Roland - Company - History - Our History (2024)

TR-33/TR-55/TR-77 Rhythm Machines

The first Roland-branded products

• Established in Osaka with a capital stock of 33million yen.

• Sales offices open in Tokyo and Osaka.

SH-1000 Synthesizer

Roland's first synthesizer

• MEG Electronics Corporation (later BOSS Corporation),a manufacturer of effects, is established in Osaka.
• First participation at the NAMM Show in the USA.
• The Hamamatsu factory is completed.
• First participation at the Gakki Fair in Japan.

EP-30 Electronic Piano

The world's first electronic piano with touch-sensitive keyboard

RE-201 Space Echo

Pioneer of spatial effects and recognized by professional musicians as the industry standard for decades.

• Product Leader System is launched as an integrated system from development to production.

JC Series Guitar Amplifiers

Equipped with the revolutionary stereo chorus effect, these amplifiers are still used by guitarists around the world.

• First participation at the Frankfurt Musikmesse.

SYSTEM-700 Modular Synthesizer System

Japan's first large-scale modular synthesizer system; it was purchased by organizations such as NHK and BBC.

CE-1 Chorus Ensemble

The first BOSS-branded effect processor

• Holds the “First Synthesizer Tape Contest” for multi-track recordings of synthesizers.
• Sales partner is established in Australia.

GR-500 Guitar Synthesizer

The world's first guitar synthesizer

MC-8 MicroComposer

Roland's first microprocessor-based music sequencer was a history-making component in the electronic music genre.

OD-1/SP-1/PH-1 Compact Effects

The initial three models launched in the long-running BOSS compact effects series.

• Fuji Roland Corporation (presently Roland Corporation) is established in Matsumoto.

CR-68/CR-78 Rhythm Machine

The world's first microprocessor-based rhythm machines

• Sales partner is established in the USA.

• Representative office is opened in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, as a base for expansion in the European market.

TR-808 Rhythm Machine

This programmable rhythm machine allowed musicians to program an entire song and achieved legendary status around the world.

JUPITER-8 Synthesizer

A polyphonic-synthesizer masterpiece that was a touchstone for future synthesizer development.

• Sales partners are established in Germany, the UK, Denmark and Canada.
• AMDEK Corporation (presently Roland DG Corporation), a company dealing with effects kits and computer peripherals, is established in Osaka.

• Sales partner is established in Belgium.

MSQ-700 Sequencer

The world's first MIDI sequencer

JX-3P Synthesizer

Roland's first synthesizer with MIDI support (along with the JUPITER-6).

• Contributes significantly to the birth of MIDI*, a global standard for electronic musical instruments (*MIDI…Musical Instrument Digital Interface).

MPU-401 MIDI Processing Unit

This interface for connecting a PC to a MIDI device was a history-making component in desktop music production.

• Opens the Roland Music School in Umeda, Osaka.

α-DRUM Electronic Drums

Roland's first electronic drum set

• Participates in international exposition “Science Expo Tsukuba ’85” Techno Cosmos pavilion.
• Opens the Roland Music School in Shibuya, Tokyo.

RD-1000 Digital Piano

The world's first digital piano based on digital synthesis paved the way for Roland's history-making digital-piano family.

• Sales partner is established in Italy.
• The Hosoe factory (present headquarters) is completed.
• Production company is established in Taiwan.

D-50 Synthesizer

Roland's first fully digital synthesizer became a worldwide sensation for its stunning sound and ease of use.

• Advocates “ism” as a new way of music education with electronic musical instruments.
• Production company is established in Italy.
• Sponsors the first New Age Contest of amateur bands nationwide and the “Exploring the Future of Music” concert.

Musi-Kun Desktop Music System

Roland's slogan was to “enjoy music on the PC” as a new type of hobby; it created a new market called “desktop music” (DTM).

E-20 Arranger Keyboard

This synthesizer with automatic accompaniment let users enjoy various music styles from around the world.

