I'm an old fart, 81, and have been using an arranger keyboard for the better part of 40 years, 30 of which were spent on stage as an musical entertainer. Prior to the arranger keyboard, I played a 12-string guitar and performed in various bars and nite clubs, which to be perfectly honest, was the lowest paying job, with lousy hours, where you had to put up with drunks and dense cigarette smoke filling your lungs with every breath you took.

When arranger keyboards came into my life, I considered them the best thing since sliced bread. First and foremost, I no longer had to split the proceeds with 4 other band members. Next, after a fair amount of research, I discovered the senior circuit, which meant no drunks to contend with, much better hours, much higher pay and a nicer audience to perform to. I became a good friend to many of my audience members, attended several of their funerals, and miss them dearly - they were wonderful people.

Over the years, as my musical entertainment business expanded, I performed an average of 10 jobs a week, more when special holiday parties were involved. I could never have done this without the advantages that an arrange keyboard provided. I quickly learned that the variety of onboard and third-party styles available from the older members of this and other forums, produced that variety that solo musicians with a single instrument, mainly a guitar, did not possess, thus there were fortunate to perform just one or two days a week at best. Yes, they were highly skilled musicians, but an arranger keyboard was not designed for them - it was designed with hacks like me in mind. I knew most chord progressions, both on the guitar and keyboard, but I was never professionally trained. I played the chords that I heard, and had a lot of difficulty reading sheet music. I guess it was good enough for my audiences, because they kept inviting me back, week after week, month after month, for more than 30 years, and the pay scale increased throughout that period.

Although health issues, pulmonary fibrosis and distal neuropathy forced me to retire just over three years ago, I still enjoy sitting down at my aged PSR-S950 and learning new songs.I only recorded about a dozen over the past year, mainly songs that Don Mason suggested that I try.

As for this forum not being very active, keep in mind that many of the old, and active, members have passed away. I arrived here looking for help shortly after the forum was created, I got to meet up with many forum members, Diki, Donny Pesce, Ed Shoemaker, Don Mason, Hank Bowman, Randy (saxman), Fran Carango, Uncle Dave, Bob Lee, Jimmy McKinney, Johnny Walker, Helmut Licht, BeBop, AJ, and many others. I learned something from each and every one of them, and considered all as mentors and good friends. Many of those in the list I posted above have passed away. They kept this forum alive and well for many, many years.

While younger musicians may not be attracted to arranger keyboards, they too will grow old, eventually, and I suspect, some will be purchasing an arranger keyboard, and a very small number of highly skilled musicians will take the time to explore this incredible, musical instrument, learn it's incredible features and make some beautiful music as they too slowly, but surely proceed to meet the Grim Reaper.

This was created by a member of another forum I am active on, using a Tyros 5. He also added the video from the movie. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWM_LhFlfQM&t=4s I sincerely believe that the arranger keyboard is here to stay. At least I hope it is.

This was created by my friend in Argentina, Walter and sung by my friend, Susie, in England. Walter is an incredible musician and Susie who is about the same age as myself has an incredible voice. Walter uses a Yamaha S-950, which he currently purchased to upgrade from his S-650. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HchNIZ3rV1g&t=4s

Enjoy,

Gary