Regardless of whether you use a workstation or an arranger, it still comes down to the amount of creativity and talent in the user.

I've heard stuff created on an arranger that would be impossible on a workstation, and vice versa.

All instruments have their limitations...even the everyday ones like piano and guitar...some music sounds dreadful if played on a different instrument than it was written, or intended, for.

I use an arranger because its features are more conducive to the type of work I do and the music I play...a workstation would be too slow and tedious for me. I can easily live with the minor limitations of my arranger, the Tyros4, so the choice for me was easy.

Back to Donny's question, "Have arranger keyboards died out?"

I'd say, based on what I see on the various arranger forums...not yet!

However, IF they will remain popular, is anybody's guess.

The numbers don't seem to have changed much in regards to being used by professionals if our SZ forum is any indication, but it looks pretty healthy in the home use area if what we see on YouTube is any evidence, and that's what they are primarily designed for....HOME. It's just that some pros were able to see the value of using an arranger in a one-man-band format, and hence the number of dedicated users here on SZ.

I simply like the work flow an arranger keyboard provides for what I do musically, and I love it's versatility in being able to be used "live" (like being able to sit down and play a complete song with no hassle) as well as in a recording environment.

To me, an arranger has always been the "Swiss Army Knife" of keyboards....that's why I am confirmed user and supporter of the instrument.

Ian