For Immediate Release

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

ROLAND CONTEMPORARY KEYBOARDS INTRODUCES NEW GRAND PIANO LINE

Three New Models Debut for 2003

Anaheim, Calif. Jan. 16, 2003—Roland Contemporary Keyboards is proud to announce the next phase of home entertainment with a new contemporary grand piano lineup. Following the successful debut of the new KR-3/-5/-7 the new KR-17M, KR-15M, KR-15 and KR-11 “Intelligent Grand” pianos offer some of the most progressive and user-friendly features available in a grand piano design.

"We're thrilled to be able to offer our customers beautiful and simple solutions to their home keyboard needs," relates Roland CK Marketing Manager, Lynda Smith. "This lineup of digital grands has something for everyone—from novice to the accomplished concert pianist. The lineup offers easy-to-master features, intuitive interfaces and powerful sound engines, so even those new to the world of grand pianos will be able to play with an accompaniment and start making music as soon as they get home from the store."

As the flagship of the KR Intelligent Grand lineup, the new Roland KR-17M incorporates all of the top-of-line features that have made Roland Contemporary Keyboards a household name. With a moving key function in a Grand Piano design and a versatile CD drive that allows customers to access a vast software library the KR-17 is destined to become the best in its class. The KR-17M also features many user-friendly additions including a versatile remote control system, a long-awaited beautiful color touchscreen LCD and a soft-closing key cover. In addition to the latest intelligent piano features inherited from the KR-7, this flagship is equipped with the newly designed “Active Acoustics” system, which creates an authentic grand piano sound presence. The KR-17M is Roland’s most advanced player piano ever.

For customers looking for Roland quality in a more compact design, Roland Contemporary Keyboards is proud to announce the new KR-15M. This new digital grand solution is the first Roland mini-grand to feature a moving key mechanism. The KR-15M also comes fully equipped with the powerful features of the KR-17M, including the versatile CD drive and luxurious remote control system.

The new KR-15 offers endless piano performances and practice employment. It boasts of Roland's unique DigiScore display with full-color easy to use touchscreen. The KR-15 can be connected to an external monitor for more display options. All of its impressive sounds are delivered through the new Advanced 3D Surround sound system for powerful richness of sound with remarkable presence. The KR-15 comes in polished ebony finish or the new elegant polished mahogany finish.

Replacing the current KR-777, the new Roland KR-11 Digital Intelligent Piano is an affordable answer for any home piano-player. With its elegant polished ebony finish, popular Music Assistant feature and backlit LCD, the new space-saving KR-11 mini-grand offers an incredible sound system and extensive feature-set that has become the backbone of the Roland Contemporary Keyboard line.

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)