Roland Axe Edge Review Pros & Cons

[@lethalfright]

I just bought one, going though the process of leaning it. Really appreciated your great review, the fact it can split and overlay is what makes it truly useful

[@edgaba]

Yes it’s awesome I’ve used it a lot. And it really holds its own. I do wish that they would make updates for it. It really would be nice if it had some drum sounds. You’ll have fun.

[@hckeynut15]

Manufacturers could learn a lot from reading comments like these and watching these reviews... The hope is a solid usable instrument for working musicians. Can't give enough credit for taking the time to post this video!

[@cheatcodecharlie]

​@@eddiegarridobyrequest3990 did yiu do a review on the Korg sk100?

[@eddiegarridobyrequest3990]

@@cheatcodecharlie no I didn’t review the Korg sk100. Is my personal opinion that with only 37 keys it would be very limited for other then perhaps soloing. 49 keys would be the bare minimum for me and really 61 keys are better. Also, I’ not sure but don’t believe that model can do split & layers.

[@castawaysbar]

Good review, you are right about the cables being in the wrong place as you do tend to stand on them and pull them out when playing live. so you have to pass them through the strap to get them away from your feet. It also weighs a ton and after a long gig you walk lobsided. One thing I must say is that these keyboards were not designed to play with both hands and there is a knack to playing them and using the expression bar a lot more. Then the keytar really comes into it's own. my favourite keytar was the first one they ever did the AX1 .. it was a dam site lighter cos there wasn't any sounds in it you plugged it into any midi compatible instrument, it was a lot more user friendly.

[@zoomzoom3950]

I just ordered one, five years late - now watch Roland release a new keytar; I've owned a Korg RK-100S for a few years, and Alesis Vortex wireless, and put off getting the AX Edge until now; it seems the engine is very similar to the Roland JD-Xi digital engine which has 4 parts, even down to the small red screen. I like my JD-Xi so it's not a bad thing. How I plan to use it: I have stage keyboards, workstations and arrangers and usually have a synth for leads, bass, pads etc. such as a System-8, Minilogue, or the RK-100S depending on what I'm doing. Having a keytar with 49 keys will be even better, and it's something extra I just like to have that second keyboard synth as a bonus. I could easily do everything with my main keyboards.

[@edgaba]

Awesome!

[@micahflanders6789]

9:14 The axe edge can have 10 banks (or “sets”) of 10 presets, for a total of 100 sets. The first number tells you which bank of presets you’re on, since the button lights alone don’t communicate that. And I assume the positioning is to make it easier to see from a standing position. However I agree it’s kind of a waste of space, as it could’ve easily been apart of (or near) the other display, by making it display 3 rows of information instead of 2.

[@Edsewin]

Estoy completamente de acuerdo con el analisis que hiciste del Keytar, especialmente en los defectos que tiene...... Ya me desanime de comprarlo.

[@edgaba]

No fue mi intención desanimar a nadie. Es bien teclado pero si le falta. Un Roland muy bueno es el Fantom 0 También el Korg Nautilus ahora, si es definitivo de tener un Keytar el Ace Edge es La mejor en el mercado. Buena suerte!

[@djurblack5178]

Perfect review bro I also have the korg controller and I thought it would be perfect 61 key size for keytar i'm about to purchase the Ax Edge you got to give it to Roland with this keytar it"s the baddest Keytar ever

[@hckeynut15]

I like the idea of that screen. Really good review. Thanks for this!

[@sandeepsamuel5649]

Its blowing my mind

[@elmeromero6559]

Good video but I got one doubt .. I cannot decide between this Roland n the Korg Microkorg S .. any advice?? Thank you 👍

[@edgaba]

Well… these are two different beasts, the microKorg is a modeling synth and the axe is more of a bread & butter keyboard. They are both good. If I had to choose I would choose the axe however is twice as much as the Korg so it really would depend on your budget and also in how you are going to use it. If you plan to use it live and you need a big variety of sounds I go with the Roland. However if you’re into sound design and studio work a would save some money and go for the Korg. Also check out the Roland JD XI is a mean little machine and a joy to use. Anyway, I hope this was helpful.

[@WillfoxPiano]

great review, I want a keytar sooo bad, I had the Lucina but didn't like the size (and sounds). I'm waiting for the Korg RK 100 s2 (whenever the hell that comes out) cus of the awesome engine and mini keys. Be great to hear your thoughts on that keytar if it ever comes out.

[@edgaba]

Thanks! The more I use the Axe Edge, the more I like it however, I really miss that extra octave when I play Jazz or a ballad but for everything else it really does work. I’ve been playing solo shows on it with no problem. I’m going to go check the Kong you mentioned. Happy playing!

[@edgaba]

The Lucina sounds can be improved a lot by guitar pedal like a zoom multi FX the sounds just need help with reverb and delay, perhaps some chorus. Unfortunately it can’t be used for a solo gig playing bass parts and chords. It only plays one sound no splits, no layers I did have some fun adding a guitar pedal and a looper so I could layer parts. They are heard to find now I think if you could get it back, you should.

[@TwinCitiesOxygen]

What do you think of the Lucina?

[@edgaba]

I love the Lucina. I wish that they would remake that model with the ability to have splits and layers. And at least some knobs for volume control of each part. I do like the form factor of the Lucina.

