What's New
10/23/09 - Effects 101
So much of getting a great guitar sound has to do with the effects you use and how you use them. We’re pleased to announce Effects 101—our new online effects seminar—which explains some of the science behind the art. Shredder extraordinaire Johnny DeMarco walks you through the basics and then some, helping you chase down those killer guitar sounds you’ve always wondered how to get.
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10/22/09 - Free Sinevibes Patches for the Fantom-G, JUNO-STAGE, and JUNO-G
Sinevibes is one of the world’s leading sound library developers. How lucky are we that they’ve been kind enough to hand us new patch collections for the Fantom-G, JUNO-STAGE, and JUNO-G synths. This is a no-brainer: If you’ve got one of these synths, go grab these great new free patches now.
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10/15/09 - Hand-Drum V-Drums® Lessons
As part of our V-Drums Lessons series, we’ve just posted three new online classes for players of the HandSonic® 10, arguably the world’s best hand-percussion instrument. Teaching these free lessons is well-known session percussionist Brad Dutz, who shares tabla, djembe and conga techniques, patterns, and more. Consider it an opportunity for your fingers and hands to go grab some new musical tricks.
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10/13/09 - Roland’s First Webinar
On October 13, we tried something new. Something we think you’ll like. Our own Corey Fournier, broadcasting from our in-house studio, presented a live, online introduction to the RD-700GX digital stage piano. We’ve posted a video of the webinar for you to see how it all went. We’re pleased, and hope to present more of these sessions in the future. Of course, you can’t participate in this first webinar’s live chat since it’s just a recording now—you’ll have to wait until next time.
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10/02/09 - David Benoit on the V-Piano®
Being such an outstanding instrument, it’s no surprise that more and more of the world’s best players are falling in love with Roland’s V-Piano. And acclaimed keyboardist David Benoit certainly belongs in that exclusive club. We’ve just posted a new interview with him in which he shares his excitement about this groundbreaking new instrument.
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10/01/09 - When Tim Bogert Talks, We Listen
Bassist Tim Bogert is one the all-time rock legends for sure, best known for his work in Vanilla Fudge and Beck, Bogert & Appice. The man knows bottom—what can we say? Bogert spoke with Paul Hanson recently about music, what he’s been up to lately, and more. Come listen in.
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09/24/09 - New VP-770 Videos
There are moments in which technology borders on magic, and that’s just what it feels like when you hear the things you can do with your voice and a Roland VP-770 Vocal and Ensemble Keyboard. We’re pleased to announce a series of new videos in which Adrian Scott shows you around the VP-770 and provides a glimpse into its nearly magical musical abilities.
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09/17/09 - “One in a Million” Gallery
We’re halfway through our “One in a Million” contest, commemorating over one million CUBE amplifiers sold since their introduction. So far, we’ve received a ton of photos from creative CUBE owners, and we’ve posted a gallery of staff favorites. Check ’em out, and upload your own photo for a chance to win one of every CUBE amp we make!
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09/14/09 - Free Speech, Free Gear
Express yourself and earn a chance to win great Roland gear! Simply complete a brief survey, telling us about yourself and your experience at the RolandUS.com website. For your time, you’ll be entered for a chance to win one of our exciting products, including the grand prize of a Roland HD-1 V-Drums Lite electronic drum set, Roland JUNO-G Workstation Keyboard, or BOSS GT-Pro Guitar Effects Processor. This is a limited-time offer, so enter now to win!
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09/10/09 - Impressed Artists Share Their Impressions
Roland V-Drums are played by lots of great drummers and percussionists, and it’s fun to hear why in their own words. We’ve just posted the TD-20SX Artists Impressions video, which contains clips of Omar Hakim, Gregg Bissonette, and Thomas Lang explaining why they love the refinements in the new TD-20SX V-Drums kits. You’ll find the video on the TD-20SX: V-Pro® Series web page.
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09/01/09 - Roland CONNECTion
Throughout the year, Roland participates in various trade shows at which we announce our latest products. This September, we did something new: We introduced our new products at a worldwide Roland CONNECT online event. Roland CONNECT allowed us to roll out our latest gear across the entire globe at once, something you just can’t do at an old-school, physical convention hall. Check out the Roland CONNECT web page for the details on all of this exciting new gear. Whether you’re a pro, hobbyist, or something in-between, you don’t want to miss this first-of-its-kind event.
