New top keyboard from Roland - E-80 - is released today!

Read more here:
http://www.selskabsmusikeren.dk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=410&Itemid=2

http://www.roland.com/products/en/E-80/index.html http://www.roland.com/products/en/E-50/index.html http://www.roland.com/products/en/E-60/index.html

Thanx for the info looks like a nice unit.
Tyros 2 LOOK OUT !!!!

49lbs...



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 03-28-2006).]

Good news

[This message has been edited by nielshs (edited 03-28-2006).]

[This message has been edited by nielshs (edited 03-28-2006).]

Well the 1G Wave Rom sounded pretty good until I read it was giga BITS (not Bytes), so its 128 MB wave rom, way behind Tyros 2. Otherwise, looks interesting. Nice to have 2 SRX slots.

More than 49 pounds.
DonM

new design/look(even the buttons,speakers) reminds me of what?... -Hmm.PA 1x (not the pro )anyone?


Good for roland.I think g70 fails to sell well.And it's like quick action from roland to maintain as a player (for a hit Keyboard)in pro arranger world.It has been a while when yammies(and some Korgs)are leading in the market(yes pro market).Time for g1x /e 86 days when roland was the obvious choice.

6 fills are good,hopefully it has individual buttons.

possible drawbacks in the market-

E 80 pro version is 61 keys,yet it's 49 lbs.

lighter and mid priced 76 keys e 60 (and 61 keys e50),no VH(if they plan to beat current best seller yam 3k,they should have put a VH-even with basic functions)if they plan to retail around $1200 to $ 1500(extra $200-300 is worth if you are gettin BUILT IN VH for convinience)(though outboard VH gear starts from $ 325).



[This message has been edited by jamman (edited 03-28-2006).]

Of the Yamahas, this is closest to the PSR9000 in niche, weight, and probably price, which I guess will be about $4K retail. It will probably be sold through Roland's Musical Instrument division rather than the Pro division, so discounts will be hard to come by. My guess is that the weight is due to the speakers. The PSR9000 was about 10lbs heavier than the PSR8000 largely due to the use of wood in the upgraded speakers.

Hi

The E-80 price in Denmark is 3900 Euro. The price for the G-70 is 3000 Euro.

Regards
Niels

Am a bit confused (as usual). I thought the G-70 was Roland's top model or is that place taken by the E-80 now?
The G-70 is 2340 Euro in Taiwan. Not that it matters.

Taike

------------------
Khoi huk ngam sud tee huk kon diow.

It is the same counter product as the G1000/EM2000...Clif is right on the pricing...My guess $3,000 street..

The pics are not showing..Copy and paste to your browser..


The PA1X and the E-80 look like kissing cousins..
http://www.roland.com/products/en/E-80/specs.html
http://korg.com/gear/info.asp?a_prod_no=PA1X&category_id=1

[This message has been edited by Fran Carango (edited 03-29-2006).]

Look familiar

Looking at the specs, the E80 looks like they took the G70 and packaged it in a 61 key with speaker version. I do see there are 2 expansion slots compared to the G70's one slot and that there are about 90 more factory styles. Almost every other feature looks just like the G70.
The six fill ins are not on dedicated buttons on the G70 so I would think the E80 would be set up the same way. There is an Auto Fill buttons which when lit does a fill when you push variation buttons within the style. You have 4 fill ins when you press from one variation to another. Also, when you go from 1 - 2 and then back from 2 -1, you get a different fill. 3-4 and back also gives you two different fills, so this is how you end up with 6 on the Roland keyboards.
George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene
Reseda, California

it does look very similar to the PA1X. If it sounds like it then Roland G70 sales will drop dramatically and finally Roland will have a worthy contender in the arranger market. If it has similar sounds as the G70 unfortunately it will flop. You might think that i have a downer on the G70. I dont, i really want to like the instrumenmt but the sound is..... Even when it is played so well by the guy from the Danish G70 club ( and he plays very well by the way ) it still does not compete in tonality even to the PSR3000 which is half the price.
Great to see that inbuilt speakers are coming back in vogue.

