It's always fun for me to get an early lead on somthing new getting ready to be announced. I know many of you read this forum waiting to hear just this kind of information. I am letting you in on what's soon to be announced by Roland Europe in the next few weeks........just a little sooner!
On October 1, 2004 Roland will be unvailing a new 76 key "top of the line" arranger keyboard. I am going to give you what information I have from a very reliable source who has preliminary data sheets and pictures of this new keyboard.

The 76 key keyboard has the same action found in Roland's G1000 keyboard (the one Fran loves so much). This will be good news for many who preferred this keybed over the current VA76. This was also used in the Roland XP80. There are no speakers on board.

The polyphony is 128 note

There is a large color screen

The operation is all push buttons......NO touchscreen on this model!(Seems like Roland listened to most of you who disliked the touch screen)

The keyboard looks more like the G1000 but with some looks from the VA76 (mostly because of the large square screen)

192 MB of rom sounds.(largest in Roland's current keyboards). 1598 tones in 16(or maybe18) catagories. The Ultimate Grand Piano from the Fantom X is included.

270 styles using a new "Progressive Style Technology". Each style has 4 variations, 4 intros, 4 endings and 6 Fill ins(that's right, "6" fill ins.)

There is a floppy drive, a PC Card Slot which takes the same adaptor as a lap top computer for using all kinds of external storage devices including IBM Micro Drives.

Internally there is 50MB of memory (that's quite a lot!)

One SRX Expansion slot is provided for adding additional sounds from Rolands huge library.

A fully programmable VK8 Virtual Organ is included with 9 faders right under the screen for complete control. There is a B3 Emulator featuring, like the VK8 Percussion, Leakage, Overdrive, Vibrato, Leslie and Registrations.

A feature from the Discover 5 which allows you to change all of the data while playing a SMF is available and then storing while on the fly.

Adaptive Chord Voicing- Intelligent Chord voicing while playing the style with the left hand so as to not hear any "jump" in octave of certain style parts while moving up the keyboard.

Vocal Harmonizer with seperate audio output and seperate effects processor.

Audio Stereo inputs with seperate effects (85 different effects)

Each section of the keyboard has it's own effects (some more than 1 or 2) seperate from the other parts. Right hand has 3, Backing styles have 2, VK Organ has 3 (Rotory, Vibrato and Overdrive. The Vocal input has noise gate, compressor, Reverb and Delay.

D-Beam is included

Screen will display the Score and the Lyrics.

Video out is standard on the back to view on a large TV or Monitor.

16 track sequencer with Micro Scope Edit

Chord extractor will provide chords when playing back a standard midi file which does not include chords.

Programmable One Touch settings within the styles.

144 User Programs with no limit to how many can be stored when using a PC card storage device.(I'm not real clear on this one!)

Vocal harmonizer presets include 30 small, 30 ensemble and 24 vocodor setups. There are also talk, voice effects, auto pitch and singer modes.

The G70 doesn't appear to have sampling or hard disk recording. I asked about this and I was told no, but again this was a quick look over a fax from Italy.
This is the information I have right now.
I've been told the product will begin showing up by the end of the year in Europe and probably will not be shown until the Winter NAMM show here in the USA. Price is not known at this time until it's official unvailing in October in Europe.
George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene
Reseda, California

I actually might be a candidate for such a beast, now that I'm in a sit-down situation again. We'll know by the time it's out.
Sounds super. However I didn't really like the heavy action of the G800/1000, so might not like this either. But I'll bet there will be a light-action version to follow.
All right! Something new to talk about.
Has Uncle Dave ordered one yet.
DonM

I've found this forum to be a bit boring lately. This should liven up the forum.
"Ultimate Grand Piano from the Fantom X". Wow. The demos on this one are sweet. This is very exciting news.
Fran might actually part with his G1000. Way to go Roland. It's more then time.
SRX expansion. Very smart move on Roland's part. This will make the G70 very appealing and also make more $ for Roland. Also, more then about time, on this no brainer. I believe members on this board mentioned a SRX card on a Roland wish list.
Roland could actually be listening to user's???
Starkeeper

[This message has been edited by Starkeeper (edited 09-09-2004).]

Great news George..
This confirms info I recieved 3 months ago[ G2000 or V-70 were mentioned]. So I guess they compromised..G70..

Like I said before Roland already had all the components...they just had to put it together...
The only thing not confirmed is the MP3/wave player...Hope this becomes available , even as an option..
The PCMCIA slot may open the door for new "ideas"..maybe self contained card with it's built in drivers[like VX Pocket audio card}...

My G1000 will not be sold, even with my "new" G70...but if the new board handles some of the chores of the VA-7[read and write text/lyrics,as an example],my VA-7 might be available..[sorry Tim]..

