Curious to hear your opinions after coming from the Korg Pa800?

Good Luck

I won't get it until Friday, but expect it to be a much different board. It should be a good match for both Zuki and myself. Wheras he is very busy going from gig to gig, I play in a band and do a variety show with my instrumentals and singing over SMF's. I also use my KN7000, as my audience is in their 70's and 80's. I do not need a fast paced board like the PA800 with dual sequencers and MP3. I believe it was Diki who said all of this is just fluff, and sound is all that really matters.

I don't like the cheap keys on the PA800 and don't mind the extra weight of a well built board, but the important point is that I relish the challenge of learning the instrument from the bottom up. My immediate hope is that the G-70 can handle fat layers for my band gig and SMF's and decent styles for the other one. On this simple foundation I can start learning and modfy the board to my liking. If I have a deep quality board like the G-70, in time I believe this will fill the bill.

Bernie

Bernie I think the G70 will do you right..especially with your attitude towards making it yours..

It will meet your criteria..easily..

Hope it works out for you, Bernie. I think I'll be happy with the SD-5 (haven't taken it out of the bag yet). If Jim hadn't wanted the G-70, it would have eventually been set-up in my warehouse to use doing film score roughs.

It came froma music store in Lousiana. Forgot the name, but we could get a bill of sale if you need one. Don Mason found it and made the connection.


All the best,


Russ

Thank you both for your remarks, and Russ, for your kind offer. Unless Roland's warranty is transferable, I hadn't thought of the need for a bill of sale. I am counting on UPS being merciful and the Roland being tough. I know it is a crap shoot, reading the horror stories.

When I get going, I know my friends, here on the zone, will help me out. That's worth a lot right there.

Bernie

Bernie I admire your determination.
I Know you will decipher the G70's intricacies & OS with patience, fortitude and experience, then you will be on your way to success for sure.
Keep us posted.

Bernie,

I had it packed & shipped professionally by a UPS store, with insurance at $2000. They are making (2) new boxes to fit it, with all the bubble wrap, peanuts, etc. I have it in the Gator case, which is good for protection also. I threw away the original box because it was very thin and worn and they wouldn't use it. For $250, they'd better get it right

Let me know when received.

zuki

Thanks Zuki. I had yours done the same way at a little less exorbitant cost, with $2400 insurance. We'll see how we fare tomorrow.

As an aside, I would like to mention how great it is to have trusted Synthzone members. We each sent our boards to each other the same day the deal was struck. This was without hesitation or fear of the other not holding up their part of the bargain. Now if UPS does the same, it will be a win win situation.

Bernie

I enjoy these types of posts, John C.

Was I supposed to send you a keyboard

Jim

Are you trying to give an old man a heart attack ?

Bernie

I would like to take this opportunity to wish both of you all the best in your new musical journey.......if anything we are all learning from this in many ways......the more we talk, discuss &
play the more we all learn.

Good Luck

Thank you Donny

Bernie, Jim is really a stand-up guy. I'm sure you are, too. Hope this works out for BOTH of you!


Russ

Bernie,

When you see that 16 wheeler pull up with the refrigerator, you'll know I was kidding

zuki

I see by our tracking that both are "out for delivery". At least they made it to the destination in some kind of shape.
Bernie

Zuki
It arrived safe and sound, now the work begins.

Bernie

Bernie keep us posted on your initial impressions & progress....have a ball!

Bernie,

Great news! Have fun exploring that monster

Snowed in weekend. Wife has her books and I have my new toy - doesn't get any better

Now to do some chores first (if you know what I mean

zuki

Zuki
Great news about yours too. We are both happy campers.
Bernie

Bernie..now I am happy too..

That G70 is finally in the hands of someone that can appreciate it..

Thanks Fran
I can see why the busy musician who wants a plug and play machine would be less than overwhelmed. However, in going through the manual, I can't help but be impressed with how well thought out the OS is .

I don't particularly like the fact that Roland chose PCMCIA for media storage. I gather I have to buy an adaptor to house the Smart Media card. I sure liked the USB memory sticks. Small thing, however, because it's all in the sound.
Bernie

Bernie, get yourself a 1 gig Compact Flash card ($15 at Sam's Club) and an adapter ($15)..Once in place, you won't even think about Thumb Drives again...I think it was a great idea from Roland...Also just as quick to use in your PC and drag and drop SMF's and Styles[into the right folders]...

Fran
Okay, maybe is alright afterall. I do need to upgrade from 2 to 3 OS. I presume I can go to RolandUS and download to pc and USB into Roland.

could that be why Zuki didnt like the G70.....2.0 vs 3.0 OS?

Thanks Fran
I see it was not on RolandU.S. Is it beta ? I presume you have it installed.

Oh, Jeez... OS2? Way to go, Zuki! I guess, in the fast lane, stuff just goes by too damn fast to catch.

Anyway, Bernie, enjoy. Roland-arranger.com awaits with answers to many of your questions. And I'll be happy to help out ONCE YOU DECIDE TO KEEP IT..!

Donny
Very interesting article, thanks

Diki
Ha ha
I am very aware of your sentiments involving keepers. Time will tell won't it ? I can assure you at this point , however, that I will become eligible for your help.

Bernie

your very welcome...good luck with your G70 hope your doing well so far.

Bernie......sooooooooooo?

Has 3.0 brought a smile to your face

How do you compare it to the PA800?

Hi Donny
I can only give you general first impressions, as I just upgraded to v3.0 two days ago. I know the sounds and styles are even better than 2.0, and I thought it was very good. To my taste, the acoustic instruments and organs are every bit as good as the PA800. The drawbar sliders are great as I come from a B3 background. The touch screen is more responsive than the PA800. The SMF section is absolutely the best( I don't need two sequencers).

As time goes on I will be able to get into the myriad of things I haven't even gotten too.

The PA800 is a good machine, especially in the heat of fast paced changes, like many of you demand. Some of the features on the PA800 is just fluff to me, as I am a slow and deliberate person who demands the best sound possible, and who carefully explores each feature and sets up accordingly.

The G-70 is a quality product I can be proud of. It is a pleasure to play on a quality keybed with 76 keys, with a classy black and silver case(NOT BLUE). I have just begun my quest, and I have the machine that can do it.

This is not a substantive review, but it was not meant to be------YET.

Bernie

Bernie,

Thanx for the reply, sounds like your realizing what the G70 is all about in may ways....once you dig into the OS editing capabilities you'll realize even more how powerful an arranger KB it really is.

good luck