Hi, I currently use a Roland FP-7 and Nord Electro 2 and gig regularly in a rock covers band. I mainly use piano, EP and organ, with a smidgeon of brass and string. I also use the WAV file player on the roland, and play it in a jazz duo for private funtions.

I am joining a Rush covers band too, which is going to open up a whole new world of synthesis :-)I live on a small island, where it is not possible to try out any keyboards so I am planning a trip off-island soon, and was hoping for some help here to narrow down what to try.

I am looking to both downsize and expand my current set-up to include an easy to use synth, but a more portable stage piano and wondered if the Nord Stage EX 88 may be the answer to my problems. I love the ability to quickly change my sound live that the Nord Electro offers and was wondering if the synth section on the Nord Stage EX 88 is any good? I would be looking to get the growl on Tom Sawyer for instance, and some decent lead and warm pad sounds.

I think a potential problem with the Stage however, may be the weighted keyboard for organ. We cover Highway Star by Deep purple, for example, and I don't fancy my chances of playing the solo on a weighted keyboard. i seem to remember that the nord keys are shorter than the roland and wonder if this makes it feel lighter in comparison. Another option would be the Stage compact, but I would not be happy about losing weighted keys for the piano.

My other possibility would be does anyone know of a SRX expansion card that has analogue synths on, and are the sound on these programmable? I can't seem to find very much info on these cards. I was thinking if I didn't go for the Stage, then perhaps I could downsize from the FP-7 to an RD300 with either a card (if compatible) or a cheaper second hand synth like the Sh201. But then I wouldn't want to get rid of the Nord so would potentially end up with 3 boards.

I am not very technically minded and like the idea of aomething with knobs and dials as opposed to getting lost in menus trying to programme a sound. I don't need a sequencer, or want to feel like I'm sat at mission control - I would like something I can carry myself (my hubby carries the FP7) and that is easy to use, with great sounds.

Many thanks
linz

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