This is an old question and a hot one too.

What I like in an arranger is the versatility, the great variety of ways it can be used to play and/or entertain. I use my arrangers in every possible way:

1) In a pop/rock band I mostly use it like a synthetizer. When the bassist misses rehersals I play LH bass a lot. Most used sounds: piano, rhodes, organ, violin, bagpipes, some guitars, strings, fingered bass, some layered sounds.

2) In a duo with a guitarrist I never use SMF(s). Sometimes auto accomp mode, other times just LH bass and RH comping or melody with or without the drum loops.

3) In typical solo dance gigs (weddings, for example) I use styles and SMFs (50/50) and tend to use the SMF(s) more in the dancing part of the gig.

4) When I play at home I never use SMF(s). Styles and LH_Bass/RH with/without drums is how I like to have fun.

'Hope this contributes to a civilized discussion

-- Jos�.

[This message has been edited by Route 66 (edited 07-25-2006).]