My biggest bug-bear with arranger keyboards is that if you are not spot on time with your left hand making a chord change it sounds VERY artificial. I'm sure we've all done it, played a chord change slightly late and the backing jumps un-naturally to the next chord.

So, how can this be avioded - Any tips appreciated.

I use a Yam S900 - I posted a comment about this issue in another forum and was recommended to use Michael's Producer software - unfortunatly I had issues where the PC would loose sync with the S900 (yes, Michael was very helpful and I didnt get it resoved because I didn't bother pursuing it - thanks and sorry Michael)

My ideal solution would be to record the chords into my sequencer and quantize them and then play them back to the arranger and the arrangement follows the chords sent on that particular midi channel - any one know if this is possible, or which external channel the arranger can be set to follow?

I have good knowledge of midi clock and sync, so that wouldn't be a problem - its just getting the arranger to follow chords sent from an external device which I cant seem to get right.

Alternativly, what if I did the chords in my sequencer and saved them as a midi file - would the arranger follow the chords and I would just have to select styles?

There must be a solution to this - its just a question of who has it

Simon

Just clicking around and I think I have the answer to my own question - sorry for clogging up the forum - delete if you like Spike

The answer lies with Michael (is there no end to his knowledge?)

In case you're interested, the info lies in this thread

I haven't tried it yet, but the information is usually reliable and it sounds plausible.

Still, anyone got tips for actually playing more accuratly ?

Simon

Good subject Simon lets hope someone has the answer for you - I don't read music so any chord changes I make are when I feel it's right. If I did make a mistake I found correction was easy with Cubase. Playing live well you just have to live with it I guess.
Cheers
Spike

I just found the answer Spike -

I have set my s-900 to recieve chords from my sequencer. I can play the S-900 from another keyboard whilst recording the chord changes to the sequencer. Its just a case of quantizing my recording and the sequencer will play it back perfectly.

I dont have much time today, but if enough people show an interest in the details of how its done I'll come back with a full explanation.

Simon

I'm certainly interested Simon so would appreciate the details if and when you get time.
Cheers
Spike