Opps Forgot to add(this sould be over at Frans other Instrument Owned listing)..I've owned in the last few years:Arrangers..Yamaha Tyros2, Tyros,9000Pro,PSR-3000... Roland G-70,G-600...Technics..2600..Ketron SD-1...Korg Pa-60, Pa-80, PA-1X Pro...Stage Pianos..Roland RD-700SX, RD-300SX,RD-700,RD-150, A-90 EX Controller...Technics P-50...Yamaha P-80...Synths Roland FantomX7,Fantom 76 A-37 ,XP-80, XP-60, XP-50,XP-30...Modules: Roland XV-5080, XV-5050, XV-3080, XV-2020,XV-1010, JV-2080, JV-1080...Yamaha Motif Rack...Kurz PC-2Orch,ME-1, Hamond XK-2, Triton Synth,A-70 Roland, Casio..WK-3000, WK-3700, sequencers...Roland MC-50MK11, Yamaha QY-700, QY-100........An Accordian when I was 12 Years Old(First one)!

[This message has been edited by Harold (edited 01-14-2006).]

[This message has been edited by Harold (edited 01-14-2006).]

I have PSR3000 which is the Yamaha's next lower model for arranger keyboard. Tyros is loaded with the classic sounds (much similar to PSR3000) but I am sure more refined versions in the new T2. What I mean by classic sounds are sounds like piano, brass, guitars, strings, etc instead of synth types. I think it's more than adequate for praise and worship style songs. I am assuming you guys play contemporary songs by popular groups like Hillsongs (Shout to the Lord, Blessed be the Name, etc). I am able to find all the sounds that I need for just about any songs. But if you just need the sounds without needing the styles(rythms) then you might consider the MOTIF. T2 being an arranger is also good for songs creation, making arrangements and use it to show the other band members, etc.

I am involved in praise & worship ministry as the keyboardist and worship leader. Not a pro, just volunteer. Been doing it over 10 yrs.

Pls make sure you buy it at places with 30 days moneyback. You won't regret it. And after a few weeks you will surely realize whether it is the right keyboard for you or not. And it's no loss to return it if it doesn't workout.

Harold, the VR760 has a transpose function...it resides within a menu driven screen[2 button pushes]..

Thanks Fran...Sounds Great!

Hey guys, thanks for all the input.
Let me give a little more detail. We will use the new keyboard (whatever it will be) in a variety of ways. It does not have to be piano-based because it will sit right next to a Yamaha Grand C7. Our worship style is blended. That means we will use our Rodgers organ some services. Other Sundays we use one of our worship teams. I have been impressed with Yamaha's voices, esp. those found on the T2. It would be used in a support position...as one instument among several in a live band. The point Scott brought up was well taken. There are times when a soloist may want to sing with a MIDI track or style backup. There would be times where we may want to create an accomp. track for choir, vocal ensemble, or even tracks for a CD recording project. There are times also where we do piano/keyboard duets. Sometimes we need a realistic string section emulated on the keyboard to play along with a live orchestra. Sometimes, even tho we have a fabulous Rodgers organ installation, we may want a more gospel-sounding organ which the T2 could provide. There are times when our worship band needs to hear a certain style in order to duplicate it in a live setting. Styles on the T2 can act as a tutor. I'm thinking that with an HD installed we could even produce sophisticated accompaniment trax for our various groups and choirs. Plus with the ability of being able to import audio samples and additional voices, the T2 would not go the way of the dinosaur nearly as fast. Do I sound like I'm talking myself into the T2? I think I'm trying to justify the purchase. You must admit it will allow for a great deal of versatility.
Tim

Well guys, here's an interesting sidebar...I just talked to the guy who plays keys in our worship team (he has a doctorate in music composition). His main concerns are for high quality voices that can be quickly and easily accessed on the fly. 61 keys are OK, but he wouldn't mind 76. Of course, I'm trying to look at the BIG picture, hence my previous reply above.
Tim

Hello Tim...After reading your Information about Your Worship Band and Church...Here Goes...(My Opinion Only)...If 61 keys is accepted By Your Musicians....Go for the Tyros2...Great Keyboard...Great Support!
If Needed You can always put a Nice compact Controller like the Roland A-37 (76 Keys) under it reasonable.

If 76 Keys is a Must, the Roland G-70...

For the Tyros2 Give Dan Oneil at Baltimore Music Center a call...Not really that far from you. But Most Important Dano is a Experienced Worship Leader/Musician in His Church Also!...Plus I'm SURE He will treat you right, He ALWAYS Treated Me Excellent....Ph. 1 866 348 8876

For The Roland G-70 George Kaye in California Ph.818 881 5566...Super Guy and Service!

Gee...Wish I had known..I just sold my Tyros2 with a 80 gig Hardrive Installed last week very resonable!..But it found a Great Home with someone on the forum at the Zone.
...I have sold SEVERAL of my Keyboards to Ministries here in the US...No Better place for them to Go!....Blessings to You and Your Church...Sincerely, Harold

Thanks, Harold and the rest of you guys.
I think it's narrowing down to the following possibilities in order:
T2
VR760
G70

I'll let you know what happens.
Best regards,
Tim