Sorting out some old files, and became aware that Wersi OAS is one of the longest running home orientated keyboard/organs out there.

OAS History

OAS 2 2000 - 2001 12 Months*

OAS 3 2001 - 2002 12 Months*

OAS 4 2002 - 2003 12 Months*

OAS 5 2003 – 2004 12 Months*

OAS 6 2004 – 2005 12 Months*

OAS7 2005 - 46 Months* -

Total Lifespan of Keyboard so far = Almost 9 Years

Still behind the CD line introduced in 1987 though, which due to continuous hard and software updates lasted 11 Years*

*Approximately

How many other Home orientated Keyboards/Organs have lasted that long. (IE you did not need to buy a new instrument to get the latest spec)

Any offers

Bill


[This message has been edited by abacus (edited 03-20-2009).]

Amazing. Because they sound like they're TWICE as old as that.

LOL...

How much hardware do you have to replace on a 2000 era Abacus to be able to run all the current OS (and be functionally as good as a 2009 Abacus)?

Way I looked at some of the hardware upgrade prices a while ago, it was easily as much as the difference between trading up to newer models of closed arrangers if you got a reasonable price for the old model. Not to mention all the additional money you have to put into VSTi's to get a sound that is superior to a TOTL closed arranger. Oh, and we still haven't forgotten the base price of an Abacus, which makes an Audya seem like a PSR

You can trade up to newer Tyros's for YEARS (decades) before you have outlayed a total greater than purchasing an Abacus in the first place, never mind all those VSTi's (the GOOD ones cost real money!).

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Amazing. Because they sound like they're TWICE as old as that.
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I shouldn't laugh at this remark as it just pushes a post to go south..., but that is pretty funny though

[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 03-20-2009).]

Well diki look at it this way ....
Wersi is still in business that means people are buying their products & thats all that matters. They havve a following.

Hardwire updates required for a 1st generation OAS instrument to run the latest software is about £200 (No VSTs required (Although it’s great to have the option) as the Hypersonic 2 sound engine is standard in OAS 7)

Regards

Bill

Barely in business, Donny... how many times have they gone bankrupt, or reorganized the last 15 years?

Don't get me wrong, the loss of ANY of them diminishes us all, but a business model that ONLY caters to the high end of the market in price (without necessarily catering to the high end of styles and sounds ) has an uphill battle in today's recessionary climate.

Twice
Once in 1990 when the banks took to running the company with their own management team, (Due to the awards that the recently introduced Grand Piano had won they still saw a future)

Then again in 1997/98 due to the lack of R & D in new products

The Wersi name was then bought by the founders of the original Wersi Company, and they took over the development of the Open system keyboard prototype that had been produced by Creamware.

OAS 7 in 2005 saw them also license the Hypersonic 2 sound engine.

Regards

Bill

What about the price for all that updates,you can buy a new keyboard for it.
Pricetag for Wersi is too much,Pc hardware and a control units are not that expensive.

Impuls.

Hi Impuls

Wersi are no more expensive then any other organ manufactures instruments, (Roland, Orla, Bohm, Lowery etc etc) but you’re not tied to what the manufacture gives you.

Option packs that cost extra are no different to the plug-in cards on Roland’s and Korgs, their options.

R & D costs a lot of money, and so smaller companies have to re-coup their investment, and so you would expect to pay for really big upgrades, however what I do disagree with, is the fact that they still make a lot of the upgrades, options on new models, which is totally unacceptable in this day an age. (Although it’s like hitting your head against a brick wall to try and make them understand this)

Hi Diki

Wersi has always been a high end niche market manufacture, and so have never been able to compete with the big 3, (Sales wise) so quite sensibly they stick to the market that the big 3 aren’t interested in.

Anyway back to the original question.

Regards

Bill

Wersi have been saying since as long ago as the original DMS organs of the early eighties that their instruments would never be obsolete, could always be upgraded, etc etc. And most of those ended their lives in landfill.

Bill, I think Seamaster is trying to tell you something...

You mean his jealous

Could be...you can only imagine how terrible those Roland fan boys must feel now that their TOTL and MOTL arrangers have been put out to pasture.

Meanwhile, Wersi soldiers on.



[This message has been edited by ianmcnll (edited 03-21-2009).]

Why would anyone feel bad about their Roland just because a new model isn't forthcoming..? When all the other arrangers finally catch up to us, and produce great live sounding arrangers with everything you need to easily edit compose and tweak styles already onboard, premium quality construction, TOTL keyboard actions (and a 76! ), and easy sound expansion, well, even then I doubt I'll be worrying.

