I am looking for a nice Roland arranger but I don't want to spend (or can't / won't) 3000 bucks for a keyboard that does not even have semi-weighted keys (a shame...so many of these arrangers are nice but the keys aren't that good at all).
I would like to get an E-50 as it seems a top-notch arranger keyboard for about $ 1300. Ok,no semi-weighted keys,but for composition purposes seems pretty good with all it's features.
Still,I have heard that the EM-2000 has semi-weighted keys,if true, an used one of these on eBay would make a future purchase for me.
Anyone knows where I can download a manual of the EM-2000 ? I have searched but could not find one.

Have you checked www.rolandus.com There should be a manual for the EM-2000 there. The EM-2000 is a bit dated by "today's standards", but would still be a nice arranger to own. The only thing that comes to mind about the EM-2000's that I can think of off the top of my head was the stability of the Zip Drives. I know there were some issues. If you buy one from Ebay, ask the seller about the Zip Drive, and make sure it's functional.

Here's a description taken from www.rolandus.com
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EM-2000: Creative Keyboard
Features
The EM-2000 Creative Keyboard is the flagship model in Roland's new EM-Series of arranger keyboards. With its great sounds, high-quality music styles and powerful onboard sound system, the EM-2000 offers an all-in-one solution for professional and home users alike. Standout features include a built-in Zip drive and futuristic D-Beam Controller for enhanced performance.


61-key arranger keyboard with velocity and aftertouch sensitivity
1,161 professional-quality sounds and 43 drum kits
Over 400 newly developed music styles onboard
D-Beam infrared light-sensing controller for innovative control
Bright 240 x 64 backlit display with adjustable viewing angle and selectable Easy/Expert modes
Internal Zip100 drive, 3.5-inch floppy drive and SCSI port for massive song and style storage
Song and Style Navigation database for quick location of desired music
Powerful 40-watt stereo sound system with two-way Bass Reflex system
Note that this product is no longer in production. Similar capabilities can be found in the VA-5/7/76 V-Arranger Keyboards.
More Info
No more info at this time.
Insider






[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 02-23-2007).]

Hi Squeak_D ,thanks for the info ,and also for mentioning the reliability possible issues with the Zip drive on the EM2000.
The EM2000 is certainly dated compared to even the e-50,but I just need something to compose on or practice on when I get problems with my laptop PC (you know,standard issues with PC's,they offer a lot but are not reliable as dedicated hardware).
I could not find the manual on the site that you mentioned,but it's a pain anyways 'cause you have to register for things that you don't want. But thanks for the help,much appreciated

Go ahead and register at Roland's site. You're just registering to get access. It's simple, free, and just takes a minute. The EM-2000's manual is there. I'm looking at it right now

wow,ok thanks!

I owned the EM2000 and it was a very good board, well constructed. You should be able to pick one up at a very good price. Also the G1000 is the 76 key version without speakers and made like a tank.

[This message has been edited by Graham UK (edited 02-23-2007).]

Hi Graham,in your opinion,which of these 2 have the best keyboard feel? Do both models have semi-weighted keys?

[This message has been edited by santantoni (edited 02-23-2007).]

By far, the G1000 is the better unit..it has 76 semi weighted keys..the EM2000 has 61 synth feel[not bad, but the G1000 is superior]..
The screen seems to hold up better on the G1000 than the EM2000..I have had problems with 3 different EM2000' pixels, and never on the G1000's..

The G1000 has a couple more dedicated buttons and sliders for realtime control..The G1000 also has a physical A/B midi ins..outs and thrus..the EM2000 has a soft route[menu driven]..
Sound engines are identical..64 voice polyphony, with the best allocation in the business..
About the Zip drives not being durable...nonsense..most of the time a problem arises..it is human error[owners not knowing the correct procedure for saving and loading files]..

As an example..My G1000 is 9 years old.. I replaced the Zip drive last year, because I purchased a new back up drive, that was sitting on the shelf for two years and figured I should go ahead and use it..

As with everything ..take care of the keyboard and it will last..

The EM2000 will give you speakers, if that is important...not at all important to me..I can't hear them on stage with vocal monitors sharing the stage..

In my opinion not only is the G1000 better than the EM2000..but to me better than any other board I have owned..and that includes many newer models..

Gee Fran why did I know you were gonna say that? Breakfast Monday?

Hi Fran,thanks,I might consider either one,depending on which one I find. Both weight about the same...
I prefer no speakers at all,like you. But if I find an EM-2000 for a good price I think I'll get one...both the g1000 and the em2000 weight about the same

I'll second all the good comments about G1000s. Best plastic action on the planet! Very reliable (gigged mine 24/7 for eight years!) and a CHORD SEQUENCER..... the best practice and songwriting tool you could ask for.

I have a friend with a G1000 AND a G70, and he still uses the G1000 for all arranging functions because of the chord sequencer.....!

the chord sequencer seems a very useful feature indeed...that's pretty good.