Hi Chas:

In this heady atmosphere (mostly folks who make their living performing in front of paying audiences (or paying patrons) using Arranger Keyboards, I am certainly not extruded from that mold... or more technically, that extrusion die. My "performances" are limited to the safety of my small studio where I write songs, arrange the instruments to accompany my less than professional vocal, adjust the various volumes, decide whether the song should have simple or sublime accompaniment... all after coming up with an idea for a song, reeling off a lyric and anguishing about which key I should attempt to sing in.

The arranger (no matter which brand) is a Godsend to Songwriters and probably the best kept secret in the music biz. Most big box stores that sell keyboards don't possess educated and informed staff who understand exactly what an arranger can do. It is a complete orchestra with accompanying choir (if desired) or can be a simple, intimate little venue with one or two instruments (such as acoustic guitars) possibly a bass and even a drummer if needed.

I use Yamaha's PSR-S910 because is has a Tyros Engine, cost significantly less (especially used) and allows me to get the gist of what I am trying to do with a song across. I can vary the individual volumes of each instrument, choir or multi-pad.

My use of Yamaha has evolved to primarily a simpler learning curve when attempting to upgrade to a new Yamaha Model. (I want a 970 so bad I can taste it... but until a replacement model arrives, I can't afford a new one.)

The rest of you are mostly real talented performers and vocalists and I am only attempting to make a decent demo of my song idea so that Artists, Producers and Publishers might want to "cover" my work... thus plugging me into the income stream.

Those of you who use other "boards" so effectively have my complete admiration. For me, this late in my fifth career, it is a matter of expediency to stick with Yamaha.

Realizing that I am probably at the bottom of the Arranger User Pyramid is perfectly okay with me. It suits my purposes and saves me an awful lot of money for not having to pay studios to do my demos. Money is very tight and competition is very keen in the songwriting business.

Regards, ----Dave Rice

http://www.ShowCaseYourMusic.com/DaveRice?