If it doesn't have a sampler, it doesn't interest me a bit! I'll stick with my PA1X and Fantom X combo : )

The least used feature of any arranger keyboard is the sampler function..for 99.9% of the arranger people this is No BIG deal..
It is so hard to sample anything that would come close to factory samples..
Harosha I quess you are in that1/10 th % group..

[This message has been edited by Fran Carango (edited 09-09-2004).]

Fran, I am surprised.

Here is what I think. Fran cannot be separated from his G1000. The day will come when it will experience a catastrophic failure with no parts availability. Plus noone will know how to service it. And...and...and...Fran remains forevermore with his G1000----no sound----just memories. Sad!!!

[This message has been edited by Frank L. Rosenthal (edited 09-09-2004).]

Hey Frank ,I could hang it on the wall as a conversation piece, like a painting..Or make a coffee table out of it...There is always, the needed door stop...There are so many ways to use the G1000 in it's after-life...

What no sampler?Dont tell me i cant beleive it!!!!!!

I totally agree with you Fran, most arranger keyboard players don't even need a sampler. I mainly use sampled acoustic drums and percussion loops in my styles, trust me, the sounds of drums and percussion from some of the professionally sampled loops are AMAZING!

I really don't need a full feature sampler on an arranger, just enough features to slice loops to incorporate in styles.

Just saw Shakeel's post, I guess I am not the only one using samplers on an arranger : )

[This message has been edited by harosha (edited 09-09-2004).]

Hrosha, some time i feel pity for those who
dont use sampler.This is the age of samplers
and we have to admit it,if not,how long.
Sampling makes u more creative rather than a
robot.I was not excpecting from Roland.May be
in the final production we have sampler in it.

Hello,
good to read about the new Roland. I hope, it's equipped with USB for using an external ZIP drive to read all the VA data.
I hope, the style companies does offer new 4 variation styles for Roland.
6 fill Ins are good, but in what way are they connected with the 4 variations?
In Yamaha we have for each variation a fill in and a global break, in Technics ev'ry variation contains two fill ins.
I hope the price is not higher as the Tyros price. This day, I tried again a VA 76, special offer for 1600 Euro but compared with the Yamaha and Korg stuff it sounds not so good. The release of the new one makes it more difficult to sell the old ones (VA 7/76).
Maybe the new Roland key is a good way, to make an Atelier organ more portable and more payable.
Do you know how I can get a notification about presentations in Germany (my music store does notify me always late)?

------------------
Regards
RF

Waw!! this sounds like a winner.
I hope that sampling and hard disk recording will be available some way on this board. Being able to have samples on user styles to me are becoming essential for music performance and production today.
Also I hope it has sound editing.
I am glad to hear that it is not just an arranger but also has a sequencer.

Hopefully it will be a reasonably priced board and the weight will not be on the heavy side i.e. over 40 LBS.

This may be a contender now that I am looking to get back a 76 key keyboard.

You won't need a USB for a zip drive. You can use the PC slot which can then be adapted to be used with a zip drive or any other type of drive. There is a USB to host device to use with a computer.
George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene

I hope they keep their uncomparable styles, including their fabulous human voices.

zuki

192Mb of ROM? This beast will be the new King of un-expanded workstation ROM. Bye-bye to the Motif ES 175Mb of ROM.

With all of those features I see this as a $3000+ board. Sure sounds interesting George. I'm going back and forth and back and forth between the ES, Fantom XR, and Tyros. It's been driving me crazy. And with the ES Rack probably 3 months away that's been on my mind as well.

This new G70 throws a monkey wrench in the whole thing. And since you can add an SRX board this will be killer. The Complete Orchestra board is unbelievable and one of the main reasons I want to buy the Fantom XR and control it with my Technics digital piano. Throw in 192Mb of sounds PLUS styles and this thing is killer. 50Mb of internal storage should be able to support any arranger player's styles and SMFs, WITH video.

Thanks for the information. I'll probably buy a workstation/arranger within the next ten years!

Tommy

This really sounds exciting. Even tho I love my SD1, there isn't much competition in 76 key AK. The exclusion of speakers should allow the weight to be reasonable... the SD1 is only 37 lbs.

I own the XP80, and the keybed is one reason I would never give it up, it's fantastic. The inclusion of a programable VK should make this a very desireable KB. Thanks for the report, George.

[This message has been edited by GlennT (edited 09-09-2004).]

This is fantastic news! I wish we hadn't lost our recent posts, because I pretty much hit this right on the nose with my predictions this past summer. As a VR-760 owner too, I might be tempted to sell the 2k and 760 for the new G-70. I agree I don't need sampling and, really with my laptop, storage is not a problem. I can see at least $2799 as a list. Can't wait !!!

[This message has been edited by cassp (edited 09-09-2004).]

