By David Gedge
SHARP DRESSED AMP
Roland
KC Series
Keyboard Amp
We Can Make It Better!
Roland KC Series Keyboard Amplifiers
Roland has refreshed their acclaimed
KC series, the long-running lineup of stage
amplifiers for performing keyboardists.
For two decades thousands of musicians
have have relied on the respected KC-
series amps for powerful high-fidelity
sound, onboard mixing features, versatile
connectivity, and lasting durability. The six
new KC models carry on the line’s time-
honored benchmark of quality, while offer-
ing updated looks and enhanced features
tuned for the needs of today’s working
musicians.
The new KC amps feature wide-range
sound reproduction with two-way speaker
systems and Roland’s patented twin bass-
reflex design for extended low-frequency
response without distortion. This makes
them ideal for accurately reproducing the
full frequency range of all types of key-
boards, including 88-note stage pianos,
organs, and synthesizers. The amps are
also equipped with multiple inputs, mix-
ing capabilities, and versatile DI connec-
tions, allowing players to connect and con-
trol all their instruments and easily inter-
face with sound systems at different per-
formance venues.
All 2017 KC models are equipped with
newly designed speakers for improved
sound quality, and the monaural models
feature a redesigned power amp
and power supply sections for
increased output power and sta-
bility. These enhancements have
also reduced the overall weight of
the KC-400 and KC-600 models
compared to the previous-gener-
ation KC-350 and KC-550 models.
The outer appearance of the
new KC amps has been refreshed
as well. In addition, the input and
output jacks have been changed
from plastic to metal for
increased durability.
The KC amplifier range
includes six models to support
the performing needs of all types
of keyboard players, from the KC-80 with
50 watts of power, 10-inch speaker and a
custom tweeter to the granddady power-
house KC-990 that includes 320 watts of
stereo power (160 watts x 2), two 12-inch
speakers, two custom tweeters, plus
onboard effects (reverb, chorus, tremolo,
rotary), and stereo link. The dark horse
KC-220 that we like best offers 30 watts of
stereo power (15 watts x 2), two 6.5-inch
speakers, two custom tweeters, chorus and
reverb effects, support for battery-pow-
ered operation. To learn more about the
KC keyboard amplifier series visit
Roland.com.
Or So I Have Read...
Spinal Tap The Big Black Book
With the band tied-up in a royalty dis-
pute against their record company and dis-
tributor, it only makes sense Nigel, David
and Derek would conquer media they
have not exploited yet: Print!
Spinal Tap's The Big Black Book flashes
back 30 years ago to profile filmmaker
Marty Di Bergi (played
by director Rob Reiner).
Marty could not have
known that his "rocku-
mentary" This Is Spinal
Tap would be hailed as a
work of genius that
would rock fans for
three decades.
Often cited as one of
the best comedies ever
made (and often regard-
ed by rock stars as one
of the most frightening-
ly accurate portraits of
hard rockers of the '70s
and '80s), This Is Spinal Tap has achieved
cult status around the world.
Spinal Tap: The Big Black Book (fully
authorized by the band) will bring to the
public, for the very first time, the story of
the band in words, pictures, and remov-
able facsimile memorabilia. You read that
right. Included is a complete discography
and history of the band. It includes biogra-
phies of each individual member, includ-
ing most of the drummers that have taken
the throne over the years.
Also included are interviews with
Nigel, David and Derek. It's available
through your local bookstore, and ama-
zon.com.