NAMM Report: Roland Unveils the V-Piano
Tonight I attended the unveiling of the Roland V-Piano, the latest instrument in the V-Series of physical modeled instruments. It was inevitable that a least one major manufacturer would pursue this particular golden fleece, as modeled acoustic pianos (first pioneered by the Modartt Pianoteq) offer many advantages over sampled pianos. In addition to sounding remarkably lifelike, the V-Piano lets you change the hardness of the hammers, lengthen the soundboard, turn copper-wound strings to pure silver, and much more, all with the twist of a knob or the press of a pedal, in real time. Roland has obviously put a lot of resources into developing and extending this technology, making it possible realistically emulate classic acoustic instruments, from Steinway to Bösendorfer, as well as dial up new pianos no one has ever heard before (or at least, not before tonight). With much fanfare that included a speech by Roland’s founder, Ikutaro Kakehashi, the evening wrapped up with a mesmerizing performance by legendary jazz pianist David Benoit and his trio.
