Ikutaro Kakehashi , also known by the nickname Taro, was a Japanese engineer, inventor, and entrepreneur. He founded the musical instrument manufacturers Ace Tone, Roland Corporation, and Boss Corporation, and the audiovisual electronics company ATV Corporation.
Kakehashi's handprints at RockWalk, Hollywood, California
Ace Electronic Industries Inc., or Ace Tone, was a manufacturer of electronic musical instruments, including electronic organs, analogue drum machines, and electronic drums, as well as amplifiers and effects pedals. Founded in 1960 by Ikutaro Kakehashi with an investment by Sakata Shokai, Ace Tone can be considered an early incarnation of the Roland Corporation, which was also founded by Kakehashi. Ace Tone began manufacturing amplifiers in 1963.
Ace Tone TOP-1
Ace Tone unknown home organ model. (possibly Ace 3000 in the 1970s)
National SX-601 (1963) exhibited at Roland Corporation Hamamatsu Lab.
Hammond VS-300 Cadette (1973–?)