If you don't expect too much from the "arranger" part, I think the Korg SP 500 could be a good choice.

It is a combination of arranger and true electric piano.
http://www.korg.com/gear/info.asp?A_PROD_NO=SP500

For me it sounds good.


The problem: you can not save anything

The Technics KN6500 has also great piano sound. The sample is from a Steinway grand piano and sounds very realistic. I still wonder how I can get a Steinway piano sound to my PSR9000.

Micco

Best Piano Sound !!!!!!!!
Well (deep subject ) , I might be digging a BIG hole ( another , deep subject ) But what about a "Yamaha " MIDI-GRAND
I mean I know its big and you plug-it in but it does have "that shape"---you know - that "piano shape" so unless "Yamaha" put bugs in that model it must sound like a piano. !!! hahahah Have a Great Day !!
Also, Welcome to our family, Bulebird , It`s the best "corner of the web" and the most fun !!
jedi

My vote goes to the 9000 PRO.
Oh Ya
Denny

This subject certainly strikes a major chord on this board. The opinions already posted here should provide excellent guidance for your decision, but it is of the utmost importance that you PLAY and LISTEN to any keyboard before you buy. No two people have the same ears, or exactly the same tastes. Good luck!

Many of you say: go to your local music store and compare all these keyboards. Before I purchased my KN-6500, I wanted to look at a Yamaha-9000. I live in Michigan, a large midwestern state, with many large cities. I tried all the Organ, Keyboard stores, I could visit and return in one day. Six of these cities were over 100,000 population. Each town had Yahama Franchised Dealors, but not one of them STOCKED the 9000 or the 9000 pro. And many had never heard of Ketron or GEM. I e-mailed Yamaha for help in disclosing a STOCKING DEALOR in my state, and their answer was: "any dealor could order one in for my inspection of the instrument, and if not sold, could return it." I'm sure you understand it is not always easy to play and compare these many keyboards, and that calls for a difficult decision, of what and where to purchase. Personally, now that I have had my 6500 for a year, I'm really glad it turned out this way. Have a great 4th. ARJ

The same situation pretty much exists in the largest city in the country.... NY. I live about 2 and a half hrs away from NY city but I am more than happy to drive there to try boards. I have not fared particularly well. I have gotten to see all of the Yamaha line at various places, but no Technics or Ketron at all in any of the major music stores. Roland arrangers are pretty scarce as well, but can usually be found. I am also 3 hrs from Philly. I haven't done much better there ( course I've never been to UD's place either. )

The only city of any appreciable size that is relatively close ( about an hr from me ) is Scranton, Pa. There is one dealer who does have some arrangers there, but he isn't always current. I think he believes that the I-30 he has is still a current model. Another guy in Scranton has an ancient looking GEM model. He has no clue as to how it works, and although I liked a few of the sounds, I didn't spend a lot of time playing with it.

Still, before I consider purchasing an SD1, I'm going to drive the 4 + hrs or so to DanO's place. I'm just not willing to plunk that kind of money down on any board that I haven't laid my hands on to try out first.

[This message has been edited by Bluezplayer (edited 07-02-2002).]

Here's an opinion from a Music Store owner......
I like two models I sell for the musician who would like 88 hammer action keys, arranger functions, light enough to take to a gig, and sounds that would please any ear listening.
First, the Roland KF90. Great sounds, styles, 16 track sequencer,built in speakers, vocal harmonizer, notation on the touch screen plus lyrics, and a price that is much less then it's KR brother.
The Korg SP500, for about 1/2 the price, is similar but without speakers, vocal harmonizer, disk drive, user style programming, but a good value and it satisfies your need for a good piano feel and sound.
Yamaha will be coming out with a new keyboard in a few months called the Pf1000 which I posted some info about a week ago. It will feature Clavinova features but without as high a price. It will be about the same price as the KF90. I don't have all the info on it yet, but I don't know about the vocal harmonizer yet.
Just my two cents worth!
George Kaye
Kaye's music Scene
Reseda, California

My vote is for the 9000PRO - A great sound, a great action and a great all round performer. The retail dollars are expensive but you never pay them.You can always do a deal from the "right" supplier.
Jon.

Thanks to all for your help.

I can see you rank first 9000pro, VA series, and KN65000.

And Roland KF-90, but I think this one plays in another ligue... So,

-Is KF-90 a lot more priced than VA7?
-Is it really much better than VA7?

Yesterday, I see and played PSR2000. Nice kb, but piano voice likes a little weak when listening it by internal loudspeakers or earphones. So,

- It will sound much better, more real (nearer to 9000) with an external amplifier and external loudspeakers?

Thanks, your are very nice and helpful people all of you.

Bluebird