Roland A-80

I finally managed to get my hands on an A-80 after about a year of on-and-off looking for it. I got mine through Kijiji.com, and I also remember seeing one on Craigslist.org.
Editing patches becomes easy after you've done it with the manual a few times. After that, setting up pedals and MIDI channels is a snap.
The manual has slightly strange wording; you have to go slow when reading it. Fourtunately, a one-page "Turbo Start" manual is available to download on the web that outlines the board's primary functions (key zones, program changes, muting outputs).
Once you learn the system (which doesn't take long), every last function can be accessed quickly and with minimal headache.

There are some other glowing reviews on this site about how great the action is; how it's like playing a nice grand and such. Having only this information to go on, the first time I played it I was taken aback. My first thought was, "Wow this feels cheap." Second: "This is really light." (The action, that is.) I was expecting a grand piano action, like the Kawai I was used to. It's important to understand (as I did later) that digital keyboards never perfectly duplicate the action of your favourite grand piano. It's not a fair comparison to make. It's like comparing a soccer player to a baseball player - they're not on the same field.
That being said, the A-80's action is remarkably good for a keyboard. On a firm stand, the keys give desirable resistance on the way down, bottom out solidly, and return quickly without bouncing. My initial "cheap and light" conclusion changed over the next few days, and as the action grew on me I came to like it more and more. The action may be slightly lighter than you're used to, but you sure have to press darn hard to send velocity 127, especially if you depress more than one key per hand. To put it another way, the action is neither too light, nor too heavy. It's just right, for me at least.
Compare the A-80 tech specs to other controller keyboards and you will quickly find that they pale in comparison. Four MIDI outs, two in, one thru; four programmable pedal inputs (and two more: patch up and down), four sliders and buttons, a large display screen, and separate pitch and modulation wheels in addition to the Roland joystick. Also worth mentioning is that this board can send true polyphonic aftertouch; something of a rarity in modern keyboards. I don't know how many devices today can take polyphonic aftertouch, however the board can be set to send channel aftertouch too. Mind you, you have to have hands of steel to use it, to quote another reviewer. More on that below.

Roland started making this model in 1989. I don't know when mine was made, but apart from a few scratches and one chipped key, it feels like it's brand new.

In another review here the owner states that Roland replaced the key bed (or something like that). I wrote Roland's repair centre in Canada asking if they still service A-80s, got a response confirming they do. I was asking about changing a resistor on the internal circuitry that supposedly makes the aftertouch a lot easier to use.

All in all, if you're after a MIDI controller, the A-80 certainly ranks in somewhere at the top, perhaps the top three of all time. Another keyboard worth investigating is the Yamaha KX-88, which has similar specifications to the A-80 and was made in 1986. As for modern keyboards, the only ones with better action might include the Roland RD 700 SX, Yamaha P250, or the Yamaha CP300. All of which cost at least three times what you could get an A-80 for.

There's only one major advantage to the Roland A-80...the action. 88-keys of the most realistic action and feel ever created in a portable (debatable, at 66lbs.) MIDI controller, period. I guess I'm the only one in here who bought their A-80 new, around Christmas 1989 - New Years 1990 (hey, a bit hazy on recalling exactly when, way back then). I bought it for a home MIDI studio, which I did some work with, and shelved it around `94-`96, recently pulling it out of mothballs to rebuild a studio.

As a synthesizer or organ controller, the action isn't particularly well suited. It's for playing piano, and it does it well. With the 4 MIDI output channels, each with assignable parameters, it's a way more than capable MIDI controller -- even by today's standards. While the MIDI parameter functions may be more advanced on newer units with today's technology, nothing beats the A-80 for feel and overall action of a ivory-keyed, fully-weighted, grand piano feel and action.

The velocity sensitivity is superb, and the aftertouch can be adjusted to easier accessibility with some resistor part replacements. Some claim it can be adjusted in other ways under the keys, but I feel those are temporary fixes as compared to the physical resistor component replacement.

In some cases, the "bouncy" effect of a fully-weighted piano key has its advantages, for using it to control certain instrument patches. I've found that it closely emulates through MIDI the finger plucking of instruments like guitar, bass, violin, harp, and even does well for percussion like timpani, or mallet instruments. I now have another 88-key MIDI keyboard with a much lighter touch for playing synth, organ, etc. However, I'm not alone when others state it as well, that the unit plays better than anything ever built before or since.

The onboard display is a bit difficult to navigate, unless you really spend some time learning it. It's a small screen (by today's stds.) and quite an extensive tree of functions. You can assign your MIDI channel layering, key ranges, and multiple parameters on the display. However, I feel the display is the area that could use work. Otherwise, it would get a "10".

