I used to be a senior member with 400+ messages, but I am getting younger since the crash! I did remember the Nova disaster, but the Chevette was new to me.

Alex, our opinions on the VA-76 are pretty similar. I think Roland has great sounds, I just wish they could package them better in the arranger context.

Stevizard. I concur that the 9000Pro is a great arranger. It really has everything in one elegant package. I still and not real fond of Yamaha sounds and styles. I was seriously thinking about getting one anyway; the the Solton SD1 a possible second choice. I just bought the Karma--which lacks many of the features that I want, but provides the real-time control that I (and I think you) had been longing for. It is a pretty deep programming environment; by the time I master it, the 9000Pros successor will be out and I may get it. George Kaye is suggesting it will be a big improvement, at least insofar as styles go. If I were gigging I would prefer a dedicated arranger, but for exploring new territory the Karma is great. The Karma would work well with a 9000Pro, driving the Karma with the 9000Pro keyboard and coupling the Karma audio outs to the 9000Pro audio ins. But there is a lot to be said for having everything in one keyboard and mastering that keyboard.

However, given that people want an integrated keyboard, and that arranger players often like to sing, it sure seems that Roland is missing the boat by omitting (realtime) vocal harmony.