Just arrived at local GC.

It crushed the competition as sub $1500 88 key arranger ( arranger functionality, style compatibility,playable keys and also usable sound wise). Korg XE20 ( terrible B1 quality keybed and Ek50 board)and Casio 88 keys ( good piano sound and debatable feel but mid 90’s GM sound set 2 variation arranger board) have no chance. Not even close.

Has Live! Drums like mid Tyros 2/3 and up. Live drums were not a part of MOTL PSRs.

(Not sure about PSR - S series).

VRM and Natural! Pianos are there ( better than old school Live! ones). Must have SA 1sounds ( concert gtr/ saxes, etc) are there. Adaptive styles,User style writing / song creation/ mic input with vocal efx that can be recorded as wave file are also there.
The key action ( still GHS) is quiet without being stiff. I believe it’s also capable of Bluetooth. Best of all , 4 variations and ability to load hundreds of well writtenYamaha styles since it’s equipped with Mega voices as well. Yes , 16 track midi recording / SMF playback ( yes GS , XG , GM2 )with no load time from flash drive . 3 pedal input is also there for better expressive pianos. Color screen helps too.


Cons?



It’s pretty obvious that Yamaha made it intentional so that it won’t canalize their upper end gear. They want to beat the competition in home market but they don’t want gigging OMBers to get it by making it-

One phone out ( line out - need stereo cable to split)
Weight- 47 Ibs? Are you kidding me?
No Mod wheel/ cheap pitch wheel
Bulky
No Mp3 record/ playback ( only Wav)
No Midi Din sockets, only USB
Tiny and fragile buttons that are back on dark board
Navigation thru arrow keys ( not sure about their longitivity )can be painful
Built quality is definitely for home market but MOTL features makes you mad