I just called a major music shop in Taipei, Taiwan.

I inquired about the Roland G70 and was told that they're out of stock. They said that it might take a long time before they will even get one and even then they can't be certain as the G70 has been discontinued. Anyway, price was around US$2500. It may be a bit more than last time I asked but that's due to the exchange rate.

The salesperson told me that the Roland e80 sells for about US$3000. Around that figure, could be less but definitely not more. Good to know but only 61 keys. Darn!

Now came another surprise. They apparently do have the Tyros 2 in Taiwan now. Last year I was told that it wasn't marketed in Taiwan. Price: US$3000. Could be less but not more, so I was told. That would be including the stand but not speakers.

Well, I was hoping for the Roland G70. Those 76 keys sure make a big difference. Coming from an organ background that little yet major difference does seem enormous. There's just so much more you can do with 76 keys then with 61 keys, whether it's for playing piano or having that extra voice (key split). Perfect for question/answer with different voices.

Oh, another thing that came as a surprise to me: was told that Roland (Taiwan) doesn't import Roland instruments from Japan but from the US. Now that's weird since Japan only a short flight away. Learned something new today.

Before I forget, when inquiring about the next G-series model...not likely. So that may mean NO G80. From what the dealer told me, Roland is more prone to further develop the E-series. True or false, I don't know. Just being the messenger, that's all.

Last month I checked out Tom Lee, the largest music shop in Hong Kong. They don't carry the G70 either. Neither does Tom Lee (Canada). I might try Roland Singapore and Roland China ...will see. Did call Roland Thailand but they charge list price only and has to be ordered through them as no Thai stores carry it. Now why pay double if I can get it for half the price.

So now I'm feeling kinda stuck. I'm thinking of getting an arranger around January (2008) but now I have no idea what to get. Preferably with the next best thing to physical drawbars. I can dig sliders. I don't think I can handle digital drawbars when playing. It's just too different.

Oh, well...still have a couple of months left. Still...

Taike

[This message has been edited by Taike (edited 10-04-2007).]