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Roland AX-Synth £810

The keytar is back, and in fine style

Roland AX-Synth

Roland isn't calling the AX-Synth a keytar, but everyone else is.

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Summary

We really like the AX-Synth - it delivers the goods on almost every level. The only question mark hanging over it is the price. At over £800 you have to ask yourself how much of that money is going on the onboard synth, and if you really want it.

That said, the new feature set and great-looking design makes this a much more complete instrument than previous AX models. It sounds and looks great and, although it's a tad expensive, it puts Roland firmly back at the top of the keytar tree.

Listen to just a few of the AX-Synth's built-in sounds:

Verdict

The AX-Synth is great fun to use, it looks fantastic and the onboard sounds are a welcome addition. We want one!

MusicRadar rating:

4 of 5 stars

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User comments (9)

Average user rating 5 of 5

  • Trevman55

    Avatar for Trevman55

    30 weeks ago.

    User rating 5 of 5

    I've had mine for a little over 6 months, and I love it. I gives me portability, and powerful sound in a stylish package.

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  • kiotenka

    Avatar for kiotenka

    Mon 7 Feb 2011, 12:05 pm UTC

    User rating 5 of 5

    I recorded this song for remembering a legendary guitarist Gary Moore - who has died on Sunday, February 7th 2011 at the age of 58. Gary Moore R.I.P !!!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aGctyUyUmA

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  • kiotenka

    Avatar for kiotenka

    Fri 14 Jan 2011, 6:44 am UTC

    User rating 5 of 5

    La Compasita - Xuan Trung on Ax Synth Roland !
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYGGxj9DKQA

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  • kiotenka

    Avatar for kiotenka

    Wed 12 Jan 2011, 12:32 pm UTC

    User rating 5 of 5

    This is my new performance with a very famous song "No Name No4" of Vu Thanh An. Thank you all for listening. Please subcrible !
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fuq04c57neQ

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  • Rockitman

    Avatar for Rockitman

    Tue 15 Sep 2009, 9:48 pm UTC

    User rating 5 of 5

    I just got mine as well. I agree that the sounds are very playable. I like the convenience if I am going to go to a jam or studio session. I also got the soft case that roland sells. The case is nice with three pockets to hold the power supply, cables, strap and whatever. I also have Two AX-1s, and the AX-7. I started with the Korg RK-100, then I had the AXIS, I sold those when I got my first AX-1. I use an old NADY WML-50 Wireless MIDI that still works (Had it since 1993) It was designed by MIDIMAN (who now is M-Audio) It converts MIDI to audio and then you use a regular GTR wireless. I use a Shure UHF wireless and it works great.

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  • Rockitman

    Avatar for Rockitman

    Tue 15 Sep 2009, 9:48 pm UTC

    User rating 5 of 5

    I just got mine as well. I agree that the sounds are very playable. I like the convenience if I am going to go to a jam or studio session. I also got the soft case that roland sells. The case is nice with three pockets to hold the power supply, cables, strap and whatever. I also have Two AX-1s, and the AX-7. I started with the Korg RK-100, then I had the AXIS, I sold those when I got my first AX-1. I use an old NADY WML-50 Wireless MIDI that still works (Had it since 1993) It was designed by MIDIMAN (who now is M-Audio) It converts MIDI to audio and then you use a regular GTR wireless. I use a Shure UHF wireless and it works great.

    Mark as inappropriate

  • brucegeller

    Avatar for brucegeller

    Fri 4 Sep 2009, 10:42 pm UTC

    User rating 4 of 5

    Just got it!! I already have two AX-1s for my Muse Reseach Receptor so I was not sure I really needed another keytar or another sound source, but after a few mins of playing it, I'm very happy!! Onboard sounds are awesome! Keyboard and controllers are expressive. Now all I need is a wireless guitar system to add with my M-Audio wireless MIDI... my leash will be off and this badass dog is gonna tear up the stage!

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  • brucegeller

    Avatar for brucegeller

    Fri 4 Sep 2009, 10:41 pm UTC

    User rating 5 of 5

    Just got it!! I already have two AX-1s for my Muse Reseach Receptor so I was not sure I really needed another keytar or another sound source, but after a few mins of playing it, I'm very happy!! Onboard sounds are awesome! Keyboard and controllers are expressive. Now all I need is a wireless guitar system to add with my M-Audio wireless MIDI... my leash will be off and this badass dog is gonna tear up the stage!

    Mark as inappropriate

  • brucegeller

    Avatar for brucegeller

    Fri 4 Sep 2009, 10:41 pm UTC

    User rating 5 of 5

    Just got it!! I already have two AX-1s for my Muse Reseach Receptor so I was not sure I really needed another keytar or another sound source, but after a few mins of playing it, I'm very happy!! Onboard sounds are awesome! Keyboard and controllers are expressive. Now all I need is a wireless guitar system to add with my M-Audio wireless MIDI... my leash will be off and this badass dog is gonna tear up the stage!

    Mark as inappropriate

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MusicRadar rating

4 of 5

Pros

Looks great and feels nicely balanced. Very playable, easy to control and simple to navigate. Onboard sounds are a real bonus and are generally very useable.

Cons

Expensive. More hardware control would have been nice. Neck a little thick under the touch controller.

Verdict

The AX-Synth is great fun to use, it looks fantastic and the onboard sounds are a welcome addition. We want one!

Review Policy

All MusicRadar's reviews are by independent product specialists, who are not aligned to any gear manufacturer or retailer. Our experts also write for renowned magazines such as Guitarist, Total Guitar, Computer Music, Future Music and Rhythm. All are part of Future PLC, the biggest publisher of music making magazines in the world.

User rating

5 of 5

Specification

AX-Synth

Price:
£810
Dimensions (mm (w x h x d)):
1142 x 87 x 266
Number of Keys:
49
Presets:
256
Polyphony (Notes):
128
Weight (kg) (kg):
3.9

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