Don now that you have had the BK-9 a day or so how about a
Full review?..... I know you will make that KB sound fantastic! I for one wait anxiously.

I'd be interested also:

1. Does it contain enough versatile styles to do all kinds of music (I know I can delete, etc, but that doesn't work if the style is lame to being with!)

2. What advantage (besides 76) considering it has NO vocal harm, NO pads, etc?

3. Seems to me that Roland sounds are "thin", especially acoustic guitars.

All said - I would really like this to work - kinda tired of the same board.

Thanks.

as for styles I would assume you can always draw all the great G70 styles from the Roland library into the BK9 also and make it your own..but we'll see what Don thinks about the KB soon enough and hopefully a few demos videos too.

So far I haven't done much besides play it for a number of hours, getting familiar with the controls and navigation.
I hooked up my FC7 pedal and assigned functions to it, including a really neat feature that instantly changes voices from Upper one to Upper two and back. I forgot about this being on the other Rolands. You can also assign Volume pedal to fade Upper one and Upper two voices, with one assigned to positive value and the other negative. It's a long-time Roland feature.
I assigned one switch to break/mute, and have the others to call up style variations. I'm using an assignable pedal for the Style Part/midi file Mute function.
I plugged in a mic, e.q.d it just a little and adjusted the reverb. Very simple controls and functions, but it sounds really good. No Vh of course. I do have a Harmony M if needed though.
I plugged in the USB drive from my BK7m and it read all the Performances just fine, except a few where it couldn't find some styles. No problem there either, simple to fix. However I want to be certain I'm taking advantage of the newer sounds from the BK9, so I'm changing most of them, editing OTS settings and such.
Every on board style has its own individual number, so I went through every style, writing down the number and some notes if I thought it would be good for a certain song or genre.
Any style can be instantly called up using numeric entry method.
After that I went through most of the Factory Performance List, trying their setups on songs I recognized. Didn't do them all, because there are so many it would take all night.
During this time I also set up the Global settings to my liking, including such things as Split Point, Fingering Mode, Touch Settings, OTS behavior (holds), Performance Holds, etc.
I also fooled around with the E.Q. and Compression settings. Haven't made any drastic changes because I've only played through several different sets of headphones and the Logitech Z2200 in my office. Today I will set up the Nano system and try that.
Next, I will set up a couple banks of my Favorite sounds, which can be instantly called up via buttons.
I downloaded the Ipad apps but have not yet connected it to the keyboard. Looks interesting and will make setup pretty easy, but I wanted to learn stuff the hard way first.
As to the Styles, I believe everything can be found. If not, there are tons of them floating around. I have a full library somewhere on my computer. However, again, I want to take advantage of the new ones whenever possible.
Two of my favorites from older Rolands were not there, but I loaded them and they play great.
Zuki, the Supernatural sounds are really great, certainly no thin. It is so easy to edit sounds that any of them can be easily adjusted to your liking. I don't find them thin.
I think one of the strengths is the variety of styles, a lot of which I'll ever use, but your needs may differ. I think you'll find most anything you need.
Other advantages include the best organ sims I've heard on a keyboard, or perhaps from anywhere! I've always liked how you can hit the joystick and the leslie winds up or down-very realistic.
I have not yet experimented with the Audio Loop thing, but it will be more capable than multipads for sure. Possibilities are almost limited with that.
I really like the key touch, very responsive, yet with enough feeling for expression.
The chord sequencer is seamless. Far easier to start and stop than the Korg, and the Chord loops can be saved for later use!
I like the style part Mute feature, allowing you to mute selected style parts with one button push.
Yamaha sustain pedal works fine.
As for drawbacks, of course they are there too. The Break/fill is still merely a Break (no fill). As mentioned, no vocal harmony. I miss the touch strip from the Korg. Have to work with D Beam I guess. I miss some of the styles I was using. That can be remedied.
Although you still must often press two buttons to get the ending or intro you want, at least the endings are well done. MANY of the Korg endings, particularly the short ones, cut off too quickly, like someone just pulling the plug. Had to work around those.
I have to use a different keyboard stand because of the length. I have several though. Same with bag.
If I could find a way to have text files pop up automatically with Performances I would really like that. The BK9 does not store text files, only lyrics from midi files.
I will not have a problem performing with this keyboard (or with any of the current ones for that matter). Is it better than the PA3X. Certainly not, but it's different. I had a chance to sell the Korg for a good price. If the BK9 doesn't work out as expected, there are other options (PA4X?? next year maybe.)
Meantime, I'm moving in and out so much now, the light weight will be much appreciated.
I will update when I know more. So far, so good.
If there are specific questions, shoot away and I'll try to find the answer.

