Not what I heard...I think Roland is aiming at the younger buyer, or at the very least, trying to drum up some younger interest, but it's an extremely small segment of the arranger market...and quite likely, it will remain that way.

The average arranger buyer is over 50 (as you are), probably retired (like moi), has a decent pension, maybe had some former music training (or played in a band before they took a 9 to 5'er), and wants to have a hobby that is also a healthy escape.

The Tyros name says it all.

Yes there are some that are outside the demographic, so Yamaha adds some advanced features (none of which are required to just sit down and play), and lots of Dance, Hip-Hop, and other more contemporary styles, and, as you have observed, the instrument covers a huge range of player interest, and skill levels.

Their pitch? Play your dream. Who doesn't want to do that?

You can't deny Yamaha's success...just look at the frenzy regarding the Tyros5...the Tyros4 and earlier models were much the same.

So regardless if you agree or not with how Yamaha does things, the bottom line is that they obviously are doing something right...and for quite some time.

Young and old, Fox Trot or Gangnam, Gene Kelly or Creedence Clearwater, Big Band, and Unplugged...they have it well covered, and having so many Tyros/PSR Clubs on the Internet, gives a sense of fellowship, as well as a source for more styles, tip and tricks, and many kinds of programs devised to make the experience a great one...not just a good one.

Ian