The fact is that the 9000pro turned out to be a financial DISASTER for Yamaha. Before releasing Tyros2, Yamaha performed extensive marketing research to determine whether to release the followup to Tyros1 with 76 keys or not. I was told that their research results showed that their targeted market prefered the smaller portability (+ lighter weight) of 61 keys.

Here's my personal professional opinion regarding the 61 vs 76 key debate. I have to concur, that for traditional solo style keyboard playing, 76 keys is mandatory, and 88 preferable. Yet for strictly arranger style playing (especially split mode), 61 keys quite adequate, as with the split point set at F#2, this leaves 3-1/2 octaves of real estate for right hand playing, and only 1/2 octave less than the notes available from middle C to the top of not a 76, but 88 note keyboard, certainly adequate (imho) for most typical right hand soloing.

If Yamaha could squeeze 76 keys in the confines of it's current outside shell dimensions, I too am all for it, but I personally am not willing to sacrifice Tyros2 lightweight portability and smaller size for a larger case (shell) like the Roland G70 & Korg PA1XPro have, to fit 76 keys. On the other hand, Ketron's SD1 is a winner in this regard, making it the lightest weight & shortest length 76 note arranger available. Unfortunately, from what I've been told, because of their financial disaster with 9000pro, Yamaha Japan has NO PLANS to release a Tyros2 Pro with 76 keys.

On another note: I had a chance to watch & hear three terrific arranger keyboard players play the Tyros2 at NAMM the other day, and they all (Martin Harris, Mark Anderson, and Ken) got around that board just fine, showcasing their terrific keyboard chops, and on 61 keys . . . no problem.

As a traditional acoutic piano player myself, had to make some big adjustments when switching back & forth between piano & synth style keyboard. In addition to forfeiting 88 notes for 61, the key feel and even the size of the keys are different, and of course the PLAYING STYLE (technique) of auto accomp arranger playing is entirely different as well. Switching between an 88 note piano and any arranger requires approaching each with a different mindset. Once you're open to doing this, barriers will be broken, and new doors of playing opportunity become available.

Scott

[This message has been edited by Scottyee (edited 01-22-2006).]