Hi, I was reading about the General Music Equinox. When I kept on reading about its features, it said it is also an arpeggiator. I've been wondering ever since, what is an arpeggiator and what is it for? I would really like some replies if you have the time...because I really want to know what this is.

Well, I look forward to hearing more about the 'arpeggiator' and thanks for replying,
Ryan

Maybe I am totally wrong here, and then you
all can have a good laugh... +

Some time ago I could see a button on a
Kawai (I think it was) keyboard who made a
automaticly "solo arpeggio" around the chord
you played.
You could put your right hand in the pocket,
and only play left hand chords, and a "melody"
was played automaticly as a kind of "solo".
As I said, I'm not sure if it is the same....
GJ

Well thanks a lot for the comment, I'll see if I can get other information about the arpeggiator. But I bet you are right about it being a solo part, but since we're both not sure about it, I am going to ask those who read this to please respond and leave their comments!

I would really like to know what an arpeggiator is, so anyone else, please feel free to respond. Thanks a lot,
Ryan

I got this explanation from a web page:

An arpeggiator is a tool/feature available in some hardware synthesizers and also in software form, which allows the user to play alternating notes or chords automatically based on input, most often from a midi controller. An electronically created arpeggio. Arpeggiation is also available in some sequencer software and virtual instruments.

I had a Kawai keyboard that had this on it and I believe my MZ-2000 had it also.

-Linda

Gunnar Johnny is on the right track for sure. An arpeggio can be described as a chord played one note at a time. In other words, instead of strumming or striking all of the notes at once, the player ( or keyboard in this case ) picks each note individually. An arpeggiator can take a note( reading it as a chord type ..usually it was in the major scale as I remember from my MZ2000 ) or a chord itself that you play, and plays it one note at a time at regular intervals ( 1/4 notes/ or 1/8 notes or..etc ). Which direction it plays, ( up, down, or both up and down )and how many octaves it covers is normally predetermined by the user and has to be setup beforehand. Usually in an arpeggiator, these notes are played in a very mechanical fashion ( perfect timing, with no rests or change in note lengths in between ), but there could be some variations depending on the types of arpeggios your keyboard will produce. Hope this gives you some idea.

AJ



[This message has been edited by Bluezplayer (edited 12-13-2001).]

The Korg Triton (which I use to own) has two arpeggiators. Each could be set independently to create a sort of style (much like those in our arranger keyboards). Each arpeggiator affects only a few voices or sounds, and even by combining both of them there is no comparison to the built-in styles on an arranger.

Arpeggiators are used as shortcuts for people that use sequencers. It helps them avoid the tedious task of programming every note of every groove they make. I guess you could say that arpeggiators are "groove" makers. They don't play melodies.

Regards,
Stevizard

Thanks a lot for the help everyone...an arpeggiator sounds interesting. That information is very helpful to me and I appreciate it very much. I would like to actually try using an arpeggiator to see how it works for myself. Do you guys use an arpeggiator often or do you find it useless? Just wondering because I've never heard it really mentioned before.

Well, thanks a lot for the help,
Ryan

As far as I know, arpeggiators today are used only in music genres like techno or trance or whenever is important to have a "robotic" effect.
Ryan, are you really sure you want one?

I would agree with Dreamer.
I spent a few hours playing with the Roland Fantom (could be a great addition to my VA7 by the way ) and its arpeggiator function can quickly help creating dance/new age/technos type of music. It's great and nice but I'd still need my arranger

(...smart people tend to own a VA 7...I wonder why?)

I wonder too ....... I'm smart, and I DON'T have a VA7 anymore. Hmmmmmm.........

wizboy?----how do the va7 sounds comprare with what you heard on the fantom? I have never really heard a va7 but I love the sounds of the fantom. I am also a big fan of the roland xv modules. How are they alike/different from your va7?I tend to like sounds and styles with a bit more of an "attitude" than I found on the yamaha psr. Do you think that I would like a va ?
---also,to Ryan--arpeggiators are big fun,by all means try one sometime.

Bill E

Maybe you are TOO smart...

Dreamer, I'm not sure if I really want one. That is why I asked about it, of course! I should really try one first, than I'll definitely know if I really want one. It doesn't sound like as if it is used by many people, so it probably won't interest me.

Bill E, I am still curious about the arpeggiator. I will surely try one. But, if it is like styles (which I honestly do not care for), than I probably won't be that interested in it.

Also, I've heard many people mention Roland keyboards. Is there a site that covers all of Roland's keyboards with reviews, images, etc?

Well, anyway, thanks for helping me out. I was just curious about this and you all have helped a lot! See you on the forums,
Ryan

If I was really smart, I'd still be playing my Rhodes suitcase. This new plastic junk is getting on my nerves. I miss the feel of a real instrument, and these latest keyboards are feeling worse & worse. It's a good thing they SOUND good, but they are no fun to play - feelwise.

Composer ryan,

Try out this sample from the Roland Fantom (it is the first one of the 3 demo's). You will need Quick time for this however. It's not very long (a le Motif Video), but gives you a rough idea as to how an arpeggiater works. Notice that the Fantom can be zoned out to different parts of the keyboard.....and over 76 keys!. Not bad hey?.

Arpeggiater sample

I wonder what the Roland VA7 sounds like in comparison to the Fantom... because they are both...err roland shall we say...

NR

Tanks Nimrod! I really appreciate that information...I immediately checked out the Fantom and I was really impressed with the website.

Yes, I saw the arpeggiator...it kind of reminded me of 'styles' - I think. I do not like styles that much, but instead I like to put full effort into my compositions, making up every part of my song! That way, I feel that my song will end up the way I want it, with thought put into EVERY part.

Like you said, I noticed it had 76 keys, that's not bad at all! That's awesome! Not only was I impressed with the keys, but with other features as well. Those QuickTime videos were very informative. I have to admit I just wish that General Music would do something like that, because evertime I visit their website (http://www.generalmusic.com) and click on "Audio Samples" it says "Works in Progress." Having Demo Songs on a website is the MOST important thing of all and I feel that General Music needs to really work on that area of advertising. After all, sound is the most important thing and if people can't even listen to the keyboard, then how are they suppose to be attracted to it? Yamaha and Roland offer "Audio Demos" and that is really important.

Uncle Dave, I have noticed that keyboards are 'plastic' and do not offer the quality of a real acoustic instrument. It is really important to have a keyboard that feels good when you play it, but, to me, the sound is the most important! Honestly, it doesn't bother me that much to play a 'plastic feeling' keyboard, but what bothers me the most is the HIGH prices of keyboards. I wish they were cheaper!

Well, thanks a lot everyone for the help! I'm going to research Roland keyboard more and find out what they offer! Have a Merry Christmas everyone and enjoy the Holidays,
Ryan