I went to Holtze's, the 'big' music store in town today. They don't stock any MIDI control surfaces at all. Nothing in their place triggered my gear lust, as a matter of fact.
After all your help, I have a much clearer idea of what I'm needing and what's out there. The Alesis looks like it's high-quality, and the infrared control has all kinds of possibilities. But no aftertouch and, especially, no transport controls kill it for me. And the old Remote is just too unlikely to be available new anywhere, from what you say.
Right now, it looks like the Axiom is the best shot I have at a controller that won't disappoint, given price range and the features I'm looking for.
But, ooh, that 25 key versus 49 key thing will cause regret, no matter which way it goes.
Gonna start the order process on the Axiom 25 tomorrow, I think.....
Maybe in a few years, I'll deserve a DevonB-level keyboard.
Many thanks!!
