Guys I'm not going to start any wars here--so please don't be offended by anything I say, but "we" find at times that we have to come to "reason", and just "accept" some things.

I for one would "LOVE" a professional modern style based arranger keyboard (oh the dreams)... However, after coming down from "la la land", and reality settles in--I know the likelyhood of this happening (or at least anytime soon) is quite slim.

Now this is from the horses mouth bascially (from speaking to reps over the years). I haven't touched on the issue because it could be sensitive to some here, but it's the "truth", and hey if the reps read this and call me a "whistle blower" then so be it--because I'm going to whistle my ass off

There is a REASON why there aren't modern style based arrangers. It's not that they can't make them because they clearly can--the Original Yamaha DJX is obvious proof of that. What is often not discussed here is the "fact" that the top 3 arranger makers don't make the modern arranger because of the "targeted market" for the curent flagship arranger keyboards.

This is no joke either. The targeted market for these high end arrangers (I kid you not) is the 40+ age group. This is why the styles are "more traditional". You may ask.. hmmmm why would the companies target these age groups.... Well that's simple. Here's a few reasons.

"Statistically" the 40+ age group has more "Disposable Income" as compared to my age group (30's) and groups lower than me, and are more likely to be able to afford one.

The 40+ age group includes those individuals who have retired--thus with pensions, social security, ect in turn having more disposable income. (again that's based on statistics) They also do research based on not just age (but also take into consideration the odds of children being grown, mortages paid, car notes paid-and they figure that into the data as well).

Also because of the targeted market a "modern arranger" bearing today's prices truly would not sell (especially to the targeted market). In turn the makers would literally be shooting themselves in the foot because by doing so they have just possibly lost a large part of their market. You can't really be mad at them... I don't like it, but hey that's business.

Here's a good example:

Lets say tomorrow the (TOP 3) makers all released a new "flagship" arranger keyboard--priced according to the current market. However, these new flagships have a "twist". While they will have more modern styles such as hip hop, rap, and so on--lets say for the sake of arguement they add "tradtional styles", but and a BIG BUT the traditional styles they add are tradtional by "today's" standards.

What do I mean by that? Simple-take a traditional Country Shuffle from your current arranger (many like it-why-it's classic-it's what you grew up on). However, on the new arranger it's a Country Shuffle, but not the Country Shuffle "you" grew up on. It's a "MODERN" Country Shuffle--which is not what you grew up on. There are some di-hard country lovers who don't like the new country, and probably wouldn't care for these styles

Take rock styles for example. Right now many like the traditional "Rock-n-Roll". Well lets say the new arranger has Rock, but not the tradtional rock you know and grew up on. Lets say the new arranger has "Rock" that sounds like--Green Day, Pearl Jam, Bush, Live, and other more modern rockers. Would you like that?

How many of you would flock to this arranger, and drop your current ones? I think it's safe to assume that many wouldn't. That's not a bad thing either. You didn't grow up on these styles of music.

Oddly enough I think it's also safe to say they wouldn't attract us synth player either. Here's why.., believe it or not, there are a lot of us synth players who love arranger keyboards, and don't talk trash on them. I can tell you from my experience (and talking with my synth buddies), that one HUGE turn off for us in the pro arranger market is "drum roll" the PRICE!

I can go online and buy a "brand new" Korg Triton Extreme 61 key model for $1,899. This is clearly a pro keyboard, and would give me great results in making modern music, and it's like $1,600 less than the current pro arrangers.

The truth is "we" can control the price market on them, and it's really simple. Don't fall into the tricky advertising. When the new models come out, simply "don't" jump to upgrade at that moment. Give it some time. The makers will be forced to drop prices to try and re-coup loss.

Here's a little humor on the topic of price control. Lets say two weeks from now Yamaha releases the new Tyros 3. This model has everything your Tyros 2 has, but "hold the phone", the Tyros 3 also makes "bacon and eggs", and has a "cup holder".

They advertise in ways to make you think you "must" have this new model. They want you to think that if your T2 doesn't make bacon and eggs, and you don't have a place for your drink, you're losing out big time.

I know that's a little drastic as a comparison, but I'm sure you get my point

Anyways if I offend any of you in the 40+ age group I apologize. I've come to respect so many of you here on this forum--and I'm a strong believer that "With Age Comes Wisdom". So I'm not singling you out.

Squeak



[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 07-27-2006).]