REAL variable performance modeler... I like it. It is not mc303+triton. KARMA is typical synth type in future.

Coupled with the Karma GEs the musician that spends almost any quality time with the synth will be rewarded with the first truly interactive algorithmic performance engine in modern, perphaps all of synth history.

For those who spend an hour not knowing what they are doing playing the synth at a store I say, what would you think of a K2600 when you tried to program in the VAST system only to find out it took time to learn it.

Why it would suck of course.

Could the keyboard action be better? Yes, it could. Users agree with that too. Of course if the previous "reviewer" spent any significant time on the Karma list they'd know that besides operational discussions there have been ongoing threads about getting the most out of Karma GEs.

If you don't know the synth chill with the knee jerk reaction to auto hate and fear what you don't understand.

Look, I think this is more of an issue to paino players than straight synthesists. I have been playing synths for thirty years and I think the keyboard on here is fine. I know lots of people love the heavier 88 key action of the S80 or heavier model Trinity and Triton models. They would be absolutely useless to me as they are two "hard."

Is the Karma keyboard durable? Time will tell. But, give it time and if you play it and don't like the feel, let others try it and see if it is for them. Let's talk durability when we discuss cheapness and let's give the Karma time before we make conclusions.

The Karma sounds great, the KARMA function is delicious for a songwriter, there is a chat group on Yahoo that gets technical advice from Stephen Kay, the inventor, too. Tell me where else you would find that. Is Yamaha doing that? Kurzweil? Roland? Cone on!

This is a monster keyboard - not perfect, but what is - that is worthy of heavy consideration if you are looking at pieces in that price range. If you are a songwriter, check it out, YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY!!!!

DH