I think it's only at first when using the Motif ES that you get the indication that the "combination" arps are like arranger styles. They aren't alike except that the arps of the Mo respond to chord changes. There is no "intro, fill-to, verse, chorus" layout to them; and by far there are more individual instrument arps than the typical bass/drum/instrument arps. Once you get into it, you realize there's more to life than bass/drums/instrument combos anyway. The Motif is way deeper than any arranger, especially when it comes to the sequencer which integrates audio and sample slicing with midi. Ease-of-use is a questionable term here - the Mo is not as easy to use as an arranger but it gives you far more creative power in return for a little more effort. The end reason that you'll get a Motif ES is for the quality of sounds, which no arranger currently can match.

Explaining all of the differences and nuances would take a long time, so my best advice is this: if you're considering a Motif ES you should get "A Complete Guide To The Yamaha Motif ES" DVD which is available from http://www.motifator.com/mart/mainframeMVES.htm for $5 (the $5 is for shipping - the DVD is free). It's money well spent for a thorough 2 hour and 48 minute tour.
Also this month's Keyboard magazine features a review of the Motif ES that is very good. Keyboard not only gave the Motif ES a KeyBuy award but some of it's highest praises ever, even noting that it costs less than the Triton or Fantom-S. I think we're going to be hearing a lot of and about the Motif ES in the coming year.


[This message has been edited by The Pro (edited 11-04-2003).]

[This message has been edited by The Pro (edited 11-06-2003).]