Cutting-edge music technologies hone Roland’s legacy of industry innovations
Roland is a renowned name in high-calibre electronic musical instruments such as digital pianos, keyboards, synthesisers and electronic drums, and guitar-related electronic products
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From pioneering the drum machines that defined early techno music to creating the iconic BOSS-brand effects pedals trusted by guitarists, Roland has resiliently introduced game-changing products that have greatly influenced the music industry since its foundation in 1972 – a reputation it still upholds today.
We never copy competitors – we take innovative risks.
Roland is an internationally renowned name in high-calibre electronic musical instruments such as digital pianos, keyboards, synthesisers and electronic drums, guitar-related electronic products and professional audio and video equipment. It aims to reinforce its position as an industry trailblazer with new products and an upcoming platform that sets the benchmark in music creation for a digitally connected age.
“We always innovate with technology to offer new kinds of musical applications and instruments; this has been the key to our growth,” says Jun-Ichi Miki, CEO and representative director. “We design the future. Roland is known as the legendary synthesiser with many world-firsts. We never copy competitors – we take innovative risks.”
Roland’s new products include Aerophone AE-10, a digital wind instrument gaining popularity, particularly in Asia; 4XCAMERA, an iOS app that allows users to create split-screen music videos on an iPhone or iPad; and the world’s first totally wireless guitar amplifier Katana-Air marketed under BOSS – the brand for guitar-related electronic equipment.
Roland is also developing Roland Cloud – a digital music creation and sharing platform that will allow users to compose music samples, conduct practice sessions with fellow musicians and host virtual concerts.
“We work with musicians and use the latest processing technology to recreate natural and expressive sounds,” Miki says. “Our engineers understand the intricate responsiveness between musician and instrument because most of them are playing musical instruments.”
Present in Asia through sales partners, Roland maintains factories in Malaysia, mainland China, Taiwan and Japan, and aims to expand its regional presence as part of its mission to change the future of music.
“At Roland, we inspire the enjoyment of creativity and aspire to be the best rather than the biggest,” Miki says.
