So, quantity is not the problem today. Quality remains.

Although all brands are going to have more similar styles today than ten years ago, I think some differences remain.

So, my question is:

What are the differences between Roland, Yamaha, Korg and Technics styles? I say differences about quality, richness, varied instrumentation, feeling, pleasure using them, inspiration to compose, better type of music for (rock, bigband, ballad, newage,…?). Which are more canned, or less boring, or richer, or sweeter...?

I would like very very much to know your sincere opinions about it.

Thanks.
Tracknet[/B][/QUOTE]


As a future ex-Technics sales manager in Canada, my job was amongst others, to test and play competitors models. In my opinion, Ketron has the best overall styles on the market. The overall quality is the most consistent and natural. If I had to pick one arranger and play it live using the internal styles, it'd be a Ketron. I would not even consider modifying what's in there.
We HAD in the past few years, in order to promote the new KN flagship models, to have styles programmed by one of the musicians who was on the Technics programming team, in order to cope for some of Technics weaknesses in the styles department. With these patterns, high-end KN's were a real success in our area.
You are right about the styles being probably the most important aspect of an arranger keyboard. If you want sounds only, buy a synth or a module.
You are also right about the quantity of NC styles available, but with a very low quality.

Hope that my comments help.