Jupiter 80....I bought it.....

[blytzz]

Im really not trying to be rude but 3500!! wasnt even close to worth it,

What do you think about people who bought a monophonic Moog Voyager for roughly the same price?

Not to mention a 30 year old Jupiter 8 for roughly double that price!??

The Jupiter 80 is not a a voyager and certainly not a Jupiter 8, its digital and the synths on it arent the same quality as the acoustics...and thats what a lot of Roland fans are going on about, the 80 is very limited, I can see why people will buy one and be happy but Roland made this thing for people with money to blow, I cant see many house musicians trying to expand some sounds buying this, Ive been wrong before. Im not bashing the JP 80, I truly hope Roland takes this and makes a workstation with it. That would be the real game changer, but as is and at the same price as a kronos 88 which can be gotten anywhere for less than 3500, got mine for 3200, it seems a bit silly is all.

[blytzz]

Im actually thinking of canceling my kronos order and getting an ultranova, maudio venom, microkorg, roland 505 and some vsts with my Tex for a controller, and I will save money.

I genuinely respect your opinion!

I also think your comment above says a lot about your tastes, expectations, motivating factors, and focus.

All in all...I agree that JP80 is not right for you. And there is nothing wrong with that.

Edit: Just a follow up thought.....I would reconsider canceling your Kronos order.....The gear you mention is all really cool...but its gonna pale in comparison in many ways compared to a Kronos. I totally get it if money is the over-riding factor...in which case the set up you describe will be great, and provide a lot of horsepower. But at the same time, if money IS a consideration, your investment will be much better placed in a Kronos. Just one mans opinion.....

Ahh maybe I shouldnt have posted this in this forum as its a little off topic, but if anyone wanted to pm me a response Id appreciate, or post it if you think its relevant... My apprehension with the workstation model is that its only one keyboard, and to program the kronos using rppr and sequencing and sampling to do at any given time what having several boards can do on the fly seems like a waste of time. I could be wrong, maybe the kronos is easy to do all that stuff (in which case Id keep it), but the idea of menu diving all day is scaring me, especially with what ive heard about sequencing combis so far, I hear theres a lot of cutting and pasting.

[blytzz]

**Update** I cancelled the K88 order, and although I wont be getting a J80, its because of it that I cancelled, J80 shows me what type of sounds to start expecting from synths in the next year or two, and when those sounds are put into a workstation then the game will have changed, but unfortunately the K88 doesnt change the game, its just an affordable oasys with a few more bells and whistles and a worse interface and a ui thats 10 years old. J80 helped me see the light and the future looks brilliant.

[Bruce Lychee]

What do you think about people who bought a monophonic Moog Voyager for roughly the same price?

Not to mention a 30 year old Jupiter 8 for roughly double that price!??

The Jupiter 80 is not a a voyager and certainly not a Jupiter 8, its digital and the synths on it arent the same quality as the acoustics...and thats what a lot of Roland fans are going on about, the 80 is very limited, I can see why people will buy one and be happy but Roland made this thing for people with money to blow, I cant see many house musicians trying to expand some sounds buying this, Ive been wrong before. Im not bashing the JP 80, I truly hope Roland takes this and makes a workstation with it. That would be the real game changer, but as is and at the same price as a kronos 88 which can be gotten anywhere for less than 3500, got mine for 3200, it seems a bit silly is all.

Roland fans? I'm over on the Roland forum and very few people have played the board let alone understand it. Until I started posting pics of the Jupiter screens last week, people didn't even know the details of the synth engine. I'm not sure how you came to the conclusion that the synth engine isn't as good as the acoustic sounds. I think the opposite may be true.

As far as the price, I have stated before that the Kronos and Jupiter are stark contrasts in materials and construction. If the Kronos was built to the manufacturing standards of the Jupiter, it may not have come in at a "game changing price". The Jupiter is clearly built to endure the abuses of a gigging musician.

The Jupiter isn't going to be for everyone. If you are primarily a programmer and not a player, you might not appreciate the polyphony, the way multiple articulations work in real time and the uniquely expressive nature of the Jupiter. If you don't like the Roland sound, the Jupiter may also not change your mind. If you need a workstation, it clearly won't serve that purpose.