Thanks Don,

Sounds like a terrific board. I'd still miss the VH (but was using less). Lyrics...oh well

question:

1. Can you make your own music while on one of the end/fill buttons?
2. Is it as easy to go from song to song (medleys I could do lightening fast on the 800)?
3. Is the keybed similar to the VA76/G70? Yummy!


If the sounds and styles are there, I'm going to jump on this next. I think the audio input is spectacular (harmonies, arps, friends stuff (send me some guitar licks please and 76 keys? wow

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. It's been a long time since I played G70. This one may be a little lighter touch, not sure. Suits me very well though.

Don sounds like your having fun with the BK9 for sure.......
As soon as the "HOMEWORK" is all done I Know you will be kicking A$$ on stage with this KB. Keep us posted on your progress and tips & tricks setting it up. Glad you dumped the Pa3x also ....now there's no crutch to fall back on and can really concentrate on making the BK9 work for your needs

Well, it hasn't actually left the premises yet. I hate to see it go. . .

Either that or back to the AUDYA...

Don

+1 on all you said. I'm working hard on Editing all the Styles I use and am very happy with the Editing choices they give you. Being able to choose a new Drum set and then go in and edit the individual instruments in that set is really cool. Yesterday I spent an hour on one Style, changing instruments, volumes, EQ, etc. and about 15 minutes getting the snare drum just right. I like a strong backbeat and bass so for me it was time well spent.
I can't wait till Dony and Fran get theirs and can read about all the amazing things they're doing with it .
BK9 is a great design for the working pro.

Glad you like so much about this arranger so far...
Seems like it offers a lot for the money..

Did you try setting it up as a master keyboard?
Does it support midi over USB so i can plug it into my PC and controll some VST´s
Can i assign different midi channels to the splits on the BK9?
Can i split the keyboard up in 3 or even more parts?

Micro editing a DRUM KIT is one of ROLANDS strengths I used that all the time with my G70 & something I miss using a Yamaha arranger as some of my styles could really use that kind of editing snares, etc,....hey lets face it ALL Arrangers have their + & - workarounds is the name of the game depending on your needs...I would also suggest that you do this intense editing with your PA set up in the house and playing at
FULL PERFORMANCE VOLUME otherwise you could be in for a big surprise in a bad way on stage and will have to make many changes afterwards. Good luck everyone & lets hear some demos when your done also....as for myself I am just too busy to take on and setup a new KB at this time but down the road who knows?...I am approaching the 1 YEAR mark with my S-950 and honestly I'm comfortable where I am with it on stage.....will Yamaha release a new S series unit soon who knows? But I would certainly be ready to check it out if it has better features for my needs. have fun Boyz!

Good advice Donny
Yes, I've had some surprizes with my edits when playing a real gig. And I hate trying to make changes in a live situation.
My main PA is 2 carvin 12" speakers and a yamaha Mixer. In my small studio I have 2 10" Carvins and their amazing small XP800 mixer. Pretty close but I just can't go gig loud in my small space. Thats why I got away from editing with headphones, too many surprizes later.

Just a "note". There are a few styles that were on the BK7m that are not on the BK9, including a couple of my favorites, such as Euro Ballad. I was able to find them and many more on www.createstyles.com
There is a one-time fee to join, but well worth it for anyone looking for styles for any arranger! I've been a member since it started.

Don ... that link is not working ...

link dont work????

if you have to rent a studio space for the day and play at your FULL performance volume ...I have done that many times .....believe me it will save you so much aggravation and redoing songs again & again down the road..
BTW NO HEADPHONES WHILE EDITING ARRANGER KBS!!

Yes, please find that link. I'm bought a BK9 today. Will be in next week. Wish me luck - uncharted territory. Hope I don't compare too much vs the 3X.

I guess if you wait by the river long enough.... LOL

I have a G70 and a BK-9 sitting next to each other right now. I'm afraid the keybed is NOT like the yummy G70 one. That one (they've been using it all the way back to the G800 and the A70 controller days) is by far the best plastic keyboard on the planet..! But it IS heavy (I've removed a few of them in my time), and would add considerably to the BK-9's light weight (you need a heavier case to support a heavier keybed). So I guess it's time to move on...