Hi Spalding

A lot of keyboardplayers like the G-70 sound and don´t like the Yamaha sound. I got a Tyros myself in November 2005, but didn´t like the sound, and sold it 5 weeks later.
The E-80 has new sampled sounds. The drums are improved and the guitar sounds are multisampled. The effect part is improved. You can ajust e.g. EQ on every single drum sound and style/song parts. And there is 3 MFX for the style/song etc.

Regards
Niels

[This message has been edited by nielshs (edited 03-29-2006).]

It is amazing, everyone I know with a trusted opinion has picked the G70 as the best or second best arranger of the current market..The only dissenting opinion that has merit is Craig[but I believe he had an early model that has been rectified]..
Most of the other dissenting people, haven't a clue what they are talking about...They have not owned a G70[or any Roland top of the line board]...and are fixed on their Yamaha[inferior boards, I am not talking Tyros specifically, but the other PSR's]..

I trust opinions from George, AJ, Frankieve, James and others that have spent time with the G70..Also the vast majority of AJ's sessions picked the G70 in most categories..

I mentioned to DNJ last week that Roland was coming out with a line to compete with the PSR's[and Tyros]....I will take a quote from Don Mason "I told you so"..
Think about it ...real keys!!

Roland chose to add the guitar mode on the lower line, as well 16mbs flash memory..

If you are looking for a new board...better take a long look at the Roland line, and not settle for another re packaged keyboard from the other guys..

Also Roland is including the Lyrics and chord reads now...finally[they should have always been available]..without an external device..

George, when you get prices, please post for us..My guess $1,200 for the E50, and $1,400 for the E60[street]..If they are MI dealer pieces..

Hi Fran

You are so right.

Best Regards
Niels

Originally Posted by Fran


76 keys for $1400 definitely worth a look at, especially with "76" keys Yeah!

[This message has been edited by Stephenm52 (edited 03-29-2006).]

Why no weight on spec sheet for the E50?

cant wait to try one .......could be a good backup KB we'll see.....

BTW Fran I agree totaly.....

Fran if you are meaning me (Craig) I've never purchased a G70 and wouldn't touch one with a barge pole. My neighbour had one and didn't get on with it at all.
For me Roland has not delivered the goods with an arranger other than the old G1000 so lets hope this new one takes a step back to the likes of the G1000 but improves on it with modern sounds, styles and features
Hang on I see it's only 61 notes though

[This message has been edited by Craig_UK (edited 03-29-2006).]

Craig UK

You have never owned a G-70, and for that reason totaly incompetent to judge the G-70. So why are you spreading negative comments about a VERY good keyboard? Its incredible. Please STOP that.

nielshs I had one for 2 weeks and didn't buy it. I've also used the neighbours and set it him up for quite a few weeks so I know enough about it to form an opinion. Even though you love Roland don't try telling me what I can and can't do on here. We are all entitled to our opinions whether others like it or not!

Every time someone starts a tread about Roland keyboards, there are 2 persons, you and Spalding that comes up with negative comments. I think every member of SZ knows whats your opinions are regarding the G-70. So why post this over and over again. I would never start posting negative comments everytime someone talkes about e.g the Tyros2 even though I dont like the sound.

/Niels

nielshs can't be bothered to banter with you I have far better things to waste my time on - like playing on the TYROS 2 lol

Thats good, thanks Enjoy your Tyros2 and I will enjoy my G-70.

Best Regards
Niels

[This message has been edited by nielshs (edited 03-29-2006).]

OOOOH the E80 sounds great. I really like the G70 but I don't like buying a keyboard without internal speakers. I have speakers, but I use them to add richness to the on board sound, not replace it. I also prefer the 61 keys. I can't wait to see one.

Roland has kept this one secret, I've not even heard a rumor on it before.

Marilyn

sorry neilsh. I dont mean to cause you any offence. Dont want to start another discussion on the G70. I want to like the instrument but my ears cant.I am qualified to express an opinion on all the keyboards i have used and do so liberally when i feel like it.There are moderators on this board and if i have been offensive then i invite them to notify me or curtail my posts as they see fit.I have not intentionally tried to ofend anyone and keep my critiscisms to what i have experienced 1st hand.a Keyboard is just some expensive plastic ,wies and circuits. Dont be so sensitive about it!