[@eaacowboys]

hi, I cannot travel with the Roland Ax Edge and Ax Synth, its won't fit in the airplane overhead bin. sorry... I hope in the future Roland will make size of 38 inches long, and soft carrying shoulder bag. tnx EdA

[@edgaba]

I agree it’s unnecessarily big.

[@sandeepsamuel5649]

Eddie can u share ur presets its really awesome

[@adrianaugustus2815]

Thanks for the vid - wish I saw this before I bought mine - yes the app is annoying - if it had to be edited externally, why not a proper Windows / Mac OS program that can link into a DAW?! I think they want us to subscribe to Zen-Core - have you tried that?

[@adrianaugustus2815]

PS "Designed by a dentist" 🤣Definitely a love-hate design!

[@edgaba]

Hello, and yes I tried the zen-core thing and even bought a few sounds from it. If I recall correctly I bought better E Pianos and better Horn patches. However, it was still confusing and time consuming to install them. Overall it’s not very practical. With that said, now that I’ve used the Axe for a while I do really like it. I’ve played solo concerts and solo gigs with it and it really works well. It’s a nice gimmick and I should say that the sounds also cut well through a mix playing in a band. I just wish they would consult keyboard players when they design this keyboards. All in all I’m not sorry I bought it.

[@adrianaugustus2815]

​@@edgaba​ Thanks Eddie, yes you're right! I think they wanted to create a retro 80s look (partly why I bought it, silly I know) and forgot everything else. Oh yes... the pianos dissapoint - even my 35-year old SY77 has better piano and EP sounds, never mind my 10 year-old Nord Stage 2. But these sins are forgivable - not gigged with mine yet, but it already beats lugging a big heavy Nord + stand to the studio, and bass player likes the fact I can't easily stray into her territory! Will try the Zen-core soon 👍

[@chedwick]

The number one reason I didn't buy that AX EDGE is because of its stupid form factor. The previous generation was much better, and in terms of ergonomics the new AX EDGE is really bad with those sharp edges. Hopefully, Roland listen to you (us). The interface as you have mentioned I agree but can see it as a plus -- but the layout could be improved 10 fold without having to develop new tech, and dealing with extra costs besides the cost of moving things around. Thanks for your review, I thought I was the only one.

[@edgaba]

Let’s hope they improve on this model, thanks for your comment.

[@alexandruhoriasicoe6714]

If you get rid of the sharp edge of the axe, then it doesn't look like an axe anymore. I think it looks cartoonish and awesome. Also, adding a touch screen would make the keyboard significantly more expensive 14:20 When you're struggling to reach the ribbon, you seem to hold your wrist in a rather lazy fashion. Much like on guitar, the wrist should be held a bit more forward and it shouldn't touch the keytar neck. Try this and your fingers will reach the ribbon comfortably

[@jens_larsson]

Why buy a ax edge and play it like a ordinariy synth ? And split ? The thing is standing up and be able to move or?

[@edwardgarrido6628]

Well… because it is an ordinary synth and more. I’ve done full gigs just with that keyboard it’s actually very nice.

[@jens_larsson]

ok I see. Great sounds btw@@edwardgarrido6628

[@BalkanKeytar]

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[@curtisvalle5141]

Seems like that big thing belongs on a stand if splits and two hands are your thing

[@hagenpresser8721]

any chance to get your presets?

[@eddiegarridobyrequest3990]

Sure, I just don’t know how to share them. Should I backup the keyboard and send you the backup?

[@hagenpresser8721]

@@eddiegarridobyrequest3990 maybe i can then import single instruments? i have also never done this bevore

[@xenobiigaming]

That was an interesting perspective

[@UglyBunnyJase]

great video. I agree with your complaints. Just picked one of these up a few days ago. I really love it, but there are definitely some areas they could do differently next time. Cheers!

[@servicecatchers3190]

why it is useless when u r performing ,it is very useful to quick change,i agree drum sounds not there they should update it with many drums samples to practice with

[@eddiegarridobyrequest3990]

I like even love the keyboard, and Inise it often. What I find useless is some of the controls in the neck and the size. I would much rather have an extra octave rather than the big humongous handle. The display is a joke almost like recycled from the 80s. There are calculators with better displays haha Some features are useless at least to me. I would prefer an extra octave and not to have to depend on an iPad or iPhone to program it.

[@servicecatchers3190]

@@eddiegarridobyrequest3990 For extra octave they may come up with more keys .But no one should tell if someone likes full keys or smaller keys.I love full keys and i am happy with buttons on the neck ,it helps me quick tone change rather reach to the board which tajes time at performance.You are right about the display and no drum effect if someone wanna practice alongwith

[@eddiegarridobyrequest3990]

@@servicecatchers3190 they could still have an extra octave if they made the handle smaller without loosing the controls. The engine of the Axe Edge wit the form factor of the Lucina but with 61 keys would be awesome.

[@arc7450]

I feel like there’s a lot u can mod yourself

[@hagenpresser8721]

(Y) yeah, please share your presets with us eddie, great job

[@eddiegarridobyrequest3990]

I’ll figure out how and I will

[@eddiegarridobyrequest3990]

I guess I could probably do it from the app

[@hagenpresser8721]

@@eddiegarridobyrequest3990 i could not find any video on howto