Years ago, a stalwart member of this board advised me to use Vocal Harmony as little as possible. I was guilty of doing my best to cover up my vocals. I had no vocal training and limited playing ability on my old Yamaha PSR-2000. Another friend uses what I call the "echo effect" on most of his vocals and seldom sings without that feature in support.

Sibilance is my worst fear and I worked very hard to overcome it but I am not a "natural singer" and I still struggle with sibilant endings in lines, verses and choruses. For the most part, I sing without VH or the "Echo Effect" and I believe I have improved a great deal from when I began. To be clear, when I write and record a song I believe has potential, I have a pro demo made after sharing my feeble attempt with the demo artist. (At least they know how I attempted to create the song.)

As a songwriter, I realize the odds of success, no matter how good the song may be, is a real crap shoot. Most big labels have their own cadre of writers and singers and it is a massive undertaking to attempt to break through the gate guards.

Thanks, Don Mason, for your sage advice. I know Vocal Harmonizers have come a long way and keep my eyes peeled, looking for the best unit at the most reasonable compromise between quality and price. This segment of the SynthZone is invaluable to me as a resource because so many of you make a living doing "cover songs" in bars and restaurants... and many sing the covers better than the original hit song artist.

I salute you Arranger Keyboard Performers for your pioneering spirit, willingness to share techniques, and to provide meaningful and tactful critiques every now and then. You are my heroes. ----Dave Rice (ASCAP) Bowstring Music Publishing