I am sure others do like the G70 . I only hope that the E80 is more successful than the G70 in sales terms just to add more choice and innovation in the arranger market which can never be a bad thing.

I will try not to say anything about the G70 unless there is a post about it.But my comments will be honest ones not to cause ofence, simply to inform and help potential users with their purchases.Noone is obligated to accept my views as Gospel.

I cant be fairer than that,

Best wishes.


Spalding

These new Rolands will not do well either if they are sold by a handful of CK dealers like the G70 is. What's up with Roland? People can't see and touch and hear their products if they don't put them in stores that are accessible!

I am an alltime Roland fan (Owned all the E Series upto 60), started playing Arranger Keyboards in 1980 (With Casiotone 701 and Yamaha PSR20). Now owning a Ketron SD1 and Yamaha PSR 3000.

Was Waiting for a Roland Arranger, which would be the flagship of all the arrangers in the market right now....

Nielshs,

As a long-time Roland user and someone who had an opportunity to play G70 at a music store (a rarity in the US), I believe I am quailfied to share my comments about Roland (and if I weren't I would not need anyone to tell me that).

The real issue is whether people's opinions are objective, or they are colored by an irrational devotion to, or predjudice against a particular manufacturer.

To that end, I want to ask you a question: is there anything that you do not like about the G70, or feel needs improving?

Knowing your answer would help us figure for ourselves how objective your opinions are.

Regards,
Alex

What I see is this: The message was "Roland
has released the E80". A new arrangerkey-
board. Why are there such negative reactions
when nobody has heared this instrument.
This must be a kind of illness.
Please give it a chance and try to keep your
vomit inside.

Noone has given any negative comments about the E80. What do you mean "please keep your vomit inside " ? Where has anyone posted anything in this thread that merrits this kind of comment?

This doesnt need to escalate into anything more than a discussion about keyboards. So please dont add petrol. Simple

you're right!
so, these new arrangers from roland...
what do you think, would that bring down the prices for all the other arranger lines from roland (meaning gw7, exrs, g70, e09)?
and what i am really curious is what do you think the keybed (key feel) is in these instruments?...

[This message has been edited by adimatis (edited 03-30-2006).]

K.,

I am more surprised at such a euphoric reaction of some people, who have not heard the instrument.

To me release of the E80 is a non-event. It is just another example of Roland ignoring users' [my] needs, which are so well articulated in forums like this.

Unless the e80 comes with a roadie, I would not be able to use it, even if the key feel was ideal, and the sound system was 100 Watt. Not only does it weigh a ton, it still has only 61 keys, navigagtion buttons nearly stuck together, and the dreaded touchscreen navigation.

So to me this is a top keyboard by weight only.

I also did not appreciate the attempt to confuse the potential users by listing the size of the sound ROM in bits. What will they do next - list the number of transistors on the sound chip?

Sorry if my comments sound negative, I am just a bit disappointed that Roland is yet again proving that they don't care about users like me. As a long-time Roland user, I really, really want to see a new high-end instrument intended for people playing live, like I do. Perhaps I don't do it as frequently as some of the full-time pros in this forum, but to me suitability for playing live is one of the main criteria of judging an arranger instrument. It is sad to see Roland yet again falling short of my needs.

Regards,
Alex

Alex, I hear you....

Maybe we have to adapt...When I first had a DisCover5,My first response was.."What in the world am I going to do with this"...A couple years later, I forced myself to look deeper and see if I can get anything out of this board...I have grown to love this board..It has features that I hope Roland continues to use with all it's new boards..Some of these are on the current boards..Namely, the best vocalizer I have used..Great storage media, great lyric and chord extractions, and markers for SMF's...throw in the cover functions...it is and was a winner from day one..

I too, see things that I may not like[prefer] on the G70...Time will tell[after I play or own one]...

It doesn't have a harmonizer!! That is not important for me, but it will not be able to go head to head with a PSR3100. Why does Roland do this?
What's a rotary encoder?
The "Guitar Mode" sounds intriguing.
I would love to have another Roland. Roland's regular voices are better then Yamaha's in the mid-range area.
I will definitely demo this unit and a PSR3100 before making a decision.
Starkeeper

sorry, am i late with the latest news?
3100? is it a real project already, or you meant for the undefined future?

