I've been researching the GW-7. On Roland's website, it is not found where I first looked...in the 'arranger keyboard' section. Rather, it's in the 'workstation' area of the site. Interesting...the accompaning video demo calls it a 'workstation synth with arranger capabilities'. Then yesterday, I visited a Sam Ash store and found the GW-7 in the pro-synth department.

As some of you here already mentioned, it is quite limited as either a synth or an arranger. I was not impressed with either the sounds or the styles. My KR7 intelligent piano sounds better on both counts. However, I understand this is Roland's 'entry level' board for first-timers. I must admit it is one of the most attractive-looking boards Roland has ever produced.

My main point in all this rambling is this...I think (imo), Roland may be wanting to bring arranger features into their synth line as a common feature. This GW-7 could be a 'toe in the water' approach for Roland. I would'nt be surprised to see a more full-featured version of the GW-7 (GW-76?) - a more powerful synth/arranger introduced. Seems to me there could be a day when many serious synths will have arranger capabilities. Sure looks that way even with Yamaha...the Motif ES is 'almost' an arranger! What do you guys think?

Tim

Tim, I think we will find the G-70 is already a legitimate arranger workstation..with a real sequencer, and expansion boards..You can edit tones[even the G1000 does this], including filters, LFO's etc....The only thing it lacks is a sampler[big deal!!], with the expansion boards from Roland...sampling is foolish..you can never come up with the quality the boards offer..

I think the real story..the workstation synths have to upgrade to the standards of arrangers..They are the lacking instruments, not the top arrangers..

Fran,
I see your point and I agree. I want a G70! Can you tell me again the name of the store where I can see one?

Tim

CoasterTim. Can you please provide a link for the GW-7 Video Demo.

Graham,

It's on the Roland US website...
http://rolandus.com/products/productdetails.aspx?ObjectId=657&ParentId=83

Tim

Tim, if I knew , I would be there..

I have a local dealer that will order site unseen, but I need to get my hands on one first...Althouh I am 99% sure it is the one I want..

There is one at Chuck Levins Washington Music Center in Wheaton, MD (301-946-8808). Ask for AJ
You'll be able to compare this with.
* Korg PA1XPro
* Ketron SD1Plus-EXP
* Yamaha Tyros2
* GEM Genesys

Thanks,

AJ

AJ,

Thanks for the heads up. I see a road trip coming in the near future.

Tim

If you are in southern California, come into my music store in the Los Angeles area. I am the lone G70 dealer in Los Angeles.
The GW7 was actually not originally going to be sold in the USA. This product was built to be sold in China according to Roland's sales people here in the USA. Because it features styles and sounds from China, India and the Middle East, along with Western styles and sounds, the keyboard made it's way here to our shores.
George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene
Reseda, California

George,
I wish I were in California, however I'm in Allentown, PA. I may be in San Diego in April at the MUSICalifornia conference for music ministers. (I guess even San Diego is kinda far from you.)

Interesting info you gave on the GW7. Even though it is an entry level board, it's quite cool and attractive.

Tim