Roland E-20
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Posted on Dec 16, 2006 03:42 pm
Dabbler
Member Since: Dec 03, 2006
Hello All,
My wife and I were shopping for a small midi keyboard for our son for X-mas. We were all set to pickup an M-Audio 49e 49-key when we ran across a used Roland E-20 at a local music shop. Really great condition, hardly a scratch. They were side by side in the store, the M-audio for $70, no ac adapter that's an additonal $20 but it was USB powered if we wanted to just play throught the computer but I would want to hook him up direct to the sound card. The Roland had the Power Cord which is the same as a computer power cord plugs into the back. The Roland was $100.
The E-20 looks like it has so much more substatial. It's a full synthesizer with onboard speakers that sound pretty good, all kinds of rythm sounds and backing track sounds etc. We have 30 days to return it no questions asked. Also has a 90 day warranty, any failures and they will fix it.
The touch sensitivty on the Roland feels high end the M-audio wasn't hooked up so I can't say whether that is similar. The M-adio does list as velosity sensitive but have read reviews that say it is just OK.
The e-20 seems like a no-brainer to me if the technology wasn't so old, think it was introduced in the late 80's early 90's but maybe that isn't a bad thing really.
Any and all input or comments would be very welcome. Lot's of knowledgeable folks here and just want to know if we made a smart decision.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Scott.
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Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Dec 16, 2006 07:23 pm Dabbler, by all means that is a killer home keyboard. And I believe it had midi i/o on it so it will be more then just a synth.
The E-20 is actually based off of the D-50 which was the first synth to use what was called LA synthisis. (Linear Arithmetic Synthesis) It has some very high quality sounds and the drum patterns were at that time like nothing else out there. The Yamaha and Casio lines were blown away by it. It was Rolands first venture into the home keyboard market and it was great. It does have a little better velocity then the 49a does so that was a good move.
And yes it was made from 1988 to 1991 and sold like nothing else in that market. So yes, you made a great decision to buy that one instead of just the controller
Dec 16, 2006 08:25 pm Thanks much again Noize!
I've been playing with it for a couple of hours and it seems real solid but a bit confusing at the same time. Problem is it didn't come with a manual and that is no small thing with all the bells and whistles on this thing. Any ideas on where I might start my search? Google came up dry. Was going to try Roland direct but with this thing being so old they probably won't have anything available.
I did see a site where I could buy one but they wanted $20.
Thanks.
Scott.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Dec 16, 2006 09:24 pm Scott, I found a pdf of the manual. It is a 1.8 meg download and I have it uploaded to my website. Grab it and print it off. www.pigpenstudio.com/files/E20_OM.pdf
I know every body wants to charge for them these days. I actually paid $25.00 for a photo copied manual once direct from Roland. Although I thought it was going to be an original for that price. But anyway, enjoy and good luck with it. IF you have any other questions feel free to ask.
Noize
Dec 17, 2006 12:10 am Unbelievable. Where the heck did you find it, personal files? I used every phrase I could think of in Google with no luck. I was out there on the page number on each search too. I can't tell you how much I appreciate this. Now I can start to clear the fog on how to work this thing. Just another leg on the journey.
Hey, thanks again for everything Noize and hope you and your family have a great holiday!
Scott.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Dec 17, 2006 12:19 am Here is wishing you and yours a safe and happy holiday as well.
To answer the question though it comes from my secrets stash. I've been a member of R.U.G. (Roland Users Group) for about 20 or so years now. I have access to almost all the users manuals they have ever produced. I found my way in long ago when I had bought a D-110 rack synth and needed the manual to program a software interface for the thing. It slips my mind that I have access to that stuff untill someone comes along looking for a manual and I remember suddenly I can get at most of them. Besides, thats what HRC is for. Helping those get what they need.
I hope it helps you out getting the E-20 going for your son.
Noize
