Getting Started

Connecting the Power Cord

NOTE

To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices, always turn down the volume, and turn off the power on all devices before making any connections.

1.Connect the supplied power cable to the AC Inlet on the rear panel of the MP-500.

2.Connect the power cable to an AC outlet.

fig.3-01

AC In

Opening and Closing the Lid

fig.3-03

1.When opening the MP-500’s lid, grasp the lid with both hands and gently lift it upwards, then slide it towards the back of the piano.

2.When closing the lid, slowly pull the lid forward, then gently lower it into place.

Do not insert your hands into the inside of the

piano through the space between the lid and

the keyboard.

NOTE

Take care not to allow fingers to be caught or pinched when opening and closing the lid. Make sure an adult is on hand to provide assistance when young children are playing the MP-500.

NOTE

For safety, transport the keyboard only with the lid in the closed position.

About the Pedals

fig.3-04.e

Soft Pedal

Damper Pedal

Sostenuto Pedal

Soft Pedal

This pedal softens the sound.

Playing with the soft pedal depressed produces a sound that is not as strong as when otherwise played with the equivalent strength.

Sostenuto Pedal

With the sostenuto pedal, only the sound played at the moment the pedal is pressed is sustained.

Damper Pedal

Use this pedal when you want the sound to linger. While the damper pedal is depressed, the sound from the keyboard continues to linger/remain for an extended period, even when you remove your fingers from the keys.

On acoustic pianos, when the damper pedal is depressed, additional strings are released to resonate with the sound of the keys that have been played, adding richness and breadth to the sound. The damper pedal on the MP-500 recreates this resonance when depressed. This resonance is called “Sympathetic Resonance.”

You can change the amount of resonance applied with the damper pedal. For more information and instructions, please refer to “Changing the Damper Pedal’s Resonance” (p. 28).

About the Adjuster

After you have moved this piano, or when you feel it is unstabled, lower the adjuster at the bottom of the pedal board as follows:

Lower the adjuster so that it is firmly in contact with the floor. If there is a gap between the adjuster and the floor, the unit may malfunction when the pedal is pressed. In particular when the instrument is placed on a carpeted floor, you must lower the adjuster so that it presses strongly against the floor.

Adjuster

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Roland MP-500 owner manual Getting Started, Connecting the Power Cord, Opening and Closing the Lid, About the Pedals

MP-500 specifications

The Roland MP-500 is a powerful and versatile digital piano tailored for both professional musicians and passionate hobbyists. Renowned for its rich sound palette and exceptional playing experience, the MP-500 combines advanced technologies with user-friendly features.

One of the standout features of the Roland MP-500 is its SuperNATURAL Piano technology. This innovative sound engine mimics the nuances of an acoustic piano, providing a highly authentic experience. Musicians can appreciate the natural decay of notes, responsive touch sensitivity, and dynamic range that reflects the subtleties of an experienced player. This technology also extends to a variety of other instrument sounds, creating a diverse sonic landscape for users to explore.

The keyboard action of the MP-500 is another remarkable characteristic. It boasts a PHA-4 standard keyboard with escapement, offering a weighted feel that emulates the touch of an acoustic piano. Each key is designed to respond dynamically to the player's touch, allowing for expressive playing whether performing delicate passages or powerful chords. This attention to tactile feedback makes the MP-500 an excellent choice for those who prioritize authenticity in their instrument.

Connectivity is a critical aspect of the Roland MP-500. It features a host of inputs and outputs, including USB, MIDI, and audio connections, which facilitate integration with music production software, recording devices, and external sound modules. The USB capability also allows for direct connection to computers, enhancing the versatility of the instrument for digital compositions.

In addition to its acoustic capabilities, the Roland MP-500 is equipped with a range of digital features. Users can access a library of onboard music styles and rhythms that can serve as accompaniment while practicing or performing. The built-in metronome and recording functions are invaluable tools for musicians looking to hone their skills or capture their creative ideas on the fly.

Furthermore, the MP-500 is designed for ease of use. The intuitive interface features a clear LCD display and dedicated controls that allow players to quickly navigate through sounds and settings, making it simple to customize the instrument to suit individual preferences.

With its combination of authentic sound, responsive action, extensive connectivity, and user-friendly interface, the Roland MP-500 is a standout choice for any musician seeking a high-quality digital piano experience. Its integration of acoustic piano nuances with modern digital technology positions it at the forefront of digital instruments, appealing to a broad audience of music lovers and performers alike.