That being said, I think the Jupiter is certainly a worthy addition to any set of gear in the studio or on the stage. If I was using a PC based DAW and drum machine, I could probably do without the Kronos(except those EPs) and would keep the V, Jupiter and Virus. I would not consider parting with the Jupiter.

[Chriskk]

I thought the JP-80 was overpriced. After testing it several times, I personally think the price is right.

VA engine + SN engine + APS + ultra high quality hardware + super easy UI + 256 voice polyphony = about $3k

[RonF]

Ahh maybe I shouldnt have posted this in this forum as its a little off topic, but if anyone wanted to pm me a response Id appreciate, or post it if you think its relevant... My apprehension with the workstation model is that its only one keyboard, and to program the kronos using rppr and sequencing and sampling to do at any given time what having several boards can do on the fly seems like a waste of time. I could be wrong, maybe the kronos is easy to do all that stuff (in which case Id keep it), but the idea of menu diving all day is scaring me, especially with what ive heard about sequencing combis so far, I hear theres a lot of cutting and pasting.

The Kronos is much more than the sum of its individual parts. Its how these things integrate, and yield creative possibilities, which really matter. There are also component parts which you don't mention, which you take for granted....such as the converters, the DSP processing power, the HDR, the routing capabilities....etc etc. You will not get these niceties in the set up you describe, and ultimately it is the foundation of your system, not the sound material you put though it, that can make the biggest difference in your final product. Each of the items you mentioned in your prospective system are considered entry level or affordably priced products for those manufacturers. Again, I totally respect any money constraints that may be swaying your decision. But if, along with your investment, you are interested in the quality and flexibility of your musical adventure....then I would, again, reconsider what you propose. In Kronos, you get a Studio full of gear, integrated into a sleek package, and with a depth of creative possibility, and a pristine sound quality, that you are going to struggle to achieve with the "mix and match" approach of low end gear that you describe. Not to knock any of those products directly. They are each great in their own way, especially what you can do with them for the relatively low cost. But pro is pro, and the Kronos is pro, and state of the current art. Think carefully~!

[RonF]

The Jupiter 80 is not a a voyager and certainly not a Jupiter 8, its digital and the synths on it arent the same quality as the acoustics...and thats what a lot of Roland fans are going on about, the 80 is very limited, I can see why people will buy one and be happy but Roland made this thing for people with money to blow, I cant see many house musicians trying to expand some sounds buying this, Ive been wrong before. Im not bashing the JP 80, I truly hope Roland takes this and makes a workstation with it. That would be the real game changer, but as is and at the same price as a kronos 88 which can be gotten anywhere for less than 3500, got mine for 3200, it seems a bit silly is all.

You significantly under-state the caliber and quality of the JP-80 as a synthesizer. And you have it stark backwards on the Synth tones vs. the Acoustic tones on the JP80. And as a digital VA, its one the best analog emulations I have heard (in the league of the Virus I would say). As to its price point.....thats a very individual choice and opinion. For me, clearly, it was worth its price. I feel stronger about that now than the day that I bought it.....

[RonF]

**Update** I cancelled the K88 order, and although I wont be getting a J80, its because of it that I cancelled, J80 shows me what type of sounds to start expecting from synths in the next year or two, and when those sounds are put into a workstation then the game will have changed, but unfortunately the K88 doesnt change the game, its just an affordable oasys with a few more bells and whistles and a worse interface and a ui thats 10 years old. J80 helped me see the light and the future looks brilliant.

Wow....this is one of the most contradictory posts I have read in a while.

[RonF]

Roland fans? I'm over on the Roland forum and very few people have played the board let alone understand it. Until I started posting pics of the Jupiter screens last week, people didn't even know the details of the synth engine. I'm not sure how you came to the conclusion that the synth engine isn't as good as the acoustic sounds. I think the opposite may be true.

As far as the price, I have stated before that the Kronos and Jupiter are stark contrasts in materials and construction. If the Kronos was built to the manufacturing standards of the Jupiter, it may not have come in at a "game changing price". The Jupiter is clearly built to endure the abuses of a gigging musician.

