Jupiter-80, a Classic is born?
17 Apr 2011, 21:13Hi folks,
As a long time reader, first time poster, and part time keyboard player since 1975, I wanted to express my opinion in light of all the negativity I’ve read in this and other forums concerning the Jupiter-80. First, I've been using Roland equipment for 15 years and I’m pretty happy overall with the sounds of their products. I own or have owned: Fender Rhodes, Sequential Circuits Pro One, Moog Voyager, Korg Poly 800, Triton TR, Motif rack XS, Juno Stage, etc. Although it may appear that I’m an equipment whore, I attempt to get good bang for the buck in a reliable, easy to set up rig.
I’m currently using a Fantom X7, VK-8M Organ Module, and a Gaia SH-01 (yes I know, I sound like a living Roland commercial). I primarily play piano, EP, organ, and synthesizer sounds in several rock bands. I didn’t buy a Fantom G because, like a lot of other players, I didn’t see enough difference between the X and the G to justify a purchase. I have never used arpeggiators or sequencers. I believe that using “performances” that are not coming from my fingers is a misrepresentation.
Now to the Jupiter-80. Roland owns the name Jupiter. They can do whatever they want with it. And, who really cares what they call it? It’s all about the sounds you can use and if it allows you to be expressive in your art. Roland could have called it the Steaming Excrement Pile and painted it pink. I’d still buy it if it did what I wanted and was affordable. Oh, and I know that a lot of folks think it’s overpriced, but wake up peoples. You’re in a time tunnel. The yen was worth $1.00 in 2008. Today, it’s worth $1.25. That means our dollar buys 20% less than it did in 2008. So, if the Jupiter-80 sells for $3500, that’s $2800 in 2008 dollars.
The Jupiter-80 at first look appears to be my ideal stage keyboard. I’m seeing a combination of Supernatural pianos and EPs, tone wheel, virtual analog, layers and splits. This keyboard should let me hit the stage with one keyboard, and no modules or extra stuff to wire up and plug in. They have actually built a keyboard that I am the target market for. Of course, I will need to actually play it first, hear it in person, feel the keys, etc. So, if the reality of this keyboard stands up to my initial impression, I will be buying one. If you played the Jupiter-80 and found fault with some sound or setting, or just thought it was crap, please share your wisdom. If you’re whining about the name, the colors, the lack of this or that, and haven’t actually played it and you are taking the time to post your rants on forums, you should probably channel your energies elsewhere, like maybe write a nice song.
In closing, I’d like to thank and send out good vibes to Roland for making great products and Artemiy for putting this forum together where I have gotten good advise on purchases, and fixes for problems.
As a long time reader, first time poster, and part time keyboard player since 1975, I wanted to express my opinion in light of all the negativity I’ve read in this and other forums concerning the Jupiter-80. First, I've been using Roland equipment for 15 years and I’m pretty happy overall with the sounds of their products. I own or have owned: Fender Rhodes, Sequential Circuits Pro One, Moog Voyager, Korg Poly 800, Triton TR, Motif rack XS, Juno Stage, etc. Although it may appear that I’m an equipment whore, I attempt to get good bang for the buck in a reliable, easy to set up rig.
I’m currently using a Fantom X7, VK-8M Organ Module, and a Gaia SH-01 (yes I know, I sound like a living Roland commercial). I primarily play piano, EP, organ, and synthesizer sounds in several rock bands. I didn’t buy a Fantom G because, like a lot of other players, I didn’t see enough difference between the X and the G to justify a purchase. I have never used arpeggiators or sequencers. I believe that using “performances” that are not coming from my fingers is a misrepresentation.
Now to the Jupiter-80. Roland owns the name Jupiter. They can do whatever they want with it. And, who really cares what they call it? It’s all about the sounds you can use and if it allows you to be expressive in your art. Roland could have called it the Steaming Excrement Pile and painted it pink. I’d still buy it if it did what I wanted and was affordable. Oh, and I know that a lot of folks think it’s overpriced, but wake up peoples. You’re in a time tunnel. The yen was worth $1.00 in 2008. Today, it’s worth $1.25. That means our dollar buys 20% less than it did in 2008. So, if the Jupiter-80 sells for $3500, that’s $2800 in 2008 dollars.
The Jupiter-80 at first look appears to be my ideal stage keyboard. I’m seeing a combination of Supernatural pianos and EPs, tone wheel, virtual analog, layers and splits. This keyboard should let me hit the stage with one keyboard, and no modules or extra stuff to wire up and plug in. They have actually built a keyboard that I am the target market for. Of course, I will need to actually play it first, hear it in person, feel the keys, etc. So, if the reality of this keyboard stands up to my initial impression, I will be buying one. If you played the Jupiter-80 and found fault with some sound or setting, or just thought it was crap, please share your wisdom. If you’re whining about the name, the colors, the lack of this or that, and haven’t actually played it and you are taking the time to post your rants on forums, you should probably channel your energies elsewhere, like maybe write a nice song.
In closing, I’d like to thank and send out good vibes to Roland for making great products and Artemiy for putting this forum together where I have gotten good advise on purchases, and fixes for problems.