A recent gig, we added a tune not played in a while. "Last minute" - the decision was made to transpose the song down a half step. I didn't have the facility to rewrite the chart nor the time to make a performance (it was "on the spot") - I did what I generally "hate" to do - use the transpose feature.

The tune went along fine - it's the next tune that suffered. As I play keys on a smaller percentage of tunes than I play other instruments on - I switched from keys to my primary instruments and continued to play until another set when one of my "feature" tunes came up on keys.

The problem I encountered and only solved after the entire rubato string intro - and a little ways into the synth lead line - was transpose was still set. I had a habit of looking at the octave LEDs - but of course the transpose LEDs require a [SHIFT] to look at.

I have since corrected this (and no longer need transpose for this tune) - my new "rule" is to never, EVER, (ever) use the transpose feature on the bandstand. I've previously made suggestions on some LED patterns which would show both octave and transpose information (at the same time) using the two LEDs.

Yes - I do know I set transpose and "should have" set it back after the tune. Sometimes less-than-ideal situations occur.

Just passing along some battle-wound stories from the front line.

Gladly James Brown wasn't the leader - so I'm still in the band.