Dreamer, I can be unbiased..really..I stand firm when I find what works for me[G1000]..There have been many Roland keyboards that I have passed on, even though they had some great features, they didn't meet my requirements..
One of the keyboards I initially sold after acouple of months was the original VA-7..down the road I picked up a version2 VA-7,and I really got to like it[I used it for a year,and just recently sold it to make room for a new model]..
DisCover 5 is another example,I liked some features but did not like the sounds overall[they seemed thinner than the G1000],and the smart media card was inconsistant[problems]..so I passed..
The VR760 is a great board..it lacked some midi control..If it was able to upload more drum patterns,it would be a keeper....I may still get another one..

The G70 on paper seems like it has most of what I am looking for in a keyboard...If there are things I do not like[getting around,file reads and saving,sounds etc.]I will voice my opinions..One of the things I was hoping for is MP3 reading capabilities, not available on the G70..
This will cause me to look at a few others, The Korg PA1Pro may still be a canidate, though it didn't light my fire the first time[and second time] I spent with it..
The Ketron Midijay may be something I could use[will have to try it out],as well as the Genesys module..The last 3 models above all have capability to play audio files[MP3]..

If the G70 is a bomb,I will voice my discontentment...If turns out to be great, I will say so without bias..

This afternoon I heard and played a moment
the G70 and was not disapointed at all.
It could me my next.

This situation reminds me of when I bought my Roland EXR-7 in August. The first days I thought that the EXR-7 was not that good at all, but after a week or so I really started to like the board and now I really appreciate it. People in general are skeptical to changes, so many act too fast and discard a product just because it's different to what they're used to. I don't say it's the case here, but it may be.

P.S.: If anyone wants me to put up a review of the EXR-7 I could probably do that soon.

------------------

Robert.

Yes please do. I would also be interested in knowing what you did with the harsh voices. Did you get an external amplifier?
Starkeeper

It does not look like the G-70 is off to a good start after hearing the first impressions of George, Roel and others. I am still waiting for our local dealers to get this 76 key arranger.

Seems to me the Korg Pa1Xpro still rules.

If the new Roland is priced around $3000, I would ask potential buyers to look at alternate solutions. The most obvious one is the Yamaha P250 88 key stage piano with the Yamaha PSR3000 arranger. This combo has a street price of $3200. What you get is the best graded piano action keys with the best Grand Piano sample I have ever heard on a digital piano. Just play a few notes with the sustain pedal and immediately you will feel the difference as the special sample with sustain takes effect.

Get the free demo CD of the P series from Yamaha and listen to tracks 27 and 28 played on the P250.

The P250 is the closest that comes to a real acoustic grand both in terms of sound and touch. It also acts as a master controller with dual and split keyboard modes. Bye the way, the polyphony on the P250 is 128 notes.

Yamaha has cornered the arranger market with the PSR3000. Nothing sounds as good or has more features at a street price of $1400. It simply has no competition at this price range. Essentially, you are getting a Tyros for half the price.

This combo is a killer. I would go so far as to say that this is a better deal than even the flagship of the Clavinova series – the Yamaha CVP 309. You retain the quality of the sounds, most of the basic functionality, the superb feel and tone of a Grand and you have portability plus significant savings.

Damn, I should stop. I am sounding like a Yamaha salesman!

But seriously, if you were thinking of spending around three grand on a new arranger, you have to at least consider this option.

Tapas

Bevan, was this a 'brief' or 'l-o-n-g' moment? This could make all the difference. - Scott

I played and heared the G70 about half an
hour. Because I am a Rolandplayer and a real
Rolandfan I was not disappointed and I liked
what I heared and saw. I owned an Ketron X1
, a PSR9000 and the G1000 and many other
Roland keyboards before and for me is the
G70 a step forward.
With a Roland I can do what I like to do and
that is playing, editing styles, making sty-
les and more. Therefore the Roland suits me
best. This is not only a matter of taste but
these are facts.
Sorry for my english.