Argh! You beat me to it! You're FAST! Let these official Yamaha videos quiet all the naysayers!

Thanks, Don!

Now we have something to talk about!

Yes, indeed!

I WANT ONE!

Don, I watched a whole string of those demos. Thank God yours don't sound like that. I wanted to reach inside my computer monitor and strangle that demo guy. That series of demos was the most convincing reason to ban Arrangers from existence. Luckily, I know that they don't HAVE to sound like that (repetitive, unimaginative, nauseating actually) but sadly, that's what the average arranger player sounds like. It just proves Paul's saying more and more ("It's not the keyboard...") because your's (or Rico's, or the guy from India?, and a few others) certainly don't sound like that. Which....is one of my problems with Arrangers; it ALLOWS you to sound like that (adequate but boring) if you don't put the work in. That's why, except for the excitement of getting something new and different....aka boredom, there is little reason to buy the latest, greatest. Some of the guys here have put out material that sounded infinitely better (to me) on much older arranger keyboards - the sounds themselves weren't better, the PERFORMANCE was. I'm sure this is a nice board but......so what. JMO.

chas

Agree Chas.
These days I look for features that make live playing easier and/or more intuitive. They all sound good enough if you use 'em right. This one seems to offer a lot more than previous Yammys.
Right now I'm playing a EA7 I bought used (fourth owner).
The features that many want, such as 76 keys weighted keys, I can't use. I already have arguably the finest arranger ever built and I can't use it four hours a night anymore because it hurts my wrists and fingers.
So this looks tempting.
I just bought another boat today though and may have to get my wife a second job.

[quote=DonM]
So this looks tempting.
[/quote

Don.. Pre order yet?
First on your block?

I don't think we should be too hard on the demonstrator, the central subject is style and voice demonstration and that's what we got. This has scratched the surface, nothing more. We will know more when we get our hands (literally) on some hardware.

But where is the VH2 demo?

Donny, I seriously doubt that anything has changed with the VH2, which I found to be more than adequate when properly tuned, hence the vocal harmony I used with Hallelujah. To me, it provided more latitude than my TC Helicon Harmony-M, which I tried when I first recorded that song and rejected it because of the inability to reach those higher notes.

I learned a lot about the VH2 from one of the guys on the PSR-Tutorial and if you recall, there is an entire section posted there on how to set it up. I used the mic YOU recommended, the Sennheiser E-855, which I purchased many years ago upon your recommendation. It is a fantastic mic, however, like nearly all high-quality mics and vocal processors, it requires a fair degree of vocal control on the part of the vocalist. No proximity effect, just vocal control, which produced excellent vocal harmony with the VH2.

Good luck,

Gary

You are offcourse entitled to your own opinion, but I have never seen Martin Harris being accused of that, nor do I agree with you.

If you can do better that this however, I very much look forward to seeing a video.

Yes, these are slick demos, but they have to be. I wish Korg did product demos of this high quality and consistancy with their product introductions.

Tom

Gary...I am not convinced about the tracking as a power singer...it's terrible at best. Until I am shown differently I stay with my opinion on VH2,....TC Helicon is Miles ahead in this VH technology.I am not alone.

Tom, I think I'm entitled to my opinion without having to provide you with a video of me. How many times have YOU been requested to provide a video of YOUR performance for criticizing an artist or piece of gear that you didn't like. Obviously, you're a fan of Martin Harris (if that's who it is). I didn't find his demos particularly inspirational in the sense that they greatly differentiated this arranger keyboard from any of a number of others. As someone else noted, they all sound good at this point. Yes, the production and sound quality of the videos was very good but sometimes that just enhances what you DON'T like about something.

chas

They should hire me to do those demos. I'd have every cowboy in Texas buying arrangers.
I'm editing this, because it obviously was misunderstood by someone. I am joking about doing demos for Yamaha. If you know me at all, you know I am very aware of my limitations and qualifications. I can see how it was misunderstood if you don't me though.
Besides they don't hire 76-year-old employees because the health insurance would be too high.

Right on Don, Johm C.

Don, I’m with you on that. My head is spinning. There may be an sd40 up for sale after seeing this new sx900.

Damn...I’m a sucker for the, as Donny called it,”Genos II...”Baby Genos”. Gary...you have to hang in there to teach many who will be jumping on this keyboard. I hope the sail boat sells...you need this keyboard on your bucket list
JM

Hi Chas,

Nope, not a fan but I do think he is a very talented musician. But to each his own I guess. I believe Martin is the R&D manager for all arranger keyboard products at Yamaha by the way.

You don’t have to provide me with any video of course, but since I thoroughly enjoyed these demos, I looked forward to seeing one of yours if it is even better.

Regards,

Tom

I thought you were over the Moon with the Ketron SD40

what happened?....

I agree with Chas. This keyboard really doesn't SOUND any better than my 3000. Of course I haven't heard the new steel guitar.

