Seems I can't say anything without someone misinterpreting it. (Scott Yee won't even talk to me any more. He thinks I've flipped my lid or something. Oh well...)
I was "lightly" suggesting that your profile showed you to be a One-Brand-Man. There was no mention of woodwinds or Rolands or anything else. Just MANY Technics models. Easy mistake.

I am a true fan of your writing style, and I will continue to read about the "adventures of Doug & Ruthie" with great anticipation, but I think I'll refrain from the advice column for a while. Things get too heated up too often, and I hate to be at the center of the debate on every issue.

Like you, I know who I am, and what my strengths are, so I will settle back into the dusty confines of my little "hectic" world of family, entertainment, and friends. I think too much time is wasted on these discussions anyway. It would be far more beneficial to drive to the nearest superstore and put your hands on all the items you are curious about. If more time was spent on the performance and less on the evaluations - we'd have better players all over.

The "One man Band" mentality has changed a lot in the past 15 years, and now that so many are attracted to it from other areas of music, there is a huge flood of keyboard owners, and only a tiny puddle of actual players. I've given advice and many secrets of my success for over three years without asking for a thing in return. If I seem to be bugging everyone with my "sometimes twisted" sense of wit - I apologize, but I cannot change what anyone thinks. My world has been one of full time music since 1969, and I have a lot to share. It's a shame that some people are trying to "read into" my words and are missing the point. That being : I love music, and I have a firm grasp on the business end of show biz, as well as the artistic end. I'd love to chit chat about the latest, greatest thing every day, but the fact remains ...... there is alot of real junk being sold today and a lot of really terrible players trying to make money in a business that they have NO business being in.

Now, before anyone gets bent outta shape about THAT comment - it has NOTHING to do with anyone specific. I'm generalizing about the overflow of "wanna-be" singers and DJ's that are buying a keyboard or computer and calling themselves an entertainer. I have many, many long hours of talent, sweat and heart invested in my craft and I will not let it be torn apart by the onslaught of amatures that have been "lured" into the spotlight at Karaoke nights and the like.
I guess I should only discuss these feelings with other pros, because I'm sure the large population of home users will, most likely take offense to that statement too. I'm sorry, but in an open forum .... this is what you get. Sometimes you like it, sometimes you don't. Life is all about tough choices.

I'm going to clear my head of all the babble and hit the beach for a week. Maybe when I get back things will be the way they used to be. The trouble with these discussion pages is that you have too much time to prepare your rebuttals. It's nothing like a real conversation where the parties interact and play off each others remarks. That's why so much is taken OUT of context. I think most comments are intended to be amusing as well as helpful. At least, I know I try to do that, but if feelings are getting hurt along the way, then a change must be made.
I will be the one to start the healing. I am closing my lips on the subject of subjectivity for the time being.
You will like what you like.
I like Baby Back Ribs.
Maybe I'll do that tonight.
Ta Ta all.