Full Review - Roland JUNO-DS88 Synthesizer | Portable and Versatile Pro Synthesizer

The new Roland DS-88 represents the full-size, 88 key variant of the popular JUNO line of portable synthesizers. Built with a light weight construction and weighted action, the Roland JUNO-DS88 is a lightweight, portable synthesizer that is easy to use and approachable to the musician standing out and yet has all of the bell and whistles to handle pro needs. The Roland DS-88 includes a host of prime sound samples to fit any need and offers easy expansion through Roland's Axial Sound library. Easy connect the Roland JUNO-DS88 to your favorite DAW and your imagination is the only limit to the creative recordings you can create.
SHOP ROLAND: www.alamomusic.com/brands/Rol...
__________________________________________________________________
♪ Contact us: www.alamomusic.com/contact
♩ Call toll-free: [phone]
♬ Connect:
Twitter → / alamomusic
Instagram → / alamomusic
Facebook → / 1375975579208745
#alamomusic #rolandjuno #rolandsynth #synthreview #JUNO-DS88

[@THBakker69]

I just now went to that website you told us about and tears welled up in my eyes hearing all those beautiful sounds. This is so amazing! I don't play the piano or keyboard, but I just cannot get enough of these beautiful sounds and want to learn to play so I can "construct" beauty from such a lovely library of sounds! I already bought the Arturia MiniLab to dip in this pool, but this is just sucking me further in at lightspeed...

[@raduhoaghie0809]

Such a great Synthesizer!! Definitely going to get one!

[@chuckaudio3191]

The "Hill Street Blues" theme gets you a subscription! But mostly the audio balance between the product and your vocals. One of the best balanced demos I've heard.

[@coyoteserranoband]

Thanks for being so thorough! I think I'm going to get one of these for my music!!

[@15lastone]

Super awesome 👌👏🙌, thanks for the tutorial; am seriously considering grabbing one

[@clarahopper1503]

thank you so much for reviewing this! I have been trying to look for a keyboard EXACTLY like this one!!! P.S. I love how you played some of the sound effects and taught us how to record songs! I'm going to get this kind of keyboard!

[@raymondhernandez3380]

Thank you for creating this video! You've helped me with my decision on which synthesizer to purchase. Great video!!!

[@brucelittle3958]

Great overview! Thanks!

[@iglesiamahanaimcf7324]

We were about to go for the Kurzweil SP6, but this video made us change our minds. DS-88 will be. Many Thanks. God Bless

[@IsaiahDQuinn589]

Great video! I have and love the 88!

[@jammieadkins8519]

I was gifted one 💜 I am so excited

[@donaldrandell]

I’m sold, A must have for Me. Thanks for sharing.

[@pooppee8780]

Have this same keyboard and love it.

[@MarekHron]

I have just ordered this machine. I can't wait!

[@fahimdawer]

The more you use it the more will like it and explore it.......i have one and will never sell or give.......

[@oscarpineda8739]

@@fahimdawer how mucho you pay for

[@fahimdawer]

@@oscarpineda8739 500 hundred bucks for used one but in great condition 61 keys.......

[@oscarpineda8739]

@@fahimdawer I want 88 keys

[@fahimdawer]

@@oscarpineda8739 you can find that one too just search the online market .......its great machine for the price.....

[@albertalhorne1644]

Dang Man, you’re so talented & have put in the time. Thanks for sharing this wonderful Juno, of which I have. Trying to figure it out. It’s almost overwhelming, but I’m not giving up. I’m not really that tech savvy. Will never give up playing!😊

[@bluda7297]

You are a calm dude. You remind me of Woody Harrelson and I enjoyed your video. Epic stuff.

[@dem676speaks5]

Now I want the DS88 l love Roland!!! Thank you for the review 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@baodo722]

Good review

[@KingTriton1837]

Getting ready to order a ds88 at the end of October! Can't waaaait!

