Hi there,
there is a possibility that I can get a "new" G-70 V3 for a fantastic price. "New" means it is an open box demo unit (supposedly the last one in the country), but covered with a "3 year warranty" (whatever), and fantastic price is 1200 Euros. (An S910 costs about 1900 Euros here).

Possibility means the guy in the shop may not have last minute information, I will have that information in 2 days time.

I know that nowdays it is supposed to be an older generation keyboard and I have read countless reports, fights and praises for this. It is of course light years ahead from my current setup (not the softsynths, the Casio). Sounds better, feels better, plays better.

The 1200 Euro questions are:
Is there a reason why I SHOULDN'T buy it? Is there something better at that price range?

What should I know before I buy an opened box demo unit? I may look for scratches or hits or whatever, and try to feel the keys, try to discern if it has been played a lot. Other than that what can I do?

Talk to Fran Carango

Theodore, buy it..especially at a good price...For me there is nothing I would buy in it's place...Knowing some of the soft synths you like..you will love the G70..It's still one of the best keyboards you can find..not just in the arranger class..but can stand up to anything..

At 60% of the S910 keyboard cost..it is twice the value....

[This message has been edited by Fran Carango (edited 11-01-2010).]

If you can deal with it's rather heavy weight (unless it's a home setup), it is an excellent buy, although some of the technology and sounds are a bit dated compared to an S910.

A very well made instrument for sure.

Ian

The G70 doesn't give up a single edge to the S910 with the exception of the MP3 player on the s910...none on the G70..SMF play, edits, sequencer, and the vast majority of sounds are better on the G70,,including drums...top that off with 76 keys for those that like to play piano and multi zones...and a great feel key bed...There is just no comparison...Buy the one that will be durable and outplays the other in every area..

Don't listen to Ian..

Compare what I just mentioned side by side...

I think the OP should listen to Ian, and any others offering advice honest advice.

The best way to know the bitter truth about an instrument, is to listen to the competition's views (Korg and/or Yamaha), which will be much more realistic than coming from a total Roland fanboy.

The S910 has Audio to USB recording, incredible sounds (SA/SA2/Mega voices) and excellent and more modern styles.

This is not to get into a p*ssing contest...this is to evaluate an instrument from all sides.

Only fair.

The G-70 is a nice well made instrument, and if the outdated bits (it has a floppy disk drive) don't bother you...go for it.

The price is sure right.

Ian

The G70 also has media cards besides the floppy (I still am glad I have the floppy, I even purchase USB floppy drives for my PC's)..and USB data transfer too..

I am always able and willing to side by side anyone that wants to do so..Tyros or Gem ..doesn't matter..

Don't get caught up with the style concept..a style is a style and are readily easy to find and adapt..I have all the Yamaha styles ..I choose to use none..There are many great styles ..I actually like a dozen PA2X styles converted to the G70..

Well,
it also read Compact Flash Cards, and have USB connection so you can transfer stright form PC.
Also the styles are more "lively" than Yamaha i.m.o, specially after MidiSpot did some tweaks
and remixing. Be sure to run OS 3.

Cheers
GJ

Btw,
CF cards need adapter type 1 to fit to the connector at G-70

Fran, the guy wasn't looking for a comparison with the S910 (other than price)...it was you who started the comparison, Roland zealot that you are.

Man, you are so insecure....afraid someone might not agree with your fanboy assessments?

Personally, I'd be leery of an older instrument like the G-70 (parts and support), but at the same time, the price is very good...he can get great help from Diki (OS updates, styles etc) at the Roland Arranger forum.

Again, if the OP doesn't mind the excess weight, or the several uses of out-dated technology, he would have a fine keyboard in the G-70.

I had one here for two weeks and really got to know it quite well.

Of all the arranger keyboards I played, the G-70 was certainly one of them.

Ian



[This message has been edited by ianmcnll (edited 11-01-2010).]

I knew you'd spot that....ha ha.

Ian , read your own post..you are the one that brought up "compared"...I mentioned value....and when all the dust settles the G70 comes out on top...

As I said ..buy the G70..the other choice isn't much different from your current keyboard..(toy like.. )

Whatever...just making sure the OP gets the "real" truth about the G-70, and not just the fanboy version.

Ian

[This message has been edited by ianmcnll (edited 11-01-2010).]

The Roland G70 was their flagship arranger approx 4 years ago. It still very good arranger by far. The built quality exceeds the Yamaha. The styles and sounds are subjectable. The Yamaha will have updated sounds due to the Mega and SA voices. But that only matters if you need it to. A far as the price…….1200 euros is a great deal and by your post I think that your leaning toward Roland, so why not? Go for it!!

Just be openminded, listen carefully when try it, and then follow your heart and feelings.
After all, you'll get a upper class arranger keyboard at a real low price.
You're going to smile when play the wonderful keys, and the sounds are not bad either.
Good Luck & Happy Playing.

Cheers
GJ

Is this a ship to you deal or can you go there? You take some risk if it is shipped to you, sight unseen.

Be sure it is not damaged and be sure everything works. You might call Roland on the warraty to be sure it is true.
I have bought open box stuff, no problem...it may have been a return also.

I would look carefully...sight down the keybed too,make sure nothing is warped/bent.

Lee S.

Thanks you all for your opinions so far, let's hope they still have it available.

some more data:

- The keyboard will probably never move from the house, weight is not a problem

- I am not leaning towards any brand, the main buying driver is the bargain price. I would get a Korg or anything at that price.

