I think this topic was bound to come up, and is very interesting, but I'm wondering why the OP (Bachus), who considers the BK-9 such a good buy, chose to pass on it?

Personally, I was quite surprised the BK-9 didn't do better sales wise, at least here on SZ, and I'm sure I wasn't the only one who felt that way.

It does appear to have a lot going for it, especially considering the relatively modest price, it's great feature content, and the fact that it's sporting 76 keys.

According to a poll we took here on SZ, approximately 50% (or more) thought that their next (or the next) arranger should have 76 keys, and of course, be lightweight, have all the important features, and be reasonably priced as well.

There were also a few that suggested that Yamaha should make a 76 note PSR (based on the S9** series) or Roland should come out with a more lightweight version of their venerable G-70.

Instead Yamaha decides to give us a 76 note top of the line arranger (and no 76 PSR), but when Roland, more accurately following the poll's wish-list here on SZ, finally comes out with a "little gem" as Diki calls it, the interest level was considerably lower than expected (at least by me).

It even has the much vaunted and wanted "chord sequencer", that was also on the wish-list of several in the poll.

So far, a few here bought or tried a BK-9, yet returned it or sold it (or tried to sell it)...a few have kept it, but are looking to replace it with a Tyros4-76 or a Korg PA3xPro, and, of course, there are those who have decided it is exactly what they need for their arranger duties.

As far as I could tell, most of those not keeping the instrument (or considering replacing it) were either pros and/or advanced players.

One or two that passed on it were (and still are) strong Roland supporters.

Of course, this is just among active SZ members, and may not reflect what's happening elsewhere.

It would also be interesting to see that poll again (I can't seem to find it...maybe someone can?) and get an idea of what the wants were then, versus, the wants we have now.

In my case, a 76 note arranger didn't interest me in the slightest, and still doesn't, but I do consider Roland's effort to give arranger players what they were asking for (especially in the SZ poll) more than just a slight success...I think think they hit the target dead on.

Or, maybe the target changed (or was made smaller) in the ensuing time since the poll was done?

Ian