Yeah, I realize that most audiences don't care if it's a new model arranger or a 15 year old arranger ready for the Smithsonian, if the sounds are adequate. But they probably do care (if they're a discriminating bunch) if the sound is particularly sub-par. In other words, if a 15 year old arranger sounds fairly decent then yes the audience will probably be happy. And if a new arranger has a piano that sounds like a Steinway Concert Grand and an organ that sounds like a real B3 (or close to it) and a string section that sounds like a real orchestra then I think the audience would be even happier.

The G1000 was a great arranger in its hey day but I'm guessing Fran will scoop up a BK-9 once it hits store shelves. And I wouldn't blame him. The BK-9 has some drawbacks e.g. low resolution LCD screen(s) that may in fact cause many people to pass on the BK-9. Plus it doesn't have a vocal harmonizer although aftermarket harmonizers are all the rage and vastly superior to the on-board harmonizers which is unfortunate. You'd think Yammie and the rest of them would have the ability and know-how to produce an excellent sounding harmonizer for their arrangers but so far that hasn't been the case. The Korg PA3X probably has the best on-board harmonizer but I've heard complaints that it too falls short. But I digress.

Entertaining an audience is essential and a top priority needless to say. I prefer superb sounds in today's arrangers because I think it "adds" to the entire package. That is to say, entertainment value, sound system, good vocals (if you sing), good beat (lively atmosphere) are all important, and if at all possible superb instrument sounds that make you sound like a real band that's even better. As opposed to a not so real sounding band from a possibly not very good sounding arranger. Although you get a bunch of senior citizens together - God bless them - where many of them potentially have a significant amount of hearing loss and likely wouldn't care whether its a low-end Casio or a Tyros4 etc., because a lot of the sonic headroom and realism (high/low frequencies and everything in between) would be diminished in the ears of the audience because of that notorious hearing loss. In other words, if you play exclusively at senior centers then sound realism is not as important to the audience. If you play to a younger audience that can truly appreciate all the nuances of superb instrument sounds you might want to invest in something more suitable to that particular audience. Or risk large amounts of red ripe tomatoes being thrown in your direction. Or so the theory goes.

All the best, Mike