[This message has been edited by adimatis (edited 03-30-2006).]

You can make it true...Change a zero to one on your PSR3000, and use nail polish, painting afew buttons...Bingo , you have the new PSR3100!!!!

My G70 is a very good instrument and I think
the E80 could even be better.
Let us wait untill we heared it before judg-
ing. It is a wellknown fact that some of the
members of this forum try to create a nega-
tive atmosphere around Roland keyboards.
Nobody knows why but they did this several
times before.
They do not own a Roland and their opinion
can not be taken serious and fair.
Intelligent raeders in this forum know how to value their comments.

I forgot to say the E80 will have a vocal-
harmoniser.

BTW...Has anyone noticed the amp section of the E-80...2x35 and 2x12....a total of 94 watts...WOW, this is the largest in a Roland arranger to date..It I am correct, it is larger than the Korg PA1x and Technics kn7000..

Even though it is a little heavy...to have a 4 speaker system with this power...could be a great thing...

Wis, I will gladly buy one of these new Rolands to replace my old Ketron SD1 if it truly sounds good when I can view and play one. Everyone on this forum also knows that you and nielshs overpraise the G70 for the simple reason that you both own and like it that much. I praise the Tyros 2 on here in the same way and I also used to praise the Ketron SD1 and even my G1000 which I still have and would never part with. I am a Roland user (G1000) and have also used loads of their top end synthesisers going right back to the days of the D50. I am not anti Roland in any way even though some in the minority may think so having read what I thought about the G70
At the end of the day it's each to their own but neither Roland, Yamaha or any other are the best keyboards. Each manufacturer has it's own weak points as well as its strengths, they always will do.

On small gigs it could eliminate carrying a small amp also.....or act like a tremendous personal monitor for big jobs combined with a Pa system...we'll see all in due ti.me I hope

For the undefined future. (Just the next logical model number). Someone posted a while back this would be at the end of this year, not this summer as is the usual case with Yamaha.
The E60 has a D-beam, E50 does not.
A Rotary encoder is a data wheel?
Starkeeper


[This message has been edited by Starkeeper (edited 03-30-2006).]

[This message has been edited by Starkeeper (edited 03-30-2006).]

A "rotary encoder" is an endlessly turning knob. Most knobs have limits on how far they can be turned clockwise and counterclockwise. A rotary encoder can be turned in either direction indefinitely. Roland's "alpha dials" and "data wheels" are rotary encoders. My favorite rotary encoders are like those on the Nord Modular G2--with LED rings to show the current value.

Let me try this again. A rotary encoder encodes changes in orientation, while a knob "encodes" orientation.

Let's say you have a volume knob that you have used to set the volume of a synth program. Then you change to a program with a different default volume setting. At that point, the knob's orientation does not match the new volume setting. Using a rotary encoder instead of a knob solves this problem.



[This message has been edited by Clif Anderson (edited 03-30-2006).]

[This message has been edited by Clif Anderson (edited 03-30-2006).]

Thanks for clarifying Cliff.
Star

My Roland MI rep was in my store yesterday and told me of 3 new products he would be selling me that are being shown at the show right now. He didn't know anything about the new E series keyboards, which leads me to think these products will be sold here in the USA by the CK division. If this happens, there won't be many dealers around the country to find these in.
George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene
Reseda, California

If it does turn out that only CK dealers will carry them, then few of us will actually get to see these boards and few will be sold. I guess that's the way Roland wants it. That's too bad.

Tim

George,
Can you tell us what these 3 model are?
What does CK and MI stand for?
Starkeeper



[This message has been edited by Starkeeper (edited 03-31-2006).]

E80, E60, and E50..


MI ...Musical Instrument[dealer]

CK...Contempory Keyboard[dealer]

Fran,
Please tell me what or who is CK.

Also explain the use and importance of marking a SMF in an arranger keyboard. I really don't know. Again, what's wrong with me? What am I missing? Am I cheating my fans?
Needless to say I feel stupid again.
Does the Midjay mark SMF?

