New Roland C30 Harpsichord Available Direct From Promenade Music
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New Roland C30 Harpsichord Available Direct From Promenade MusicNew Roland C30 Harpsichord Available Direct From Promenade Music
Benefit from the same price as buying from Roland Direct but with the excellent service of buying from a knowledgable local store.

Call David Wood on 01524 410202 about the new Roland C30 Digital Harpsichord and benefit from the same price as buying from Roland Direct but with the excellent service of buying from a knowledgable local store.


A beautiful marriage: the enchanting harpsichord and the wonders of a digital instrument. From solo performance to ensemble playing, the Roland C-30 provides the perfect sound and touch for baroque music. Enjoy the best of both worlds - a new-generation digital harpsichord with authentic sound and touch, excellent playability, and soul-stirring expression.


Roland C 30 Harpsichord
Call Promenade Music For Best Price On 01524 410202

Promenade Music is proud to announce the new Roland C-30 Digital Harpsichord.
Combining Roland's latest technology with physical design, the C-30 faithfully reproduces the timeless sound, nuance and touch of the harpsichord with the advantages of modern technology.

Roland's newly developed "click action" F-scale keyboard provides an authentic harpsichord feel, while two different types of unique harpsichord modes give you an expansive selection of sounds including French-type and Flemish-type harpsichord. Each mode has four stop variations: 8'1, (back), 8'11 (front), 4', and Lute. In addition, Roland has added totally new sounds with the "Dynamic Harpsichord", which can be played with dynamics and with a damper pedal. It also features two positive small-pipe organ sounds and the sound of the early fortepiano.

Available tuning options include baroque pitch (415Hz) and Versailles pitch (392Hz), which can be switched instantly without changing the temperament (classical tuning). A total of five tunings are supported. In addition to equal temperament including: Werckmeister, Kirnberger, Vallotti, and Meantone. Best of all, since the C-30 is a digital instrument, it is unaffected by weather, humidity, or transport. It never goes out of tune!

It's possible to adjust the sound to achieve a proper balance when playing in an ensemble with violin, modern flute, or other comparatively loud instruments. On the other hand, if you want to practice at home late at night, you can turn the volume down. You can also practice using headphones.

The already compact C-30 can be further split up into unit and stand. You can easily transport the unit (25 kg) and stand (13 kg) in an ordinary car. Getting the instrument to ensemble rehearsals or concerts is easy.

The C-30's unique keyboard lid and side panels can be customized with a variety of patterns including paintings, and stained-glass inspired artwork-making the C-30 an elegant addition to any home or performance environment.

Fulfilling what has been only a dream for many music lovers up to now, the breakthrough C-30 enables everyone to enjoy playing the harpsichord.

Key Features Of The Roland C-30

- Elegant yet compact design makes the C-30 suitable for any size room

- Four types of instruments included such as French type Harpsichord, Flemish type Harpsichord, Fortepiano, Dynamic Harpsichord

- Each Harpsichord sound has four stop variations of 8'I (Back), 8'II(Front), 4', and Lute

- Positive type of small pipe organ sounds are also equipped as Organ I, and Organ II.

- Five selectable temperaments with Baroque pitch support

- Options for appearance customizing such as Drawings, Side panels

- New 61 note F scale keyboards with click action

- Light weight and portable with matching stand


More Info About The Roland C 30

Beautiful Design
Beautiful design Able to fit beautifully into a small space, the exquisite compact design is modelled on a small rectangular type of harpsichord known as the virginal. Decorative panels (optional) can be installed on the inside of the keyboard lid and the side panels can be replaced with reproduction stained glass (optional). Customisation is available to match any interior so that you can create the look you desire.

Sensitive Keyboard Touch
A newly developed special keyboard authentically reproduces the plucking sensation of a harpsichord key when pressed. All of the characteristics of the harpsichord key action have been captured, including the length and form of the black keys, the depth of the key press, and even the distinctive noise that comes when a key is released.

Rich Timbre
Known as "Cembalo" in German and Italian and "Clavecin" in French, the harpsichord comes in various shapes and sizes. Two different types, French and Flemish, of harpsichord sounds are built in into the C-30. You can toggle between them with just the touch of a switch. For each sound, four buttons are available: 8-foot I (back), 8-foot II (front), 4 foot (octave higher), and lute (buff mute). You play them individually or layer them.

