read carefully...

fran' suggestion was an USED g70. that's why it becomes an option.
i am not posting ebay links, but you can find it for about 2000 $.

[This message has been edited by adimatis (edited 03-11-2008).]

If you have a computer and use software to record your songs then any of the medium range yammies will do the job adequately . If you compose onboard the instrument and sequence then you will need a more detailed sequencer. You cant go wrong with the Korg PA range especially for contemporary praise and worship style music. There are a few used PA1X's out there as people are moving over to the PA2X. In my view this is a great opportunityy to pick one up for under $2000.

Bernie, make that 16 pounds difference...a lot more quality..

Right you are. It didn't seem that much heavier. Oh well, it doesn't bother me or my Rock N Roller

Once again, read carefully...

He is interested in Praise and Worship styles, and songwriting. I think that the S900 is probably the leader in that style, and also its' 'songwriter' styles.

Another consideration is whether he plays guitar himself, or not... Once again, without a guitarist, I would recommend the S900. But he says he plays acoustic guitar, so possibly the drums or piano get more important. Maybe an E60, then.

Finally, no mention of wanting to play live, or needing a 'player's' keyboard, so the 'live' sound of the Roland's and Ketron's may work against him. The Yamaha's sound very compressed, CD-like, which might work better for demos...

So, to wrap up, the two I would have you check out would be the S900, for it's styles and polished sound, and the E60, for it's 76 keyboard and wonderful piano sounds, live drum sounds, and good MIDI integration. Both would leave about $400 over from your initial budget. If you don't already have a good DAW program, Cubase could be bought (at least the middle level) with the remainder...

Don't overlook the Korg PA500 or even a used PA800. Just maybe you'll be an odd duck like me and appreciate the beauty it offers.