I am glad to see Roland has not abandoned its participation in the high-end arranger keyboard market. Of course, the proof will be in the pudding, but if they kept what was done right in the G1000, I will be buying one. From George's post, it seems that they have addressed most (if not all) of my gripes - the polyphony, the vocal harmonizer, a good sound set, no touchscreen, but all buttons, the One Touch settings per style, no more ZIP, and solid state storage instead - btw, the 2 GB compact flash card costs about $160, and the adaptor for PCMCIA slot is another $10 - a cost-effective way to store loads of stuff, better than the USB dongle, which sticks out.

I agree with Fran - sampling is something I would not do, if I want a sampled sound, I'd use a laptop with a audio card, and appropriate software. However, it would be nice to be able to download additional sounds into the keyboard's memory.

A question to George - 50 MB of internal memory seems like a lot, way too much for storing user presets, or even sequences. What do you think it is used for? Must be for some audio data.

As for the price, Roland high-end stuff is usually quite expensive. I would guess a list of $3499, and street price of $2900 - this is not cheap, but the build quality of Roland is usually quite good, and to me it seems to offer a better combination of features than the Korg's stuff does.

Regards,
Alex

I could sell the 2100, VK7 and if the G70 has aftertouch my SY85. Only 1 board! What would I do with my other two hands?

Smokey

With a 2GB Compact Flash Card and or 50MB of internal User Memory it is a shame Roland left off Sampling capability. Tell me it isn't so George! NO AUDIO capability at all with all that SPACE??? And I thought the Tyros was the only Keyboard to give massive Space via a Hard Drive and then not give any Audio data capability... It will take a lifetime to fill up my Tyros Hard Drive with dinky Midi Files and Styles, etc. What a pity...

I am guessing that the 50 MB internal Memory will be co-habited when using the SRX Expansion Card. In other words, when the SRX Expansion Card slot is occupied, the Card itself will take up much of the internal memory. Just a guess but why else would they put so much internal memory when there is NO AUDIO capability? There's got to be a reason I would think.

Other than that, I think Roland is on to something here. They did address many of the things that were left off the G1000 and VA-76. And putting a modeled VK-8 Organ with B3 emulation on it will give the G-70 some killer Organ sounds.

Stereo Audio (Inputs) is a welcome sight. Plus a separate Output and Effects Processor for the Vocal Harmonizer. Very cool!

Hopefully the Key Action can be adjusted?!?!? Something that up until now hasn't been done, right? There's gotta be a way to do it I would think. Flip a switch and the Action goes from Heavy to Medium to Light if need be. All at the touch of a button. I doubt it will be adjustable but hey, they've been known to do some other radical things. Like the D-Beam Controller and new VariPhrase technology. So an adjustable Keybed Action is right up their alley I would think.

If they keep the price under $3K they should sell a bunch of them.

BUT!!!!! Stand back Boys! Remember Yammie is going to be unveiling the "Tyros PRO XL" -[name has been changed to protect its real identity] which btw, the above name could indeed be its real name.

I'm looking forward to the new Tyros' specifications with bated breath too. But Yamaha Music Division will need to pull out all the stops if they want to 'remain' king of the hill. They have their job cut out for them that's for sure. But I am rooting for them, especially since I've invested so much of my hard earned cash into the Yamaha name.

Let the best man, err.. Company win!!

Best regards,
Mike



[This message has been edited by keybplayer (edited 09-11-2004).]

no sampler and no hard disc ?!!!

in oriental music not having the abbility to sample , is like to be dead.

all the good oriental arranger keybords players I know , sounds fantastic in live , becouse they use a keyboard with a sampler(like the SD1 \pax1 pro)and even if they don't know how to sample good oriental sounds, they buy the sounds from those who know how to do it.

so (and I use ROLAND gear) the new keaboard is not for me and to my opinion, not for any one who plays oriental and arabic music' unless someone wants to spend more money on a sampler\pc and take tou instruments instead of only one.

shame because i have waited so long for the new arrenger from ROLAND.

------------------
davidfle@hotmail.co.il

George. Thank you for this update on G70. The Roland demonstrator promised me in April that I would see a new Roland Arranger later this year in the UK. He stated they had a promo sample for testing.

We are attending the twice yearly Keyboard 7 day Festival 1st week October so hopefully Roland may be showing a sample G70. If so I will post a report.

Graham UK.

Dud, ruling out a keyboard before it is released...not smart...especially a new model that appears not to be a repackage model[Yamaha,Korg,Ketron]..In the past Roland always has decent oriental sounds and drum kits on board...and who knows maybe the G70 will read samples as the 5080 does....But to rule it out on speculation,,shame for a Roland user..

If Roland's new model was as basic as the "old G1000" with a mic/effects processor on board..it would have been a winner for me..But that's just me..

