Style edit

[RogerM]

On the Yamaha AR series Accompaniment Styles are made up of eight parts - RHYTHM 1, RHYTHM 2, BASS, CHORD 1, CHORD 2, PAD, PHRASE 1, PHRASE 2. You can turn each part on or off by pressing the corresponding data control button under the screen. Being able to do this means that you have control over which backing parts you want to have in the piece you are playing. Also you can edit the parts e.g. to change the instruments; I've never done that but it sounds very useful and I intend to give it a try sometime.

Are these facilities available on any other instruments, especially Roland? (To enable me to participate further in a discussion elsewhere). Thanks.

[foxtrotter]

Similar functions are available on Wersi OAX. Its possible to change the volume or mute all the style parts, and also change the voices for each part.

[Darkstar]

The AR is quite unique in so far as you can create any pattern you like for each of these parts, not just changing voices. Even on the new Stagea organs you can only create 2 chord strum parts, the AR is actually better in this respect.

[andyg]

If the Stageas use the same style engine as the keyboards then you should surely be able to do anything you like on any of the six non-drum parts.

[RogerM]

How about your AT900 and the other Ateliers, Andy?

[Darkstar]

For some reason Yamaha went backwards with this functionality. The new els organs are the same as the old el organs where you can only create a 2 part strum. I have the ELC-02 and you can change voices volumes, etc for any style but when it comes to making up your own backing it's very limited. On my AR 80 I can create any rhythmic backing I want

[RogerM]

The AR is quite unique in so far as you can create any pattern you like for each of these parts, not just changing voices.

Yes, I did think that but as I wasn't sure I kept quiet. I've only had my AR for 18 months 😣. I really must get to grips with it and make use of these features.

[AT pilot]

The Ringway RS1000e has a similar facility.Also you can edit chorus and reverb for each part individually.

[RogerM]

AT pilot,
My correspondent elsewhere is particularly keen to know if Rolands afford the ability to create your own style patterns. I too am interested because the AtelierAT800 or 900C is just about the only instrument I would change my AR for. What is your experience with the AT900?

[AT pilot]

Hello Roger,
Although I no longer have the Roland I spent eight very rewarding years with this superb instrument.Unfortunately I was unable to actually produce my own rhythm patterns.It is possible of course but I found the procedure rather impenetrable whereby you have to edit a preset pattern similar to what you want to achieve.The Ringway which I now have doesn't allow pattern writing either only giving options of kit change, volume, reverb and chorus!? for parts one and two of the kit.David.

[RogerM]

Thanks, David.

Roger

[andyg]

It's a pain creating new styles. That's true on any instrument.

1) The instrument has to support that feature. Not all do so and some are just plain awkward.
2) You have to have the knowledge and skills to push all the right buttons to get the instrument to do what you want.
3) You have to have the musical skills to arrange every part of the style. That includes writing the actual parts, thinking like each player would.
4) You have to have the keyboard skills to play those parts into the instrument.
5) You then need the skills of the producer, to mix everything properly.

Editing styles is easier, all most people will do is change the instrumentation and balance. If the instrument allows playing 'Lego Bricks' with styles you can play mix and match with parts from various styles.

I don't think style editing was high on Roland's list of priorities. You can of course look on line and find a lot of styles for Roland that should work OK on the AT900. Search for 'roland gigastyles' and see what comes up!

[RogerM]

Thanks, Andy. I do have a couple of books of drum patterns (aimed at Roland machines as it happens) but I think I fail on points 2 to 5 in your list! Not a lot of hope, then 😢