I'm interesting in acquiring a synth/keyboard which I can use primarily as a writing tool. What I'm looking for is something versatile with which I can record as well, hopefully with a mic also if possible. What exactly is an "arranger" keyboard, and is this what I'm looking for?

Thanks...

It kind of depends on what style you are trying to write in.....

Arrangers (the 21st century equivalent of your mom and pop's auto accompaniment organs!) are very good at doing older styles, but often lack a good set of more contemporary sounds and styles for writing 'hipper', modern music.

But if you are writing more conventional styles and tunes, they give you a very fast way of putting entire backing tracks together, much faster than workstation keyboards (Motifs, Tritons, etc.), and allow you to experiment with different changes and rhythms far more flexibly than workstations.

I'd say, go to a store, and try out a Tyros2 or G70, or if you want hipper, urban stuff, a Korg PA1XPro. See for yourself why so many songwriters use arrangers for initial inspiration......

what's your price range?

I was looking at a Roland Juno-G on Saturday, which seemed to have all the features I require. At e1200 it would still be a stretch for my budget. Are there any other similar models I should be looking at before I make any purchase?

Dont settle...Save your money the Juno G is wonderful....

Talk to Dealers AJ, George K, or Dan O here on the SZ you might be surpirsed what you hear

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 11-07-2006).]

"Dont settle...Save your money the Juno G is wonderful...."


Hmm, you're kind of giving a mixed message there. Are you saying to shop around* and wait for a bargain should one materialise, but that ultimately the Juno-G is a good choice?


* I'm in Ireland so the options for this are fairly limited.

Yes great choice! The G is a great KB with awesome capabilities and very kool features all around check out the videos......
talk to Fran Carango he'll set you straight on the G.

francarango@nni.com
http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.aspx?ObjectId=756&ParentId=83



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 11-07-2006).]

But the Juno-G is NOT an arranger.........

Some details on budget, style of music you want to write and experience level would go a long way towards helping us to help you......