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#454484 - 07/10/18 02:14 PM
First impression of my Roland BK9
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Senior Member
Registered: 05/26/99
Posts: 9673
Loc: Levittown, Pa, USA
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My first impression of my Roland BK9.. This is my opinion and I am going to compare it to other brands that I have played... If my opinions bothers you... skip my post. I purchased a Roland Juno Stage when they came out several years ago..because I liked the semi weighted keybed.. The BK9 is the identical keybed, and one of the strongest features to want a BK9.. The drawbar organ and Leslie simulation .. are tops in any arranger keyboard and most wanna be Hammond organ clones.. The BK9 edges out the G70 drawbar organ with added controls and superior Leslie source.. The G70 was easily the best of the bunch prior to the BK9. The BK9 is feature packed with benefits not found on the G70 and collectively on any other keyboard.. Roland retained the 16 track sequencer (missing on the EA7).. added the Chord sequencer (missing on the G70 and EA7). The operating system is not bad on the BK9, although I think in some areas the EA7 has the edge.. The G70 still easily rules with the touch screen. The sounds on the BK9 exceed the EA7, thanks to the Super Natural content... but in my opinion there is a quality I hear in the G70, that sounds better.. The EA7 and BK9 are among the best sound offerings today.. Korg don't match up, and you need to move up to Genos (Yamaha) to compete... and the G70 is another step above.. With the Media player, and USB facilities, also the audio keys... it is hard not to like the BK9. The mic and effects are great (phantom power).. Pedal options are good, other common feature with the G70, D Beam, assign pedals, performances (user programs) are there.. Six fills (3 up and 3 down) Missing from EA7. G70 is still the best keybed, but the BK9 is a close second and very playable .. Better than Korg even the PA4x.. Even with the abundance of features on the BK9 there are more on the G70 that are missing on the BK9, Like aftertouch, separate outs, singer key , guitar mode, covers and harmonizer.. I like the light weight of the BK9 (20 pounds).. and is a quality instrument.. If I could only have one instrument it will be the G70.. I am sure the BK9 will grow on me as I get familiar with it... as the EA7 did (Pads and sampling worked well). There were a few quirks with the EA7, that don't seem to be on the BK9. After my time on the Korg PA4x , PA900 and PA1000... I made the right choice with the BK9. It is all about the sound and the BK9 delivers..in a light package.. The bummer...… Roland has something coming that most likely will make the BK9 available for sale.. I will continue my review after I spend more time with it..
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#454489 - 07/10/18 03:23 PM
Re: First impression of my Roland BK9
[Re: Dnj]
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Senior Member
Registered: 12/15/99
Posts: 2029
Loc: Ventura, Ca, USA
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Hi Fran, I know what you mean by missing aftertouch. I played my S-970 for some gigs to lighten the load from my T4. Aftertouch was a big thing for me missing. I don't see a lot of players mentioning it .... ??? Now that I have a Genos, I am happy as can be. Light weight compared to my old T4 and aftertouch :):):) So much more expressive when you play ... One of the major things I like about the Genos are the amps and real distortion for guitars. As a guitar player this is a must for me. The PA4X is a very close one. How does the BK9 stack up against the 2? Enjoy and have fun playing. Eric
_________________________
Genos, PSR-S970, TC Helicon VoiceLive3, Mackie 802-VLZ3 Mixer, 2 Bose L1 Pro16, Electro-Voice ZXA1 Subwoofer
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#454514 - 07/11/18 06:23 AM
Re: First impression of my Roland BK9
[Re: Fran Carango]
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Senior Member
Registered: 11/12/08
Posts: 2447
Loc: Bluffton/Hilton Head SC USA
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Fran So glad your enjoying the BK9. I've been very happy with mine from the sound to the weight. Every time I get the urge to do and organ jam I'm amazed how good you can make it sound with some editing. I've also been getting into the OTS for preformances and am finding it very quick and easy to set up 4 different setups for a Style. Gary got me doing that with the song he posted Baker Street. Guitar for the opening chords, Sax for the keynote riff, and piano for the VRS. Since I tend to use some Styles for numerous songs its nice to have variations to work with. And again I'll ask if anyone can teach me how to get my Unrealbook songs on my Ipad to change preformances on the BK9 I will pay for the tutoring time. BTW Tony Monaco is forming a new 5 week Blues class online. Two levels, beginner and intermediate/expert. If your into jazz organ this is the man to learn from.
