More years ago than I would like to admit, I was playing a 12-string guitar along with a programable Roland drum machine. My first encounter with an arranger keyboard sent my head reeling, and I couldn't believe this incredible machine selling for just $500 would do so much. By today's standards it was a piece of junk, but back then it was a gift from heaven.

I fully agree with Fran. Walk into any store, and more often than not a top end music store, and the person behind the counter doesn't know Jack Sh*t about any of the arranger keyboards in the building.

Nearly a decade ago, when my daughter announced she was getting married and the entire free world was invited to the wedding, I decided to take on a part time (40-hours-a-week) job to help defray some of the expense. I went to work at BJ's Wholesale Club in Abingdon, Maryland during their Christmas season, primarily selling cnsumer electronics such as computers, TVs, VCRs, and yes arranger keyboards--they had a half dozen on display.

Selling the computers and TVs was a snap, but the only way you can sell a keyboard is to demonstrate its use. That's exactly what I did. Not only did I manage to sell every keyboard in the store's inventory (about 100 of them), other stores shipped in their unsold keyboards after Christmas season ended and I sold several hundred more during the next few months.

Manufacturers don't take the time to educate dealers and sales people about the intricacies of their keyboards, which I consider a major mistake. However, with the exception of a few, George Kay and Dan01, there are very few dealers that take the time to explore the inner workings of keyboards they sell. The irony of this is most of todays top end keyboards will do a lot more than anyone can imagine, but no one will ever know about it unless they visit forums such as the Synthzone, SVPworld and PSR Tutorial .

Good Luck,

Gary

------------------
Travlin' Easy
_________________________
PSR-S950, TC Helicon Harmony-M, Digitech VR, Samson Q7, Sennheiser E855, Custom Console, and lots of other silly stuff!

K+E=W (Knowledge Plus Experience = Wisdom.)