From melvinnich@aol.com Thu Mar 09 13:52:07 2000
Subject:Re: [Voce] Roland 'A' series controllers


In a message dated 3/9/00 3:43:17 PM, parakeys@aol.com writes:

< know what expansion card was installed in the A70JV>>

Dear Parakeys,

The A70 that I bought for $499 had bundled with it a sustain pedal and an
installed card: the VE-JV1. It's also known as the "JV 80" board, whatever
that means (it might mean something to you, it doesn't to me).

I haven't spent much time with the internal sounds. They are numerous, and
include some analog patches that I find surprisingly good; these are the best
surprise the card held for me. The pianos are mediocre (how to say--not as
bad as the Alesis Quadrasynth but not as good as the Kurzweil micropiano) but
usable if buried in a cheezy rock mix. The brasses and strings are
Roland-good, if you know what I mean--usable in the 80s-90s stylistic
contexts for which they were designed. For a piano gig I would definitely
use my external modules. I have yet to hear the VE-RD1 expansion board which
is supposed to supply an excellent piano. The price is less than excellent,
however, almost as much as what I paid for the A70 itself.

I realize that one man's meat is another man's poison, so take my opinion for
what they are worth--my two cents. Good luck on your equipment quest.

Mel