Product: Roland E-56
Price Paid: FL (700) used
Submitted
10/30/2001
at
04:03am
by
Jelle
Ease of Use
:
8
It's very easy to use. I started with it (already familiar with the E series) and everything was so simple to operate. Choose a style, sound and play ! The preset sounds are great, however the reverb takes over a bit. Too bad the patches can't be edited, and you can only take the keyboard one octave down. Therefore the basses in the lower section sound too high.
Features
:
8
It has a velocity sensitive keyboard, with adjustable sensitivity. Too bad there are no drum variation settings (E-38 has it!) Build in effects are a bit standard, and mend for children I guess.
On the E-56 there is an expansion slot for a memory card. Also suitable for saving your songs. The E-56 is MIDI compatible, but a shame it hasn't got the TO HOST connection (again the E-38 has it!)
It is equipped with a 6 track sequencer. Flexible enough to record some basic songs. And very easy to use. Hit Record, select the track, and play !
Expressiveness/Sounds
:
9
Overall the sounds are realistic. Typically Roland Sound Canvas sounds. The Reverb adds a lot positive to the sounds. The piano sounds realistic as well with a few variations on it. The keyboard is adjustable for its velocity, so if you don't want to smash the keys, it can be set.
Reliability
:
10
It is very reliable. It's a ROLAND ! Roland stands for RELIABLE. A minus is that the site doesn't provide any support for the E series (or I haven't seen it)
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
I have it for a short time now, and Customer Support wasn't needed.
Overall Rating
:
8
I think I would buy it again, yes, or another Roland instrument. The price was very acceptable. I have a Yamaha CS2x next to it, and use the E-56 for accompaniment and the typical Roland sounds. You may see it as a bit nostalgic..
I wish it had the Drum Variations and the TO HOST feature.
It's a nice and professional keyboard, and very suitable to perform live on stage.
