On my own forum, this question came up and I honestly can't really tell: What are the most important differences between the G-70 and the E-80?

Please check www.roland-arranger.com
for an exaustive comparison between the two boards.

other then the G70 has 76 better feel keys, and seperate outs...while the E80 has two more insert effects and speakers..

OK... here you go:

E-80 Pros and cons (compared with the G-70):

Cons
The E-80 features a 61-standard keyboard. The G-70 features a 76-key Pro-Action Keyboard.

Another shortfall of the E-80 is that there aren't separate outputs for the vocals.

Because of the built-in speakers the E-80 is much higher (198mm) than the G-70 (157mm), which might make it difficult to fit the E-80 in with your existing setup

Pros
The E-80 features apprx. 60 new styles. The new styles are great top quality Roland styles. With these styles you will experience that some of the intros and ending are programmed explicitly for certain songsMost existing styles (known from the G-70) have been reprogrammed taking advantage of some of the new features in the E-80 (see below).

The E-80 features a number of new and much more complex sounds compared to the G-70.

The front panel has been reworked on the E-80. The four MODE buttons are placed just below the display. Very wise decision. The transpose buttons are now placed close to your right hand. Also the Vocal harmonist section, the Master section and the SMF playback section is placed much better on the E-80 compared to the G-70. Well done, Roland! Still think that the Alpha dial is placed to far away though. The E-80 has two headphones outputs and a "built-in speaker" on/off slider.

On the G-70 the OTS concept has been subject for scolding. One of the problems with OTS on the G-70 is that OTS's can only be associated to internal styles and custom styles. On the E-80 you can associate OTS's to any style - also 3rd party style styles residing on external memory.

The E-80 features EQ for all parts (solo parts and acc. parts). This is an opportunity for you to get a much more personal sound.

The E-80 features MFX effects on up to three acc. parts. This really makes the styles rock! You handle EQ and acc. MFX's from the style-make up tools making it just as easy and intuitive as the other make-up tools functions. The feature is also a help for you to get a much more personal sound. The ROM-styles take advantage of the new MFX acc. effects, which makes the styles more dynamic than the G-70 ROM styles.

The E-80 is able to import and show (.TXT) files when playing styles. You must manually shift between text pages, if you use this function.

The E-80 is able to import and show image files (.BMP) and by connecting to an external monitor your E-80 can easily display text, lyrics, photos and slideshows.

The E-80 provides two SRX expansion slots compared to one slot in the G-70.

In guitar mode you have now access to more guitars compared to the G-70. Some of the styles makes use of the guitar mode. This makes the styles sound very acoustic!

The SMF Jump marker algorithm has been improved. On the G-70 shifting between SMF Jump markers might sound pretty clumsy. On the E-80 shifting between SMF Jump markers sounds much more natural - more like changing between style variations.

The instrument is easier to carry than the G-70, because of the improved physical design of the E-80. There is a useful handle below the display making the E-80 very easy to handle, while setting up your gear.

Hope this helps.

Andrea, The EQ on all parts has been added to version3, and I believe the OTS has been updated too..

Utilizing the separate outs on the G70..you can route the G70 parts into the aux in and use another insert effect..making it two..

Also version3 has the new remixed styles..

[This message has been edited by Fran Carango (edited 07-05-2007).]

thanks to Dreamer for all this good info that will be appreciated by all of us in this forum
I am now twice as happy that I bought the new E 80 instead of a G 70.
Thanks also to Travis Mitchel Roland West coast Sales manager for pointing out many of these things to us and the near 3 hour demo he did for us, not to mention the extremely attractive price he was able to get us from his Dealer, Colton Music here in San Jose area.
Thanks again Andrea.
PS: When are you coming to visit us again and play the E 80 for us?
Bebop

Fran,
thank you for the added info. I am glad to know that the difference between E-80 and G-70 is now smaller.

Bill,
I hope one day I'll be able to come back in San Josè and play that beautiful E-80 of yours. Best to you and Jann and a hug to Rocky.
Andrea

Dreamer:

You own both the Tyros 2 and G70. I have a couple of questions for you. If you would please e-mail me: steve@steveonpiano.com

Many thanks.

Got a new Roland G70 here with OS ver 3.0 factory installed for $2550.00 or best offer. Contact me at axa130@hotmail.com for more information.
Thanks,
AJ

BeBop,
Unfortunately, Travis Mitchell no longer is working for Roland CK division. They have let go several district sales managers last week. I'm not sure what direction Roland CK will be heading.
In the So. California area, I'm Roland's E80 dealer. If anyone is interested in E50, E60 or E80's I have them in stock and at very competitive prices.


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George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene
Reseda, California
818-881-5566
www.kayesmusicscene.com