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08/17/09 - Marty Friedman on BOSS Tone Radio
Our latest BOSS Tone Radio podcast features former Megadeth shredder Marty Friedman, where he discusses his career, gear, and playing techniques, as well as his newfound fame as a TV personality in Japan.
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08/14/09 - This Is How They JUNO
We’re excited to announce the winners of our “How Do You JUNO?” contest. We got some great videos, and a whopping number of votes were cast: 50,411 in all! Big fun for everyone. The grand prize winner, with 16,456 votes, is Norberto Olivarria of Riverside, CA, who gets a JUNO-STAGE and two SRX sound expansion boards. Second place—and a JUNO-STAGE—goes to Erick Tejkowski of Fairview Heights, IL, who got 14,944 votes. Our third place winner, Mark St. John of Peekskill, NY, with 12116 votes, also gets a JUNO-STAGE. Congratulations to our winners, and thanks to everyone who participated.
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08/01/09 - New Gear. New Inspiration.
On September 1, 2009, Roland will launch a new and innovative lineup of musical products via a unique web exhibition called Roland CONNECT. This virtual event will reveal Roland’s exciting new Fall lineup of products, covering a wide range of musical genres and product categories. Join the countdown now!
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07/15/09 - “One in a Million” CUBE Amplifier Contest
Roland has sold over one million CUBE amplifiers since their introduction. To us, each CUBE owner is “One in a Million.” To commemorate this, we are hosting a “One in a Million” CUBE amplifier photo contest. Upload a picture of how and where you use your CUBE amplifier, and you could win one of every CUBE amplifier we make!
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07/10/09 - Advantage: V-Drums
Everyone knows there’s nothing else on earth like Roland V-Drums. Those who have them love them. Those who don’t, want them. We’ve created a new V-Drums Experience page where you can learn about the amazing V-Drums technology. And that’s just to start. Keep an eye on the V-Drums Experience page over the coming weeks—there’s more great stuff to come.
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07/01/09 - The Best Gets Even Better
We’re pleased to announce the Version 1.30 operating system update for our flagship synths, the Fantom-G6, G7, and G8. This update adds lots of great new functionality, as well as a huge amount of new and inspiring content for your Fantom-G music.
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06/15/09 - Surf’s Up with the FRV-1 Fender Reverb
The latest Legend Series pedal from BOSS is a hot one: the FRV-1, a stompbox rendition of the classic ’63 Fender Reverb. Take a listen as guitar ace Steve Trovato puts this new Fender-approved pedal through its paces and demonstrates how vintage spring reverb tone is so integral to surf, country, rockabilly, and blues guitar styles.
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06/11/09 - London International Music Show
This week at the London International Music Show, Roland took the wraps off three remarkable products. Boasting over 1,000 of the latest and greatest Roland sounds, the JUNO-Di truly sets the mobile performing musician free, weighing in at under 12 lbs and capable of running on battery power anywhere. The new FRV-1 Fender® Reverb compact pedal brings the timeless sound of a 1963 Fender Spring Reverb to the new-millenium guitarist’s rig. And the DP-990R is a sophisticated, deluxe piano with an amazing sound, Ivory-Feel touch, and a Polished Ebony finish that makes it a beautiful addition to any room.
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06/03/09 - BOSS Tone Radio 17 Visits with Jeff “Skunk” Baxter
The latest BOSS Tone Radio podcast checks in with legendary guitarist and longtime BOSS and Roland gear fan Jeff “Skunk” Baxter. In this interview, he talks about some of the classic guitar solos he recorded as a member of Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, and discusses his playing philosophy, guitar synths, and much more.
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06/01/09 - Free HD-1 Starter Book Lessons for Beginners
It’s hard to imagine a better electronic drum set for beginners than Roland’s HD-1. But fine, you’ve got an HD-1, but now, how do you play the drums? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Tommy Igoe’s new HD-1 Starter Book video lessons will get you up and drumming, covering everything the aspiring percussionist needs to know to start banging out beats.
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05/28/09 - The Tone Index
The Pedals That Make the Tone—our popular monthly collaboration with Guitar World magazine—has been going strong for over two years now. To date, resident shredder Paul Hanson has shown how to recreate well over 125 classic guitar tones with BOSS pedals. To make it easier for you to find Paul’s descriptions and sound clips for the entire series, we’ve put together a Tone Index with links to every example. Check ’em out and rock on!
