The reason that traditional, acoustic pianos sound so rich and complex is due to the various physical components interacting with each other. The strings, soundboard, iron frame and wooden cabinet all work together to create the grand piano sound. And in the hands of a skilled piano technician, the tonal character of an acoustic piano can be adjusted further, to suit a performer’s individual taste or to suit a specific venue. This type of tuning can be expensive though, and the voicing adjustment deteriorates over time, and must be readjusted by a technician at regular intervals for top performance.

Roland have found a way of being able to customise your digital piano in the same way as a piano designer might adjust an acoustic piano. Owners of Roland LX-15e, HP508, HP506, HP504, DP90Se and DP90e models can use the new Piano Designer app to build their perfect piano sound. Available for iOS and Android devices, this app showcases the versatility of Roland’s SuperNATURAL Piano engine by providing complete control over the fine details of the piano tone, right down to each of the 88 individual notes. You can even save different setups and use the app to change the piano’s voicing instantly – all via the touchscreen on your device.

If you don’t fancy fine tuning the piano tone yourself, the Piano Designer App also comes with a number of presets that have been created by some of the world’s finest piano technicians. For jazz repertoire, we recommend a 440Hz American piano or for classical, a 443Hz Viennese piano is perfect.

Jeff Lincoln
Tagged: Guide Piano