I believe Synthzone has lost the attraction of being a place where arranger players can come together to discuss the art & techniques of arranger keyboard "MUSIC MAKING", of which includes members sharing & discussing their arranger produced music.

When I attend a live performance or listen to a CD, I rarely ever say I don't like the performance because the music was recorded on an "X" keyboard/guitar vs "Y" keyboard/guitar. I instead focus the artistry of the performer, and might comment on their playing technique and/or artistic expression, but usually never get on about the brand/model of the instrument played. The instrument (in this case) arranger keyboard is mostly made of plastic & silcon chips. The heart and soul of music comes from the artist.

Though I'm encouraged by some recent increased member interest in posting their music, I've also noticed that the thread replies quickly turned from comments 'about the music itself, to discussion about the keyboard's missing feature(s) or something else nothing to do with the actual music, giving the person who posted their song(s) the feeling of wondering why they posted their music in the first place.

That said, though I'm of course interested in learning about the latest keyboards & features available, my primary reason for visiting SZ is to exchange arr playing tips & tricks, and share, listen to & comment on fellow members arranger keyboard produced music, in an attempt to 'mutually' learn & develop as arranger keyboard musicians.

I'm really interested now to hear what other member's interests and goals here are.

Scott

I CAME (originally) for candid user reviews of various boards so I can get some first hand opinions on my possible future choices.


I STAYED for the sheer entertainment & drama of the personal insults....

(just kiddin about that last one.......kinda)

I actually stay for any tips/education I can get pretty much...

Hey, it is what it is; it's a free board open to everyone. There are a lot of great people and information here. The chemistry of the personalities is so unique that it is strangely attractive. It's like participating in a soap opera. I love it.

As long as one can wade through all the bullsh*t, this is still a great repository of info on all arrangers.

Where else can one proclaim himself as a legend and have the memberss believe him? The mind is a terrible thing; to waste

[This message has been edited by cassp (edited 09-16-2007).]

Thx, Cassp. That saves ME from getting my feet...uh...dirty. But you're right!

Scott, since you're a member of about every arranger keyboard forum on the internet, why so particular about trying to change the one that seems to trouble you the most? Surely there must be at least ONE forum that caters to your wishes, wants and needs?

Nothing stops any member from posting playing techniques and such so...

Taike

Hey you guys can talk about whatever you want as long as it doesn't turn into ranting arguments. You decide the course of the discussions yourselves. There are no rules limiting you.

I agree with Cassp...as long as you can wade through the muck, there are a few gems to be found.

There are some very learned posters on SZ...their information is invaluable...and I am grateful for what they have passed on to me.

Of course, as Cassp has alluded, there are a few "legend in my own mind" members, but they are more entertaining than harmful.

I feel that Scott's vision for SZ becoming "a place where arranger players can come together to discuss the art & techniques of arranger keyboard "MUSIC MAKING", of which includes members sharing & discussing their arranger produced music" is, unfortunately, just a vision, albeit a wonderful one.

Maybe it'll change...hopefully it will change...but for now, I'll continue to enjoy SZ for what it is...informative most of the time, and entertaining all of the time.

Ian

This place is MAGIC.
It's just like "life" - sometimes pretty, sometimes difficult...always special.

Oh Boy, I need a diesel shot of Patrone`

Donny, liquor has never solved any of life's problems...but then again, neither has milk.

Bottoms up!

Salute`

I understand what Scott is asking for, it is good and has value. The fact is that this forum has a lot of traffic � and it�s OWN PERSONILITY. When you try to change a part of that personality you are in danger of losing other parts that are valuable.

Old Wisdom
1-Take the bitter with the better.
2-Enjoy it just as it is and focus on the good parts.

My view � This is a good place for a bit of everyday entertainment. It has a large spectrum of personalities, which if embraced can be enjoyed. Where else can you get a Fran � a Dave � a Diki � and whoever. I am enjoying this forum enough that I have ordered a S900, I will be waiting for a Tyros 3 or it�s replacement and I have cashed in my 13 years of Technics.

John C.

My philosophy...Use what's best and flush the rest.

