Just like Louis I'm also looking for my very first keyboard and want to use it stand-alone and as a midi-controller. I've set my mind on the Roland exr-3 but also read some good comments about the Casio WK-3000.

How does the Casio WK-3000 compare to the Roland EXR-3?

Grtz,
Marc




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Marc,

If you wan't to see how these 2(and other similar) keyboards compare feature/function wise http://www.netzmarkt.de/thomann/pcompare41.html?sn=d7f1f9d45ef9350586e63b691907e7e5 has a nice overview.

Just like you I would also like to see some additional kwalitative feedback from other forum-members on these two models.

For me the reasons to choose for the exr-3 are:
- positive end-user feedback on sound-quality
- decent behaviour as a midi-controller and good compatibility wiht apps like ACID, Cubase and the likes
- Key size and feel
- 64 voice polyphony (although to be honest I don't know if this is a big plus compared to the 32 VP of the Casio)
- USB connectivity
- 16-track sequencer
- I like the Look and Feel of the Roland (= subjective)

On Bart's site http://members.chello.nl/burkels1/exr5/ you can see some reviews and download a nice demo.

regards,

Louis

p.s. does anyone know why it is so difficult to get hold of Roland user-manuals (.pdf) whereas you can just download them from other manufacturers like Yamaha, Casio, etc.

It's not so much 5 Watt extra power, it's also a significant better bass-reproduction through the bass-reflex speakers.

If you have your keyboard hooked up through USB all the time, you won't need the diskdrive at all. Even if you had a floppy-legacy :-), you'd still be able to transfer data from those diskettes to your EXR-3 by using the USB cable...

Oh by the way: I'm working on the EXR-3/5 manual in PDF format, both English and Dutch. Because I'd like to have them myself too :-) (Roland still doesn't understand it's 2004, not 1974. I hate paper-manuals...) As soon as I have the PDF's finished, I'll let you know.

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Roland EXR-5 user - http://www.exr5.tk

[This message has been edited by Burkels (edited 03-04-2004).]

Marc,
The Casio WK3000 is less money then the EXR-3. I didn't care for the styles on the Casio, but the organ voices were very good and lots of them. The organs on the Roland were good too. If I had to choose between them I would buy the EXR-3, because of better styles and voices.
Starkeeper

hope you didn't put to much effort in the pdf manual already ...... because I contacted Roland today and they have sent me one (should be here by tomorrow)

Ok guys I think you've convinced me to go for the Roland exr instead of the Casio wk.

For the dutch members, can you tell me what's the best place to buy an Roland exr from within the Netherlands?

Marc

Marc,

I live in the Netherlands and Unfortunately I had to cancel my current order because of unreliable delivery times (so I can tell you where you should't order)

I'm going to re-order tomorrow at a local store. If send me your details (I live in the south of the Netherlands) maybe we can arrange something that's mutual beneficial ;-)

cheers,

Louis

Too bad I don't trust that overview. There are errors on the EXR-5 listing, so I have no reason to trust that the specs of the other listed keyboards will be accurate.

Bart

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Roland EXR-5 user - http://www.exr5.tk

heard today that there will be updated versions of both the exr-3 and exr-5 in the august period that will have integrated midi-over-usb functionality.

As I couldn't wait that long I bought an exr-3 + usb/midi interface today .... first impressions are very promising

Louis,
would you please right down a little bit more, especially about the sound/style quality...(maybe compared to others keyb)

cheers,
meridoo