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05/07/09 - RD-700GX Lessons
The RD-700GX is a beautiful-sounding instrument, and we’re pleased to announce a set of free online instructional videos that can help you get the most from your RD-700GX. In the RD-700GX Lesson videos, you’ll learn how to design the perfect piano sound, take full advantage of the RD-700GX organ—with virtual drawbars!—play rhythms, split and layer the keyboard, and more.
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04/30/09 - Roland U.S. V-Accordion Festival and Contest
Do you love the accordion? Then join us at the Roland U.S. V-Accordion Festival in Los Angeles on September 25, 2008. In conjunction with the festival, a contest will be held to determine the finest Junior and Senior accordionists in the U.S. Finalists will perform at the festival, with the first-place winners in each division receiving a V-Accordion! In addition, the top Senior Division accordionist will win a trip to Rome, Italy to perform at the International Accordion Festival on November 21, 2009. Visit the V-Accordion Festival home page for details.
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04/27/09 - Rock On with the Pedals That Make the Tone
Check out the latest installment of our popular monthly collaboration with Guitar World magazine, where resident guitar guru Paul Hanson shows you how to recreate the guitar tones of the masters with BOSS pedals. This month's entry includes pedal settings and tone descriptions for some classic rock favorites and low-tuned modern metal slammers.
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04/05/09 - New V-Piano Videos
If you’re not excited yet about Roland’s revolutionary V-Piano, it’s time to find out what you’ve been missing. This is one amazing instrument. Head on over to our V-Piano page for a trailer to whet your appetite for the collection of short videos you'll find there that explain why we’re so totally knocked out by the V-Piano.
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04/02/09 - Roland Arrives on Facebook
Have you got a Facebook page? So do we. By becoming a fan of Roland on Facebook, you’ll get all the latest news, as well as tips, videos, and more. We’ll keep you in the loop on special events and special deals, too. Come join the fun.
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03/31/09 - How Do You JUNO?
The world is watching—get your music out there, promote yourself, and show us how you JUNO! Upload a short YouTube video that shows a creative way you use your Roland JUNO keyboard. Perform your own music, talk about your favorite sounds and features, or do whatever inspires you.
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03/19/09 - Brand-New Free Fantom-G Toolkit
If you’re a Fantom-G owner, you’ll want to download the free FG Connects project we’ve prepared for you. The project contains over 600 newly created rhythms and 14 new rhythm sets, as well as tons of new chord memories, RPS phrases, and arpeggio-phrase edits. Think of the FG Connects project as a set of sparkling new tools for your already-potent Fantom-G.
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03/17/09 - Tommy Igoe’s Groove Essentials 2.0 Bonus Lessons
Tommy Igoe is one of the world’s top drummers, recording and performing with artists such as Stanley Jordan, Art Garfunkel, Lauryn Hill, Dave Grusin, Patti Austin, Blood, Sweat and Tears, and David Wilcox. In addition to his work on Broadway with The Lion King, he’s also recently embarked on a promising solo career. Somehow, he’s found time to develop a line of acclaimed educational DVDs, and we’re thrilled that he’s now sharing some excerpts from his Groove Essentials DVD with us. You won’t want to miss these latest additions to our free V-Drums Lessons series.
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03/05/09 - Hear the New BOSS ME-70 in Action!
Packed with an army of great BOSS guitar effects, the ME-70 blends stompbox simplicity with the convenience of an all-in-one multi-effects unit. Check out our new audio demos to hear the amazing array of sweet guitar tones the ME-70 is capable of producing!
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02/25/09 - New V-Drums Lessons
Back in January, we announced V-Drums lessons, online training videos to help V-Drummers expand their skills with the help of our killer clinicians and artists. We’ve just added more lessons, ranging from the technical—in the mood for paradiddles, anyone?—to the practical, with a lesson like the one on how to lock your kick to a bass guitar part.
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02/18/09 - Keith Wyatt on BOSS Tone Radio
Edition 16 of BOSS Tone Radio visits Keith Wyatt, a member of the LA-based band the Blasters. Keith is a master guitarist who’s authored over 20 best-selling instructional DVDs, and he’s currently the Vice President of Programs at the prestigious Musician’s Institute in Hollywood. Listen in as he discusses teaching, touring, and his favorite BOSS tone tools.
