An arranger is designed specifically for the home hobby player (They are a more sophisticated version of the old organ easy play features) so that they can sound like a big band, country section etc. with minimal training, however some pro musicians have realised that they can use them for entertaining live and make a good living, which is fine, however they are a drop in the ocean compared to the home hobby player.

If you start out on an arranger, then you will probably (Though not always) not create your own backing (Played or programed) or be that creative with new sounds or ideas and will just play to emulate, whereas if you learn a specific instrument you will most likely become proficient with all its nuances, which will allow you to apply this knowledge to arranger playing, thus lifting you above the average arranger player.

The above is why 99% of arranger players sound exactly the same as each other, as it is the technology that is producing the sound not the player. (The players are effectively a jack of all trades, but master of none)

In the old days you could tell who was playing no matter what keyboard they played due to the fact they had developed their own style, whereas in general with arrangers you just hear the manufacture. (The more sophisticated the styles and auto sound features (To make those with limited musical skills sound great) the more anonymous they become)

One thing I have noticed in the UK & Europe over recent years is that users (Even home hobby players) are starting to shun a lot of these auto features and instead add additional manuals and pedals to their existing arrangers so that they can play more themselves. (For example talk to Yamaha dealers and (Off the record) they will tell you that the T5 has pretty dismal sales in comparison the previous models with most preferring to stick with the their T3 or 4)

Technology is good when it is the servant; however we have come to a point in TOTL arrangers where the technology has become the master (The T5 is a good example), but fortunately (Unlike in the late 80s early 90s) most users have realised this and have now started to shun it.

The main thing to consider is this: do you enjoy playing your instrument, and does it suit your style, if so, then that�s all that is required. (You can usually tell those that are happy with their instrument as they seldom change it, whereas those that aren�t change it every time a new model comes out)

Bill