Playing the Keyboard, Playing with Various Sounds

Playing the Keyboard

Playing with Various Sounds

The MP-500 allows you to play using eight different sounds including piano.

The MP-500’s sounds are called “Tones.”

Use the eight Tone buttons to select tones.

When the MP-500 is turned on, the tone is reset to “Piano 1.”

fig.5-01

Volume

Reverb Chorus

Electric

Harpsi-

Vibra-

Pipe

Tempo

Beat

Sound On/Off

Play

Rec

Demo Song

Min

Max

Piano 1 Piano 2 Piano 1

Piano 2

chord

phone

Organ Strings

40 60 80 96 120 168 208

0 2 3 4 6

Tone

Metronome

Press any Tone button and confirm that its indicator is lit.

When you play the keyboard, the selected tone is played.

Tone Name	Description
Piano 1	Full-sized Concert Grand Piano
	Rich stereo sound, providing 32 polyphonic notes.
Piano 2	Full-sized Concert Grand Piano
	64 polyphonic notes
Electric Piano 1	Sound of a Rhodes piano
Electric Piano 2	A synthesizer’s electric piano
Harpsichord	Delicate and elegant harpsichord sound
Vibraphone	The sound of a resonant vibraphone
Pipe Organ	A stately pipe organ sound
Strings	An ensemble of string instruments

Layering Two Instrument Sounds—Dual Play

Playing with two different tones on the keyboard simultaneously is called “Dual Play.”

fig.5-02.

Electric	Electric	Harpsi-	Vibra-	Pipe	Strings
Piano 1 Piano 2 Piano 1	Piano 2	chord	phone	Organ	Strings

While holding down	Tone
	Press

1. While holding down the [Piano 1] button, press the [Strings] button.

The indicators on the two Tone buttons you have pressed will light, and both of the

Tones will be heard when you play the keyboard.

In this way, you can hold down one Tone button and press another Tone button to layer two sounds for playing together.

2. To cancel the Dual Play, press any Tone button.

When you play the keyboard, only the sound of the button you pressed will be heard.

You can adjust the volume balance between the two selected tones in Dual Play.

Please refer to “Changing the Volume Balance in Dual Play” (p. 27).

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.

Roland MP-500 owner manual Playing the Keyboard, Playing with Various Sounds

Models: MP-500