I think refresh cycles are getting longer and longer because, let”s be frank, the last two or three generations of arrangers are already considerably more than all but a handful of professionals need..!

We so often see, unless in the hands of a pretty good player, no amount of better samples makes for a ‘better’ performance, you can make the world’s best arranger sound like a toy if you not skilled.

Not so workstations. Primarily used by professionals and skilled amateurs, the need to keep innovating, especially in light of the change in musical tastes (towards more analog synth realism and less emphasis on acoustic sound realism) there’s still a pretty healthy rate of innovation.

But the arranger is the tool of the older player, who’s musical tastes pretty much fossilized 30-40 years ago (at least!). Once you hit that wall, you’re not going to see an increased pace of development.

Sure, here at SZ we got some fairly committed arranger players, and a healthy interest in seeing the type move forward. But we are not representative of the thousands that buy arrangers worldwide. We got a handful here who post regularly. We are the 1% (way less, to be honest).

But I think I can quite honestly say, I have heard virtually nothing lately in the way of user demos that couldn’t have been done just as well on a PA2X, or a Tyros3, or an E80 etc.. We have got to the point of diminishing returns. I honestly think this is what’s driving the lack of demand and subsequent lack of development.

To be quite honest, I’m completely satisfied with my BK9. I don’t honestly have the slightest gearlust for anything else. In my mid-60’s, I hope to play this one keyboard until I croak! I don’t think Roland made a mistake getting out of the market. I’m more surprised that others aren’t following them..!