The Roland U.S. website has an interesting tidbit telling of an "amazing new instrument" that will be showcased at Musikmesse on 4.6.2011 according to the marquee. What is it?? Several people have speculated it will be a new keyboard or synth. Some think it could be a reformulated Jupiter 8 synth. The reason they say that is before this latest image on the Roland U.S. website there was a previous image depicting a keyboard with a guy carrying it under one arm and with words to the effect of "a Legend re-emerges". One of Roland's "legend" products was the highly acclaimed Jupiter 8 analog synth released back in the 80's. But could it perhaps be a new Roland totl arranger?? Roland's "legend" arranger was probably considered the G1000 and/or possibly the G70. It is anyone's guess but I personally kinda doubt it will be an arranger. Since Musikmesse is fast approaching it won't be long before we'll all know what this mystery product is. Whatever it is, hopefully the hype i.e. of "a Legend re-emerges" will stand up to scrutiny upon release. Roland is kind of noted for causing a big stir over relatively "meh" products e.g. remember the little 'Mini Red Amp' debacle? Roland put up this countdown marquee a few years ago touting a dubiously dinky little red guitar amp that looked like it was only 6" high with a maximum output of around 15 watts or some other ridiculously low figure. Hopefully this new "amazing instrument" that Roland is touting won't be something similar and thus a cause for ridicule. Time will tell. I'll try to stay positive in the meantime.

All the best,
Mike