After sending my wife and four sons out of town today, I decided to do what I never have a chance to do - stop at a music store and play some of the keyboards which we talk about so much, but which I have no chance to play.

To my great pleasure, I met Manuel Dorantes at a music store (Synthony music here in Phoenix). Manuel is truly a delightful gentleman, offering much helpful advice, and ready to share his immense knowledge of the keyboards. He has very expertly showed me a number of features of the SD1, which I never knew how to get to, despite having visited this store a few times before. I can not call myself an SD1 convert yet, but if someone can sway me to upgrade my G1000, Manuel would certainly be the person.

While there was a number of knowledgeable salesmen in this store, they were often a bit condescendent talking to me. I felt none of that dealing with Manuel. I think that this store has really lucked out to get him on staff.

To top it all off, I left the store with a gift - a CD of Roland styles, which Manuel has generously shared with me. I am very happy to have met him (this is my first time meeting a member of this forum in person).

Regards,
Alex

I remember manuel living in Queretaro (Mexico) and driving all the way to Los Angeles to buy his SD1 from George Kaye. Apparently something changed in his life and I am glad that this led to your meeting.