I often play keyboard for our church praise group. All I do is provide PAD background sounds and sometimes play melody using only right hand sounds like a flute or clarinet.
This all this keyboard is ever used for and there is no need for all the fancy features of a TOTL model. What keyboard would you consider?

Deane

What’s your budget Deane?

Not really sure yet what the Church's budget will be for this. The keyboard they are replacing played out using today's service.

Deane

Churches are defiantly not immune to the financial strains caused by COVID, and for what you're looking for, there are plenty of good choices in the high/entry to mid level keyboards

It sounds like you need acoustic sounds and pads, so I'd personally would go with a Yamaha.

Since you already know how to use an arranger, how about one of the PSR models? Just because they have auto accompaniment, doesn't mean you need to use it. You're already familiar with the OS, and you know how to make registrations, which will be be a big time saver, trying to prepare with just a short time before a service.

Really any ROMPLER/ synth/workstation will do, but why spend precious time trying to learn something new? Just my thoughts.

An iPad running Garage Band might be all you need…. If you already have a USB equipped controller. Mind you, you’d need someone pretty familiar with technology at the helm.

Does the church have an iPad and controller? What do they currently have?

Deane, just look for a used S-950 and you're ready to go.

Good luck,

Gary

Thanks folks for your input - all good ideas. We have a small church and the iPad idea would not work. The S950 would be awesome. I have found a used S900 but am not sure the church will fund it. Any leads to anyone selling a keyboard would help a lot.

Deane

I just sold a psr 950 for $500.

I think an older model would be fine too.

Also, those psr “ e” models cost less $300 new, and I think would be perfectly fine for what you need.

I have a psr e 463, and it sounds pretty darn good.

https://www.guitarcenter.com/Yamaha/PSR-...ASABEgI2PvD_BwE

You obviously don't need rhythm and styles.
So why not buy a simple synth? The Yamaha MX61 II costs 499€!

One thing that I don't like personally, about the PSR E-series, is that they don't allow you to control the bassline (no "bass inversion" setting.) I would look for a gently used Roland BK-5. Even a Prelude. The chord recognition and Melody Intelligence (RH harmony) makes these instruments approachable for novices on those weekends when the pros are out of town!