I spoke to RoandUS. I asked them again about setting up "patches" for live playing on the GW8. They explained that THEY are not even sure about it because....it's a prototype! Anything could change when a "prototype" is introduced. It could even NOT go into production if the "supreme Allied commanders" at Roland decide that.

Also, it's an "entry level" keyboard and, even though it was introduced at NAMM, it still has not arrived at Roland in California for examination. They said with a bit of luck, if it does go into production it will probably not be in the stores until around Xmas.

With this in mind, I'm thinking about the Audya. Roland explained to me that with a "prototype," the manufacturer slaps together a new board from what they have "laying around" (even Roland does this). If buyers show interest at NAMM, then they go ahead with full production.

I don't think I'm going to wait for the Audya. Not only does it have to hit the market yet, but it's got to be around long enough to have a "track record." That will be another year or two and by then the exchange rate will be so bad it would probably be cheaper to buy Italy!

This being a "groupie" for new equipment is wearing me out. Better to be a 1st class musician with a 2nd class keyboard than the other way around.

P.S. Roland said the G-70 is STILL in production...or read that as: they are still on the shelves at RolandUS. I'm not sure that translates to "they are still in production!"

The bright spot in all this is with one phone call and not more than 3 minutes wait time, I'm speaking immediately to a Roland "product specialist." Great customer support (especially when you line them up alongside Ketron). So one must decide...do you want solid customer servicing (Roland) or do you want probably the greatest arranger keyboard on the planet (Ketron)?

Lucky

The GW-8 is definitely NOT a prototype, no matter what the "guys" at Roland said! It is a keyboard developed and manufactured by Roland in China and will be sold throughout the world, in 3 different versions (Latin, Eastern Europe & Asian). To be honest, I wouldn't put much stock in what Roland US says about their own company's arranger keyboards because they are just not that knowledgeable or even that interested (the European market is a whole different story). For an entry level keyboard, the GW-8 is one hell of a deal and I'm really looking forward to playing it!

Michael

I know the GW-8 is in stock at stores here in the Netherlands. So the prototype-story is bull.

------------------
- THE DUTCH KEYBOARD FORUM
http://www.keyboardforum.nl

In Germany we've already git the Price in Euro - it's 699 and will be expected and delivered next week.
http://www.musik-produktiv.de/roland-gw-8.aspx



[This message has been edited by grenzhm (edited 08-26-2008).]

Typical American response (from RolandUS, that is). I'm sorry, guys, I really am, but sometimes it's so obvious that over here has absolutely no idea of what's going on 'over there'...

It's all about US, isn't it?!

I just find it pathetic that an international corporation like Roland would allow this blinkered mindset from a daughter company. Wake them up, Japan! All they are doing is f*cking up YOUR business...

Welcome to the United States of Amnesia. Forget the rest of the world. After all, we don't even LIVE on this planet, do we?

I agree with Diki..., sometimes RolandUS really leaves you scratching your head wondering what the hell were they thinking. I will say that in the customer service department and getting reliable info..., RolandUS could use a little help there.

[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 08-26-2008).]

Just to mention in latin america the GW-8 has become a great success, it's actually consider the holy grail for arrangers over there, mainly because includes the best latin voices/styles ever release on a keyboard since GEM released their WK6 latino edition. Piano patches comes from fantom G series, and you have to listen that to be amazed, it comes short in some areas, but for the price who cares, there is no style editor built in, we use sonar for it, we use Style Factory Roland from SMC musicsoftware (99 euros AUCH) to convert all mayor styles easily to GW-8. that's a perfect complement for my PSR-S900 when I go live.

Good points! Thing is I've noticed that many seem to forget one important letter in the GW-8 title..., and that's the L that comes after the number 8. The GW-8L IS a huge hit for the latin community. Roland was smart in creating multiple versions of this one arranger to cater to a wider range of musicians. Very smart business decision there. Especially considering the economic times.

I was up in Erie not too long ago at a local store playing some of their keyboards. The hour I was there I witnessed several people of hispanic decent ask the sales reps about the Roland GW-8L. It's a big hit for sure.., and has gotten a lot of attention for it's Latin styles.



[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 02-26-2009).]

Lucky,
I would call that Roland US number again...ask for a manager and tell him/her what you have learmned/heard here.

Yep, you got right through to a Idiot!

At Sweetwater Sound Right Now.. GW8 is in stock $895
E-80, E-60, G70 Out of stock and a longer than normal lead time! If Roland had G70's Sweetwater would not say long lead time.

Lee

After reading through all of these posts, only makes my decision easier never to buy a roland again. I found out first hand Roland USA was one of the worst companies to deal with. Now that they don't really give two Sh@ts about their own arrangers, why would I want to invest any money in their products, if you can ever find one. I will look elsewhere, like Ketron and/or Yamaha.

[This message has been edited by mc (edited 02-26-2009).]