Man I'm never gonna catch up! As a matter of fact I feel like I'm being left in the dust. I may go back to laying brick!

boo ... to my knowledge, marking a standard midi file (SMF) means you have the ability to 'mark' where the chorus is, where the 'bridge' is etc. and then you are able to go back to those 'marks' during performance ... it gives you the freedom to 'arrange' or lengthen the song during performance, much like you might do if you were just using a atyle or playing with a 'live' band ...
t.

Tony thanks, that would be handy for using a bit of midi files.
Who is CK?

[QUOTE]Originally posted by brickboo:
.....
Again, what's wrong with me? What am I missing? Am I cheating my fans?
Needless to say I feel stupid again....

Man I'm never gonna catch up! As a matter of fact I feel like I'm being left in the dust. I may go back to laying brick![QUOTE]

Boo, you're not alone.
I recently thought, back to the acoustic squeeze box and the trombone for me

Ketron AJ mentions on an above posting he is getting rid of 3 G70's to make way for E80's and E90's. Is the E90 a mistake on his part or is this a bigger version of the E80 (76 note maybe) that hasn't been mentioned yet?

Craig, I am sure AJ meant E60..

CK is a type of instrument dealer, 'Contemporary Keyboard' dealer, according to Fran. Since Roland will not sell these keyboards through ALL of their dealers, there will be less visibility. What is wrong with their marketing department. I guess they are protecting their specialty dealers and lowering their sales.
Starkeeper

Sorry guys but I am no longer a regular here so just got to read this thread.......
I guess I am taking offence to Niels'remark that only Craig and Spalding find fault with the G70 (haha) , as most of you know by now , so do I, and I have in detailed explained myself.
Although not owing a G70 myself I have played it quite a few times at a friend's of mine. Which is more than I can say for our friend Fran !!
Now don't get carried away Fran cause I mean no disrespect but for ages now I have been wanting to say this, as you keep on raving about the G-1000 and all subsequent Roland issues. YOu have never ever played a G70, by your own admission, though it has been on the market for well over a year. Despite the fact you cannot stop from blowing its horn, figuratively this time.
I have some trouble here in taking you seriously on that issue.
Anyway , as to the new E80, I concur with others like Spalding who remarked that if it is basically a G70 with speakers and a few more minor changes/additions it won't rock the boat.
If you look at the professional keyboard market at present you need no college education to notice that Yamaha and Korg have swept the board and that Roland is badly trailing. I find no satisfaction in saying so, I am merely stating a fact.
Hell, I still have my old E70 !!!!!
regards,
john

OH, I forgot you john, sorry .

You have never heard the E-80. But you don´t like the G-70 and for that reason you don´t like the E-80. You don´t like Roland arranger keyboard. Thats OK. The technical level in todays Roland arrangers is probably too high for you, so keep your good old E-70. It sounds great.

/Niels

John, as you said, I have not played G70 yet..and as I have mentioned in other post, I have owned all the counter products that make up the G70.

Namely, FantomX, VK8, and DisCover5..The Fantom X is the best current workstation[I also owned a Triton Studio]..The VK organ, also the best, even competes with the new Hammond models[better than my older Korg CX-3]..and the DisCover5, with the best harmonizer[yes better than the Helicon TC unit on the Korg PA1X]..

These are the points that I base my opinions, and I have always reserved my final comments[good or bad] when I get to spend time with a G70[not a couple hours, but days]..

Believe it or not , I am open minded about all the lines...I have owned all of them..Yamaha ,Korg, Ketron...and for my personal satisfaction, I have chose to stay with my G1000[ toot, toot], until something lights my fire..

It won't be the Korg[poor design to me'] good sounds, especially organs, but sure isn't in the VK class'..

It won't be a Yamaha, worst keys of all, and majority of sounds just don't appeal to me..

Could be a Ketron, but not another SD1 for me..a better shot would be a Midjay, or a keyboard designed after a Midjay..

These are my personal opinions and based on comparisons of "all" the above boards i have owned..

John, the E70 is a great board and worth keeping[resale value???]..No where in the G1000 class[Toot, Toot!!!].

