i ended up going with the xk-2, and im pretty happy with it. luckily the repair job was a quick wire repair (i probably could have done it. all those wood panels and screws intimidated me, though.). i have to say, its the heftiest and most satisfying board i own. i feel totally safe taking this thing to gigs. i feel like i could drop it down a flight of stairs and it would get back up on its own.