Listening close it does have that similar Yamaha signature sound
like many of the the S units,...it's strengths are the newer features
I would say,...if you need them.

Managed to get through a couple of dozen (I think) before I was bored stiff with them, yes there were one or two nice features but basically it’s just quality sounds for the price and canned styles, (A number sounding song specific ugh!) or to put it another way the same as every other arranger out there. (There is just no innovation (In the boards or from a lot of arranger players) that jumps out and says Hey, I am something special, buy me now to make your world a better place)

Bill

Tom, 'better' is highly subjective. I'm sure Martin Harris is a MUCH better musician than I and an experienced demonstrator as well. First of all, if you enjoy this type of music, it's unlikely you'd like anything I did. Taste in music is a very personal thing, usually heavily influenced by one's cultural environment (familiarity). I have posted tons of music here but hardly any (if any at all) have been 'style' based and most were done on organ, synths, and other non-arranger keyboards. I DO own (and am interested in) arranger keyboards, just not as performance instruments. Some here are able to use them very effectively in a pro environment; I have just chosen to use organ as my primary or base instrument. I also prefer to play with other musicians. For me, arrangers are both fun and useful for song creation, instant style experimentation, and communicating arrangement concepts to other musicians (in preparation for a group performance). To gig or not to gig with one should be a personal decision that does not require defending. "Different strokes for different folks".

Do I like arranger performances? Generally no, but there are exceptions. When a blind guitarist can't distinguish Don's simulated guitar from a real guitar, then YES, I like it. When Marco Parisi plays a blistering solo that provides all the 'groove' (feel, syncopation) that might be missing from the more robotic arranger backing he is using, then YES, I like it. When someone takes the time to learn all the potential musical features buried in the average MOTL/TOTL arranger, and then use them in a performance, then YES, I like it. Sorry, I just didn't hear that in the demos being discussed here. Be well.

chas

Donny, Since I’ve gone back to work...nights by the way, My time is so limited for enjoyment playing. I love the sd40...but sometimes I just want to turn on the keyboard and play with the wide variety of styles Yamaha provides.

My goal was to get the guitar synced up with the sd40, but with my limited time available...that will be a while.

The Genos is not an option for me, and I’m not necessarily upset by that. But, this might be the next best (better) option.

I’ve always been a sucker for the next best thing. Ever since the 360 Systems digital keyboard...circa 1985.
Jm

If you don't have the time anymore why not just sell it and wait till you have much more time....just to fool around you can do that with a 61/49 controller and a DAW on your Pc or I'm sure many S970/975 units will be for grabs at a steal soon.
Good luck with what ever you choose

A wise man never sells unless he has to... remember you never lose a dime until you sell.

BTW: here is a lesson I learned a while ago.

I will call it my $50 lesson

Roland SH101 retailed new at $295 (I was a Roland dealer), after a few years they were readily available for $50 used.. Same with Roland TR707, Rhodes pianos, and many more... $50 items, that I could have bought up by the scores.. Any ideal what those $50 instruments bring today? And not collectors , but a lot of users.. SH101 $800-$1,000, TR707 $500-$700,Rhodes $1,000-$1,500.

Donny now think about how much $$$ you threw away

Lol yea you only live once...
People spend $15.00 a pack on cigarettes...
Buy lottery every day...
Go out to eat, 1, 2 3x a day...
Gamble at casinos etc, etc, who cares?
Live then you die, ...
Enjoy the ride... try to stay happy.

Donny, I still enjoy writing tunes...so playing with a decent backing band is pleasure for me. The sd40 fills that role as well. I know this is a potential over reaction on my part, but to be honest...I like this dual stereo output option. I like the idea of outputting drums through their own stereo output. I’ve always felt arrangers bury drums and getting them to kick through the mix takes effort. I’m lazy in that regard. This is not an option that many care about, but it has always made sense to me.

The sd40 does make mixing easy with the individual knobs, so as I say...I may be over reacting. But, I’ve always had a soft spot for Yamaha...and with the new upgrades offered with the sx900...it does put a little pain in the pit of my stomach. Of course...it could just be acid reflux.
JM

Jingle are you on the
pre order train like the rest?

Gotta sell the sd40 first

Wow! My ancient PA1x Pro had this back in the stone age. I guess if you wait long enough, an old feature looks new again .

chas

Most top of the line arrangers have had them for many years, including Yamaha.
Not many motl ones do though. I remember running drum from Tyros 1 to mixer to try get them to sound decent way back then.
Roland had chord sequencer MANY years ago. Korg and Roland have had touchscreens and joysticks for decades as well.

This is the first Yamaha model that has caught my interest in a long time. I just hope the keys feel better than the old PSR series. I know you like spongy, Don, but I want at least a little, solid resistance.

