Designed by Jong Chan Kim with elegance and unique as the two keywords in mind, the GPX-F1 Facet is visualized as the piano of the future.
Back in 2015, Roland, a manufacturer of electronic musical instruments and professional video products, held a contest where designers from all around the world were challenged to create a new digital piano concept with the theme being “Unleash”. With Jong’s design awarded the grand prize, Roland proceeded to bring the GPX-F1 Facet to life by creating a fully working model and premiering it at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
Featuring Roland’s PureAcoustic Piano Modeling and Acoustic Projection System, the sound is emitted from the base and frame.
With the piano’s body, legs, frame and base unit inspired by polyhedron shapes, its name Facet references the flat faces of a crystal. In addition to catching the eyes with its striking form, Roland says that the angular conctruction helps with projection, delivering exceptional sound quality and experience to both the player and audience.
Fitted onto the piano’s music stand is an Android-powered and Alexa-enabled digital screen capable of displaying music scores and online lessons. For those who would like to compose music, Roland’s Zenbeats music creation app can be used in conjunction with the GPX-F1 Facet.
“The Facet exists as a bold metaphor for Roland’s digital piano vision. This piano has been designed to incorporate future breakthroughs in areas including sound source, keyboard, speaker system, entertainment and educational solutions,” said Roland. “While we do not have any plans to release the Facet as a production model, we will continue to refine its design language and technologies to influence future generations of Roland pianos. And as this unique instrument evolves, we move closer to finding the ultimate concert grand – a piano freed from traditional conventions to blend appearance, expression and potential in perfect harmony.”
