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The XP-50 was my first synth purchase back in 1998. I really didn't know much about keyboards or anything when I got it, but I liked how it sounded and choose it over an Alesis.
Several years (and more gear) later, I still use it as my controller and use it's sounds on the majority of my tracks. I mostly write ambient and trance, but the XP-50 has lots of sounds for a variety of styles.
I've added three expansion cards (Techno, Vintage, and SFX) and with the internal sounds I have plenty of good sounds to choose from.
The XP-50 has plenty of power for programming, but it uses non-standard terms and the menus can be confusing. It can be painful, but if you have time and some patience you can really make some beautiful sounds. The manual really sucks.
Lots of people complain about the sequencer, but I could care less. I use a computer for sequencing and rarely touch the built in one. It's nice to know that I could use it if I wanted to.
I wish the XP-50 had more outputs. One stereo output just doesn't cut it.
If it were ever stolen (and it almost was once), I'd buy a different keyboard (VA probably) and pick up a used JV-1080.
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