But it IS as good feeling as a PA3X or Tyros, albeit with no aftertouch. Dynamics are easily controlled, firm playing doesn't push it too hard, and organ smears and palm slides are comfortable, I don't get hung up on the corners too much (one of the strengths of the rounded off G70 keys). They are a hair shorter than G70 keys (which are almost full piano length), pretty much standard length for most synths.

I thought they would bother me, but I'm pleasantly surprised. This ain't no PSR!

One of the BEST things that the Makeup Tools do is allow you to quickly and easily offset the velocities of style and SMF Parts, and also offset the velocity of each individual drum sound. Combined with independent volume for them all, too. I can't tell you how GOOD this is, when it comes to editing styles from other arrangers. No two arrangers have their velocity splits for their sounds and drum kit sounds in the same place, and being able to quickly dial down a part with it's velocities too high, or bring up something too low allows you to use the full tonal range of today's modern velocity split sounds and drum kits.

If the two button ending or intro system is a pain, Don, you can always get a cheap MIDI fader/button bank, and each of the style Divisions is addressable with one MIDI command.

I don't know why the forum is all of a sudden agog with BK-9 demos and buzz, but all I can say is, it's about TIME..!

Well its pretty much the newest kid on the block so by being publicly exposed like an inquisition in every which way now makes it easier to cast it aside when the next and greatest comes along soon maybe at Musicmesse..or what the BK9 can or cant do keeps the interested and pushes away the curious purchaser to look elsewhere....

Tyros5 came out well after the BK-9. But got the buzz sooner. Oh well! Better late than never.

After all, it has taken the G70 almost 8 years to become some people's new favorite arranger..!

My bad, it's www.createsongstyles.com

Donny are getting a Bk 9. Lot of activity from you on that Keyboard ???

Thanks, Don ... they have KORG styles also?

Ron has a terrific site. I'm very glad to be on there.

Oodles of goodies for everyone!

Ian

Ron not at this time.......I AM MUCH TOO BUSY GIGGING NOW TO ATTEMPT TO SETUP A NEW kb & that goes for anything out new there .....All I was doing by posting ROLAND info was hoping to help bk9 newbies so that maybe they could get started quicker.....as I know what a pain in the a$$ it is to do your "homework"...next week is my S950 Anniversary and I'm really proud of myself .....it's like the old days years ago when I kept gear for years.. even though I don't have a BK9 I'm also learning the OS operations too watching besides I'm familiar owning a BK5 for a short while too. At this time the S950 is holing it's own. ...if it didn't I'd be meeting Uncle Dave, Fran, or Prince AJ in some dark parking lot somewhere late at night making a swap which we've done many times before ...
good luck everyone with the BK9 ......
make it work!!!

I haven't been able to try a BK-9, but is there any other keyboard made by Roland that would be the same?

I'm thinking the new Jupiter-50 could have the same action, as it also does not have aftertouch (the Jupiter-80 does).

I'm more likely to run across one of those than a BK-9.

Ian

Yes they do. All brands.

The styles forum has 1 one reply on BK styles. I'm thinking it might not be for me yet, unless the G70 converted will work.


not many keyboard players have purchased BK-9 because of its "medieval" displays so there are few free styles available. There are however some in the Roland section in this forum. If you happen to be interested in some Western Balkan styles, try these: [Only Lifetime Members can see links]

try this as well:
[Only Lifetime Members can see links]

I downloaded all the styles that were on bk7 but not on bk9, and also a folder of styles converted from Ketron SD 5, then about a dozen song styles.
Most were very good. There were a LOT more.

Ian, I haven't played any other Roland with the same action yet. Admittedly, I haven't seen a Jupiter yet, but I've played some of the Juno's...not even close!

I wasn't all that impressed with the BK3 and BK-5 actions. Admittedly, they still felt better than a PSR, but nothing like the BK-9. That is crisp, precise, and quite a pleasure to play.

I really like the action. It's light enough for my old arthritic fingers yet has solid response. The keys do have sharp edges on the underneath. It will make you be sure and hold your fingers up a little, as you should anyway.

And Donny... DON'T DO IT!

