Allan - please see reply below your initial message ...
Originally Posted By tassiespirit
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 Which suprises me on how long the BK-7m has been around and to me not been replaced by Roland or anyone.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
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
I'm sure you're right, many sounds are clearly superior - which is no wonder if you consider the BK-7m was basically a slightly stripped-down module version of the E80 from 2008. That's quite some time ago...
I’m pretty sure 15 years after I got my first G70 I still haven’t forgotten about the price!
Roland moved distribution from the MI division (synths, workstations etc.) sold in regular well discounted music stores to the CK division, which was home digital pianos sold in Mom and Pop piano stores that didn’t traditionally discount very much at all.
I think my G70 cost me well over $1200 more than I paid for my G1000..!
Cost is ALWAYS a factor... particularly for something that is usually an addendum to a rig rather than a primary instrument. The BK7-m hit a rather sweet spot where you could consider it as a secondary arranger. Particularly as it was fairly well discounted during production. You got pretty much an E80 for little over a grand (street price on an E80 was above $3500!)... 💵💵💵💵
_________________________
An arranger is just a tool. What matters is what you build with it..!