I wanted to get a PA800 but really would like to stretch for a PA2X because of the keys, but won't be able to afford it, even used.

Is the PA1X so far behind the 2X ? I have heard that it is but I can't remember the reasons. Anybody would refresh my memory?
thanks

No DNC (SA2 type sounds), no Guitar Mode, less FX, lots less sound ROM, etc..

If you can afford the PA800, get that and a 76 controller...

Or wait until people start dumping their PA2's to get the PA3. Prices should tumble, soon...

There is actually less of a difference between the PA3x and the PA2x (also read PA800 apart from dual MP3 and HDD both options on the PA800) than there is between the PA1x and the PA2x.

The jump for PA1 to PA2 was very big!!
DNC,
built in dual MP3,
much neater and tweaked harmoniser settings,
48v Phantom power available to a condenser mic,
Main output 3band eq (sweepable mids),
Guitar Mode,
External Audio input to main output,
much faster graphics engine,
faster boot time (without PCM autoload on)
MUCH better keybed,
much easier style load and copy to fav banks, user banks etc, better overall styles....

There are a few more but I cannot remember them all...

On the PA3x most of it SEEMS to be tweaks of already existing PA2 features and functions (although without playing it or having access to a manual it is really difficult to be sure)..

With the main upgrades being the addition of a Chord Sequencer (almost worth buying a PA3 just for that!!), and extra assignable switch and Guitar Mode II, whatever that means.

Hope that does not confuse you too much!!!

buying the PA3 for the chord looper ? Yes, maybe if I were crazy....

I find that the large majority of musical 'bends', whether guitar, horns, synths, whatever, ALL tend to occur exactly at chord change boundaries. In fact, they are MEANT to happen there, as the bend emphasizes a musical change. Honestly, listen to 'bend-y' music carefully, and try to count just exactly how MANY bends occur just as you are supposed to change chords. It's amazing how many, and how ALL of these can't be performed if you have to use your LH to trigger the next chord.

In fact, many of music's best 'flash' moments come as chords change rapidly, during fills, turnarounds, and many other moments where, if you tie up your LH, you simply can't get them right, as they were originally played with TWO hands.

Trust me, a 'Chord Sequencer/Looper' allows you to play much closer to a two handed keyboard player or sax player, guitarist, etc.. Getting the SOUND right while not putting in the inflections that the real thing does is basically as bad as getting the sound wrong! Neither is a convincing performane.

DNC, SA, and footpedal bending can go a BIT towards mitigating this problem, but if you truly want to NAIL the sound of a sax, or guitar, or lead synth, you HAVE to have that hand free for the bender when the MUSIC wants it, not when you can spare it from inputting chords...

I find that the large majority of musical 'bends', whether guitar, horns, synths, whatever, ALL tend to occur exactly at chord change boundaries. In fact, they are MEANT to happen there, as the bend emphasizes a musical change. Honestly, listen to 'bend-y' music carefully, and try to count just exactly how MANY bends occur just as you are supposed to change chords. It's amazing how many, and how ALL of these can't be performed if you have to use your LH to trigger the next chord.

In fact, many of music's best 'flash' moments come as chords change rapidly, during fills, turnarounds, and many other moments where, if you tie up your LH, you simply can't get them right, as they were originally played with TWO hands.

Trust me, a 'Chord Sequencer/Looper' allows you to play much closer to a two handed keyboard player or sax player, guitarist, etc.. Getting the SOUND right while not putting in the inflections that the real thing does is basically as bad as getting the sound wrong! Neither is a convincing performane.

DNC, SA, and footpedal bending can go a BIT towards mitigating this problem, but if you truly want to NAIL the sound of a sax, or guitar, or lead synth, you HAVE to have that hand free for the bender when the MUSIC wants it, not when you can spare it from inputting chords...