[@kimberlyyoung458]

If you order it from Sweetwater music it will come with a free thumb drive,that has ten libraries filled with sounds. I bought the ds76 and I love it😊

[@stefeniedavidmusic]

Just bought an 88 today. Hope I am happy with it. Going to take a while to figure out the details. Thanks for the demo. cheers from Hamilton Canada.

[@malashkinaa]

Do you like it after using it for 1 month?:)

[@Lyricalxs]

I just ordered this keyboard. Should be here this week. Can't wait. I was having a hard time deciding between the Juno DS88 and the Roland Jupiter 80.

[@GoFlyYourselves]

good review!

[@Mthompsonwv]

Played one of these in a guitar center over the summer and loved it. Like a budget friendly Nord Lol

[@thedevil1810]

Great video

[@charleswalker4574]

Great vid !!! I just got mine a month ago. Love it !! 2 questions... 1) i dont have a mic yet, any idea if a sound can be produced like in Framptons "do you feel like i do" instead of putting a tube in my mouth.. and 2) any thoughts on a free DAW software that will work with this keyboard?? thanks..

[@alicaramba7680]

1. You shouldn't think you will be able to produce a sound like those guys on records (even if it is "live", it still is a record, likely overdubbed many times and mastered with a gear worth thousands of bucks). 2. There is no dedicated DAW software which "works with" this keyboard. You can connect JUno DS through MIDI interface, so it acts as "midi device". Here is a list you might interested in: bedroomproducersblog.com/2015/11/11/free-daw-software/ Also, you can get free DAW (Cubase AI, Ableton Live Lite) with certain audio interfaces.

[@giuseppedimarco2791]

What patch is the intro to Babe by Styx I am looking for that sound. Is it built into this JUNO DS88? please help

[@janpieternieman5295]

Does the Ds 76 also have a better keybed versus the 61 version?

[@ivyriley2916]

Can it be sequenced by an external gear , such as a mpc,, can it be but in slave mode ? Like the fantom

[@marcsantos7280]

Were you recording the sound of the piano through MIDI or a mic? I'm a novice at that sort of stuff but I really would love to know how to get the best quality sound from recording. I always end up having my mic pic up too much of the key thumping which can be very annoying

[@creeperkiller1271]

He is going direct through the outputs in the back. For some more information MIDI only caries the note data itself, which notes and when they are being played plus few msc. thing like program and controller changed , not any audio. Most keyboards will have direct outs and if they dont it would be ill advisable to mic one out of the basic speakers. Hope this helped.

[@RomiCumes]

Thank you for this! Does anyone know if there is a new model I should look into? Looks like last comment was two years ago. Thanks

[@johnmarabeas430]

Does anybody know what speakers Texas Time was using for this demo?

[@13anjowizard]

does roland do this but smaller? what does this not do? i am wanting to purchase a synth and leaning towards this one, ive got an old friend pressuring me to buy a used korg triton instead! Im not interested in the full piano, but should i be?

[@JorgeSolisMusicaCatolica]

they also have a 76 keys version ds76.

[@willphaseone963]

Good Stuff !!!!!

[@EllieCerasuolo]

I love my Juno! Tom Sawyer....etc is a snap!

[@topazsuperwashwash3718]

Can I add Bluetooth to it to send my play to a speaker thought it had Bluetooth the 88 sd

[@Dannyjedge]

I’m just looking for a portable high quality piano, but I won’t really use any tones or drums or anything except acoustic piano sounds - do you think this is worth it? Or is the xtra price because it’s basically a full studio synth

[@officialWWM]

There are a lot of great piano sounds in here but yes, it does a lot more than just piano sounds.

[@Stephanie9959]

I am in San Antonio, Texas. I am buying a keyboard. Are you down town or off 410 and Bandera. I would like to come in and play it.

[@nathanreddent2427]

Hey I just got a juno ds and am loving it so far. I have a question if you don’t mind, My knobs on Row 1 being cutoff, attack ETC Goes -63 and +63 when turning the knobs all the way. Sometimes it says -64 +64. Is this normal? It’s as if it’s not reading Accurately. Also is there a way to switch polarity on a sustain pedal? I can’t find it in the menu.

