Where do you, or would you like to see the future of arranger keyboards headed?

With current latest 'arranger mode' feature firsts being
1) audio loop sample style patterns (Ketron)
2) super articulation voices (Yamaha)
3) software sample arrangers (Lionstracs Media Station)
4) arranger touchscreen (Korg/Roland)
5) support for loading custom user samples (Korg, Yamaha)

What do think the next new arranger feature(s) will or should be offered.
Here are some of my ideas.

An Arranger Component-Modular approach:
* controller kb, monitor display screen, CPU, arr function control pad, etc

Bluetooth wireless connectivity between components to eliminate cables & cords.

Portable touchscreen computing tablet similar in size to iPad with port to connect 61/76 keyboard controller allowing you to navigate & trigger all arranger functions and call up and edit styles & software sounds all on touchscreen.

Bright Screen that supports viewability both indoors and outdoors.

Breath controller ( wind controller expression)
These have been around for a long time but not included on an arranger

An environmentally friendly ergonomically designed keyboard utilizing lightest materials and confined within smallest footprint possible, and with all solid state memory (no moving parts)

Hi Scott,

The likelihood of a manufacturer coming up with an instrument that has the features you described is very slim IMO. Although you do have good ideas; I had suggested more of a modular approach with a past employer quite a while ago but got shot down. There just isn't a growing market for arranger keyboards.

All hope is not lost however. Personally I think the way to go will be a computer based system. I have been (and still am) against using a computer on stage as my only sound source, but with the newer tablet PC's, the iPad, etc. it is getting much easier to accept the idea. So I think the route manufacturers need to explore is software based arranger apps integrated into a complete DAW's. Actually this can be done now using multiple programs. But I would like to see a single application to run on a touch screen type PC that included everything; arranger features, modeled acoustic and analog sounds, looped live tracks, sampling, full sequencing/editing, etc. Then by using one of the newer MIDI controller keyboards with assignable faders and buttons, you could decide what features to access via the touch screen and which ones you would rather have on actual sliders/buttons. Some of the newer controllers have audio inputs as well so you could plug a microphone into the controller and have access to a vocal harmonizer and EFX processing that would be included in the application. Plus you would have a choice of a 61, 76 or 88 note keybed or for those who really want to travel light, there are even 49 or less keys.

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Wm. David McMahan
The Modulators

[This message has been edited by WDMcM (edited 12-13-2010).]

Scott,

It almost sounds as if you are conducting a survey for a current, or potentially new, keyboard manufacturer with this, and some of the other questions you've posed lately. Is this indeed the case? Just curious.

Gary

At this snails pace of outrageous improvements deemed 'worth $4000', i look forward to purchasing a new keyboard in 2020.

I remember that Yamaha actually came out with a modular arranger back in the late 80's or early 90's. I don't recall the model number but HankB had one and I played it some in his club.
DonM

Scott,

What price point with all these features are you looking at?

Yep, the QY-series that started with the QY-10 in 1990, ended with the top model, the QY-700 around 2000.

Here is the QY-700.
http://www.vintagesynth.com/yamaha/qy700.php

These units contained sounds, styles and auto accompaniment, but were mainly designed as a songwriter's tool.

I had a QY-300 here for a while...pretty slick.

Ian

Hey guys. I initiated this and other similar threads to stir our imagination regarding the path we envision arrangers may take. The ideas (suggestions) I listed are merely current technological possibilities I think could (cost not withstanding) be incorporated in future arrangers. Seeing all the new capabilities in a touch tablet device like the iPad, I'm thinking the arranger future to be eventually completely software based, and that the only thing you'll need other than the tablet is a controller keyboard of your choice (61/76/88 etc) , which might interface bluetooth wirelessly. No idea when it will happen, but I think it could arrive sooner than later. Either way, it's fun to speculate.

The way I see it when the arranger KB pros of today are gone, & it wont be that long maybe 25-30years or so......there will be no one to replenish the art-form, also the audiences will be a thing of the past also...lets face it.. it will die a slow death....nothing lasts forever.

Hopefully, when you say no moving parts, you aren't referring to the keyboard.

I haven't given as much thought to these ideas. I think that some of them, like the ipad and bluetooth are very innovative. I thought about the ipad thing, actually.

Two things come to mind. You will still need buttons on the controlling keyboard. I wouldn't want to be dependent on a touchscreen for all of my needs.

Maybe, instead of an ipad, a long oblong touchscreen - either part of the keyboard or separate, where you could move buttons and functions to suit your needs. Maybe even a registration could call up a different display.

I think that these companies like Ketron and Yamaha put enormous A&R into the styles, and if everything becomes software, it will be like mp3's where only 1 in 10 actually purchase it and the rest is illegally shared and stolen. I think that this consideration will be a factor as arrangers possibly merge with tablets in the future.