Frank, you're quite right about QC problems with the KeyB's made in the Missouri plant (no longer in business). I had to go through three (3) instruments before I got a flawless one, but after two years of daily use, it has been rock solid (as it should be, and as are most electronic keyboards from the last 20 years). I have gotten great (software) support from Italy and believe that if a repair were ever required, it would be no big deal. Everyone that has played one or heard one demonstrated, all agree that sound-wise and ergonomically, it comes closer to a real B3 than any other clonewheel. Like you, I hope that Elvio is able to get them back on the market (strength in numbers, etc.). Again, the keyfeel is spot on, as is ALL the controls, and all the little B3 'tricks' are easily accomplished on the KeyB. If authenticity is your goal, then it's hard for me to imagine how this current iteration could be improved upon. I love it almost as much as Ian loves his T4 .

As to the original topic, I think if it had been titled "Best Organ sounds in an Arranger keyboard", we would have had a different, though equally spirited, discussion. Of course, even then we would have to clarify "organ sounds" - Hammond or those other guys .

Lastly, let me say that although Hammond DID start out as a poorly-executed attempt to provide an affordable substitute for a pipe organ to small (and poor) churches, it quickly evolved into it's own unique instrument, embraced by nearly every other musical genre......and to a much greater degree than any of it's competitors (at least, here in America). Even after all these years, it (the Hammond sound) is still a dominant force in popular music. How many other non-acoustic instruments can say that?

chas