I thought I'd start here. I did some quick homework and came to the conclusion that my upcoming short term and long term needs would be best met by the motif-es rack mount- as well as a getting nice price break on a new unit.

Here's my problem. It will be shipped soon (not sure of the date- hopefully I'll have it in a week) I usually play piano (digital or acoustic) and have been doing predominantly piano/organ sounds on jazz or other type gigs for years with no problems. MIDI doesn't scare me, but if its any help, all of my synths and tone modules are pre USB.

I would love to RTFM on the motif and better yet try some things out, but I don't have it yet. I need the synth stuff for a broadway review at the end of April where I will need to cover string parts, horns, woodwinds, percussion and. The broadway review consists of 30+ songs in every style imagineable. 2.5 hour performance.

My homework leads me to believe that the learning curve is relatively high on this puppy. Any suggestions for quick set up and application to use this unit allowing for quick changes of instruments/verbs/ etc? Is is straightforward - hit a button for a saved patch and I'm good or am I going to spend 3 weeks programming and not practicing?

I'm not the only player in the pit, we will have piano,bass, drums, guitar and a few live horns (if I get their parts written) and me. I'll be trying to fill out a full pit orchestra sound to accompany up to 40 performers at a time.

I'm at the mercy of RO - help.