I have read and reread different forums and still am not close to making a decision on an arranger. Perhaps if the US had the E80 I would lean in that direction. I like the G70 and they can be had refurb for less than $2000. However I believe the G70 is old news and he E80 is the current TOTL Roland. None in the US..

The Korg is nice but the S900 sounds better to me and has MUCH more support and styles for far less money. I do like the pads better on the Korg. I was reqady t drop $3600 on a Pa@x becasue its the newest keyboard.

I keep coming back to Yamaha for the sounds and styles. The G70's 76 keys layout and OS is nice but I cannot find enough demos to really judge the sounds. If I buy the S900 I will have to buy an 88 key P-85 with it.

I guess that is the way to go. for $2k. although there is "something about the G70" that keeps me coming back.

My requienments

The E-80 has a couple features that the G70 does not..features I do not need[text and BMP screens..not to be confused with lyrics read from SMF's]..
They have the same sound engines, and can read data from each other..

The E-80 has speakers, and considered more of a home unit..

The G70 has a better key bed, and 76 keys compared to the E-80.

Another important feature on the G70 are separate outputs..not available on the E-80..

For me ..the G70 is the easy choice..and I consider the G70 more designed and built for "pro" use..

If you do not need a mic input and harmonizer..Roland has the 76 key mid price E-60..with decent key feel[similar to E-80]..

My vote is for the used $2,000 G70..

Great board..right price...

Make sure you update the OS to 3.0..

Yep, two thumbs up for a used G70.

You are paying nearly half what I payed for my brand new one, they are built (and weigh!) like tanks, so I would be very surprised if it isn't still in good shape...

There are a FEW things that have been improved, soundwise, on an E80, and a couple of OS improvements, but blindfolded, you might be hard pressed to tell the difference. The 'pro' connections on the G70 make a big difference if you gig, with separate outputs for the vocal section and the arranger (and four outputs for the arranger alone).

But I still stand by my opinion that this keyboard is the best compromise between an arranger and a full 'live band' keyboard, and has been my #1 go to keyboard for ALL my live playing, whether band or solo, and has started to get the call for quite a few sessions, lately (the piano sits quite nicely in a lot of mixes)...

It's heavy, sure (but strangely, the E80 weighs more!), but nowhere near the back-breaking weight of my K2500!

Well, Kingfrog, if it was me, I'd first be thinking of warranty, so anything used would be out.

I am planning on using the same setup as you suggested...a PSR-S900 and a P85 digital piano...both weigh around 25 lbs, the latter has MIDI and a lovely Graded Hammer 88 note keyboard.

The G70 and E-80 are fine instruments, I must agree, but with the S900 and P85 you will have far more flexibility (and lots of 3rd party support)PLUS a warranty.

I give them THREE thumbs up!

Ian

[This message has been edited by ianmcnll (edited 04-07-2008).]

I have never run into a warranty issue with a Roland board......and I was a Roland dealer..

Buy the G70..

and you will have a decent[make that the best] harmonizer too..

Kingfrog, you really should try the instruments before you buy, no matter what brand you decide on.

Don't just go on other people's opinions, including mine...let YOUR ears, and YOUR fingers be your guide...too many on this forum have been led into buying something they have regretted.

If you must buy used, be sure there is a dealer where you can get the instrument fixed if there is a problem.

Good luck.

Ian

I agree

Have you considered the Wersi Abacus?

There's a lot to be said for trying. Despite my trying and buying a PSR3000, Tyros2, G70, Pa800, I wound up with a PA2xPro. That's keeping me happy now. The G70 is a great board, despite the weight for $2000, you can't go wrong. I think the Roland has the best Bossa Nova styles in the business. I'd almost bet you could even get a better price on the G70. But at $2000 you're doing fine.



[This message has been edited by Stephenm52 (edited 04-07-2008).]

Wow GREAT unemtionsl responses. Yeh the G70s on Ebay right now are less than $2000. it is version 3 wih a warranty. Im not really concerned about warranties though. to save $2000 from the get go I will gladly forego a warranty. LOL
I am nearly convinced the G70 is a better choice then the s900 for shear flexibility. I thought mistakenly the E80 was the replacement for the aged G70. The Korg is nice too but there are apparently not as many styles for it from some of the complaints I read on the Korg Forum.
Thanks guys....S900 vs G70....Hmmm...

Unfortunately I cannot play the G70 anywhere close. I play the Yamahas everyday in the store,

Thanks