I just realized on the Roland website that the BK-7m is no more listed, and when entering it in the search, it says 'discontinued'.
I really hope Roland is not so stupid to abandon this module without preparing a successor!
http://www.roland.com/products/bk-7m/

Maybe Roland will bring a new Totl Arranger module.. Love to see the features of the integra 7 combined with an advanced arranger module... No screen required, let them just use ipad, or android or windows tablet as the screen..

(Altough Roland really should also add midi pads, not just audio ones)

Arranger modules are the most underestimated keyboard instrument... With a good arranger module, younhave so much more choice of keyboards... Want a stagepiano or a workstation, everything is possible..

At Thomann, the BK-7m shows 30 customer reviews, mainly positive. 30 reviews is a high number in comparison to other keyboards at Thomann, it shows it was a good seller.
http://www.thomann.de/de/roland_bk7m.htm#bewertung
I really hope Roland is preparing something, but realistically they seem to have moved away from the BK line, which had been developed by "late" Roland Europe. As they have focused on the low/mid priced market in the past year (there's also a new Roland Juno Di successor!), I guess if they release a new module it will be around the 1,000€ mark.

Maybe they developed the Roland E-A7m?!?

http://www.rolandus.com/products/e-a7/

After the demise of Roland Europe in early 2014, Roland Japan announce the end of production of the V Accordion line. And the rumors flew! It was widely speculated that the company who bought out Roland Europe would take over production.

However,
"Los Angeles, CA, September 4, 2014: Roland Corporation is pleased to announce that a new production and outsourcing agreement with FATAR Srl. has been finalized, and manufacturing for the V-Accordion® line resumed in Italy in August." (of 2014)

And while they have discontinued some models of the V Accordion, my dealer assures me that a new one can be had.

It is my understanding that Roland Europe is where the BK-7M was assembled. So maybe FATAR will take on production of the BK as well. Hate to see it go! IMHO it was one generation away from being a really great module.

Just a thought,
Don P

Unfortunately, you are wrong in this detail. Roland Europe developed the BK-7m, but I still have the packaging from 2012, and it says "Made in China". Manufacturing of the module had always been in Asia already.

Yeah, I like the BK7,I use it with my accordion all the time.


https://m.soundcloud.com/parisandbeyond/franks-accordion-mix-demo

Frank

Very sad to hear that, unless, like you said, they're coming out with a successor. I'd love to see one with SRX sounds and even SuperNatural sounds in it. I'd be a sure winner!

Let's hope they are preparing something better in the module version. Bk-7m is really bang for the buck. Would like to see a bigger module(even as big in size as the m3 or blofeld) which has more dedicated buttons or even a large touch screen.

And I also agree with a point you made about few of the, otherwise good, SN sounds.. they sound artificial when they add permanent and prominent sample vibratos to soundsat all times. It would be better if arranger manufacturers trigger these sound modelling effects using a smooth mechanism such as pressure on pedal or Dbeam or even a pbend like lever. It would offer more control compared to buttons.

And yes I would also like to see expansion options for the next module.

Some of the features that I feel could make it more interesting and fun to use is to have a - - a combi creator to stack up sounds quickly
- app to assemble and combine various style parts to come up with great new user styles.

Let's hope Santa at Roland comes up with a surprisingly good successor for Christmas

Does anyome agree with me that there is a market for a high end Roland arranger module at around €2000?