both the bk3 and bk5 have standard midi connections that can be connected to a controller and be used as a sound module.

I‘ve read the sounds are not quite on the same level as BK-7m. Probably many are identical and some downgraded...

I know the BK3/5 both have midi, that's a given. Just wondering about functions and sounds. Would either be a suitable substitute for a BK7m since they are
hard to come by.

i think the only way to find out is order one try it for yourself and see if it works. you can always send it back . it will probably cost you return shipping to find out.

The 5 and the 3 don't have quite as many sounds and kits (you can still download their manuals if you want) but I think the primary advantage of the BK7-m if you are using it as a remote module is the far better MIDI implementation. None of the keyboards have the mode where you feed it one MIDI channel and it maps the Performance's splits and layers across that one channel.

This complicates your controller setup, forcing you to create the splits and layers on the controller for each Performance. If you want to avoid this hassle, or tend to use a couple of different controllers from time to time or want to future-proof yourself, the BK7-m's single channel remap system may be your best bet.

I've messed with a 3 and a 5, had them next to my BK7-m, and overall I felt that the sound seemed a bit thinner with the keyboard versions which is pretty much the trend, sample loops get a little shorter, D/A converters get a little cheaper in low end products.

Much harder to hear the difference, identical sound for identical sound between the BK7-m and the BK-9, though.

Thanks Diki thats what ai was hoping for, someone who has experience firsthand with these units. Maybe Roland will see the need and easy money and re-release the BK7m

Isn’t it always the way, people get interested in something the minute it’s not available!

I’m just curious why now, why not five years ago when they were in the stores?! Still does the same job 😂

It would cost a fortune to start back up production. For something that few wanted while in production. No company is going to take that gamble..! Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the building. I repeat, Roland, (oops, I meant Elvis!) has left the building..! You can hang by the stage door hoping for an autograph all night long, but the King has left the building... Go home, everybody! 😢🤩

Put it on your eBay wishlist, maybe a used one will pop up. That’s the only way anyone will ever get a Roland arranger module. Sorry... 😪

There are a few BK7m's available on Reverb.com

Not looking for me, I'm set, done, finished, and not moving to anything new. Sold my original BK7M and then a few years later was lucky enough to get another one in new condition for a great price. That and 2 BK9s should be it . ( Yea right, said that when I had 3 G1000's )
To reintroduce it I don't think would be that hard for such a big company. I always thought most of the investment was in R&D so if thats done just assemble the parts and go. With no completion except for the expensive Kentron I think it would have a chance to suceed.

Allan - please see reply below your initial message ...



A better alternative to consider than the high-end Audya 4, would be the KETRON SD40. We have many Roland customers who due to lack of a replacement for the BK-7m, have discovered and in some cases switched over to the KETRON SD40. Once you add the AJAMSONIC styles and sounds packages (which gives you a load of American and Latin based styles ... etc), you quickly realize how big of an upgrade this is. Yes, it is a more expensive option compared to the BK-7m, but long after you've 'forgotten' about the price, the quality and additional Live Sound options remain with you forever!

Thanks