The Jupiter isn't going to be for everyone. If you are primarily a programmer and not a player, you might not appreciate the polyphony, the way multiple articulations work in real time and the uniquely expressive nature of the Jupiter. If you don't like the Roland sound, the Jupiter may also not change your mind. If you need a workstation, it clearly won't serve that purpose.

That being said, I think the Jupiter is certainly a worthy addition to any set of gear in the studio or on the stage. If I was using a PC based DAW and drum machine, I could probably do without the Kronos(except those EPs) and would keep the V, Jupiter and Virus. I would not consider parting with the Jupiter.

I would agree, somewhat to my surprise (in that it is not what I expected or planned, especially after I took delivery of my Kronos this year) that the JP-80 is now one of my favorite instruments, and in the "keeper" status for me, along with my Virus, Fantom G, Voyager (forever!), and Juno 106. However, I would part from Bruce saying that the Kronos is an equal keeper, for very different reasons..... I was a previous Oasys owner, who stupidly sold it a few years back. Sometimes you don't realize what you have until you lose it. Kronos offers musical possibilities that are deep and unique. And being mindful of Oasys...Kronos is a relative bargain. I will never sell it.

And yes.....cob webs are growing over at the RolandClan JP80 forum!

[RonF]

I thought the JP-80 was overpriced. After testing it several times, I personally think the price is right.

VA engine + SN engine + APS + ultra high quality hardware + super easy UI + 256 voice polyphony = about $3k

100% +1

[RonF]

Yes. I'm just focusing purely on the different features for now and will stick to factory patches for that purpose. I figure I might as well put the factory registration items to some use. I assume Planet Jupiter was made to highlight the tone blending since I hear Scott use it for that purpose.

Interesting Bruce....I didn't know that about Scotts demo. Cool!

[PinkFloydDudi]

I like reading about user experiences and opinions of synths competing in the same market as the Kronos (JP80, XF, Kurz, etc.) in this forum. I think it is totally appropriate and very valuable as it informs about the Kronos' strengths and weaknesses from the perspective of those who own and play both--which I think is as honest a perspective as one could hope for.

So after endless comments about how the Kronos and JP80 really aren't in the same competing market...thats what you come with?

[Pilotwings]

I thought the JP-80 was overpriced. After testing it several times, I personally think the price is right.

VA engine + SN engine + APS + ultra high quality hardware + super easy UI + 256 voice polyphony = about $3k

I don't think Roland is out of line with the price of the JP80... I remember when I bought the JD-800 new back when it was introduced, I believe the retail price (not what I paid) was $2,895. 61 keys & 24 notes of polyphony as opposed to 76 keys & 256 notes! (It would be much better if it were free though

[Bruce Lychee]

I would agree, somewhat to my surprise (in that it is not what I expected or planned, especially after I took delivery of my Kronos this year) that the JP-80 is now one of my favorite instruments, and in the "keeper" status for me, along with my Virus, Fantom G, Voyager (forever!), and Juno 106. However, I would part from Bruce saying that the Kronos is an equal keeper, for very different reasons..... I was a previous Oasys owner, who stupidly sold it a few years back. Sometimes you don't realize what you have until you lose it. Kronos offers musical possibilities that are deep and unique. And being mindful of Oasys...Kronos is a relative bargain. I will never sell it.

And yes.....cob webs are growing over at the RolandClan JP80 forum!

Don't get me wrong. My Kronos isn't going anywhere. The pianos and EPs alone are keepers for me and I don't like working on PCs.

[RonF]

I thought the JP-80 was overpriced. After testing it several times, I personally think the price is right.

VA engine + SN engine + APS + ultra high quality hardware + super easy UI + 256 voice polyphony = about $3k

I don't think Roland is out of line with the price of the JP80... I remember when I bought the JD-800 new back when it was introduced, I believe the retail price (not what I paid) was $2,895. 61 keys & 24 notes of polyphony as opposed to 76 keys & 256 notes! (It would be much better if it were free though

I remember the same, and that was a LONG time ago....adjusting for inflation!