Roland versus Yamaha

Discuss other brands keyboards, synthesizers, modules, software, controllers including how they compare or work with the Nords.
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Roland versus Yamaha

Post by RedLeo »

I suspect that Roland's Boutique series are about to hand Yamaha's Refaces their behinds on a plate.

A four-voice Jupiter 8 with patch memories for £299? I know which direction my money would be heading...
Last edited by RedLeo on 20 Oct 2015, 08:57, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: Roland versus Yamaha

Post by Marlowes »

Hej Leo!

Plastic mini-keys? Hmmm ... :?
Just bought a D-50, and my JV-80 will arrive in a week. 8-)

Just like Irene Cara I want to shout "What A Feeling!"

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Re: Roland versus Yamaha

Post by NoDirection »

That you can buy the Jupiter 8 module separate, and not the stupid "mini-keys" makes it even more interesting. A midi cable to my Electro 5D and I have a decent synth when needed.

Looking forward to test this...
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Re: Roland versus Yamaha

Post by RedLeo »

NoDirection wrote:That you can buy the Jupiter 8 module separate, and not the stupid "mini-keys" makes it even more interesting. A midi cable to my Electro 5D and I have a decent synth when needed.
I think that Roland would be wise to introduce a power adapter to encourage sales for live use. Even if Roland don't, I think third-party adapters may start appearing. Batteries, even rechargeable ones, are not a good solution for long-term use.

Omitting a power socket on the Reface kind of makes sense given their intended target market, but the Boutiques are clearly designed for professional use. I think it's a decision Roland may regret.
Last edited by RedLeo on 20 Oct 2015, 10:04, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Roland versus Yamaha

Post by Marlowes »

Hej!

Why not "The Frech Connection"? As close to the real thing as you can get?
J8V, 99:-EUR. And your laptop ... :idea:
ARTURIA
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Re: Roland versus Yamaha

Post by RedLeo »

Marlowes wrote:Why not "The Frech Connection"? As close to the real thing as you can get?
J8V, 99:-EUR. And your laptop ...
I wouldn't trust my laptop on stage as far as I could throw it. Adding a laptop to a live rig would cause more problems that it solves here.

Also, from what I've heard, the Roland pretty much nails the sound. The Arturia not so much.

Not to mention no real front-panel controls...

I mean, would you replace your A1 with a laptop? ;)
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Re: Roland versus Yamaha

Post by Frantz »

only 4 voices polyphony :facepalm:
http://displaychord.arfntz.fr
A mobile app to display chord names while you play, using midi / bluetooth connection.
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Re: Roland versus Yamaha

Post by RedLeo »

ArfNtz wrote:only 4 voices polyphony :facepalm:
You can poly-chain two for 8 voices.
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Re: Roland versus Yamaha

Post by nordboard »

RedLeo wrote:
ArfNtz wrote:only 4 voices polyphony :facepalm:
You can poly-chain two for 8 voices.
Yeah, but then you have to buy 2!
4 voice polyphony is poor in this day and age and it's the only thing that is stopping me from getting the JX03 at the moment - used to own and love a JX3P so would love the new one, despite the mini keys lol
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Re: Roland versus Yamaha

Post by RedLeo »

nordboard wrote:Yeah, but then you have to buy 2!
That's still less than £600. Hardly something to complain about.
nordboard wrote:4 voice polyphony is poor in this day and age and it's the only thing that is stopping me from getting the JX03 at the moment - used to own and love a JX3P so would love the new one, despite the mini keys lol
Again, you can polychain 2 for 8-voice polyphony. They have a full set of front-panel controls (unlike the original), they have additional programming features, full metal construction, and they're about the size of a book. If you think about it for a while, you may realise there's really not much to complain about here.

The keys are an optional extra, so you don't even have to deal with that if you don't want to.

Seriously, these are not toys, they're good quality, well thought out pieces of kit. I wouldn't turn your nose up at them.
Last edited by RedLeo on 20 Oct 2015, 12:00, edited 1 time in total.
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