Alec or others,

Any word about the harmonizer on the KN7000? I assume it 'will' include one, and hope it will be a considerable improvement in sound quality/features over the one in the KN6500. I currently use a Digitech Vocalist Workstation EX and am wondering if the I'll be still needing it anymore with the KN7000.

Alec: Thanks for clariying the USB/parrallel port speed issue (once again). The good thing about USB is universal compatibility with current computer systems, and a 50% (though not earth shattering) is still a considerable improvemnt in speed.

Though I agree that the 3000 and 6000 (now 6500) are both substantial improvements over their predessors, I still think Technic's biggest keyboard successes (at least here in the US), were the 2000 & 5000. Whatever the case, I think it's time for Technics to showcase something new and innovative. Afterall, the 6000/6500 line has been around for quite a while now and the competition from the other arranger keyboard manufacterers has continued to grow quickly (with both more features and lower prices).

I think the biggest obstacle in the USA is Technics restsrictive sales policy. Currrently in the US, Technics KN keyboards can ONLY be sold thru traditional piano/organ stores and NOT thru the major music retail stores such as Guitar Center, Sam Ash or Mars Music. Also, there is really no regulated 'list price' that dealers must adhere to. As a result, piano/organ stores (really one of the only places in the USA where you can purchase a Technics arranger) can adverstise the list price at some astronomically inflated figure, perhaps 400% above dealer cost, and then tell the customer what a deal they're getting when they lower the price to 200 percent above dealer cost. Unfortunately because of this as well as its retricted availablity: to home piano/organ stores only, Technics keyboards (in the USA) end up costing quite a bit more than comparable arranger keyboards from Yamaha, Gem, Solton-Ketron, Roland, and Korg. Until Technics USA lifts its sales restrictions and expands their KN keyboard sales to the major pro music & music chain stores, there will continue to be problems getting the product line known and accepted by much of the pro musician market as well as getting KN keyboard prices down to be more competitive with Yamaha, Roland, GEM, Ketron, and Korg. - Scott

[This message has been edited by Scottyee (edited 02-10-2002).]