Constructed out of heavy hardwood, metal, ivory, plastic, and electronics, it's a heavy dude. As I mentioned before, at 66 lbs., it's basically built like a tank. That being said, the parts to repair them aren't as easy to find these days. Therefore, A-80s are mostly duly relegated to studios, and not taken so much on the road any more.

The convenience of having your pick of two wheels and one integrated bender lever for pitch bend and modulation, makes it really complimentary for controlling different instrument nuances. The four sliders and buttons can be assigned, as well as the MIDI bank and patch (while these are somewhat limited by today's standards).

The four sliders paired with the lighted switched are convenient, fully assignable. The lack of a wheel makes it slow sometimes to input items into the display, through the buttons. It does become more intuitive with practice, though.

There's no ribbon controller (like I loved in my old Yamaha YC-30 organ), or breath input, but that's not what this controller is for. It does has four 1/4" TRS pedal inputs which are assignable, that also work for std. I use two expression pedals, two damper pedals, and a MIDI switch pedal, all assignable.

Four MIDI Outs, Two MIDI In (1 remote), One MIDI Through, Four Assignable 1/4" TRS Pedal Inputs, Two 1/4 Patch Shift (Up/Down), AC Power. Way before USB. Hey, this was the late 80's, early 90's, when there were Mac SE, 286's and 386's! It gets a "9" because of the MIDI connectivity and pedals.

It's no editor, librarian, or anything like that. Nothing that flashy here. What it does, it does well, with assignable splits, layers, zones, to each of the four MIDI channels. The ability to assign specific muted zones is convenient.

The A-80 can't generate any tones, sounds, or use sound cards. It just controls them, period.

While at times I wish it were lighter in weight, I know this is just what makes it play so solidly like a concert grand piano. I can play as hard as I want on this, it feels good, and it can take it. Without the adjustments I mentioned earlier, the aftertouch is difficult to access without force.

It's always performed well for me, and I absolutely love the action and feel (just in case you couldn't tell). I would recommend this to anyone who has the desire for the action and feel of a concert grand, but not the room and/or money for it. If it were destroyed, lost or stolen, I would replace it. I would be sentimental for my original baby, but hey, I love the feel of those familiar keys.

I'm going to be taking the "old girl" in for a tune-up and repair at Roland's Service Center, so I can report back as to how well that goes.

There's a reason people toured with the A-80, like Elton John & Michael McDonald (and many more). For venues where it wasn't possible to have a nice full concert grand, the A-80 remains a worthy second for its action. Buy one now, if and when you can find one. You'll be glad you did.

The A-80 is one of Roland Corp.'s greatest achievements. It is THE Midi Controller. It has a keyboard action that is simply unsurpassed, even to this day. With 88-keys, and weighted action, Ivory keys, Roland went all out with this keyboard. Superb engineering. I actually owned my first A-80 in 1990, paying $1400 used for it at Guitar Center in Hollywood, California. Evidently, some big shot L.A. producer bought it for one 3-day recording session, and then sold it back to Guitar Center. That baby was in MINT condition and $1400 was a steal for an A-80 in 1990. I used it for composing and live gigs for three years, until I had to sell it in 1993 due to financial problems stemming from a divorce, selling it to Gino Vanelli's next door neighbor(on Gino's recommendation, so I was told). I really missed that board. A few years went by, and then sight unseen, I bought a new Roland A-90EX, assuming that the killer keyboard action would be repeated in this model. Boy, was the A-90EX a major disappointment!! Beautiful internal piano sounds, a much better interface for better MIDI control, but a CRAPPY keyboard action! Suffice it to say, I sold the A-90EX fairly soon after buying it. I found an A-80 a few years ago for $499. It has a few scratches, and one white 'G' key was cracked and had to be replaced, but otherwise, it's in fine shape. I wouldn't trade or sell it for the world.

Being a MIDI controller, it produces no sounds of its own. It can handle a multitude of sound modules and external sequencers.
Very easy to use, once you know how to work you way around the menus. It can accept a Roland card for patch memory backup. However, more memory is not possible.

