I once had the Korg Microarragner. Wish I had kept it.
I need to tighten my load for gigs. Any lightweight
arranger keyboard suggestions?

Deane

I also tried a MicroArranger but didn't like it. It had the already-outdated interface of the Pa50SD combined with tinny on-board speakers and mini keys. At the same time, Korg was making the Kross 1, which had FULL-SIZE keys, similar or less weight, and was only about two inches wider overall. Total missed opportunity!

A couple of small and light hardware arrangers that I know of are: the Roland GW-8 (13 lbs, no built-in speakers), and especially the Casio CT-S500. Don't laugh!! It's one of the newest, and probably best entry-level arrangers currently on the market. (To edit styles you would also need a more advanced Casio arranger in your studio, or third-party PC software to convert Yamaha styles for use in the CT-S500.) The manuals are online, and it should be readily available for auditioning in Texas stores like Guitar Center. If you're willing to go up to 18 lbs or so, the Yamaha PSR-SX600 is loaded with TOTL features in a compact package for a pretty modest price.

An alternative approach would be a lightweight 61-key controller and arranger module like the Roland BK-7m ($) or Ketron EVM ($$$$). Final option would be a controller and arranger software like Nimbu or Giglad running on a notebook PC. Lots of variables and ergonomic challenges with software that I wouldn't want to deal with for live gigs.

Many of my friends play portable "campfire" instruments, so I've struggled with the same question for years. I would love to wear my keys for door-to-door caroling at Christmas time, etc. I actually bought a GW-8L for this purpose, but selling it because I'm convinced the Casio is a smaller, better choice. Try it, you might like it!

I’d suggest maybe a Roland BK7-m module and an ultra lightweight controller. You might get away with a 48 key if you don’t tend to whizz around on a 61 or 76 much…

BK7m’s are not as rare as BK9’s on the used market, and a controller gives you a lot of choice how you map buttons and sliders so your main functions are easy to get to on the keyboard.

What’s the weight of your current rig, Deane? I’m pushing 70 (okay, 69!) and my 20lbs BK9 is still easily moved despite being a 76!

I've had my PA4x76 for 8 years, but at my age of 76, the 37 lb keyboard isn't getting any lighter.

I recently purchased a PA300 from Guitar Center and it sounds great, has the familiar Korg OS that I've used since 2008, the fantastic songbook feature, and at 18 pounds it's easy to carry to jam sessions. It can read all of the microarranger styles you have.

Marco Parisi has a great demo on youtube https://youtu.be/7k1Sfq-49MU?si=qcWaZO3wAYasYS34

Guitar Center gives you 45 days to try it and returns are never a hassle.

Duane

That’s an 11 year old design though. I honestly think that Yamaha make the ONLY modern spec’d arrangers other than $4000+ TOTL models.

I hate to say it, but I have a feeling that Korg have left the building. If an 11 year old design is going to suffice until you can’t play anymore, you’re good to go. If not, sooner or later you’re going to have to get used to the Yamaha OS… 🥺