Roland BK-5 OR backing keyboard

General

This versatile backing keyboard, the Roland BK-5 OR, is based on Roland's BK-5, but features additional oriental characteristics. The already elaborate set of musical instruments and backing rhythms of the BK-5 has now been expanded with a number of instruments and rhythms from the Middle East, Turkey and North Africa. The BK-5 OR is also equipped with twelve new buttons that enable you to manage scale tunings, which are not uncommon for these regions. This great backing keyboard with an oriental flavour is perfect for both amateur players and one-man bands.

Create your own backing rhythms with the BK-5OR

The Roland BK-5OR is equipped with a Rhythm Composer, which enables you to program your own backing rhythms. Other programmers' backing styles can be used by means of a USB stick. It is also possible to store your performance in audio data format on a USB device, or to play along with MP3 files. The BK-5 OR is equipped with an internal sequencer which allows you to make layered recordings of up to 16 parts, while the reverb, chorus and EQ effects enable you to add some additional flavour to the instruments.

Control and connectors

The Roland BK5-OR is exceptionally easy to use: it has a well-organised layout with large, clear controls and the display shows you everything you need to know at a glance. The backing keyboard is fitted with a comfortable 61-key keyboard (five octaves) and it is possible to connect a sustain and an expression pedal. Additionally, a video connector enables you to display the song lyrics of SMF and MP3 files on your TV screen. Naturally, you can effortlessly connect your computer to the BK5OR by means of its MIDI connectors (both classic and USB).

• Please note: the video shows the BK-5, not the BK-5 OR. The only difference between these two models is that the latter is equipped with additional oriental backing rhythms and scale-tuning buttons.