Question - I'm not that familiar with Roland's SRX Expansion boards but from what I've been able to Google they add 64MB of samples but NO actual additional polyphony to the instrument they are used in, correct? So the G70 will be forever restricted to 128 notes of polyphony?

Jim, you are correct,but Roland handles polyphony a whole lot better than Yamaha,Korg and Ketron..and that is a proving fact....For example, the PSR9000 [128] couldn't compete with the G1000[64],,how to play without dropouts, and in some examples with older PSR's, shut off[no sound when polyphony is used up]...When it comes to voice allocation Roland knows what they are doing...Numbers don't tell the real story...playing does...

Yes, that's right.
Roland's SRX Expansion boards are just samples...
It will possible to add, only as an example, the sound of a EXCELLENT piano expansion I already tested (SRX) to the G70! It'll be great!

Luis Santos

Two points:

1) No speakers - no sale for Uncle Dave
2) George, the keys on the XP80 are VERY different from the keys on the G1000. Completely different length and feel.
Someone is confused at Roland, if that's what they told you.

I'm unfamiliar with oriental sounds, but I have never been interested in samplers either, since the companys all includes the (bread & butter) sounds I use. Maybe we robots play stock sounds better, who knows ?

Any chance Roland will f/u with lower end models? Say a G20,G30,G50 (Simliar to G600,G800,G1000).
Starkeeper

Starkeeper, the models you mention were not designed to be low end models...First was the G800, the top of the line 76 keys, than the G600,which was the top of the line,61 keys...followed by the top of the line G1000 that replaced the G800..
Some players are hoping Roland makes other models along the lines of the G70...a 61 key version [G50?]and a model with speakers [EXR50?]..

This is more common in the home piano division,,EM2000, EM50, EM25, and EM15..
The E series usually had/has the top of the line model..E-600 and previously the E-500..
Earlier models, E-70,E-86 and E-96.. each replaced the former model as the top of the line model..

[This message has been edited by Fran Carango (edited 09-10-2004).]

One sure thing its a break from discussing Yamaha for a change.
Although I use a Yammy keyboard at present it will be a bonus for me not to give Yamaha my money again.
I recently had a friends VA76 for 2 weeks on loan whilst he was on holiday. The board and build quality were excellent.
The Roland demonstrator told me in the new arranger was sometime this year. He stated in April that they wanted to sit on it until they were fully happy with it. They did not want to launch it and then buyers finding bugs...they wanted it right from day 1. Its a pity other manufacturers don't have the same morels.

Graham UK.

Yamaha can't sit on a keyboard...it would break..especially those cheesy keys and buttons..

Yeah well if Roland releases a bug-free keyboard they'll be the first in history to do so.

I agree that it's nice to change the topic from Yamaha, who seems determined not to build a new 76-note arranger (by the time they do the market will be saturated with them, so sales will be poor and they'll say "see, we knew there wasn't a market for pro/76 arrangers!").

But I still hate Roland for the terrible customer support I experienced in the past. I got rid of all my Roland products because of this. The G70 would have to be a hell of a keyboard to change my negative impression of their company.

As to the "Roland does better voice allocation" thing... I don't buy it. That's sounds like Korg's "generous 62-note polyphony" statement. But I remain open-minded and would gladly check out a new Roland G70.

Open mind is all one can ask...fair enough..

Voice allocation is for real..Roland sets priortity to drums first and than bass, followed by the next important parts, such as right hand part 1 etc..

Fran,
Thanks for clearing that up for me. I have never seen or heard a Roland G series. My loss.
Starkeeper

A couple comments on George's post..Roland uses the term performances as Yamaha calls registration,,When Roland states that you can recall from the 144 performance locations as well as those stored on the saved media...This feature available on the VA-7 version 2, allows realtime selection of performances that can be used as "music assistant"[Yamaha song finder],recalled from internal or zip [as in the VA-7]..This is a great feature...

The other feature I like to comment on,,is the singer mode , taken from the DisCover 5..This allows you to set up the keyboard that it reads your vocal range automatically, when you play a sequence it is keyed for your range..You can save different singer modes for other individuals as well as your own..They are easily selected and stay active unless you change the singer..This defaults to normal at power up...

[This message has been edited by Fran Carango (edited 09-10-2004).]

George ....thanx for the heads up on the Roland release, sounds very very kool!

Now we need the PICTURES?

Yep!

Where are the pictures?!

Luis Santos

What about Roland G-70`s sequencer? the most important feature!

Would the faders (drawbars?) be real or virutal?
Starkeeper

My guess , they would be multi function up/down buttons, or sliders..
George mentioned sliders, under the display window...If they were drawbars , I am sure they would have placed them to the left side of the board[VR760]..

A little disagreement: Even though Em-2000 has a model name that starts with EM it doesn`t mean that it`s in line with Em-25/15... Em-2000 is exactly the same as G-1000 but 62 keys and speakers and some other munor differences..