Dynamic Harpsichord Sounds
In pursuit of the perfect harpsichord, Roland has equipped the C-30 with "Dynamic Harpsichord" sounds, which can be played with dynamics (velocity sensitivity) and a damper pedal. In addition, the sounds of the early fortepiano and a compact pipe organ have been included.

Reliable Tuning
Available tuning options include baroque pitch (415 Hz) and Versailles pitch (392 Hz), which can be switched with a single touch without changing the temperament (classical tuning). Moreover, being a digital instrument, the C-30 will not go out of tune because of changes in temperature and humidity, or during transport. It's always in tune and ready for you to play.

Temperament (classical tuning)
A total of five tuning options are supported. In addition to equal temperament, with a single button you can also select Werckmeister, Kirnberger, Vallotti, or mean-tone tuning to suit the piece you are playing.

Sound Volume Adjustment And Use Of Headphones Is Possible
You can enjoy the same natural volume as an acoustic harpsichord or increase or decrease the volume if desired. Volume control makes it possible to adjust the sound to achieve a proper balance when playing in an ensemble with violin, modern flute, or other comparatively loud instruments. At such times, the built-in speakers are able to fill a medium size hall without losing any of the authentic harpsichord timbre. On the other hand, if you want to practice at home late at night, you can turn the volume right down or even practice in complete privacy using headphones.

Portability
The compact C-30 can be made even more portable by removing the legs and stand. You can easily transport the unit (25 kg) and stand (13 kg) in a standard-size car. Getting the instrument to ensemble rehearsals or concerts is easy.

Roland C30 Digital Harpsichord Specifications

Keyboard:  61 keys (F scale, haprsichord action mechanism)

Maximum Polyphony: 128 voices

Tones: 6 (8 feet I, 8 feet II, 4 feet, Lute, Organ I, Organ II / Celesta)
(4 types : French type, Flemish type, Fortepiano, Dynamic Harpsichord)

Effect: Reverb

Controls:  Volume knob, Reverb knob, Tone knob

Key Transpose: -6 to +5 (semitone steps)

Temperament: 5 types (Equal, Werckmeister, Kirnberger, Vallotti, Meantone)

Baroque Pitch: 415 Hz/392 Hz

Master Tuning: 440/415 Hz ±50 cents

Pedal: Damper/Tone change

Speakers: 2x12cm, 2x8cm

Amplifier Output: 2x13watts

Connectors: Phones jack (Stereo), Output jacks ( L/Mono, R ), Input jacks ( L/Mono, R ), MIDI connectors (In, Out), Pedal jack, AC adaptor jack

Power Supply: AC Adapter

Power Consumption: 25W (AC 117 V/230 V/240 V)

Cabinet Finish: Simulated mahogany

Accessories: Owner's manual, AC adaptor, Power cord, Music stand, Damper pedal (DP-10), Picture board, Decoration panel

Optional Extras: Bench (BNC-29), Picture board (OP-C30PB series), Decoration panel (OP-C30DP series)

Size and Weight (Including Stand)  
- Width  1,100 mm 43-5/16 inches

- Depth  380 mm 15 inches ( Lid closed )
- Depth  450 mm 17-3/4 inches  ( Lid opened ) 

- Height  830 mm 32-11/16 inches ( Lid closed )
- Height  1,170 mm 46-1/16 inches ( Lid opened ) 

- Weight  38.0 kg 83 lbs. 13 oz.
Main unit (25kg), Stand (13kg)

*The specifications are subject to change without notice. 

Watch The Roland C30 Video

Video 3

Roland C30 Sound Demo
(In Japanese but with English Graphics so you can understand).

Video Sound Demo

Roland C30 Organ Sound Demo

Video Organ Sound

Write Up And Opinions On The Roland C-30 By Martin Voss

An Amazingly Authentic Harpsichord Experience

The harpsichord has a rich historical heritage dating back to the mid 1400s, including a period of over 200 years in which it was the premier instrument. Roland's understanding of, and unrelenting dedication to, the intricacies and tradition of the acoustic harpsichord has resulted in a powerful instrument that is perfect for home use, concert performances, and musical studies: the Roland C-30 Digital Harpsichord.

