Diki and squeak_D, you two "get it". I have now pretty much decided on the Korg M50. This was a late entry in my search but once I started playing it I could not get away from it. Went yesterday again to specifically play other rigs (to be objective) and still spent 95% of my time on the M50.

If you have not played the Korg M50 check it out, even if you are not looking for a kb right now. When you want a bit of inspiration the "combi's" alone are very cool. Kick in one (or two!) arps and you are flying. Kick in the drum track and you have takeoff !! Some of the arps are so well set up that all of a sudden you hear things you did not hear for the last 30 seconds -- the arrangements (no pun) of the arps are so well done they stay fresh longer than you might imagine.

thanks for your input

Stefano