Hi John

I agree that it is a shame that a "Pro" instrument lacks touch-sensitive accompaniment, at least as an option. However, I can see the problem with it is that many players are not skilled enough to hit chords with a predetermined velocity. The result is a lot of unintended variation in the style. The preferred solution would just allow a user to switch off the feature, rather than not provide. In the meantime, realize that you can control accompaniment volume using foot controllers. For many, this might yield more satisfactory results.

A lot of times we complain when manufacturers leave features out. But I am sure they are responding to complaints from those who objected to the features. I remember on PSR8000 users who wanted to know how to turn aftertouch off. Aftertouch was the main feature that made me willing to spend so much on the PSR8000. Why would you want to have no real-time control at your fingertips? Obviously, that user did not like the sound varying each time he played a note.

I think, John, that you are doing a service to the arranger community by bringing velocity-sensitive accompaniment to the attention of people like Scott who could probably make good use of it. When the manufacturers see a large enough group of skilled musicians using arranger keyboards, they will put in features that require skill to use them. (I will add my plug for polyphonic aftertouch here.)

[This message has been edited by Clif Anderson (edited 11-21-2000).]