I had Mark on the line for almost 90 minutes last week, and we spoke of styles, sounds, features, bugs - you name it. He listened as I described the "dream machine" (that doesn't exist, of course) and I asked him to build the "Uncle Dave" model. Wouldn't THAT be a gas! Shak and Kobe have shoes, why can't I have a keyboard, huh? HUH?
I think the "powers that be" are finally aware that the modern gigging musician needs a certain tool, that is NOT the keyboards of 20 years ago. I used to stay setup for months at a time, and never take my gear out of the club, so it didn't matter how big, or bulky they were. Today's player needs to be portable or die, basically.
There is NO ammount of money that will make me take an afternoon to set up for a gig again. I need fast. I need small, and I need good quality. Like everyone else.
We've turned some heads at Yamaha this month with the discussions about the 2000. i HAVE A GOOD FEELING THAT (damn caps lok) a change is gonna come.
Until then - I am carrying an outboard mic processor, and a laptop. When they find a way to put these items into a 35lb package that WORKS - I'll buy it.
What should we call it ..... how 'bout,
The "Uncle Music Machine"?
naw.