Hi jm_bogey:

Yes, Yamaha arrangers (at least my PSR2000 does) allows you to play (along with the current style) while loading a new style.

The Yamaha arranger boards will also automatically load style, sound, and sequencer pad files, but only if they're included as a part of Reg Memory and stored in the kb's factory preset or user area.

Otherwise, contrary to Technics, Yamaha's styles, registrations, sounds, and song files must be loaded individually. The load time of a style loaded from a floppy is less than a second. Load time for a Yamaha Registration Bank file (Yamaha's equivilent to Technics Panel Memory file) is only 1/2 a second. The registration setup is only activated after you manually select a registstration setup button (1-8).

The TERRIFIC thing about Yamaha's style loading system is that loading a style does NOT interrupt (stop) the style currently playing, but lets the current style finish the current measure, and then seamlessly begins the new style at the beginning of the next measure. This quick load/syncro style transition system makes 'on the fly' Yamaha arranger keyboard performance very slick.

Hope this answers your question.

Scott