Roland Aerophone AE-10chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Numerous players praise the ability to practice saxophone fingerings quietly through headphones without disturbing neighbors, family, or roommates. This was frequently cited as the main reason for purchase, especially for apartment or condo dwellers.

@binnigoesblonde

Thanks so much, due to this video I got an AE-10. It was a few months before a second hand one came up online, but worth the wait. My tenor is waaay too loud for our neighbours and I like to play late. Shoving the sax in the wardrobe just wasn't an option. I love it, thanks!!launch

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January 24, 2021

@jmpet7134

I bought this after watching this review. I have been using an Akai EWI USB for a few years. I never really liked it. After using the Roland for a week I can say I really like it. Yes its not the same as playing a real sax but its great for playing quietly. I rarely can play my sax because of neighbors etc. This makes practice so easy and stress free . I wish the syn sounds for various instruments were more accurate. I also think their documentation stinks. I tried asking Roland some questions but never got a response. It would be cool to be able to upload other syn samples but cannot tell if that is possible. If anyone has uploaded new samples please tell me how you did it.launch

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July 15, 2020

@elecblush

I have the Aerophone Go. I bought it because i have not played the sax in several years and had a wish to get my feet wet again. I also do a lot of music production on my computer so the idea of having a breath controller with good sax fingering was very appealing.\nI'm having a blast and I'm surprised how fast the fingerings got back to me, and my SO is really happy i can use headphones when i just goof around and practice.\nHooking it up to my DAW with some good VSTs really opens up a whole new world. If you shell out for something like the SWAM vsts you can get amazing sound that sounds very convincing in a mix with other instruments.\nI'm going to buy a real sax later, but for now this is a great way go get going. And as a bonus playing around with different sounds and even synth sounds in my daw, makes it a instrument that im going to use and have fun with even after getting a real sax. :)launch

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July 5, 2020

@MarkTeskey

I've been playing an AE-10 for a couple of years now. I play in an 80's band where the keyboard player can only make about half the gigs. It's been a lifesaver! It's awesome to be able to fire up entire horn sections on demand.. and the crowds are always fascinated by the \"Space Horn\". It works especially amazing for \"Sledgehammer\" - the shakuhachi intro followed by the horn section? Sounds amazing! \nI also depend on it for late night practicing where my actual saxes would keep the family awake. In the COVID-era, paired with Jamulus.. I've been able to jack it right in and jam with internet strangers. I would have never had that possibility otherwise.\nI love mine, and would seriously consider buying a MORE pro model.launch

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June 27, 2020

Many players connect the AE-10 to computers, DAWs, and VST plugins to unlock more realistic or creative sounds beyond the onboard library. This flexibility for orchestration, recording, and synth exploration is a frequently cited strength.

@elecblush

I have the Aerophone Go. I bought it because i have not played the sax in several years and had a wish to get my feet wet again. I also do a lot of music production on my computer so the idea of having a breath controller with good sax fingering was very appealing.\nI'm having a blast and I'm surprised how fast the fingerings got back to me, and my SO is really happy i can use headphones when i just goof around and practice.\nHooking it up to my DAW with some good VSTs really opens up a whole new world. If you shell out for something like the SWAM vsts you can get amazing sound that sounds very convincing in a mix with other instruments.\nI'm going to buy a real sax later, but for now this is a great way go get going. And as a bonus playing around with different sounds and even synth sounds in my daw, makes it a instrument that im going to use and have fun with even after getting a real sax. :)launch

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July 5, 2020

@deyvistreams

I bought one to make orchestration arrangements since I don’t have the money to actually buy real instruments. So far my experience has been amazing! I really like the way the dynamics work on this thing, that makes it sound close to a real instrument and for what I’m using it I think it’s worth the expenselaunch

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June 26, 2020

@lenmorphew5398

I recently got an AE10 and fully agree with all your comments. You are right that is is not a replacement for a real saxophone, although I do find it useful to play baritone parts when I am recording sax quartets, as I don't own a bari. In a mix with real saxes it gets by, but it would never cut it as a solo instrument. I have not gigged with it yet, but like you I would probably focus on the synth sounds, if do use it live.launch

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June 25, 2020

@vancespears8453

I have one of these, and it definitely doesn’t come close to playing a real sax, but that’s not the point. It is great for practicing fingerings, although some keys are a centimeter or so in a different location. All of this is besides the point, because it is a really cool instrument in its own, since one can play synthesizer sounds without having to learn how to play piano. It is a nice tool to emulate other sounds such as trumpet, flute, or guitar (the pitch bend joystick sounds great with guitar), and the aerophone can also be connected to a computer to record midi notes, which makes it easier for me to record melodies instead of using a keyboard. Overall, I don’t suggest the aerophone if you want a replacement for saxophone, but I do suggest it if you want to have a silent practice tool (with headphones) or emulate other instruments and synth sounds while keeping saxophone fingerings.launch

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June 25, 2020

Users repeatedly note the fingering closely mirrors a real saxophone, making it useful for learning or reinforcing technique that transfers back to acoustic instruments. Several say practicing faster passages on the AE-10 directly improved their real sax playing.

