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My Favorite Roland Boutique: A-01
Main Post:
After purchasing all four of the boutiques, I can say now that my favorite is the A-01. While I'm happy that I now have a Juno 106, Jupiter 8, and JX-3P in nice, compact modules, I have to say that the A-01 is the most interesting of these boutiques.
First off, I'm into chiptune stuff, and the A-01's 8 bit CPU synth is awesome for creating chiptune sounds. Seriously. I've been helping out with some sounds for a buddy's indie game and you can get some great stuff out of this module. It doesn't sound quite Nintendo-like (or Sega, Intellivision, etc), but has it's own character. It also has a sweet, virtual analog synth bass sound (sawtooth) that sounds great on it's own.
As I've used this little guy for designing game sounds/music, I've also noticed just how handy it is for using with almost anything. The fact that it has 5-pin midi, USB midi, BlueTooth midi, and CV/Gate means I can use it with almost anything. And the big LCD screen with the waveform displayed has helped immensely with sound design.
Add in the fact it is built well, has a neat little sequencer, and that it only costs $149.00 (with the mini keyboard) and you've got an awesome little synth. Seriously. If you are into chiptune stuff--or just want something unique--check it out. You can listen to some of the 8 bit sounds of the A-01 in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-NxiGxpL4A
And can learn a bit more about it (it was basically designed by Akira Matsui, the guy behind the JX-3P) here:
https://www.roland.com/global/promos/roland_boutique/interview_3/
I'll try to post some of the chiptune stuff I've done with it as soon as I can (and when the game developer says that it's ok).
Top Comment:
I'm on the opposite end of the spectrum. Picked one up for $150 with the keyboard, can't say I've gotten a lot of value out of it.
The keyboard, is the worst keyboard I've used. Half the time it doesn't even recognize a stroke if its on velocity sensitive. The keys are mushy as fuck, just doesn't "feel" good to play.
The sequencer is extremely limited. Its pretty much the bare minimum for a sequencer.
The synth itself sounds cold, digital, and about as generic as it gets to me. Completely uninspiring.
The interface is terrible as well. The buttons are all aluminum so you think quality, but are terrible to use as they are all flush buttons, the knobs are idiotically smooth and provide enough resistance to be annoying. The mod wheels are touch strips.
Pretty sure a casio watch from the 90s had higher resolution screen.
The CV is handy.
At least, thats been my experience. Its my least liked piece of gear, completely uninspiring, and terrible.
But, that's the great thing about gear, different people like different things. More power to you if you dig it.
Took my son to Bippity Boppity Boutique and he ended up having photos with a little princess in front of him!
Main Post: Took my son to Bippity Boppity Boutique and he ended up having photos with a little princess in front of him!
Top Comment:
This has got to be one of the cutest posts I’ve seen!
Selling my Korg ARP Odyssey for a Roland Boutique SE-02 ?
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I have my Korg Arp for around 1.5 years. I absolutely love the sound and how the Korg ARP looks, but due to the unusual layout, I barely use it. It mostly collects dust.
Now I'm thinking about selling the Korg Arp and get a different, more compact device.
I think the Roland SE-02 could be a nice replacement but I never tested one. I only know it from youtube and overall I really love Roland stuff. And I ever wanted something from Studio Electronics :)
Another option I think about is the Behringer Model D. I also only know this item from the internet and I like what I heard. But I'm kind of concerned about Behringer build quality in long terms.
So what do you think, selling the Korg ARP and get a Roland SE-02?
Top Comment:
I think that such transactions happen all the time. If your synth is collecting dust, sell it to someone who will use it. SSE-2 may or may not be suitable for your needs, but why not find out.
Should I give up on my Boutique?
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I started an online only women boutique and felt like I had a great vision. I've been open for several months and not made one sale. Idk what I could be doing to help. I put everything I had into it and don't have the funds for consultants or marketing firms. I try to post on social media but I'm not getting any views. Should I call it quits and face the music or is there something I'm missing? Any advice would be appreciated.
Top Comment: This thread has turned into a store review, which is against r/shopify rules, so I'm going to lock this thread now and invite you to post again on r/reviewmyshopify with a link to your website to resume the discussion. Wishing you the best of luck going forward. Sincerest thanks to everyone for providing advice with the best intentions.
Your favorite local boutique (that has an online inventory)
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I love boutiques for their curated collection of interesting and quality brands but there are only a few very good ones where I live. I'd love to access more.
Please share your favorite! I'm looking for ones that are small and local to you and have a web inventory.
My favorite one that is local to me is Grethen House (price range $$-$$$, quality medium to very good). I like them because they carry an interesting and wide mixture of semi-designer European brands (Isabel Marant Etoile, Peserico, Ganni etc.) as well as indie, sustainable/ethical brands that I'd otherwise never discover by myself.
Top Comment: Boutique 1861 is my favourite Montreal based boutique! They have a very vintage/preppy vibe, but with more trendy styles mixed in here and there.
Decided to label my boutique shelf by company
Main Post: Decided to label my boutique shelf by company
Top Comment:
That way, you're the only one who can find anything! Muwahahahaha!