A question (to all) How many MBs of sound ROM does G-70 will have? and how about the sounds? Will the sequencer have the same "Working..." problem as G-1000/VA-76/7/Em-2000?


No Sampler, good, no need to pay extra money for stuff not needed....

Any pictures of G-70?

Will there be VariPhrase, touch controller?

I think that that G-70 will be a down- version of G-1000, if it would be an upgrade it would be someting like G-1500 or VA-100... but that`s just my opinion.

[This message has been edited by Vadim (edited 09-10-2004).]

[This message has been edited by Vadim (edited 09-11-2004).]

Vadim, when I mentioned the EM2000, it was intended to show it as the top of the line model..showing the other models as lower end models of the series..

There are major differences between the EM2000 and the G1000, not the basic sound engine, but things like seperate outs, source sliders, seperate midi ins and outs, and the overall quality of the EM2000 does not match the G1000..

Roland in the past has always designated "70" and "1000" as their top models...I am sure this G70 is a grade or two above the G1000..

Also a reminder, Variphrase is a sampler...

Vadim BTW, most EM2000's have 61 keys[just kidding with you]..

Fear not ,Roland will always incorporate aftertouch on flagship models..

The D-Beam is very useful , especially with organ parameters and style control parameters..

I would like to see Roland continue the VariPhrase on the G70..it is so easy to use and assign to any realtime part and/or sequence part...It's a shame the vast majority of VA owners never really got into this feature, especially with the Version 2 upgraded VA-7..With that 50mg internal ram, the Variphrase could be a highlight...of course most would still not use it[fear of something new]..

[This message has been edited by Fran Carango (edited 09-11-2004).]

Yes, the VariPhrase is a sampler. But I would even be happy if the G70 used the VP engine to edit resident sounds or files (or sounds in memory). I probably would not use it to record my own samples, but others could. The VariPhrase is a great tool.

There will be faders directly under the screen as well as virtual faders in the screen just above the faders. There will not be a variphrase sampler.
The sequencer will be deeper in the editing than previous models.


------------------
George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene
Reseda, California

At a previous keyboard festival I spoke to the Italian designer about Variphase. He stated it was intended mainly for the vocals it does very well and although you can record vocal samples yourself, the Variphase was not intended in the design parameter or of the quality to sample other instruments.

G70. I Just received this info from a Roland contact today.
There's a world wide embargo on all spec until 1st October....

Graham UK.

As far as I know , you can not multi sample with VariPhrase[at least on the VA-7]...This still makes it okay for vocals, but for a sample with dynamics[piano], you will get poorer results..But, most people don't have a clue how to multisample..they can sample a pot thrown into a sink, or a car horn etc..This is why I think most would not miss a sampler on the G-70..

Fran,
You've never held a pot and I'm sure you have no idea where the sink IS in your kitchen. ( That's the room that most families cook in ! )

Hint:
The sink is next to the big, brown, heat-making, boxy shaped thingee.

UD, you will stir-up Fran and things will never be the same.

Hello,
I'm roland user. I have g1000.
I'm really disappointed cos g70 has no sampler. I mean sample player, not sample recorder. I don't have any interest in recording samples. But I was in hope that new roland arranger will have sample player with import option for .wav, .aiff, roland or akai samples.
I'm afraid that with g70 we'll get again many and many tones (10.000 ?), but they'll be to much simillar like on E\G\V series.
p.s.
Srx's demo songs didn't delight me.
best regards

I know that Roland produces printers also. But why in arranger we must use only roland's 'toners', without any 'refill' option? This is 2004. year. It seems to me so conservative and selfish approach.

Can you say ...... BETAMAX ?

Hello Mister George Kaye:
Maybe you now more about the new Roland arranger and have maybe som picture's
is this possible to play with two sequence's


The 76 key keyboard has the same action found in Roland's G1000 keyboard (the one Fran loves so much). This will be good news for many who preferred this keybed over the current VA76. This was also used in the Roland XP80. There are no speakers on board.

The polyphony is 128 note

There is a large color screen

The operation is all push buttons......NO touchscreen on this model!(Seems like Roland listened to most of you who disliked the touch screen)

The keyboard looks more like the G1000 but with some looks from the VA76 (mostly because of the large square screen)

192 MB of rom sounds.(largest in Roland's current keyboards). 1598 tones in 16(or maybe18) catagories. The Ultimate Grand Piano from the Fantom X is included.

270 styles using a new "Progressive Style Technology". Each style has 4 variations, 4 intros, 4 endings and 6 Fill ins(that's right, "6" fill ins.)

There is a floppy drive, a PC Card Slot which takes the same adaptor as a lap top computer for using all kinds of external storage devices including IBM Micro Drives.

Internally there is 50MB of memory (that's quite a lot!)

