Roland HP-130, HP-730, ep-75 ep-85 Digital Pianos

The HP130

The ep-85

The ep-75

July 11, 1997 -- Roland Corporation U.S. recently introduced three new models to its popular line of digital pianos, the HP-130, the ep-85 and the ep-75. Designed to offer superb piano sounds and convenient new features for first-time piano buyers and music learners, these affordable weighted-action digital pianos are targeted at the entry-level digital piano and educational market.

HP-130

The new 88-key HP-130 offers award-winning Roland sounds, velocity-sensitivity, the "Pianist," a function which provides intelligent left-hand piano accompaniment in a variety of styles, GS/General MIDI compatibility and a weighted action keyboard.

Housed in an attractive simulated rosewood finish, the HP-130 gives musicians eight selected piano and instrument sounds including three pianos, vibraphone, strings, organ, choir and harpsichord. These sounds are fully optimized via the HP-130's adjustable velocity-sensitivity, responding to every playing nuance like an acoustic piano. Rich chorus and reverb effects further complement the stunning instrument tones.

The new "Pianist" function provides a dedicated "piano-sound-only" accompaniment for the left hand (as opposed to a traditional, multi-instrument accompaniment). After selecting from one of 11 preset music styles ranging from Pop to Rag Time, HP-130 users need only turn on the Pianist function for instant, high-quality piano accompaniments - perfect for the hobbyist, as well as for keeping the rhythm going during solo piano practice and performance.

Other practical features include a built-in metronome, headphone jacks and a 1000-note song recorder. Performance-oriented features include sound layering capability, Damper and Soft pedals, and a built-in GM/GS sound source for accessing over 241 MIDI sounds with an external MIDI sequencer on computer. The HP-130 has a built-in stereo sound system and comes with a matching piano stand.

HP-730

Roland Corporation's new HP-730 is an 88-key console-style digital piano which exemplifies the company's responsiveness in providing contemporary keyboard customers with the equipment and features they want. The HP-730, with its glossy, black finish and stellar sound, strengthens Roland's best-selling line of HP-Series Digital Pianos.

The HP-730 offers digital piano players increased expressiveness and unsurpassed musicality via Roland's innovative hammer-action keyboard and a powerful new sound engine with 64-voice polyphony. The piano's expansive sound responds to any playing dynamic. Its smart, stylish cabinet design comes with a high-gloss ebony finish, making the HP-730 an attractive addition to any home.

Other features include: nine onboard sound and six temperaments; a serial computer port for single-cable communication with an IBM or Mac; a two-track real-time recorder; onboard effects, including reverb and chorus; a microphone input with echo effect; three gold pedals; and built-in stereo sound system.

The HP-730 also comes with a great collection of instrument presets and also includes a newly developed "true stereo" piano sample. Traditional keyboard sounds include: Piano1, Piano2, Harpsichord, Vibraphone, Electric Piano1, Electric Piano2, Pipe Organ, Strings and Honky-tonk Piano.

ep-85 and ep-75

The 88-note ep-85 and 76-note ep-75 also feature eight traditional keyboard sounds, the "Pianist" and built-in GS/GM sound source. Sounds include three pianos, vibraphone, strings, organ, choir and harpsichord. These sounds were borrowed directly from Roland's acclaimed HP-Series Digital Pianos, renowned for their dynamic sound quality. The velocity-sensitive ep-85 and -75 also offer lush chorus and reverb effects to further complement these great instrument tones.

The new "Pianist" function provides the "piano-only" left-hand accompaniment as found in the HP-130. Other practical features include: a built-in metronome; two headphone jacks; a 1000-note song recorder; sound layering capability; Damper and Soft pedal jacks; and a built-in GM/GS sound table for accessing over 241 MIDI instrument sounds with an external MIDI sequencer or computer.

For more information, visit their web site at www.rolandus.com.