- Not afraid to buy open box (as long as it works as advertised).

* Can all G-70's be upgraded/updated to the latest operating system version, latest downloadable goodies etc, or I should look for specific models?

* How do I check what OS or other goodies are installed? Is there a key combination available?

Any other data/hints opinions you can give?

You can update any G70 easily..and when it boots up it will tell you the version software..

Hi Trident.

I own an S910.

to be honest I Would trade it with cash on top for a G70 right now!

The S910 has some great sounds and features but one of the biggest draw backs to me is the keyfeel. This is very subjective to personal preference but I learnt to play on an Upright for years which had proper hammer weight keys and the only thing that satisfys me these days in keyboard/synth land is the Motif XS/XF keybed. (I think the Tyros 2, 3, 4 use the exact same keybed).

It makes a lot of difference to the expressiveness in your playing as well...

The keybed is the one major thing that makes the S910 fee like a toy. it is well built, I don't ever fear that it will break or anything but it just feels very soft and springy...

I have used a G70 only in shops for quick 30 min spurts and the key feel is pretty much on par with the best of the business with the Tyros and Motif keybeds. (I Think the PA 2x is good as well from what ive heard but haven't played one)

Roland has a very good Live sound. when you close your eyes listening to the G70 you can picture the band playing on stage.

Its a shame to me that Roland G70s are SO RARE in Australia. The ones I have seen for sale in shops are priced very high to this day.

I have never seen one sell second hand on ebay in Australia. Maybe this is because they are so sought after or people just don't let them go...

I would jump at that bargain you have found without questions asked...

good luck,

Nick

Trident,

You would best talk with Diki about the G-70 and how to upgrade it, and, get the most out of it.

He knows more about the instrument than anyone else I know...he can give you all kinds of tips, shortcuts and workarounds.

You can check here as well.

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

If I was buying a G-70, I would consult him before and after the sale.

All the best of luck with your purchase.

Ian

Since the weight isn't an issue I'd go with the Roland- 76 keys and better feel well allow you to grow more technically.

But really go with the one you think sounds best- only you can decide that!

Good luck

You've got mail Nick

At that price, as long as it in good condition, I would get it if I were you. BUT... only if I had played an S910 first.

There's a difference between technology and 'sound'... the latest technology doesn't necessarily mean the 'best' sound. Roland's and Yamaha's seem to come from almost two different planets!

IMO, Roland have a VERY punchy 'in your face', live band sound. Yes, it's heavy, but the reason for much of that is firstly, a BIG, smooth, fantastic feeling, semi-weighted (by that, I mean a cross between standard good plastic keyboards - MoXS, M3, FantomG, etc. and fully weighted piano actions), great feeling action, quite definitely the BEST plastic action I have ever played... piano shaped blacks, but smoother shaped whites, so good for piano AND organ (most piano actions catch your hands on the whites doing smears on organ). Highly recommended (if action makes any difference to you).

Advantages to the S910 come with a MUCH better guitar section, and some very nice lead sounds, SA sax particularly good. Piano I would give a BIG edge to the Roland, though. Unless you like overly bright, thin piano sounds. I tend to like warm and detailed at low velocities. The Yamaha stays bright and cold even at low velocities.

Styles tend to be busier with Yamaha, very full and nicely done, but not so much room for YOU to play. They tend to 'do it all for you' stuff, whereas Roland styles leave a bit more room for you...

The Roland is expandable, and I would recommend adding an SRX board at some point. There's a couple with some GREAT sounds you might really like.

Yamaha's technology is definitely more advanced than Roland, but other than the guitars, in a style, it's not that big an advantage. The sound, and once again, this is MY opinion (but shared by many that don't play Yamaha!), it's a bit on the bland side, very smooth (for a good adjective) and compressed (for a not so complimentary one!). More like listening to a CD than live musicians.

But with work, I am sure the S910 could be made more punchy...

Both keyboards are good. But at that price, the G70 is quite a bargain. Unless you have the same preference for ultra-lightweight action and CD compressed sound that some prefer, I'd go with the Roland. Some would have you believe that choosing Yamaha's MOTL arranger involves NO compromise. Less prejudiced posters might point out that the MOTL of ANY line is a compromise, but you'll seldom hear that from those that use them...

Ha ha...after that healthy dissertation, Diki, I'd ALMOST buy a G-70 myself, and that's saying a lot since I had one here for a few weeks and thoroughly enjoyed examining how Roland still does things, much as they did in the past when I used to demo them (the E-70 in particular).

For the most part, it's good to see they kept nearly all of the features that I thought were great(no chord sequencer, unfortunately).

I also think you might have convinced Trident, and hope no one else who is reading this forum tries to get the instrument in which he is interested.

Not a bad summation...not bad at all.

Ian

Thats a very nice evaluation Diki. You make some very good points there. Thanks for being so objective.

Hi Miden, thanks but i haven't received anything in my email?? "itsnickg@hotmail.com"

Hi Nick, thats the address I sent it to...I will try again..

Maybe if you try sending me one to mine I can respond...it may be your spam filter blocking Yahoo mail?? anyhoo mine is jodenmi yahoo com au


[This message has been edited by miden (edited 11-02-2010).]

Unfortunately, the available G-70 was taken a day before, and a second was in a very bad condition, boo hoo.

I want to thank you all for your info and help though, it is good to know you can rely on knowledgeable people who can share what they know.