You will gush about it for a couple of months, then gradually the realization that it isn't a Yamaha PSR will dawn on you, and then you will start putting it down and go back to your S950...

Honestly, I can't think of an arranger that is more the polar opposite of the S950 than the BK-9! Sound, OS, styles, feel, lack of VH, screens, it's everything the PSR isn't. And the PSR is everything the BK-9 isn't!

Play Fran's (when he gets one!), enjoy what it does, but go back to your one true love!

I was even more interested in trying it for myself when my friend who bought the Tyros5-76 said he tried a BK-9 at a music store out West and he was a bit concerned that it wouldn't stand up to his playing over the long haul, plus, he said it was actually too light (go figure that one) and it wasn't easy to secure on the stand it was on(the kind with 4-legs...a K&M).

He also mentioned the data wheel as feeling a tad fragile.

Otherwise, he said it sounded great, and he thought the acoustic pianos were very well done, and the Rhodes sims were especially nice and expressive.

In any case, Johnny grew up on acoustic pianos, and plays pretty hard, and most synth type keyboards don't usually last long under his big fingers...his 9000 Pro has only had to have the strips replaced twice over the many years he's owned it, and hopefully the Tyros5-76 will stand up even better. He really likes the action so far.

PSR instruments were never a consideration, as you will understand.

His concerns were what piqued my interest even more in trying the BK-9. I'm sure I'll like it, as I'm not that heavy a player, having spent so much time on Hammond AND weighted actioned pianos, so I'm able to adjust to something lighter...e.g...I have no problem on PSR's.

I also want to be able to personally recommend the BK-9 to those wanting a 76'er that is much less expensive and more portable than a Tyros5-76, which is a bit on the large side, although, I must say, it does look very impressive, especially on the L7S stand, which was made for it.

It is a big chunk of change nevertheless.

I've checked with Roland Canada regarding similar keybeds to see if they can tell me what other 'boards use the same keybed...I was thinking it was the Jupiter-50, but I want to be sure. No word yet.

Maybe I can talk them into sending a BK-9 in locally...worth a try.

DonM seems very pleased with his, and I trust his judgement as I do yours and Fran's (I'm looking forward to Mr. Carango's impressions).

Ian

Don one more day with the BK9?.....one more review?.
Setting up styles, sounds, levels, iPad integration, OS navigation while playing live, fills, breaks, intro/endings,
vocal efx, dual; display look & functions, hooked up to the nano yet?....???? first gig with it coming soon?

curious minds want to know...

I'm taking my time. Yesterday was mostly spent auditioning styles, finding some I was missing, saving Favorite Sounds, and updating some of my old Performances.
The dual display isn't that bad. Editing and saving things is pretty easy, even directly on the keyboard. I don't much like all the distorted Rock guitar sounds on the Rock Styles, so I'm changing some of those sounds, or just taking them out. Easy enough. Just adjust and save to Performance.
Haven't hooked up the Ipad yet because I need the cable.
Regarding the vocal processing. It has high and low e.q. and a preset reverb that is only adjustable in level. Sounds pretty good. Nothing fancy, but fine for an hour nursing home job. I will use Harmony M with it most of the time.
The sound is good out of the box. I played with the overall compression and e.q. a little, but didn't change much.
I have played it through the Nano. My friend DickieT came over yesterday to see the keyboard and he was totally impressed . . . with the Nano. Oh, and he liked the BK9 too, but it would be way too big a change for him after years and years of Yammies.
He wanted to trade his Tyros 4 for my Korg though. Out of the question of course!
As to operating live, that's about all I've done. The FC7 pedal board is great and there are lots of functions that can be assigned to it, depending on your preferences. Also my Yamaha sustain, footswitch and volume pedals all work fine if needed.
The Chord Sequencer is seamless and easy to use!
I have three more weeks to decide if I will keep the BK9, but I think I will at this point. At any rate, the Korg goes to Houston tomorrow, on its way to Hidalgo, Mexico to mi amigo there.
I have about decided to drive it to Houston and visit Don Patterson on the way in Lufkin. Houston is about 3 1/2 hours so I can drive for about the same price as shipping it. Mini-vacation.
Overall, I can work easily with the BK9. Do I expect to keep it ten years. That would be highly unlikely, but I'm sure it would last through the end of my career if needed. Just another toy/ I mean TOOL.
Best points as of now: Sounds, especially drums, pianos, acoustic guitars, ORGANS and bass. Chord sequencer. Footswitch to toggle between Upper One and Upper Two sounds. Favorite Banks (wish they would store custom effects though). Ease of operation, especially in auditioning new styles. (With Korg, everything must be loaded into User area of the keyboard, no auditioning straight from USB.)
So far so good!

