Hi all,

Great site: glad I found it! I've gotten lots of good info, here, already.

Actually, I'm a member of a similar BBS for V-drummers (found at http://www.vdrums.com ).

One of the most useful threads there has been an ongoing discussion of where to get the best prices and service on new gear. The thread saved me and others lots of $$$ when I bought my V-Customs.

So, I'm now considering purchasing the XV-5080 and one of the new expansion boards, but am wondering if any of you know which retailer(s) have the best price on this hot, new item (i.e. so new, they probably aren't dealing too much yet).

ZZounds and Musician's Friend.com both advertise the 5080 for $2000, or 20% off MSRP (list is $2500). Anyone heard of less?

Thanks,

Chris

Gosh,

You all are a quiet bunch: probably those of you who've already bought the new gear are too busy enjoying it to respond .

Well, here's what I've found so far:

1) the 5080 won't be available until June/July; the 3080 is available.

2) the local Sam Ash had a XV-88 on the floor: one very cool unit, indeed.

3) lowest price I've found so far:

http://www.keyboardshop.com

They're selling the XV-3080 for $1218, XV-5080 for $1736, XV-88 for $2040. The company is in N. Europe, so shipping would be a bit pricey ($74 for 5080, $135 for XV-88) but still better price than what the biggies advertise.

Anyone had prior dealings with this company, or better leads?

Thanks,

Christopher

I am paying 2,379.00 for the XV-88. Not as good a price as you found.The SRX-02 expansion board cost me 249.00. However I have to take into account that I am getting it through an autorized Roland dealer and service center located only a few miles away from where I live.

Nice to have a local place to take the thing in if it should have any problems.

Hi Ken and all,



Good point. That overseas, 'grey market' thing is not a good option, in my mind, as is the long shipping distance and charges.

OK, Ken, since you've jumped in first with a dollar figure, I'll fill everyone in on what I've found:

1) A certain internet-only based retailer (hint: they have 2 z's in their name) refused to match the quote. In fact, they didn't even counter with an offer. Bummer: I still like their clever e-mails, tho.

2) Chucklevin.com gave a quote very close to the one above, without any hassle (you can request quotes on their web-site). They are in Washington, D.C. Unfortunately, I e-mailed to confirm purchase and didn't get a reply (as of yet?).

3) A big retailer (who's last name is also a by-product of volcanoes) was about $20 more than Chuck Levin's, but I went with them since I've dealt with them before and thought a big retailer might have more 'pull' in getting these delivered quicker and in larger numbers once Roland ships. We'll see if that theory holds....

BTW, the 5080 won't be released by Roland until June/July; the XV-88 and 3080 are in-stock and available.

I feel 30% off list on a newly-released product is a great deal. Music retailing is like any other market situation, following the law of supply and demand (not to mention responding to product buzz).

See ya,
Chris

Is there some "rule" about people not mentioning the names of online musical instrument retailers? Just seems that people are hesitant to share info about such sellers.

My favorite Roland dealer: www.bpmmusic.com

Hi Wilkes and all,

No, there's no 'rule' per se, and it's probably no secret that prices will vary from dealer to dealer, or even from salespersons within the same retailer.

It's just more fun to put it in the form of a riddle

Actually, price discussions about the 5080 are really theoretical at this point, since there's no product to be had yet. I nearly bit on a XV-88 the other day (great price, with the SRX cards also in stock), but decided I really would be better off waiting for the 5080.

In other words, all of you thinking of buying an XV-88 or 3080 should be posting here.

Regards,
Chris

Hi Wilkes and all,

Yes, BPM seems to be the clear winner (and the way I'll be going when I purchase).

They're selling XV-88 for $1995, XV-5080 for $1,750 (Free ground UPS included in price).

They have a nice site with instant e-mail price quotes, on-line order tracking feature once you purchase, and the person I talked to was friendly, knowledgeable, i.e. professional (Dwight). They're located in Colorado.

Regards,
Chris

Chris,

Just so you'll feel even more comfy buying from "the 'tempo' synonym store" (my riddle!)...returns I've had to make to them have been 100% hassle free - no questions asked, UPS pick-up order made by them, very customer-service focused in their attitude. There are a bunch of good retailers out there, but they're simply the only one who has never made me unhappy. Actually, I've dealt marginally with a Wisconsin music dealer whose name is the same as a large cheese (no kidding! in the "Dairyland"!) maker and they've done me right, too (but their prices are not as good as Dwight's).

You're right...the riddles are way more fun than just saying the store's/site's name!

I'm waiting for the 5080s (or even the anticipated XV workstations) to emerge on store shelves before I buy as well.