NAMM 2014: Roland announces RD-800 stage piano

NAMM 2014: Roland has announced the RD-800, which it's claiming is its finest stage piano yet.

Providing not only acoustic piano sounds but also electric piano, organ, synth and other tones, the RD-800 has a weighted hammer-action keyboard, a colour display, plenty of control and a Tone Color function that enables you to tweak a sound with one knob.

The RD-800 weighs in at 22kg and will cost £2115. Specs below.

Roland RD-800 features

  • Professional stage piano with the acclaimed SuperNATURAL Piano engine plus many other top Roland sounds and features
  • Choose from a wide selection of acoustic pianos voiced for live playing, including a new Concert Grand tone derived from the V-Piano Grand, upright tones, and more
  • Newly enhanced SuperNATURAL-based electric pianos and clavs with authentic vintage sound and feel
  • Over 1100 additional sounds for versatility on stage, including Virtual Tone Wheel organs, vintage keys, modern synths, and many others
  • Roland's top-of-the-line PHA-4 Concert Keyboard with Escapement and Ebony/Ivory Feel, equipped with the latest touch-detection technology
  • Intuitive interface designed for easy operation while performing, with fast access to essential functions such as tone layering, keyboard split point, and more
  • Manipulate sounds quickly on stage via dedicated controls for Live Set selection, part levels, Modulation FX, Tremolo, Amp Simulator, and more
  • Tone Colour knob provides complex tonal manipulation in real time with a single control
  • Colour LCD and panel knobs with LED indicators provide easy visibility on dark stages
  • WAV recording/song playback and user memory backup with optional USB flash memory
  • Master MIDI keyboard controller features; four external pedal connections (Damper, FC1, FC2, and EXT)
  • 1/4-inch and balanced XLR stereo output jacks; convenient 1/8-inch stereo input for connecting a music player or other device
  • Sleek, durable design with reduced weight for easier transport
Ben Rogerson

I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it.