That key action is just so nice to play. Only a fine Grand Piano would be better. Again, kudos to Roland's engineers for the physics involved in simulating an acoustic piano action. They did their homework on this one. Unique to the A-80 is that it has polyphonic aftertouch, a bit of a rarity. Only a handful of keyboards have true poly aftertouch, and the A-80 is one of them. However, aftertouch is a bit tough to get a response from at times, depending on the synth patch. There is a fix for it, which involves swapping a resistor on the main board, but I haven't bothered with it. I guess it's obvious that the major quality of this keyboard is the key action, and it would appeal most to those seeking an acoustic piano feel, whatever the style. I play mostly jazz, bossa-nova, and some fusion and Rolling Stones-style rock, so I need a piano with me at all times, and I thrive on the heavy action of the A-80. I use an Oberheim Minigrand piano module for acoustic piano sounds, and the results are incredible, pretty damn realistic sound and feel for being entirely in the digital domain. Perfect for jazz.

Built like a tank - it weights 60 lbs!! Super dependable for any gigging situation. But get a good quality case for it - it's heavy, and it needs a sturdy case for protection.

Roland USA HQ in Los Angeles has been VERY helpful to me over the years. They have always addressed my concerns in a timely and very professional manner, from the first time I called them in 1991 up to now in 2003. Roland replaced a cracked white key on my current A-80, and they also upgraded the ROM chips free of charge. If you buy an A-80, be sure it has the latest ROM chip upgrade. If it doesn't, Roland will install the upgraded ROM chips free of charge.

Yes, I would replace it if I had to. The only drag about it is that it weighs 60 lbs, and in its anvil flight case, total weight comes to about 100 lbs...thank God that the case has wheels! But that's fine with me...it's all worth it when I show up to a gig or rehearsal and that keyboard action and feel is right there in front of me. Totally worth it.

Not a very intuitive interface, but the manual does a good job explaining all the features of this superb keyboard controller.

The BEST keyboard controller of all time. Nothing even comes close. Fatar's latest SL-880Pro is close, but it lacks all the great mother ler capabilities of A-80. This keyboard should be the landmark and reference that every other controller needs to be compared with.

Since this is only a controller, it doesn't product any sound!
Expresiveness? This instruments DEFINES the word. The best keyboard action there is.

Build as tank.

Roland has good overall support. Definitelly a plus.

Given that this model is now quite old, it still holds as the flagship of all midi keyboard controllers. Too bad that Roland compromised the keyboard action in later models.

The A-80 is an incredible 88-key MIDI controller keyboard. It's fairly simple to use, though I'm sure that I've yet to uncover more than 50% of its total functionality. I brought it home, attached it to a Roland XV-5050 rack-mounted synth, and was playing within about two minutes. It's a dream to play. As with other Roland products, it's rather apparent that the manual wasn't written with the English-speaking musician in mind, however it's certainly better than NOT having a manual at all.

OMG, this thing is awesome! Of course, it's a controller, so there are no on-board sounds to speak of. But as a controller, I honestly don't think I've experienced anything better. The 88 piano-weighted keys are its most enviable feature. Close your eyes, and you could be playing on a Steinway baby grand. You've got touch-sensitivity, polyphonic aftertouch, expressiveness...the works. The keyboard itself is the truly the most outstanding feature of the A-80. I'm dying to know more about the mechanical apparatus that creates the lovely weighted-key feel, but wouldn't dare disasssemble my A-80 to find out. Additionally, the LCD display is nice and big (it actually emits a very low-volume hum when the A-80 is switched on...it doesn't effect MIDI functionality at all). I'll also admit that I like the 'look' of the A-80...a very clean, no-nonsense interface that looks VERY professional.

I first learned keyboards from tinkering with pianos as a kid and then in college, playing mostly Yamahas and Kawais. The A-80 reproduces the "feel" of a real acoustic piano better than any other controller I've played. My A-80 was a "pre-owned" unit, and as such, there's one black key that is just a little sticky and less responsive than they other 87 (I'm gonna get that looked at eventually), but other than that...WOW. I play a range of rock/R&B/jazz/new age stuff, and the A-80 is awesome in all formats.

As previous reviewers have noted, the A-80 is built like a tank. It's HEAVY. H-E-A-V-Y. Like a thousand tons (okay...maybe more like 40 lbs.). I'm not sure I'd ever want to remove the A-80 from my home studio. While I would certainly love to use this controller on stage, it's definitely not convenient to move around. That's why I also have an RS-9 (Roland's budget 88-key synth/controller...the feel pales in comparison, but I can carry my RS-9 by myself!). I don't think I'd ever go to a gig with just one keyboard, but if I lugged the A-80 to a gig, I just KNOW it would come thru fine.

