Wow, this is a great discussion but Ian is right when he echoes what I have always said, that is, personal philosophies are valid for that individual but not necessarily for everyone else. 'What's good for the goose is good for the gander' only works for you if YOU'RE the goose.

Since Ian referenced us, I can say that I don't think Russ or I strictly fit into either category (frugal or spendthrift). Both of us buy a lot of stuff but not much of our 'discretionary spending', aka toy-buying, is spent on constantly updating the same old gear (tyros2 - tyros3, PA1x - PA2x, etc.). I get much more of a kick out of buying something completely new (Nord C1, Fantom G, DM10 drum kit, about to buy a Handsonic 10, etc.) than upgrading my arranger to next model just for the sake of a few new voices or styles (in this sense, I agree with Diki). I want something that makes me think about music in a new way, or gives me an appreciation for an area or aspect of music that I've spent 50 yrs. ignoring or taking for granted. Just going by the music posted here, arranger music doesn't even remotely sound like non-arranger music. I'm not saying one is better than the other, I'm just saying that I prefer one over the other, even if it's not as 'polished'. It just sounds more 'honest' to me. JMO.

One thing I don't agree with. Diki thinks the result of our not buying new (arranger) offerings would be that the manufacturers would scramble to put out bigger, better, more innovative stuff (to win us back). I don't. I think the result of that would be a repeat of what happened to the home organ market; it would go the way of the dinosaurs. Of course, this is all speculation. In the end, our own personal philosophies and buying habits are what will drive the market and the direction of the manufacturers. Drip, drip, or one big gush; it doesn't matter to me. I'm looking for the best price on a Handsonic and a Mic that'll make me sound good. On that last one, I'm waiting on a recommendation from Fran but obviously he hasn't found one yet .

chas

PS: Fran, if you read this, I'm just kidding .