@paulrichmond6867

Jay, I have a similar story to yours and many others. I have gone through the Yamaha & Akai wind instruments as well and completely agree with your comments. I justified the purchase of the AE-10 due to its better saxophone fingering layout, specifically the palm and pinky keys. For exactly the same reasons, I did not look at this as a means to improve my saxophone tone production, but as a means to play other instruments, I do not have, like string, brass and synth voices and practice during quiet hours. On several performances, I was able to cover several instruments that were not available all with this one instrument, some audio cables, and an amp. When I factor in the versatility, I can justify the cost. PS, the church band love the cello voice. It blends well with the acoustic guitars and voices!\n\nThanks again for the great videos!launch

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June 27, 2020

@chizknowsdabizyeet7609

I bought this a few weeks ago. I already annoy my parents with my piano practice, but I wanted to learn the saxophone! With this I can practice with backing tracks through headphones. It also works pretty well as a midi controller.\n Ive never actually touched a real saxophone (oops) but I've learnt so much with this. I definitely recommend for any saxophone noobs, although I can't say how close to the real thing it is.launch

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June 26, 2020

@terryahayes-saxambience

Your review is absolutely consistent with my own experience with the AE10 and Aerophone Go. A God send for very late night \"silent\" practicing. I'm ok with the key tensions and key positions. The instrument's relatively perfect pitch is a real aid in transposing. I agree the saxophone sounds (like other synths) leave much to be desired, but that is really offset by ease of using the keys and fingering. I personally have found that the aerophone has really helped me play faster passages and it is directly transferable to my real horns. Thanks for the video.launch

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June 25, 2020

@cygnetdoc

That's great . I have an AE10 and it is great fun . Your review has picked up all the good and not so good features . With multi track recording you can over lay instruments. Many years ago I was given a record made by an amateur musician who was actually a top London rheumatologist . He played Jazz and many instruments and over recorded them to form a one man band . I always wanted to do something similar and when the Roland came along I bought it intending to do the same . . . a sad fantasy but great fun trying . Some of the sounds are so authentic and it is so much easier to play than the Akai EWI which has touch keys and is a capricious beast .\nOne more comment about Roland . I am sorry you have not had good experience of them . At one stage many years ago I knew Brian Nunney who really developed the company in England . He was one of the nicest men you could possibly meet and a really kind person. He took Roland UK from a small concern to a very successful company . I remember how delighted he was when he saw the TV show Fame where they used Roland pianos . He said that every show was a broadcast advert for Roland which was emblazened on the equipment .\nKeep up the reviews , you have bought back happy memories . It is a fun instrument.launch

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June 25, 2020

Trumpet, flute, violin, cello, and oriental sounds are praised as convincing and enjoyable, letting players emulate instruments they don't own. Several use it for ensemble or orchestral arrangements they couldn't otherwise afford.

@baronvonmaximillionsnell2757

I have a AE10....I got it after this video. The AE10 is very good, but over priced. Also the on/off switch is very cheap, a bit of a let down. \n\n It would of been nice, to have a built-in charger for battery's & some voices are rubbish. But most are ok ... Violin, tenor sax, trumpet and the oriental stuff & flute are very good.\n\nThe head phones is ace and u can play on the train with them in. The AE 10 is great with a amp too.\n\nHas u say...I keep the alto saxophone too.launch

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January 25, 2022

@paulrichmond6867

Jay, I have a similar story to yours and many others. I have gone through the Yamaha & Akai wind instruments as well and completely agree with your comments. I justified the purchase of the AE-10 due to its better saxophone fingering layout, specifically the palm and pinky keys. For exactly the same reasons, I did not look at this as a means to improve my saxophone tone production, but as a means to play other instruments, I do not have, like string, brass and synth voices and practice during quiet hours. On several performances, I was able to cover several instruments that were not available all with this one instrument, some audio cables, and an amp. When I factor in the versatility, I can justify the cost. PS, the church band love the cello voice. It blends well with the acoustic guitars and voices!\n\nThanks again for the great videos!launch

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June 27, 2020

@deyvistreams

I bought one to make orchestration arrangements since I don’t have the money to actually buy real instruments. So far my experience has been amazing! I really like the way the dynamics work on this thing, that makes it sound close to a real instrument and for what I’m using it I think it’s worth the expenselaunch

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June 26, 2020

@DocCSE

I purchased one in March 2020 and have been enjoying using the different sounds. There are many sounds that I find useless, but by purchasing some apps, I have been able to play through my IPAD. I agree with all your criticisms. My wish list would include Bluetooth compatibility and being able to charge the batteries when using the power cord. What I found strange for me was being tethered to a cord when playing through a PA system or amp. I also did not want to learn a new fingering system, which kept me away from previous wind synths. Also updates for the firmware are available, but it is not an easy thing to do. As a multiple ww player I do not find the flute or clarinet sounds to be a substitute for the real thing, but do like the oboe sound.launch

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June 25, 2020

Some gigging musicians use it to fill in missing horn sections or instruments on demand, and travelers appreciate being able to practice quietly in hotel rooms. It's also noted as lighter to carry than multiple instruments.

