MISSION STATEMENT: Convert an inexpensive but great-sounding keyboard to a
full-featured performance synth!

Roland Go:Keys 3 / 5 synth is an inexpensive portable keyboard featuring Roland’s latest Zen-Core sound engine, making it a hidden treasure. The sound quality is literally the same as their top-of-the-line Fantom 0 series synths. The sounds are fully compatible and interchangeable between the Fantoms, Zenology software synth and Go:Keys.

1154 factory sounds + 256 user voice slots for industry-leading sounds would make this an amazing value for a performing musician, but to save cost and differentiate Go:Keys line from a professional line of synths, Roland has stripped most crucial controls from the new model. Most importantly, it lacks a Mod wheel or joystick control that is critical for any synth sound performance. As it also lacks aftertouch, there is simply no way to trigger a vibrato or filter without an external controller. Same for expression control. The synth also lacks Filter Resonance and CutOff controls that are equally important, and control of the Rotary Speaker Slow/Fast switch, which is critical for any Drawbar Organ performances in Blues, Rock and other music. Envelope controls, such as Attack, Decay and Release,  are also missing, along with many other functions.

My controller converts the crippled keyboard to a full-featured performance synthesizer. It attaches to the optional note stand screw holes for a secure fit, creating a unique vintage-inspired analog look and providing a plethora of sound-shaping controls together with visual guidance such as MIDI controller name and values, envelope and filter shape graphs, etc. The controller plugs into a USB port on the back of the keyboard, using it for an undocumented MIDI functionality and power delivery, and into an expression pedal jack. The dedicated USB-C MIDI port is left free and is available for use with a PC or laptop if needed.