One SRX Expansion slot is provided for adding additional sounds from Rolands huge library.

A fully programmable VK8 Virtual Organ is included with 9 faders right under the screen for complete control. There is a B3 Emulator featuring, like the VK8 Percussion, Leakage, Overdrive, Vibrato, Leslie and Registrations.

A feature from the Discover 5 which allows you to change all of the data while playing a SMF is available and then storing while on the fly.

Adaptive Chord Voicing- Intelligent Chord voicing while playing the style with the left hand so as to not hear any "jump" in octave of certain style parts while moving up the keyboard.

Vocal Harmonizer with seperate audio output and seperate effects processor.

Audio Stereo inputs with seperate effects (85 different effects)

Each section of the keyboard has it's own effects (some more than 1 or 2) seperate from the other parts. Right hand has 3, Backing styles have 2, VK Organ has 3 (Rotory, Vibrato and Overdrive. The Vocal input has noise gate, compressor, Reverb and Delay.

D-Beam is included

Screen will display the Score and the Lyrics.

Video out is standard on the back to view on a large TV or Monitor.

16 track sequencer with Micro Scope Edit

Chord extractor will provide chords when playing back a standard midi file which does not include chords.

Programmable One Touch settings within the styles.

144 User Programs with no limit to how many can be stored when using a PC card storage device.(I'm not real clear on this one!)

Vocal harmonizer presets include 30 small, 30 ensemble and 24 vocodor setups. There are also talk, voice effects, auto pitch and singer modes.

The G70 doesn't appear to have sampling or hard disk recording. I asked about this and I was told no, but again this was a quick look over a fax from Italy.
This is the information I have right now.
I've been told the product will begin showing up by the end of the year in Europe and probably will not be shown until the Winter NAMM show here in the USA. Price is not known at this time until it's official unvailing in October in Europe.
George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene
Reseda, California

[/B][/QUOTE]

VariPhrase was totaly useless(it`s just a vocal sampler) when I was buying my VA-76 i thought I will be able to record Audio into sequncer(because of the input), when I got more familiar with it I teried to sample a guitar and other stuff from CDs, that`s when I relized it only Vocal sampler, if it would have been vocal harmonizer it would be great but... it`s not...


you want sampler on Arranger keyboard... never gonna happen(my opinion). ArrangerKeyboards were made primarily for live purposes, they also have a sequencer primarily for playing back MIDI files, if they gonna put a sampler on Arranger, those keyboards would be unafordable. Music Workstations are the ones that have sampler and stuff... Maybe some of you misunderstood this Roland G-70 ArrangerKeybord(ArrangerWorkstation), with MusicWorkstation/Sampler...

That'd probably be correct if samplers hadn't already appeared in Arrangers, such as the Yamaha 9000 Pro.

Remember that the genesys has the arranger, sequencer, sampler and harddisk recorder. The korg pax if I am not mistaken also has a sampler. Adding samples to a style is becoming another way of making a style more interesting. Keyboards today whether "arrangers" or "work stations", should not be with out the ability to load or create samples. I just can not see myself having a keyboard in the future with out a sampler and a sequencer.

Gem, Pa1x, pa80, 9000pro, ketron SD1 have a sampler. Why there will not be a sampler in G70? Because if I have sampler on arranger, one day I'll have a wish to upgrade some drum kit. But Roland is No. 1. in drum sounding and save this thing only for himself, on the next 2008's year arranger.

Better approach for good sell is sample player in arranger, and offer some roland's expencive empty flash card, than srx rom cards.

If g70 has option for changiging kick or snare during live performance, without changing drum set, it will be nice.
I think that more lock options in 'prf' (user program) will be nice too.
And it's time for Roland to offer us some free software for making styles.

I'm loyal to Roland through past 10 years (W30, E16, E86, g600, G1000, Va7), but only weight and dimensions rejoin me from buying Pa1x.
Now I'm waiting something, but I'm affraid in vain.

That's my opinion, sorry my English is bad.
best regards.
karlo


[This message has been edited by karlo (edited 09-15-2004).]

[This message has been edited by karlo (edited 09-15-2004).]

Don't forget that the new G-70 comes with the mark/jump features, excellent when playing midi files (the ones that we find on discover 5). Now we can play either midi or styles, almost in the same way.
I don't find the sample feature so useful. Otherwise, fade in and out buttons, half break, reset tempo and 4 way audio out from G-1000 are welcome.

G70 still misses the mp3 player, wich would be fantastic with the mark/jump buttons.

Will roland make an 61 keys/speakers model of the g70?

ahha... so Roland G-70 certainly is missing an up-to-date gizmo!
[VA-76 at least has a VOCAL sampler,]

What is exactly added to the sequencer?
Are sounds taken from Fantom-X?


---still no pictures?

Any news on G70 ?

