C-280

A traditional positive pipe organ possesses unique pipe sound nuances such as chiff, the sound made by the air speaking through the pipe mouth. With Roland's state-of-the-art sampling and signal processing technologies, even the most subtle pipe nuances are accurately reproduced with the C-280 Classic Organ. Eight individual stops allow the control of two different types of classical organ sounds. The first type is for solo performance with clear, articulated chiff sounds while the second type is for softer tones and accompaniment. The C-280 Classic Organ also has chime, celesta and two types of choir tones.

The Roland C-280 Classic Organ action emulates the distinctive key touch of a true tracker organ action. On a tracker organ, each key opens a pallet valve mechanically while the player feels a distinctive resistance followed by a positive clicking action. Similarly, the Roland C-280 Classic Organ offers this same resistance and positive action. Players will feel a click as if the air is actually flowing through pipes.

The baroque era is often referred to as the Golden Age of the organ. Composers such as Dietrich Buxtehude and Johann Pachelbel expanded the repertoire with pieces that, even today, are some of the most popular compositions in the world. Part of the beauty of these pieces was the fact that they were performed on instruments tuned to particular temperaments. With the Roland C-280 Classic Organ, players can select classical temperaments such as Werckmeister, Kirnberger, Vallotti, Mean-tone, Pythagorean, Just Major, and Just Minor with the touch of the button. In addtion, the organ can be instantly pitched to the baroque pitch (A=415Hz).

The term 'organ' is derived from organon, 'the music instrument of all.' It's a very elaborate and delicate instrument with pipes and complex mechanisms that require regular tuning and maintenance. Unlike a traditional pipe organ, however, the Roland C-280 Classic Organ requires no maintenance. Because it is a digital instrument, the C-280 never requires tuning, regardless of changes in temperature or humidity.

The Roland C-280 Classic Organ is easy to move and does not require a great deal of space. It is ideally suited for small-to medium-sized churches, chapels, choir rooms and homes as a performance, accompanying or practice instrument. And it offers the durability that only a digital instrument can offer.

Because of their beautiful appearance, positive organs were often displayed in the salons of aristocrats and admired as pieces of fine furniture. The Roland C-280 Classic Organ continues this fine heritage with its beautiful simulated walnut finish and elegant design. Even the drawknobs and reversed white and black keys reflect the fine details of their histrical counterparts.

For those who desire the option of having resonant pipes, Roland also offers the C-280P pipe option that includes a rank of pipes arranged in a beautiful crown shape. The sounds from the speaker located on the top of the main unit (C-280) resonate through the pipes for a realistic pipe-like sound. Also, the built-in tweeter reproducts chiff and wind sounds unique to a real pipe organ.