Rikki,
If you get an inexpensive arranger you will only have a couple of variations. Still not sure why you want to go down this road, except that you will have the arranger control buttons (sync start, stop,fill,variation,etc.). If you like OMB and going down the soft-arranger route, why not listen to Frank and get a controller keyboard? You can get a 76 note, great key feel, full size keys, MIDI control messages, I think it has sliders too,Includes 2 independent MIDI outputs, MIDI In and Thru, plus Hold and Foot Pedal inputs (Roland A37). You can use the lower notes for the sync start, fills, etc. I was thinking that if I purchased a 76 note keyboard, that I would label the bottom notes.
I'm a little jealous that you got your softsynth-arranger to work to your liking. I would use my aranger as a controller because I wouldn't have to go buy a controller, at least not immediately.
Will have to try OMB and see if I get better results. I also have to bring my PSR550 home, so I can A/B soft-aranger against the PSR550 XG to find out exactly what is missing.
Starkeeper

[This message has been edited by Starkeeper (edited 10-13-2004).]