🚀 go-pugleaf

Having reviewed the S4 Plus (Keyboard Review, January 1996) and being
the proud owner of a JV880 (bought second-hand recently for 300 pounds),
I wouldn't condemn either module. Points to bear in mind:

Alesis S4 Plus
* GM sounds aren't much cop
* Digital output
* Superb pad sounds
* Good organ and string ensemble sounds
* Piano, guitar and other acoustic sounds generally disappointing
* 64-note polyphony, 16-part multitimbrality

Roland JV880
* Cheap second-hand
* Not General MIDI compatible
* Easily expandable with SR-JV80 series boards (around 10 available)
* Wide range of both "acoustic" and "electronic" sounds, most of
  good quality
* 28-note polyphony (I think!), 8-part multitimbrality

The S4 Plus is unquestionably the better unit, but as it's going
to be a hell of a lot more expensive second-hand, you'd be best off
testing one for a couple of hours (smile nicely at your local music
shop) and seeing if the decidedly quirky sound set appeals to you.
If not, the JV880 coupled with a GM unit of some description (I run
mine next to an SC155 Sound Canvas) is worth considering.

-- 
Richard Fairhurst (assistant editor, Keyboard Review)
"Just when you're thinking things over..."