Roland RD-300SX Tuning to Other Instruments’ Pitches Master Tuning, Selecting the Keynote

Settings for Each Function ([EDIT])

Tuning to Other Instruments’ Pitches (Master Tuning)

For a cleaner ensemble sound while performing with one or more other instruments, ensure that each instrument’s standard pitch is in tune with that of the other instruments. In general, the tuning of an instrument is indicated by the pitch in Hertz (Hz) of the middle “A” note.

The last three digits of the current standard pitch setting appear in the display.

Value

415.3Hz – 466.2Hz (0.1 Hz increments)

Adjusting the Tuning

(Temperament, Key)

This sets the tuning and keynote (tonic) for entire parts.

fig.disp.1-C

Temperament Keynote

Most modern songs are composed and played with the assumption that equal temperament will be used, but when classical music was composed, there were a wide variety of other tuning systems in existence. Playing a composition with its original tuning lets you enjoy the sonorities of the chords that the composer originally intended. You can select from eight tunings.

Indi-	Tuning	Description
cation
1	Equal	This tuning divides an octave into 12
	Temperament	equal parts. Every interval produces
		about the same amount of slight disso-
		nance.
2	Just (Major)	This scale eliminates dissonance in
		fifths and thirds. It is unsuited to play-
		ing melodies and cannot be transposed,
		but is capable of beautiful sonorities.
3	Just (Minor)	The scales of the major and minor just
		intonations are different. You can get
		the same effect with the minor scale as
		with the major scale.
4	Pythagorean	This scale devised by the philosopher
		Pythagoras eliminates dissonance in
		fourths and fifths. Dissonance is pro-
		duced by third-interval chords, but mel-
		odies are euphonious.
5	Kirnberger	This scale is a modification of the meantone
		and just intonations that permits greater
		freedom in transposition to other keys. Per-
		formances are possible in all keys (III).
6	Mean Tone	This scale makes some compromises in
		just intonation, enabling transposition
		to other keys.
7	Werckmeister	This is a combination of the mean tone
		and Pythagorean scales. Performances are
		possible in all keys (first technique, III).
8	Arabic	Arabic Scale. This scale is suitable for
		Arabic music.

Selecting the Keynote

When playing with tuning other than equal temperament, you need to specify the keynote for tuning the song to be performed (that is, the note that corresponds to C for a major key or to A for a minor key). (If you choose an equal temperament, there’s no need to select a keynote.)

Set the keynote by holding down [E.PIANO] and pressing [INC] or [DEC].

The selected keynote appears in the display as shown below.

fig.03-01

Display

Letter

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

A

A

B

B

name

*When performing in ensemble with other instruments, be aware that depending on the key, there may be some shifting of the pitch. Tune the RD-300SX to the fundamental pitch of the other instruments.

Precise Modification of Chord Sonorities (Stretch Tune)

Changes the pitch using the “stretch tuning” method typically used on acoustic pianos. This makes high-range sounds slightly higher in pitch, and low-range sounds slightly lower in pitch.

Indication	Value
	OFF
	ON

Switching the Pedal’s Polarity (Damper Pedal Polarity)

This switches the polarity of the pedal connected to the PEDAL (DAMPER) jack on the rear panel.

On some pedals, the electrical signal output by the pedal when it is pressed or released is the opposite of other pedals. If your pedal has an effect opposite of what you expect, set this parameter to REVERSE. If you are using a Roland pedal (that has no polarity switch), set this parameter to STANDARD.

Indication	Value
	STANDARD
	REVERSE

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