Zuki just touched on an important point; one that has been mentioned a few times before; BOREDOM, the bane of the arranger keyboard (and the number one reason people keep changing and upgrading to the newest model). After thoroughly exhausting all the on-board (and third-party) styles (usually only about 10% are usable for our needs), that's when the 'boredom' starts to creep in. That's one MAJOR difference between arrangers and traditional instruments; pianist, violinist, guitarist, etc., rarely get bored with their instruments, at least not to point of needing to change them every couple of years. Of course the mordern 'B3' hasn't changed much in the last 60 years; pianos and guitars, etc. even longer (try centuries). Perhaps the reason is that with these instruments, we are more invested in what WE can do with the instrument, wherein with the arranger we are more interested/invested in what the instrument can do for US. A clear shift in emphasis on who/what is most important in this man/machine equation.
Just some random thoughts, but I thought Zuki's (and others) point about the 'boredom' aspect of 'gear lust' or G.A.S., was an important one; one that we should probably reflect on when pondering a significant gear purchase. JMO, of course.
chas
Hi Chas,
Great post, however I might be the ought ball out...
I never got tired or bored with my gear.
I always find new things or change things up to keep me excited. Arrangers have endless possibilities...
Live bands have the advantage of being Live.
There are certain advantages there.
However I can go from Rock to Disco to Dance to Standards to Jazz to Folk etc in a heart beat and keep thinks interesting.
I can play songs that many live bands would not be able to because of the styles and sounds I use ...
The only reason for me to upgrade is a sound that I am looking for.
You are correct about Violin, Piano, Guitar etc.
Those instruments have been perfected over the years.
Arrangers have come a long way.
When I started with Arrangers, I had a vision of what could be.
That was many Moons ago.
My vision was that Arrangers have such incredible sound that it would be hard to tell the difference from the real thing. Sort of.
Of course in some way we will always be able tell the difference.
I usually skip a generation or two since improvement in sound is somewhat incremental.
I must say though that for the first time the PA4X and the Genos are pretty darn close to the real thing.
Yes, folks always talk about the "live" sound which is true.
However it still sounds somewhat of a KB.
With the increase in RAM. the new PA4X and Genos have a fullness and aliveness to the sound like never before.
In many ways I got the sound finally that I have been looking for, for 20+ years
So I will be keeping my new toy for a while ....
Regards
Eric