I suppose it could come down to that, but there are many here on SZ who are awesome players, and use 5 octaves all the time.

If you need 76 keys to play in arranger mode, that's cool...but, in your case, that means dragging around a big heavy instrument. Many of us would prefer a 25 lb five-octave instrument that sounds every bit as good, or better, in some cases.

If you like playing solo piano on 76 wimpy weighted keys, that's your preference...I like having 88 weighted hammer, as do most piano players.

As far as being "only an arranger player"...I fail to see how that relates to someone's ability or playing skills.

Would you call Martin Harris an average player? Peter Baartmans? Donny Pesce?

I've done some of my best recordings on a 5 octave instrument.

Ian