I rate what I think are the best top three Roland Arranger Keyboards.

I rate the G70 as the best, followed by the E-A7, followed by the BK9..

I am posting info about each model and will give my opinions on my choices and "why".. after you get a chance to draw your own ideas..


G70 features



Guitar Mode
Expansion Sounds in Styles and Songs
Style Converter
Piano Roll editing in 16-Track Sequencer and User Style Composer modes for a clearer idea of which track plays what.
Customization of the Melody Intelligent Tone: the Tone the Melody Intelligence function adds to the chosen harmonization can now be freely selected.
First-class sounds and backing styles
Professional 16-track sequencer
Vocal Harmonist
Organ drawbar sliders
Color LCD touchscreen










G-70 Music Workstation



G-70 Version 2
With over 20 new features and 10 new Music Styles (plus 10 Music Assistant registrations), the G-70 Music Workstation once again sets a new standard! Version 2 expands keyboard players' horizons thanks to innovative new features like the introduction of the Guitar Mode, the possibility to assign any Tone or Drum sets of an Expansion Board to Song and Style Tracks, the Style Converter and many other improvements. The original G-70 can be updated to Version 2 via download or you can ask your Roland Service Center to update your G-70 for you!


Keyboard
76 key Pro-Action Keyboard with aftertouch
Sound Source
Max polyphony
128 voices
Tones
1596 panel tones, 48 Drums kits. Dedicated 3-band EQ (with Q) for each Oscillator (on Realtime/Style/Song parts) and for each drum instrument on Styles and Songs
Harmonic Bar
Based on Virtual ToneWheel technology
SRX Expansion board slot
1
Multi timbre parts
32
Effect Processors
7 dedicated effects processors for:
Realtime section - 12 Reverb, 6 Chorus / 84 Multi EFX
Backing(Song/Style) - 8 Reverb, 8 Chorus
Harmonic Bar section - Rotary, Vibrato and Overdrive
External Audio Input - 84 effects
Mic Input - Noise Gate, Comp. 9 Reverb, 9 Delay
Harmonist section - 9 Reverb, 9 Delay, 9 Chorus
Mastering section - Parametric EQ, Multi Band Comp.
Compatibility
GM2/ GS/ XG Lite
Styles
Preset styles
285 styles on 12 families + 14 on the Custom Area. All 299 Styles are completely refined.
Variation/ Intro/ Ending/ Fill In
4 variations/ 4 Intro/ 4 Ending/ 6 Fill In/ Break Mute on Assign Switches
Sync Start/
Sync Stop
Yes
User Style Composer
8 Tracks with Micro editing/ Piano Roll editing/ Guitar Mode programming/ SRX tones selection
Direct Media Link
Yes
One Touch Setting
4 One Touch settings for each single Styles (including MFX and independent EQ settings)
Cover
For Songs and Styles, 30 ALL, 18 Drum, 24 Bass
Makeup Tools
For Songs and Styles
SRX expansion sounds in Styles and Songs
Make up Tool Freeze Data function
Individual 3-band EQ for each sound
Panel Controls
Multi-function sliders
9
Rotary encoder with push switch
Yes
Cursor
Inc, Dec, Up, Down, Right, Left
Pitch Bender and Modulation
Yes
D Beam
Yes, (4 modes)
Keyboard/ Accomp Balance
Yes
External Source Volume
Yes
Keyboard Part/ Tone Assign Switches
Upper1, Upper2, Upper3, Lower1, Lower2, Manual Bass
Display
Color Touch Screen with click noise
Player/ Recorder
Mark / Jump
Yes, 4 locations for each Song
Sequencer
16-Track Sequencer, with Micro Editing/ Piano Roll editing, Harmonist control, Guitar Mode programming, SRX Tones selection, SMF to Style Converter
DigiScore
Yes
Lyrics Display
Yes with Chord Extractor
Text Import/ Export
Yes
Harmonic Bar
Virtual ToneWheel technology
for Upper1/ Lower1
9 bars: 16’, 5-1/3’, 8’, 4’, 2-2/3’, 2’, 1-3/5’, 1-1/3’, 1’
for Manual bass
2 bars: 16’, 8’
Percussion
On, Off, 2-2/3’, 4’, Slow, Fast
Leakage level
Min-Max
Registrations
8 set
Vocal Harmonist
Mode
4 Modes: Talk, Voice-FX, Auto Pitch, Singer
Programmable Harmony
3 Types: 30 Small, 30 Ensemble, 24 Vocoder
Control
On 16-Track Sequencer, via MIDI IN
User Programs
Yes
Music Assistant
about 500 presets, programmable
Data Storage
FDD
3.5” HD/DD
Internal SSD (Solid State Disk)
62,4 MB (approx. 27,4 MB as preloaded factory data) - new FAT DISK optimization
PC Card Slot
1 (supports : Compact Flash, Memory Stick, Smart Media, Microdrive, using Card adaptor)
Type of files managed
Style, Song(SMF), User Program, MIDI Set, Play List, File.txt
Other functions
Guitar Mode
Yes, for Acoustic and Electric Guitars, with Stereo doubling function
Finder
Song, Style, User Program
Easy Setting
Arranger, Organ, Piano, Guitar Mode
Chord Alteration System
Adaptive Chord Voicing. ACV code insertion facility on User Style. Improved Repitch algorithm
Melody Intelligent
Yes, 18 Types
Melody Intelligent 2nd Tone customization
Tap Tempo
Yes
Transpose with Singer Key Adapter
Yes, -6 ~ +5
Song Chord Extractor
Yes
Fade OUT/IN
Yes, programmable
Assignable SW
Yes, 2 programmable with Break Mute selection
V-LINK
Yes
Updating system
Yes, on Flash
Connectors
USB
1, for File transfer / MIDI
MIDI
IN, OUT, THRU
Audio Output
Main (L/mono, R), Direct (L, R), Vocal Harmonist (L, R), Metronome Output
Audio Input
External audio input (L, R), Vocal Harmonist Input (XLR/TRS, Phone balanced/unbalanced)
Jacks
1 x Hold Pedal, 1 x Assignable Switch, 1 x Foot Pedal, 1 x FC-7 Control Pedal
Video Output
Yes, for Lyrics and Chords (2 types)
Phones
1
Others
Supplied accessories
Owner’s Manual, Power cord, Music Rest
Size and Weight ( Size and Weight )
Width
1,295 mm
51 inches
Depth
437 mm
17-1/4 inches
Height
157 mm
6-3/16 inches
Weight
20.5 kg
45 lbs. 4 oz.
*




