Taike, yes, I did get the C1. About as close as you're going to get to a B3 at 33lbs. I'm playing some occasional gigs with a drummer and guitar player (we'd like to add a female jazz vocalist - for variety). The rehearsals are more fun than the gigs. I'm having a ball jamming with guys in their 20's (they're bright, talented, and drug-free). Unfortunately, I'm not up to gigging as often as they would like so I don't know how long this will last.

I could give you a run-down on the C1 but I'm sure you've already done your homework. Although great as a lightweight gigging substitute, without those drawbars, that big seat, those 25 pedals, and that great, expressive, long-throw expression pedal, you'll never delude yourself into thinking you're sitting behind a real B3.

Good luck with your search. The Roland is not a bad choice (given your situation regarding service/repair). I had a VK7 (traded in to Dan-O) and it sounded pretty darn good (weighed a ton, though ).

chas