A comparatively "thin" sound and the fragility of the build quality did not endear the Tyros to me. I just couldn't see it lasting a decade of gigging like my E-86 had. But the user interface was the deal-breaker for me. In live performance I preferred what I was comfortable with - after twenty years of E-series Rolands (E-20, E-30, E-70 and the aforementioned E-86), that was Roland. YMMV.

It's funny how Yamaha users prefer the Yamaha OS, Ketron users prefer their OS, Roland users prefer theirs... We're all doing basically the same thing

I guess it's something about 'the Devil you know', eh?

That's exactly what it is. It's the same reason people stick with Windows/Mac or a particular brand of cellphone. Few people are keen to unlearn one way of doing things and learn another. Especially after many years, and especially not live.

I would be happy to learn a brand new OS, IF it did everything that is good from the one I already use, but it always seems to be that for every step forward, there's one step back. To many things that Yamaha do awkwardly for a Roland guy to like, and too many things that Roland do awkwardly for a Yamaha guy to accept, I guess.

I just wish more of them would simply rip off the other guy's good ideas, and incorporate them into their OS, but some of them (all of 'em, really ) stubbornly cling to some of the most outrageous clunker OS ideas (Roland included!) when other manufacturers have clearly shown the way...

Bottom line is, there isn't an arranger out there anywhere that couldn't be improved by a feature from a different manufacturer, if only they could get over themselves

The Ketron Audya has a totally different OS from the S series. Much more intuitive, and based on a PC-type format.
'Bout time.
I actually like it a lot. I also like Roland and Yamaha OS. Probably in that order.
DonM

I always had Yamaha and Roland. Now I own a Korg for the first time and find the OS as simple as the other brands. About the E 80 Fran (almost my name ) I have listen to one in the store and it sounds very good. Better then the GW 8 I owned especially the styles which I didn't like in the GW 8. I didn't had enough money to buy the Roland E 80 so I bought a Korg PA 50. Not a bad choice I think because it sound better to me then the Yamaha psr s900 which is 3x more expensive.

Update on the MP3 playlist...I found a shortcut...By forcing the Make new playlist..to speed ahead , instead of waiting till it was ready to select again..cut my work time by 75% ( a little tricky till you get the touch).. ...Also I found you can add another song to a playlist...so I saved my work in intervals..in case lightning strikes twice..

You add additional MP3's via Edit tab..Go figure...

So far I like everything about this keyboard...Now if I can rig a G70 ..76 keybed in place..

Other than separate outs and the extended key range...and the more durable (all metal compared to partial metal case) built...The E-80 edges the G70 out...

Don't get the wrong idea...the G70 still has a home with me till someone makes a better board..

It is hard for me to get use to 61 keys, and I don't intend to pretend that 61 keys is enough..I will just make do....with all the goodies the E-80 gives me..I can live with it..)..