I could live without the amplifier/speakers.
The Open Labs Neko is NOT an arranger.
I would think that Yamaha has been thinking along these lines and purchased Steinberg to postion themselves. If hardware is the biggest cost to the mfgs., then going modular would be in their best profit interest as well. We will soon see.
Starkeeper

Good topic. My answer is still the same as before. For those that don't like windows apps ( including me to a point in a dedicated hardware board ), a modular setup so that you can buy whatever options that you like when you order the board.

I don't want to pay an exoribitant amount either, so I'd leave of what I don't need.

I don't need my arranger to have sampling, but I would like it to be able to access vst effects and instruments from within. I don't need it to access windows based progrms though, so I don't think I need a "neko" type system, but I would like to be able to purchase modules made by the manufacturer to give me that "karma" effect.

I don't really need it to have an internal sequencer either for that matter, except of course for the actual pattern sequencer that plays the styles. A playback sequencer would be ok, but I never use an arranger's sequencer for live play anyway, since I already have a laptop with more sophisticated sequencers than any kb has.
I don't need a harmonizer either.

A 76 key option.

Your #5 cassp.. I think an Mlan system would cover that.

I too could live without many of the voices... I'd like some good quality staples for easy access, but after that ..

This is where Vst would be big for me. A module version of an XLutop chainer type program is all I would need.

AJ

I think that keyboard manufacturers are Conscious of the weight factor. That’s probably why the Tyros is the weight it is. Even workstations are looking at being lighter. The Roland Fantum x7 (76 keys) is 37LBS and the new Fusion 61 keys is supposed to be 30LBS.

That’s why I was surprised about the weight of the Roland G70.

To me the improvements I want are more software based so I don’t see why that should affect the weight.

It is not just the physical ability to carry the keyboard but to travel with it on a common carrier. And it just is not necessary to carry something heavy if it can be avoided.

Dear Genesys;

My worry is that like the tyros, and the Alesis, that manufuacturers switch to plastics in construction. This makes me concerned about durability. I believe that the extra weight is due to the metal cases & extra keys on the pa1x & G-70. I myself would prefer a metal case , and semi-weighted keys. I would accept the extra 10-15lbs for these concessions. How many times have we heard on this forum that the tyros look and feel is cheap ( i.e. doesn't live up to the expectation of a "top model arranger")

Below is the explanation of extra weight

Tyros= 61 smaller then normal keys, pastic body( non-weighted keys)
Alesis 6D= 61 keys, plastic body 30.4 lbs

G-70 & Pa1x= 76 keys + semi wieghted, metal cases.

Regards;
BN