Arranger keyboard is far from dying out.. I think what you will see is
arranger evolving into an hybrid workstation..
It already has advantages that a workstation keyboard user can only dream about.

Today's workstations are loop based as in pads to play pre recorded loops..

Everything takes more time to finish and have a useable product..

Very few "musicians" master loop recording, let alone sequencing...

Sequencing is an art that I believe less than 5 percent of musicians can get useable results..

You will always have commercial SMF's available..


Top models , even mid priced models of arranger keyboards can match any workstation in sound,
and I believe in features to make music.... Unfortunately most folks never learn to acheive this on either
keyboard..


Chas most musicians are clueless about arranger
keyboards...It isn't the fact they don't like the concept.. it is the fact they don't
undestand the concept , and know how to use it to their benefit..
I have seen this first hand, over and over again..

Going back 20-25 years.... belonging to "pro" Solo musician group.. Uncle Dave, Gary Murway and I

tried several times to illustrate the use and benefit of arranger keyboards.. We may as well
talked to the wall... I found the guys lazy and not interested in learning the "concept".

But they wonder why they don't get the goood jobs...

Uncle Dave and Gary Murway are two success stories as musicians that use technology.

I can't state enough the arranger is a musical tool, that can be used in many ways
as a stage instrument.. It will out shine a workstation in speed and funtions.

Studio wise it will out shine a workstation again..


The problem has always been awareness when it comes to arrangers...
Poorly or non trained sales people (that are brainwashed too..that the arranger is non professional).

Poor representation in Box stores...only a handfull mom /pop shops represent the lines.

AS for the future.... I think the best days are ahead for arranger keyboards.... we probably
won't call them arrangers, but some hybrid name..

Even today Roland has the capabilities to use audio loops designated to keys...
How far do you think they are to assignment of audio loops to arranger/style parts?

Workstations have been struggling for years using Pads for this concept..
Trouble is ..too much work for little results..

If you find a "musician" using a workstation live Solo.... you can bet they are using commercial SMF's