Hi George,

Thanks for the valuable info regarding the latest Solton X1 OS (version 3.2A). As I mentioned earlier, I really do love many of the sounds (especially rhythm section) & styles of the X1 so I'm am very anxious to find out if version 3.2A adds 'rootless' chord voicing recognition. Hope someone here that has installed OS 3.2A can report back on this.

BTW, can you explain the differences between Easy1, Easy2, Fingered 1, and Fingered 2 Solton X1 modes? Paul Ip's posting gave me the impression that there is only 'one' fingered mode on the X1. Is Solton's "fingered 2" mode similar to Yamaha's "full keyboard" or Technics "Pianist" mode?

In regards to your musican friend Andy who plays "big Jazz type chords" and loves the way the X1 recognizes what he plays. I assume he is playing in 'full keyboard' mode where all the notes/chords he plays are heard, right? I am sure that the X1 provides him with a great sounding backup even if he must play "stock chord voicings"(including the root) to trigger the auto-accompaniment to play the correct harmonies. The problem with this limitation (especially in ballad type tunes), is that you as a keyboard player are not allowed to play more exotic chord voicings and extensions (9th,11th, 13th) and alterations (b9,#11,b13 etc) because this would screw up the auto-accompaniment's recognition of the chord. I am just hoping that future generations of arranger keyboards will either add more chord recognition possibilities to their chord recognition palette, or better yet, allow the user to program and define their own "custom" chord recognition table. I did speak with a Technics R&D rep and he expressed great interest in the custom 'user defined' chord recognition idea so I'm hoping that this is something that may be implemented in the next generation of arranger keyboard. Perhaps you might tickle Solton with this idea as well.

George, thanks again for keeping us all posted on the latest arranger keyboard product developments and release dates as well as providing us with current arranger keyboard sales trends. I always find your postings informative.

- Scott