Edited by Bill Lewis (07/11/18 06:25 AM)
_________________________
Bill in SC --- Roland BK9 (2) Roland BK7M, Roland PK5 Pedals, Roland FP90, Roland CM30 (2), JBL Eon Ones (2) JBL 610 Monitor, Behringer Sub, EV mics, Apple iPad (2) Behringer DJ mixer
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#454587 - 07/12/18 12:35 PM
Re: First impression of my Roland BK9
[Re: Fran Carango]
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Senior Member
Registered: 05/26/99
Posts: 9673
Loc: Levittown, Pa, USA
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WOW!!!! after spending a couple hours A/B ing the BK9 and the G70 sounds through identical sound routing... Out of the box , the BK9 has the edge overall.. I am comparing original SMF's without edits played side by side.. I have the BK9 routed thru the G70 inputs and outputted to the same sound system, No mixer.. All mastering tools are off. The BK9 has additional insert effects that can be used.. I did not check detail as to the modification/changes.. Real time played sounds shine with the BK9, thanks to in part the Super Natural selection.. Now what changes the game in my situation, I use the Studio SRX card in the G70.. this gives me the great drums and bass missing from a stock G70.. Add to this the great EP's Guitars, strings etc.. the G70 comes alive and could be conceived as sounding better than the BK9.. I can see where Diki and others declare the BK9 sounds better then the G70.. a stock G70 , I would agree the BK9 does sound better overall. I am as happy as pig in slop.. To have two instruments that I don't believe can be matched by Korg or Yamaha... Maybe Genos? Have to wait till I try a Genos. Ketron RAM sounds would give the Roland's a run for the money, but only have about 40 RAM sounds in the SD7,9. It looks to me that I am going to be a strong supporter of the BK9. Now I have two discontinued models that I can't part with..
Edited by Fran Carango (07/12/18 12:40 PM)
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#454649 - 07/13/18 03:28 PM
Re: First impression of my Roland BK9
[Re: tony mads usa]
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Member
Registered: 12/08/02
Posts: 666
Loc: Ontario Canada
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#454668 - 07/14/18 08:56 AM
Re: First impression of my Roland BK9
[Re: cgiles]
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Senior Member
Registered: 11/12/08
Posts: 2447
Loc: Bluffton/Hilton Head SC USA
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[quote=cgiles]I went to the Smithsonian Museum the other week. When I asked to see their ancient instruments exhibit they gave me directions to Fran's house. I heard one of his keyboards is powered by a key tied to a kite. But enough about the G70.....
chas
Chas I know your kidding but too many of us get hooked into the latest is the greatest syndrome. Would you give up a late 50's B3 ? Or a Les Paul, Strat. Tele, or classic amp from that era ? Didn't think so. Although I never owned one ( almost did but the BK9 came out just in time ) I think the G70 was ahead of its time and like my Bk9 can still do a very good job, especially for the gigging musician. Are the sounds and a few featurs "THAT" much better on a 5K keyboard. We all know the audience can't tell.
