" This guy makes some interesting points.. Worth watching with an open mind" Quote from Fran.

When weighing comparisons on most forums, many do not have an open minds, simply because they have big bucks tied up in their choice, and they view any disparaging remarks as a personal rebuke. I think Fran's link, Don, and Bill tried to be very subjective, and I, personally, learned from each. As usual, however, it ends up personal. That is too bad.

Bernie

Tony, Tony, Tony. BEST RESPONSE OF THE DAY .

chas

As my hubby, always stated, where I was concerned, “ the ability to pay , not to play”.
I didn’t care , he indulged me, baby grand, Disklavier, numerous keyboards, synths , workstations. Did they make me a better musician, no, not really.
Worked out few months back, I could have just as much fun with an sx900 as I could with a Genos. Wanted the extra features an sx 900 had to offer over the sx700, but, would a Genos make me a better musician, no, only musical ability and practice can do that, I’m not that delusional. Apart from which, who is going to hear me anyway.
I only play to entertain myself.

For those who can afford and enjoy the totl arrangers , fantastic.
For backing, talented players can even make a mediocre keyboard sound good,
For non singers, quality of sound is important.

All keyboards have their pros and cons. What’s important to some , is not to others.

So ,basically enjoy what you play.

Thanks, chas ...

Rikki, after re-reading my own post, I guess it did sound a little dictatorial (and judgmental) to suggest that money spent on a TOTL arranger might be better spent on first improving one's technical (playing) skills. Certainly that is one's personal choice. As my Dad used to say, "if you've got it, spend it" (his actual words were, "if you've got it, flaunt it" and it was usually directed at young women in tight clothing - that was PRE 'Me Too' movement ). I'm still not sure if it makes sense to give a kid who flunked 2nd grade math, a SuperComputer. But who knows, he might use it not to map the human genome but to figure out the password to Dad's online banking account - or porn site. So yes, having superior equipment COULD possibly enhance one's intellectual and/or artistic abilities. So, I am now reversing myself and saying to one and all; go ahead and get that Genos, heck, you might progress from 2 finger chords to three finger chords.

All in good fun, Rikki, all in good fun. It's been calculated that a Hammond B3 has over 2 million combinations (registrations). That will keep me busy for awhile .

chas

Hi Chas,
I was having a chuckle at myself.haha Hope you didn’t think I was offended or something.

Used to make me sad, some young kid would turn up to buy one of my synths or keyboards whatever.
They’d sit down to test it out, fingers flying across those keys, and I’d think wow.

How sad, there’s you with all that talent struggling to pay for it, there’s me , room full of synths , piano’s whatever. How unfair him with his talent, there’s me , with a room full of stuff , basically wasted on me.

I appreciate recommendations and reviews. It really helps the decision making process.
I am happy when someone finds gear they are satisfied with after small or large searches and endeavors. Its not hard to disregard some exaggerations to get to what's relevant for my evaluation process.
I don't think anyone should directly tell someone else what to buy- it's their money not yours.