I wish I had a crystal ball. Let me begin by letting you know I agree with everything you said. Arrangers are complex machines disguised as musical instruments. They come in many shapes and forms... some only existing as software, waiting to be taken out of the box. All are useful in the right hands.

Many of you are talented musicians, vocalists and performers. The beauty of the Arranger is it's elegant variety and the fact that "one finger" johnnies can even use one to make or even create music.

I have no desire to perform. As a songwriter, I do my best to let the arranger provide the backing for whatever I happen to be creating. I'm not genre specific and I love the endless variety of instruments, choirs, symphony orchestras or simple guitar accompaniments available to choose from.

As you know, Styles and Multi-Pads make all this possible. I do my best to tweak the style, change the tempo, find a great "Intro" or "Outro" for the song (since I can't play due to arthritic hands and lack of proper training) and enjoy that challenge. I also know that at least half my little songs end up as miserable failures. Failure is only evidence that we try.

Songwriters for the most part do not know about or have a clue of all the features available to them in these wonderful devices. I use a Yamaha PSR-S910 and spend hours each day doing my best to "get things right."

Sadly, even if I were to create a masterpiece in some arcane popular genre they seem to invent everyday, my chances of commercial success are less than winning the lottery. Knowing this is the case only provides more impetus in creating new songs. Being relegated to a "hobbyist" is reward enough for me.

I cannot say enough good things about my admiration for those Arranger users who entertain crowds or small venues on a nightly basis (like Don Mason or Donnie... sorry, I can't name all of you) but I hope you get my drift. You guys are performers. I will never have your artistry or panache. I only aspire to create something you might hear somewhere and decide to perform for your audience or venue.

Salud Amigos.... ----Dave Rice