Roland unveils GO:KEYS 3 and GO:KEYS 5 Music Creation Keyboards

Roland has announced the GO:KEYS 3 and GO:KEYS 5 Music Creation Keyboards, two portable instruments featuring intuitive tools and interactive interfaces.

The streamlined GO:KEYS 3 offers a core feature set with a touch-sensitive 61-note keyboard and an onboard stereo speaker system. GO:KEYS 5 includes all the primary features of its sibling, plus a speaker system with extended bass response, a mic input with vocal effects, and enhanced audio connectivity.

GO:KEYS 3 and GO:KEYS 5 come equipped with the ZEN-Core sound engine found in flagship Roland performance keyboards like FANTOM and JUPITER-X. Both models include over 1000 sounds from Roland’s historic library, from acoustic pianos and orchestral instruments to modern synthesisers, guitars, drums, and beyond.

GO:KEYS 3 and GO:KEYS 5 are filled with ready-made chord progressions in various styles, allowing anyone to experiment with creating melodies and arpeggios over automatic musical backing. It’s also possible to craft custom chord sequences to write original music and play along with progressions from favourite songs. As chords play, the user can perform with the sound by remixing backing parts and applying a range of colourful effects.

Once chord progressions are mastered, the player can go further by directing a band of virtual musicians. Each keyboard includes a wide selection of dynamic accompaniments, which can be controlled with one or two left-hand fingers while playing melodies, chords, and solos with the right hand.

GO:KEYS 3 and GO:KEYS 5 feature compact, all-in-one designs, along with built-in speakers providing self-contained sound, support for AA battery power, and onboard recording.

Both keyboards support playing along with favourite songs via Bluetooth or USB memory, while Bluetooth MIDI and audio/MIDI over USB are also available.

GO:KEYS 3 and GO:KEYS 5 users can access additional sounds and accompaniment styles on Roland Cloud, an ever-expanding online hub for Roland creative content. Both keyboards also support Roland Cloud Connect, an optional wireless adapter that lets users browse, audition, and download Roland Cloud content from a smartphone or tablet. A purchase of Roland Cloud Connect also includes one year of Roland Cloud Pro membership.

GO:KEYS 3 is available in turquoise, dark red, or midnight blue, while GO:KEYS 5 is available in graphite or white. They are now available in the US for $349.99 and 499.99 respectively.