The Roland E-28 is a digital keyboard workstation that debuted in the early 1990s. As part of Roland’s E-Series arranger keyboards, the E-28 holds a special place in the history of electronic music instruments, providing musicians with a versatile tool for performance, composition, and arrangement. This keyboard gained popularity among hobbyists, home musicians, and gigging performers thanks to its extensive sound palette, intuitive interface, and built-in arranger capabilities.
Historical Context and Legacy
During the late 1980s and early 1990s, music technology saw rapid development, with digital synthesizers, MIDI controllers, and arranger keyboards becoming increasingly popular. Roland, a leading name in synthesizers and electronic instruments, released the E-Series arranger keyboards to cater to users who wanted a portable, all-in-one music workstation with the ability to generate backing tracks instantly.
The E-28 was introduced around 1990 as a mid-level arranger keyboard succeeding earlier models like the Roland E-20 and preceding later models such as the E-30 and E-50. It combined high-quality sounds with user-friendly features, making it accessible for a wide range of musicians.
Key Features and Specifications
Sound Engine
The Roland E-28 uses Roland’s Linear Arithmetic (LA) synthesis technology, which was widely acclaimed for producing realistic instrument sounds by combining sampled attack transients with synthesized sustain portions of sounds. The E-28’s sound library was diverse and robust, featuring:
- Instruments: Pianos, electric pianos, organs, guitars, strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion, synthesizers, and more.
- Quality: The sounds were sampled at high quality for the time, giving a rich and authentic feel.
- Polyphony: The E-28 offered 32-note polyphony, meaning up to 32 notes could sound simultaneously, suitable for complex arrangements without note dropouts.
Arranger Functionality
One of the defining aspects of the E-28 was its arranger section, which allowed musicians to create full backing tracks on the fly. This made the E-28 ideal for solo performers, composers, and music enthusiasts who wanted to accompany themselves or produce quick song ideas without external gear.
- Auto Accompaniment Styles: The keyboard included a wide variety of preset accompaniment styles spanning genres like pop, rock, jazz, Latin, reggae, and dance.
- Style Control: Users could control intros, endings, fills, and variations to add dynamic changes to performances.
- Chord Recognition: The E-28 could detect chords played on the keyboard and automatically generate appropriate backing tracks using its styles.
Keyboard and Controls
The E-28 featured a 61-key velocity-sensitive keyboard, allowing expressive playing dynamics. While it lacked aftertouch (a feature found on higher-end keyboards), the velocity sensitivity helped players impart emotional nuance.
Additional controls included:
- Pitch Bend and Modulation Wheels: Standard performance controls for adding expression.
- LCD Display: A simple but functional backlit display that provided menu navigation, patch names, style selections, and parameter adjustments.
- Data Entry Dial and Buttons: For easy browsing through sounds, styles, and settings.
- Dedicated Buttons for Style Control: Enabling quick access to start/stop, intros, fills, and variation changes during live play.
Sequencer and Recording
The E-28 included a basic MIDI sequencer and the ability to record performances. This allowed users to capture their ideas directly on the keyboard, facilitating music creation and arrangement.
Connectivity
- MIDI In/Out/Thru: Standard MIDI ports for integration with other MIDI instruments, sequencers, and computers.
- Audio Outputs: Stereo outputs to connect to amplifiers, mixers, or recording devices.
- Pedal Inputs: For sustain and expression pedals, enhancing live playability.
Usability and Interface
The E-28 was designed for accessibility and ease of use. Even musicians without extensive technical knowledge could quickly start making music, thanks to the logical layout of controls and the arranger style functions.
Its menu system was straightforward, with categories for tones, styles, and effects clearly labeled. The accompaniment system was intuitive: playing chords with the left hand automatically triggered corresponding style patterns, while the right hand could play melodies or solos.
Sound Quality and Effects
While the E-28’s sound engine may not compare to today’s advanced sample libraries and synth engines, it was considered impressive for its era. The sounds had a warm, punchy character, characteristic of early ’90s Roland instruments.
The keyboard also offered basic onboard effects, such as reverb and chorus, allowing players to enhance the sound without external gear. Users could apply effects globally or selectively to different sound patches.
Typical Uses and Audience
The Roland E-28 found its place among several groups of users:
- Home Musicians and Hobbyists: Its all-in-one nature made it perfect for those who wanted to create music at home without needing multiple devices.
- Solo Performers and Singer-Songwriters: The arranger function provided full-band backing tracks, ideal for solo acts needing accompaniment.
- Composers and Songwriters: It was a useful sketchpad for songwriting and arranging.
- Music Students and Learners: Its chord recognition and accompaniment helped beginners understand chord progressions and rhythm.
Comparison to Other Keyboards
Compared to earlier Roland E-Series models, the E-28 was a step forward in sound quality and features. It was more affordable than high-end synth workstations but more capable than basic keyboards lacking arranger functions.
Its competitors included Yamaha’s PSR series and Korg’s PA series keyboards, which also focused on arranger and accompaniment features. The Roland E-28 was praised for its distinctive sound character and ease of use but sometimes criticized for limited memory and relatively simple sequencing capabilities.
Legacy and Collectibility
Today, the Roland E-28 is regarded as a vintage keyboard with nostalgic value. Enthusiasts and collectors seek it out for its characteristic ’90s Roland sounds and arranger features. It remains popular in retro music production circles and among keyboard players who appreciate classic digital synthesis.
Because it is no longer manufactured, finding a well-maintained E-28 may be challenging, but it still surfaces on second-hand markets and online auction sites. Some users mod their E-28s or connect them to modern gear via MIDI to extend their usability.
Tips for Using the Roland E-28 Today
- MIDI Integration: Connect the E-28 to a DAW or external sequencer to use its sounds or controller functions within a modern music setup.
- External Storage: While limited in onboard memory, you can store and recall user settings via external MIDI SysEx dumps.
- Customization: Explore loading custom styles or combining patches to create unique arrangements.
- Maintenance: Ensure proper care of the keyboard’s contacts and display, as older units may suffer from wear.
Summary
The Roland E-28 Keyboard represents a significant chapter in the history of arranger keyboards and digital music workstations. It balanced sound quality, arranger capabilities, and ease of use in a compact package tailored for a wide audience—from casual musicians to serious performers. While technology has advanced significantly since its release, the E-28 still holds appeal for those who appreciate its characteristic sounds, workflow, and vintage charm.