History
The harpsichord's origins can be traced to the mid-1400s, where primitive forms of the instruments varied greatly and were typically played on a table top or in the player's lap. Eventually the Musical Instrument Makers of Antwerp, a prominent source of harpsichord manufacturing, sought to increase their activity through joining St. Luke's Guild. The Guild was made up exclusively of artists and painters at the time, however in 1558 the Instrument Makers were accepted, resulting in rapid advances in harpsichord technology and popularity in the ensuing years.

The first important legacy in harpsichord manufacturing was the Ruckers dynasty, which appeared in conjunction with the thriving Flemish harpsichord industry. Ruckers harpsichords are credited as the first to add a second manual (keyboard) to the harpsichord.

The Blanchet family was the next prominent manufacturing family in the history of the harpsichord. The Blanchet designs took the principles of the Ruckers design and enhanced the overall quality of the instrument. Throughout its history the harpsichord has been an expensive and time consuming instrument to own, and this was never truer than with Blanchet harpsichords, whose advances solidified the harpsichord's place as a status symbol. Sadly, nearly all of the Blanchet harpsichords were destroyed during the French Revolution.

Appearance
The Roland C-30's cabinet is based on the Ruckers designs from the 1500s, and is crafted in the virginal style where there was one string per note on the keyboard (however the C-30s harpsichord sample is a three strings per note Blanchet harpsichord). The interchangeable decorations and add-ons are optional because through history, owning one suggested a life of privilege. Therefore the artwork was of equal importance to the sound and playability of the instrument itself.

Authenticity
Roland developed a unique 61-note F scale keyboard with 'click action' for the C-30. The harpsichord's sound is non-velocity sensitive and includes the sound of the picking mechanism and the key-off sound along with other subtleties of a harpsichords action and design. There are even five tuning options, which include baroque pitch (415Hz) and Versailles pitch (392Hz). Also included is the ability to switch between temperaments, including Werckmeister, Kirnberger, Vallotti and Meantone.

The C-30 is really six instruments in one: it features two systematically sampled harpsichords (one of the very few French harpsichords remaining from the Blanchet era, and a Flemish harpsichord from the Ruckers era) as well as Cristofori's revolutionary FortePiano. The new Dynamic Harpsichord is built-in, along with a classical pipe organ and a celesta to lend the C-30 even more versatility for a performer playing period music. With all of these sounds in the C-30, it is an ideal choice to authentically recreate historical period music, whether in your home, in concert or in an academic setting.

Dynamic Harpsichord
Having captured all of the details and complexities of the two historically prominent harpsichord sounds as well as the additional instruments on the C-30, Roland sought to develop the harpsichord even further. The result of Roland's progress is the Dynamic Harpsichord, which overcomes many of the traditional harpsichord's restrictions as an expressive instrument. The first major difference is the velocity sensitivity of the Dynamic Harpsichord. It produces a louder and brighter tone with harder key strikes, and a darker and muted tone with softer key strikes. The Dynamic Harpsichord allows for multiple historical tunings and temperaments to compliment the period of the piece you are performing or studying. Furthermore, you can create choirs of strings to recreate harpsichords that had multiple strings per note tuned to create a denser sound.

Benefits
Roland's dedication to accurately representing this period - and improving upon it in - has resulted in a wonderful sounding harpsichord without any of the limitations of acoustic harpsichords. The C-30 requires none of the traditional harpsichord's time-consuming maintenance, never goes out of tune, is easy to move from home to performance venue, and allows a player to completely switch historical instruments with the push of a button and know the sound is going to be totally realistic and authentic.

Whether you're a dedicated purist or a student of music, be sure to take a look at a Roland C-30 Digital Harpsichord for yourself and experience the incredible realism of the sounds, and enjoy the promise of never needing to tune or maintain your harpsichord ever again.

End Of The Martin Voss Article

Call David Wood on 01524 410202 about the new Roland C30 Digital Harpsichord.
 
You may also be interested in the new Roland C230 Keyboard which has 36 classical organ tones, 4 Harpsichord tones, Fortepiano, Celesta and more.

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New Roland C30 Harpsichord Available Direct From Promenade Music


Promenade Music

404 Marine Road East. Morecambe. Lancashire. LA4 5AR. UK
Telephone. 01524 410202.
Fax. 01524 410802