Hello,
I'm looking at the Motif ES8 and love the sounds - drums, violins and pianos are truly great. But I may not be able to justify spending the $2500-$3000. Can anybody recommend something that has weighted keys and that may come close in sound quality? I don't mind buying a used or previous version of a synth.

I just love the drums sounds on this - mostly looking for acoustic rock, jazz and just a good mix in general.

I see that no one has recommended something else, so I'd like to support your appreciation of the Motif ES8. It has terrific voices, 1800 fantastic arpeggios which encourage one's Muses through very cool riffs, and there is always something new to learn and discover. (For the Motif ES8's expense, I for one am happy not yet knowing every nook and cranny of the rig. It continues to be a new experience with the incredible depth of functions and possibilities. Not that there's too much to learn before you can pick up speed and be master of your Motif. It simply offers so much more.)

I have had one for 18 months and, though it adds several hundred $$ to your price tag, I am so relieved that I waited until I could manage to buy the 88 hammer -weighted- keys. If you prefer the piano feel, you will probably always be happy that you went with that Motif because it offers more control of the nuancing of your fingers' performance.

At a recent church service I had to use my old keyboard which has keys that do not have the piano feel. I must admit I was a bit flustered without that sweet but subtle resistance. There's no forgiveness when your finger brushes across the wrong notes.

Even if you must wait to pick up a second hand Motif ES8, consider it. After all, the comparable keyboards by Korg and Fantom are as pricey.