Over the years I've expressed some of the same opinions as John C. and Donny (above)---except that when I say it, I'm a arranger keyboard HATER. Hmmm, guess it does depend on the messenger. The truth is, those staunch defenders of the arranger keyboard, particularly those who can't play anything else, will continue to live in denial until they draw their last breath. I truly believe that when the current crop of 60-90yr olds dies off, so will the arranger keyboard. Lack of interest, resulting in lack of sales, resulting in lack of any meaningful technological development, resulting in even LESS interest, will sound the death knell. When this happens, a 'cherry' B3 will still sell for 15k and a 50 yr old Steinway grand will still fetch 20k. They will be purchased by those who (in the words of Uncle Dave) HAVE studied 'harmony, theory, phrasing, etc.

The closer you get to creating an instrument that ANYBODY can utilize to produce professional quality music, the more you DILUTE everthing associated with craftsmanship, musicianship, creativity, and the GENUINE quality that comes from 'putting in the work'. Sure, guys like Telmo sound terrific, but one can tell in about 30 seconds that they've 'put in the work', and would probably put out some pretty good stuff with only an old MiniMoog and a beat up Prophet5. Have you noticed lately how many of the old codgers on this board have expressed their joy in re-discovering (gulp) PIANOS, and acoustic guitars. Looks like the chickens of technology are finally coming home to roost.

JMO, of course.

chas