EA7 features


Over 1,500 versatile tones from all over the world
WAV file import and onboard sampling function
Huge library of backing styles from Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and South America
Powerful arranger engine with direct control buttons and versatile, one-touch performance options
156 dedicated buttons for fast access to commonly used functions
Logical dual-screen layout, with backing styles on the left and sounds on the right
Microphone input with dedicated vocal effects
Easy to carry and transport, weighing just 8 kg/18 lbs.
E-A7 Tone Manager (Windows/Mac) for creating user tones and drum kits, importing and editing samples, and organizing E-A7 setups
Version 2.00 update provides additional styles and operation enhancements based on user feedback











E-A7 Expandable Arranger


A WORLD OF SOUNDS AND BACKING STYLES AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
The E-A7 is a versatile arranger keyboard for musicians needing professional sounds and authentic backing styles from all over the world. Using the E-A7 is fast and intuitive thanks to its logical dual-screen layout—styles on the left and sounds on the right, with most options having dedicated, quick-access buttons. You can import WAV files to create your own instruments, or even sample directly from the keyboard. And with the powerful E-A7 Tone Manager software, you can use your computer to edit and organize user tones and drum kits, work with samples, and more. Singers will appreciate the microphone input with dedicated vocal effects, while the whole keyboard is easy to gig with, weighing in at just 8 kg/18 lbs. Wherever you’re going with your music, the E-A7 will help you get there.
Home

Keyboard
61 keys (with velocity)
Sound Generator
Maximum Polyphony
128 voices (varies according to the sound generator load)
Parts
4 keyboard parts (UP1, UP2, UP3, LWR) + 16 song parts
Tones
- Preset Tone: Over 1,500 Tones
- Preset Drum Kit: Over 100 Drum Kits
* GM2 compatible sounds are included.

