76 keys is a compromise for playing piano parts, no doubt about it. You would be missing a whole octave worth of keys i.e. 12 extra that are on an 88 key keyboard. Playing piano parts on a 76 key semi-weighted keybed is a compromise also, especially if you've been accoustomed to fully weighted keys. It is a compromise Ian, as Diki stated also, but least it "is" an 'option' with Korg and Roland, who apparently seem hell bent on providing their customers with other choices in arrangers than just 61 keys even if it means, God forbid, that their bottom line might take a small hit because of it. It's what they call in the business world as putting the needs of your customers as top priority and above everything else, including your "bottom line". I know you are unfamiliar with the term because you work for a company who has indoctrinated you into their financial corporate policy and belief system which is survival above all and at all costs and the customer be damned type of mentality. I for one am glad Roland and Korg have chosen a different 'path' to meet their customers expectations and needs and give them what they want i.e. a 76 key option, for the simple reason that there are many of their customers who have a strong desire for and need 76 keys and who won't settle for a mere 61 regardless of the features or sounds..

Getting back to the question as to 76 keys being a compromise: yes, it is a compromise, but semi-weighted is better than nothing especially when the manufacturer in question doesn't provide an 88 key mid or high end arranger option either i.e. Yammie Central no less.

Although the 76 key may be semi-weighted they are usually substantially lighter than their 88 key cousins and narrower as well, which makes for easier manuvering and placement inside a vehicle, or on stage for that matter. There are other benefits of 76 keys over 88 keys as well, like costing less for one.

When one company so arrogantly chooses to snub a good portion of their customers and/or fan base and relegates them to either 61 keys or 'nothing' can you therefore see why there may be so much rankle among so many because of what they perceive as Yamaha's bottom line driven 'financial' incentives with total disregard to their customer base and/or potential customers? Okay, maybe you don't Ian. Nevertheless, that ever present reality is still staring you and Yamaha in the face however you or Yamaha wish to deny it or say it isn't of any relative consequence. Don't be too sure my friend.

Best,
Mike

PS: It has been estimated that up to 80% of the population cannot adequately handle or properly appropriate negative input or feedback. I hope you are not in that vast percentage of population Ian and I apologize if I have somehow offended you in any way. More importantly, I hope your Boss isn't in that category either because ultimately these comments and feedback are not directed at you personally but rather at your Boss who is headquartered in Japan. You are just the punching bag that has been given and bestowed upon us by your superiors and we're really sorry that you have to take the brunt of the blows as the go-between of there original intention and ultimate destination - i.e. Yammie Central. We do thoroughly appreciate and enjoy your company though and hope you continue to stick around.

[This message has been edited by keybplayer (edited 04-21-2008).]