Hello All
Reading some of the posts, I think some people misunderstand what an open keyboard is about, and hopefully my explanation will make it clearer.
In its basic form it is a keyboard that is not tied to any one manufacture, and allows the user to use whatever type of sounds or instruments they require.
Previously this could only be achieved using a fixed computer in a studio, using various different samples and Virtual instruments, (VST) with the increase in computing power this can now also be done live, by using a laptop.
The downside to this is the fact that it takes a lot to set up, and has a very steep learning curve, which of course puts most people off.
The Hardware Arranger however is a lot easier to set up, with a much easier learning curve.
The downside to this is the fact that it has to use what the manufacture makes for it, or connect to external modules or a computer, to get something different.
The most versatile electronic box today, (And has been for some time) is the computer, which because of its modular design means that any software that is released can be used on it.
The downside? Is that as software gets more sophisticated so does the computer hardware that is required to run it, however, due to the modular construction, you only need to upgrade the parts that are required to run the new software, and not have to change the whole computer.
The open keyboard combines the advantages of both computer and hardware arranger in one box, so that it can be played straight out of the box, just like any other arranger keyboard.
To make this even easier the manufactures include there own software sounds and styles etc, so that you do not have to start buying other software sounds/instruments straight away. Whether you like the sounds or not is entirely personal, just like some people prefer Yamaha, others prefer Roland etc.
Once you have the open keyboard however, you can then start adding what ever you want, rather having what the manufacture says you should have. This gives you the advantage that you can just upgrade the software and hardware as required, without having to trade in your old instrument, which has the advantage of working out a lot cheaper as well.
I hope the above has cleared a few points up, and has allowed a better understanding.
Below I have included some links to sites, so that you can see what third party sounds and instruments are available for use on an open keyboard.
The most common samples are produced for Akai samplers, the S1000 -3000 series being the most popular, (Akai samplers first came to market in the late eighties) in recent years with more advanced computers, Giga samples have come to the fore, and so if you follow the link below, and select the above formats you will see what sounds are available, many with mp3 demos.
http://www.timespace.com/index1.asp?ID=prosamples As far as instruments go, here are 4 links to have a look at.
Hammond sound
http://www.native-instruments.com/index.php?id=b4ii_us Piano sound
http://www.steinberg.de/151_1.html Orchestra sound
http://www.steinberg.de/667+M52087573ab0.html Guitar
http://www.soundsonline.com/sophtml/details.phtml?sku=BS-388 And for a compilation of sounds
http://www.soundsonline.com/sophtml/details.phtml?sku=EW-164 Enjoy.
Bill