That’s going to be relative. Some musicians have roadies, others carry their own gear. Among those without the benefit of a road crew... Some carry their gear in a soft bag, others carry their gear in a hard shell flight case. Some feel moving any amount of gear is worth it because it is all about the craft/music, others feel its all about the money and the least amount of gear you take is the goal. And all the variations in between!

The reason there is the MONTAGE series and the MODX series is to accommodate these variations and situations. Asking the question will get you some personal stories, but it will not change your situation.

If you want to discuss the difference, for example, between moving a MONTAGE 8 (64 pounds) and a MODX 8 (around 30 pounds) beyond the specification differences, you can carry and setup a MODX 8 all by yourself... when setting up or breaking down the MONTAGE 8, you ask a fellow musician to “grab the other end!” Not simply because of the weight, it’s a combination of that plus how unwieldy it is while trying to lift or place *carefully* in its case or on a stand. So, yes, you can lift it, and carry it alone, wheels on the case is a must, but because it is valuable, you really appreciate the help in avoiding any momentary loss of balance that might cause a mishap. While dropping it probably will not be fatal, it’s not designed to bounce!

If cost is no object, (and you’ll find musicians reporting this...) get one of each. One stays put, the other travels.
If that luxury is not a possibility, then I’m afraid you will need to make up your mind based on your situation.

When asked, “Should I get a MONTAGE, or should I get a MODX?”, my answer is usually in the form of a question: How much fun do you want to have?

Amazingly well put. I really appreciate your thoughts on this very much. I like the breath of the 8 sitting behind that much board is comfortable compared to a 61. Weighted keys are nice, I’m used to the fast action of a 61 key bed, but like the 88 the key length. That said, the keys on the 8 don’t seem as heavy as other 88 key beds I’ve played. Still, I’ll have to get used to weighted keys for faster synth keying, (I’ve considered the 76 for this reason) but others seem to do fine. I assume it’s just getting used to the feel.

All this aside, I’ve been playing over 30 years kind of also feel I deserve the experience of owning a full 88 key. Consistent with Your mentions, I never go on a gig alone, lol- thus there’s always help with lifting and once cased it’s all wheels for the most part I suppose.

When I purchased the Montage 8, I had stairs and no roadie help. I still have no roadie help - no stairs - but that Montage 8 is long gone as a return with a few extra bucks in my pocket and a Montage 7 instead. For me, I would have preferred some magic anti-gravity sticker I could have put on the bottom to take off a bunch of pounds. Can't find any of these, though.

This is a personal decision - and mine doesn't really apply to anyone else. But you called for opinions ...

I still have my S90XS which has "the same" keybed as the Montage 8 - so I'm not without "the experience" here in the studio as the S90XS works fine as a MIDI controller. The 7 makes a good road warrior and S90 turns it into a virtualized 8. I wouldn't mind a Montage 8 "LS" (borrowing Korg's nomenclature for their lightweight 88) which is synth action 88 keys. Maybe less metal. A MODX8 with all of the Montage's sliders, buttons, and knobs. Probably a way to make an 88 key board that I could more easily get up and down stairs on my own if needed. Even so, I'd prefer to get the weight down of even the balanced hammer (weighted) board - but am willing to "give up" that to trade for more room for independent split ranges on the "I can use it without pressing the octave key" basis.

All very valid points. Unfortunately where I live there are three Guitar Centers and NONE of them have or keep a 76 key in the store.. odd! How are you supposed to try it out pre-purchase? I’m wondering if the lead purchase is for 61? Wish I could try on the 7 before purchasing either model.

When I purchased the Montage 8, I had stairs and no roadie help. I still have no roadie help - no stairs - but that Montage 8 is long gone as a return with a few extra bucks in my pocket and a Montage 7 instead. For me, I would have preferred some magic anti-gravity sticker I could have put on the bottom to take off a bunch of pounds. Can't find any of these, though.

This is a personal decision - and mine doesn't really apply to anyone else. But you called for opinions ...

I still have my S90XS which has "the same" keybed as the Montage 8 - so I'm not without "the experience" here in the studio as the S90XS works fine as a MIDI controller. The 7 makes a good road warrior and S90 turns it into a virtualized 8. I wouldn't mind a Montage 8 "LS" (borrowing Korg's nomenclature for their lightweight 88) which is synth action 88 keys. Maybe less metal. A MODX8 with all of the Montage's sliders, buttons, and knobs. Probably a way to make an 88 key board that I could more easily get up and down stairs on my own if needed. Even so, I'd prefer to get the weight down of even the balanced hammer (weighted) board - but am willing to "give up" that to trade for more room for independent split ranges on the "I can use it without pressing the octave key" basis.

The 6 and 7 have the same sort of keys. On the 6 I found myself playing oct+ oct- acrobatics a lot in order to get everything mapped out to play. The 7 doesn't need that at all so far as I've been able to keep everything in-bounds. Sometimes by transposing a split at the top/bottom end of the keyboard so that range can reach its notes - but I have to think in a transposed key for those notes.

There's nothing wrong with a 6 - I just find it's more work to play. Ignoring the response/feel of the keys (which I like), The 8 is the least work to play. Meaning the least work to manipulate the control surface. And the 8 is also the most difficult to transport.

Thanks Jason...

The 6 and 7 have the same sort of keys. On the 6 I found myself playing oct+ oct- acrobatics a lot in order to get everything mapped out to play. The 7 doesn't need that at all so far as I've been able to keep everything in-bounds. Sometimes by transposing a split at the top/bottom end of the keyboard so that range can reach its notes - but I have to think in a transposed key for those notes.

There's nothing wrong with a 6 - I just find it's more work to play. Ignoring the response/feel of the keys (which I like), The 8 is the least work to play. Meaning the least work to manipulate the control surface. And the 8 is also the most difficult to transport.