The last update for this useful module ( I believe some are still using) is dated 2013! Which suprises me on how long the BK-7m has been around and to me not been replaced by Roland or anyone. The Ketron(AUDYA 4) being an extreemely high end module but the cost is the same as a Genos or other TOTL Arranger.

Does anyone know if Roland will be replacing the BK-7M in the future?


Allan

I think it’s a pretty safe bet to say the Roland have left the building...

You’ll still see consumer level keyboard arrangers, but the mid to high end has gone. It has been five YEARS since any midline or upwards gear was launched. So it is wildly optimistic to think that anything is coming our way, let alone a rather niche module version!

They slipped out the back, Jack. Made a new plan, Stan. No need to be coy, Roy, just listen to me!

Sayonara, Roland-san... 🎹😢⚰️⚱️

As Diki says Roland has left the building, however, have a look at the Ketron SD40 as while more expensive than the BK7m, it is nowhere near the price of the model you mention.

Bill

I might ask, what is it about the BK7-m that you need improving?

For its price point (well under a grand US used) it’s an extremely good unit. It’s also a killer drum machine if that’s all you need.

The FC-7 footswitch input makes it a breeze to use live kicking fills and variation changes... in fact, that’s one of the things that works against the Ketron, IMO. The whole idea of a module rather than a keyboard version is the admission that you are playing something else. It’s very hard to place a module somewhere that all the myriad functions you need to use live (fills, variation, breaks, ending buttons etc.) are as easy to get to when either playing another keyboard, or even a different instrument like a guitar or accordion, etc..

That’s why all the main arranger buttons are right by the keyboard on an arranger... you need to quickly trigger them and get back to playing as fast as possible. But with both hands playing a guitar, or accordion, or another keyboard, you can’t get them that close, hence the need for a multi-button footswitch. Now you can probably buy an expensive MIDI foot controller for the Ketron, but doing the job with a simple switch unit allows hooks into things on the OS that may not have MIDI codes to trigger.

Me, I’d give my hind teeth for a module version of the BK-9, but let’s be real... the keyboard version cost $2400 at launch, so a module would be unlikely to be much less! I love my BK7-m, I use it as a sound module for my keytar, and as an emergency backup to my main rig. Bang for the buck... amazing!

Diki, I know you are right!

I play the mandolin and banjo ( not bluegrass style) and it is great to have an arrangement to play against. ( Sorry Nigel, I don't play 6 string guitar - I forgot to learn lol). Although I do play other things like CD's and spoons lol.

What I am looking at is something to replace my laptop ( which is defunked now) and either get a module ( maybe s/hand) as a new BK-7M here in Oz is around $1700 if you can get one. Or get a touch screen tablet that will run varranger or OMB; or something like that. Varranger seems more usable with a touch screen than the older version of OMB that I have been using ( old manual one) whic I really need to update.

Plus that foot switch, Diki or similar to handle the changes, and looping too. Anyway, just trying to think out loud and ask you guys out there what you might use.

To be honest, I want to run this all on a portable setup with a sine wave inverter and 12 volt battery setup to keep the weight and sizes down. They don't let you plug in any where around where I live, so you have to make your music any way you can.

Just keep an eye open for a used one... there are always people obsessed with having the latest rather than the best, their loss may be your gain!

However, in your case, if you want to play banjo or mandolin over tracks (you don’t say whether audio or SMF’s) rather than drive the arranger section from some sort of MIDI input, I’d probably recommend another device for one primary reason...

The BK7-m does not do Markers for SMF’s, and the BK series in general could not place Markers in audio files. Why this? Because Markers allow you to restructure a backing track on the fly... Want an extra solo? Want to skip the 4th verse? Want to jump to the first verse if people are slow to get up and dance, or to the last verse if they don’t get up at all?!

Markers allow you to use an SMF or audio track and restructure it on the fly. Killer for live! It’s basically what you’d do with an arranger if you were playing it... play the song how YOU want, as you want.

So, in your case, I’d look to getting a tablet and running OnSong or some other app that allows Markers in audio and MIDI... you can still use a Bluetooth footpedal to move between sections hands free so you can keep playing. You could still pick up a BK7-m as the MIDI module if you really wanted, but if you use what you already have and simply record to audio each song, you could perform with no other gear than the tablet and the footswitch...

I like easy setups! 🎹😎

That brings up an interesting point for an easy, light setup. Besides normal style playing and vocal, I sing and play over midi and audio. For some small gigs, there is not much room for all my gear. I have been working up programs using my Ketron SD40 module, DM48 harmonica wind controller, and a small speaker. I use Composer 3 notation program to edit the midi any I want. CDG files are a different story, as I can change the key and tempo, but that's it.

I never thought of recording some of my keyboard songs, to further add variety to my playlists without having to bring my keyboards.

I, like many, has to adapt to the present situation, and this is one way.

Bernie

You never know when gear is going to go sideways on you..! If your show relies on an arranger for any significant part, you can insure yourself from losing those tunes by recording a backing only version, dropping in Markers for oft used restructures, and doing the same on all your SMF’s.

Just about anything from a smartphone to a tablet to a laptop to an old iPod will happily play back audio tracks. You can now do your entire show with whatever keyboard you can lay your hands on if your main axe goes down. Heck, you can get by in a pinch with just a mic and your tracks, push comes to shove! 🎹😷😎

Thanks Diki for your pointers, I knew someone would know what out there, I looked up Onsong and they are bring out a new version early next year ( even a free version to download), not that the pay version is much.

I play keyboard and elctric bass as well, but this last year has taken it's toll with Prostrate cancer and and another 2 stents ( 6 total) plus other things. All this I am trying to play "smarter and not harder", so the heavy stuff has to stay put at home and the lighter things become the norm; like bringing out the old harmonica to mix things up lol. To be honest I was looking at a midi controller ( still love to play keyboard of some sort) and use a DAW to mess with........... but, better to ask and see what others can help with.

Also, I have BIAB ( very old version) and it is great for making backing tracks, but not so good for live on the fly music, which I love. So, looking for a better way to do things, perfect timing to do it now.

The good thing about this group is that there are a variety of setups for each of us and sometimes it is good to "borrow an idea" from others who have used some instrument or software or even a setup; to help each other. So thanks guys I appreciate it.


Allan

Is anyone familiar with the BK3 or 5 ? Are they the same as a BK7m ? Could they be midied to your guitar, accordion, whatever and used as a module. ? Just a workaround idea to replace the BK7m.