This is a defining feature of arrangers. All of the brands do have a form of it, and there are subtle differences among them. I've studied them, and Roland/Casio (newer models) give you the broadest range of chord types with the fewest keys pressed. Korg is close enough to be playable without a lot of re-learning, but it does require additional keys to be pressed for some chord types.

On the only Ketron I've tried, it had a tendency to recognize a 6th chord when I use my typical fingering for a minor 7th. I understand musically why this happens. But since there tend to be more minor 7th chords in the songs I play, I don't prefer Ketron's interpretation. (Casio has a mode where you can suppress recognition of the 6th chord to avoid this issue.)

Yamaha doesn't offer a 2-note fingering for major 7ths. Their shortcut for minor chords involves pressing key(s) that aren't actually part of the chord, doesn't permit inversions, and usually requires repositioning your hand. I've never tested GEM or Technics, but among current brands, I'm pretty sure that Roland or Casio are the most thoughtfully conceived and executed.


Edited by TedS (08/30/18 02:36 PM)