Do Arranger Players Also Play Synthesizers like Montage?

[rickbrenner]

As a new forum member, and a former Motif XS8 owner before selling it to purchase a Genos, I wonder if many of you also play synths, in addition to whatever arranger you're playing - Genos/Tyros/etc. 

I am truly enjoying learning Genos.  It's a complete paradigm change from what I have been used to on either my Baldwin grand or my Motif.  But I have to admit that when I see Yamah's incredibly talented and brilliant Phil Clendeninn demoing Montage, I would definitely love to add that 88-key weighted key beast to my arsenal. 

The biggest challenge I see is the long learning curve (for me, anyway) to be able to use the massive capabilities of these keyboards.  But that Montage is a ***y beast. 

Any of you play synths like the Montage in addition to arrangers?   Also interested in how many of you evolved to the arranger - when and why?

Rick

[mikf]

People buy arrangers for a host of different reasons, pros performing as one man bands, people who like to experiment with sound, composing, recording etc. A huge proportion are people who are either learning to play keyboard, or returning to it. The arranger is very well suited to these kind of players, but they are not very likely to experiment with advanced synths. So you will find some people on this forum who have experience with synths like the Montage, but not very many, and they only get mentioned occasionally.  There are other forums more suited to supporting and answering questions on synths.
Mike

[HalUnlimited]

Hi Rick. I've been playing synths (Yamaha, Roland Fantom X88 and now Kronos 88) for the last ten years.  During that time i considered adding an arranger. I researched and tried the Pa3x and Pa4x and the Tyros 3, 4, and 5.  I was impressed by all of them but was not ready to  buy one for keeps ... until the Genos. I used Yamaha QY100, Roland BK7m rhythm machines, and Korg Karma until I could find an arranger that suited my needs best. The rhythm machines help me when I noodle around for ideas while songwriting. Now the Genos will be much more practical and easier to operate live for me.  The Genos satisfies very well for great styles selection and sound quality. I have my Kronos now for seven years and love it for a good piano key feel and a great piano and synth sound palette. I also tried the Montage when it came out but it did not execute smooth sound transition between chords without occasional flaws in certain situations. Total SmoothSound Transition was essential to me for an 88 key board, and it works perfectly on the Kronos. For me, the new Genos adds the live, on the fly, backing patterns I wanted plus amazingly articulated realistic acoustic instrument simulations that are, IMO, better quality than what I previously had. The Genos also compliments my 88 key synth perfectly by offering the lighter synth action when I desire it, like when playing fast lead organs and screaming guitars.  I have the Genos and Kronos connected together so I can get some interesting combination effects, kind of the best combination of both worlds. Good luck and have lots of fun and creativity with your Genos. Hal

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[pjd]

Hi Rick --

I play an MOX6 in addition to or in place of a Genos. The MOX6 has been my gig instrument for the past several years. Before that, a Roland XP-60. I play liturgical music in a church group (piano plus 12-string guitar plus me). We have other instrumentalists who come and go (bass, flute, drums). I pretty much hold down whatever parts a song needs.

Genos' acoustic instrument emulations are so good, that I hope to play Genos instead of the MOX6 at special services, e.g., confirmation. If Yamaha brings out a major upgrade/extension of the lightweight MO family, I will likely buy it. Won't be as expensive as Genos, that's for sure.

Why an arranger? An arranger is a terrific learning aid and is great for working out ideas. I also play a lot of funk, jazz and soul for enjoyment -- helps keep my gospel skills up and is a mental vacation.

All the best -- pj

[Joe H]

Rick,

To satisfy my requirements for a good synth and an arranger, I bought a good used Motif Rack XS.  They integrate very well.  I can play the Motif Arps on the S970, use the S970 as a controller keyboard for playing the Performances, etc.

Joe H

[markstyles]

I use my Genos, in a studio along with Logic Pro, and a number of virtual instruments. Also other hardware instruments. Everyone probably uses their instruments in different situations.  The Genos with it's  SA2 and Mega voices, gives almost all instruments real or virtual, a run for their money.

[Brian3331]

Yes I've got the genos and a montage 7 love them both

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