Roland Juno DS88 - Some of My Favorite Piano Sounds from Axial Expansion Pack

Here's my latest demo of Roland Juno DS88 Axial's EXP09 Piano Expansion Sounds found on their website:
axial.roland.com/category/juno...
00:00 - P1 Premiere Grand
02:01 - P3 Dynamic Grand
03:13 - P4 Concert Hall
05:11 - P6 Classical
06:18 - P9 On Mic Bright
07:21 - P18 New Age Grand
08:40 - P20 Requiem
10:03 - P22 Grand W/ Strings
11:30 - P36 Nylon Grand
Amazing sound quality and each one is unique to its own style so you have versatility in your performance. I've picked some of my favorite sounds to demonstrate for you in this video and I let the sound lead me to improvise according to how I felt in the moment.
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Check out my demo of Roland's portable keyboard GO:KEYS61 here:
• Roland's Portable & Af...
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[@papankunci]

God Bless you man... you are a truly wonderful and marvelous player... hats off to you..

[@karamsalemmusic]

Absolutely Brilliant playing

[@LeonThomasian]

Thank you my dear friend! 🙏🏼

[@luisrivera3623]

Superb demosntration brother ...!!!

[@agusgener74]

Incredible playing…❤❤❤👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@LeonThomasian]

Thanks a lot!

[@mrunal317]

Excellent playing!!!

[@LeonThomasian]

Thanks a lot!

[@arkar500]

Awesome ❤

[@valentineteo2028]

Wow..beautiful piano..

[@luiz2006sp]

wonderfull .. regards from Brazil!

[@stephkirwin1898]

real fine playing there I have the ds88 for my studio and its a great piano for my needs singer songwriter. I really like the piano . I can spend a lot of time with these sounds which is why we got it and the expansion is nice too.... as you show.

[@LeonThomasian]

Thank you! 🙏🏼 I agree

[@victorespina]

Nice playing man. JunoDS is such a underrated keyboard. I have the 61 keys version and totally love its features, keybed feel and warm sounds.

[@LeonThomasian]

Thank you Victor! Glad to hear you’re enjoying your Juno DS as well :)

[@estebandanger25]

Quien lo subestima? Si por todos lados hablan muy bien de este sintetizador buen precio y exelentes sonidos.

[@simbaking6338]

Yup....Underrated indeed.

[@victorespina]

@@estebandanger25 ahora ya no, pero cuando salio si.

[@jonathandossantossilva2683]

New age grand ficou maravilhoso com esses arpejos!!!

[@jonathandossantossilva2683]

The exp09 is my favorite!!!

[@notthename1]

Awesome demo, Leon. Your playing has such beautiful finesse! Question: What do you set the key touch when you play the DS88? Thanks so much.

[@LeonThomasian]

Thank you so much! For this video, I just played on the default touch settings and it responded beautifully :)

[@oliverbones8966]

Jesus christ that piano is so damn warm! Never heard anything so warm. I am weighing up this or the fantom 0. The Juno might be perfect in terms of inspiration and song writing and not take me away from my DAW.

[@LeonThomasian]

Yes, Juno is a good keyboard. I haven't played the Fantom 0 yet. One thing I like about workstation keyboards is that they come handy for sketching ideas. Like when you just want to sit down and record, having a workstation or sound module with good sounds is definitely a blessing.

[@jonathandossantossilva2683]

Voltei nesse video só pra purificar meus ouvidos e valorizar meu xps30...❤❤

[@jmtab]

Excellent playing Sir. When running this keyboard in mono, do you recommend a TS cable or will a TRS cable out enhance the sound?

[@kaisfp]

Very exellent playing! What is the white keyboqrd (MIDI controller keyboard(?)) behind you on the desk? Thank you!

[@kharizaderis]

Need help 🙇 Can't find the section for XPS 10 in Roland Axial website for the XPS 10, but i found the Juno DS/XPS 30 section. Is it possible for the XPS 30 to import the sound expansion to the XPS 10??

