From mik.collins1@yahoo.com Sun Aug 11 16:26:46 2013
Subject:Re: Looking to replace my Roland VR-760. Roland VR-09 vs Hammond SK1. Pros/Cons?

I had the same decision to make a few months ago. I wouldn't pretend that the decision I made would work for everyone but I thought at the very least it might help you in your situation. Again, your mileage may vary.

I delayed getting the SK1 until the VR-09 came out so that I could try them both in person. My main hangup was the price difference. I was also concerned about the Roland due to a previous experience with Roland build quality (the infamous Juno G screen issue). The VR-09 came out, I tried it and then I bought the SK1. A couple of reasons:

1) My needs. For me the non organ sounds on the VR blew the Hammond away. The Organ sounds on the SK blew the VR away. I have a Roland and a Korg that cover my meat and potatoes and synth sounds. I need my clone to be a B3 and not much else. The VR-09 would be a great board for someone who needs an all around gigging board but the SK is a much, much truer B3 sound.

2) The organ sound. I own a B3/122 and the fact that the perc ran through the chorus/vibrato drove me crazy. I completely admit that this is a picky, picky, picky thing but it really was a deal killer for me. I also had issues with the sound of the VR's c/v it'self. I also didn't think the leslie was nearly as good as the SK1.

3) Speaking of leslie... I also considered if I would be better off spending less on the VK and taking the difference and buying a vent. I did not go this route because I was trying to avoid another piece of outboard gear. I've been happy with the SK leslie live but, to be honest, I'll probably buy a vent one day anyway. Perhaps I need a wider variety of hobbies to spend money on.

4) Customer Service experience. I've been burned by Roland on $1000 range keyboard build quality before. It took them 2 years to agree to replace the LCD in the Juno-Gs and they STILL have never admitted it was a bad component. There are many, many Juno G owners out there who have bad boards that the company fought them on tooth and nail until most owners just gave up. I just don't feel comfortable buying another low end board from their line. On the other hand my ancient Hammond XB2 clone never had the first problem other than the fact that I used to break keys because they were't waterfall. Hammond always sent me new ones.

5) The SK1 has waterfall keys. The VR does not.

6) Price. I found an open box SK1 on ebay for $1300. Sure, I had to wait for that kind of price but at the end of the day it was only $300 more than the VR. Completely worth it (at least to me). Also the new Hammond board (without the extra voices) will probably be in theis range as well.

Again, the VR isn't a disaster it just didn't speak to my ears and experience the way the SK did. I flipping love my SK. I'm sure there are VR owners who feel the same way about their VR.

So anyway that's what brought me to the decision I made. Hope some of that helps you with yours.

--- In CloneWheel@yahoogroups.com, "Gene" wrote: