Hi KN - I have a Tyros and a Ketron XD9.

In my opinion, the Tyros is probably the easiest (top of the range) keyboard to learn as you can just sit down and play straight away as the different internal styles can automatically select a range of appropriate solo voices which can also change with each of the 4 variations. The same applies to the new PSR3000 as well.

Also, the music finder database has a big and varied range of songs that you can choose from and it will simply set up the correct rythmn and tempo when you select one of the songs and start to play. This is a good quick way to introduce you to the many styles and voices.

Of course you can also customise or add styles, voices, multipads, effects etc and setting up your own registrations to use these is a also cinch.

Just make sure you like the sounds and feel of the keyboard. Most of the sounds are pretty good, some are great and a few are not so good. Depends what you like to play and hear - you really should try yourself for a while first.

When I first got the Tyros I nearly sold it straight away because it wouldn't do some of the things that the Ketron does especially for pop and more modern stuff. I eventually realised that there isn't a keyboard made that does everything I want (Unless it's the G70 which I haven't tried yet). I regularly play my old dad's KN6500 and his friends KN7000 and there are bits of those that I love and others that I hate.

There are other factors that may or may not affect you. I play out and can just take my XD module and a lightweight 61 note keboard plus logitech Z2200 speakers and I can almost get everything in my pockets (well in my car boot anyway) However, I can also control the XD from the Tyros when I play the types of gigs that require me to use it along with much more powerful amplification if needed.

My set up gives me redundancy (backup) as I have a choice of two different systems that I can take (or both). I know that people like Gary have another 3000 standing by but I prefer the variety that my setup gives

Of course, if you don't gig out then the above is not applicable but I guess my point is that you need to carefully consider what your requirements are as these are generally not just sounds and styles but also things like navigation, learning curve, functionality etc. and if you do gig then it's also weight and ease of set up too.

Have fun choosing a new keyboard.


Regards - KF