It has been said that the keys are better; I hope not TOO much better.
This one seems to have the features I use a lot on Korg and Roland, with the weight right and price will be reasonable.
I was disappointed that no Audio styles were included, but I confirmed that it will play them, and they are readily available.
My USB stick is fairly current and should work fine until I get up to date with the new styles and sounds if necessary.
Although I like EA7 a lot, this will let be do away with the outboard vocal processor, laptop and a couple of power supplies, as does the Korg PA4X.
The 4X is getting lonely over in the corner. It technically still belongs to my friend DickeT and he will no doubt be a little disappointed to learn of the new PSR. He has worn the keys off his old 950 and will want one of these for sure.
We may have to sell his 4X now. It is like new as he never used it on a job and I have had it for the past year and haven't moved it but a dozen times or so. It has rested in my office most of that time. I do use it occasionally still and have it totally updated and loaded with "stuff".

I’m really torn over this after only buying the S975 two months ago. As much as I love the S975, the only disappointment with it was still the lack of vocal sounds and also none in any of the styles either. I’m still looking for that elusive true portable T4 equivalent and from all the demos I’ve seen so far it’s still appears the same story, the lack of vocals and none of them in the styles still. Of course it’s early days and I’ve looked at the data list where it suggests some of them are there but i would have thought at least one of the demos should have demonstrated it.

I do like the sound of the drums though, they sound punchy and crisp.

Well, I listened to the demos, the drums are a lot punchier than my S-950, very crisp and clean, the Steel Guitar is absolutely incredible as are many of the others I heard. Only heard one country style and it was superb, IMO.

Good luck, guys. I wish I were not so messed up physically, otherwise my name would be on the pre-order list from Frankie.

Gary

Is there still a wall wart?

Thank you Don.
I’d been considering replacing my psrs950 with the s975. Have been playing my psr for the last few weeks while my Korg was in for a repair, and thoroughly enjoyed the ease with which I could find suitable onboard styles.

Lucky my Korg came back and I put off pestering my husband for a new keyboard. Haha.

Would have been really annoyed with myself if I’d bought a psr975, and now this new one pops up.

Dodged a bullet, would have been kicking myself haha.

Not just cowboys and not just Texans. You are an "Arranger Influencer".
Eddie

Rikki, In terms of user interface/playlist/touch screen this could be a real nice buy for those who passed on the Genos.

Chas, I had the PA1x w/speakers. I don't remember that machine having 2 sets of stereo outs, but your absolutely right. I guess I got bored with the machine and the limited styles before I really dug into it. Plus my brother and I were feuding over the business direction. So, it had to go. Lesson learned...don’t ever go into business with a sibling
JM

Yes, same power supply.

I'm interested..the 3 right hand sounds should allow me to load up my tyros registrations as they are, if all SA2 voices are in sx900. They could have really hurt the pa1000 sales if they tilted the screen..Does the 700 drop vh?

SA2 voices are not in the SX900. And yes the 700 does not have VH.

Hi Stephen, as much as I would have liked a Genos, really couldn’t justify the expense.
This new keyboard might just be perfect. Really enjoyed playing the s 950 for the last 3 to 4 weeks, though it is nice to have my Pa4x back.
How lucky was I, the fault appeared with one month to go on it’s warranty , ( nothing serious , just lost touch sensitivity on one of the keys). Usually things go wrong a month after warranty runs out. Haha

Here’s a good one, hubby offered to buy me a keyboard for HIS birthday. Haha

Rikki, You’ve done a fine job training your husband You’ve got a great setup with a Pa4x and the s950 with the features of the sx900 it’s worth the upgrade.

Oh oh, not a good sign. He's guilty of SOMEthing .

Naw, just kidding, he's just being a good hubby.....but still.



chas

Hi Stephen and Chas, yes he is a gem.
You could be right though Chas, don’t think it’s a guilty conscience, but he does keep mentioning cars on the odd occasion . Think he might have his eye on a new Mustang. They’ve only started selling them in Australia in the last year or 2.
Plus we now live in v8 racing capital of Australia , Bathurst, our beautiful 4 cylinder BMW looks a bit out of place here. Haha

Rikki, of course I was just kidding but I just remembered that every time I just randomly brought my wife a bouquet of flowers, her first words were, "What did you do?"

chas

Did you have a guilty conscience? Haha

Does Don M. write any original music or does he just try his hardest to sound like the record? Nothing personal Don but boasting about how Yamaha should hire you to make demos makes me laugh and I am a cowboy. Is it about talent or ego?

That was a joke you idiot.
I have written plenty of songs, but I sure as hell won't share them with you.
And it is personal when you single me out to criticize.
I've been a full time professional musician for 50 years. Let's hear some of your work if you can get time off from your day job.

Ok DonM I will back off. I am not singling you out. You just happen to have the recent posts.

Maybe, as Bradge indicated, used T5 a better option. Would like to lose weight and have speakers for one touch power on and play, but could keep my tilt screen and complete custom file transfer from my older T2, guaranteed key feel etc. No touch screen though..

Should be some available soon as guys downsize to sx900..

Don...I think the "Cowboy" fell off his Horse too many times. Maybe a Pony or Mule may help!......Harold