Roland stated to me that World Wide G70 specifications will be released globally 1st October.

Dear George,
Instead of what you posted, my own sources ashured me that the G-70 will have a Touch Screen and it will be in colors. It will also "click" when we touch it. There are also rumours about a G-1 for the end of the year.

Regards

The Roland people I spoke with read the specs directly from a fax sent to them from Roland Italy. If any of these specs are incorrect I would be surprised. I was told that although the screen is color and large and looks like it might be a touch screen, it is not a touchscreen.
We will soon find out who's source was right or wrong.
George Kaye
Kaye's music Scene
Reseda, California

Dear George,

Just to keep up with you, I got a copy from an European pre-release information email about the G-70 (top secret). It definitly says the G70 wil have a color touchscreen. I emailed you the first G70 pic available. You'll find the display very similar to the one on the Discover 5 so I think my information is more correct. Hope you find a way to share the pic with everyone.

Best regards

Hi everyone,
Since I wrote I had a pic from the G-70 everyone has been sending me requests to email it (thanks Fran for helping but everybody says the pic you are posting is too small). I'd like to ask for some help on this because it is impossible for me to reply to everyone, my mailbox is getting full and I don't have a server to let everyone upload it. Does anybody has anyway to share my pic with everybody?
Regards

Minimix, You can e-mail me (the address is in my profile) directly. -- José.

DNJ has posted a large picture..search G70 pics.

The post with the larger G-70 picture has disappeared (I saw it last night) Where did it go? Why? Surely, it was not stirring any controversy, like the Cat Stevens' one, which is also gone.

I had to remove it to make room on my host.....
I can email the pic if you desire.

I already offered space for the G70 picture in my server. It would also be interesting to know the source of that picture, if possible (if it's not a secret!). Donny, please think twice before removing a thread: you are not only removing you material but also all the posts that follow! Thanks -- José.

Dnj could you please email it to me. I'll try to post it up.

alright here it is...

Vic,

Thanks for posting the image.
Can you magnify this picture to max size (ideally to be able to read button labels) and post in a separate thread?

Thanks,
Alex

I rarely post on this forum due to the amount of spin but can assure all that are viewing the above image that it is not real in the sense that it has been created as a visual and is NOT photographic.

Sorry what should have been mentioned above is that it appears to have been a drawing for a manual and IS NOT A DIRECT PHOTOGRAPH FROM AN ACTUAL PRODUCT.

THIS LOOKS TO ME LIKE 'AN INTENTIONAL "LEAK", as in, let's get the suckers interested in our new product, as we're not in a position yet to release official photo's, but we'll get the trolls in on the act and let the cat out of the bag.

C'mon, get real. Spend your money wisely!

p.s. posting a reply to my posts may be deemed 'playing the game to further the interest'.

[This message has been edited by digitalvision (edited 09-23-2004).]

And how do you propose we do that? To buy a plastic wonder from Yamaha? or garganuan back-breaker from Korg which weighs more pounds than it has notes of polyphony? Or Ketron, who can not muster one of their sfaff to answer questions from loyal but frustrated users?

There is no harm in being curious, especially when there is nothing out there at present that is good enough to replace one's present board, which is six years old.

Perhaps this picture is not the real thing - we will find out in a week's time. However, if someone is willing to stake their credibility on this picture, I am certainly willing to risk my curiosity.

I don't mean any offence to the people who use and/or like any of the above brands of instruments - I am glad it works for you. However, every time I tried them, there was always something stopping me from liking them enough to buy them.

For the last 13 years I have been playing Roland keyboards, and knowing the quality of their sounds and styles, I am fairly certain that if the feature mix which George described at the beginning of this post is packaged well (I am not forced to use touch screen), then this will be a keyboard for me. Not that I will buy it before trying (or at least being able to return it). However, it seems that Roland have implemented a number of suggestions which I had written to them about. And heck, it appears that Roland even has a customer contact phone number now here in the US.

So lighten up - this picture is not offensive to anyone.



[This message has been edited by Alex K (edited 09-23-2004).]

its offensive in the sense that its promotion without being tagged as promotion.

So what? Everything is promotion nowadays and this Forum is no exception; even George's original posting was just that: plain and simple promotion.
Fact is, this Forum is composed by a huge bunch of potential buyers and the vast majority of us is eagerly waiting to "invest" our money on something new, provided it is worth the while...
So.... where is the sin and who is the sinner?

