Thanks for the great story. I felt as if I were with you on your journey at the store. I am interested in the PA50. I also had the 3000. It is a great board in a lot of ways, but just not the one for me. In fact, staying within the $800 - $1000 range, my choices are few. Currently I have no keyboard and get fed reading others' successes.
Regards,
zuki
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Yamaha 920 / Yamaha DGX-670 / Maui 5 Go (2) / Senn e935 / Sony C80 / Tascam DP24sd / ATEM Mini Pro switcher (studio)