Don thanx for the update on setting up your BK9.........
cant wait to hear more about your experiences after you have 5-10 gigs under you belt with the BK9 as that will be the deciding factor as you well know..............

just in case you decide to not keep it and your Pa3x is now gone wheat do you have your sites on next ....I Know deep inside you miss the Audya, ...and for me you never sounded better with it on stage.

No Audya for me! Too heavy.

[quote=DonM]No Audya for me! Too heavy. [/quot



Don, the best song on your website to me (keyboard wise) is Thats alright now mama..

Guitars, drums , bass... and it sounds live...What board was that?

... real rock-a-billy ... Elvis would have loved it ...

get the ketron module audya 4 with a controller?

Still heavy...

I suspect you know Fran. That's Roland all the way.

we will know for sure once Don starts to gig with the BK9 a few times..

Don, try taking the SN Jazz Guitar, then feed it into a few of the amp sims. Keep the input level low-ish (that's how you don't overload the amp sim, and you get a more expressive gradual break-up as you play harder). EQ out some bottom, maybe boost some upper mids, it's total blues guitar heaven!

Add some delay by re-tasking the main chorus send, but send to it from the MFX, NOT the main mixer, set it to a tempo-linked setting... OMG!

The main thing is, the SN guitar takes care of all that solo/chording stuff, makes the chords riff better, then the amp sim gives it the crunch. I have it set up so the swell pedal controls the guitar volume, and it goes from a nice semi-clean rhythm sound to a nice creamy lead sound, simply by bringing up the swell pedal. And, just like an amp, the sim stops it getting too loud at the top, so BOTH sounds sit in the mix quite nicely.

Experiment, have fun, rock on..!

I will try that asap.
I'm spending a LOT of time with it, trying to decide if it is for me. Lots of things to like for sure!

You are making me nervous

Me too

I think you went through much the same process with the PA3X.

I hope it works out for you, as it is quite a light instrument, but still packs a great sound.

How are the guitars so far...have you tried more?

Are they as good or nearly as good as your Korg's?

Ian

going through the manual for 2nd time. Dnj: you can "specify to reserve the audio file that should be played next". So I hope I can be able to record different chords, arps, whatever and match them up to live play. make sense, but fast changes might inhibit.

I have not experimented with the audio loops, but you can assign one to each of top 7 keys, or to switches on the FC7.
Them seem to be instantly available after assignment.

If I were to decide against the BK9, it would be for these reasons alone:
1. No text display
2. No Vocal Harmonizer
These two things make it necessary to carry and hook up more peripheral gear.
3. That's about it actually. You can make it do about anything you like with a little work and ingenuity. For example, I'm looking at workarounds for lack of break/fill, and there are some.

Don,

Is it easy to set up a series of sounds and a style quickly, as in an unexpected request for a tune using instruments you don't often use?

i.e. on the Tyros4 or PSR you can temporarily change the style's four OTS sounds without storing the style. Not lightning fast, but quick nonetheless.

Even if you only have to change one sound, it's still pretty convenient.

When you reload or change the style the OTS returns to what was there previously.

What features of the BK-9 make it a keeper, if you could find workarounds for the problems?

Ian

Vocal harmony I was using less and less. Why not audio loop your harmony (real voice)? You can loop an entire audio and crop it by assigning to the intro buttons, or you could just sing harmony as the song goes and it will sync with the lead voice.

Lyrics I will use my iPad (incredible).

Ian, yes it is quite easy. And you can change the OTS settings without saving them.
You can set up a Favorites Bank of nine of your best sounds and call any of them up with one button. Also I have assign a foot switch to toggle between Upper one and Upper two sounds.
The Favorites work the same way if you have Performance list pulled up. One touch instant recall for you favorite 9 performances. After that you can scroll, or push Numeric button and then enter the number for the sound, style or performance, depending on which page is open on the right-hand display.
Very neat!
The real time controls are way better than I thought they would be.
What I'm fighting is changing the way I like to do things. I am very please with the sounds, styles and operation. It's a great keyboard. May or may not be the best fit for me at this time, but I'm going to give it a thorough chance to be!
At this point, I must have, in addition to the BK9, a laptop, a Harmonizer, and FC7, a volume pedal, a Sustain pedal, a Control pedal, and another pedal for the Harmonizer. Plus all these things need room to plug in wall warts and cables to connect everything.
I am a little spoiled by the PA3X. ALL self-contained with only the EC5 pedal board (three pounds, I'm guessing.)
But that's not comparing apples to apples, there is a $2,000. difference in price!
I'm having fun doing this. So far.

