Since then, I almost exclusively use my 'ex' sounds, particularly the wonderful piano sound - I gag when I listen to the original M1 piano sound, and think how great I used to think it sounded!

I've never used the sequencer, as I have Cubase up and running.

I've used the M1 quite extensively for complex sequences (from pop to orchestral) and also use it in a band (playing mostly 60's stuff). I haven't had a single maintenance problem (other than making the discovery that RAM cards can't be left in the slot for a long time, or else the contacts corrode and have to be cleaned the next time that you use them), and the only disappointment I've had with the machine since I brought it home was the discovery that it had no portamento capability.

I also found the operating system remarkably easy to use - I never believed that I'd adapt to such a dinky little display and so few user controls, but I have! I find the machine relatively easy to program, and combi's are very flexible and easy to set up.