Dave is right (damn, I hate to admit that LOL). I'm just thinking back when I started playing. No arrangers...no monitors...no vocal effects...no full range amplifiers. Limited choices on portable keyboards (think Hammond M, B-3, etc).

Then, as it is now, musicians adapt to the market and the available equipment/technology.

The challenge, I think, is to use technology as a talent enhancer, not a crutch. An arranger won't let a poor player sound great. A great player will sound fabulous on whatever keyboard he chooses.

The constants are change and ability.

Russ