There are 3 high end arranger modules available

1. Bohm Silverbird
2. TMS Branda
3. Wersi EX 1

Hope this helps

Bill

Hi Don,
I condidered the Midjay but, like Giovanni, I decided that there wasn't enough on it to suit my purpose. I rarely use Midi files or MP3's so I'm wanting a full top of the range arranger keyboard in module form so that I can work on/edit styles, sounds etc. and have plenty of panel memory settings at hand in live playing situations. I used to carry 2 keyboards but, apart from the extra load, this made it hard to use a music stand and I can't manage a full gig without reading the dots.

I also found, like Rikki, that my living room looked like a club stage with 2 Kb's racked up - much neater with a module.

Already considered Bill's suggestion of Wersi EX1 but lack of dealerships for sales and especially servicing (if needed), rules this out. Never heard of TMS or Bohm but these would be ruled out for same reason as Wersi.

Heard that Gems Genesys is good but temperamental - Top marks to Ketron for at least making an effort - what about an SD5/SD1 module to replace the XD3.

The main reason modules have not sold well in the past is because the makers always make a bottom or mid-range module instead of a range topper. Give it a try and there may be more sales than anticipated for the manufacturers. As Esh points out, a module also solves the problem for those who want a particular keyboard but with more than 61 notes or a better keybed.

Hello Anthony
From your profile your nearest Wersi dealer is http://www.harmony-music.co.uk/wersi.htm in Boston about 75 miles away, with TMS and Bohm you have deal direct and they are based in Germany.
The EX 1 is the same as the Ikarus, but minus the keyboard.
Hope this helps

Bill

Hi Tony,
forgot to mention. For my digital piano /arranger module problem, I've now switched to using a
laptop/software arranger(OMB)& soundfonts. Just added a tiny KetronSD2 sound module to the setup. So put myself in for even more work.
Fair bit of work tweaking & setting up my psr user styles I use for OMB, but I consider it a long term project &
means I now don't have to midi my psr1500/ketron Sd1 to my digital piano. They're in a music room of their own.
best wishes
rikki

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Anthony Johnson:
[B]I also found, like Rikki, that my living room looked like a club stage with 2 Kb's racked up - much neater with a module.

Hey Anthony

Try the Ketron XD3 - I got one after owning an MS40 for over eight years so picked uo the navigation of it straight away which is what some people don't like about Ketrons.

It has many of the SD1 sounds and you can fit the vocal harmonizer board which sounds pretty good.

Regards

Keith (Brighton)

Hi there again,
Thanks for your interest guys.

To Bill (abacus):
Thanks for the info about nearest Wersi dealer - that came as a surprise to me. Will try to get down there when I can.

To Rikki (rikkisbears):
Very interesting angle - I don't own a laptop - never even used a computer of any kind with my keyboard. Does a software arranger fulfil all the functions of a module with Voices, styles, etc?

To Keith (KFingers):
I was going to go for the XD3 in the first place but don't know how much the XD3 improves on my MS40 or, how long since the XD3 was introduced and wondered if there might be an imminent new model on the way so thought I may wait a bit. I think Ketron/Solton are pretty good gear - agree about the navigation but, like you, I got used to it.

Best wishes, Tony (Sheffield)

Hi Tony,
OMB software uses psr .sty file format, & there's no shortage of psr style floating round the net.

Soundsource is more of a problem, in one way it's fantastic in that you can choose just about any soundsource you like, downside is, you have to tweak your styles to suit your soundsource.

It is a learning curve &you need spare time to do it.

I've tried omb with, xg sounds in my clavinova, sd1+, psr1500, for portability I've tried it with softsynths like Hypercanvas, currently I'm setting up
my new ( pocket size) sd2 soundmodule & soundfonts to work with it.
http://www.1manband.nl/omb.htm

best wishes
Rikki
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Anthony Johnson:
[B]Hi there again,

To Rikki (rikkisbears):
Very interesting angle - I don't own a laptop - never even used a computer of any kind with my keyboard. Does a software arranger fulfil all the functions of a module with Voices, styles, etc?

I agree with Don and Donny. The Midjay is a great little box. A couple of really cool features it has are:
1: The ability to change keys on mp3 or wav files without changing the tempo.
2: You are able to put onboard drumkits on smf's which greatly improve their sounds.

I use it in conjunction with a Tyros 1. I also have lots of files on it so I can use it on a grand piano job that needs a little kick. I wouldn't part with it.

Joe

------------------
Songman55
Joe Ayala

Joe I agree.....I wonder if they will ever improve upon it and make a MIDJAY II,
w/Little bigger display, more factory sounds & ability to load custom ones etc etc ....Ketron was on the right track with this unit...I enjoyed performing with it.