I haven't dealt with Roland much, so I can't truthfully answer this question. However, I DID put a phone call into Roland/L.A. before purchasing my A-80 to ask if they knew anything about a rumored technical bulletin Roland apparently published on the A-80. Apparently, there's a user modification that can be made to improve the polyphonic aftertouch on the A-80 (I read about it somewhere on the Web...I don't know why I'd want to improve the feel of the A-80, but I was just curious). The guy I spoke with didn't know about the document I was referencing, but he was completely professional in speaking with me. I do worry a little about how I would have this unit serviced if it needed work. I think Roland stopped making the A-80 in 1996 or so...

I'm COMPLETELY happy with the A-80. After owning a number of keyboard synths (X3, JV-90, N264, RS-9), I really wanted a controller that truly felt like an acoustic piano. I played a Kurzweil PC-88, a pre-owned Yamaha SY-88 (?), a Triton, and even Roland's latest XV-series 88-key synth. I also briefly considered Roland's A-70, A-90 and A-90EX. But when I found an almost-pristine A-80 on eBay, I jumped at the chance. I haven't regretted the decision in the slightest. If you find one of these gems in a music store or on-line, definitely consider grabbing it.

Its a tank. But hard to navigate.

The keyboard is superb if u look for a heavy keyboard such Bosendoefer Grand Piano Keyboard.

The keyboard is heavy to play on and the aftertouch almost impossible to use

I had to repair some keys some times by my self (with Isopropanol on the connectors inside, under yhe keys). After that its a joy to play on it - again...

As always with Roland - pay and be happy

But its a fantastic keyboard to play on. And to have with u - if u have a coupcarrier with u.

Please visit my A-80 page on www.soundofmusic.se

I have to agree with everyone else--the owners manual is not very helpful. I read through it and was totally confused. However, once I started editing the instrument, I found it very easy to use. The patches are easily edited and the results (the keyboard expressiveness) are stunning in comparison to other controllers. My rating is lower only because of the owners manual. I would recommend to anyone purchasing this instrument that you change the battery prior to programming your patches. The battery is easily changed and can be purchased from a department store. This will save you from any future headaches!

I owned this instrument for over three years (purchased second hand May 1997) and I have yet to see all of these features on another controller. The keyboard has a solid feel (not toy-like) in comparison to the A-90 and Alesis QS8.1. I would encourage anyone who has or is purchasing this controller to utilize all of the foot controller inputs, sliders, etc., that are available for use. It also has velocity and polyphonic pressure sensitive keys. This is where this keyboard excels. It has four MIDI outs and I use all four with no problems. I haven't tried utilizing the MIDI input except to load patches if needed. I utilize an old Alesis MMT-8 to save the patches (MIDI Dump).

The keyboard is very expressive. As I said before, you can utilize up to four foot controllers for sustain, on/off switching of MIDI effects, volume, modulation, etc. There are four sliders and four on/off buttons that can also be assigned. The velocity and pressure sensitive curves can be set to a multitude of variations. These are not preset and can be set to your requirements.

I play this instrument in a Top 40/Classic Rock/New Country band. I push left had bass (Peavey Spectrum) and have a Roland JV-880, Korg EX-8000, and three Peavey SP samplers. When the A-80 is at home, it works very nicely with the Alesis nanopiano. The A-80 has no problems in working with these modules.

I lost some patches before I changed the battery. I am currently having problems with one of the sliders. The parameters that are controlled by this slider will "jump" around when it is accessed. These are the only problems that I've had in three years. I'm sure that the slider can be fixed very easily. However, it has not bothered me enough to take it to the repair shop. I am never afraid to use the A-80 without a backup available. What can I say? It's a Roland!!!!

I have never sent it to the shop. I have never contacted Roland concerning any problems or questions about the A-80. Therefore, I have no opinion regarding customer support.

The A-80 can be purchased for much less than the A-90 or the Alesis QS8.1. The A-80 is selling locally and on eBay for $500 to $1000. I would definately purchase it again for the price that I paid. If there was anything that I wish the A-80 had would be the expansion board capability that the A-90 has in it. It would be nice if the A-80 had the equivalent of the Roland RD-500 (or RD-600) piano. However, it is nice that it doesn't have any sounds on board since that allows you to choose what sounds it will make.

I agree with the other reviewers here who say that the A-80 manual is a pile of s**t!!! To call it the worst written manual in the world would be a touch too cruel, but it isn't far off! Roland are not known for producing the best manuals. It's a real shame because once you get your head round configuring the A-80, it really is a fantastic instrument to play. I bought mine new back in 1995, just before Roland discontinued it and I intend to hang on to it for many years to come.