Zuki,
I really don't want to do all that recording and looping. Just wanta push the button and have harmony. I don't use it nearly as much these days, but some songs beg for it, so don't want to give it up.
I do too many hundreds of songs from requests to prepare all of them ahead of time. Now, if the audio loops would follow chords, that might be a different ball game!
I could sit and jam with these organs, pianos and even guitars all night, trying out all the styles. In fact that's just what I've been doing.

When I had mt E60, I remember the best workaround was to use the short intro 1 as a break. As it is only one bar long, it fits perfectly.



That was indeed the first thought that I had when I first looked at BK9. And Diki confirmed it should be possible... But that is a little bit of work. A workaround...

I sometimes use the style creator ASSEMBLY to put all the parts from the one bar ENDING ONE (except for the drums) into INTRO ONE, which is usually one bar, as Adimatis says above.

I then remove/delete any INTRO ONE drum parts that don't belong, like maybe a stick (or hi-hat) count-in.

The beauty of using the INTRO ONE is that when you use it as a stop/fill/break, the style always returns to the last MAIN VARIATION you were on, OR the one you select just before using the INTRO ONE.

You can also hit the INTRO ONE button a bar ahead of where you want the stop/fill/break to occur.

I do all my custom/edited styles in this way...works really well.

It's easier, more effective, and sounds better than just using a foot-switch to do a stop at a turnaround or end of verse/chorus.

Ian

Don, understand you need more a turnkey system because of your busy schedule. This is one time I have to just study and set up things. Might never play out again ???

I am very interested in the audio function (the kid is coming back in me ). If it will do what I want, I would take it just for that. The "next up" loop would allow almost anything (different chords, etc).

I keep reading and will be ready for the board next week.

Thanks for sharing your findings and thoughts. I'll do the same in time.

Don
Wouldn't the additon of an Ipad solve those problems.? I really believe it was Rolands intention that the two be used together to expand the BK9's capabilities. As its stands alone its fine but to push the capabilities add the IPad. And Fran mentioned an IPAD Harmony App coming so your there.

Thing about using the intro one as a break/fill is that if you are not on Variation one, you must push two buttons to activate it.

Yep, but I had no problem with doing the two button thing on the Yamahas...and most time I wanted to return to the Variation I was on at that point, usually "C" or "D" so it was usually one button. The regular fill on the Yamaha is activated by the same button as used for the Main Variation...of course it can be shut off, or by-passed by pressing the Variation button twice in succession quickly.

The other advantage of being able to pre-set the INTRO 1 based stop/fill ahead of time...very useful.

When I did a clinic or demo on an instrument with only factory styles, I often used ENDING 1 as a stop fill, but you had to be careful to hit the Main Variation button again before the ending completed it's cycle...also, didn't work so well on ENDING 1 if it was two or three bars long with a ritardando.

Again. it's all what we individually find useful, which is the beauty of the flexibility of today's arrangers.

Ian

Ian, the thing about the Rolands is that there is only one intro and one ending button. You have to quickly press intro and variation one together to get intro one, unless you are already playng in variation one, which I seldom am when i need a Break/fill.
This was not a problem on BK7m because each could be addressed individually via midi. I could get a Behringer midi foot controller, but that's just more gear to buy and carry.
It's not a deal breaker, but an annoyance.

Don, Yamaha makes a real nice keyboard, PSR-S950, that I KNOW you will enjoy playing. See, I told you to keep it!

Gary

Don maybe the KORG PA900 is a MUCH Better fit ALL AROUND for Your needs? Light, VH, Big display lyrics etc,...just sayin'

No 950 at this point for sure. I'm going to run over and play Deane's PA900.
I still like the BK9 a lot. We'll see.

