Well I know I'll probably get ripped for this but I ended up winning that MPC 3000 on Ebay. I know I know there is a 3000LE for $50 bucks less right now, but I bought that 3000 primarily because it comes with Vailixi plus it looks to be in good shape. Much respect Rohan, it seems you know so much about MPC's from reading other posts. Are you or did you use to be an Akai Engineer?
I think I've seen a Battlecat video on Youtube where he's rockin the Fat Pads on his MPC.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcvhpbcK4lo&feature=related Correct me if I'm wrong. Anyway I'm not very jazzed about the Fat Pads either but I'll let you know compared to my MPD16 pads. Its the only frame of reference I have to compare. Worse case I can always get and install a new set of pads.
I've always wanted to cop a 3000, I'm talkin years. Man I can't wait to hear and use that thing. I'm sure I'll be seeking everyone on this board in the future.
Cheers.