Roland GW-7

The Roland GW 7 is a very good workstation that is geared more towards people that create “pop” music. But I have heard it used in so many different types of music its ridiculous. Im so familiar with this board I can point out sounds when I hear them in a song and pretty much tell you it came from the Roland GW line. The sounds are different and unique, they arent copy cat sounds that a lot of other boards have. The sound developers spent a little more time trying to be different with this board. But since they say its for more of a pop musician than I guess it is. But to me it can be used for whatever, just the sounds are brighter pop sounds so if you are into whipping out those pop chords this will be right up your alley for sure.


UTILIZATION

Using the Roland GW 7 is very easy to understand, they made it that way on purpose probably because of all the issues that they get when the other boards roland has come out. Most of those are so difficult to understand, right off the bat you will be able to use this and start making music and put the manual down.


OVERALL OPINION

The sounds are good, depending on what type of sounds you like, as I said the sounds are more pop like and could be used in some electronic type music, but I wouldn’t look at this board if you are into jazz or anything like that. Its just not for you then, but if you want nice bright sounds than this will go great with your collection.

Overall, I do like the Roland GW 7 very much, just wish it wasn’t geared only toward pop music. Some of the synths are just too light and airy for me, I need more thick sounds. Im not really a pop producer so, but im sure if I was I would love the GW 7.

Characteristics : refer to the official Roland documentation

UTILIZATION

To edit a sound : there are 2 knobs to tweak around
As far as effects are concerned, well, it's not as straightforward. I have to go through the function menu to play with effects.
However, the manual is quite clear and easy to understand.

OVERALL OPINION

The keyboard velocity is rather difficult to master.
The sounds are nice, but some of them (especially the organs) are not as good as the ones on my 20 year-old Yamaha PSR-4500.
I got mine second hand for 200 euros. I think it is a good value for money. Knowing what i know now, i will make the same choice. As for the price, better value for money is hard to find.