OK Gang - here goes!
I had the 9000pro out tonight at a medium loud, high energy room that I do a few times a month and it was a GAS !
I didn't spend much time on it at home before the show, so I relied on a lot of sequences and Mini Disks.... just to get a feel for the sounds and feel. I REALLY, REALLY like the feel of the keys. They are firm and quick. Responsive and a joy to play. MUCH better than the PSR model. (sorry 9000 owners - feel is IMPORTANT to me)
I played a dozen or so patterns with great response from the crowd, and they were so lifelike, it wasn't a big change from the "produced" sound of my sequences. I always worry about the transition between the two. I don't want it to ever sound like the live stuff is weak compared to the "canned" stuff.
Here's a few observations:
1) The new Live!grand piano is wonderful. Head and shoulders above the PSR again. To be fair... it may just be tweaked to perfection, but it sounds like a whole new instrument to me.
2) The Rhodes sounds were SO much fun to play - the effects make 'em! Phase, wah wah etc. - a total blast to play.
3) As many of you know - I was a big X1 fan when it came out, and I got hooked on the styles (drums). Well, this machine has a different approach - it's simpler than the X1 styles, but as Frank mentioned..... that's OK - they are VERY musical and useable. I am certain I will get comfy with them in no time. I like the way that each variation progresses just a little busier at a time - instead of sounding like a whole new band came up just to play the chorus!
4) Layout is SO, SO logical, and easy to navigate
5) The case is solid, and attractive..... and not awful to carry. It's a little heavy, but given all the pluses.... I don't think it will be a factor for me. I'm a big strong guy, and I like to get a little excersize B4 work!
6) I plugged my laptop into the midi socket and the sequences sounded very good - I did have a few stray sounds like Donny mentioned, but not too many, and I'll weed them out easy enough. I liked the way I was able to call up tunes from the PC, and the song volume on the KB was still active from a front panel button.
7) Harmonizer-This needs a little more practice from me. I was not able to get the harmonies to stay triggered during the playing of a chord with my right hand. It seems that it works best from the left. I'm sure most users prefer that way, but I can't do it. I need more control over the changes and I often use left handed bass parts, so it won't work for me that way. Anyone that knows a workaround.... Please give me a shout! For now, I will carry my Digitech because it's too important to my sound to compromise.
I'm one of those "vocals are everything" people and I NEED them to be fat, full and responsive to my every whim. I'll keep searching for the answer to this one.
*** Overall impressions after the first night :
It's a keeper. If I can get used to hearing it without the on board speakers, I'll be fine. Right now, it's a big adjustment. I really am spoiled. I have an excellent monitor, but it's not stereo, and I like to monitor in stereo. Still...... it's a workable point. I'll adapt.
It's gonna take some time.....
("this time".....)
Love Karen Carpenter!
*** I'll add more to this review as I learn more about the board, but I really think it's pretty complete as a package. The SD1 is gonna have to be pretty terrific to stay alongside or pass this one by! And the Kn6xxx is a........... well - that's a subject for another debate! I'll leave the Technics people alone for now. I'll just say that even if the prices were the same - I believe the Yamaha to be a muchg better buy. There is NO way the Kn series is worth MORE money. Not even.
Any serious players out there that miss a good solid keyboard feel NEED to play this keyboard. I'd use it in any band - ANY where.