Point, and counterpoint again. Basically, your whole post, other than the first sentence, just goes to show that, other than the Wersi, NEITHER of the other two are 'complete' machines..... At $5k, 8k or $20k a pop, I expect ANY keyboard to do what it claims. If the Oasys' sequencer and recorder are basic, at best, and you describe it's strengths as "a glorified synth", that's NOT a complete machine (and it isn't even an arranger, so perhaps it's strengths and weaknesses are moot......)

And no offense, but if you read from trade magazines or from users web postings that a new Ferrari is underpowered, you sure don't need to buy one to be in a position to comment (or even drive one). Unless ALL the negative postings and examples of ACTUAL OWNERS of the MS are total disinformation (and forget Fran's examples, Domenik's - the OWNER of the company, 'fer Chris' sake! - demos don't stand up to a T2 or E80 for realism, smoothness of variation/fill transition, and quality), I think there is enough actual information out there to make an informed comment. I can hear that at the website of the company, I don't have to buy one to hear it. MP3s don't hide ANYTHING other than overall audio quality, a poor transition or lame style isn't improved by it being 24bit!

So, the MS, while very capable, is not yet a good arranger (styles WILL fix most of that, but as you said, "For anyone, even the big three to come out of the gate with something that will supersede the Wersi, it will be damned difficult to say the least"). So, not a complete instrument.

Look, I and probably more members here than you care to admit, all know EXACTLY what good VST and GIGA instruments can sound like. I don't have to buy a MS to know that. That's why there IS such a demand for a hybrid. Lionstracs have got the VST side nailed (although there isn't a whole lot of postings about it from those that DO have one), but the arranger side needs work. Ergo... 'incomplete'.

Most peoples idea of an arranger/VST hybrid is exactly that...... NOT a VST hybrid with a flawed arranger, not a great arranger with flawed VST.... BOTH MUST BE GOOD!!

From all your posts, it seems apparent that the Wersi is the only complete arranger in your arsenal. At the ultra-high-end, you expect to get what you pay for. Ferrari DON'T make underpowered cars, you get what you pay for. If the MS is not yet complete, and for it to be complete it's styles need to better the T2 and E80, etc., it isn't yet worth the high-end it commands. When the styles get vastly improved (and other basic features like OTS get implemented) it will THEN be worth the money.

Most of us cannot afford the luxury of buying one of these things, just to find out if it works. EVERYBODY that buys one, or plays one, has to post here and go 'Oh My God! You have GOT to get one of these!" and the manufacturer website has to have demos that back up that claim, before we can consider the extra money over a T2 or E80 etc., is probably going to be worthwhile. That has not been our experience so far.

In the meantime, would you be willing to go out and do a full-on gig tomorrow, solo, with just the MS? If not, please don't try to tell us that it is a complete arranger...... (and if you WOULD, how about posting some arranger play examples of yours, because I would LOVE to hear something better than the factory demos).

Look, Ensnareyou, from previous postings, it appears you are a very experienced pro player. I wouldn't dream of saying otherwise. But for you to claim that no-one has the right to say ANYTHING about these instruments unless they have actually bought one (or played it, and even then, if their opinion didn't agree with yours, you would probably STILL dismiss it!) just whiffs slightly of elitism. I am sure you don't mean it that way, do you......?

Please don't get me wrong, I do not disrespect you in any way (very jealous of your rig, if the truth be known!), I'm just trying to get a point over about the purchasing ability, and need for price/value of MOST players, and especially arranger players. If the MS's styles section and arranger OS was as good as the competition, I would already have one! And when it DOES, Domenik will be getting my order (and I hope he forgives me for the hard time I'm giving him now!), and I will be one happy camper. But I, and I believe the majority of SZ members, are waiting for the day it achieves the superiority it's price demands. Wersi, on the other hand, I wish I could afford it, but at over three times the price of my current, VERY adequate arranger is beyond my means. Hopefully, they will not let MS have the $4-5k market to themselves, but if they do, they will be a distant memory when Domenik gets his styles figured out.

Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays to all.......