Hi Fran,
I'm only a nutty hobbyist with more money than talent ( which is a worry, ) haa haa.

Suppose it doesn't stop me from asking some questions , though, which may help some of the pro's guide you.

Are you actually planning on switching to a softsynth / software realtime arranger set up for stage work ie omb/softsynth/controller
or is the setup you're requiring more for studio work
ie you sequence your songs in your studio using a softsynth/sequencer to create midifiles, which you then use on stage for backing.


If I remember correctly your were using Hypercanvas , which to my mind, is probably nowhere near the quality of the other softsynths you mentioned.
I even prefer my soundfonts to my Hypercanvas, though I must admit I'm looking forward to Frank's assesment of Bandstand.

I don't require an expensive softsynth
( like Frank ) for playing melody as I play piano , so I use my Clavinova for melody. If I sang, I wouldn't even need that.

It would be great to have a good quality softsynth for the backing instruments/styles ( like bandstand) , even though I'm quite happy with soundfonts at the moment.

There's some really amazing software around. Sequencers like Sonar. Programs like Fruity Loops, etc
best wishes
Rikki