Frank.., the problem is that RolandUS really doesn't give a crap about the arranger line here in the USA. They're more concerned about their sales overseas (as the numbers are much higher there). The pro arranger market (even the semi-pro market) is MUCH smaller here in the USA...

It's getting harder to find a music store today with a keyboard department. Unless you're fortunate enough to have a G. Center, Sam Ash, George Kaye, or Frankie near by it's going to be hard to locate them.

Even locally owned music stores opening their doors today are opening WITHOUT keyboard departments. What I've found over the years is that MANY privately owned music stores are owned by guitar/bass players, and even drummers, and if they do sell keyboards they never hire people who play keys. They're more interested in selling guitars and drums.

You go into these stores today.., and ask for a particular keyboard 99.99% of the time you'll hear "we don't have that in stock, but I can order you one". If you ask why they don't sell keyboards you'll always hear.., we can't find anyone qualified to operate them.., or demo them..., and the cost of running the keyboard department is expensive (which it is too).

Sadly many people today have no choice but to buy their keys "sight unseen". I also think that's part of the reason why you have your dedicated brand X owners. Since the boards are to find in local stores..., people will often stick to the one brand they've been using and because you cannot find stores that sell them, and sell multiple brands, one often sticks to what they know rather than take a chance on something they've never used or seen.

Some of you guys are lucky because you live within a reasonable driving distance to see a keyboard. Personally there's no way in hell I'd take a 6 hour round trip just to test drive a keyboard. Clealy those who find a trip like that worth the effort have much more time on their hands than I do.., and most likely have kids that are much much older than my child.



[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 12-16-2008).]