First hand look... 
by Chuck from McRae / Baxley, GA, June 2008
Music Background:  performer, teacher, multi-instrumentalist, studio owner, carnivore

Now that I've had a closer look at the Fantom G, I must say that the big color screen is leaps and bounds ahead of the competition, even my old Fantom X7. I was amazed at how brilliant the colors were! When you consider the smooth transition between performance patches and the ability to utilize a mouse, then this keyboard becomes more and more attractive.

I wish I could comment on the sounds, but the speakers used on the demo were only average, so I don't feel qualified to comment just yet.

Also, I got to try out the Motif XS at the same store visit (I'm a former ES owner). I was impressed at its improved screen layout and functionality. The screen doesn't even come close to the Roland. But, when considering a performance keyboard, you can't go wrong with either the Motif or the Fantom. The sounds are getting so good, it's becoming more and more redundant to listen to the arguments of which is better, apples vs. oranges, blah, blah, blah. For me, it's more about function now.

Although the Roland has the incredible screen, mouse option, and performance transition, I don't feel comfortable placing it above the Motif yet. I'm really torn about which keyboard to buy! If you are a creative keyboard player or performer, you really can't go wrong with either keybaords. I know, as a performer and a studio owner, I hear sounds and samples all the time from all sorts of companies. It's all about functionality. Pick the one you feel most comfortable and creative with, and make it your axe.

  G8 
by Tyler Burns from Portland, OR, May 2008
Music Background:  Songwriter

I played the G8 at Guitar Center today and was very impressed by its user interface. The color screen is H-U-G-E and has the most brilliant sheen I've ever seen on a workstation. The keybed has been updated, just like the new RD-700(GX), which is pretty nice too.

Roland has never had great piano sounds on their workstations, and, unfortunately, the G8 doesn't alter that statement. I didn't get to spend too much time with the board personally, but I talked to one of the salesmen who said that the sounds were subordinate to those of Yamaha's Motif XS series.

Like its predecessors, it seems that this board is very much intended for urban, trance, and techno genres. Personally, I would rather get a Motif XS.

  Should Check It Out... 
by Chuck H. from McRae / Baxley, GA, January 2008
Music Background:  Multi-instrumentalist, Performer, Studio Owner, Instructor, Deranged Arranger, Jack-o'-all-trades, etc.

Ok, I don't own one (thus the 4.5 stars), but I do own a Fantom X7 and use it regularly in my studio and live gigs. It's hard to imagine much improvements in the sounds already available with Roland.

One thing that makes this keyboard so attractive is its ability to smoothly transition between patches with no drop-outs or sudden stops. Why can't the other performance keyboards do that??? This feature alone is causing me serious thoughts about trading in my Fantom X7. With the DSP available to do what it does, it's a great time in history to be a keyboardist! Not to mention, 24 audio tracks & 128 MIDI tracks via sequencer??? Whacked...

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