Featuring auto accompaniment, and built in speakers the E-20 used the advanced LA Synthesis system as used on the legendary Roland D-50 its core sound engine. The E-20 set a new standard for the amateur keyboardist, with high-quality sounds, innovative drum patterns and backings which were widely recognised as being a jump ahead of Yamaha's competing PSR line.
As well as the E-20 itself, the cheaper E-5 and E-10 were subsequently launched as "cut down" versions, while the enhanced E-30 debuted in 1990. There was also a modular version (the RA-50 Realtime Arranger), and the Pro-E Intelligent Arranger, which was basically half an E-20 minus speakers with only the arranger and drum unit.
E-20 INTELLIGENT SYNTHESIZER
An old E-10/20 Poster
LCD Display
KEYBOARD: 61 Keys Velocity Sensitive
SOUND SOURCE SYSTEM: LA Digital Synthesis
BUILT-IN EFFECT: Digital Reverb (8 types: Hall 1-2, etc.)
PANEL SWITCH/CONTROL
VOLUME: Master Control Volume
BALANCE: Upper, Lower, Accomp., Bass, Drums
FUNCTION: Multi Function Footswitch (6 Modes) MIDI – 9 Instrumental Sections, MIDI channel changeable Transpose/Master Tune/Pitch Bend Range
COMPOSER: Record and Play (Upper and/or Lower Track) 3 Songs (1 song: approx. 200 measures)