Roland is finally honoring its legacy instead of just cashing in on it
- Roland’s TR-808 is widely considered one of the most influential instruments since the electric guitar, with a 45-year impact on hip-hop, electronic, and pop music.
- The company was a pioneer in music technology during the 1980s and ’90s, releasing iconic analog synths and drum machines that revolutionized the industry.
- However, Roland’s success waned in the 2000s, with the release of forgettable all-digital products that failed to live up to the company’s legacy.
- The TR-1000 rhythm generator is a recent example of Roland honoring its legacy and innovating again, suggesting a renewed focus on quality over quantity.
- Roland’s resurgence is seen as a positive development for music gear enthusiasts, who can now look forward to innovative products that build upon the company’s rich history and heritage.
If the only thing Roland ever released was the TR-808, the company would still deserve a place in the music gear hall of fame. The 808 is arguably the most important instrument since the creation of the electric guitar. It’s been a cornerstone of hip-hop, electronic, and pop music for 45 years now, used by everyone from Rihanna and Whitney Houston, to Outkast, Talking Heads and RP Boo. Roland was undeniably one of the most innovative companies in music technology during the 1980s and ’90s, releasing iconic analog synths and pioneering drum machines.
But for much of the 2000s the company seemed lost, pumping out forgettable all-digital produ …
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Q. What is significant about Roland’s legacy?
A. Roland is finally honoring its legacy instead of just cashing in on it.
Q. Which instrument is arguably the most important since the creation of the electric guitar?
A. The Roland TR-808.
Q. How long has the TR-808 been used in music?
A. 45 years now, starting from its release.
Q. Who are some notable artists that have used the TR-808?
A. Rihanna, Whitney Houston, Outkast, Talking Heads, and RP Boo.
Q. What was Roland known for during the 1980s and ’90s in music technology?
A. Releasing iconic analog synths and pioneering drum machines.
Q. How did Roland seem to be perceived by fans during the 2000s?
A. The company seemed lost, pumping out forgettable all-digital products.
Q. What is notable about the TR-1000 rhythm generator mentioned in the text?
A. It’s a part of Roland honoring its legacy instead of just cashing in on it.
Q. Why would Roland still deserve a place in the music gear hall of fame even if they only released the TR-808?
A. Because the 808 is arguably the most important instrument since the creation of the electric guitar.
Q. What genre(s) of music have heavily utilized the TR-808?
A. Hip-hop, electronic, and pop music.
Q. How did Roland’s innovation impact music technology during its peak in the 1980s and ’90s?
A. By releasing iconic analog synths and pioneering drum machines.