Chas,
I have taken new boards to the job very quickly, but they were always operating systems with which I was very familiar.
For example, Yamaha still is using many of the same styles they were using 7 or 8 years ago, and the same OS as well. Even the vocal processing and harmonizer have not changed, and although they have added new sounds, the old ones are still there if you need them.
I merely take the time to set up some basic registrations, such as slow 6/8, 4/4, shuffle, R n' Roll, Country Rock-shuffle-waltz-2/4, a Bequine or Rhumba, and a Jazz swing.
With these I can easily and quickly get to a setup for most any song. Also in the registration, I set my favorite guitar, sax, organ and piano sounds.
First time I ever bought a Ketron (X1), on the advice of Uncle Dave, it came in about 3:00 p.m. and I had a job at 7. I talked to Dave on the phone and he said I wouldn't have any problem using it that night.
WRONG! It took me 3-5 minutes between songs. I was completely ignorant of the OS.
By the end of the night, it was better, but I was a total wreck. I did have my other kb in the van, but I was determined to make it through. It was a small friendly crowd, thank God.
Also, I would never take an unfamiliar board without having my old one handy for a backup.
It took me two weeks to get confident enough to take the Audya out. It will take me many months of exploration to start to realize all its capabilities. That is, when I get the replacement in.
DonM