George,

OK, I get the point, George, you're not biased but being "biased" isn't all bad. It just means that you like one thing more than another. Remember, I did admit my bias toward Yamaha. Why shouldn't I? After all, it simply means that I'm happy with what I have (at least until the next model arrives).

The local Technics dealer sells Yamaha too but always leads customers away from Yamaha keyboards and goes directly to Technics (unlike the examples given above of what you do). Since I'm in Ohio (3,000 miles from your store) I haven't had the opportunity to talk with you personally (my loss). As I've said a number of times before, if you were anywhere in Ohio I'd be a customer.

When I think of any keyboard being "BEST" I consider every aspect of the keyboard and what I can do with it. Ease of use is extremely important to me as is button layout, screen size, voices, styles, registrations, etc.

A keyboard might have the greatest features in the world but if it's a pain in the *&# to access them, then what good is it? When I add up everything, the 9000PRO is the clear winner for me (not for everyone but for me).

Korg has great sounds but it's a screen-surfer and I hate going from screen to screen (prefer buttons to screen hopping). I know people are going to hate this and I probably shouldn't say it but Technics looks like a toy to me and presentation is important. (Sorry Scott, I know you love Technics - don't hate me for the toy remark I know its a Pro instrument).

Unfortunately, NOBODY in Ohio carries or services Ketron products (another reason I prefer Yamaha). So, I've never seen one.

Frank, do what Uncle Dave says and GO PLAY THEM but DON'T ORDER ANYTHING SIGHT UNSEEN. When I first saw a GEM, I thought it was the most beautiful keyboard ever but when I played it, the layout didn't seem logical to me and was very awkward for me (but others absolutely LOVE it). You're not going to know which is best for you until you get your hands on it.

Sure, I could've given you my version of a feature by feature comparison (I think I did that a long time ago) but it doesn't make any difference what I think - what matters is how the keyboard feels and works for you, and YOU GOTTA PLAY IT to find that out.

Biased and loving it,
Steve

PS. I plan to remain biased until another manufacturer turns my head, then I'll simply change my bias - but I'll still be biased.