hi Scott,

"Could you possibly outline (coming from your longtime experience as a KN5000 performer)the
differences "pros' and "cons" of both keyboards for "live performance"?

The sound quality on the X1 is very Real all around giving a much better "LIVE BAND" feel when performing versus the KN5000. The heavier key action is nice and professional feeling with the semi weighted keys. I do miss the Sound pads (very convient for certain ocassions), I also miss the on screen custom style list menu. The styles on the X1 wiil let you chnge alot of your songs for the better due to the better sound of the instruments, but like I did converting most of the Technics styles with a little tweaking to the X1 sound very very good and that alone made me feel at Home with the X1. Yamaha 8000 styles convert nicely alson it's like haveing al top keyboards in one.. The X1 styles variations seem to progress from 1 thru 4 much smoother then the K5 allowing you to use more variations unlike the k5 where sometimes if you go from 2 to 3 you get a very unusable style thats not in the same family. 3intos and endings & a break, are nice too on the X1. It just feels more rugged too. being able to search fro a midi song when one is playing is something the K5 couldn't to either.

"I think part of my reluctance of switching brands (so far)is my "fear" of all the work its' going
to be not only to learn how to navigate a whole new OS (styles/sounds) but also to attempt
to transport my entire song style collection over to the X1 as well. (I have hundreds of
customized song styles I created & have stored on my KN5000's hard drive).How easy is it to
get this over to the X1 successfully, or do I have to start from scratch on the X1?"

scott I did it in 3 weeks with help. Of course it takes work but we are professionals right? If your not going to get rid of your K5 work with the X1 at home making all your changes then when your ready you'l go out and gig with it. I didn't have that option. Internal speakes onthe X1 are superior to the K5, no distortion at max level, the vocalizer is the same as the digitec I believe, so you can do small gigs in a small restaurant or nursing home without lugging an amp around. I personally don't like the sound of a keyboard amp I prefer using a Good PA system like my MACKIE Sr450 powered speakers or JBL powered EONS with a small mixer. It can be mounted up in the air on stands, pointed in any direction,
use one or two at a time, or on the floor diagnaly pointig to the cieling for that Bounce efect in close quarters.How easy it will be to convert depends on you and your experience and personal preferences. I feel I sound better nowand there is much room for making it sound even better down the road when I get the time to do so. Don't be afraid of change just "Go For It"

"By the way, which "acoustic piano patch" do you prefer for playing "exposed" solo piano
ballads?: The X1 or KN5000? How would you describe the sound quality differences?"

Right now I enjoy the UPRIGHT PIANO SOUND and ROCK PIANO for that purpose. Scott in my opinion the X1 has a better all around LIVE Sound for sure.

I hope this helps

Donny




[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 10-18-2000).]