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Portable Arranger Keyboards: Live Bands in a Box


Arranger keyboards have made it possible for solo performers to bring complex compositions to the live stage, even without a backing band. What these portable instruments lack in size, they more than make up for in sounds and accompaniment features capable of bringing your song creations to life.


Are you eager to upgrade your current keyboard or step into the solo performance space for the first time? You've come to the right place. Sweetwater is proud to partner with the leading brands — Korg, Yamaha, Casio, Roland, and more — to bring you a vast selection of arrangers for hobbyists to professionals.


Arranger vs. Workstation: Which Is Right for Me?


Although there's quite a bit of overlap between these two keyboard categories, each type offers a unique set of strengths. Read on for an overview, or see our Keyboard Workstation Buying Guide for more information.


Size and weight


Arranger keyboards are often more lightweight and inexpensive than workstation keyboards. Workstations, on the other hand, tend to have more complex hardware and software, making them heavier and pricier.


Application


Arranger keyboards are built for ultimate portability, even for full-sized 88-key models. And while workstation keyboards are made for studios and touring ensembles, arrangers are ideal for solo performers, entertainers, and producers. They also present a modestly priced way for keyboard players to experiment with a wide spectrum of sounds and rhythms.


Onboard accompaniment


Arranger keyboards are most famous for their built-in auto-accompaniment features. Auto-accompaniment refers to the variety of rhythms, styles, and backing sequencers built into an arranger keyboard. With the click of a button, a keyboard player can turn on a backing drumbeat from various genres, like metal, salsa, country, jazz, etc. Beyond just percussion, arranger keyboards can also flesh out your playing with backing harmonies and accompaniment in real time. It's like having a team of musicians — drummer, guitar player, brass — at your command. It's little wonder, then, that arranger keyboards are known as portable bands in a box.


Sweetwater Has Arranger Keyboards for Every Need


Entry-level


Certain capabilities depend on the make and model of the arranger. For example, some have built-in speakers, while others require an external speaker connection. Arranger keyboards also vary quite a bit in price and size, with models ranging from 44 keys up to 88. Take, for example, the Yamaha PSR-EW425. This 76-note arranger weighs in at just 18 pounds but boasts 820 onboard sounds, 290 backing rhythms, and built-in sampling via an internal mic. Users of all backgrounds will benefit from its MusicSoft Manager companion app and simple USB audio and MIDI connectivity. Although onboard recording is more associated with keyboard workstations, the PSR-EW425 allows 80 minutes of stereo recording, which comes in handy for keeping track of song ideas outside the studio.


Intermediate to professional


For a larger investment, the Roland E-A7 has more than 1,500 built-in instrument sounds, 156 function buttons, and 61 keys. The E-A7 has a particularly advanced auto-accompaniment system, with seven faders for different instrument parts, a huge variety of backing patterns, sampling, and dual screens to keep an eye on backing styles and sound selections. Looking to slim down? Check out the Korg i3. Weighing in at under ten pounds, the 61-key i3 gives you 790 instrument sounds, a 16-track recorder/sequencer, and 270 style performances to flesh out your song ideas. In addition, twin effects engines allow you to add motion, depth, and expression to patches in real time. Other arrangers — such as the award-winning Yamaha Genos2 — boast rear XLR mic inputs with phantom power so you can add live vocals into the mix.


Spice Up Your Performances with an Arranger Keyboard


Whether you want a more rewarding way to c or are interested in shaking up your live sets, Sweetwater has the perfect arranger for you. Not sure where to start? Call our knowledgeable Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700 for a personalized recommendation. We have hours of hands-on training with nearly all the units we carry, and we're more than happy to guide you to the model that caters to your exact needs.

Why shop Portable & Arranger Keyboards at Sweetwater.com?


With a massive selection of Portable & Arranger Keyboards, free shipping, a free 2-year warranty, 24/7 access to award-winning support - and more - Sweetwater gives you more than any other retailer! If you have any questions about Portable & Arranger Keyboards, make sure to give your personal Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700.