Looking for a Keyboard

Hi there, I'm new to the forum and thought I'd ask my question here.

I'm looking to buy a keyboard with the following criteria.

The ability to store combination/performance/patches/key layer+splits/sounds into minimum 16 user steps. To then have these user steps available in minimum 16 banks which are easily accessible. Example, each bank to be used as a song with the ability to scroll through the steps with a foot pedal.

Patch Remain - To have the sound continue while changing patches or steps until the new patch/step is selected and then played.

Keys - 61 or 76.

Using preset sounds are fine for me so I won't need lots of editing capability. Sequencing isn't a high priority. The main use of the keyboard will be for live playing, hence the Patch Remain and ability to store performance banks and steps.

I don't consider myself a keyboard player, but a singer who plays some keyboards. Currently I'm been using a Roland Ep7-ii for piano and string sounds, and a 1990's Roland Sound Canvas Module with a Roland controller for my Organ and Saw Lead sounds. I'm relatively happy with those sounds so anything better is a bonus.

I've tried the Roland Juno G and was happy with the way it was set up and even liked most of the sounds. I was disappointed when I tried switching performances in the Favorite bank and the sound dropped out. Totally useless for me for live playing. Even with "Patch Remain" ON the sound still dropped out.

I also tried the Roland Fantom G6 which was very nice, had Patch Remain, but was more then I wanted to spend.

Tried the Yamaha Motif 6 but found that the sound dropped out between patches.

My original budget was around $1300, but if I have to go higher, then so be it.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Wilton

Providing us with some music you enjoy, or kind of music you wish to create would allow us to give you more accurate advice

I'm influenced by Progressive Rock such as Yes, Marillion, Genesis, Queen. The type of sounds I'll be using the most are Basic Piano, Piano/Strings, and Saw Leads.

Thanks

Wilton

If you need patch remain and classic prog-rock sounds, you should definately check out Kurzweil. The PC3 series might be too expensive, but if you don't need workstation or synth-features the SP3X could be intersting for you: http://kurzweilmusicsystems.com/Product.php?product=194

PC3 definitely.

Oh, and Queen is not really prog rock, they are eclectic, but prog... not so much.