As a former Techincs KN5000 owner, I definitely concur with the points you're making.
In addition, Technics keyboard's rootless jazz chord recognition was much better in ”full keyboard" mode than it is on the Tyros 4.
It was a real blow when Technics stopped producung arranger keyboards.

Does anyone know the REAL reason Technics stopped making arranger Keyboards?

No, but I would think they would be still making them if it was making them money.

Technics, Gem, Roland, so sad....

They were ahead of the game, and ahead of their time.

The KN-7000 was a real beauty...they also knew how to do a "panel" properly, and many companies, including Yamaha, Roland etc. copied some of their unique design.

It was a real surprise when they stopped production....and a real shame.

Ian

Don't count Roland out yet.
A reliable source recently told me they're currently working on a new arranger keyboard model as we speak, and may be releasing it soon.
Time will tell of course.

Id love to believe that Scott I hope it's true...maybe a BK7m included arranger of some sort?

Donny, I bought a 3000 in a moment of weakness; played about an hour and gave it to my granddaughter. I've briefly looked at all successive Yamaha arrangers, including all Tyros models; usually at Summer NAMM.

No Yamaha arranger product is for me.


It's personal preference; nothing else. All who like them, knock yourselves out!


R.

I suspect it will be based on the BK-7M...wouldn't that make it a bit like the GW-8 or Prelude?

Have you heard the BK-7M in person, Donny? If so, how does it sound compared to the GW-8/Prelude?

Maybe Fran could offer his take on it as well?

Ian

Ian Dave dumped his BK7m before I could get a chance to hear it in his studio...heard it on the phone for a few minutes too busy to make the trip to Philly... Fran kept me posted on his thoughts on the module.. I would say judging by that and online demos etc, it sounded better then the GW units but more closer to the Prelude units of which I have played. I'd be hard pressed to try another module on stage after the MidJay.....I'll stick with an all in one arranger KB for sure.