shravya | On 11, Mar 2013

The black and white keys of a piano keyboard have gone through generations of musicians without much change. The introduction of Roli’s Seaboard Grand, an instrument similar to piano, could bring about the much awaited revolution in the world of keyboards. Seaboard Grand uses pressure sensitive interface which allows users to create a wide range of sounds. Unlike in keyboard where you have to turn separate dials Seaboard Grand allows you to implement pitch vibration, full-guitar style pitch bends, volume adjustments and other modulations directly on the keys itself.

The technology behind Seaboard Grand i.e., the SEA interface or the “high resolution haptic pressure sensor” provides tactile feedback and 3D input gestures. The company says piano players wouldn’t have much of a learning curve if they intended to try it out but is needs to be verified by the users. Currently as few as 88 pieces are available for pre-order this April.

theverge.com