07.03.2008 — Musicians-turned-integrators will recognize the name Roland as one of the premier keyboard/synthesizer manufacturers in the industry, but what is the company doing with a booth at the CEDIA Expo in September?

I wanted to find out myself when I saw the Roland Corp US name on the exhibitor list.

The company will be displaying its line of digital grand pianos in the booth, which media/artist relations manager Amanda Whiting says is "the perfect solution for custom installations for homes, hotels, or anywhere where a grand piano adds a nice touch."

Just like much of the equipment integrators install for their high-end clientele, Roland digital grand pianos are high quality. The company's acoustic pianos do not require the use of microphones for additional amplification, according to Whiting.

"They may also be operated remotely and never require the tuning or maintenance of acoustic pianos," she says.

Only a few weeks ago, an integrator told me that a piano in the home of a prospect is one tell-tale sign that you potentially have a great client. It shows that they enjoy music and aren't afraid to spend money on it.

In its booth (#194), Roland will be showing its RG-7 digital grand and RG-1 digital mini-grand in a small vignette. Integrators do not need to have showrooms to purchase Roland products, nor do they need purchase a display model.

Whiting adds that dealers should ask one question when they come to the Roland booth: "Where is the Roland line available in my area?"

If you have good timing, you might catch me playing "Chopsticks" in the booth!

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