DonM,
Semi-weighted makes your fingers tired? To date I think the best set of keys I've ever played on was the semi-weighted Roland XP-60. I didn't find that I was held back in emulating instruments with semi-weighted keys. Using the Roland I was able to do really fast high-hat work when I was recording drum tracks. I think semi-weighted keys are the best.. They're not too stiff, and in my opinion don't prohibit (fast) playing techniques when using instruments such as guitars, saxes, and drums. Now fully weighted keys is different. They don't make my fingers stiff, but for real intense playing of some instruments the full weight gets in the way.

I think the smartest move Yamaha could make with the Tyros is take the same route as they did with the 9000 Pro.. Drop the speakers, add a sampler, and 76 keys. They did a good job with the 9000 Pro, and I think a 76 key speakerless Tyros Pro would be great.

Squeak

Also number of keys is really based on particular needs. Persnonally I ended up changing on this issue. All my keyboards before my most recent were 61 keys. I liked the size and portability, but my latest keyboard has 76 keys and boy I forgot was I was missing! It just feels so much more right for me with 76 keys. I go to music stores and play the keyboards with 61 keys and feel so croweded now. I've gotten so used to the 76 keys and enjoy them so much I'll never by another 61 key model again. I'm going to be buying another board soon (most likey a synth-probably the Motif ES-7), and I'm taking the 76 key model. You just get spoiled with all those keys

[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 11-08-2004).]

[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 11-08-2004).]