Unfortunately, what you might really like, I may not like at all, and vice-versa. During the past decade or so, I've been through thousands upon thousands of styles, many of which I would rate extremely high, but because it's so very subjective, I don't post the ratings.

And, yes, those Tune 1000 and other high-quality SMF files are great tools, and with some keyboards you can actually loop the file so it reverts back to a certain point without interruption, which is a neat feature if your keyboard happens to have it. Mine does not. And, using the style files allows me to be a lot more creative, while at the same time providing me with the freedom to change things on the fly.

Now, a lot of those style files have been renamed to specific song titles, thereby allowing you to look for a style file that fits a particular song title, and in some instances, a performer. For example, I have one called the Elvis Shuffle, which fits a multitude of Elvis songs. I also have a folder of styles for just Glenn Miller, each style named for a specific song.

So, on those long, winter days, times when I'm not out sailing, and only working a couple hours a day, instead of watching TV I'll sit down and review style files. It really doesn't take very long to go through 100 or so, weed out the bad ones and save the good ones to a folder, often renaming the style for a specific song title or performer. Before you know it, you have a couple thousand new ones to work with, thereby providing far more diversity in your performances, which IMO, not only makes playing an arranger more fun, but additionally, provides your audiences with a greater variety.

So, Fran, I guess in response to your statement that you "would not" go through 65,000 styles trying to find some decent ones - my question would be "Why Not?" I don't think that's any different that test driving a car, keyboard, amp, guitar, or any other kind of gear. Or, would you just take someone's word that the car, keyboard, amp, etc..., is just fine and let the cards fall where they may?

To me, going through a new batch of styles, and finding some that you like, is almost like getting a new keyboard - but the price is better.

Cheers,

Gary