When I visited the Keyboard Cavalcade Music Festival at Caister (England) last April, I listened to the Yamaha latest piano being demonstrated and it was like listening to My Technics PR900 piano. Not only that, but when the lid of the piano is raised all the buttons, lights etc., are embedded in it - just like the KN7000.

I then went on to the Korg stand for a PAX1 keyboard demonstration (some of you may remember I've already mentioned this on earlier postings) and again, the similarities were so great I actually questioned the demonstrators as to whether Technics programmes were now being used in other manufacturers instruments and the reply I received was "it is possible as of course the Programmers are now at liberty to sell their ideas on" - I took it to be a "yes" answer.

One of our Keyboard Club members has a close association with the Yamaha personnel and he seems to think that the Tyros 2 has used some of Technics ideas which will make it more "User Friendly" on par with the KN7000.
He also said he has it on good authority that it will be in the English music shops by December of this year -in time for Christmas no doubt.

Although I will have a look at it when it's available, I have so many Technics floppies, SDs and accessories that it will be a long time before I change my KN7000. I have been playing since my feet couldn't reach the ground when sitting on the piano stool and I can honestly say, the KN7000 is the best instrument I've ever had and I was devastated when I heard the that Technics were to give up as I thought they would make a fortune out of it but sadly it was not to be. However, I still think that Technics have made the biggest mistake of all time.

Aud (U.K.)