Since I’m an avid Ketron fan at heart (I’m still playing an old reliable MS60) I find this to be an intriguing topic. Some time back (pre-Tyros II) I had an opportunity to audition a Tyros I in my home for a month. I didn’t keep it because I missed the “in your face” punch of the Ketron styles and the Ketron live drum loops and bass. (Even though I’ve never owned an SD-1, I have heard it demo’d and was very impressed. The Ketron styles have become kind of a comparison standard for me).

At that time I wrote a private email to Ketron AJ and told him that if Ketron would come out with a keyboard that had most of the Tyros features, in particular the OS and display, but with the Ketron drum loops, bass and styles I would be in line to purchase one.

I would go along with most of what DonM wrote in his post. To what he’s listed I’d add the Tyros display and the Fatar controller keyboard that Ketron uses on their products. Personally I’m OK with 61 keys and I happen to like built-in speakers for the convenience of practicing at home – saves having to keep a separate sound system set up at home.

I’ve heard and played the Tyros II (courtesy of Eric B.) and must say Yamaha has made some real improvements in their accompaniment department since the original Tyros. But a marriage of the strengths of the Yamaha and Ketron designs could result in a board that would definitely entice me to upgrade.
Paul C.