Description

Roland MKS-20 Digital Piano rack mount, $539!

The Roland MKS-20 is a digital piano sound module released in the late 1980s, known for its high-quality sound and versatility. Part of Roland’s MKS series, the MKS-20 utilizes advanced digital synthesis technology to produce realistic piano and electric piano sounds. It became a popular choice among professional musicians for both studio recordings and live performances due to its robust build and exceptional sound quality.

Key Features

Sound Generation

  • Digital Synthesis: Utilizes Roland’s SAS (Structured Adaptive Synthesis) technology to create realistic and expressive piano sounds.
  • Piano Tones: Offers a variety of high-quality piano tones, including acoustic pianos, electric pianos, and clavinet sounds.
  • Multi-Timbral: Capable of playing multiple sounds simultaneously, making it suitable for complex arrangements and performances.

Sound Characteristics

  • Realistic Piano Sounds: Known for its realistic acoustic piano sounds that replicate the nuances and dynamics of a real piano.
  • Electric Piano Sounds: Includes classic electric piano sounds that are widely used in various music genres.
  • Expressive and Dynamic: Designed to respond dynamically to the player’s touch, providing an expressive playing experience.

Controls and Interface

  • Front Panel: Features a straightforward interface with buttons for selecting sounds, adjusting volume, and accessing various settings.
  • LCD Display: Provides visual feedback for easy navigation and parameter adjustment.
  • Memory: Preset memory locations for storing custom sound settings and quick recall during performances.

Connectivity

  • MIDI: Full MIDI implementation, including MIDI In, Out, and Thru, allowing for integration with other MIDI devices and controllers.
  • Audio Outputs: Multiple audio outputs, including stereo outputs, for flexible connection to amplifiers, mixers, and recording equipment.
  • Pedal Inputs: Inputs for sustain and soft pedals, enhancing the expressiveness of the piano sounds.

Applications

  • Studio Recording: Ideal for studio recordings due to its high-quality sound and multi-timbral capabilities, allowing for rich and complex arrangements.
  • Live Performance: Widely used in live performances for its robust build and reliable sound quality, ensuring consistent performance in various settings.
  • Music Production: Suitable for music production, offering a range of piano and electric piano sounds that fit well in various musical genres.

Specifications

  • Sound Generation: Digital (SAS – Structured Adaptive Synthesis)
  • Piano Tones: Multiple acoustic and electric piano sounds, including clavinet
  • Multi-Timbral: Yes
  • MIDI: MIDI In, Out, Thru
  • Audio Outputs: Stereo outputs
  • Pedal Inputs: Sustain and soft pedal inputs
  • Display: LCD
  • Construction: Durable build suitable for both studio and live use

Country of Manufacture

  • Japan: The Roland MKS-20 was designed and manufactured in Japan, known for its high standards of quality and innovation in electronic musical instruments.

Notable Features

  • Advanced Digital Synthesis: Utilizes Roland’s SAS technology for realistic piano sounds.
  • High-Quality Tones: Offers a variety of acoustic and electric piano tones suitable for different musical styles.
  • Dynamic and Expressive: Designed to respond to the player’s touch, providing a highly expressive playing experience.
  • Robust Build: Durable construction ensures reliability in both studio and live performance settings.
  • Comprehensive Connectivity: Full MIDI implementation and multiple audio outputs for versatile integration.

Notable Users

The Roland MKS-20 has been used by various professional musicians and producers, particularly those known for their work in the 80s and 90s:

  • Michael McDonald: Known for his smooth and soulful sound, McDonald has used the MKS-20 for its realistic piano tones.
  • Phil Collins: The MKS-20 has been part of Collins’ setup for live performances and studio recordings, valued for its expressive sound.
  • Toto: Members of Toto have utilized the MKS-20 for its high-quality piano and electric piano sounds in both recordings and live shows.

Conclusion

The Roland MKS-20 is a versatile and high-quality digital piano sound module that offers realistic and expressive piano sounds using Roland’s advanced SAS technology. With its robust build, comprehensive connectivity, and wide range of tones, it is suitable for studio recording, live performance, and music production. Favored by many professional musicians for its reliable performance and superior sound quality, the MKS-20 remains a valuable piece of equipment for anyone seeking high-quality digital piano sounds.