Hmmmmmmm........Funny how the T2 hype is dwindling fast when new stuff comes along


I look at it this way..........

I... can make most any top arranger sound great because of my abilities as a musician...Im not cocky ...just confident in myself....

How,... I have to do it thru onboard navagation of all its features is my upmost personal concern on stage & my final deciding factor in my purchase......
all this hub bub, mine is better then yours senarios, etc. means nothing to me .....when you know whats right FOR YOU when you make music that will be YOUR correct choice in your heart. Dont let others tell you the KB sounds good....
YOU, MAKE it sound good !



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 04-03-2006).]

It is good to see a name as John Smies.
Old men like he may speak on this forum just
like others do. Do not judge him too hard,
he is a real musicman and we are all getting
older. I think his favourites are the walz
and the veleta and sometimes on a special
day a mazurka. I think he lives in a house
for elderly people and he is allowed to use
the computer.

DNJ agree with your last post spot on.
If you have the skills and abilities you can knock out any tune on any top end arranger and make it sound great. Who cares what make it is.

Craig.....
now you got the picture my friend......thanx for the reply!!

"Hmmmmmmm........Funny how the T2 hype is dwindling fast when new stuff comes along"

Right you are...and I can't wait until everybody's attention focusses on the hype surrounding the new PSR3100! (or whatever number they'll give the new 3000).

Tim

Dont be surprised if you never see a 3100

I think Yamaha is refocusing their master plan next time around regarding the arranger world of products.......
Tyros/PSR's bye bye......as we know them.

Are you thinking along the idea of modules similar to the Midjay in place of dedicated keyboards?



[This message has been edited by Pacesetter (edited 04-04-2006).]

There will be a new PSR-3000 out next year.
It was held back so as not to compete with the Tyros 2.
It will set a new standard for its price range just as the 3k has done.
There are no plans for an arranger module at present, and it is highly unlikely one will be produced.

Ian

[This message has been edited by ianmcnll (edited 04-04-2006).]

Speaking of the PSR3000, I think that Roland could take one great idea from Yamaha's 61 key keyboard - make it light. The PSR3000 has a very adequate sound system, and it is very easy to tote around.

The PSR9000 had great speakers, but people complained about the weight. Roland didn't learn from Yamaha's mistake, apparently.

I'm 44 years old, and I weigh 135lbs. I can't be gigging 10-12 shows a week with a 49lb. monstrosity plus the outboard speakers and stand.

Now one thing lagging in the PSR3000 is a professional key feel. But Casio has shown that you can make a keyboard with 88 weighted keys and keep it under 25lbs.

This is the digital age, and a 61 key keyboard shouldn't be so heavy. 61 keys means it's for gigging.

So I might play the E80, and I might say, I love it, I can afford it. But am I going to kill myself getting it in and out of my trunk and onto the keyboard stand, day after day? No way.

Another thing I must say that I like about the PSR3000, is that it is so reasonably priced, that I own two. One stays in my trunk, and the other is in my studio. I don't have to set up the keyboard when I get home to practice.

The E80 might be a much more advanced instrument, but if I wanted to own two E80's, that would be a heck of a lot of money.

Beakybird

Beakybird,
the new E-60 and E-50 seem to be the answer to your requests.

How do you know this? I think it was you that said a new model will be out at the end of the year instead of in the summer. Looks like you were right about that.
Starkeeper

I doubt that. There aren't THAT many softsynth users yet, IMO.
Starkeeper

I see a long thread of reactions on the message that Roland has released the E80.
The keyboardworld is alive and that is a
good thing. The future looks bright with
those newcomers on the market.

Your right.
A new Roland E80,E60,E50
A new Ketron SD5
Yamaha will soon come out with a PSR3000 replacement
Hypersonic 2
A new Casio WK3800
Starkeeper

When will it actually hit the streets?
Starkeeper

where's the Demos?

Same place as the E-80........

NOT RELEASED YET!

(Patience, my children, patience...............)

Looking at ianmcnill's profile I see that it says he's a Yamaha Clinician/Artist PKD. Those titles are a bit vague for me, but it might suggest he has some inside track on Yamaha.

Ian, can you expand on this a bit - especially what those profile titles really mean?