I'd say Yamaha has the best variety and Ketron has best quality (but worst variety) which is very frustrating!


In Mexico, arranger keyboards are very popular among professional keyboardists. Ever time I go to Mexcio, I end seeing a pro OMB player without even searching for them. They are at many resturants, clubs, hotels and parties. For various regional Mexican styles arrangers/auto accompaniment works great however in my opinion auto-accompaniment can't authentically reproduce many Afro-Caribbean rhythms due to the nature of the bass patterns. The bass player in a typical salsa type groove anticipates the approaching chord on beat four. (similar to a the way a jazz walking bass does)

From what I've observed, there aren't many pro arranger KB OMB type acts in Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, maybe because their music is not well suited for auto-accompaniment? As far as Central America, South America, and Spain, I'm not sure. At least on my travels to those regions I have yet to see a performing OMB KB players. I'm sure there out there, but it does not appear to be the norm.

Check out this short video for good demonstration of the bass "Tumbao" pattern found in many Afro-Latino styles. Do you agree that it's not really possible to reproduce this auto-accompaniment, despite the simplicity of the harmonic structure?