Electronic Musical Instruments

What is the difference of these Electronic Keyboards?

Im looking to buy a Electronic Keyboard. What is the difference bettween synthesizers, controllers, and arrangers?

Technically, the word “synthesizer” should only be applied to an instrument (not necessarily a keyboard) that can generate (synthesize) complex sounds from basic wave forms (sine waves, square waves, etc.) However, that technical definition is not usually heeded by most instrument manufactures, who use the term “synthesizer” to refer to any keyboard that produces sounds electronically (even if the sounds are pre-programmed samples stored in memory).

“Controller” keyboards are just that- they only serve as MIDI controllers for some other device (like a rack-mounted sampler or computer-based synthesizer software) and generally do not have any sounds built in (though there are a few that do). You wouldn’t want to get a Controller Keyboard unless you have some other device that you use already for making various sounds.

“Arranger” keyboards are electronic keyboards with built-in arranging software (like drum pattern generators or step (note-by-note) sequencers.) If you are looking to do multi-part arrangements and do not have access to a computer and recording software, you might want to consider getting an arranger keyboard; if you already have a computer-based DAW (digital audio workstation), then the features on an arranger keyboard will generally be redundant (and not as good as what the computer software can do for you.)

Korg PA800 Professional Arranger Keyboard