Roland AX-Synth Shoulder Synthesizer Keyboard  

  I?ve had mine for a month now and am extremely surprised over the quality of not only the sound but also the build, I find it sturdy and made very durable plastic, they?ve also included rubber feet on the back so as not to scratch the instrument when setting it down.  The sounds are also crystal clear and can be used in a variety of styles and can be easily edited with the included synth editor.  Its soloing capabilities are endless with the 64 synth leads and the addition of the D beam and portemanto effect is welcome (the fat grip isn?t that much drawback and I find all the effects easily accessible regardless of my small hands).       The single fact that it?s a keytar usually detracts professional keyboardists from purchasing it, but it?s surprisingly professional and practically all its sounds can be used in a recording room or live without any editing needed, and doesn?t look half bad either. The only drawback I have are the fact that its serial number is a sticker and rubs off against your body when playing, I would suggest putting clear tape over it before playing.  

Got mine in August. I LOVE IT. I already have two AX-1s for my Muse Reseach Receptor so I was not sure I really needed yet another sound source or a third keytar (I think 'shoulder synth' is a stupid descriptor), but after a few mins of playing the new AX, I have no regrets! Onboard are excellent, like having a Fantom-based keytar! Many sounds are very usable (for me at least) without using the USB~PC/Mac editor. Keyboard play is smooth and the extra keys and starting note range is a welcome change over the AX1/AX7. Grip section is chunkier than the AX1/AX7 and it makes using the D-Beam and selection buttons somwehat difficult. Ribbon controller is textured and for me required some getting used to as I was expecting similar touch/feel to the smooth AX1/AX7 ribbon. Blue LEDs are a nice touch. Behind-the-grip controls (porta/bender/hold) are recessed and require practice to use without looking, but the added features (porta and bender) make things very interesting, especially when playing the on-board guitar sounds (bank:patch 4:1~4:8). D-Beam eats batteries (but the user manual warns about this). Would be nice if the AC-Adapter could be used to recharge AA batteries pack in the keyboard so removing them would be un-necessary. Battery compartment is VERY snug, don't see any chance for loose batteries to mess things up mid-solo! I really appreciate the thoughful neck-strap placement options, but I really wish that Roland spent $12 extra dollars and used Dunlop or Schaller strap-locks instead of standard strap buttons. I don't know who started the rumor on the WWW, but this keyboard does not have a built-in wireless "anything" - you have to get that yourself - go with the M-Audio or MidiJet wireless MIDI and find a decent wireless guitar system to plug-into... cut that leash entirely! This keyboard is not for everyone, especially if you're shy - it begs to be used in-front with the lead guitar player, stealing licks and upstaging the rest of the band. Definitely worth the price!