[@bodbodii8654]

Nick Giancana yeah you can. Go to the menu then “System” and the search for “pedal”

[@bodbodii8654]

then*

[@phatboytrex1976]

I have the ds88 and I think it’s kind of a pain to do anything outside of basic stuff. Is there a way to record vocals into the sequencer?

[@updatemysettings5095]

Better to use a computer for actual recording, this is more of a performance instrument

[@sunsgettingreallow8318]

What stereo speakers are you using?

[@nicksnotes2292]

Love the video! But I would have to disagree and say that it’s a heavy keyboard that isn’t as “lightweight” as id like it to be.

[@Grunfeld]

Good point. It weighs 16 kg -- so for me that's okay for a quick load in for a gig but I wouldn't want to carry it for 20 minutes across town.

[@deallyboysyldadeal5938]

Can u put multiple expansions on 1 usb flash drive

[@victorespina]

Yes, but the keyboard can have only one of those expansion installed at a time.

[@WezBolton]

That's almost ''Praise You'' on the sequencing part haha. Good video.

[@EternalDestiny48]

What speakers do you use & recommend?

[@sunsgettingreallow8318]

Did u ever find out?

[@athenachristinemusic]

Does anyone have her and love her? Really considering as mine just broke!

[@MrPebbles316]

We use this at church and I love it!

[@gfkeyboards]

J’ai le judo DS-76…excellent clavier très polyvalent

[@crnova7]

You need to try Ky:S04 Prefab Chime + Vo:064 Brusky. Many layer possibilities just by playing and great for modern worship too!! I think there are better sounding instruments out there and software can sound much better too, but I love the light keyboard of the 61 one version, the very quick startup time and the fact I can use it as an audio interface. I can use Audacity or DAW program and start record. For this price its a great and lightweighted board.

[@shekharlele4095]

The website is axial, not axel

[@bodbodii8654]

Shekhar Lele it’s spelled “axial” and pronounced like “axel”

[@OfficerFredPowell]

Axel Foley

[@Willam_J]

“Hello. Hello. Yeah, I wish that I could sing.” You and I both, brother. I’ve been playing for nearly 40 years and can’t sing a note of music. My wife has an amazing voice, but is afraid to sing in front of an audience. Just one of life’s little ironies. 😆

[@samuelbeltrami5647]

Body and soul

[@patrasyounuskeyboardist5705]

Con someone tell me a different between Juno ds61 and xps30 ?

[@alicaramba7680]

xps30 is for poor countries, it's not sold in Europe and US. Has more ethnic sounds. Also, it is not available in 73 and 88 key editions. 61 key edition could be run on batteries, JUNO DS 61 do not (only 88 key).

[@rolandberendonck3900]

@@alicaramba7680 What a perfect answer! Glad to know this. Thank you :) I do have a DS-88. Is it correct that the XPS30 patches also work on this Juno?

[@alicaramba7680]

@@rolandberendonck3900 Yes, you can check waveform lists of both DS and XPS30 and you will find they are the same, except DS having 200 waveforms more (mostly drum/percussion sounds). Patch lists are more or less same too.

[@rolandberendonck3900]

@@alicaramba7680 Thanks Ali :)

[@victorespina]

@@alicaramba7680 JunoDS 61 and XPS 30 are exactly the same, from hardware point of view. The BOTH can run on batteries; the difference with DS88 is that the DS88 has the battery compartment on the top side and the DS61 has it in the down side.

[@fulge0903]

The Roland keyboard for everyone who can't afford a Fantom.

[@rodger7029]

Or doesn’t want to spend it

[@hodshonf]

Aftertouch?

[@sunsgettingreallow8318]

Yes

[@lilypad1449]

Is this a digital piano?

[@iTaxHD]

Yes but not, is a synthetizer

[@bodbodii8654]

Lily Pad basically a digital piano without speakers

[@THBakker69]

And battery powered ROFL!!!