- User Tone: 256 Tones
- User Drum Kit: 128 Drum Kits
Favorite
50 favorite tones can be registered.
Melody Intelligent
Yes
Styles
Styles
- Preset Style: Over 600 Styles
- User Style: Unlimited number (storage on internal memory and USB flash drive)
Style Controls
Intro x 4, Main x 4, Fill x 4, Break, Ending x 4
One Touch Memories
4 programmable registrations per style
Style Makeup Tools
Instrument-oriented editing
Style Composer
Yes
Songs
Realtime Player
SMF (Format 0/1), KAR, MP3, WAV, MP3+CDG
Tempo Change
- 20–250 BPM for SMF (and Style)
- 75–125% for MP3 and WAV files
Part Mute
- Track Mute: SMF (and Style)
- Center Cancel: MP3 and WAV
Song Chord Extractor
Automatic chord detection for SMF files
Lyrics Display
SMF, KAR, MP3
SMF Makeup Tools
Instrument-oriented editing
SMF Mark & Jump
Yes (4 storable locations)
Song (Audio) Recording
Format: 16-bit linear, 44.1 kHz, WAV
Demo Song
Yes
Effects
Reverb
8 types (selectable via Makeup Tools)
Chorus
8 types (selectable via Makeup Tools)
MFX
84 types for keyboard parts (selectable via Keyboard Part MFX), A & B for Style and SMF section (selectable via Makeup Tools)
Master EQ
6 Presets + 1 User Memory
Master Compressor
6 Presets + 1 User Memory
Input Effect
Reverb 6 types, Delay 2 types
User Programs
User Programs
- Preset (Music Assistant + Preloaded data): Over 500 User Programs
- User: Up to 100 User Programs are included per User Program Set
User Program Sets
Unlimited number (storage on internal memory and USB flash drive)
Sampling/Sample Import
Format
16-bit linear, 44.1 kHz, WAV
Wave Expansion Memory
128 MB for Sampling/Sample Import
Number of Samples
512
Multisample Function
Yes

* Samples and multisamples can be exported to USB Flash Memory as User Tone or User Drum Kit.
* Samples and multisamples can be used as wave data for the sound engine.
Scale Tunings
Memory Buttons
3 user scale Memories and Equal temperament
User Scale Buttons
- Instant quarter-tone tuning of each note of a scale (C–B)
- Adjustable tuning range (-64–+63 cent) for each button
- Tunings can also be saved to User Program memories.
Others
Pads
6 pads for triggering phrases and tones and Stop Pad
* Phrases are tempo-synchronized with Styles or SMF, and support for chord detection.
Style/Song Finder
Yes
Controllers
Assignable Lever
Assignable Switch x 7
Assignable Control Pedal
Part Level Slider x 6
Multifunction Pads
Display
Dual Graphic LCD (160 x 160 dots x 2, with backlit)
Connectors
PHONES jack: Stereo 1/4-inch phone type
OUTPUT jacks (L/MONO, R): 1/4-inch phone type
EXT IN jack: Stereo miniature phone type
INPUT jacks (L/MONO or MIC, R): 1/4-inch phone type
PEDAL jacks (HOLD, EXPRESSION, CONTROL)
MIDI connectors (IN, OUT)
USB MEMORY port
USB COMPUTER port (USB MIDI)
DC IN jack
Speakers
2 x 10 cm
Rated Power Output
2 x 12 W
Power Supply
AC Adaptor
Current Draw
1,500 mA
Accessories
Owner's Manual
Music Rest
AC Adaptor
Power Cord (for AC Adaptor)
Options (sold separately)
Keyboard Stand (*1): KS-18Z
Pedal Switch: DP series, FS-5U
Expression Pedal: EV-5
USB Flash Memory (*2)

