Maybe saying the EXR-7 is a higher end arranger is a bit of an overkill, but hey the thing still costs $1,000 regardless of how you look at it, talk it up or whatever.

I don't think style editing on an entry level is an overkill. One of the great selling points on the PSR-550 which is (entry level) is that it allowed the user to create custom styles, and the sequencer (although direct disk) had 16 tracks with editing. So even the PSR-550's recording capabilities exceed the EXR-7's in some areas.

Also $1,000 isn't an entry level arranger. The EXR-3/5 are entry level. The PSR line bellow the 1500 is entry level, the DGX series is entry level. When you're paying $1,000 and up you're in what most call the "semi-professional" category. Think about that for a minute. $1,000 buys you a Korg Triton LE. That's a pro synth. May not have all the bells and whistles as the big Triton, but it's still a pro keyboard.

I'm not by any means considering the EXR line for my use. None of the models will suit my needs. I posted this topic after doing some surfing and came to the conclusion that I (myself) felt Rolands arrangers (Especially the EXR's) are priced to high for what they do compared to other models in the same price range.

That's why I'm going to buy a Tyros. I agree with you that for $1,000 one would be better off buying a used pro arranger as those you listed. The ones you listed are all good arrangers.

I'm note really hating on Roland either. Personally I love Roland Keyboard (especially their synths) Fantom series is awsome. I think their arrangers are great too both entry level, semi-professional, and pro. I just think their prices in the arranger department don't fair well when you compare the price against the spec list.

Squeak

[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 09-08-2005).]

[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 09-08-2005).]

Squeak_D,
I agree with you. I own a Roland and Yamaha arranger, so when the EXR line came out, I was anxious to demo it. The Yamaha PSR's have functionality that Roland doesn't come close to matching. Roland finaly came out with some voices to match the Yamaha "Sweet voices", but there aren't enough. Roland does have some good quality voices,but better then the PSr2000??? I don't know, but very few voices will match Yamaha "Sweet voices", IMO. If I had to choose between a PSR1500 or an EXR7, the PSR1500 would have my $. Where is the PSR 76 key model? Roland does have better, full sized keys. (Are you listening Yamaha?). The Roland accoustic piano voice is LOUD. Yamaha accoustic piano is very low, you have to crank it up to 1/2 way to get it to room volume.
Starkeeper

[This message has been edited by Starkeeper (edited 09-08-2005).]

I'm with you Starkeeper, I'd take a PSR-1500 over an EXR-7 any day As far as 76 keys, I already have a 76 key arranger that would make a great controller You're right in that Roland is making some good voices now to compete with Yammies signature voices. When I listened to the EXR-7 demos I was impressed with the sound quality. Especially the sax, it sounded very nice. All around I think the EXR's are a nice line up. If roland wants to have a 16 track sequencer with not editing, and 100+ styles with no option for recording your own, that's fine, their choice. However don't do this and still ask $1,000 for the thing. If the EXR-7 had sequencer editing, and style recording it would be sititng in my home getting it's ass kicked out in tunes every day by me Now if the price for the EXR-7 was say $750 or just under $800 then I'd say hey great deal on that because you can alway record with the computer. However for $1,000 those features should already be there

Squeak

[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 09-08-2005).]

Guys, I am not defending the prices of Roland's "Entry level" boards[and they are their entry level units].

The PSR 550, isn't that board 32 voice polyphony?
It never worked for me...It is even a struggle with my Casio WK3000...Impossible to use on my jobs...Maybe one hour nursing home jobs.

Why the big deal with the limited on board sequencers...You are not going to sequence on the job...and $30 Powertracks will do a better job than any Yamaha keyboard sequencer[I mean any]..

Would I want to work with a EXR[s] keyboard...Nope, it lacks other things that I need, especially search while play features, and quick selection of tones and styles..although the performances can aid this in initial set ups..
BTW.I would trade my Casio for any EXR, and throw in a few bucks....My grandkids would love it..

Had to chime in here, for I own an EXR7s.
Pros:
Unparalleld 76 note keybed - the very best. Not cheesy
Speakers - awesome, despite what the specs show
Pianos - great - typical Roland
Sax - best on the market
Organs - good enough - nice leslie with the joystick
Guitars - if I knew how to play a guitar on a keyboard, I could comment more.
Drums - awesome
FX - rich and powerful, like the VA
Styles - onboard, excellent - accepts (3) different formats that load in quick and to flash
Sequencer - used to be a bid deal, but no more for me
SMF - good
Cover - haven't used
D-beam - is very useful, especially to stop/start style
Stle variations - (3) levels kind of neat, the different genres are strange though
Build - a tank, but lightweight for a 76
Cons:
Navigation - multiple pages, no easy way to access sounds/styles as mentioned by Fran
Style variations - only 2, bummer
Price - I got mine for a steal
Conclusion: If I were playing live, I'd pass on this one. For anything else and to play with styles, it's very good.
zuki

The "regular" Roland voices are superior to many of the "regular" Yamaha voices. examples:
Strings, Brass, nylon guitar, excellent vibes, trombone, viola, B3 organs. Yamaha has the edge on electric pianos. Acoustic piano are very subjective, both are good.
Starkeeper