An arranger IS a tool for music making, like so many others. Is it a paint by numbers approach ? For me it isn't, ( I learned to play long before I ever considered using an arranger ) but arranger use isn't always the best way for me to compose either. I need help particularly on drums, and having the patterns available is always a timesaver when I'm trying to create with an idea that's in my head. I don't use a " write it in notation first " approach ever, so it's a blessing to be able to start an idea in an arranger. Sometimes the whole thing can be done in the arranger too, esepcially if my particlar tune is geared more toward featuring a vocal performance rather than an instrumental.

We talk of the musical snobbery against arrangers, but I can't escape the feeling that this starts with the manufacturers themselves and filters down to many of the dealers who sell them. Go to a large chain and see what is on the home keyboard side and what is on the "pro" side.. Look at the options available ( expansion boards and the like ) and the after market support ( I'm talking by the manufacturer, not the users ) given to a Triton vs a PA80, a Motif versus a 2000 or even 9000. I'm told that this isn't necesssarily the case at all in europe and other places, but here in the US, unfortunately arrangers are marketed this way.

My "dream" keyboard ( yeah.. like there is such a thing ) would include arranger features and the top end features options of a Triton or Motif. I wonder why there aren't any "arranger function " expansion boards available for a good workstation ...? I'd also love to see a "karma " option available for the Triton series ( a plug in.. not software )