Are they perfect? Just like everything else, no...

But I have to admit, strand me on a desert island (get in line, Froggy ) with a G70, and I could rest happy. If you can't make great music on just one of these, you can't make great music. Even give me the choice of what to take, and it would still be the G70...

I don't need Roland to make another model EVER... if and when they do, fine, I'll take a look, but I skipped twp generations going from G1000 to G70. Unless something comes out RADICALLY advanced (whatever that means) or has a Chord Sequencer (unlikely), I'll probably pass...

If you are anxiously waiting for a new model, it just means you are not spending enough time on your own playing, and on learning what your current arranger will do. Because dig in deep enough, there's enough in any of these TOTL arrangers to satisfy you for life...

JMO....

I've got 8 to 10 years out of every Roland 'board I've bought. So you're making much more frequent trips to the tip with your Portasounds, son. Let's talk again in 2016.

You guys are so predictable...

Can't let you fall back on old habits unremarked, Ian...

You quit needling, we'll quit responding...

Mind you, it's strange how it is all so often the Yamaha users that are always the first to bleat about new models. What IS it about those things that fails to satisfy?

I don't mind, my friend...I think it's charming when you guys get so defensive about your old discontinued instruments.

It took Spalding's insecurities to bring up and compare Roland and Yamaha...I wasn't starting a belly bumping contest...I was just mentioning that the high end Roland are no more, and Wersi's high end models are still being made.

Considering that there are no new TOTL arrangers by Roland, what you both are using has to do the job, regardless...you don't have any other choices...of course, you will probably say you don't need/want any other choices, but you would have to say that anyway, given the prognosis.

I find it a bit strange that you both aren't at least a little disappointed that Roland has left the TOTL arranger arena.

Ian

[This message has been edited by ianmcnll (edited 03-21-2009).]

That's a good answer, son, and considering that you no longer have the option of a new TOTL Roland arranger, it's probably the only one.

Ian

All rumor & hersay...there is no proof of that at all.

Perhaps it is Donny, but even Diki has expressed little hope for a new TOTL arranger.

Let's hope they do make one...competition always keeps everyone else on their toes.

Ian

[This message has been edited by ianmcnll (edited 03-21-2009).]

Little hope for an immediate one...

I can wait. I don't really WANT a 'me too' Yamaha copy. I don't honestly see Roland with anything groundbreaking on the WS front, either... nice integration with the DAW side, I guess, but nothing really earth shattering as a performance instrument. The new Brass ARX looks promising as a new technology, Maybe a trickle down V-Piano technology. But currently, there's not much that other Roland's do that I really think are new technology that we could use. And those two I mentioned, it is unlikely we'll see them in an arranger for quite a while...

Usually (in fact, SA technology is the first I can think of) most groundbreaking synth and sampling sound functions make an appearance in their WS cousins several years earlier than they make it to arrangers.

From what has happened to the initial promise of the Audya, it STILL seems we are going to have to wait for a more powerful CPU in a closed arranger before the promise of streaming multiple audio as a source for several of the arranger's tracks is a reality. That's probably the next big frontier. The trick, of course, will be that probably only the Big3 have the resources to actually make the huge library for us that we will need.

Plus there's always the chance that someone making an 'open' keyboard makes an arranger module for it that actually does what most of us need And THEN do VSTi's and live loops, too! Ease of use is still what drives this market, NOT the ultimate in flexibility, as tempting to the wonky geek in all of us it is

So, to cap it off, no pressing need for anything immediate. I doubt Roland COULD field something that will wow the jaded players. I think I'm going to wait until the Audya type system comes to full fruition, and happily gig my G70 until then. In the meantime, you can listen to the GW-8 and Prelude demos to see a good reason why Roland doesn't need to roll out a TOTL G-series for a while...

I don't know, Diki, I played a GW-8L(the Latin version) some time ago at Long & McQuade Music in Halifax...if this is a speaker-less Prelude, I'd be inclined to say a second hand E-50 would be a much better deal, even though it is 4 years the former's senior.

T'is a good thing you are happy with your G-70...I feel the same way about my S900, and if Yamaha never produced a new S-series, I would be quite content to remain with the status quo.

Then again, Yamaha may slip me a new S-series mickey in the future and I may succumb to it's charms, so I best not be held too accountable for that last statement.

Ian

Sit tight just wait and see what happens .....meanwhile just use what you have & additionally practice more to become a BETTER Player meanwhile which is more important then any new arranger KB.