• Classic-organ production company is set up in the USA.
• Sales partner is established in Switzerland.

• Listed in the second section of the Osaka Stock Exchange. Capital stock reaches 7.6billion yen.

RSS Roland Sound Space

This groundbreaking system created a 3D sound space on a regular stereo device; frequently used in music and video production.

HP-3700 Digital Piano

A trendsetting model of the HP series, equipped with advanced SA sound generator and newly-styled furniture-like cabinet

• Sales partner is established in Spain.
• Participates in the “International Garden and Greenery Exposition” (Osaka) as a member of the Dairinkai.
• Distribution center is completed in Hamamatsu.
• Sales partner is established in Hungary.
• Hamamatsu R&D Center is completed.

SC-55 Sound Canvas

The first unit to use the GS* format, this product became a huge hit for its high-quality tones and compact design.

*GS A specification shared among Roland products that standardizes sounds and controls via MIDI.

• Sales partner is established in Brazil.

JV-80 Synthesizer

This instrument's expandable sound generator concept led to many other successful products.

• Headquarters is moved to Dojimahama, Kita-ku, Osaka.
• Miyakoda Testing Center (Hamamatsu) is completed.

Music ATELIER AT-70/50 Electronic Organ

Roland's first series of home organs

Video-Kun Desktop Video

Roland's first video-related product allowed users to perform sophisticated video editing on their PCs.

• Producer System is launched as a unique system for product development.

VG-8 V-Guitar System

The world's first modeling guitar system let players create a wide variety of tones on a single guitar.

VS-880 Digital Studio Workstation

A revolutionary product that provided pro-quality recording and CD production; this became a global sensation from the moment it was released.

MC-303 Groove Box

This was Roland's first entry into the club and DJ scene; it became a new hit in the world of dance music.

• Becomes the first musical instrument manufacturer in Japan to be certified for ISO9002, an international standard for quality assurance.

V-Drums TD-10K Electronic Drums

Equipped with mesh heads and COSM technology, these drums were highly praised for their natural feel, tone, expression, and ease of use.

• Sales partner is established in Taiwan.
• Miyakoda factory (Hamamatsu) is completed.
• Sales partner is established in France.

UA-100 USB Audio Interface

The world's first USB audio interface allowed for recording and playback of high-fidelity digital audio with a PC; this type of interface took root as an industry standard.

• Sales partner is established in Portugal.
• Listed in the second section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

SC-8850 Sound Module

The world's first USB-enabled MIDI sound source became the standard in DTM production.

• Listed in the first sections of the Tokyo Stock Exchange and Osaka Stock Exchange.

VP-9000 VariPhrase Processor

The first unit equipped with “VariPhrase,” a groundbreaking technology for independently controlling the three elements of sound in real time

DV-7 Digital Video Workstation

Designed specially for video editing, the system let users achieve high-quality video production

RD-700 Digital Piano

The standard in digital stage pianos, highly regarded for its superb action and authentic sound

• Sales partner is established in Poland.
• Hamamatsu R&D Center is expanded.
• Production company is established in China.
• Roland Music Studios Corporation (presently Roland Music School) launches music schools nationwide.

V-Bass System

The world's first modeling bass let bassists create a wide variety of tones on a single bass

V-4 Video Mixer

This powerful video mixer offered rich functionality in a compact body.

• “Roland Museum” is completed at the Hamamatsu R&D.

• The Planet program is launched in the UK.

V-Synth Synthesizer

Equipped with an advanced VariPhrase and COSM engine, this synthesizer was capable of creating completely new sounds.

Micro CUBE Guitar Amplifier

This battery-powered guitar amp combines COSM tones and DSP effects in an ultra-small cabinet.

• Distribution company is established in China.

