Ted, I've been using Ketron modules (MJ, MJPro, SD40) for quite a while now and the MJPro is almost perfect for me, however there's some features on the Korg that I need (TC Helicon, more realtime buttons, etc). I travel locally and overseas once a while and I need a compact, portable rig that I can carry on with me on flights. I love the convenience of an all-in-one AKB but the weight and size is becoming issue for me plus the hassle of taking them on flights.
My main rig now is a Ketron MidJayPro and Nektar Impact 61 key controller. I'm a minimalist and had considered the BK-7m but you need to add an external vocal processor/harmonizer and external display to show lyrics.
Jimmy, since you and I have an SD40, I think I know exactly where you are coming from. Some of the Russians on Youtube who chop off all kinds of arranger keyboards can do this very easily, I am sure. I understand you are in the LA area? I know a technician who is more than qualified to do the job and he might do it for you. Next week, I am traveling to LA to meet up with friends. I am going to swing by and see the technician. He had done fantastic jobs before for me, and he is currently doing some mod work on my electronic instruments. Right now, he is building a circuit board and writing software for it for a gentleman who wanted some mod work on his instrument. The gentleman himself is in the field of designing computer chips and he said to me earlier this evening that probably there is no other technician in the country who can do what this technician is capable of doing. If you PM me, I will give you more detail info.
Chris
PS: I meant to ask you; have you controlled the PA1000 from an external keyboard controller and tried all the functions and the vocal harmonizer so that you know it works well as a module?