Very good post, Worth (except for the last 6 words ). Obviously you are a big fan of Cory Henry. Me, I hate that little sucker....in his short time of this planet, he has managed to master an instrument (several actually) to the point where he could play me under the table with one hand tied behind his back and blindfolded . I'm kidding, of course. A talent like his is rare indeed and usually the result of that rare combination of natural talent and over-the-top dedication. A good support system, usually parents or a super mentor, also helps in a big way. Most of us fall outside of those lucky parameters and so must make do with what we have. I speak not out of animosity but just a POV, but I just don't see (the concept of) arranger keyboards as the answer to achieving one's highest possible musical goals. I still view it as somewhat of a crutch and a self-imposed limitation on one's creativity and playing potential. I was pleased to see that Bachus still devotes a portion of his playing/practice time to acoustic piano. By his own statement, that is what he views as the best way to improve his playing skills. I think that in the back of our minds, we all think that. Sadly, the second we start to have these types of discussions, the topic immediately turns to how much an instrument weighs or how portable it is or how many techno-features (read 'easy-play') it has......and how soon the next model is due out.

I've always had a 'geek' interest in arrangers and until I finally found an organ (clonewheel though it be ) that I felt was a suitable substitute for a vintage 'B', I played them quite a bit (well the Korg anyway, the T2 not so much). Even my C1 and C2D weren't quite as satisfying as I wanted but after purchasing the KeyB, I have hardly touched another keyboard since (except the C2D/Leslie 3300 that I use for gigging). I just seem to get the most fulfillment from playing the organ. It may just be my love for every variation of that great Hammond sound or my love for jazz/gospel/rock organ music, or just the feeling I get sitting behind that big console with full (25) pedalboard. It's like uncaging a beast. A few of you here know what I'm talking about. At least, I hope so.

chas