done

The word I get is they are. In a new KR series, probably released at NAMM in January.

I was told this ages ago by a contact who was then a guest (he is a dealer)at Roland Japan where they previewed the new Roland mega digital piano.

The Japan folk apparently mentioned arranger features in a new KR series of keyboards.

Of course whether it happens or not is anyone's guess, but the mail is strong.

Dennis

Here's my opinion on Roland, which by the way was my favorite brand 10 yrs. ago. (This is just my opinion, so don't beat me up - I could be wrong, but this is how I see it.)

If Roland wants to make us sit up and take notice, they'd produce a new sound engine that competes with other manufacturers. Roland frustrates me by continuing to put out new keyboards with the same old tired voices which are light years behind in technology compared to other companies.

That's my main gripe with Roland and why I prefer other brands. Those old sounds must have paid for themselves by now.

The Roland Fantom G doesn't sound old at all. It's one of the best synths out there.

Right on, Tim. I was interested in a Prelude, but I spent quite a bit of time on one while on my pre-Christams tour...the dealer let me take one back to the hotel.

Very disappointing, both in build quality (the keys were very cheap) and the same tired old voices. The styles were unremarkable, and reminded me of the older E-series.

I think they will lose a lot of customer confidence if they don't make another top of the line instrument with something fresh and ear catching.

I'm not putting down Roland per se, but it only makes sense that once they lose clients to another brand, it will be very tough getting them back again.

Ian

That's what I am saying Brian. It apparently is a fully re-worked KR series. Nothing like the old ones, just re-introducing the tag.

Probably similar to Yamaha with their new CP series. Totally different to the original.

Dennis

Yes Ian I agree I had the GW 8 but these are low end keyboards. The Yamaha low end PSR S550 also sound cheap. But the new sound engine of Roland as in their Fantom G series sound very good. Only if they create new keyboards with that engine.

The Prelude costs closer to a PSR-S710.

Compare them.

Ian

Nope the psr S710 cost 200 Euro more here in the Netherlands. Its closer to the psr S550 and the psr will lose big comparing to the Roland Prelude.

Here in Canada the price difference is about $100 between the Prelude and the PSR-S710, the latter being more expensive.

Here's a US site for comparison:

http://www.zzounds.com/item--ROLPRELUDE

http://www.zzounds.com/item--YAMPSRS710


That amount wouldn't keep someone in smokes for a month.

The PSR-S710 has style assembly and much better styles and sounds, in my opinion, anyway.

I didn't compare the GW-8 because it does not include speakers, but here it is anyway.

http://www.zzounds.com/item--ROLGW8

And here is the PSR-S550.
http://www.zzounds.com/item--YAMPSRS550

Ian

[This message has been edited by ianmcnll (edited 12-16-2009).]