Honestly what about a reboot of the Oasys with that nice big screen, and include these Roland features. Then, I know that some people don't like the thought of this, but what if they made the board to include all of the goodies of the Kronos/Oasys and PA series? Nobody has made a flagship yet that can do everything - full controller, extended MIDI sequencing/Audio sequencing features and arranger features. For people that don't want one or the other, you just don't use those functions...just like happens now in any workstation - general some use some things and not others (such as those that prefer using a pattern sequencer over a linear sequencer)...but at least there is the choice. I think it has been crazy for manufacturers to release $4000-$5000 boards that don't do it all. Hardly anyone will pay both $5000 for a Genos and then $4000 for a Montage with a total price-tag of $9000.
The debate in forums is that the professional studio person/stage person is a different buyer than the arranger person. I would argue differently - the lines have blurred. We have boards like the new Fantom and Montage that clearly have arranger-type arpeggios in them that follow chords, etc...going the step further to have dedicated buttons for variations, fills, etc. and a sequencer mode that can capture those really isn't a stretch. And the top arrangers have some brilliant styles that are actually useful in the studio. Take for instance a songwriter/producer that doesn't play acoustic or bass guitar...being able to quickly put together something in an arranger and just shutting off all of the voices except acoustic guitar/bass guitar...a priceless time saver.
I for one own both an arranger and several professional stage keyboards. As a producer/songwriter...I would love a board like the new Fantom or Kronos that could combine all of this ability. I could sit at the board and quickly create full arrangements - workflow plus for me. If people that use something like the Fantom/Kronos/Oasys, etc., don't want to use arranger functions if they were built in, that's fine...just don't use them! But why not have the option...especially at such a high price point with these boards...
I think it has been because manufacturers think they can get double the sales...but in reality, hardly anyone is going to have the money or inclination to spend $9000 on two boards...plus it still doesn't answer the question of providing a seamless, easy workflow on one board for everything.
The Fantom is getting close to that...Korg I believe can actually do it by combining their technologies.
Just my thoughts
Have a blessed day!