*1 When using the KS-18Z, ensure that the height of the unit is one meter or lower.
*2 Use USB Flash Memory (supports USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Flash Memory) sold by Roland. We cannot guarantee operation if other products are used.
Size and Weight
Width
1,045 mm
41-3/16 inches
Depth
318 mm
12-9/16 inches
Height
136 mm
5-3/8 inches
Weight (excluding AC adaptor and music rest)
7.9 kg
17 lbs. 7 oz.




BK9 features


Flagship 76-note instrument with top-level sounds, industry-leading auto-accompaniment features, and a lightweight, mobile design
Over 1,700 sounds and 70 drum kits, including 22 SuperNATURAL sounds and 500 all-new tones
Legendary Virtual Tone Wheel organs, with dedicated harmonic bars for authentic vintage organ performance
540 rhythms (including 25 new rhythms), remastered for exceptional audio quality; over 1000 Music Assistants onboard
Five independent multi-effects engines (MFX), plus dedicated mastering effects
All-new user interface with intuitive panel layout, powerful dual LCD system, and Mixer function
Professional 16-track sequencer and built-in Rhythm Composer; Chord Loop and Audio Key functions
Song playback/recording, unlimited Performance List storage, and more from convenient USB memory
XLR mic input with dedicated reverb effect; composite video output for displaying lyrics and photos
Compatible with Apple iOS devices via Roland Wireless Connect; supports USB connection to iPad with Apple’s iPad Camera Connection Kit
Free iOS apps include BK Partner, Lyrics Viewer, Air Recorder, and more











BK-9 Backing Keyboard


A World of Music at Your Command
The BK-9 Backing Keyboard is the new flagship instrument in the acclaimed BK series, bringing together sensational sounds, top-class rhythms, and an incredible selection of premium features. You have a world of music under fingertip control, with a massive sound selection—including Roland’s renowned SuperNATURAL sounds—and a huge range of completely remastered rhythm accompaniments in nearly every musical genre, from classic to modern. An innovative dual LCD system and intuitive panel layout make it easy to direct your virtual band, while powerful effects and assignable real-time controls let you select and shape sounds with ease. With numerous additional highlights such as USB song playback/recording, an onboard 16-track sequencer, Rhythm Composer, and much more, the BK-9 is a powerhouse music machine for professional performing, song composition, and casual enjoyment at home.
Home

