As most of you know, I've been semi-advertising my G-70. I've decided to go a different route, so I've been looking at BK7m and somewhat BK5 to maybe add to my Hammond XK-1. Anyway, the other day I came across a BK5 at a very good price, so I bought it.

Now for sure I have to sell the G70, but I've been lazy and haven't even taken good pictures of it yet. But as luck would have it, a fellow SZer emailed me today and showed interest. In a matter of a few emails we made the deal. How coincidental or fortunate or ESPish for me. Ain't Synth Zone grand!

I have even bought from a Synth Zone member myself. I just feel more comfortable with someone I know from our community here than an anonymous seller on eBay.

Yes, Nigel ... me also ...

I have bought and sold keyboards to SZ members, and I must say it feels good to be able to be trusted and to trust the other party. I have always been able to send the item out without making him pay up first.

Remember the old days when your word was your bond? I still operate that way, but I only trust certain people to do the same.

I've done quite a number of deals here, including DNJ, Gary, Russ, Uncle Dave, Frank (before and after he was a dealer), Hammer, Fran, of course SemiLive, Tom C., Diki, Scott Yee, Zuki, George, AJ, Rikki, surely a Tony or two, and several others that I can't think of right this second.
One of them ripped me off, but I'm not saying which one.
(That was a joke!!)

DonM

I have bought and sold so many things on the SZ with out ever having a problem thru the years......congrats Cass enjoy your new toy..

Cass... Shame you couldn't wait on those lower end BK's and took a good listen to the BK-9. The Hammond in it compares VERY well to a lot of clonewheels, and you might have found one of those could replace the need for two keyboards.

BK-5 arrived today. G-70 leaves Monday. Yeah!

Diki, I considered waiting for a BK-9, but the 5 deal was too good to pass up. Who knows what might happen in the next six months. I don't know if I'm going to use the XK1 with the BK5; why carry two keyboards for a one hour gig. As much as I've told myself the XK1 is here to stay, it's not being used and there are other things I could use instead, if needed...

It (the XK-1) has probably held its value fairly well... the kids are bigtime into the Nords and other clonewheels.

Maybe if you get a chance to audition the BK-9, sell the BK-5 AND the XK-1 and that should put you into a BK-9 fairly easily...

And don't forget, I'm still toting the s910 around right now, and that still fetches a good penny. As I get to spend more time with the BK-5, I'm hoping to make it my NH board. It's even lighter than I expected and the sounds are great. Not too pleased with having to use the dial and an enter button, but I hope to get past that nuisance.

Yeah. Navigation is definitely a pain. It's one of those things that setting up Performances really pays off.

SO far I'm not impressed with the BK5. It kinda reminds me of the E-09 and I didn't keep that long at all. $800 and it's yours...

Cass that was so fast why didnt you like it?.....

I've had my fair share of Roland arrangers and SO FAR this one is pretty far down the list. I don't like the navigation system - it's painful to have to use that entry dial for most everything. Sounds are OK, but I'll definitely have to set up performances if I decide to keep this thing. The BK9 better be leaps and bounds better than this to get my money. I miss my G70 and it hasn't even left the station yet.

I'll keep this for a while yet, but I may be buying myself a new Christmas present if things don;t improve.

I guess what it boils down to is trying to compare a Cadillac Escalade to a Chevy Cruze. Thank goodness I still have my s910, er Buick Regal.

Cass, I think you'll have to go for a Korg Pa900 like I'm going to try! It looks great.

Thanx Cass..... I think it's time for a nice AUDYA .....
your needs will all be filled in one unit!

I'm guessing you will be trying for another successful SZ transaction very soon.

The BK's are definitely a 'set it up in advance' kind of arranger. It's fairly easy with the Favorites and Numerics to call up sounds and styles, but anything deeper than that, you'll want to set up a few Performances with the stuff you want where you want it.

If you liked the G70's touch screen OS, you are out of luck. Another GREAT Roland feature down the drain!

But you still can't beat the BK's for basic rhythm section quality. The drums are the closest to audio drums you are going to find, and the BK-9 ups that department radically. Tons of new kits, amazing percussion kits, just about everything you could ever want, and now for the first time... Ta-da! Fully programmable (and saveable) User Drumkits. Combine any sounds you want into a custom drumkit...

I'll still give a slight edge to the Yamaha's for the Mega guitars, but Roland are inching closer. But bass and drums... IMO, nothing better, right now.

the S9650 is a killer arranger which I really enjoy playing, great sound......but the "audio drum styles" on my S950 are non usable for my needs,......
they really need improvement in so many ways sonically . Wouldn't be surprised if they drop them totally in future models unless they are vastly improved in sound & ability to edit in some way... My BK although sounded terrific need extensive setting up in advance if your going to use it on stage with styles, etc, their strength is not navigation especially without a touch screen just too many moves to do anything IMO....

Cass I think Graham is on the right track

STEVE-O ... how you doin', man?!? ...

Tony how are ya paesan? Going pretty well here.
My day non-music day gig has been busier than ever, this job used to be like a firemen's some small fire's here and there. I could cruise the rest of time visit SZ quite a bit, not this year. I'm down to my last 6 months full time here and I've got 2 major projects that need completing before December 31st, wasn't expecting that. No fun I can't get into much trouble Got a long commute home this afternoon, if you're not out golfing or playing a gig I'll give you a call.

Donny... played an S950 recently. Couldn't agree more about the audio drum styles. If only Yamaha put as much time into new KITS as they wasted on this marginally useful feature, they'd have a serious piece of kit.

Exactly Diki.....Yamaha Audio Drums a big thumbs down for now from me...sorry.