Hi George,

Thanks for the GREAT SHOT of the SD-1 and 9000pro "side by side".

It is clear from your pic that the Solton SD-1 is substantially smaller in size (and weight) than the Yamaha 9000pro. I prefer Solton's decision to locate the mod/pitch bend wheels above the SD-1 keyboard instead of on the left which un-neededly adds to the 9000pro's length (and weight).

I find the button layout, shape & size on the Yamaha "superior" which makes it easier to locate correct buttons during live performance. The buttons on the SD-1 are too small and all basically the same size, shape and color making it too easy to hit the wrong button by mistake. Also, why did Solton choose to mount the floppy disk drive "on top" of the keyboard like that? Doing this, as well as adding the fake wood side panels makes it look real dated (1970's?).

I prefer the SD-1 for it's smaller size and weight and the 9000pro for it's ergonomic button layout. After auditioning both, I found the sound/styles on both units superior. The only important thing (for me and others who prefer to play in a pro keyboard style) lacking in the SD-1 is that it lacks the "rootless chord recognition" feature I keep bringing up. Incorporating this feature really WILL make a difference in that it will allow you to play in a style which produces the most professional sounding results.

George, did you ever hear back from Sandro (Solton) regarding my request to incoporate "rootless chord" recognition in the Solton SD-1. I hope you reminded him that the top of the line Yamaha (PSR9000/9000pro) & Technics KN6500/6000/5000 arranger keyboards do support this very feature. Adding these specific chord voicing recognitions would be VERY EASY for Solton to do. I am certain this only requires a minor software upgrade to change Solton's more esoteric chord voicing interpretation of the "specific" 4 or 5 chords to the more commonly used chords/voicings "actually" played by pro musicians. If Solton decides to ignore my request then I will realize that Solton really isn't interested in broadening their market to appeal to the pro keyboard musician market and I will have to look elsewhere: Yamaha 9000pro or Technics KN6500. I know many other pro keyboard musicians are considering switching from live band work to one man band gigging with an arranger keyboard and they feel the same way so I hope Solton will pay attention.
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Scott

[This message has been edited by Scottyee (edited 02-08-2001).]