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02/08/09 - SuperStore, Even More
Roland’s continuing to add products to the online Roland SuperStore. New this month are V-Drum pads, EDIROL by Roland cables, V-Accordion accessories, and more.
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02/05/09 - Free MICROtracks for the BOSS MICRO BR
Want to improve your guitar soloing chops? Then check out MICROtracks! Created by resident BOSS guitar gurus Paul Hanson and Rob Marcello, these MP3 files are full audio tracks for loading into your BOSS MICRO BR. Designed to help you boost your soloing skills, MICROtracks cover a wide range of music styles and come with an instruction sheet that gives you chord and scale info and playing tips. Best of all, they’re free, so download ’em now and start rippin’ it up right away!
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01/25/09 - New Michael Schack TD-4S Videos
We’re excited about the new TD-4S V-Compact Series kit, and we’re pleased to have a set of enjoyable new videos in which internationally acclaimed drummer Michael Schack lets you look over his shoulder as he shows off the capabilities of these hot new drum sets.
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01/14/09 - 2009: An Exciting Year at Roland
It’s time for the 2009 Winter NAMM show in Anaheim, California, and, as usual, Roland’s announced a staggering batch of new instruments and equipment. We’ve got everybody covered. To start with, there’s the groundbreaking V-Piano. How about a return to the front of the stage for the keyboardist with the shoulder-strapped AX-Synth? There’s a hot new TD-4 module for drummers, new amps, new effect pedals for guitarists and bassists, a fresh home keyboard lineup, V-Accordions, new ARX sounds, and tons of handy new accessories, and more. Roland’s firing on all cylinders, even in these tough times. And we know you’re not surprised.
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01/11/09 - Free Online V-Drums Lessons
At Roland, we’re about more than just selling products—our relationship with musicians goes way beyond that. As part of that commitment we’re happy to announce the brand-new V-Drums Lessons, a unique web page of free drum and percussion lessons for beginning to advanced players. These exclusive video lessons are hosted by our talented team of V-Drums clinicians and artists. They can be viewed in your browser, or downloaded if you prefer. You can even subscribe to them in iTunes. We don’t want you to just buy V-Drums—we want you to have an absolutely great time playing them.
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12/31/08 - The Pedals That Make the Tone, New Year’s Edition
Ring in the new year with two fresh batches of BOSS pedal settings that recreate the guitar sounds in more classic songs, care of the ongoing partnership of BOSS and Guitar World magazine. Check out “The Pedals That Make the Tone” microsite for pedal settings, descriptions, and audio examples, and grab the January and February issues of Guitar World to land the tablature for the featured tunes.
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12/18/08 - BUG Takes Flight
We’re pleased to announce the launch of our re-designed BOSS Users Group—AKA “BUG”—website. The redesign was all about making the site easier to use and more fun. A new tabbed interface makes finding exactly what you’re looking for a snap. And just try not to have a good time roaming around the site. You’ll find everything from info on the latest products, to hands-on tutorials, to podcasts packed with artist interviews. Whether you own a BOSS product, are thinking about getting one, or just want to have a good time, head on over and check out the new BUG site.
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12/11/08 - Omar and the BOSS ME-20: Partners in Tone
Omar Rodriguez-Lopez of The Mars Volta has an intense musical vision, and he relies on BOSS night after night for his signature guitar tones. Check out our recent interview with Omar, where he discussed his playing influences and how BOSS pedals inspire his creativity. While you’re there, take a listen to the amazing sounds of the ME-20 Multiple Effects, which carries Omar’s stamp of approval.
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11/25/08 - Introducing the Fantom-G, Version 1.20-Style
Life just got even better for Fantom-G owners. The Fantom-G’s new, free Version 1.20 software update adds a ton of new functionality to this already feature-packed powerhouse. We’ve posted a video in which Dan Krisher takes you through the new 1.20 features to give you an idea of how the Fantom-G has just become an even more inspiring creative tool. It’s the next step in the evolution of our flagship workstation.
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11/12/08 - BOSS Virtual Pedal Board 2
Want to test drive a bunch of BOSS pedals without leaving the house? Then log on to our new BOSS Virtual Pedal Board, where you can interact with nearly the entire line of BOSS stompbox effects while listening to playing examples from a variety of music styles. VPB-2 is so much fun that Adobe made it a recent “Site of the Day” winner. Coffee, bathrobe, and slippers not included.
