Clueless about arrangers

tpantano · Post by **tpantano** » Sun Dec 27, 2009 8:20 pm

Whereas I like to right all of the tracks to my music, and thus prefer a synth with extra hardware/a computer or a workstation, my father would prefer to have a keyboard with built in accompaniment.

So, I'm thinking he's in the market for an arranger.

Unfortunately, I don't know anything about the various available arrangers.

So, any recommendations? He'd be looking for an arranger where he can choose a music genre, and have premade MIDI clip drums, bass, brass etc. to automatically accompany him.

xmlguy · Post by **xmlguy** » Sun Dec 27, 2009 10:17 pm

The prices run from $100 to $5,000, so it all depends on what he wants to spend for what he gets. I would expect that the Casio WK-3800 is fine for most home use. The prices go up when you need piano weighted keyboard action and workstation features.

tpantano · Post by **tpantano** » Sun Dec 27, 2009 10:24 pm

xmlguy wrote:The prices run from $100 to $5,000, so it all depends on what he wants to spend for what he gets. I would expect that the Casio WK-3800 is fine for most home use. The prices go up when you need piano weighted keyboard action and workstation features.

Casio.... *puke*

We have two 'toy' arrangers; a Casio and a RadioShack. He's using the Radioshack, it probably cost $100 when it was purchase 12 years ago.

What are a few low-middle end 'professional' arrangers? Similar to how the MicroKorg/R3 are low-middle end 'professional' synths.

Preferably some options from Korg, yamaha, roland etc. Anything but Casio >.>

abo59 · Post by **abo59** » Sun Dec 27, 2009 10:44 pm

This page might give you an idea - http://www.sweetwater.com/shop/keyboards/

xmlguy · Post by **xmlguy** » Sun Dec 27, 2009 10:51 pm

Actually, the Casio WK-3800, WK-500, and CTK-5000 have very good sound for the price, particularly if you use good quality powered speakers. The Casio Previa pianos are excellent.

Those toy arranger/keyboards that you're talking about are a completely different thing.

Yamaha's midrange arrangers are the PSR-S550B, PSR-S710, and PSR-S910. Korg has the PA50SD and the PA500. But most people don't want to pay $900-$1,600 for an arranger. The Casios from $200-$400 sound good for the price. Don't dismiss them until you hear them personally. I own a lot of pro gear, and I also have a Casio WK-110 when I don't want to take more expensive stuff because of theft or damage that I consider a possibility.

tpantano · Post by **tpantano** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 12:50 am

xmlguy wrote:Actually, the Casio WK-3800, WK-500, and CTK-5000 have very good sound for the price, particularly if you use good quality powered speakers. The Casio Previa pianos are excellent.

Those toy arranger/keyboards that you're talking about are a completely different thing.

Yamaha's midrange arrangers are the PSR-S550B, PSR-S710, and PSR-S910. Korg has the PA50SD and the PA500. But most people don't want to pay $900-$1,600 for an arranger. The Casios from $200-$400 sound good for the price. Don't dismiss them until you hear them personally. I own a lot of pro gear, and I also have a Casio WK-110 when I don't want to take more expensive stuff because of theft or damage that I consider a possibility.

Remember, there's always used gear too

he wouldn't want to be upgrading from a mediocre toy to a mediocre 'professional' arranger and then eventually buy a decent professional arranger.

However, I'll look into those.