Hi Grandpa Doug,
I can figure exactly why people would buy that 'overpriced' Kn7000 and that is because it is an excellent keyboard. My point was never to dispute that fact. Like I said I bought Technics and nothing but Technics for years. I even auditioned the 7000 before plumping for the pro. Visually it looks the dog's whatsits and in my humble opinion the sound / speaker system is unparralelled on any keyboard out today.
I even think that no keyboard has been able to match the soundsystem on technics since the kn5000 and with each subsequent model have raised the standard even further.

My point though is that Technics, especially in this day and age, cannot rely on customer / brand loyalty alone. I work very hard for my cash and have a perfect right to be demanding when I am spending it. If I think I am being placated or not getting the best value or that you are playing on my loyalty you are not getting my hard earned.

You say Technics could not care less about harmonisers or blinking lights.....well they do or they would not include the harmoniser in the first place. It really is awful and of sub standard quality. Still they put in on to compete with other brands. Like I said before I would have had more respect if they had said "Sorry guys we make keyboards not harmonisers". But they don't and they won't because they need to compete. If they are happy to leave it on they should be happy to accept the criticism.

I don't get riled up at the 'T' word. Well maybe I do a bit at the 'H' word I don't know why it bothers me so much other than the attitude that Technics seemed to have over the harmoniser that people would put up with it because they are so strong in other areas. As a business man yourself surely you must agree that today manufacturers need to cover all bases and be seen to go the extra mile to keep their clients?

I am not sure that to buy anything other than a Technics infers that you follow the pack rather than innovate or lead but you are as entitled to your opinion as I am to mine.

I will say that I love a hundred things about my 9000pro and am glad I made the change BUT I bet there are a hundred and one things I don't like about it as well and EVEN find myself often saying....why can't they do it like Technics!

Until Technics buy out Yamaha or Vice versa and make the Yamatech 99000 we will always feel that we need to defend our board of choice and to the hilt Personally if Korg, Technics, Yammie, or even Casio bring out an amazing board next year I will be first in line to try it and would have no qualms about changing whatever logo is emblazened on the back. (Hope the harmoniser is decent though ;D )

All the very best
Tony W