OH MY!!! the wheels are turning ......bring the BK9 for a trade just sayin'

I understand, Don...I could also assign a footswitch to trigger INTRO 1, but I'm very used to doing it with my fingers via the buttons. We sorta get the movements down like a choreography.

I do remember the Roland arrangers of years ago had a different system where by each variation could have an "advanced" setting with a fill to it or the Original. It wasn't any harder...just different.

I'm too damn lazy to want to use (and learn) another system, especially with having so many years with the Yamaha setup...also I'm not too fussy about using two different ones, especially where one might have a touch screen, and the other doesn't.

I've been doing the Yamaha way of accomplishing things for so long, it's second nature, and I can concentrate more on actually playing the music.

I admire those using several brands of arrangers, but I'm at the point where I want to keep it simple.

It's good to see you are giving the BK-9 a very fair chance...it is a fine instrument.

Ian

My workaround for no Break/Fill is to have the Variation selection on the FC-7, along with the Break. So, you go 'Press Break' on the 'one', count a beat or two, then press the next Variation you want, the fill comes in halfway through, and the next Variation comes up. Simple.

I'd recommend putting the Break on switch 7, well away from the Variation 1-4 at the other end of the FC-7, to stop you accidently hitting it, other than that, it has the advantage over just ONE Break/Fill that you now have SIX (depending on where you are going to, and coming from).

No, it's not perfect, but it's not as hard as some make out.

Personally, if I were you and things like the two button system for Endings bugs you (mind you, the two simultaneous button system for the Chord Sequencer on Korg's drives e equally crazy!), I'd look into a very small, very cheap MIDI button bank, and program the specific Endings to four of the buttons.

But overall, if you can handle having to hit two buttons to do ONE thing on the Korg, you can probably learn to do it on a Roland!

Ipad is not really multi tasking, so you either have text display or vocal harmony...

Unless Roland puts everything in a single app...


But i totally agree, that Roland intended the use of a BK9 with an ipad... This way they kept the instrument atleast €400 cheeper.... Good call i would say, one advise however, if you intend people to use your arranger with an ipad, integrate a stand for it.

If you are locked into VH, I honestly can't think of an arranger VH (even the TOTL ones) that comes even close to the latest standalones.

Overall, I'm rather pleased I didn't have to pay for something I'd never use (or sound naff if I did), and that Roland allow me to pick and choose the BEST one for my needs from whoever makes it...

Overall, though, most of the Roland iPad apps are there for either editing Performances, or selecting them in the first place. So, if the app boots up quick enough, no reason you can't switch between them quickly on the gig. You don't really NEED to run two at the same time, for this purpose, at least.

Don shopuld be back Driving a korg by the weeks end..

As you would be going back to your PSR a few weeks after getting a BK-9.

You always go back to that first love!

Happy S950 1st Anniversary to me!!

1 year and counting? Only nine more to go...

Diki, that's exactly what I'm doing-break on #7. I have Upper 1/2 switch on #1, and the rest as they are labeled.
I have external VH (Harmony M) and that pedal is by my left foot, then the FC7, then sustain pedal, volume pedal. All I need is two more feet!

Next Sseries model is rumored to be shown at Musicmesse very soon...

I'd hazard a guess and say that DonM likes the BK-9, but LOVES the Korg PA3X.

I think the BK-9 is just a teensy weensy ittsy bittsy too fiddly with needing add-ons and stuff, whereas the Korg has it all in one instrument.

One thing for sure, he is giving it a good honest unbiased try-out, but the Korg has the guitars he likes and is simpler overall.

Who knows? Maybe the BK-9 will find it's way under Fran's fingers before too long?

Ian

Hard to not love something a good $2000 more than the BK-9 (for the 76). Oh, and nearly DOUBLE the weight (good Lord! can't believe I'm even mentioning weight loss as a positive!).

For me, there are 76's, and then there's simply everything else I wouldn't use. So, given that the PA3X 76, the T5 76 and the BK-9 are pretty much the only players in this game (unless you want to risk the spotty support from Ketron in the US), you've got at LEAST a $2000 penalty for using anything other than a BK-9, and a 20lbs weight penalty.

Tough decision!

So Donny, you are basically saying that, the ONLY reason you've managed to hold on to the S950 for a year is, Yamaha haven't actually MADE something newer yet? Hardly an achievement if you aren't offered a choice, is it? LOL

I wonder if it will be a hit with Fran, although I'd be surprised if he didn't like it?

