I think it is very possible; seeing it to fruition, is another thing.

Casio and Yamaha have weighted action 88 note pianos with speakers that weigh 25 lbs...Casio's even has accompaniments.

So if an 88 weighted hammer can weigh that much, or, more accurately, that little, it is possible to make a 76 note arranger with hammer action, without speakers, that would be around 30 lbs.

Several years ago no one ever thought we'd see weighted hammer keyboards under 30 lbs...let alone 25 lbs.

I think Yamaha would go for the weighted 76, not semi-weighted like the 9000 Pro...but, of course, I'm only guessing.

Most of all, it will depend on the demand and if the 76'ers from the other manufacturers are selling well...I'm told they aren't right now, and my source is pretty reliable. Of course, that can all change...markets are never static for too long.

Ask any G70 owner what they dislike about their instrument, and 9 times out of 10, it is the weight...that's what the salespeople tell me when the have someone shopping for an OMB instrument...some don't mind, but I'm sure there are plenty who do, and move to something lighter like a PSR or Tyros.

One person is not going to lug around a 60 lb (in the case) keyboard very willingly, except for hard core guys like you and Fran. Let's face it, the lighter stuff sounds just as good, and in some cases, better.

I'd happily stay with the S900 if suddenly arrangers were not being made anymore, but they will be, and I like playing with new stuff...I think a lot of people feel that way.

Ian



[This message has been edited by ianmcnll (edited 06-12-2009).]