[@heghog-xz4uo]

What a great video, thank you Leon! Just curious, are your Key Touch set to Light, Normal or Heavy?

[@LeonThomasian]

Thank you! :) This was on normal setting.

[@mrunal317]

These are now available under EXP04 collection.

[@nethfellearnspiano9655]

As someone who doesn't own a DS but am looking into it - do the expansion packs stack? like if you get exp 04, does it include 03, 02 and 01 or are they all individual? And if you know how many expansion can actually fit in the onboard storage?

[@Supadude]

@@nethfellearnspiano9655 I know this is late reply, but if you are still wondering; no, they don't. Unfortunately, you can only load 1 at a time. :(

[@mrunal317]

Only one expansion pack can be install at a time.

[@samuelferrer772]

Yo e intentado instalar la EXP 09 y al finalizar me dice error, porque será?

[@MsAussie83]

@Leon Thomasian I looooooooooooooove that jazz music you play. The first piano sound reminds me of a grand piano made by Story And Clark (I think I spelled that right), that I played on when I was at the house of one of my American mom's customers when she was a house cleaner. The guy's name is Gary, and he was the Senior Associate Pastor at the First United Methodist Church in Eugene, Oregon. The piano was in his living room, and mom said to me, "Wow, the acoustics sounds really good in here!".

[@LeonThomasian]

Thank you so much for your sweet comment

[@MsAussie83]

@@LeonThomasian I wonder if this expansion would work for the Roland Fantom08. That's the keyboard I plan to purchase one of these days.

[@LeonThomasian]

I don’t see why it wouldn’t but definitely let me know when you get it and try the sounds.

[@administracionbareltunel3117]

Hi, great demo for the Juno DS88. Master, I would like to know and hopefully I can get the first and fourth songs that he plays in this video, they are very beautiful.

[@LeonThomasian]

Thank you so much. Unfortunately I do not have the sheet music for these pieces, they were all improvised on the spot. Maybe one day I will decide to sit and notate all of them when I have more time :) glad you enjoyed them.

[@darrelldixon9044]

Very nice video Leon. The Roland JUNO DS-88 is a awesome keyboard! I just got one in mint condition with rolling gig bag, basic sustain pedal a couple weeks back for $160 at Goodwill! Since then I have updated the System Firmware, and downloaded all of the Expansion Packs, DS-XV Patch Collection Banks and Roland DS Tone Manager & Librarian Programs. I have also purchased the Roland DP-10 Expression Pedal, and ordered the DP-10 Damper/Sustain Pedal. I was curious if you use or are familiar with these and have any advice about them?

[@ericnataf9206]

Hi I have the rd 2000 And it seems that the 09 exp sound better it is sampling? How it sound Live do you think the new Nord and yamaha sounds better? I want to buy the ds88 especialy for the hardware qaulity, you like the hammond also?

[@darrelldixon8056]

Unfortunately I don't have experience with Nord keyboards, I have owned many, many Yamaha Keyboards, Digital Pianos, 2 Yamaha Electone Organs (later units with MIDI) and a Yamaha CS-1 MIDI Control Synth.. All seemed to have excellent sound quality for the Era each one was built. My first Yamaha keyboard was a PSS-680 back around 1986, I had it hooked up thru MIDI control to a RadioShack Color Computer using Lyra music transcription software I purchased at a computer trade show. Later, I controlled it with a very early IBM compatible PC. Piped the keyboards output through a massive high-end component stereo system. However I haven't had recent stage quality Yamaha Keyboard Synths. I haven't had a Hammond Organ or Keyboard either sorry.. I haven't played Live, only in my various Recording Studio Setups. My last one had the Yamaha CS-1 MIDI Control Synth, 2 Yamaha Electone Organs, other MIDI Keyboard Controllers, a Massive custom built MIDI Drum Kit with custom double bass trigger setup and used a Yamaha TMX Drum Trigger Module, MOTU 828mkII Firewire Interface, various MIDI routing gear, Yamaha Studio Monitors, and a very expensive separate Dolby 7.1 channel Receiver/Amp with 500 watts per channel, though I never could turn it up past about 1 on the volume level without blasting everyone out...

