i have rarely been questioned whether I'm playing live or "it's recorded"; even when I'm playing arranger. I think I've figured out why.


First, I always have a classical guitar, which I use to play unaccompanied ballads and other types of solos.

Then, even on the one hour jobs (thankfully, I don't do many of these), I use a smaller 2nd keyboard over the arranger. People see me playing solos and intros with my right hand and making the switch between the two instruments.


For the 2nd board, I choose a light board with multiple sounds, always including a manual bass. Sometimes, a simple keyboard bass "walk up", coordinated with the auto feature "1" is reached is the ideal intro.

Other times, changing the lead voice and making a big deal of the lead line, when played, makes it obvious that at least a serious part of what is being heard is being played live.

This sort of speaks to the "entertainer" question here.

A 2nd keyboard is a little more work, but the adders, in terms of showmanship and versatility are well worth the effort.

That is, IF you have an empty PA channel!


R.