I can identify 3 ToTl arrangers..

Yamaha Genos
Korg Pa4X
Ketron SD9/90/60

You could also add the Roland EA7 and the Casio MZX-500 to that list
As they are theoretically the top of the line from those brands..
But that wouldnt be fair considering their pricepoints.

So whats your personal opinion on them..
Considering strengths and weaknesses?
Which do you prefer, and why?
Which did you try and didn’t work for you?

For my needs now the ROLAND BK9 is better then all mentioned...

at this stage all listed ...
they are all equal in sound & style,.....most just use an arranger kb in their bedrooms pseudo so called "studio" for their own personal pleasure so what's the difference which one you have if you ain't playing out for audiences..just put on your headphones and play music for yourself to enjoy. The whole whats the BEST saga is getting kinda old at this point ....too many choices,.....too many methods to play music....just choose you tool of choice and enjoy it
for weaknesses and strengths belong to the player themselves always ..
Most just want to turn it on and start playing not make an Einstein's theory of relativity project out of just playing an arranger KB or whatever...that said I love my BK9 !

Merry Christmas to all.

Too much eggnog?

chas

oh yes Chas I am on my second gallon of Nog....
and for breakfast we made Italian style Panettone French toast ...Yummmy!

I would be happy with any of the TOTL keybads you listed but for me the Genos has the best RH sounds, Ketron the best sounding styles, and Korg has the best features. So it would a hard choice to pick one.... I’m not in a position to buy one so I try to make the best music I can with what I got!

Don't overlook the Roland EA7. It has great styles, great sounds, great features.
It lacks vocal harmonizer, but the vocal sound is good. Good speakers, light weight . . .
Quite a bargain at the price point, and it IS the only arranger Roland currently has even close to a TOTL. The BK9 is out of production and difficult to find used.
I still prefer the Korg PA4X, but just barely.

Having owned or played most of the boards mentioned... except the over priced Yamaha

I will say the BK9 and EA7 are overlooked..

They are very closely matched when it comes to value.. I might even give the EA7 the edge because of a refined OS with dedicated buttons.. and useful features..

If the BK9 and EA7 had a touch screen, they would compete with the rest..

The EA7 is the best value for the buck .. What other keyboard , can you purchase at a street price , use for two/three years and still get a return at a $300 depreciation

A Genos would lose that much before the ink dries on your check

So basically in your book every musician that does not play live is 2nd rate? A bedroom musician as you call them, who should not care about quallity as its of no concern to him as he does not perform live? Thats an opinion... let me counter that, with why would you eat expensive steaks at home, if cheep chicken fills your stummage to. I think its a little shortsighted to think home players should not care about quallity and features, let me tell you this, we also have ears and taste.

You talk about “the best”? Please reread the post and tell me where i ask which is the best?

And about your love for the BK9, need i remind you about the fact that you love another keyboard every month? This makes you the person most suited for answering the question, as you allways fall in love with the strenths of a keyboard and drop it when you find the weaknesses of it.

SoI see I've hit a nerve I'm glad we all have our own opinions have a great holiday I know I will take care..

Genos-too much money for me and my needs and is missing some features that an expensive arranger should have IMO. Excellent sound though and the new revo drums and playlist are great.


PA4X-has everything you would want, still a little too pricey for my needs which is why I bought an open box PA900.


Ketron-can't say because I haven't played a Ketron at all. But the demos I have heard sound great.


Roland-I had an E-A7 and I wouldn't hesitate to buy one again. If I ever get to the stage where I want to go to nursing homes again (and use an arranger) I might even look at a BK5 for the ease of use light weight and good sound.