Hi Doug and Colin,

I read your post several hours ago, Doug, then moved on. I agreed with your thoughts on cheating and whether or not your keyboard has or has not enhanced your musical talent. For some reason my mind would not let go of those issues. They kept coming back in my thoughts, so I've finally decided to add my two cents worth to get a couple of things off my chest.

No one cheats when using an arranger keyboard - ever. Are we playing pure piano like Oscar Peterson? Of course not! But then that is not what an arranger keyboard is all about. It is about sampled sounds and employing technology to create music. Oscar couldn't write or play a drum track on his Steinway, nor could he split his keyboard and play four distinctly different voices simultaneously. Oscar is truly one of the greats - at the piano. I take issue with anyone who tags a person as a "cheat" who has produced a musical composition using technology built into his or her keyboard.

My keyboard has enhanced my musical knowledge, technology skills, and playing ability. Period! Or, "Full Stop" as my British friends would say. Like you, Doug, I have an extensive musical background that began 67 years ago when I had my first lesson on a trombone. I played in marching bands, concert bands, and symphony orchestras. I also taught my self to play the trumpet, baritone, bass guitar, and electric guitar. Now I am learning to play a keyboard. I could swivel my desk chair around right now and begin playing my Roland HP-3000 88-key piano but I won't. I couldn't make the music my keyboard makes even if I was Oscar Peterson. I love my keyboard.

I guess if one is a purist, one sees things differently. Oscar Peterson's artistry at the piano was unquestioned. The quality and variety of music my KN produces is equally unquestioned. One cannot compare apples and oranges and that is what one does when one compares Oscar Peterson to a step-recordist. I have some Oscar Peterson scores and I dare say if I step recorded them they would sound pretty terrific coming out of my KN speakers.

Colin, I think your music is beautiful and I've said so in personal e-mails to you. I play it frequently. You recorded it using technology built into your keyboard. That is exactly what a step-recordist does. Uses the technology to produce music. The only difference is the technological method used.

Just my thoughts.

Chuck