Bachus,Just need a MIDI keyboard that has essentially all the controls needed to have a optimized control of the arranger.

Bachus,
ABSOLUTELY! Something you can add to a MIDI keyboard (including 88 Hammer action)

And there is plenty of options for MIDI controllers to use with a module...getting better all the time. BUT....take a look at the T5 for example...how many MIDI (function) switched does it have...LOTS AND they are for the most part where they need to be. One thing I wish I had right now is a strip of many MIDI switches 36 or so. A narrow strip to stick on the very bottom (top of the keys) on my MIDI keyboard for control of most common items needed on a regular basis while using styles, AND the switches need to be quiet. I hate hearing switch noise as I run the machine! It does not exist today. I can get by with other options...but not as good.

As you know I am involved in the vA2.
I will be doing a lot of review,demo soon.
I am still learning it and it will take a little time to be sure I understand before saying how it is in each respect.
Dan is very helpful, and I hope he does not tire of my questions and requests for improvements (if any).

Imagine a T5 module on top of a MOXF or any other PRO keyboard...you would have the best of both words.
BUT Pro's in a band environment do not typically use a arranger.
One thing that really works well is to add a 88 key hammer action below the arranger keyboard....but that's mostly for home use, not gigging for obvious reasons.

I think Ketron caters to accordion, guitar, etc players & that's where a module works well. The others really do not cater to that group as far as I know.

I think software arrangers is the answer, vs a module. Having a 22" touch screen above the keyboard is cool. Just need a MIDI keyboard that has essentially all the controls needed to have a optimized control of the arranger.

Donny,
While my musical talent is not up to the level of wow performance, I can play some and I am very Tech.
So stay tuned we'll both see where this leads.

you may be surprised as to how good it is.

I agree. I am hoping for a successor of the BK-7m, which was released in 2011. It sells quite well, Thomann shows more than 20 reviews. I really hope Roland hasn't abandoned it completely. Besides Ketron and Roland, the others seem to have turned away from modules and racks in both the arranger and synthesizer segment, which I don't understand either. There are enough people who, for instance, want to decide about the quality of the keybed independently of a sound generator connected to it.

(Bands overhere in Holland hardly can find any keyboardists, they are a rare breed, as it is the hardest instrument one generally plays in bands)

I would love to see a Tyros quallity Yamaha arranger module, but i think a modestly priced PsR quallity module would work just as good ( style quallity) and sell much much better...

I hope so...very interested in software arrangers etc....but I'm in a slow holding pattern observing and trying to get a grip on it all which seems to be relegated to the few who understand and not enough emphasis on the players who have no idea what its all about and how to operate the programs and what gear is needed if they ever want to replace a all in one hardware arranger KB.......
not everyone is a Pc Guru, with that in mind I don't see everyone running to go the way of Software arrangers and there is a reason for that....who knows maybe that will change in the future.
knowledge is power.

Arrangers are designed (And always have been) for the home hobby player (Most were previously Home Hobby Organists who wanted a more compact and easier instrument to play at a favourable price) and so modules are a very niche (And probably non profitable) market. (Sound modules on the other hand are more popular)

Bill

Hi Donny

You are playing a software arranger, it’s just a bespoke system to Yamaha that you cannot add anything to, or upgrade without buying a new instrument. (The same as most other arrangers on the market)

Bill