Roland XV-88

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Sterling30

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I have a Roland A-90EX on backorder right now but it looks like I can get the Roland XV-88 for about $400 more from a store locally..

I know it's more advanced feature-wise, but how does it compare to the A-90 as far as sturdyness goes? (The A-90 has a great reputation for it's build quality, so does anyone feel the XV-88 is built just as well??)

Gregg
 
Is this really a choice?

$400 more for Roland's "best" sounds, most expressive sonic engine in an 88-key controller with the ability to read samples, load in JV 80 cards AND XV expansion boards.....!!! Have you lost your mind MAN? If you've got the money, please, PLEase, PLEASe do us all a big favor and GET THE XV88!

Rev E
 
OK....

I'm at $1589.00 for the A-90EX right now but it looks like it won't ship till after the first of the year now.. (Maybe now a blessing in disguise..)

Anyway, "Guitar Center" has the XV88 on sale now for $2099 and the guy I spoke with did indicate there at least $100 left on the table so I might make the deal..

Now I understand the difference in features but what I really want to know is this.. Is the construction quality as good as the A-90???

I've played the A-90 and I love the feel and action of the keyboard. and the feedback from all the reviews on the A-90 from users is that no keyboard comes close to the quality of this controller..

Features aside.., (I'm mainly interested in great piano, organ and string samples) I realise I have to sit down at a XV88 and play it a bit, but I really want a keyboard that will be the last one I'll ever have to buy...

I'm reasonably sure the A-90 will go the long haul.. (It's going to see ALOT of work..) It's been on the market now for 4 years and has a great reputation for reliability..

The XV88 on the other have, is new to the market and reviews seem to be glowing, but they seem to be contrived for some reason.. (So that's why I'm looking for additional feedback..)

Gregg
 
Gregg,

Different people like different things about a keyboard's "touch", so my opinion about the XV's touch doesn't mean jack. You'll have to play it yourself to see if you like the touch of the keybed. If you're looking for Roland's most expressive and accurate piano and string samples, the XV would probably suit those needs better. The "contrived reason" that Roland produced the XV was to directly compete with the Korg Trinity/Triton. The XV is Roland's most powerful synth engine and workstation to date.

The two keyboards are really not all that comparable, since the A90 is really a dedicated controller, while the XV is a workstation. In a direct comparison, though, the XV will likely have more mileage, since it can take the JV80 expansion cards, the XV expansion boards, plus it can read samples. So if anything dramatic changes in keyboard development you can at least have a sample of it.

Rev E
 
Our opinions won't mean squat about the "feel" of the keys. You just have to go and "feel" it for yourself.

Later, Mike
 
Rev E & anppilot

I'm heading out in a few hours to check out the VX88. It's funny, but I really get attached to some instruments and I've wanted that A-90 for the longest time.

I'm mainly interested again in great piano, strings and organ samples again, but the VX88 is obviously the better value.. (I suppose I could eventually grow into it..)

And I've read tons of literature on the A-90 but and that was still a good read Rev E and due to Roland's great reputation, I guess any concern anout the VX88's short time on the market isn't really any concern at all..

Thanks for the imput...

Gregg
 
Well, I've checked out the XV88...

And I'll be going back tommorrow to go through it a bit more thourghly..

I will say this... The piano samples I was able to pull out of it don't approach the A-90EX from my recollection, and though the it is supposed to have the identical PA4 hammer action, the A-90 still seems alot nicer..

On the positive, the orchrastra sounds are awesome and this sits in a steel reinforced frame, so I would feel it is built as well as the A-90..

So tommorrow I'm going to spend more time with it (The salesman I'm supposed to deal with was off..) and I just might make the deal...

Gregg
 
Well, I finally did it...

I cancelled my order on the A-90EX in favor of the XV88 and that ended up on the back burner since now I may soon order a Fostex 824 system. In the meantime though, a used A-90EX turned up and I was able to by it for $1200 with a $200 dollar rack to go along with it. (It's in mint condition..)

And now it's sitting on my bed at the moment (I have to make a second trip to diassemble the rack to bring it here..) and I'm trying to figure out what to name her... I'm leaning towards "Melissa" but if anyone has any other ideas, let me know..

Gregg
 
Congrats, Sterling30! How about Keysha (for all 88 of her beautiful keys).

Rev E
 
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