB-MIDI port, plus three pedal jacks (damper, sostenuto, soft).

Roland is a world leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of electronic musical instruments, professional audio equipment, multimedia products and music accessories. For more information, contact Roland Corporation U.S., 5100 S. Eastern Ave., P.O. Box 910921, Los Angeles, CA 90091-0921, (323) 890-3700 (x3718 - for media use only)