Bill, thanks for the offer, but I am buying the keyboard overseas as it is too much trouble to travel with an 88 key keyboard by air. Tax/customs is another issue.

Adimatis, good points. You may be right about the arranger function, but I can't find any quality 88 keyboard with auto accompaniment in the price range. So I am strongly leaning towards the Casio PX5S. Here is a good video demo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EawlAvVgY4


[quote=adimatis]As you mentioned "any thoughts", here's mine:

I think is good to have at least some arranger capabilities, as quite often a simple drum track or more complex accompaniment will be needed for various performances. Obviously, a church program can be as different as anything else, so depending on that aspect, I think is good, for contemporary music, to have an arranger if possible, as it really can serve as a full band.

Also, for the proper playing, piano style keys (76/81) make more sense. Go for it.

Finally, depending on how big the church is and for various possible uses, I think is good to have onboard speakers too. More than once I've been saved (no pun intended) by those little speakers, because the best speakers are those that you have with you!

Blessings,