I know how appealing guitars are. As much as I love keyboards, the sound and feel of electric or acoustic guitar can't be beat. I play bass as well and recently picked up an Ibanez 5-string with active electronics plus a Fender Jazz Bass Special fretless which has had me slapping and plucking again lately.

As for Takamine and Martin guitars in the $500-$700 price range I'd definately recommend looking at Takamine. You'll get a great Takamine in that price range but the cheap Martins I've seen really aren't worth looking and don't compare. Maybe Martin have changed their product line and someone will prove me wrong. But all I know is I tried some cheap Martins and ended up buying a Takamine instead.

Thanks for the bad news, George

Actually, I can see where Yamaha might have little incentive to introduce a new high-end arranger. The 9000Pro is still the cream of the crop--with no serious competition in the marketplace (however good the SD1 and VA76 may be). It is too soon to introduce a 10,000Pro. If Yamaha introduces a PSR10,000 to replace the PSR9000, this would negatively impact the 9000Pro sales. Also, many of our Professionals have gravitated toward the PSR2000. If they are happy with that keyboard, who is going to buy the 10000 which might be twice as expensive and twice as heavy? I am not critical of those who find happiness in a mid-range keyboard, but it does not bode well for the future of the high end. Still, I hope Yamaha extends itself in the Pro arranger arena, giving serious attention to the weight issue. Few solo performers want to haul around a 45lb keyboard. Hopefully, the GEMeSys introduction is still on for NAMM.

Gentlemen:
For someone who made a living playing a 7 string acoustic for the last 35 years, this guitar subject certainly makes me very "melancolic", since two years ago, after going thru carpal tunel syndrome surgery in my left hand, I decided to make the transition to K/B arrangers and keep my left hand "healthy". I would be lying if I told you that I am not elated with the move. Working 95% of the time as a single, playing the guitar was just plain hard work compared to just pressing keysand butons now. Also the quality and variety of sounds is there when you need it, not to mention other niceties like vocal harmony, programmability, etc... As Uncle Dave has mentioned, playing the "old" acoustic at home can provide you with a lot of relaxation and pleasures never felt when I used to make a living with it. Expensive or not I guess by now you guys can tell that I've become a "Digital" sicko..... after all, how can you beat the sound of that "nylon acoustic" from the PSR2000!
Regards
Mario
Oh! I forgot, I just placed an order for a 9k. C'mon, lets here it for the band! ... God! I am truly sick!

Mario - two things.....
1) I had Carpul Tunnel, and with the aid of Chiropractic (2 yrs or so) it is totally GONE - no surgury, no follow ups, no reoccurences.

2) The arranger is a PERFECT way for you to ease the guitar back into your shows - sequence some backing trax, and play the guitar as needed....or until it hurts. I use a Parker Fly on most gigs because it's really narrow, very light (under 5 lbs!!) and has a true acoustic piccup under the bridge. For a solid body guitar - it sounds very acoustic through a PA system.
(At $2000, it AIN'T cheap, but it's easier than squeezing an acoustic all night !)