And just in case ANYONE doesn't know how the old Roland chord sequencer worked, here's a quick breakdown.....

You play the intro to a tune and then, in the bar before the 'head' or verse you hit 'Record'. At the end of the head, or chorus (or anywhere, really!) you hit 'Play'.

Now the Chord Sequencer takes over playing the chords that you just played (not some pre-entered ones, so you can re-harmonize or adapt it if you want to) but you are still in control of the fills and variations (if you wish). At ANY time, you can over-ride the CS, put it in pause and play a bridge or vamp (or the vamp can be what you CS) and then return to the 'head' played by the CS.

So, easy, INTERACTIVE, and hands free (with a multi-pedal to trigger fills and variations, break/fills, etc.). Just about ideal for anyone who wanted to, say, pick up his guitar and jam along to a solo section, or blow some cool sax over the head of a jazz standard, or play l'oud to the whirling dervishes, or whatever your fancy makes you play.

I still cannot figure out why arrangers have samplers, and mp3 playback, and vocal harmonizers, but NOT this most useful of functions. It is what I mean when I say that arrangers are being loaded up with workstation 'features', at the cost of purely 'arranger' features. What proportion of arranger users use the built-in samplers much.....?

Probably a FAR smaller percentage than would use a CS so they could get back on their 'secondary' instruments....

Anyway, 'rant off'.... But the only way any of us are ever going to be able to use a chord sequencer is either buy an old Roland, or start talking to the reps, and manufacturers, the dealers and distributors. Don't let your talent be shackled by a marketing decision. Tell YOUR manufacturers "I want my Chord Sequencer'....... Pretty please!