True to their promise
http://www.4shared.com/file/94303310/3586ef15/Infoblatt_CD_OAS.html
http://www.4shared.com/file/94303317/abe27ab6/Infoblatt_DX_OAS.html

That goes without saying, Donny, and additionally, one should try and focus on learning how to use all the great features on their arrangers that let them personalize their music.

I think you made a wise choice getting your E-50, as opposed to a Prelude(or GW-8)...sometimes a "new" arranger isn't better, and there are great second hand deals to be found.

Ian

Can this stuff be found in English, Bill?

Very interesting to see that Wersi is continually upgrading even the older instruments.

No landfill for these babies.

Ian

That's not an "upgrade". It's a whole new organ shoe-horned into your old cabinet. With the old one shoe-horned into landfill. QED.

Yes, Ian. I should have phrased what I said better...

"In the meantime, you can listen to the GW-8 and Prelude demos to see a good reason why Roland SHOULDN'T roll out a TOTL G-series for a while..."

Neither of these really qualifies as a true arranger, unless you are satisfied with ROM settings. The E50 is still the better solution. And while the Sonic Cell is an improvement over the E50/60's engine and soundset, there are still areas that need improving. I don't know whether it is because Eric Persing left Roland some time back to form Spectrasonics, but Roland's voicing team doesn't seem to have been as dominant as they once were.

Until Roland can field something that really IS new and groundbreaking, there seems little point for new TOTL product. Hopefully, there's enough back stock to keep those of us that still prefer the things (like I said, they are still considerably more advanced than Yamaha and Korg in many areas) in spare parts for a while!

And forget landfills! A good friend of mine is happily gigging my old G1000, probably for years to come, as well. You build them right, they don't NEED to go to the landfill...

I still think Seamaster is trying to tell you something, Bill.

I think he works at a landfill.

And I thought Seamaster got his G70 at a landfill...boy, was I wrong.

I hear ya...the only new things were the SuperNATURAL™ sounds that I believe originated on the Atelier...not too shabby, but not quite up to SA1/SA2 levels.

But you're right, it would not be realistic to produce another G70 unless there are significant enhancements...perhaps a version of the V-Piano's engine that could be applied to other voices as well?

I imagine there are some G70 left...Fran had said one time ( several months ago) that he knew where there were a few.

I know there are still brand Tyros2 available in some areas...a buddy of mine bought one last week....I'm actually thinking about one, myself....depends on how good the next S-series comes out.

I like the T2 better than the T3...just a personal preference....probably why I like the S900 as well....a sweeter, more defined sound, IMO.

Did you get your little Data Base issue with the G70 sorted out, and have you had any luck with getting a nice primo backup instrument?

Ian

I talked extensively with Roland... unfortunately, there's no hard and fast 'step by step' that reproduces the problem, so they are unwilling to put man hours on it until it can be shown to be a real 'bug'. It now has happened to me twice in the four years I have had my G70, so hardly a common error, I guess. Others have anecdotally had the same problem, but again with insufficient common circumstances to make tracking it down easy.

So I have gotten into the habit of backing up on an hourly basis (depending on how fast I'm working) which is hardly onerous. Problem (sort of) solved...

I have also decided to wait until the house gig is a lock (in these times, it pays to wait - it's a brand new club) before I get my backup. I've been using my current one on doubles long enough. A while more won't hurt.

In the meantime, all you rampant speculators and nabobs of prescience, Musikmesse is right round the corner. Maybe Roland has got some goodies for you all? Maybe an S950 to tempt Ian? Maybe some more DNC sounds for the PA2/PA800? Maybe some more fills? Maybe Dom's 61 X-Series? Or ALL chords in audio on an updated Audya?

Seems pretty quiet around here under the circumstances...

I think Ian is bitter, Bill. He makes half a dozen trips to his local toy store for every trip I make to my local Roland dealer.

[This message has been edited by Seamaster (edited 03-23-2009).]

Bill, I believe Seamaster is a bit down in the dumps.

Toys vs junk....ahhh....toys win every time!

Seamaster must seek out his inner child, not be so cranky....and be grateful his keyboard is still holding up so far.

Of course, if he actually works at a landfill, there should be no shortage of spares for whatever it is he is presently playing.

Now, I must get back to my toys....I love my job!

Ian

[This message has been edited by ianmcnll (edited 03-23-2009).]

He's got a Roland, Ian... hence, he doesn't really NEED to worry about it holding up.

