Diki,

You must be reading a number of comments that I just haven't seen.

For example:
A number of forum members asked for a black keyboard - The S950 is black.

People asked for a better display - The display quality has advanced significantly.

Vocalists asked for a better vocal processor - They got it.

They asked for livelier drums - Most owners claim the drums are far superior than those of earlier models.

People wanted the ability to record in an audio format - they got it.

Performers asked for improvements in the Music Finder Directory - Yamaha responded with the ability to access third-party styles from the USB drive, MP3s can now be accessed via the MFD, and Michael Bedesem updated his Music Finder View program to make creating custom MFDs a breeze.

Forum members asked for more guitars, improved pianos, and hotter styles - Yamaha provided what was asked of them.

Now, all of this is contained within a lightweight, rugged, arranger keyboard that not only looks professional, it sounds great. And, it's under $2,000. The only people I hear making derogatory comments are those that DO NOT OWN AND DON'T INTEND TO PURCHASE ANY YAMAHA PRODUCT.

Has Yamaha provided everything that every person on this and other forums wanted? Of course not - and that, my friend, is why they're still in business and doing very well. I'm confident that there was a lot of market research that went into the production of the S-950, including the "Yamaha Listens" question-airs posted by Steve Demming on this and several other forums.

There are individuals that claim the PSR and Tyros series of keyboards are best suited for home players. Of course, this is a statement often made by those whom own other brands of keyboards. Those that use the PSR and Tyros series for entertainment purposes, full time entertainers worldwide, seem to be quite happy with their keyboards. Their audiences also seem to be pretty happy with what they hear. And, I'm not just taking about the senior set. For the past few months I've been performing for a somewhat younger crowd, not teeny-boppers, mind you, but folks in their 40s, 50s and 60s. They love what they hear, they're up and dancing, having a ball.

Now, after listening to that Big Band style, to me, it sounds great. It's a wonderful, full-bodied style that in the hands of a competent musician/entertainer, a person that not only plays the keyboard, but additionally can provide good to excellent vocals, will wow any audience that appreciates good musical entertainment - young and old.

From my perspective, and the perspective of thousands of Yamaha arranger keyboard owners, Yamaha stepped up to the plate - and delivered.

Cheers,

Gary