done

http://www.roland-arranger.com/smf/

Everything you need is there... We look forward to seeing you.

I use Compact Flash in my PCMCIA adapter. I have a few different cards (read my article there as to why this is good) and usually have a 512MB card in for general purpose. You can't put audio files in it, so this is sufficient for even the largest of style and SMF collections, IMO...

Just remember to format it with the E60 (less problems, and gets rid of any junk on the card like trialware, etc.)

I have a dedicated CF/PCMCIA reader and use a 2gb CF drive. A CF drive is a CF drive. I have no problems using a 2gig even though it is much more than I need.

Cass P

Called 5 music stores here in S. Fla. and none of them carry the Roland E60.
I would really like to try this keyboard out and see what it's all about.
I wouldn't buy any keyboard with trying it first.

Peter

Peter, when I purchased my first E-60..it was sight unseen...and I was impressed with it...

You could do much worse buying another brand ..sight unseen..

Miami Mo, a SZ member lives in your neck of the woods....maybe he might extend an invitation to try his E-60..

I have a SanDisk CF card adapter - that's what was available at Office Max when I bought mine.

The CF card is a PNY 2gb (133x) Optima Pro. 2gb is way more than we need, but it's less expensive to buy.

Too bad we can't use SD cards, I bought a 1gb Kingston today for $6.

Musicman - I agree with Fran. I bought my E60 sight unseen and I love it. If you like Roland products, this is a "best buy."

Speaking of buy, I'm putting mine up for sale right now - mint $1200.

Cass ... WHY ???
t.

BBBB... here's the link to the article: http://roland-arranger.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=94&Itemid=56

I use SansDisk CF cards in a SansDisk PCMCIA CF adapter.

Just remember, on an E60, there isn't that much room left on the internal FlashROM HD after the ROM styles and OS. It's only a 15MB drive (G70 has 50MB) and the ROM styles takes up most of it...

So having a good strategy for managing all your styles and songs is even MORE important than the more expensive models, IMO.

BTW, Sweetwater say 4GB is upper size limit...

Personally, a few different 512MB cards makes more sense, as there is no folder utilities to separate different styles into different categories. ALL styles go in one folder. If you have some 'work in progress' styles, like revoicing the ROM styles or conversions, etc., having them on separate cards makes it easier to keep a track of what you are doing, IMO...

Hope this helps.

I ONLY use the External card in my E60.....makes life so easy.

"Personally, a few different 512MB cards makes more sense, as there is no folder utilities to separate different styles into different categories. ALL styles go in one folder. If you have some 'work in progress' styles, like revoicing the ROM styles or conversions, etc., having them on separate cards makes it "


True, but you can easily put in categories via the "index" feature...that is 8 indexes for SMF's..8 indexes for styles..and 8 indexes for user programs...A single 1 gig Compact flash would be my choice..

BBBB, the e60 is being offered for sale on the if come that I latch onto a somewhat heavier arranger. If the deal falls thru, which is quite likely, I keep the e60 and keep smiling.

Cass I thought you were gong to DIG IN and really learn the E60 makeup tools?

D - I'll still need to know all that, plus. Waiting...

Indexing is OK for sorting categories internally, but they don't help with backup or sorting out the actual files when you connect to the computer...

Keeping one card for translations (until they are finished or discarded) one card for the ROM style edits (until they are finished, if they ever are!) and a card for just trying stuff out helps keep the Card memory from getting bloated with stuff you'll never use.

There is also a utility to allow the Internal memory to be backed up onto a card, and transfered back without messing up the DB (you can't use the card to play from, it backs up the Internal DB) as a 'safety' in case of an on the gig crash, and might also be a good strategy...

I would try to learn first.....

Fran

I'm not ready to buy any instrument without playing it first. I'm not familiar with Roland keybaords.

Your suggestion about Miami Mo is a good idea. I'll get in touch with him.

Peter

Now THERE'S an attitude that shows a lot of sense...

Heck, as good as my G70 is, it took me TWO days in the store before I KNEW it was the one...

Buy in haste, repent at leisure... (or repent in haste, in Donny's case )

as a counter-side, i must say i bought both of my keyboards without playing them. and the E60 i bought before even i could read some serious reviews on the internet.

this is very risky, and alot of research is needed anyway, but once you hear the demos, you read the manual, read the forums and ask questions, i believe you get to "know" your future to be keyboard good enough.

when it comes about many choices, particular sounds, styles, really clear preferences and so on, i agree you better play the instrument before actually buy.

my point is there's not such a terrible thing to buy unseen. just assume the risk.

Wise words. I plan to start heeding them any day now.

chas

But it takes the thrill out of buying..

Aaaahhh.... The American Way...

I sometimes look at posts by members who are comfortable with buying before they try... and I keep wondering what happened... Our parent's generation, and even more so our grandparents would have NEVER considered something like this, especially for capital outlay things like TOTL arrangers.

Maybe this is why we end up in so much financial trouble, in debt to our eyeballs and paying MORE for our toys that the sticker when we get a bit behind due to little things like recessions, ballooning house payments, etc..

What would dear old Granny think?

Yep...I know I wouldn't buy a mid to top line arranger/keyboard without an extensive test drive.

My Granny used to say..."Never test the depth of the water with both feet."