[@wewalkedonthemoon]

The composition you are playing with the concert hall patch immediately caught my ear. Excellent melody and execution!! Do you have that recorded or featured on another video?

[@LeonThomasian]

Thanks a lot. No I don't think I've used this composition in another video. I normally come up with fresh compositions for every video I record.

[@samuelferrer772]

En la sección de ajustes, le puedes dejar - 10 light y Real así logras tener estos colores que escuchas

[@michi4392]

Y el mod cual seria light,normal o heavy

[@samuelferrer772]

@@michi4392 light

[@britesynth]

I hope ds has switch group like the FAs, so powerful for live playing

[@LeonThomasian]

Do you use it to trigger combi presets?

[@Iceland874]

What are you playing at the beginning of the video. I want to get the sheet music. It’s sooo beautiful!

[@LeonThomasian]

Thanks a lot. They're all my compositions.

[@giuseppedimarco2791]

Can i get the song Babe sound from the band Styx on this? I have this keyboard but cannot find the sound

[@LeonThomasian]

Not sure actually, would have to look into it. That's a great song! It sounds like a rhodes patch..

[@Awkfjdl]

First and foremost, Masterfully played! A delight to listen to. I do have a question, are the keys truly weighted? I'm used to Roland Xp-60 keys, or a grand piano. Just curious before I buy it.

[@LeonThomasian]

Thank you very much! I come from a classical background and have played on acoustic pianos for most of my life. With that said, I feel very comfortable playing on this keybed. It is definitely a hammer action mechanism (a little on the lighter side) but very quick and responsive. Hope this helps.

[@darrelldixon9044]

only the DS-88 has weighted keys, the other models of the DS don't

[@ericnataf9206]

Hi great player ! I own the RD 2000, עושה רושם שצלילי הפסנתר מענינים יותר יש בהם גוון מיוחד שאני מקבל בכלי שלי למרות שהוא שייך לדור מתקדם יותר האם הטכנולגיה של צלילי הפסנתר שונה ? האם המקלדת היא ph4

[@henrikgustav2294]

In performance, how do u split parts by velocity?

[@LeonThomasian]

Hi Henrik, I actually haven't messed with that, but I'm sure you can do it somewhere in the settings, I'll have to take a look.

[@ericnataf9206]

Hi, great player, i own the roland rd 2000 and it seems that the piano sounds are more interesting, they have a special tone that I am not geting in my rd 2000 even though it belongs to a more advanced generation. Is the technology of the piano sounds different? Is the keybeds are base on ph4?

[@LeonThomasian]

Thanks a lot. Not sure if there's actually a difference between the two. How is your piano sound different from this?

[@samuelferrer772]

Hola leo, un gusto escucharte, quisiera saber cual expansión de todas es la que usas

[@samuelferrer772]

Hola leo, no me respondistes, pero hace unas horas descargue la exposición que estas usando

[@natanael1976]

alguien ha intentado guardar patch de las expansiones en el banco de usuario? se que si se lo almacena no suenan, es decir solo almacena la etiqueta. seria genial escoger los mejores sonidos de cada expansión y poder almacenarlo en la memoria del juno.

[@Juanmabelmonte]

Beautiful playing. Whats name of first Song?

[@LeonThomasian]

Thank you so much. These were improvised on the spot so I did not name them. Maybe one day I will make them full compositions :)

[@gizmo3406]

The EXP 09 pak doesnt seem to have these sounds in it anymore. I really want that P22 patch with the Grand with Strings. Also very nice playing. :)

[@gizmo3406]

I did notice that the EXP 04 pak does have a piano with strings on P22, but not sure if its the same one or not. :)

[@LeonThomasian]

@@gizmo3406 Hi Chris, thank you for your kind words. Have you checked through this link to download it and install it on your keyboard? axial.roland.com/articles/exp-09-complete-piano-collection-ds/

[@mrunal317]

All of these sounds are in exp 04 expansion pack.

