Roland RD-150 - Other Useful Functions; Tuning the RD-150; Ee Eee

6. Other useful functions
The following functions are accessible via the
FUNCTION] button. You probably won’t need them
every day, but they may come in handy at times.
6.1 Tuning the RD-150
This function allows you to ensure that your RD-150
uses the same standard pitch as other instruments (or
a CD player, tape recorder, etc.) you are accompany-
ing.
The RD-150 is a digital instrument, which means that
it never goes out of tune, and that changing its tuning
is a matter of pressing a few buttons rather than tun-
ing a whole bunch of strings.
1. Press , followed by [FIANO}.
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(a)
The display now indicates the current frequency used
for the A4.
2. Use DATA [4] /] to select a different frequency for
the A4 (and hence the entire instrument).
The setting range is 415.3~466.2Hz. The normal tun-
ing of electronic musical instruments is 440Hz.
Note that the first digit (“4”) is omitted, so that
“440Hz” is actually displayed as “40.0” Similarly, the
frequency “415.3” will be displayed as “15.3”, ete.
3. Press [FUNCTION] again to leave the Function mode.
6.2 Using other tunings
The RD-150 allows you to play classical music, such as
baroque, with the tuning actually used in that period.
Most music today is composed and played based on
the assumption that Equal Temperament (the most
common tuning method) will be used. However, vari-
ous other tunings were in existence during the age of
classical music. By playing a piece using such an “old”
tuning, you should be able to hear the natural sonori-
ties of the chords, and appreciate the piece in the way
it was originally intended.
1. Press [FUNCTION], followed by [FINGER BASS].
2. Use DATA [+] /-] to select the desired scale.
Note: Certain scales also require that you set the root note of
the key you wish to play in. See below for details.
Equal: This tuning divides the octave equally
into 12 intervals.
Pythagorean: This method of tuning was
invented in ancient Greece. It resolves the ambiguity
of the fourths and fifths. Though thirds are somewhat
imperfect, melodies sound clearer.
Just (Major): A method of tuning which
resolved the ambiguity of fifths and thirds. Quite
beautiful sonorities are produced with chords, but the
scale is unbalanced, so it is not well-suited for melo-
dies.
Just (Minor): This is a Just scale for playing
pieces in minor keys.
Mean Tone: A temperament that adds some
compromises to Just temperament, and facilitates
transposition.
Werckmeister: By combining the Mean ‘Tone
and Pythagorean temperaments, it allows for playing
in any key.
Kirnberger: As a result of improvements made
to the Mean Tone and Just temperaments, it is rela-
tively tolerant towards transposition, and can be used
to play in all keys.
3. Press [FUNCTION] again to leave the Function mode.
Note: The temperament you select will be used until you
switch off the RD-150 or until you select another tempera-
ment.
Specifying the root note
When you play using a tuning other than Equal Tem-
perament, you need to specify the root/fundamental
(“C” for major and “A” for minor) according to the key
of the song to be played.
1. Press [FUNCTION], followed by [(ORCH.STRINGS).
2. Use DATA [+] /[-] to select the desired root note.
The display indicates the notes as intervals. Transpos-
ing from C to D therefore means that the display will
indicate the number 3, while 8 equals a fifth.
Stretch Tuning
Stretch Tuning is a tuning method specific to pianos.
The pitch of a piano is generally tuned lower in the
bass, and higher in the treble compared with equal
temperament. This is done because low notes, when
tuned right, sound a little sharp, while treble notes
sound flat. By changing the tuning curve, the chords
will sound subtly different.
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Bass Treble
1. Press [FUNCTION], followed by SYNTH STRINGS].
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