If more of us here were on a ten to twelve year new arranger cycle, rather than a three year one, trust me, durability would be a MUCH more important criterion.

Yes, and well it should, Diki...considering it might be the last TOTL Roland for quite some time.

But, maybe Roland will surprise everyone and stay in the TOTL arranger arena and bring out a new G or even a new Pro E-series?

If they don't, it's nice to see it won't affect you or Seamaster.

Ian



[This message has been edited by ianmcnll (edited 03-23-2009).]

Wrong on all counts, Ian. Firstly, I have NEVER gone from one model to the next other than when I got the opportunity to swap to a G1000 from a G800 with no hit in price. The ZIP disk made that a no-brainer.

I CHOSE to not go with the V and VA series arrangers. Not because I HAD to... because, as with most Big3 products, and especially Yamaha (IMO), there is such an incremental improvement that you are hardly buying a 'new' product, merely a refined one. My G1000 remained reliable despite an appalling schedule under brutal marine conditions, and is STILL doing great service to a friend of mine that gigs it regularly.

I see little point in upgrading until it IS a REAL upgrade. Unlike so many here I am still convinced the way to sound better is to play better. Not buy the next incremental upgrade arranger and PRETEND I have got better.

As simple as Roland have made tweaking everything in the G and E-series arrangers, I think I don't really find myself upgrading just for variety in my styles, which I fear so many here do.

You and I BOTH know the only thing that will get my juices flowing for the next Roland arranger will be the unlikely reappearance of the Chord Sequencer (RIP )...

Until now, Roland have had roughly the same cycle that Korg and Yamaha have had. One occurrence does not a pattern make. But, as happy as I am with the G70 out of CHOICE, not necessity, I find myself not panicking as much as I am sure many Yamaha users would, under similar circumstances.

I, at least, refuse to confuse dissatisfaction with one's arranger with 'human nature' Personally, I think only those that NEED a better arranger are worried when one doesn't arrive..

(This is an answer to the unedited post... sorry)

[This message has been edited by Diki (edited 03-23-2009).]

Yeah, that's for sure, and considering there seems to be little in the way of anything really innovative, you really don't need to upgrade.

I chose the seemingly small upgrade from the 3k to the S900 because the SA voices in the latter were, to my ears and fingers, a significant improvement...even though there were only a few, the ones Yamaha picked were ones I use very often.

When I play the Sweet Tenor voice (which was also on my old 3K) and then play the SA Sax, there is so much more realistic expression in the latter, especially when using legato phrasing so that the attack disappears as on a real sax...when I hear the Sax on any other non-Yamaha arranger, it sounds so phony, even though only a short time ago they were probably the best of the bunch.

The same goes for the SA Concert Guitar.

So, a seemingly minor upgrade for some turns out to be a major (and happy) one for me, and many others as well, seeing how many of my former 3K clients have decided to move up to the S900.

I'm not one to just buy and not put the time in to get the most out of the instrument, but I am one who likes to improve my sound, even if sometimes it is incremental...I'd say I use 100% of my arrangers, partly because it's my job to do so, but also I have always enjoyed exploring and learning every feature.

New styles mean nothing to me since I assemble my own and have hundreds of great donor styles for parts....I'm still using styles that began on my old PSR-2700, and we both know it's not how many you have, but how high the quality is, and how effectively you use them....I can do a whole night using only 20-30 well prepared styles.

T'would be a shame to see Roland bow out, but at least, if they do, they ended on a high note and a decent instrument.

Ian

PS...Yeah, I edited my post...just turned 60 the other day...I must be getting mellow, and besides, this stuff is just small change, and hardly worth belly bumping over



[This message has been edited by ianmcnll (edited 03-24-2009).]

Sorry we missed it, Ian... a belated happy 60th to you, ol' chum!

Were you able to dig out from under the snowdrifts and go celebrate?

Thanks, my friend.

Quiet birthday...my girlfriend and her granddaughter brought me a cake and took me out for a nice supper....and no snow that evening, but today it's back with a vengeance...-10 Celsius too...Brrrrr!

It's kinda nice...I'm at the age now when all the CD`s I want to buy are in the budget bin.

Ian

CD's?

At your age, I'd have thought you'd be looking for the 78's bin..

Stay warm...

Yeah, CD's....I just sent my 8-track tapes to the landfill...Seamaster may find a use for 'em.

78's Bin?

Yeah, that was a good year ...but I am a child of the 60's.

Just turned up the furnace...it was so cold in the house, I opened up the fridge to get a drink of juice...and the cat jumped in to get warm.