Fantom-X Synthesizer

The world's first workstation synthesizer with a color LCD

V-Accordion Digital Accordion

The world's first electronic accordion equipped with a modeling sound generator

• Sales partners in Europe are reorganized; France and Belgium are consolidated.
• Sales partners in Spain and Portugal are merged under a new company.
• Sales partner is established in Malaysia.
• Nationwide implementation of the Roland Planet program begins in Japan.

CG-8 Visual Synthesizer

This unit allowed users to create a variety of videos and visual effects in an instant and present them in real-time.

SP-404 Sampler

A compact sampler with pads for instant playback

• Headquarters is moved to Hosoe-cho, Hamamatsu (presently Hosoecho, Kita-ku, Hamamatsu).
• Sales partner of professional audio and video equipment is established in the USA.

R-09 Portable Recorder

This product created a new market for handheld linear PCM recorders and became a worldwide hit.

• Nationwide implementation of the Roland Foresta program begins in Japan.

V-Mixing System Digital Mixing System

With full digital processing based on Roland's proprietary REAC* technology, this system provided both “comfort” and “high-quality” digital audio transfer for mixing at concerts and other events
*REAC — Roland Ethernet Audio Communication

V-Drums Lite HD-1 Electronic Drums

A simple and stylish electronic drum kit that allows for easy play at home

• Sales partner is established in China.

C-30 Digital Harpsichord

Digital Harpsichord Encased in a beautiful cabinet, this digital harpsichord delivers authentic tone infused with sophisticated control and expression—a brilliant rebirth of the harpsichord in the modern age.

• Acquires additional shares in a US music-production software-development company; the company becomes a part of the Roland group.
• Nationwide implementation of the Planet X program begins in Japan.

V-Piano Digital Piano

Equipped with a new sound generator that digitally reproduces the sound-generating elements of a piano, this revolutionary digital piano expands the possibilities of piano sound and performance.

C-330 Classic Organ

An electronic organ that is compact yet allows you to enjoy the solemn echoes and performances of a full-fledged pipe organ at home

JS-8 Audio Player with Guitar Effects

An audio player for guitarists that allows them to play along with favorite songs

• Sales partner is established in Russia.

HP307 Digital Piano

Equipped with the SuperNATURAL piano sound source to realize rich and natural tone change and archieve sound and expression power

V-Piano Grand Digital Piano

The flagship model of Roland's digital piano line incorporates the superb expressive power of the V-Piano sound engine

JUPITER-80 Synthesizer

The flagship model of Roland synthesizers that delivers unprecedented natural and rich performance expressions in live performances with its exclusively developed SuperNATURAL tones

Video Canvas DV-7G Video Editor

This tool let users achieve hi-vision video production easily.

• Europe central warehouse is started operation.

INTEGRA-7 Sound Module

This flagship sound module offers all of Roland's sound libraries combined within a single unit.

M-200i Live Mixing Console

A pro-quality, all-in-one digital mixing console with iPad* control capability

TE-2/MO-2/DA-2 Compact Pedals

New-generation BOSS compact pedal with innovative Multi-Dimensional Processing (MDP)

FA-08 Synthesizer

A synthesizer workstation with effortless real-time power, ultra-fast workflow, and maximum versatility

VT-3/TB-3/TR-8 “AIRA”

A new series of products designed to meet the evolving needs of today's electronic musicians. AIRA brings genre-defining sounds and modern performance features to a new generation.

• Delisted from the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
• Regional headquarters in Europe is established in UK.
• Production company is established in Malaysia.

JD-Xi Synthesizer

Compact and powerful Interactive Analog/Digital crossover synthesizer with onboard pattern sequencer and vocal FX

• Roland VS, joint venture with Virtual Sonics, is established.
• Roland DG Corportion is removed from list of group companies.

ELCajon EC-10 Electronic Percussion

The world's first hybrid cajon with built-in electronic sounds

Aerophone AE-10 Digital Wind Instrument

All-new digital wind instrument with traditional sax fingering and onboard supernatural sounds

• Acquired majority stake in V-MODA, manufacturer of headphones and audio devices.