@andrewcranmer9653

I’ve had the exact same model (except mine’s grey) for a while. I’m nowhere remotely close to your level, but your comments are 100% the pros and cons I’ve found. It’s absolutely brilliant if you travel - playing sax in a hotel room doesn’t go down great. The only thing I’d add is it comes with a decent case that protects really well whilst being quite compact. It doesn’t help with tone but does kind of help maintain embouchure - kind of, a little bit. The most disappointing thing is that although it can be set to play interesting tones, some of which passably resemble the real thing, it completely fails to sound anything remotely like a sax.launch

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June 28, 2020

@MarkTeskey

I've been playing an AE-10 for a couple of years now. I play in an 80's band where the keyboard player can only make about half the gigs. It's been a lifesaver! It's awesome to be able to fire up entire horn sections on demand.. and the crowds are always fascinated by the \"Space Horn\". It works especially amazing for \"Sledgehammer\" - the shakuhachi intro followed by the horn section? Sounds amazing! \nI also depend on it for late night practicing where my actual saxes would keep the family awake. In the COVID-era, paired with Jamulus.. I've been able to jack it right in and jam with internet strangers. I would have never had that possibility otherwise.\nI love mine, and would seriously consider buying a MORE pro model.launch

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June 27, 2020

@drewismynick

Ive had an Aerophone for a while now. ive gigged with my combo with it for corporate events and such. i used the muted trumpet setting a good bit. you dont get this to sound like a saxophone, so true. they synth sounds can be a lot of fun too. id love to see more attention shown to the aerophone, you can have a lot of fun with it.launch

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June 26, 2020

@geoffparker3907

I have had an AE-10 for three years and find it an invaluable practice tool. Currently I am trying to record “Summertime” as a four part ensemble for soprano, alto, tenor and baritone sax. It’s great fun and, as I paid £700 for the AE-10, that’s a lot cheaper than buying the four saxophones. It’s also a lot lighter to carry around. \nMy wife has a very poor sleep cycle so, when she has had a bad night, I can pick up my Aerophone and play for an hour or so with headphones on. I would not be able to play my alto sax in the same circumstances.\nIt is also possible to plug a metronome in via the 3.5mm stereo socket, which may also be used for listening to a backing track whilst playing another part.\nCurrently, there are 124 voices inside the Aerophone and the Editor software provides the opportunity for anyone familiar with subtractive synthesis to modify existing voices or create their own voices and save them to the User memory bank.\nIf you want to improve your timing, create an ensemble piece or try to make your own arrangement, this is a great tool for the job. \nIt is also a lot lighter than carrying around an 88 key keyboard!\nHighly recommended.launch

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June 25, 2020

Several users highlight that breath control translates well into dynamics and vibrato, and that subtle expression is achievable with practice, giving it a more natural feel than expected.

@darwood6861

I just got the AE10 a few days ago. I was instantly able to play scales and improv tunes. I mainly play Alto sax which of course is keyed E flat. I selected the violin sound and transposed the instrument to E flat enabling me to play the same notes as my sax. When I changed the selection to \"trumpet\", I was suddenly playing the in the wrong key as the Aerophone was now in B flat. Apparently, you have to edit the transposed key every time you change to a different sound. \nI was pleasantly surprised at how well the breath control worked for dynamics and for playing with vibrato.launch

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June 25, 2020

@terryahayes-saxambience

Your review is absolutely consistent with my own experience with the AE10 and Aerophone Go. A God send for very late night \"silent\" practicing. I'm ok with the key tensions and key positions. The instrument's relatively perfect pitch is a real aid in transposing. I agree the saxophone sounds (like other synths) leave much to be desired, but that is really offset by ease of using the keys and fingering. I personally have found that the aerophone has really helped me play faster passages and it is directly transferable to my real horns. Thanks for the video.launch

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June 25, 2020

@MarkALong64

I play one as my primary instrument. I have alto and tenor saxes but in a shared house, they don't get to leave the case very often. I have found that the Aerophone is capable of some quite subtle expression with practice. It is super finicky to set up as a midi controller but you can get some great sounds out of it if you are successful and have a decent midi setup.launch

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June 24, 2020