Considering the A-80 was first introduced back in 1989, it is surprisingly well equipped in terms of MIDI specifications and features. The A-80 is, I believe, one of only a very few 88-note weighted action keyboards ever made that is able to send Polyphonic Aftertouch. The only minor drawback in terms of features is that there is no MIDI Bank Select program change capability but having said that this is an adequate controller for most MIDI setups.

10 out of 10 here without any doubt whatsoever (as far as expressiveness goes; there are no sounds). In my humble opinion this is easily the best master keyboard that's ever been built, in terms of feel and response. This is the main reason I bought the instrument, as well as its' pleasing appearance. I also agree with the reviewer who felt that the A-80 was better than the A-90 that replaced it. Until I discovered this website I wasn't aware about the modification that can be made for improved Polyphonic Aftertouch response but I'll look into it.

It's a Roland isn't it?!!! Totally and utterly 100% reliable and of course it is superbly built. I only use it at home these days to drive some external modules (Roland JV-1080 & Korg SG/TR Racks) in a small home studio setup, but when I was gigging with it I had no problems at all. The big drawback is it's weight but you're going to get that problem with any 88-note master keyboard. It's sturdy alright - you could porbably drive a friggin' tank over this piece of kit and the thing would still be OK!!!

On the odd occasion when I've needed to contact Roland UK, their response and support has always been very good. I've only had to contact them with general queries rather than about any major technical problem. I also have a local Roland dealer who is very helpful and knowledgeable.

I'm going to give it a 10 because I love this instrument so much. Hook this baby up to a couple of decent synth modules and...way to go!!! The A-80 is an absolute dream to play and it's only let down by the poor manual and even less impressive operating system. Don't let that put you off - the whole point of an 88-note weighted action keyboard is about feel and the A-80 has this in abundance. It's keyboard feels a little chunkier than most keyboards of this genre (including Roland's own A-90) but that's my own preference. I was raised on the piano so I like it! It's a fantastic piece of kit. If you're looking for a decent master keyboard that feels great to play, look no further than the A-80. There's bound to be some decent second-hand ones out there at reasonable prices too.

I tried to read the manual once- a dire waste of time. I have two degrees from MIT- and I still haven't a clue how this 'board works. There is something inherently unreasonable about a keyboard that will let you affect 3 things with your feet, another 4 from sliders etc.

There is only one important feature to me for a controller- the keyboard feel- and this has to be the finest feeling electronic keyboard i've ever played. a bit spongier than a steinway- but hey, it didn't cost 60k. The polyphonic aftertouch is nice too.

This board could use a bit more work on the velocity curves. With such a beatiful big LCD, it is a shame you can't just "draw" your own curves. Still- you can usually get it to respond fantastically well if you have the right outboard source.

Never needed to call Roland. It seems pretty sturdy, but i didn't gig it. One thing- the screws on the bottom had a habit of coming loose. This may be a lot more serious if you are gigging it.

It took no time at all to get a new manual after I lost the first one.

I'm giving it a 10 simply because this keyboard is fantastic at the one thing it is supposed to do- feel great and act responsive.

The manual is the worst piece of @%$#! I have ever seen- I couldn't make any sense of how to edit it. Fortunately, Roland USA had a 4 page "translation" that makes the A-80 much easier to use, though it is not very intuitive- on the rare ocassions I make changes, I have to refer to it. It has two sets of left-hand controllers- the Roland lever immediately adjacent to the keys, and a pair of minimoog wheels forward and to the left (very awkward position, requires a long reach).

The action is the reason I keep it- it just feels more like a good piano action to me than even the A-90 that replaced it, or the Kurzweil or Fatar stuff. It is one of the few controllers out there with POLYPHONIC aftertouch, however, you need hands of steel to use it- a great deal of physical pressure is needed to activate aftertouch. There is a Roland-approved mod (involves changing one resistor) that supposedly fixes this problem, but I haven't pursued it. Otherwise, the features are fairly standard for a good 88 key controller- four zones, four MIDI sliders/switches/foot controls/outputs etc. No sound generation capabilities

Not applicable

Solid- weighs a ton. Better for studio use, but much lighter than the Rhodes and Hammond I used back in my gigging days. No problems in nearly 9 years

The two times I contacted Roland USA they sent me the manual addendum, which made a huge difference, and told me about the aftertouch mod. Very helpful.

I have had it forever, and it still feels better (to me) than anything else out there. I would love to get a new controller with sound generation and more modern controller options, but I would miss the great piano feel and the poly aftertouch. The operating system sucks, but I use it only in the studio thru a sequencer, so if I want to do anything fancy MIDI-wise I do it in the computer.