_________________________
Bill in SC --- Roland BK9 (2) Roland BK7M, Roland PK5 Pedals, Roland FP90, Roland CM30 (2), JBL Eon Ones (2) JBL 610 Monitor, Behringer Sub, EV mics, Apple iPad (2) Behringer DJ mixer
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#454671 - 07/14/18 10:05 AM
Re: First impression of my Roland BK9
[Re: Bill Lewis]
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Senior Member
Registered: 09/29/05
Posts: 6703
Loc: Roswell,GA/USA
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[quote=cgiles]I went to the Smithsonian Museum the other week. When I asked to see their ancient instruments exhibit they gave me directions to Fran's house. I heard one of his keyboards is powered by a key tied to a kite. But enough about the G70.....
chas
Chas I know your kidding but too many of us get hooked into the latest is the greatest syndrome. Bill, yes I AM kidding (and Fran knows it), but you're preaching to the choir. MY latest/greatest arrangers are a Tyros II and a PA1x pro. My latest (and only recent) keyboard is a Crumar SEVEN and that's only because I wanted a dedicated, authentic sounding, 'Rhodes', without the hassle of maintaining a real Rhodes (same reason I own a premium clonewheel instead of a real 'B3'). At this stage of my life and with declining heath and declining interest in the TECHNOLOGY of music creation, I would not invest TOTL-type cash for anything other than (WHAT I CONSIDER) a 'real' instrument impervious to obsolescence via technological advances. The truth is, despite all of the technological advances in styles, authenticity of sounds, SUPER-features, weight management, reliability, etc., etc., an arranger (played in auto-accomp mode) still sounds like an arranger TO ME. Ignoring individual circumstances, but in the larger music and entertainment world, arrangers are held in low regard and not considered a 'legitimate' instrument by most TRUE PROFESSIONALS, which is why you rarely, if ever, see them in use in professional venues ie. TV, concerts, high-end clubs, or even in the homes of the 'rich and famous'. Sure, someone will pull out some isolated example, but we know in our hearts that that is not the norm. Despite that, I still think arrangers have a place in modern music. Songwriting, OMB's, pre-production mock-ups, home entertainment for the semi-serious amateur, come to mind. But, you're unlikely to see one at Carnegie Hall or featured on a hit album. So, to Bill's point, I fully agree...and applaud the fact that some like Fran, have an instrument that they like and see no need to upgrade until something comes along that they deem warrants a change (notice, I didn't say 'upgrade', I said 'change'). But to those who truly enjoy the challenge of learning new technology or just like the 'smell of new', I say, more power to you. For those motivated by the hope that newer technology is going to make them a better musician, I say, sorry, that ain't gonna happen. chas
_________________________
"Faith means not wanting to know what is true." [Nietzsche]
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#454675 - 07/14/18 11:12 AM
Re: First impression of my Roland BK9
[Re: Fran Carango]
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Senior Member
Registered: 06/25/99
Posts: 16735
Loc: Benton, LA, USA
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Chas, I understand that arranger keyboards are plentiful and quite well respected in Europe and other places. The "pros" who are sitting in my audience wanting my job have no idea what I'm doing. They mostly assume I am doing what they would do in a similar venue, playing along with sequences or karaoke. One guy, who did studio work in Nashville for 25 years, works around town with a vintage Les Paul, AND A CELL PHONE. I have a number of friends, who in their younger days, and some so not younger days, toured with nationally-known stars. They don't disrespect what I do. The sad part is that I can hire any of them for $50. a night. I wouldn't do that but I have done a lot of it for $100. and they are really happy to get it. I'll drop one name, James Burton, who loves to come sit in with me. Of course he doesn't need my money and would be insulted if it were offered. The wealthy who can afford to be jazz players have my complete respect, but I feel I have theirs as well, if they see me in person. They can tell that I'm playing the keyboard pretty well, despite having to accompany myself in real time with left hand chords. Just another point of view my good friend!
_________________________
DonM
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#454680 - 07/14/18 01:46 PM
Re: First impression of my Roland BK9
[Re: Fran Carango]
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Senior Member
Registered: 09/29/05
Posts: 6703
Loc: Roswell,GA/USA
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Don, no one disrespects you or any other QUALITY performer, no matter what their choice of instruments. In fact, I even said that I thought the OMB format was one of the VERY appropriate cases for using an arranger keyboard. But the bottom line is that it's nobody's business but the performers what instrument he or she chooses to accompany themselves with; after all, it's their livelihood and they should choose whatever gives them a leg up in the marketplace (as well as personal satisfaction). I had no intention of making anyone feel defensive about using an arranger; I was only trying to explain my own CURRENT decision-making process in choosing more 'traditional' instruments over the ever-changing model that defines practically everything driven by technology.
