**Well, first - having more of something doesn't mean it's better - 4 pads and 3 assignable buttons are plenty for most situations, especially when you
Add to that: Real time sliders for most parts that double as drawbars, and the 5 button footswitch that adds assignable features

**The touch screen is almost worth the price jump alone - plus, there's a button for most features on the screen if you need a different approach.

**2 song players - real time, hardware based fade from song to song

**Realtime edits on the fly - even while a pattern is playing. There's almost no edits that can't be made while playing. Never had a glitch doing this.

**Solid construction - better housing - more roadworthy. (I do miss the speakers, though)

**since I don't know what "makeup tools" are - I guess I don't miss them.

C'mon, Fran - this is a Cadillac to Malibu comparison. Both cool, but the Caddy has so much more to offer, and is soooooo much more comfy.

Hey I paid as much for my 1969 SS396 Chevelle as I did for my Cadillac De Ville


Speaking about the Korg touch screen, it may cost as much to replace the screen as the cost of an EA7


I don't like the way the Korg OS works with the screen. The pop ups drive me nuts..

The Roland BK9 and EA7 concept of two screens has merit.. instead of pop up screens that cover the previous screen, it switches the content to the second screen and does not disturb the current(previous) screen. The work flow is better with the two screens. Of course you can't just read about it, you have to learn how it works

Yeah Bill, an arranger module that would be a step up from bk-7m is on my wish list too. Hoping against hope that Roland go that way. They have the content(well.. IMHO almost ) ; only if they upped their game by offering more supernatural acoustic instruments.. much like the GenOS SA2 voices.

Cheers,
Jez

I agree .. that is the smartest post in a long time

Great review Fran. Of course, the E-A7 is solidly MOTL while the PA-4X is TOTL so comparisons must consider that. At the time, I wanted the harmonizer and better screen so I opted for the PA-900. Now that I am not playing out, as I had anticipated I might, only the screen bothers me. Roland OS and makeup tools are unmatched to me and the price is right. Pros like Dave and Don M. make a living playing music so they can justify the TOTL boards. If I had to choose now, I'd try the Ketron SD7 (although I think the OS is harder to use) because the rhythm sounds are superior IMO. Can't afford or justify the switch now as I am hardly playing at all due to other projects.

So it really comes down to personal preference, right?

Having leaseda Cadillac STS4 in 2013, and now leasing a Malibu Premier model, I have to say that with the 2.0 turbo and SO many 'toys' (heated steering wheel ?!?), the Malibu compares quite favorably, even in comfort, and in fact has more interior room ... but, no, it is not built as heavily ...

Just a few more items...
Yes, the Roland has more pads, but ZERO content is provided for them.
There is no vocal harmonizer.
There is no text display.
There is no CDG player.
There are no usable break/fills; though some intros work for one.
The Korg has fewer programmable buttons, but the rows of sliders can be programmed for just about anything. There are three sets of factory presets, two sets fully programmable and one set for midi file use.
The Performance Bank is limited to 100 entries, before you have to change banks. That is a real step backward from the BK7m. Also the Performances are not sorted; if you want them in alphabetical order you have to do it manually, which takes five button pushes per entry.
There is much to be said for the EA7, and it is a real bargain in that price range, but it is no match for the P4X. Nor should it be, when you compare prices.
What the EA7 is--a great lightweight arranger, with excellent styles, drums and sounds. It has a great number of operational features. The OS is difficult until you become familiar with it, but no more so than any other brand.

Excellent point, big misstep by Roland on that one.