Roland are highly regarded as the pioneer of modern electronic instruments. Whenever music technology makes a paradigm shift you can be sure Roland are at the forefront. Since our first store opening in 1991, Professional Music Technology has grown to become the largest stockist of Roland, Boss and AIRA in the UK. With our dedicated In-Store Experts and Roland Planet centres nationwide, we are your one-stop shop for Roland Keyboards, Synths, Home Pianos, Drum Machines, Electronic Drum Kits and much more.
You could say the Roland name is synonymous with music technology nowadays, as there isn’t an avid guitarist, drummer or keyboard player that hasn’t heard of the Roland brand at some point in their lives. Whether it's drum machines, guitar effects or digital pianos the Japanese giant has a knack of being first to the punch, or doing it best. Ironic then that two of their most iconic pieces of gear were first deemed a failure. The TR-303 bass synth and TR-808 drum machine didn't set the world alight on launch. What happened in the decades after was unprecedented, entire genres of electronic music owe their existence to these machines.
Roland Aira is a series of products with its very origins descending from electronic music. The Roland Aira series as designed to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern electronic musicians. In your home, in the studio or on the stage the Aira products are designed to bring genre-defining sounds to a modern audience. Innovative Aira products like the Aira TB-3, Aira VT-3 and the Aira TR-8 have changed the game for music producers and live performers, without the heavy price tag associated with vintage analogue synths.. With the Aira series, Roland have built on these foundations and provided functionality modern musos expect. Aira units work in combination with each other plus computers, MIDI keys rigs and modular synth setups with equal ease. If you fancy something more self-contained and a full set of keys, the Roland JD analogue synths are an excellent choice. Whilst modern day music production is dominated by computers, the Aira products such as the Aira System 8 seek to provide inspiration through characteristic looks and a responsive design based on traditional analogue software.
For pianists of more traditional styles Roland have a range of workstations, digital and stage pianos. Whether classical, rock or pop the SuperNatural engine delivers piano tones, electric pianos and organs. For more contemporary sounds the Juno series is a popular option, if you need a full featured sequencer as well the FA workstations are ideal. Roland Synthesizers include everything you could want and need in a keyboard workstation including multi-track recording capability, revolutionary sound modules and Roland’s world famous high quality sounds. Roland’s new Boutique synth range recreates three classic synths, at a fraction of the cost of the originals. You can enjoy the comprehensive capability of the Roland Boutique JP-08, or the affordable yet highly coveted Boutique JU-06 and JX-03 synthesizers.
Being big names on the synthesizer scene meant Roland couldn’t leave out the home piano and stage piano market. With Roland’s usual focus on creating absolutely superb instruments at affordable prices, the Roland digital pianos quickly became one of Roland’s top-selling flagship instruments. With a flair for sleek design and a passion for sound, Roland’s sound engineers have created an impressive range of digital electric grand pianos for both home and stage. Each Roland piano has its own particular sound and with different ranges in quality and affordability there’s something for everyone.
On the lower end of the spectrum we have the Roland FP-30 Digital Piano, followed by the Roland FP-40R which are absolutely bargain pianos considering their top-notch performance. Another mid-range series to note are the HP500 and HP600 which come in different variations of colour, performance and playability. On the higher end of the spectrum are the Roland LX series digital pianos. These are the pinnacle of immaculate tone and grand design. The series starts with the Roland LX7, moving up you have the Roland LX-15E and finally the current jewel of Roland’s crown the Roland LX17 Digital Piano. There’s something for everyone, so give PMT a call today to speak to a digital piano specialist.
Roland's Jazz Chorus amps launched back in the 70's but have remained in production ever since, solid state tone done right. They recently expanded the range and launched a new high end modelling amp, the Roland Blues Cube. For affordable practice amps or something to go busking with the Roland Cube series come in all shapes and prices. The Roland Cube and Micro Cube series are great for on-the-go musicians who need portability but still require an amp with serious power and sound quality.
Roland are a world leader for the design, manufacture and distribution of electronic drum kits known as the Roland V Drums. Roland’s commitment to creating electronic drum kits inevitability led to the V Drum series, electronic drums that were a technological breakthrough in drum sound and playability. Catering for bands Roland offer the V Drum range of electronic drum kits, revolutionary SuperNatural drum brains and real acoustic feel. Roland V Drums offer the ultimate electronic drum kit experience with unbeatable reliability, quality and percussion technology. Beginners can get started on the TD1 entry level set, intermediate players can test their skills with our TD11, while pros can try the uncompromising TD30 range. No matter what level you play at there's always a kit to try in our dedicated Roland Planet stores.
Roland has been the most popular electronic drum kit developer for the past 50 years. Every Roland electronic drum set includes the SuperNatural drum module technology, which incorporates uncannily realistic drum and percussion sounds. Not only do the Roland electronic drum kits capture the essence of a natural drum kit with realistic high quality sounds, they are set up in a way that accurately reflects the behaviour of real drum kits such as capturing the timbre of a high hat or bass drum. Most Roland drum sound modules also include a coaching mode, this sound module has warm up drills and specific exercises that aim to increase the drummers’ skill-set through a variety of techniques.
Any serious engineer will tell you just how important MIDI keyboards and DJ equipment are to their recording setup. They will also tell you how Roland are extremely innovative in this market, with state-of-the-art sound modules like the Integra-7. Roland are consistently on the cutting-edge of MIDI and keyboard technology, and they are always looking to further improve the quality and playability of every piece of equipment they create. Looking for an all-in-one MIDI keyboard? The Integra-7 gives musicians a goldmine of the latest SuperNatural sounds and behaviour modelling technology, with a fully stocked 16-part sound module (including V Drums, and flagship keyboards). The Roland SP-404SX is a versatile portable sampler filled with fun features for musicians, DJs and professional engineers. Or if you want something a bit simpler, the Roland FA-08 has made it extremely easy to create and record new sounds.
Roland's commitment to creating a high quality electronic drumming experience doesn’t stop with sound. If you’re looking to improve your current electronic drum set, V Drums, or starting from scratch, Roland’s electronic drums and cymbals pads are waiting for you. Roland’s cymbals are designed with the most natural feel in mind as well as incredibly realistic drum and percussion sounds at affordable prices. Whether you’re interested in the top of the line V Tour or V Pro, or the value priced V Compact and V Drums, you’ll be getting the highest quality pads and triggers available for your price range.
Roland Planets are the perfect place to demo, ask advice and browse Roland Synths, Drum Kits and Music Technology products. Pop into your nearest today! Roland Planets are currently located in PMT Birmingham, PMT Bristol and PMT Manchester.
