Sorry about the subject title, it's a little misleading. My actual question is more of a little feedback so I could make my decision a little easier.
I currently own a Roland EM-2000, which I use in a Italian/American wedding band. I play alot of SMF files from Tran tracks, and my own. sometimes one right after another, so I need to search while one is playing. The sound of the GM playback I think is very well balanced on the Roland line, I beleive in what I've heard in the past Korg has been the only manufacter that really has a problem with GM playback, especially the balance and overall actual band sound. ( what the hell does that mean? )
anyway
I'm thinking of selling the EM-2000 and replacing it with a VA-7, then if my tax return works getting either the SD-1 or 9000PRo.
Or
just replacing the EM-2000 with one board, but I need that board to play midi files back extremely well, easy, fast with no hang ups. It really doesn't help if the band is completely embarassed if my keyboard stops working in the middle of a gig.
It seems that the VA-7 is getting overall not as much praise as the SD-1 or 9000Pro.
I've played the X1, I thought the individual sounds were somewhat good, except for the drowning in reverb on most of them. The dist guitar sounded nothing like a distorted guitar. the piano was horrible. The layout of the keyboard was so confusing ( not to say the EM-2000 is any easier, more like a rat maze )I'm just thinking if I'm playing at a wedding, start getting a couple of drinks in me, I don't want to press a wrong button because they all look the same. The styles were great hands down.
Anyway
I've played the PSR8000, and I thought the individual sounds were great, the playback of GM files were pretty good, great guitar, ok piano, great strings, great layout easy to navigate.
From what I've read the SD-1 seems to be the winner, its a company that only does pretty much one thing, and does it well, great features that the other guys don't have. Yamaha is more of we do everything and we do it good not great what do you guys think. Thanks

Frank,

If you liked the PSR8000, then you'll love the 9000PRO with its 76 synth-weighted keys. They provide just the right resistance and allow you to create moody music by varying velocity. I love mine.

Steve

Hello Frank,
It would be great if someone could record a midi sequence on the PSR9000 and The ketron X1 keyboard to MP3 . That way anyone can just listen and judge .
I use trantracks sequences myself for live performance . I used quite a few at the Anaheim NAMM show . His sequnces are some of the best I have come heard. Totally pro and they sounded great on the Ketron products ! ( sorry Steve )
You can't beat the real time editing on Ketron products . You do not have to copy the sequces to the sequencer ! It all done right off the hard drive . Easy !! Good luck.
oneils4@home,com or guitarcenterdano@hotmail.com DanO1