BK-9
Features
Specs
Accessories
Downloads
Support
Tweet Facebook Google+
Display Type
Display
2 Displays 160 X 160 Pixels, Graphic LCD (Backlit)
Keyboard
Keyboard Type
76 Velocity Sensitive Keys Key Touch: High, Medium, Low, Fixed
Keyboard Modes
Organ, Piano
Sound Generator
Max. Polyphony
128 Voices (GM2/GS/XGlite Compatible)
Tones
1,718 (Included 22 SuperNATURAL) + User Tone.
Favorite Tone
Possibility to create four lists (UPPER1, UPPER2, LOWER, M. BASS) of 10 frequently used sounds and recall them instantly.
Drum Sets
77
Multitimbral parts
4 keyboard parts (UPPER1, UPPER2, LOWER, M. BASS) + MELODY INTELLIGENT + 16 song parts
Master Tuning
415.3 to 466.2 Hz
Key Control (Transpose)
–6 to +5 in semitones (for rhythm, SMF, mp3/WAVE)
Organ Section
Harmonic Bar
16’, 5-1/3’, 8’, 4’, 2-2/3’, 2’, 1-3/5’, 1-1/3’, 1’ + LEVEL
Vibrato/Chorus
V-1/V-2/V-3/C-1/C-2/C-3
Percussion
2nd/3rd, Soft, Slow
Rotary Sound
Slow/Fast, Brake, Level
Tone Wheel Type
50/60/70
Amplifier Type
TYPE 1/TYPE 2/TYPE 3/TYPE 4/ TYPE 5
Effects
Real Time Parts (UPPER1, UPPER2, LOWER, M. BASS)
Reverb and Chorus: selectable via Tone Part effects
2 Mfx (84 Mfx Editable Macro) (selectable via Tone Part effects)
Part EQ
Rhythms/SMF section
Reverb: 8 types (selectable via Makeup Tools)
Chorus: 8 types (selectable via Makeup Tools)
3 Mfx (84 Mfx Editable Macro) (selectable via Makeup Tools)
Part EQ
MIC
2-band EQ +gain for each band , Reverb
Backing Section
Rhythms
Over 500 in 10 “Rhythm” families
Real-time player
Rhythms (STL), SMF (Format 0/1), KAR, mp3, WAVE
Tempo Change
20 to 250 BPM for SMF and rhythms
Time Stretch
75 to 125% for mp3 and WAVE
One Touch memories
4 suitable tones for each rhythm (Programmable)
Track Mute
For Rhythms/SMF
Center Cancel
For mp3/WAVE
Rhythm Composer
Internal Rhythm Composer
Rhythm and SMF Makeup Tools
Instrument-oriented editing
Audio Recording
Media
USB Flash memory
Save format
Audio files (WAVE 44.1 kHz, 16-bit linear), MIDI files (SMF)
Sequencers
16 tracks sequencer
Internal 16 tracks MIDI sequencer with microscope and macro editing functions
Chord Loop
Loop/Sequencer Mode
Metronome
Time Signature
1 to 32/16, 1 to 32/8,, 1 to 32/4, 1 to 32/2
Mode
Always, Play, Rec
Count In
Off, 1 bar, 2 bars
Volume
Internal and external by METRONOME OUT jack
Performance Memories
Performance Lists
Unlimited number (storage on USB memory)
Over 1000 “Music Assistant” memories (internal memory)
5 “Factory Song” memories (internal memory)
Performance memories per List
Max. 999
Other
Search Function
Quick location of Rhythms, and Songs on the connected USB memory
Demo
Yes
Lyrics
SMF, mp3/WAVE, mp3+CDG (mp3+CDG on video output socket only)
Slide Shows
Picture folder linked to songs (recommended resolution: 512 x 384 or 1024 x 768 pixels)
Panel Controls
Rotary encoder: Data dial with push switching function
VOLUME: 1 Knob
AUDIO IN: 1 Knob
MIC VOLUME: 1 Knob
MIC REVERB: 1 Knob
BALANCE (Backing/Keyboard): 1 Knob
Pitch Bend/Modulation Lever: 1
Mixer/Harmonic bars section: 10 sliders
D-BEAM controller: 1
Assign Switches: 4
Connectors
Audio OUTPUT jacks: (R, L/Mono) 1/4” phone type
PHONES jack: Stereo 1/4” phone type
Audio INPUT jack (R, L/Mono): 1/4” phone type
MIC IN: 1/4” phone type/XLR type (Phantom power switch OFF/ON)
METRONOME OUT: 1/4” phone type
MIDI connectors: THRU, IN, OUT (Visual Control function)
USB ports: USB COMPUTER connector (Type B, reception and transmission of MIDI data), USB MEMORY (Type A, data storage devices)
Foot pedal jacks: HOLD, EXPRESSION , CONTROL (assignable)
FC-7 PEDAL: 1 socket (assignable)
VIDEO OUTPUT jack RCA-type (CVBS, PAL or NTSC – selectable)
Power supply
AC adaptor
Current Draw
1,100 mA
Auto Off function
Off, 10 min, 30 min, 240 min
Accessories
Owner’s Manual
AC adaptor
Power cord (for connecting the AC adaptor)
Music rest
Options (sold separately)
USB: USB flash memory (M-UF2G), Wireless USB Adaptor (WNA1100-RL)
Pedal Switch: DP-series
Footswitch: BOSS FS-5U
Expression Pedal: EV-5, EV-7
Footswitch: FC-7
Microphone: Roland DR Series
Headphone: Roland RH Series
Vocal Performer: VE-5, VE-20
Amplifier: CM-110, CM-220
Stand: KS-12
Size and Weight (Without Music Rest)
Width
1251 mm
49-5/16 inches
Depth
345 mm
13-10/16 inches
Height
123 mm
4-7/8 inches
Weight
9.4 kg
20 lbs. 12 oz.
Size and Weight (Including Music Rest)
Width
1251 mm
49-5/16 inches
Depth
445 mm
17-9/16 inches
Height
308 mm
12-3/16 inches
Excluding AC Adaptor and Music Rest

