Apparently the problem with the VA series..still exist...it was /is clearly misunderstood..and people never got around to using it to it's potential..

The first VA-7 I purchased ( when first released)..was ok ..I liked the piano and the variations [parameters}...The morphing of styles was/is the best to date...real-time morphing...And Yes Diki it still had a chord sequencer...

The design was considered easier to use...anyone that bought a G800/G1000 knows the learning curve with multi menu levels/pages...It was not a novice's keyboard...maybe that is why it was called a "pro" arranger..Ian....

There were some things on the VA-7..I didn't care for...other than the 61 keys..

The extra step in playing sequences..sorta like the competition...designed as a shortfall to the G1000..

And yes Diki the VA series indeed was still designed from Sound Canvas..In fact for sequence playback you could select the SC55 table..G800 banks..G1000 bank or the VA bank..As we could select the "old" tones or the "new" tones on the G1000...

I ended up selling my first VA-7...after all I was still using the G1000..

Roland than introduced version 2 for the VA-7....Personally I think version2 made the VA-7 as good as what the competition had...It introduced short cuts for getting to parts and many other improvements..It also included text read and the easiest lyric edits and entry to SMF's with in the keyboard...On parr with what the G70 does today..

The sound system..25 watts a side..came to live when used as a monitor (aux in)..in fact it was twice as loud as just using the speakers playing the VA-7..And they didn't break up..also had decent bass...

I also used a harmonizer into the input jack ..giving me the mic/effects/ harmony/ volume control...

As I said..the VA series in particular the VA-7 was never used to it's potential...

If someone has a clean version2 VA-7..email me..I might be interested in it..