Based on the ever changing / improving computer hardware, is it wiser (more frugal) to :
1) Get a computer; MIDI controller; portable P.A.
-or-
2) Get a "one man band" arranger keyboard, with microphone input and integrated speakers?

And what would be ideal units for #2?

The ministry side may wind up with donations of orphan MIDI modules and such, which may or may not require a lot of analog mixing capability.
We're really not sure what is the best course to steer.

We’re starting to use my S970 for our church band. Works well. The advantage of the arranger is that should you ever have others playing with you, you can disable those parts...i.e....guitar, bass, drums etc.

You ask a very tough question... and obviously for a good reason. Church budgets today are stretched to their limits and money must be used with wisdom and great care.

My advice is to explore all possibilities including using a Computer and associated hardware, firmware and software. In that regard, take time to explore Band-in-a-Box used by many of the participants here. From my perspective, it would probably have a steeper learning curve unless one of your participants is already familiar with all it's versatility and options.

Being an arranger user, (Yamaha PSR-S970) I am totally prejudiced in that direction but it also takes a bit of time and effort to achieve proficiency. "Quitpic" provided you with one of the many benefits Arrangers can provide. When and if you go to a music store... don't expect much help from the sales staff. Most of them don't have the foggiest notion about arrangers and what they are capable of doing.

Best wishes for success. If you discover other questions during your research, don't be shy. This is a great place for opinions and advice.

Dear Riceroni9:

Thank you for such a pleasant reply. You have captured the essence of what this forum is all about. You and many other members really show how great this forum is. You are definitely part of the solution not part of the problem.

I was playing guitar in my church. When I asked the music pastor, he had a different view of the arranger keyboard. He said. John, if we used an arranger keyboard some men would lose their chance to perform at praise worship.

John C.

I'm a bit pressed for time tonight so forgive me for using "one stone?" LOL!

salsaman: I'm one of at least a dozen folks here who seriously care about investment in our fellow members... and I have at least four great "role models." Thanks for the kind words.

Bruno/John: I can tell we would get along famously with your quick wit and sense of humor. Are you like most guitar players and have an arsenal of stringed weapons at your disposal? One of my golfing buddies here in West Mayberry has more than 100 of all types and descriptions. Maybe he just hates to change strings?

Have a great evening, you two... I'm off to the Jackass Flats Studio for one last session before I crash and burn for the night.

Thank you for all your wonderful replies, insights, and suggestions. Budget is our major obstacle, and your help is appreciated.
I am currently trying to clean up a donated Roland D10 Keyboard(wonky switches, etc). We also picked up a Yamaha PSR-GX76 for $20, but it is better suited to students than for a workstation / arranger.

Coincidentally, I am an 'old timer' with Band-in-a-box, having purchased an early edition (on clearance) from a now defunct music store (MARS). I wound up using their "Power Tracks" to do multi track recordings far more than I used BIAB. But BIAB does do well with MIDI files and has a Karaoke window.

Friends in a far state are in a similar predicament and they were considering an arranger keyboard (w/ MIDI or Song files) to do an outreach ministry in nursing homes, etc. Obviously, the top of the line equipment is wonderful. But what would be the recommended MINIMUM arranger keyboard? (New or vintage)

Addendum: Has anyone used a MIDI to USB Cable adapter to connect legacy MIDI to a modern PC? Anything to look out for?

TIA.

Minimum arranger qualitie?
Thats hard to answer..

But when budget is an issue, which is in your case
I allways advise to go for used gear that is well treated by previous owners.


If you really want a usefull answer, you need to give us a budget, and we can answer the question. Because from what i read i have no clue what figures to think in. It could be under €100 or a few 100..

I think to get a pro level instrument, you will probably have to invest a few hundreds, and you should have a look at the Roland G70.. its a decade old but still holds its own..

I love playing my keyboard and use midi songs sparingly.

My tools are:
An iPad with Sweet Midi program, which is a midi player. One Bose speaker, and a microphone. Sometimes I add my Voice Live T. C. for voice effects. My iPad contains over six hundred songs from rock to Christian.

Sweet Midi displays the lyrics. It is able to change tempos and transpose. You can make Play Lists, for specials groups of songs, and a mixer which allows you to change the instruments that are being played and their volume. I use a wire to connect the iPad to a TV to display lyrics for all to see.

This is my smallest set-up—which I rarely use, I love my keyboard, it’s me.
I would suggest a Yamaha keyboard, the best you can afford. Yamaha has the largest selection of styles and help.

Have fun, John C.

Perhaps the answer is found by first excluding keyboards that can't do styles, accompaniments and arrangements. Then eliminating those whose styles, breaks, fills, and ends are barely usable. That would meet my criteria for minimum quality arranger.

Which brings me around to software, controlled by a generic MIDI keyboard, with assignable sliders, knobs, and buttons. Any recommendations / caveats with respect to MIDI controllers?
Currently looking at m-Audio and Novation controllers.

Other than Band in a Box, are there any other music programs that replicate the functionality of the arranger keyboard with respect to styles, variations, and accompaniments?

Are there any programs that one can record a melody along with a click track, and have the software determine key, chords and time? Especially, for unusual time signatures?