On a personal level, I prefer to listen to a GOOD solo piano or guitar with vocals than arranger and vocals, but that's just my personal preference. With a piano or guitar, what you see is what you get, and you know that a certain level of skill is involved. There COULD be a reason that some of your very talented friends never gravitated towards an arranger and would rather take $50.00 from you and be able to play their chosen instrument (even though it may have failed them financially).
Truth is, I don't think our 'point(S) of view' are that different. One place we DO disagree though is, I don't think most jazz players play jazz because they're wealthy, but because they love the music (and the challenge of playing it).
Glad to see your health improving (to the point of playing golf) in such a relatively short period of time. I know you went through a rough patch but maybe it was worth it if it leads to a healthier lifestyle that keeps you 'in the game' a little bit longer. Take care.
chas
_________________________
"Faith means not wanting to know what is true." [Nietzsche]
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#454686 - 07/14/18 03:41 PM
Re: First impression of my Roland BK9
[Re: Fran Carango]
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Senior Member
Registered: 09/29/05
Posts: 6703
Loc: Roswell,GA/USA
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Boy, we've really taken poor Fran's post SOUTH....BUT, you just had to mention 'Take Five' . I can't really say that I dislike it but I CAN say that I was never able to get comfortable with it (or anything else in 5/4). I've tried for years to feel a 5/4 'groove' but so far, no luck. I've (painfully) learned to play it by rote but if I lose my concentration for even a second, DISASTER! I do, however, love Paul Desmond's beautiful sax and give him credit for writing something 'outside the lines'. BTW, that's how I know I suck as a musician because a good musician should be able to handle an odd meter with no problem. 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, no problem; 5/4, YIKES!. chas
_________________________
"Faith means not wanting to know what is true." [Nietzsche]
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#454687 - 07/14/18 04:18 PM
Re: First impression of my Roland BK9
[Re: cgiles]
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Senior Member
Registered: 06/25/99
Posts: 16735
Loc: Benton, LA, USA
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Boy, we've really taken poor Fran's post SOUTH....BUT, you just had to mention 'Take Five' . I can't really say that I dislike it but I CAN say that I was never able to get comfortable with it (or anything else in 5/4). I've tried for years to feel a 5/4 'groove' but so far, no luck. I've (painfully) learned to play it by rote but if I lose my concentration for even a second, DISASTER! I do, however, love Paul Desmond's beautiful sax and give him credit for writing something 'outside the lines'. BTW, that's how I know I suck as a musician because a good musician should be able to handle an odd meter with no problem. 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, no problem; 5/4, YIKES!. chas It ain't natural. I can't play it.
_________________________
DonM
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#454742 - 07/15/18 05:44 PM
Re: First impression of my Roland BK9
[Re: Fran Carango]
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Senior Member
Registered: 09/29/05
Posts: 6703
Loc: Roswell,GA/USA
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Class act....Fran, I'm talking about. Yeah, we took his post for a little spin, had a little fun, rambled through a variety of unrelated topics, and guess what? Not a peep, not a grimace, not a single moan, groan, or complaint from Fran. I think he knows that old men sometimes have a hard time concentrating, often forgetting what they were talking about five minutes ago . The point is, he knows we were not disrespecting him or his post and chose to just let it slide and not berate us for having a little SZ fun. Now I'm not advocating that we hijack every post and head for Mexico; in fact, we should probably not do it at all. But if we occasionally lapse into silliness, especially if it's not malicious, let's take a cue from Fran and not make a Federal case about it. Let's face it, your post isn't going to win a Pulitzer. Relax and have a little fun, after all, it only takes one well-worded post to get it back on track. JMO. chas
_________________________
"Faith means not wanting to know what is true." [Nietzsche]
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