GO:MIXER Audio Mixer for Smartphones

Compact audio mixer for smartphone video production that makes it simple to record high-quality audio

V-MODA Crossfade II Wireless

These headphones produce audio that can please even the most discerning sound engineer, with a clean, deep bass, vivid mids, and a wide 3D soundstage.

Roland Cloud

Launched the Roland Cloud service, a cloud-based platform offering high-quality plug-in synthesizers and software for music production.

• MI Services Malaysia is established as the hub of global commercial and goods flow/SCM.

KATANA-AIR Wireless Guitar Amplifier

The world's first totally wireless guitar amplifier with newly developed BOSS technology

LX708 Digital Piano

An electronic piano with a completely renewed sound, keyboard, and sound system gives players the realism of playing in a concert hall. It was awarded Good Design Award 2018, Red Dot Product Design Award 2019 and 2019 iF Design Award.

• BOSS Corporation is merged into Roland.
• Sales partner is established in Mexico.

VR-1HD AV Streaming Mixer

An AV mixer that makes it easier than ever before to broadcast live.

JUPITER-Xm Synthesizer

This flagship model Roland synthesizer is equipped with the latest "ZEN-Core" sound engine as well as numerous vintage synthesizer sounds in one

Zenbeats Music Creation App

An intuitive and inspiring music creation app that runs cross-platform allowing anyone to be creative

V-MODA M-200 Studio Monitor Headphones

Professional studio headphones that deliver crystalline audio so clear and neutral that subtle nuances and flaws are easily distinguished

WAZA-AIR Wireless Personal Guitar Amplification System

Over-ear guitar sound system that combines BOSS's unique wireless technology with 3D ambience and dynamic sound localization

GO:LIVECAST Livestreaming Studio for Smartphones

A unique tool for streaming that allows streamers to enhance and manage live content online while remaining engaged with their audience

ZENOLOGY Software Synthesizer

An expandable plug-in synthsizer of the revolutionary ZEN-Core Synthesis System

TAIKO-1 Electronic Taiko Percussion

A portable electronic version of the traditional Japanese Taiko drum with Roland's leading digital percussion technology

F701 Digital Piano

Compact home upright piano with modern styling. It was awarded Red Dot Product Design Award 2021.

V-Drums VAD706 Electronic Drums

Flagship V-Drums Acoustic Design kit with the next-generation TD-50X sound module, advanced digital snare and pads

V-160HD Streaming Video Switcher

Portable hybrid event switcher with comprehensive features and connectivity

EURUS GS-1 Electronic Guitar

Premium guitar with advanced BOSS synthesizer technologies for unlimited musical expression

Zentracker Audio Recording App

A powerful and easy-to-use multitrack recording app for mobile musicians

Roland at 50

Roland at 50, a special website commemorating the 50th anniversary of its founding, has been released.

RE-202/RE-2 Space Echo

Pedals that thoroughly analyzes and reproduces the Space Echo RE-201 released in 1974, which is still loved by many musicians.

AIRA Compact T-8/J-6/E-4 Pocket-sized Instruments

Fun, pocket-sized instruments that offer authentic electronic music with iconic Roland sound that has been loved for years.

• Opened its first direct store, Roland Store London.

• Acquired all stake of Drum Workshop, Inc., manufacturer of acoustic drums and percussion.

BRIDGE CAST Dual Bus Gaming Mixer

Roland's first device for game streamers. An audio mixer that delivers high quality streaming.

• Opened Japan's first its direct store, Roland Store Tokyo in Harajuku.

BOSS at 50

BOSS at 50, a special website commemorating the 50th anniversary of its founding, has been released.

DWe Acoustic-Electronic Convertible Drum kit

The world's first convertible drum kit from DW Drums that can be played wirelessly as either acoustic or electronic drums.