[@MannyVel]

Nice video...... but I think you’re wrong about something. After listening to you I think you COULD do some vocals/singing.... I don’t think the likes of Led Zeppelin or White Snake will worry about any competition, LoL, but I think you could do something in a unique avant-garde kinda way 🙂

[@Hexspa]

Axial

[@ellenbacklin]

Checking on good hammond b3 sound in particular and good grand piano sound that's it! Just check my profile pic and you'll know what I'm talking about

[@officialWWM]

I have this board and it has some great sounds on board but it is not intuitive to use at all! The menus are terrible and the manual is hopeless! The entire operating system just seems so dated. Also, because there are so many sounds, finding the ones you are looking for can be a time consuming nightmare!

[@RichRocketMan]

Was ready to pull trigger on DS 76 key version, but your comment froze me in my tracks. Ease of use is vital. Getting any easier for you? Returning it? What are some similar, better options you are considering or suggesting? Thanks!

[@officialWWM]

Rich Rocket I'm keeping it but it will stay in my studio where accessing functions quickly isn't so critical. I'm looking at the Roland VR09 or the Vox Continental for live work. It really depends on what you are looking for and what you need. I love the layout of the Vox, everything makes sense and it's simple to access different modules and I'd really like something with drawbars. The VR09 is very cool too but it's getting pretty old now and looks very dated. Who knows, cause it's been around for a few years, I might be able to pick up a second hand one. The Vox is winning for me at the moment though.

[@RichRocketMan]

@@officialWWM Music Islife - Thanks for comments. Forgot to mention Korg Krome EX is in running as well. My goals are portability to move it around the house so I can experiment and come up with song ideas, no live performances. Want to easily record and import/export tracks. Need rich beautiful piano sounds because that is my passion. Limitation of 8 tracks on DS seems severe. Do you run into that limitation much? Or, just do what you can with it, then head to the DAW to carry it further?

[@officialWWM]

Rich Rocket I don't use the on board recording at all cause it's just easier to plug it into a computer and record as many tracks as I want for as long as I want. You can then mix your tracks down and save then to a USB stick and plug it into the back of the Juno. Now you can play along with your tracks anywhere you like :) I think if portability is important, you can't go wrong. The 61 key version even tuns on batteries. The best thing about the Juno is that it has almost endless sounds. The worst thing about the Juno is that it has almost endless sounds 😂

[@RichRocketMan]

@@officialWWM Music Islife - Gotcha. Thanks! Probably going to grab a DS. Thake care!

[@Stephanie9959]

Dear sirs: I went to your store Downtown. I repeatedly explained to a salesmen that the keyboard I wanted was in stock. Finally he checked and it was. There was not one for me to test. The Casio 3000 had no cord so the display could not be played. Tell the manager and owner so he can get his store in shape. Gezze with this lock down they are sitting in this store and nothing works and the pianos are all out of tune! Guitars too. I was told to go to internet to hear how it sounds. Ok so why shouldn't I just buy it on the internet? You could be selling a lot more at this store if it were managed properly.

[@asoundlab]

Sorry that was your experience - would you mind giving Patrick the store manager a call - his direct number is 210-538-9388 - we’d like to get feedback on how we can improve and who you were dealing with

[@Stephanie9959]

@@asoundlab Sorry, but I think it was Patrick. He was in an office and sat at a desk. Or maybe he was using Patrick's office. So you tell Patrick!

[@johngood8742]

Let's play, don't talk!!!!!!!

[@k1ttyF158er]

5 minutes in and i know it "feels good" & "sounds good" ... Octave button.. hrm.. Is this digital, analogue? A mix? How many oscillators? How many voices? What's the polyphony ? - How is it connected with all the other JUNO's? - I'm not getting "PRO" from this so much as 'Church, Weddings & Gramma'.

[@dillonstephenson1539]

loved it till i found it out it takes double a batteries smh i thought we were beyond this point now

[@rolandberendonck3900]

Dillon, what do you mean by this? Do you have a problem that it can as well work on batteries if you wanted to?

[@Alucard33592]

Dillon, you understand the batteries are optional right ?

[@Flix-f6q]

The videl lacks a point of view from the user, you haven't shown the interface at all.