Great post!!......Fran all very valid points, but why doesn't the arranger KB community embrace Roland more is something that is astonishing?

Similar to Ketron, Roland has poor marketing these days.
Love the EA7. 30 pounds lighter than G70 and E80. And the key touch is more to my taste.
It fits me well at this point.
Thanks for posting the info.

Different strokes ... I would think as witnessed by the fact that you are looking to sell your Roland (and would consider a trade for a Yamaha) ... people buy different things and go in different directions for different reasons ... doesn't make any one KB BETTER than another, just DIFFERENT ... just sain' ...

Play what you love, Love what you play ...

Donny you had the EA7 and then theBK9. Just curious what was lacking that made you want to go back to a Yamaha.?

I'm happy with the BK9 and my only have a few minor complaints about it. I wish the screens had better contrast like the BK7M, Hard to read. Wish it had some more vocal effects and possibly two voices for the lower and three for the upper.
Just got a killer case for my BK9, Gator Go Pro slim 88. A bit expensive but really worth it.

Fran- you consider the ea7 above the bk9? Without fc7 jack, vh? Doesn't the ea7 have fewer SN sounds than bk9?

Sparky, The EA7 has no SN sounds... the BK9, only has 22 SN sounds..

The EA7 and the BK9 have no VH..

The EA7 has 7 assignable buttons, 6 pad buttons, easier OS.. and sampling that covers the bases..

Although the BK9 has audio keys, I found them useless, wanting to use them with rhythms...glitchy... In fact the EA7 pads worked better..

As for my preference with the G70... other than audio/media play, it has more useable features than any keyboard to date.. Not just Roland , but all competitors..

Do I miss the audio player lacking on the G70?... Not at all, I always have this backup... namely my cell phone..

EA7 has four intros, four endings, great layout. The BK9 still has the old two button routine to select and play an intro or ending.

My thinking only....Would Love to see example EA-76 for those who enjoy a 76 keybed such as Genos and Korg...Plus UPDATED with full SN Voices Etc...And maintain a upgraded 61 Key Model with Speakers...Roland Has All the Goodies Now to make this happen and sell it for a decent Price...Oh Yes Market it Properly...We really don't need another $5000 Map price Total Keyboard which may stretch the Average Persons BUDGET!(Myself Included)...Maybe $1900.00 map price...I think they would do well in Sales and Profit...Comments Welcome Thank You Harold

Thanks for posting, Fran:

Almost too much data for one to absorb. I never see Roland gear at the big box store I frequent (infrequently) in Ft. Worth because their staff knows diddly about arrangers. LOL!

I don't perform and have stuck with Yamaha's PSR line because it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks. I got started with Yamaha because my original song-writing partner used them... still does. Minimal learning curve when changing to a new model... and easy idea sharing when co-writing.

You performers have an entirely different set of needs and it's great to learn about those things that make your stage lives easier (or more difficult) and be grateful I don't have nearly as many problems. This is such a great place to learn and explore.

I appreciate you guys (and gals) allowing old "newbies" like me to tag along.