Re: Anthony Jonsohn on arranger desktop modules and preconceived ideas about arranger keyboards.

I really hope that the big companies start making those desktop arrangers too. It's incredible how even a company like Yamaha,still features in it's catalogue and brochures the QY700 in it's original form.
I mean,it's a great,full-featured sequencer (as far as editing functions etc). But it's unbelievable...it's the ONLY pro desktop arranger module that they made since 1996! How about an updated version, at LEAST? Replace the dumb floppy drive with an SD drive,re-vamp the outdated XG module with sounds off your flagship arranger workstations,update it's software etc...
In fact,how about a few new models??

I went to try the Roland E-50...in terms of price might be 'mid-market' or whatever,but to me it looks like a bargain at £ 588! (and so are the keyboards in the same price category by Technics and Yamahas...8 years ago they would have been unbelievable). A desktop arranger version of something like the E-80 would be a killer buy for about £ 700-800...they should do them in a price category just like their keyboards.

Then with even a M-audio Keystation 61,(five octaves,semi-weighted master controller,weights only 6 kg,costs about £ 100),one could carry a flagship E-80 around with ease!
I am an user with a laptop and Band in a Box and OMB, (and a choice,although small, of great sounds) but still,I would gladly buy a modern hardware arranger,for the most direct approach to composition...a laptop PC requires careful setup etc,and sometimes it gets in the way of the music (that's why I bought the QY700 a few weeks ago).

But going back with the prejudice about arrangers...prejudice it's all it is. I think that one should still learn harmony or technique or whatever,but what's different about a pro with an arranger keyboard and a pro with a Korg Triton? If they both have skills,then whether or not they have backing tracks at a push of a button,makes no difference.
And really,I would prefer a G-70 to a Korg Triton any day!

[This message has been edited by santantoni (edited 01-24-2007).]

[This message has been edited by santantoni (edited 01-24-2007).]