Just a fair warning for people that are thinking about buying some gear overseas.

1. Waranty - basicly none (or pay a fortune on shipping, sending a keyboard by UPS is probably around $200,--)

2. Voltage - If you buy a 230V board you will need to buy a step up transformer.
(more junk to haul around on stage)

3. Frequency - Many european countries use 50Hz instead of 60Hz in de US. Make sure your gear works on 60Hz too.

Arno,

Good Points

but....
I can't stop comparing the prices which the European Stores are charging vs. the prices charged for the same keyboard here in the US. Afterall, the prices they are charging in Europe (in US equivalent dollars) are up to $1,000 US dollars less than what you have to pay for the same keyboard in the USA. By the way, I was able to verify that the prices in Europe are indeed accurate. A "tremendous" price difference for sure. This doesn't seem right to me. I'm not necessarily blaming the US retailers but I somehow can't help feeling cheated knowing that the same keyboard can be had in Europe for such a significantly lower price.

- Scott

Again, I have to agree with you.
It is worth looking into.
I am European and moved to the US 2 years ago. Before my move I sold all my gear, (sniff), mainly for the voltage issue.
I had a GEM SX2, a Roland D50, Roland U110 and have used it in several amature bands.
Since I have some exp. in Europe I can asure you that the price difference is mostly because of the exhange rate. I checked some old magazines to confirm that.

Currently I am getting ready to start playing again. I am planning on buying an EM-2000 to start and go form there

Arno,
I can get you the EM2000 brand new if you need help finding one. My friend's store in Trenton NJ has one left. I also have a VA7 if you want to check it out. You anywhere near Philly?

Uncle Dave:

I am in Atlanta, so Philly is a little out of the way.
If you can beat $1195,00 for a brand new EM2000 including shipping......
I think I'll order this weekend.

Thanks

Hi Scott,
I moved to California from Germany 12 years ago. I'm working as a nurse and make as much in dollars as I made in German Marks. If I compare prices in that way, I pay actually less than in Germany and I think it is the same comparing similar jobs. That means that keyboards are more expensive in the U.S but we also earn on average more than the Europeans.
Of course that applies only if you don't get minimum wage.
Hope that helps so you don't feel to cheated.
Eric

Hi Eric,
What you said makes me feel at least "a little" better now BTW: What breed is your little dog. Pretty irresistable looking little pooch you got there. Would be the perfect backup singer for: "How Much Is That Doggie in the Window".
- Scott

California (SF Bay Area), USA

Hi Scott,
we have a little Yorkshire Terrier, it is a Mini-Yorkie, only 4lbs but the sweetest little fella... We use "Sunny" as a back-up singer for the song "Who let the dogs out? huah huah..."
By the way, we used to live in Nevada City (above Sac. and below Tahoe)and came many weekends to hang out in S.F. We love the Bay area and still have a few friends in Menlo Park. Where is your home base?
Happy Holidays...Eric

Hey Eric,
Great party tune. I love the Baha Men's
fun lovin'fusion style of Carribean, Junkanoo and pop. You must be quite a hit with Sunny adding the "huah huah's .... " in just the right places Do you perform "Who Let The Dogs Out" using your Yamaha PSR9000? Which PSR9000 rhythm style do you use for that tune? BTW, I'm located 10 miles East of SF (directly across the bay) in Berkeley.

Hi Scott,
sorry for the late answer.When I work at the Hospital, I get up at 5am and come home 8:30
or 9:00pm. by that time I'm wasted (thank God it's only 3 days per week).
I know Berkley a little bit, had a friend there. Nice little comunity.
I still own a PSR-8000, but hopefully will check out the 9000-pro soon.
Eric