I purchased the first 2000 to hit town,not yet on display so could not try before buying. so many good people love it---I wanted to love it too--I do not love it! I knew within 3 days that it was not for me,thank God for return policy! A few reasons why:

Organs---the sounds are good but the "leslie" sucks. very poor simulation,the speed change is all wrong,no doppler-effect at all ,just a tremelo. I do not want "ball park" or theatre or church,
I want Booker T!

E. Pianos---I was hoping for a good Wurly--not there. no bite,no nasty,and again the vibrato is just wrong.


Drums---well,whats the right word,not just dull but---timid.


Styles---this was the biggest letdown of all. I just can't stand the sound of the auto-accomp. I'm not sure if its the sound of the instruments or the way in which they are played,but they make me want to leave the room!
When I tried out the Korg PA80, I could close my eyes and pretend that I was Playing with a band(untill I hit the fill button) I can also do this with a good drum machine. not so with Yamaha. There is an inherent artificial nature to the performances,and a "canned cheese"
sound that I just can't stand.

Well,I hope that I havn't angered anyone as that was not my intention,and I have no doubt that accomplished musicians like Scotty,Dave,Don and many others can make good music on this keyboard. I just wanted to post a dissenting view for the benefit of those who are in the market. The real point is that you have to try for yourself and only buy from a store with a good no hassle return policy so you can find what works for YOU.
as for me,I am going to give Korg another chance after OS3 comes out,because it did very good on all the points above that yamaha was a dissapointment . The pa80 is really in another league when it comes to styles and sounds,which is fair considering the price difference.Too bad that it is still a work-in-progress,but the potential is there for a truly great arranger.
If I can ever get my hands on a Roland VA5,I will give that one a chance too,but Yamaha is just not for me.

Bill E