News
Rudess & Morganstein premier Roland gear in UK
Rob Power Apr 18 2007, 5:00pm
April 2nd saw the official launch of Roland’s new V-Synth GT at the Sound Control store on Oxford Street in London, with the participation of DreamTheater’s Jordan Rudess as a high profile demonstrator.
The latest V-Drum technology was also put through its paces by Dixie Dregs’ drummer, Rod Morganstein. The two played together with the Dregs in the 90s and formed a ‘power duo’, after one occasion when all of the Dregs' instruments failed on stage except Rudess’. He and Morganstein improvised with each other until power was restored and the concert could continue. The chemistry between the two was so strong during this jam that they decided to perform together on a regular basis (under the name RMP) and released both a studio and a live record.
It was this chemistry that Roland was lucky enough to recapture with the benefit of a seriously high profile demonstration of its new gear.
A capacity crowd of 400 plus witnessed the demo of the V Synth, the VP550, Fantom X8 and the TD20, as well as having the chance to win a V-Synth GT, which was awarded on the night.
“With a purpose built stage and one of the largest Planets, Sound Control London was the ideal venue,” commented Sean Montgomery, Roland UK’s keyboard product manager. “Whilst a great opportunity for our London staff, this event was also the UK launch, with many of the audience attending from all over the country. Our dealers and other Planet stores will undoubtedly see some spin off from this.”
Roland announced their new flagship V-Synth GT Synthesizer at this year’s winter NAMM show – essentially an upgrade of the original V-Synth, combining the Elastic Audio Synthesis engine with the new Articulative Phrase Synthesis technology. The V-Synth also contains Vocal Designer Technology and AP Synthesis, all of which can be manipulated in real time.
