Uncle Dave STILL thinks that the 9000pro is the best made, easiest to operate, best looking, feature packed, best FEELING, overall CHAMP of the arranger world.

Unfortunately Uncle Dave does NOT think it is a portable keyboard, suited for 300+ one night stands each year. If you have roadies, or you're 21 years old, or you always play large venues with BIG stages ... then it's a great choice. The deal with us "seasoned"(old?) guys in the trenches is this:

Too many places make the load-in/load-out very awkward, and the extra length & weight is a drawback ... even in some hotel elevators and hallways. ESPECIALLY kitchen hallways, where the lowly musician must often enter.

Another drawback is in the stage area's (That often, DON'T exist!) I play lot's of "society" parties in small clubs, elegant homes, and business offices .... the "stage" area is most often a corner of a room, where space is at a premium. Just lugging that giant coffin into someone's living room is bulky, and cumbersome. Then you have to store the case during the performance ... more hassles.

As an old Rhodes player, I think the Motif has the BEST sound out there, but a VERY close second is the 9kpro. Add the terrific modeled organs, and magnificent piano, and you can't beat it for a performance instrument.

I never use samplers, so I can't comment on that side of the coin, but as an arranger, or as a stand-alone performance board ... it still gets my highest vote for features, sound and feel.

Uncle Dave has sopken.
(Bob Dole likes Britney Spears)