I suspect Yamaha is merely marketing their arranger series to a different audience. Yamaha's arranger selling point & focus has always been its user friendly interface especially attractive to the home hobbyist player and people transitioning from the now defunct home organ market. This remains the bulk of Yamaha's arranger keyboard market, and perhaps one of the reasons Yamaha is maintaining 61 keys on their arrangers, as it's the same as the 5 octave organ's range, with organ keyboard feel to boot.

The fact that there are pros out there now utilizing Yamaha arrangers (to gain one man band daily gigging portablility ease) too, is merely icing on the cake for Yamaha. Tyros2 continues to deliver the goods, at least for me.

Scott

I concur. Home hobbyist vs pro player and one's playing skill level don't necessarily go hand in hand. Here's just a sampling of '61 note' Yamaha arranger keyboard music performed & shared by my Yamaha arranger keyboard member buddies on the Yamaha YPKO forum:

Willie Tait: This Is The Moment

John North: American Trilogy

Craig Eyre: Hello Again

Heikki Kahola: Apache

Eileen Lowrey: Theatre Organ Medley

Scott

Surprise,surprise guess what?
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/closeup/M3-73--Main

Yeah, I know it's NOT an arranger but I was just shocked when I was going through Sweetwaters catalog last night.

I am now thoroughly convinced that there is a wiretap on what's left of my brain.

Hi Scott
Just because Yamaha do not import their Electones (Organs) into Europe or the US any more does not mean the organ market is defunct.
As far as Electones go they are as popular as ever in the Asia market, and are constantly being imported into Europe by uses who find arranger keyboards too limiting.
New models from all manufactures are regularly released, with 4 manufactures releasing new models in the next few months. (Roland are releasing an entire new range)
Enjoy whatever you play

Bill

Fine... so all you have to do is go to one of the websites I mentioned before and ask the famous question:

"Who is interested into a 76 keys arranger?"

...and then wait and see.

judging by the amount of absolute crap that flies across this forum on a highly regular basis, how could we expect to be taken seriously... i mean seriously to be honest, if a serious Yamaha rep was looking at this site viewing our "conversations" or "discussions" they would probbaly laugh and think we are a bunch of tools. I merely dont blame them for not answering our requests...

Nick


[This message has been edited by Nick G (edited 08-24-2007).]

Thank goodness for the SD1+

Yes, Donny, you obviously made a good choice...glad it's working for you.

Ian

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Common misconception...size and weight equal quality and performance. Don't be fooled.

Ian its not perfect but works for me ...the very small 76 footprint of the Sd1+ (smallest of all arrangers) is to my liking, sounds are stunning....although styles are IN YOUR FACE and with mucho tweaking I have got them sounding real nice ...to this point....navigation is very thoughtful for the live player, key-feel is wonderful......for now Im diggin it.....
I Will Not Rule Out other units down the road from any brand as long as it suffices MY needs.....but for now its the SD1+ for me. With whats out there now I am forced to be patient.
Glad you enjoying your S900 also