VR730 - just a stretched VR09?

Hi there, I'm thinking about buying the VR09, how do you find it? The organ side of it looks great but how are the string and synth sounds on it, just looking for a cheaper keyboard at present as my Yamaha motif has packed in!

Hi milesy_boy,
Thinking about it, I would actually say I have to consider the VR-09 my favourite board, at least measured in playtime. Because of the light weight and complete range of sounds it is often my go-to-board when I just want one.

I would not say that the strings and synths are the strongest parts, but they are OK, especially considered the price of the whole package. The organ is fantastic. I use this board mostly for organ and strings, and some piano parts.

For comparison: My other gear consists of a Roland FA-08, which is a beast of a machine, but heavy and big, a Nord Electro 5d 61 which of course is better than the VR-09 in many ways, but at the same time it falls short on the ease of use. Also I have a Korg RK100S keytar, which has cool synth sounds, but it's hard to find the right use for it.

As always - try before you buy if you have the chance, but I'd say go for it. I think it makes a good deal!

Hi, I recently replaced a Kurzweil by a VR-730 as bottom board (weight factor), having a Hammond XK-1c on top. Both go through a KC990. I mus admit: wow, Roland hit it with this keyboard. Organ is on par with my Hammond but the key action is even better. Piano sounds are great and pads/strings extremely usable.
I had a Nord Electro 3 in the past. Key action, organ sound and lack of pitch bend made me look elsewhere.

[quote="mo2cv"]Hi milesy_boy,
For comparison (with the VR-730): My other gear consists of a Roland FA-08, which is a beast of a machine, but heavy and big...
[/qote]
Perhaps mo2cv or someone could comment about how the keyboard action of the VR-730 compares to the FA-08 or other syntths. I've never liked the action on the recent FA series as they feel mushy to m. I use either a weighted piano/keybaord, e.g., RD2000, or a synth with little or no weighting to the keys, e.g., old Roland JD, Jupiter series. I am hoping that the VR-730 has more of a synth fast action w.o weighting or feeling mushy as you depress the key downward to its maximum excursion. Thanks for any info.