Diki, you are correct that it is not possible to access individual sounds within a sampled drum loop. And your idea of including separate samples of the entire kit used in a loop for use in a normal sequence track is a good one.

I disagree that a sequenced drum track can sound identical (you didn't say identical, but implied it I think) to a looped sample of a full kit being played live. The acoustic interaction of the toms, kick, cymbals and snare, and the much higher resolution of quantization in a digital recording versus the much lower ppqn of a sequenced track is what makes the whole looped rhythmic samples within a sequence desirable. On the other hand, will any audience member notice the difference? Pretty unlikely. As Ian mentioned in his comment regarding my link to the Sway file as played from my WK8, it didn't sound as good as the Ketron, Yamaha or Korg (of course the WK8 is also around 10 year older technology but that's another story). The point I want to make here is that the audience just doesn't know the difference. I have considered using the other instrument (from my second link) but seeing as the people I have played for thus far when using just the WK8 were very complimentary as to not only my performance but also the sound, I may save myself the extra little bit of work setting up an additional piece of equipment. Although there is something to be said for personal enjoyment/satisfaction, and the obvious sonic improvement from the other piece of equipment may win and I'll still bring it along.

Anyway, getting back to the original topic if only slightly; Pretty much all of the arranger keyboards available today sound good. Sure a sequence created on one particular brand is going to sound different and possibly not as good when played back on another brand, even when sticking to GM sounds, with a little editing it can sound just as good as the original.

I really think a better comparison to be made is in reference to the feature set of each instrument, panel layout, user interface, etc. This is where the important differences are as far as I am concerned. How easy is it to get around on during performance? How quickly does a new song take to load from the storage device and what are the storage options? How does the keyboard feel, like cheap hollow plastic or something more substantial? What type of recording functions are offered? Etc. And then it is important to realize that there are varying needs for each player, so no one instrument is the answer to everyone's prayers.

I contend that the biggest difference between all of these brands is not the instrument at all. It is the owner of the instrument. Personality and showmanship is where the real difference is. It is unfortunate to me that talent isn't included, not that being a good showman isn't a talent, but I am referring to musical talent or put another way, playing ability. I can hold my own on an acoustic piano or traditional organ, and that ability is transfered to my arranger playing. But the fact is, I get the same great response when I just playback a sequence and walk around the room with a wireless headset and sing to or dance with the audience. So I have learned to leave my playing ability chops at the door when working certain types of gigs and just rely on my good looks .

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Wm. David McMahan
LearnMyKeyboard
JazzItUp Band