[@JavierRodriguez-pw7fm]

Can I import two or more exp packages on the ds memory?

[@darrelldixon9044]

It does not appear so. To import the Expansion Pack you must have them copied to the external USB Memory Stick, and power on the DS with the Numeric Button pressed. This brings up a menu asking which pack to Import, and a warning message comes up that it will overwrite the currently installed Pack. It takes about 3 Minutes to Import after acknowledging "Yes" and proceeding... There are 2 Roland Tone Manager and Librarian Computer Programs that manage tones when the DS is connected VIA USB, but I am not familiar with them enough to know if they allow you to "Pick and Choose" tones form the different expansion packs.

[@alexislduarte1035]

Hi Leon! I have the same keyboard and I am not satisfied with the pianos that come from the factory, and I have KRK speakers. WhatI have done is equalize them and save them to my liking. a question Leon ? did you download those pianos from axial to sound like that? how much ubs memory do you use? axial downloads are saved on the keyboard or do I always have to carry the usb with me? Waiting for your answer! Thanks! GOD bless you

[@LeonThomasian]

Thank you for your comment Alexis. Yes I actually downloaded these as is and played them instantly. They were around 200 MB if I remember correctly and you need the USB to be plugged in to run the samples externally. You DO have the option of eq-ing them to your liking as you do with the built-in samples. Hope you find this link helpful to download the sounds: rolandus.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/206437716-Juno-DS88-Juno-DS76-Juno-DS61-Loading-Axial-Expansion-Sound-Sets

[@autodidactaarte4958]

Alexis L Duarte *Ni con audífonos se escuchan bien los sonidos de piano. Tal vez alguien que sepa de síntesis pueda lograr que se escuchen bien. El JUNO-DS 76 no lee directamente de la USB. Tiene capacidad para guardar unicamente un pack EXP y aparte dos packs XV-5080 en la parte de Usuario. Tiene poca memoria y máximo puedes guardar aproximadamente un total de 17 MB en samples WAV estéreo. Me arrepiento de comprar este teclado*

[@alexislduarte1035]

@@autodidactaarte4958 yo estuve apunto de regresar el teclado tambien... pero yo tengo el 88 teclas y la memoria es más amplia y los sonidos de teclado los puede configurar yo mismo ya que el teclado te lo permite.. ahora si estoy disfrutando del teclado.

[@agusgener74]

Is it worth it nowadays as a main controller homestudio piano keyboard this Juno 88? The Expansion sounds really great to my ears, but how about the action? Thanks 🙏🏼

[@LeonThomasian]

I can tell you this for sure. The action of this keyboard is better than most 'midi controllers' I've played....with the exception of the VPC1 of course.

[@agusgener74]

Thank you! I will give it a try then 😉👌🏼

[@johnaina8649]

What is the beautiful piece of music starting at 12:50 ?

[@LeonThomasian]

Thanks a lot. Everything is my own original composition.

[@harolddasynth795]

Hi man,excellent playing there!planning to buy this keyboard,just a question,does it have sampling capability?i am in a band and in todays music,i think a workstation with sampler is needed,thanks

[@darrelldixon9044]

I just recently bought a JUNO DS-88, It has a sampler button and capabilities. The samples are imported in stereo WAV format. The Roland DS Tone Manager Software allows you to edit/modify the samples and save them onto a USB Memory Stick. You then insert the stick into the DS rear USB Port and use the Sample Button to import samples.

[@harolddasynth795]

@@darrelldixon9044 Thanks a lot man,i am now thorn between the 76 and the 88 keys,i am worry about the weight,is the 88keys too heavy?

