RolandTalk.com

 

Roland Corporation is a Japanese manufacturer of electronic musical instruments, electronic equipment and software. It was founded by Ikutaro Kakehashi in Osaka on April 18, 1972 with 33 million yen in capital. In 2005 Roland headquarter relocated to Hamamatsu in Shizuoka Prefecture. Today has factories in Japan, the United States, Italy, and Taiwan. As of March 31, 2005, it employed 2,233 employees, a rise of over 200% from 729 employees in 2003. It has existed in different forms since 1960, making it one of the oldest still-operating manufacturers of musical electronics, and has survived changes in technology to become one of the most noteworthy and widely-used brands in electronic music and production today.

Roland markets products under a number of brand names, each of which are used on products geared toward a different niche. Boss is a brand used for products geared towards guitar players and amateur musicians, and is used for guitar pedals, effects units, rhythm and accompaniment machines, and portable recording equipment. Edirol products are more production-oriented, and include computer audio interfaces, mixers, speakers, and video systems.* Rodgers Instruments was founded in 1958 as an organ company, and survives today as a subsidiary of Roland, still manufacturing high-quality electric, electronic, and pipe organs.

Roland company slogans include Inspire the enjoyment of creativity, Be the best rather than the biggest, and We design the future.