I'd love to try the SD1, but I wouldn't buy it without being able to try one first.

The key feel is a bit better maybe on the 3000, at least it felt that way. I can get by with it. It won't matter that much I guess, because I almost always use a two kb setup, and both the Motif ES and PA80 have decent feeling keys for my taste, so I can rip out the occasional solo on one of them if I want to.

I actually did get to try out an EXR board cassp, and I didn't really think all that much of it vs what I have now. It's OK, but it really isn't a consideration for me.

Gary, I think either the 3k and Tyros are the two leading contenders here. A good built in harmonizer is important to me. I'd prefer to not have to drag around and setup an external one, even if the quality would be improved.

Usb storage is great too, and thankfully I have a couple of USB thumb drives for the Motif ES. Lucky for me, because both smart media cards I had eventually went bad ( the ES can use either ).

I like the overall Yamaha sound palette in general anyway, and I hear a lot of the Motif ES in the Tyros and probably the 3k. I would hope the drumkits are better than in the past, but I'll live with what they give me.

Thanks guys. It helps to hear from the playing pros on this one. If there is anyone in the NE Pa or Southern Catskill area that has an SD1 or Genesys around, I'd like to see it. If you are a private party, I'll be happy to compensate you for your time. Short of that, I think I can do just fine with either a Tyros or 3000. As I said before, I'm not really looking for a PA1x, simply because I already have a PA80. I realize that the PA1x is probably a pretty big step up, and ultimately I'd love to play one sometime, but I would prefer to complement the setup with another brand.

AJ

[This message has been edited by Bluezplayer (edited 08-29-2005).]