A performance control, popularized by Roland as an alternative to the traditional pitch and modulation wheels. The pitch stick is in the shape of an upside-down 'T' with a curved horizontal part. This is mounted in a slot in the panel with the curved part more or less flush with the panel surface, and the leg of the T pointing up. The stick can move in two axes; moving it left or right effects pitch (left down, right up), and pushing it away from the performer increases modulation. Both motions can be performed simultaneously. The stick is spring loaded and returns to zero in both axes when released. Nearly every Roland synth released since 1982 has included a pitch stick.