John,

I have to agree with you that the owners of the KN7000 who are actually musicians, and not 'players' are definitely hanging on to their KN7000's - which is certainly a factor contributing to their scarcity. I know someone who posts on here (no names, but if we were all called 'Bill' - you would have a hard job to find him), actually has two KN7000's.

Now then - more fuel to the fire - this gentlemans best friend has a Yamaha 9000 (not he 'Pro'), and they have failed to master the operating system of the Yamaha, describing it as 'much more difficult than the KN7000' !! Now, my wife and I, both with years of Yamaha experience, switched to Technics - a KN 6500, then a KN7000. Yes, we could play them - no problem - but when it came to using the Menu's for the Arranger half, we were befuddled and confused. Even with the help of our 'Master Tech' Guru - Willum !! .... Remember please also, that our brains are not what they were 70 years and more ago !! I even forget where I live, or what day it is (Happy Easter all !!).

We sadly parted company with Technics due to this problem. My wife bought a Yamaha S910 (this has to be the best 'Bang per buck' at 1,300 GB Pounds, (2,000 US Dollars), new - discounted from about 1,800 Pounds). I bought a Yamaha 9000 Pro for 600 Pounds (1,000 US Dollars). We can 'fly' around the OS of the Yamaha's - because we are very familiar and used to it. The same must apply in most cases in reverse to owners of Technics, who try to play with Yamaha's OS.

It was a sad thing that the Yamaha 9000 Pro was not continued for long, or even developed or upgraded. The reason is this...... Yamaha with their amazing (NOT !!) appreciation of what the buyers needed produced a 'Winner' with the 9000 Pro !! It had everything .... A 77 Note Piano weighted Keybed, an Arranger section, Solid construction for gigging. No Amplification or built in speakers, Vocal Harmoniser, even inbuilt lighting to illuminate the Keyboard / Music Stand in dark venues. Other than the Arranger section and inbuilt 'Styles' it was a true 'Professional' Keyboard.

Sadly - Professionals saw it with an 'Arranger' as a 'Home Keyboard' - they still do frown on 'Styles' and arrangers..... The 'Home Players' saw it as a Professional Keyboard, with no inbuilt speakers and a heavy steel case with no inbuilt speakers.

So ... It never sold, or even got a good reputation from either side of the divide. I still honestly believe it was the best keyboard that Yamaha ever made, as was the KN7000 for Technics.

Sounds?? .... Super Articulation 1 and 2, and all the fancy names for Yamaha's polyphony-eating Styles (Mega Voices!!), fail to impress me. The only person who will appreciate these sounds will be another musician, or at best another 'Yamaha Nut' - When did you last have a musician in your audience when gigging? .... To Mr Joe Public at your Wedding, Birthday, Lounge or Pub Gig - a Trumpet is a trumpet, whether it is Super Articulated SA1, SA 2, 'Live' or whatever - they won't know the difference to an old FM Synthesised one !! The only thing that impresses your audience is your playing ability, then your confidence and personality. So who is impressed by these fancy sounds? .... Just the people who have paid over 3,000 pounds for the latest gizmo laden plastic keyboard Yamaha make.

Just my honest opinion, and I really don't want to upset anyone - My opinion may be flawed, especially as I am a 76 year old opinionated 'Fart' who has been a professional musician for over 60 years.

This discussion is very interesting, and I hope that those with views different to mine will give their opinion on the subject - its good to hear other peoples 'angles', and with an open mind, one might just change their opinion.

Sorry to ramble, but I feel my points are valid.

Happy Halloween to all,

John

PS... I am still running the Technics Keyboard and Organ Forum, which now has over 230 Members !!! Like here - there are not a lot of active posters, sadly !!

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