Chris/Paul:
Thanks for the postings . . . most informative.

I'm sure you're right about cymbal sounds, Paul - that's a very complex sound to reproduce well electronically. I also like the control panel of the Rolands, although since this thing is going in a rack, I'm going to need a drawer. Ah, well, can't have everything.

Of course, since neither of you guys live around the corner and up the street, my drum module will BE my drummer, so it's ability to handle triggers isn't quite as important. But it does seem like the Roland is easier to control. If its sound is more consistent and less thin, I'm sold.

You're right about instant obsolescence, Chris. Since computer technology is my day job, I know about that. In a year or so we'll have to do this all again, since by then nothing will leave the digital domain until there's a need to push a speaker cone . . .