Ian, the main reason I don't currently have a B3 is that since I took (really) early retirement in '92, we have traveled a lot, buying new real estate as we went along and moving often (Witness Protection program is tough ). Sold my beautiful C3 and Leslie 122 when we moved to Hawaii, bought a chopped B3 and Leslie while in Hawaii which I sold when we left in 2004. I only bought the Nord when I decided to start gigging again and wanted something 'light' and portable. Needless to say, the Nord C1 was a godsend. I always intended (and still do) to have a B3 in my home. At 34lbs, jams at home with the C1 are not a problem (drums are the problem, hence my getting a DM-10 kit to stay permanently in my home studio).

We just got an offer on our house over in the country club and if that works out I'll be checking in with fellow Synthzoner Bill Lewis (if his 'cherry' B3 is still available) and also probably replacing our Yamaha Upright with the best 5-6' Grand we can afford. This is mostly for aesthetics but beats leaving it all to the grandkids . I'm a little nervous about securing maintenance for the Hammond but have found two (Hammond techs) within a short distance from my home. Apparently there are always some around large cities to maintain the fairly large population of Hammonds still in a lot of (especially southern) churches.

Man oh man, I can't believe you're seeing snow already. I'm shivering just thinking about it. Might be a good time for you to swing south (visit me and Diki and DonM and Saxman and any other warm-climate souls willing to put up with a Canadian for a short period ).

Yeah, it is too bad about 'Frasier' and 'Ali', but don't worry, they'll be back, bloodied and bruised, but unbowed. Hopefully, some lessons will be learned as a result. Anyhow, looks like Fran will have to return to give his own scintillating 'reviews' during the interim.

It just occurred to me, with the competition temporarily disqualified, you should be a shoo-in for our MotorPoster of the Month award......well, you would be if Canadians were eligible . Just curious, Ian, how long does it take you to thoroughly learn a new 'board before you are able to present it in a clinic and having to answer all those idiot questions from old men (or drummers) who've never seen a synth before and who just recently figured out how a two-way light switch works.

Ok, my word allotment's up. Ciao.

chas