If you have to ASK for a demo to understand why 76 is better than 61, well, like the jazzer said... 'You'll NEVER get it".

There's a reason pianos have 88 notes. Most piano players will even poo-poo using 76, and they'll definitely diss you for using plastic... Are you saying you've never heard a piano player?

As I pointed out earlier, UNLESS you use arranger mode 100% of the time (and even then, 61 restricts you if you choose to split the keyboard into three parts), you will run across musical situations that need more than 61 notes. I play a lot of LH bass, and I love keyboards that start at low E, perfect for bass parts (I'm not the biggest fan of 5-string basses!). I play piano (and electric piano - need 73 for that!) with a lot of bands (and a lot of SMFs!)... What is more to the point is, how often can you get away with LESS than 76 without compromise?

Of course failure to admit that you are making ANY compromise is the root cause of the whole thread. I am compromising about weight (don't REALLY want to hump 45 lbs if I can help it!), I'll admit that any day, but Scott actually ASKING to hear examples of stuff using a 76 as if he has no idea what it could be used for... that's just denial!

None of today's arrangers are designed to be used strictly as arrangers, or else, why the sequencer? Why the MP3 players, why workstation functions at all?

The minute you acknowledge any use of an arranger beyond simple LH chords, RH solo voice, you have to acknowledge the usefulness of extended range in the keyboard. Whether you choose to get an arranger with this extended range is often a function of, firstly, does your choice of arranger manufacturer even MAKE a 76?

I definitely laugh when I hear die-hard Yamaha users defend 61 keys. They HAVE TO. They have NO choice. If Yamaha DID make a nice 76 S900, I am sure at least a few of them would choose one, if not many, especially if they took the Ketron model and placed the bender above the lower keys so it didn't actually have a much bigger footprint that a T2. Until you actually DO have a choice, it is somewhat immaterial to defend your choice. You actually had none to make...

And choosing to play an acknowledged inferior keyboard action is a financial and practical decision, Ian, but it isn't a MUSICAL decision. Perhaps I am an idiot for putting that first and foremost, but what can I say? I just have different priorities than some...

[This message has been edited by Diki (edited 08-25-2007).]