Hi Ted,

I agree with everything you stated.

After I got my feet wet into the world of Arranger keyboards with the Technics KN1000, I switched to the Korg i3 when it was released in 1993.

The Korg i3 was a ground breaking product that redefined the arranger landscape at a very reasonable price point.

Korg launched the i30 as its successor in 1998. Yes, this was a big technological leap forward. I purchased it and was 100% happy with it. Korg had taken the lead in the Professional Arranger market.

Things changed when Martin Harris and his team designed the Yamaha Tyros in 2002. The Super Articulation voices and carefully crafted Yamaha Styles in the Tyros line ushered in a new level of realism.

I waited until Tyros 2 was released in 2005 to switch to Yamaha Arrangers. I was mesmerized watching Martin’s demo of the Tyros 2 Super Articulation voices at NAMM.

You are absolutely right that Arranger Technology has matured to the point where customers are happy with the gear they have with little reasons to upgrade. Now it is a cut throat competition between Yamaha, Korg and Ketron to entice customers with extra voices and styles.

Lowrey Organs like the Grand Marquee still fetch a hefty price in the used market.
They maintain a website even though Kawai stopped manufacturing them since 2019.


http://www.lowrey.com/product-library/elite-series/grand-marquee/


Fletcher Music Centers in the US carry a large selection of used Lowrey Organs. They have virtual classes several times each week offering demos and tutorials to a captive audience. Interestingly, they have begun to sell the Genos 2 realizing the end of the road for Lowrey organs.


https://fletchermusic.com/



Lowrey, Wersi and Bohm will continue to enjoy a loyal following amongst rich retirees.