Interesting comments. Surprisingly honest but not surprising. I have not lost interest in music but I HAVE mostly lost interest in the ever-advancing technology that in many cases has replaced or substituted for musicianship, talent, and basic music fundamentals. Currently, almost anybody with a rudimentary knowledge of the available technology, can create something that passes for music....and we give them a big 'attaboy' for it. Hopefully, we're praising their effort and love of music, not the ummm, less than stellar, performances they're posting. We have grown up in a world of 'instant gratification', where 'good enough' is good enough, and only the most serious and most dedicated are willing to put in the hours of study and practice necessary to become REAL musicians.

I have been pilloried and poo-poo'd in the past for saying that I would not allow MY child to start their musical education on an arranger keyboard. I've just always felt that the creative aspect in most arranger music was tilted heavily towards the STYLE CREATOR, and not the style user. Some may disagree but that's MY thinking. Also, the (playing) techniques learned with, lets say, piano lessons, can be transferred to an arranger keyboard; the opposite is not true. Then, there is the obvious pleasure of being able to create something musically interesting on an acoustic instrument (such as piano or guitar) when there is no one around to impress with the full orchestrations provided by today's modern arrangers. I may be veering off topic here but I don't think so. As reflected in some of the comments here (and in some previous posts), one of the main reasons for 'loss of interest' as well as the frequent and non-ending quest for a newer and better arranger, is the 'boredom' that is going to accompany anything that has defined limits on parts of the creative process. You've heard many members express the joy and pleasure they derive from just sitting down at their acoustic or digital piano, sans accompaniment, and just 'doodle' (playing whatever the spirit tells them ). No pressure to make your playing 'fit' what the arranger is playing (or visa versa). Very relaxing, very satisfying (assuming you can play piano).

I still think the arranger is an excellent 'sketch' tool for songwriters and music arrangers, and even has an important role in the OMB scene (given today's economics). It can also function as a home entertainment gadget, in the spirit of X-box or Playstation (just dedicated and wayyyy more expensive ).

Now of course this is not the only reason for losing interest in music or performing, or maybe not even a major reason, but I do think it may be a contributor. I have 4 arrangers, 3 in my studio and a BK7m in my rehearsal room which serves as a drum machine for my organ, but I spend 90-95% of my 'playing' time on my organ or my Rhodes clone (SEVEN). I haven't lost interest in either although I must confess that I spend much less time playing music than I did just a few short years ago. Age and stamina has a lot to do with that, along with strong interests in other things these days. Just some thoughts.

chas