[@darrelldixon8056]

It definitely is similar to a piano key action. There are 3 settings for key response​@harolddasynth795

[@darrelldixon8056]

​@@harolddasynth795the DS-88 is definitely heavier. I live in a small 25ft 5th-Wheel and have to manuver the Roland from the front bunk area to the counter/stove top area to be able to use it. Doing this is a struggle each time, but I think having the piano style keys are better.

[@harolddasynth795]

@@darrelldixon8056 Thanks for the info Darrell sir,i guess 88 is too heavy for my needs then,i mostly plan to use it at home but i want that flexibility to use it for party gigs if needed,too bad if only the 76 version is weighted,it would've been so perfect...

[@jonathanc.r2474]

friend, the link is not available... I opened the browser and went directly to the axial page but it seems to me that it doesn't sound as high quality as it does here in your video! Do you think Roland modified the expansion, taking away a bit of quality? because here in your video it sounds really good

[@LeonThomasian]

Hmm, not sure why your pianos sound different. I don't think they've changed anything.

[@raymondthompson7899]

Will install into the mpc live ll?

[@LeonThomasian]

Not sure

[@samuelferrer772]

Yo me acabo de comprar uno Ds 61 😊

[@christopertorres5398]

how do you set up that sound?

[@LeonThomasian]

Hi Christopher, Please follow this link for best video I found on how to download the expansion onto your keyboard. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpuWZoeHp79sq9k Hope you find it helpful. I will link this in my video description for others to see. Best of luck!

[@jeanlot]

Very very good piano player! Classic question: how did you feel the keybed compared to that one of a real piano? They say the keybed is good

[@LeonThomasian]

Thank you for your kind comment. I like the keybed because it’s controllable coming from heavier real hammer action acoustic pianos. What I like most about it is the fact that it’s super responsive especially considering the price range and it does not feel cheap at all.

[@jeanlot]

@@LeonThomasian perfect thank you...i'm considering to buy that workstation (88 version) , everybody tell good things about it

[@MrLeoncitoloco]

Hello, how are you? One question, do you handle the programming of the keyboard well? I have a problem and maybe you can help me

[@LeonThomasian]

Hi Marcelo, Thank you for your comment, I'd be happy to help. I know my way around this keyboard, hope I'm able to help.

[@lowercase3635]

These sound great… if you’re a session pianist in the 90’s. I’m just gonna suck it up and buy a nord.

[@LeonThomasian]

Good point. I do have something cooking on a Nord, will post soon. Stay tuned!

[@subhashjedia8928]

0:00 to 1:58 It sounds like. Song from A secret garden

[@davideturchiarulo220]

I have the juno ds 88... But I don't have monitor of studio... I have a simple speaker box. And the sounds are not like your... I downloaded all sounds from axial. Sorry for my english

[@LeonThomasian]

Hi Davide, Thanks for the comment. Have you tried connecting a pair of good headphones to it just to really hear the details of the sounds? It’ll definitely sound a bit different depending on the speakers you have but when heard on full range spectrum speakers, you’ll hear all the intricate details like pedal noise and mechanical sounds in those piano samples which is amazing!

[@pimppeter5742]

Are the keys touch sensitive ?

[@LeonThomasian]

yes

[@pimppeter5742]

Thats great i’ll buy it today

[@josephmoser8564]

Jesus bro. This shit makes me want to quit. Lol. You take lessons growing up?

[@LeonThomasian]

Haha that's definitely not my intention XD Thank you for your kind words. I'm classically trained since I was 7 years old and been playing for about 25 years.

[@googlepigs7027]

Stunningly beautiful piano playing and beautiful sounding pianos. I just got a juno ds 61, and its piano sound is absolutely crap. I'am now wondering if I got a defective one.

[@LeonThomasian]

Thank you 🙏🏼 Have you tried downloading these sounds?

[@googlepigs7027]

@@LeonThomasian No. But I certainly will, once I determine that my keyboard is alright. Does your original 1st piano sound have an off-key sound to it. Mine does.

[@darrelldixon9044]

Did you ever determine if your DS-61 was OK? If you bought it used did you try a "Factory Reset"?@@googlepigs7027