This is a roundup of new Roland products that have been announced since the beginning of the year. They represent a refresh of the entire Roland Line most are already available or soon to be available. Truly there is something for everyone in this grab bag of musical goodies.

Arturia has long been know for their software emulations of vintage keyboards and synthesizers. Two years ago they loaded all their software expertise into a rack mountable table top hardware controller. It has now sprouted a keyboard completing it's evolution into a full fledged stage performer. The Arturia Origin Keyboard is a French built powerhouse that captures vintage sound and performance in state of the art technology and cutting edge industrial design.

Many of you are familiar with the Novation NOVA line of analog synthesizers first released in 1998 as the SuperNOVA. The UltraNOVA is the latest and the smallest of the NOVA offerings. Designed in an ultra-portable electric blue case it includes a 37 note Fatar keyboard. The Pitch Bend and Modulation wheels are translucent and internally illuminated for ease of visibility in low light situations and an eye catching visual effect.

Reporters from around the world have come together to issue the 11th Annual MIPA awards, honoring the best in audio and musical products. Announced on the evening of March 25th selections were made from 3 candidates in each of the product categories. Representatives of manufactures and distributors from numerous countries were present making this a truly international affair. A special lifetime achievement award was given to Hartley Peavey of Peavey electronics for a liftime of contributions to the music industry. The most coveted award, "Most Innovative Product", was won by TC Electronics for their Polytune electronic tuner. One strum and you can tune all 6 strings of your guitar at once.

With Musikmesse 2010 in full swing in Frankfurt, Germany a wave of new product introductions have been unleashed by manufacturers of all sizes and nationalities. While much of the action is in the area of software plugins for the major Digital Audio Workstations DAWs, there is some cool hardware taking the stage and I thought I would provide some peeks at what is coming up. Here is the first batch of products that are drawing attention on the convention floor.

Frankfurt, Germany; March 23, 2010

Musikmesse 2010 opens its doors on 24 March and, from then until 27 March, Frankfurt will be the ‘place to be’ for everyone who makes, loves and listens to music. The Musikmesse is the world’s biggest fair for all aspects of music making. The range of musical instruments on show is huge and includes something for everyone – from classical instruments, such as violins, cellos, pianos, trumpets, trombones and tubas, via electric guitars and basses, drums, percussion, keyboards and software, to synthesisers and sheet music. Altogether, the exhibitors are showing over 30,000 different products and thus offer trade visitors and music fans a comprehensive overview of everything needed to make music. However, there is more to be seen at the fair than just musical instruments. Many stars of the national and international music scene also give demonstrations of their playing skills, especially on the Saturday when the fair opens to the public and gives fans the opportunity to see, marvel, test and hear numerous celebrities at close quarters.