Ian

That's just plain greedy. Most guys just wish for two more INCHES .

chas

No choices - he could have had a Tyros5, MOX8, lots of neat stuff. He chose what was right for him at the time, an arranger that had all the great features he required for his jobs, well within his price range, easy to transport - what more could you ask?

Gary

'what more could you ask?'

76 keys, decent action, audio features that WORK, great B3 (great everything, actually!), live sound, Chord Sequencer, iPad integration, multi-switch pedal input...

You know, all that stuff Donny don't use!

And guess what, neither does most people - other than YOU. The last time I used an organ voice was when I played Green Onions and that was 10 years ago. So lets hear some demos by YOU that highlight all those features YOU use.

Gary

I LOVE mine ...
... and I used it on a gig for the first time last night ... played a dinner dance at a local CC - 225 people - played with my loooong time friend Frank - the sax player from the band we had in NY ... I think the last time we played together was about 5-6 years ago and it could have been yesterday (which come to think of it, IT WAS - ) ... but he is SUCH a good musician - has loved and played jazz since he was about 13 years old - and he has such a good ear that he was able to play even the songs we had never played together before ... many, many compliments from the audience ... I LOVE playing with other musicians !!! ...
and before Donny even asks, regretfully I didn't record anything - didn't even get to take pictures this time ...



Gary ... I might have to disagree with you on this one ... I would think - and HOPE - that more players are using the sounds and features of their KBs ... perhaps not as much as Diki, but using them ...
I am also somewhat surprised at your comment about the organ sounds, as I probably have an organ voice set as an STS on half of my custom styles on the KORG and use them on all my gigs at some point or another ... I used them on a good number of songs last night both as back-up to the sax player and on my own solos ... and Frank even commented about how good the organ sounds were ...

That's what my wife wishes for. I'm pretty happy with what I've got!

2 more inches for what? .....we're lucky we even wake up in the morning at all !!! Now your two fingers are your best friend! The only thing thats gonna excite you now is a NEW Arranger KB!!

Gary, there's enough of my work posted already here and at Roland-arranger.com that, if you're looking for proof I am not talking off the top of my head, there it is!

It's not my intention to one-up anyone here in the playing department, I simply hope that the body of my work so far allows me to post without this kind of response.

Apparently not.

Diki, Obviously, I have no reason to frequent the Roland Forum - therefore, the only posts of your work I've seen, or heard, were the few you posted here, and of course on that CD you gave me a decade ago.

Tony, most of the guys I know in this part of the world, which isn't nearly as many as there were a decade ago, rarely use the organ voices. Granted, they may sound great, regardless of the keyboard, but they're rarely used. I hear lots of pianos, guitars, saxes, but not very often when I hear an organ. Even in the three piece combos playing the bars and clubs. I guess in some areas they're still popular, but just not here.

Gary

I don't use organ sounds as often as I used to, mainly because today's keyboards offer so many other great realistic sounds. Organ sounds sometimes tend to date the music to a certain era, although, sometimes you may want that to happen.

There are probably about 10 songs I do that feature the Hammond type sound, as in A Whiter Shade Of Pale, or Combo Organ for 96 Tears etc.

The primary sounds I use are: Piano, Ac.Guitar, SA2 BreathySax, Strings, SA2 Harmonica, SA2Jazz Trumpet, Telecaster, and a nice tonewheel patch called WhiterBars.

The special sounds are programmed in my custom styles' OTS.

Ian

... but why would that stop YOU from using them ??? ... IMHO, the organ sounds are so much better than the sax sounds, plus, at least an organ is a keyboard instrument ...

Organ at least has the advantage of not being a sound you NEED to use the bender on a lot. Sax, without that, sounds totally wrong to me...

Mind you, organ without a swell pedal is just as silly!

Much of your need for organ depends on what you play. Play R&B, funk, NOLA funk, reggae, old school rock (Purple, Zeppelin), gospel, americana, you are going to want the Hammond bigtime!

And Gary... now you have an excuse to go there! Check out the 'Renditions' sub forum. Not a whole lot of BK-9 yet, mostly G70, bit of BK-7m.

Diki has some good stuff on there!
One of the Supernatural Saxs won't let me use the joystick to bend notes, it does some sort of big slide thing. Rather do it myself. Maybe it can be changed; I haven't looked.