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11/09/08 - HandSonic 10 Artist Jam/Giveaway
Watch a few videos and win a HandSonic 10 autographed by Luis Conte, Brad Dutz, and Richie Garcia. What could be easier? The whole process is as much fun—well, let’s say half as much fun anyway—as playing a HandSonic 10 yourself. Seriously, it's more than worth a shot, especially since you get to watch these masters working this amazing electronic-percussion instrument. Get your fingertips on your own HandSonic 10 now.
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11/02/08 - Would You Like a Free R-09HR?
It’s hard to imagine a more useful tool than EDIROL’s R-09HR WAV/MP3 recorder. These pocket-sized recorders are absolutely great for catching sudden song ideas, big ideas from the blue, and the sounds of your life, all with super-clear 24-bit, 96 kHz fidelity. And get this: We’re giving away one R-09HR a week from now until December 15, 2008. All you have to do to get one is to visit the R-09HR site and spend a few moments learning about the R-09HR.
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10/05/08 - The New Face of Roland Music Education
The Roland Music Education website has recently undergone a redesign, with an all-new look and feel and simplified navigation. Stop by and visit our new site and learn more about Roland’s ongoing commitment to music education.
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09/16/08 - Get to Know the EDIROL PCR Controller Keyboards
There’s no better way to make music on your computer than by using one of the new EDIROL PCR USB MIDI Keyboard Controllers. With a PCR-300, PCR-500, or the PCR-800, you’ve got everything you need: keys, drum pads, 50 assignable controls, and a unique crossfader. We’ve just posted a series of videos by our own Jim Stout that show you how the new PCR controllers can make your life that much sweeter. Take a look.
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08/14/08 - The Brand-New RolandAtelier.com
If you’re an organ aficionado, you’ll want to pay a visit to our re-designed, re-vamped, and re-launched Roland Atelier website, RolandAtelier.com. Once there, you’ll find all the product information you could want, as well as lots of new treats for the eyes and ears. We’ve got expert tips and tricks for you, Atelier artist interviews, and much more. Stop by today!
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08/10/08 - VS Plug-Ins Now Available in the Roland SuperStore
Visit our online shop and add some processing muscle to your VS8F-3 Effects Expansion Board with superb plug-in effects from McDSP, Massenburg DesignWorks, SoundToys, IK Multimedia, and TC Electronic.
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08/06/08 - The Roland Atelier Organ Fest
Roland is excited to announce the very first national Roland Atelier Organ Fest, to be held in Los Angeles in February 2009. If you’d like to compete, contact your Atelier dealer—local festivals will be held at dealer locations throughout the U.S. From there, you may advance to the regional competition. Regional winners win a free trip to the National Finals in L.A, paid for by Roland.
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07/20/08 - See and Hear the C-30 Digital Harpsichord
The Roland Classic C-30, our new digital harpsichord, has to be seen and heard to be believed, and we’ve posted a collection of videos to help you do just that. As a special treat, we’re honored to present a series of Mini Concert clips featuring Maestro Hector Olivera on the C-30. You’ll find these on the C-30 web page, too. Enjoy!
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07/17/08 - Rico Loop and the RC-50
In an all-new video, German looping artist Rico Loop gives an amazing hands-on demonstration of the BOSS RC-50 Loop Station. Watch as Rico uses the RC-50 to build a choir of vocal sounds in mere seconds. The voice-over audio is in German, with English subtitles. The music speaks for itself!
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07/09/08 - Take Your Music Everywhere with the CUBE Street
The battery-powered CUBE Street is the perfect portable amp for the musician on the go, and Roland guitar ace Johnny DeMarco proves that in a brand new demo video. He puts the CUBE Street through its paces as he performs music in a variety of locations and shows off the amp's extensive set of COSM amps and effects.
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07/02/08 - Rhythm Coach Instructional Videos Now Online
Learn all about the RMP-5 Rhythm Coach with Roland master clinician Johnny Rabb. In this eight-part video series extracted from the RMP-5 DVD Owner's Manual, Johnny takes you through all the RMP-5's different operating modes and shows you how to easily integrate external triggers and pads.
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