I agree with Brian, Al. The Mo' ES8 is a spectacular Keyboard. It's not all that intuitive, ie., (high learning curve) but the sounds are so good it's almost freaky. Boo!! Yes; they're really that good. But having said that, you may want to wait until Winter NAMM 2004 because of the 'new' products that will be released and I've heard Korg is releasing a "Monster" Workstation that is suppose to blow 'everything' else out of the water. Hard to believe but that's what I've heard.

But if you can't wait until January 15th-18th 2004, then I would most definitely get the Motif ES8 (as apposed to the Roland Fantom S). In other words, that's the one "I" would get. Best thing to do is try before you buy to see which one fits 'your' bill. 128 note Polyphony on the Motif ES plus the option to add more is sure a big plus whereas you get 64 note Polyphony with the Roland S88 with NO option for adding more.

PS: I hope you have some College background Al because the learning curve on the Mo' ES's require at least a Master of Science degree with advanced degrees in Mathematics and Physics as well. Just kidding of course but the fact remains the Mo' ES DOES have a HIGH learning curve. They're not for the faint of heart that's for sure. You may even want to wait until the next generation of Mo's because word has it that Yamaha has finally seen the light and they are busily back at the drawing board with plans for a "larger" LCD screen and scratching their heads as to how and make the OS 'truly' user friendly and easy to navigate and use. They sure botched the current Mo' ES's in that regards IMO. Hopefully they will succeed in the next generation Board.

But the sounds are wonderful. That I can attest to.

Best regards,
Mike