I know I don't post here often, but I have a question. I am looking for a second keyboard. I presently have a Roland EM2000 which I LOOOOVE to play at church. But I want to buy a second kb for home use to practice on. But I want a 76 note kb with good piano and string sounds. Now having said all that, I have been watching ebay for a Roland XP80 (not sure how many notes it has) and also have looked at an Alesis QS7. I have not been able to listen to either of these. Can anyone make any recommendations on one of these or even something different? How about you George? A used kb is not problem.
thanks
pat

I owned an XP50 and a QS8. The sounds and features of the XP50 far exceeded the QS8 IMHO. Of course the Alesis had a weighted 88 note keybed, but that was it, for me. The QS8 has a very woody sounding piano and the rest of the sounds were equally uninspiring. On the other hand, the Roland sounds were excellent and very editable. The sequencer and loop recording features were top notch.

Thanks for your response. I was just looking at some Korgs too. I wonder how they sound in comparison to the Roland. The onyl Korg that I have heard was PA60 and compared to the EM2000, I did not think it sound as good.

This may not be a consideration for you, but I have thought about getting a Casio WK3500 for fooling around with at home. It has good feel and piano sounds, and it is quite inexpensive.
DonM

xp 80 hands down.

Does that mean bad or good?

I really didn't care for the sounds on the casio. But then again, I guess I am spoiled with Roland.

Of the boards that have been mentioned I would highly suggest the XP80, especially since you already have an arranger and if you are going to use them in tandem. I found the earlier Korgs to be quite thin, but I'm not familiar with the PA series (they are using the Triton engine, I think). If you want something with arranger features, the Casio looks like an inexpensive yet good sounding way to go.

I understand that the G1000 is an older precurser to the EM2000. Does anyone know how it sounds??? Just trying to check out all my options here. I have about $1300 to spend. I would love to get a new kb. dreaming of a G-70 but don't think that will happen.

ptmacaw: How about adding an arranger now to your keyboard arsenal. Though I have't played it myself yet, a 76 note arranger with reported great keyfeel & which includes great piano/string sounds is the new Roland G70. Admittedly a bit pricey for a 2nd keyboard I suspect, but you could end up using the Roland EM2000 as your 2nd home practice keyboard, and playing the G70 at church, which I think would further INSPIRE your church performance.

On another note, your user name has me wondering if you might perhaps own a bird (too). I myself own an African Grey Parrot.

Scott