I started playing arrangers from the get go. It is real playing but you get the added benefit of auto-accompaniment which as we know makes the keyboardist a one man band so to speak. I noticed when I went from an arranger to a traditional workstation (Roland Fantom G7)it was somewhat difficult to get adjusted to. There is no style accompaniment of course but there is rhythm accompaniment and also arpeggio backing on my Fantom G7 and also on the Motif XF, etc. The melding between arranger and traditional workstation is gaining momentum and perhaps there will come a time when traditional workstations incorporate most if not all of the features found on arranger keyboards. Such as audio styles, multi-pads (which are similar to arpeggios - now found on traditional workstations as previously mentioned), songbook, harmonizer/vocalizer, karaoke (song scroll) and the like.

I think there will always be an arranger market but possibly only in the low and mid-range segment. High end arrangers could bite the dust in favor of traditional workstations that incorporate arranger features and functions into them. Although I'm just speculating obviously. But if the Big Three (and Ketron) keep producing high-end arrangers at such astronomically high prices, they could price themselves right out of the market if they're not careful. Especially in these uncertain economic times when many people just don't have money to burn.

I don't know about you guys but forking over $5,500.00 or more for a Tyros5, etc., is stretching the envelope. Traditional workstations, on the other hand, cost in some instances thousands of dollar less than your typical high-end arranger from Yamaha. If I can purchase a traditional workstation that has high-end arranger features incorporated into it and at a much lower price point than the Tyros5, etc., I'll go with the traditional workstation every time. Although it could be several years before we see that kind of transformation that incorporates high-end arranger features into traditional workstations. And to be honest it may never happen. But we can still dream I reckon. The ball is in the Big Three's court. They will ultimately decide how the ball bounces. But if high-end arrangers stick around the prices should reflect what you're actually getting. For $5,500.00 I think the keys should at least be gold plated right?

All the best, Mike