I don't know much about the demographics and distribution of Yamaha (or other brand) Arranger Keyboards. I do know that the "on-board" instruments (voices) are in need of being updated. The guitars for "country" songs simply don't sound very "country." The rise in popularity of the dobro in country music... as well as the resonator... are two examples.

How many times have we heard about the "lameness" of the drums on Yamaha boards? Despite this, it is a wonderful product line and Yamaha seems to constantly stay ahead of the competition with innovative new products. I'd like to see them concentrate on ways to make their boards more affordable.

One idea would be to allow the buyer to "buy a basic machine" and be able to add only the components needed for a specific purpose or audience. I don't need speakers... only earphones and the output to a DAW. I don't even need 61 keys. I'd like to be able to upgrade the motherboard when new features are developed instead of buying the entire schmazzola.

I hope they will continue to develop more musically diverse multi-pad styles. These can enhance a recording or performance in so many ways.

Please don't take my wishes to be complaints. Without an Arranger Keyboard... I'd be "dead in the water." It is amazing how many songwriters here in the US have never heard of an Arranger.

Thanks for bringing up this topic... again.

Dave Rice

This is a huge flaw in Yamahas Latin styles. So many sounds like a bad impersonation. I don’t understand why they can’t work with some Latino musicians to come up with styles that are authentic sounding and relevant to what Latinos are actually listening to.