History of Roland Digital Piano

THE EVOLUTION OF THE
DIGITAL PIANO THROUGH
ROLAND INNOVATION

The Never-Ending Evolution

Roland’s quest to build the ultimate electronic piano started soon after the company was founded in 1972. Back then, much of the technology didn’t exist so we had to invent it. Early highlights included developing Japan’s first all-electronic combo piano, the world’s first touch-sensitive keyboard, and even co-developing the MIDI language that allows all electronic musical instruments to talk to each other. All the while, we have refined the sound and touch to satisfy the stage and practice needs of world-class pianists. We also strive to design pianos that look as good as they sound; from classically-styled grand and upright pianos, to contemporary pianos with a stylish flat-top cabinet or a cutting-edge metallic body. Even though there is no end to mastering the art of piano making, we’re excited to see what lies ahead.

’73

Introduction of the EP-10, Roland’s first all
-electronic, oscillation-based combo piano

In this era, oscillation of the tone/bar and lead with electricity was the mainstream in electronic piano technology, and the introduction of the all-electronic, oscillation-based piano engine was a big leap forward.

’74

The debut of the EP-30, the world’s first electronic piano with a touch-sensitive keyboard

The touch-sensitive keyboard — one that senses playing velocities from soft to hard — is standard technology in today’s digital pianos. However, in the early days of electronic piano technology, it was a groundbreaking advancement.

’83

The HP-300 and HP-400, the first digital pianos with MIDI

In 1983 Roland co-developed the MIDI specification, which enabled electronic musical instruments from different manufacturers to communicate with each other. The HP-300 and HP-400 were the very first digital pianos to feature this revolutionary technology, letting their owners explore a myriad of creative possibilities. The two-piece cabinet design, comprising main body and stand, was another innovation that quickly became a mainstream trend.

Innovation Doesn’t
Happen Overnight

Having knowledge and
experience in both music and
technology through years of
painstaking research and testing,
Roland develops digital pianos
powered by innovative
technologies for the ultimate
playing experience.

’86

Introduction of the RD-1000 Stage Piano

The RD-1000 was the most advanced digital piano of the time, built around Roland’s advanced SA (Structured Adaptive) technology for a more authentic piano sound. Just a year later, this pro-focused technology was also available in Roland’s home pianos, so you could enjoy the same piano sound used by the world-famous artists who made the music you grew up with. It’s a tradition that continues to this day with our current RD stage pianos.

’87

The debut of home pianos equipped with the SA sound engine (HP-5600S/HP-5500S/HP-4500S/HP-3000S)

Roland brings its advanced SA technology to the home market.

Blurring
the Lines between
Digital and Acoustic

Digital pianos were previously
considered as affordable alternatives
for practicing at home, but Roland
hosts concerts with world-class
pianists and full orchestras,
showing the world that it's a truly
authentic and honorable
musical instrument.

’91

Introduction of the FP-8, a portable piano with 88 keys

The fashionable red/white/gray color scheme was an instant success, as was the hammer-action keyboard. Incorporating a key mechanism with only a weight hammer and no springs, this keyboard’s feel rivaled the natural touch of an acoustic piano.

’92

The debut of the HP-7700, a digital grand piano

This instrument combined the compact size of digital piano electronics with the majestic and elegant look of an acoustic grand.

’01

The introduction of the HPi-5 with DigiScore, an LCD built into the music rack

The groundbreaking DigiScore feature introduced a new way of practicing the piano, with a notation display (with automatic page turning) for the built-in piano songs, commercial music data, and song lyrics. It also displayed the user’s playing as notation in real time.

’03

The introduction of the stylish DP-900 Designer Piano

With a depth of just 30 cm and a flat top with the lid closed, this simple and elegant piano instantly became a big hit.

Capturing
Every Nuance

When sampling technology was at
its peak, Roland meticulously
captured every nuance of a grand
piano in a custom-made anechoic
chamber using multiple microphones
at different angles and distance.

’05

The RG-7 captures the form and sound of an acoustic grand piano

Equipped with the new 88-Key Multi-Sampled Piano Engine, the RG-7 captured the unique, expressive sound of every note on an acoustic grand piano. The instrument was also equipped with a “moving keys” feature that automatically moved the keys as the built-in demo songs played.

’09

The revolutionary V-Piano is born

Roland reinvents piano technology with the V-Piano, a modeling-based digital instrument that uses no sampling whatsoever. With its groundbreaking “living” piano engine, the V-Piano is able to create the sounds of nearly any piano, both real and imagined.

The Professional’s
Choice

Whether it's classical, jazz, rock,
or pop, world-class pianists play only
the finest instruments that respond
accurately to their technique.
That’s why you’ll see a Roland
digital piano being played by
many top professionals.

’11

Roland introduces the V-Piano Grand

This exquisite instrument blurs the line between digital and acoustic worlds. Stepping up from the previous generation, the V-Piano Grand’s sound generator has been further refined to create the world’s first “stringless acoustic piano.”

’15

Roland unveils the next generation digital piano, the LX-17

From the sound to the keyboard to the tall upright cabinet housing a remarkable eight-speaker, multi-channel sound system, the LX-17 is a piano crafted for the connoisseur. With a brilliant mirror-like sheen and graceful design, this gorgeous instrument brings the majestic look of a high-end acoustic piano to your home.

’17

Roland introduces the next generation stage piano, the RD−2000

Equipped with two independent sound engines, premium action, and advanced controller features, the Roland RD-2000 delivers unmatched performance on stage and in the studio. Blending evolved piano technologies with extensive modern control, this next-generation instrument takes the industry-standard stage piano series to new levels of inspiration and creativity.

’18

Roland announces the GP609 Digital Piano

Thanks to its advanced digital design, the GP609 offers many practical benefits over a traditional acoustic piano. To start, it’s nearly half the weight, making it much easier to move and install. In addition, the instrument’s volume is easily controlled, and the sound engine never needs tuning and other costly maintenance.

’18

Roland Introduces LX700 Piano Series

Roland’s new LX700 piano series recreates immersive playing experience with superior sound and peerless expression, housed within refined, elegant cabinet designs that invite you to perform.

’19

Roland Introduces the HP700 Series

Whatever your reasons for owning a piano, the HP700 series can help fulfill them—bringing style, culture, and music into the heart of your home.

Unleash

All of these advanced
technologies come down to one
thing – the music. Whether you just
picked up your first piano, or have
been playing for years, we hope
that you enjoy making music and
can unleash your creativity
with a Roland digital piano.