...should be based on a plugin module that can fit into a 49, 61, 73 and 88 masterboard. The major manufacturers already have the goods to do this. The module can plug into the face of the keyboard ala ipod or other proprietary linkage. You pick the board(s) you want to use the sound engine/arranger with - voile!

For those who don't want/need to use the complementary keyboard, a standard midi or USB/Firewire link should be available.

You could have a 49 board for home PC work and a light 61/73 or 88 for gigging.

Hammond sort of does this already with the XK3 system.

[This message has been edited by cassp (edited 08-06-2010).]

I'll wait till Diki figures this one out!

I thought you knew something NEW But it's good to see you posting. Hope all is well Cass.

Thanks Jim. I know nothing new, but Korg has or had that M?? thingy that plugged into the keyboard and I think it's simply a matter of being a little more specific with an arranger module and locking it into a controller keyboard. It might even be an opportunity to fine tune units for certain markets with certain styles and features. Anywho, I'm just trying to generate some feedback.

And BTW, I'm feeling great and weighing too much. My NH venture is going great and I'm very happy where I'm at right now. I'm here at SZ almost every day, just not posting as much because there's not much for me to reply to.

LOL, join the club. I've put on a lot of weight since my spine surgery with silly medications and thyroid, sugar problems, but now on a weight loss program again to get back to 150 - probably by year end

Instead of offering a whole new line of things in this day and age, why not add a software option to the current Fantom, Motif and M3 workstations.
By doing this the customer is able to choose the number and feel of the keybed. The current workstation from all three big names are TOP and a little software modification could easily make the workstation into an arranger.

But again, how the hack would they sell the $3-4K toys(Tyros,Pa2x,E80/G70) to the masses.

Can somebody give me one reason why my suggestion does not make any sense? Please!

[This message has been edited by hitman (edited 08-08-2010).]

I think you answered your own question

Yeah, I guess I did DNJ.

I should have refraised it a little, but then I was looking at the specs of the Big-3's workstations and got a little "pissed". I thought to my self, what arranger player would not want a nice aluminum construction (Fantom G6) with a big LCD and quality keybed. On top of that, when you listen to the sounds/samples you just get sick how good they are compared to the arranger keyboards. I am not even going to compare effects sections and routing possibilities.

Man, why do they think that arranger players are stupid and don't deserve top of the line features for about twice as much money.

Sorry guys, but I am just angry today.

Yeah, I'm just getting back into playing on keyboards after a LONG time away from them, and am having trouble determining what I want. I can see where an arranger would be a lot of fun, but not sure what I would be missing out that a workstation can provide. Really can't afford to buy both, so I may just wind up thinking what I want is just over the horizon and wind up buying nothing at all.

Heck, have the keyboards even caught up to the latest computer technology to offer the latest and greatest those new interfaces can offer? I looked at keyboards that were still using IDE drives and floppy disks, for crying out loud....

Hi Rich Z
You may wish to look at the Lionstracs range of keyboards http://www.lionstracs.com/ as if you are prepared to put a bit of work in they can give you the best of both.
Also if you can find a second hand Wersi Abacus or Ikarus, these will also give you access to the latest technology, are easy to use, and can also load VST instruments.
If it’s just modern technology with upgradability you are after, then the Wersi Pegasus Wing http://www.wersidirect.com/www.wersidirect.com/Pegasus_Wing.html is due out in November and this may be right up your street.
Remember if you keep hanging on for the next best product, you will never buy anything at all.
Just a few more options to choose from

Bill

Well, I do admit that the Mediastation sure looks intriguing, but for some reason the Wersi just didn't do it for me.

Of course, finding either of these things near Tallahassee, FL to look at personally will be pretty much an impossibility. I can't even find a Korg PA2xPro anywhere nearby....

And yeah, I know what you mean about constantly waiting for the next generation, but it appears to me that there has been some substantial time elapsed since major releases across the board, so I'm thinking waiting a few months might be a darn good idea.

Unfortunatly I think the manufactures aim Arrangers mostly at the home market and put in sounds, onboard speakers and such to sell to them. Plug in the AC cord and play. Just like the home organs of the 60's and 70's. We just use them as professional tools.
A TOP module would be the answer and I would love it but it would probably scare away most of the home buyers because it would be "Too complicated" to hook up a midi cable, no less an outboard sound system.

Bill in NJ