I've been reading Ketron postings about the SD1+ and the SD5 for almost a year now. My impression (from the postings) is that the keyboards are hard to learn and understand. And also that the manual is not very clear.

Do you folks mean that it is hard to learn all the nuances of it after you've bought it and started playing with it? Or is it "hard to learn" to play the instrument when you first approach the keyboard to audition it in the store?

I played the SD5 when Lou had it last summer. I couldn't figure out what to do with it. Then again I was not concentrating on it as I was there on other business.

I'm not a novice. I've been playing Roland and Yamaha auto-arranger keyboards for years now. I'm very familiar with how they work. I spent about 20 hours on the G-70 and a few hours on the Tyros.

So my question is: Can (professional) players get a good "take" on the SD5 within 1-2 hours. I mean simply run through the dance styles and instrument patches to get a good idea of what it's like to play?

ANY comments are appreciated as I'm considering purchasing either the SD1+ or the SD5 but I really need to take the unit through it's paces before I make the decision.

Thank you.