I really don't understand why digitalvison is so mad about the G-70 Pic. If you don't like Roland you don't have to look at it. If you don't like "promotion" maybe you should not be in this forum (or in any other) - it has a banner on the top promoting ZZounds with a pic from a Korg Triton. The pic I'm sharing is not in fact an "real picture" from an "actual product". It is a drawing as you say. But so close to the real that you can assume the G-70 will look like that. Anyone surfing on the net knows what design software does. Any way, if you pick a catalog from an real product from Roland or other brand you will read in the final page "All specifications and appearences are subject to change without notice". Does that makes you doubt on what you're looking at?
As I said before, I got this pic from a "PRE-RELEASE" information from Roland and you got to see it just like a "PRE-RELEASE PIC" from the G-70.It is not inteded for public use and you certanly don't believe that Roland will be promoting the G-70 with this pic. Anyway and again, it is enough to satisfy my curiosity for a new keyboard. Me, you and everybody will have to wait a little bit longer to see the real thing.
Finnaly, as you say, you rarely post in this forum so don't be so worried about us - we've been "spinning" here for longer


Best Regards

[This message has been edited by Minimix (edited 09-24-2004).]

[This message has been edited by Minimix (edited 09-24-2004).]

Wow, if that is a touch screen, it's really small!

------------------
Graham

Can't be a touch screen: with all those buttons wouldn't make any sense, would it?
Besides, this keyboard will most likely share a lot of things with the Fantom X (sounds included) so my guess is that it will have a flashy non- touch display, like the "X" has.

Of all the manufacturers that I have dealt with in the music business,,,Roland , never hyped their products before release[and an already manufactured product]..I can recall many times I got wind of a new product before the Roland sales reps did...

This is not a purposeful "leak"...When it is made..Roland will say it is...until then..they won't..

Right, no leak then, so where did the image come from?

I just saw a piece of info on one of the european sites, indicating that the price in Europe would be 3469 Euros, or around $3800 US. I don't know if this includes VAT, or not, but at this price this will be the most expensive mass-produced keyboard

Regards

This will be the last time I'll try to explain this. I have a contact (wich by the way is a friend of mine) at a Roland dealer. I will not mention who he is directly 'cause the information is secret 'till 1 October and I don't want to expose him.
He emailed me a copy of the original pre-release information email from where I copied the pic. For everyone who thinks I'm joking, have any weird intetions or have in some way "manufactered" the pic I just say : Wait till the official release. For all the others who believe in me I say: I can be wrong about the display but you can all bet the G-70 will look very closely to pic.

Minimix,
You're starting to sound like John the Baptist
Zuki

Fran,
The "leak" I received came directly from Roland so they must want you all to know something is coming soon.........They are very aware of the talk around here with many of you being dissapointed Roland hasn't been around the higher end arrangers with a very viable product the past few years. And again, my Roland source tells me that there is not a touchscreen but just a similar display from the VA76 product.
George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene
Reseda, California

George, If Roland is releasing info on the first of Oct..I will bet the G70 is already a finished product..and no need for hype..I am sure they did not really intend to make public via leaks[well maybe a little for you George]...
Remember how Yamaha puts out releases[info] a year in advance, while the board is on the drawing table..I never recall Roland doing this..

Well, you're absolutely right but it's a shame that instead of talking about The G-70 this post as moved to a less interisting issue: the origin of the pic I got from the instrument and wherethere are "leaks" or not. Its enough to begin a new post.
Maybe the information I got is wrong but I still believe it will be a touch screen. Roland released the VAs, one of their firsts touch screen keyboards, and the next synth workstation like the first Fantom (FA-76)had a normal display. So, no reason why this can´t happen again - in color.

I just did a search with google for the G-70 and found that, here in the Netherlands, the suggested retail price is 3469 EURO (including VAT).

Now I wonder what I would have to pay when I tradein my G-1000...

(link to the article (in dutch)

At last a new arranger keyboard from Roland. I´m really looking forward to get my new instrument. I´ve had a G-1000 for 6 years now, so it´s gonna be great to hear some new tones comming out of my speakers

Synthman

[This message has been edited by Synthman (edited 09-25-2004).]

We are now into Page 3 of this G70 discussion....At the very least its a lot more interesting than talking Yamaha all the time.
We are attending our twice yearly Keyboard Festival next Friday 1st October till 8th. Seven glorious days of keyboard bashing. Just hope a sample G70 is there !!!!

Take Pictures

Amen - I've hit the snooze button on my Yamaha alarm. Looking forward to your annual report Graham (in a seperate thread, please!).

This G70 looks very nice.... as well the specs!
I could visit a demonstration in a few (6) weeks at "Music All In".....

[This message has been edited by Roel (edited 09-25-2004).]

Well, I think the G70 announcement fits in really well, timing wise, enough said.

This G-70 looks more like V-synth, Discover-5, Fantom...also looks kinda... old.
Roland finaly normalized their apearance.

My persoanl opinion(and my music friends')I don`t care what other new Arrangers Roland scatches I`ll never buy Roland Again I had enough of it on VA-76, the sequencer Working thing, Zip disk even more crazier problems on G-1000... but it`s just my opinion

Roland makes great other stuff besides Arrangers.