I for one love this place. I'm addicted to it. But I'll never take part in the petty arguing, name-calling, and insults.

Tim

Scott,

I'd like to see more of what you mention, but as cassp already said, this forum "is what it is", and with the way it runs and what drives it I'm not certain that it will change much.

I don't post here as much as I once did, but that's only because I'm relatively healthy again and with that comes "busy". As for other forums, I belong to a few, but I don't post all that much. KVR is the place I "drop" my music, mainly because what I'm doing now, electronic and experimental genres more than anything else, fits in there fine and will play well if you do it right. I still enjoy very much playing blues and Rock - Fusion oriented stuff though too.

I've been on this board since 2000 and really, I don't ever recall it being much different than it is now. Maybe it was, but I don't remember it.

Cheers
AJ

There have been times when there seems to be nothing going on and members complain. There have been times when members have been insulted and have left. There have been times when new gear is abundent and members are thrilled. It is what it is..........leave it alone!


------------------
George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene
Reseda, California
818-881-5566
www.kayesmusicscene.com

Taike: I suppose I've kept myself anchored here for several reasons, foremost because I've been a continously actively contributing member going back well before 1999, with over 8,100+ postings to show for it, and secondly because it remains the MOST ACTIVE arranger forum on the planet.

Yes, I'm a member of several other arranger forums, but Synthzone remains the longest running one catering to arranger keyboard players of all persuassions coming together in one chat room: GEN Arranger, whereas the other forums are either brand/model specific, or not specifically dedicated to arranger keyboard technique/performance discusssion in general.

Perhaps it's merely a pipe dream, but I was hoping for more interest in discussions about arr playing techiques and sharing arranger produced music, irregardless of brand/model. Oh well, perhaps it's time to take on something more achievable like reversing global warming or ending world hunger.

Scott

Nah.

Plus, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".

Glad you mentioned World Hunger, though, I'm starvin', better make a pizza run.

chas

Yes I'd like to see more threads along this line. That would be a very constructive thing. I'll try to be more ruthless about removing postings that try to divert these discussions into a war on competing brands and destroy the original intent of the thread.

Well, THAT'S good news...!

To anyone that bemoans not enough threads about WHATEVER it is that piques your interest the most about arranger usage, the easy answer is 'the fix is in YOUR hands'.

Not enough threads about repertoire...? START ONE!

Not enough threads about technique...? START ONE!

Not enough threads about Brittney Spears...? START ONE! (OK, just kidding on that last one!)

But moaning about a lack of content, when YOU can provide that content, or at least get it started, is plain silly (and that is a YOU in the plural, this isn't aimed at Scott... ALL of us that SAY we want these threads but don't start them is at fault).

Scott,
In case you have missed any forums to sign up for, here are a list of about 40 I ran across last night when I couldn't get logged into the Synthzone and also on Friday night.
Maybe if you don't like any of these forums we could start one of our own. I'll finance it and you moderate it. The only problem I see is that we may only have two members
Check it out: http://www.google.com/Top/Arts/Music/Chats_and_Forums/
PS: my calander is shaping up to posibly make your concert in Pismo Beach next Month. Waiting to see if Jann can get that week free. I am.
Best to all,
Bebop

...and if it doesn't take off, that may be a clue that you're the only one interested.

chas

Bebop, thanks for the link.



Bebop, it would be great to see both you and Jann there. - Scott

I don't think that Scott is out of line in seeking more tech info for arranger players and folks to show case their music without being bashed....truthfully, I don't know that much about arranger techniques or I would contribute more to the arranger discussions...I do however, know what I like to listen to as far as music goes. I would also like to learn more than what I know about arranger playing and techniques
that I don't now know. I think that Scott's
request is a valid one and as with all of the SZ members we all have the right to choose which post we want to read or find interesting enough to respond to or not.
Let us all remember that we as individuals
have different tastes and and should at all times indulge in the new tastes that presents itself.. enjoy. Just MOPO
TR

Give the man a cigar....!

Plenty of other fora to discuss music on, if the arranger players just want to talk gear.