Hello,
i'm a newbie that has been reading this great board almost daily for a couple of weeks now and I've learned a lot already (the main thing being the Tyros 2 should have 76 keys ;-) )
But now I have this question: I am a tromboneplayer who wants to start writing songs. I play the piano and own an acoustic one, but I feel the need for some decent drums and bass, which I can play (or have played, like in a 'style') under my song. Would a Tyros or PSR 3000 be a good instrument for my purpose, or is the new Roland RD 700SX a better choice?
Or perhaps you know of another way to play and record songs (but not with Cubase or Sonar. I find them to difficult)
So, what's the ideal songwriter's scrapboard?
All input is highly appreciated.

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I would strongly suggest you take a look at Band-In-A-Box. It is a software program that runs on your computer and provides a backup band to match the melody and chords you enter. I feel it is better suited to songwriting than an aranger keyboard. It also has a great other many features that horn players will appreciate.

Google on "PG Music." Check out their site, especially the user forum. Download the demo and try it out. Please report back what you decide.

Douglas Wolfe

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I'm a songwriter and I don't have BIAB but have heard good things about it. When I get rich, I'm gonna buy loads of software. Now, it's just me and psr2000.

I don't know the Roland keyboard but the Yamahas are great. PSR3000 or Tyros won't do you wrong. Main thing being, you want a way to capture song ideas. You noodle around awhile, find something you decide you like and you record it on the keyboard. Either one of those will do fine.

Well, I will be to try both options, keyboard and computer: a friend of mine borrowed me his copy of BITB and I can also use a Yamaha PSR225 from a school for a couple of weeks. Let's see what works bast for me. I'll keep you informed.
Joop

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>>>> ... borrowed me his copy of BITB and I can also use a Yamaha PSR225 from a school for a couple of weeks <<<<<<


This is a great solution. I have found that my keyboard sounds better than the computer, but the computer is infintely easier to use as a writing tool. All those tiny buttons and screens on the 'board are just too hard to use. Experimenting with the setup you propose will give you a good perspective on all the pluses and minuses.

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BIAB is a great idea, but if you don't want to use a computer, you could do worse than pick up a second hand Yamaha QY. These little boxes allow you to program and play backing tracks for your songs all in one portable video cassette sized box.

Check out the review: http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/Oct01/articles/yamahaqy100.asp

The sounds and styles are not as good as a PSR3000 or what you might get from a PC but they do have the advantage of being a literal band in a box and they're cheaper than the other options.

Ebay always has a selection of different models to match your budget. The latest model and therefore, most expensive, is the QY100 which you can pick up secondhand for around 300 Euros.

Hi Pitbone:

For my purposes, the PSR-2000 is a great keyboard for songwriters. Used units can be acquired reasonably as compared to the newer Yammies like the Tyros or 3000. If money is no object, either of these excellent boards are great. I have not experienced a software program that is easier than "hands-on" playing when you are trying to compose. I am a songwriter and I would absolutely be lost without my 2000. Cakewalk is a well known Softare Package for doing what you ask but I think the learning process may be a bit steep. Good luck and welcome to the zone.

Rice (The Lone Arranger)

well, I've been trying different options when fooling around with some ideas and melodies the last couple of days and things are clear for me: writing a song is best done behind a piano or keyboard. It allows me to slow down or stop, play a bar or sequens again or slightly different without any hassle. The styles of an arranger keyboard can give me an atmosphere and give an image of how a tune will sound (more or less).
When this writing phase is complete, then I can use a program like Sonar or Cubase to record my song. But this is production work, not songwriting.
BITB is not for me. I enjoy fooling around with the possibilities, but have no urge whatsoever to use it as a writing tool.
For songwriting the piano or keyboard is defenitely my favorite.
Thanks for the input everybody.
Joop