PLEASE HELP Yamaha PSR 9000 vs 9000 PRO

Got a chance to buy a YAMAHA (PSR) 9000PRO in mint condition for $800. I'm a rookie keyboarder not a professional (home use only).
I'm looking at the PSR 9000 also. Which is the better machine. I've read some posts on this site that say the CPU in the 9000PRO is lacking but with my skill level I may never need what's lacking. Need to know something soon, I don't want to pull the buy trigger without some imput. Thanks gentlemen!

http://www.synthzone.com/ubbs/Forum37/HTML/000094.html
http://www.synthzone.com/ubbs/Forum37/HTML/000635.html

http://www.synthzone.com/ubbs/Forum37/HTML/000777.html

do more searches here on SZ theres plenty for you to catch up on to read.

good luck

I owned a fully loaded 9000 Pro and am very familiar with its shortcomings. However, the 9000 Pro is a far better instrument than the PSR 9000 and the only thing the PSR 9000 offers that the 9000 Pro doesn't is built in speakers. The 9000 Pro has better and more updated sounds, expansion card slots, more Polyphony, a superior feeling keyboard, 76 keys, expanded audio outputs, gooseneck lamp slots, and is built like a tank. For $800 its a no brainer, buy the 9000 Pro.

The 9000 Pro does have an underpowered CPU and if you load both Plug In expansion boards and sequence heavily with it, you will have some issues with the internal clock slowing down. If you don't do lots of sequencing you will probably never experience an issue. Given the fact you're getting the 9000 Pro for a steal, I think it's well worth the purchase especially at that price. My recommendation would be to make sure you load the final software revision Yamaha released as there were quite a few bugs in the earlier software.

The drums were improved on the PSR9000. That was always a weakness on the 9000pro. Other than that, and a few newer styles (no biggie)the 9000pro is built better, feels better, and will probably last longer. The down side is that most auto guys didn't like it, so the market value is very low. I'd grab that one for $800 in a heartbeat.

As stated the 9000 pro is built better.... It's sort of built on the base of Yammies old EX-5. The 9000 Pro does have the keybed of the Yamaha EX-5 though.., which is a very nice feeling keybed. Sounds and styles aren't bad (a bit dated by what's out there today), but the PSR-9000 and Pro version wouldn't have any problems putting out a nice sounding mix.

There are CPU issues as Ensnareyou pointed out. If you do some heavy sequencing.., or get a lot of things going at once (heavy style work with a fast tempo ect.) the board can lag at times. (I do remember this same issue regarding an underpowered CPU even coming up with the Yamaha PSR-740.., that was also still being used by members here around the time of the PSR-9000 and 9000 Pro).

**on a side note..., when home in Erie PA a few years ago I was at a local music store that had a used 9000 Pro on the floor. I ended up demoing the thing for a few people I do remember hitting the CPU problem with one of the fast bigband styles (can't remember which one).., but using that style..., dual voicing.., using the sustain pedel ect.., did bog down the CPU. (More than it should have too).



[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 11-24-2008).]

Also the Psr9000 is I think 50lbs.
http://tinyurl.com/5skweo


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[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 11-24-2008).]

To: Dnj, Ensnareyou, UncleDave and squeak_D.
Thank you gentlemen for your responses to my post. I guess I better go get the 9000 Pro before someone else does. I might even be able to get another $50 off the price. Can anyone tell me what the normal going price of this 9000 Pro would be in mint condition? I want to feel as good as possible when I hand over the cash to the seller.

Many thanks to all,

Rick Cato

I sold mine 5 yrs ago for $1800, and he was thrilled!

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/msg/919067585.html

9k pro for sale hurry.

Dave,

I don't remember the PSR9000 having improved drums over the 9000 Pro. Then again it wouldn't matter much because I think that all Yamaha's arranger drum sounds are weak, even on the newer arrangers like the Tyros 3. Definitely an area that needs some serious improvement.

Drum sounds aside the 9000 Pro was a fantastic concept that would have sold well were it not for the slow CPU and lack of software improvements on Yamaha's part. Still for $800 the purchase is a no brainer. Chances are if the original poster waits he won't have to make a purchase decision anyway, someone else would have snapped it up before him.

I've been using a 9000PRO since 2001. It has served me well - regular gigs every week for 7 years!!! (How time flies when your having fun!)I have fitted the VL and AN Plug-in boards which add to its versatility. The 9000PRO is built strong and as such has given me no trouble through out the years of its service. On occasion, I have considered upgrading to either the Roland or Korg 76ers but felt that the extra cost didn't justify the gain - better to concentrate on the amps. I can't remember when the CPU's performance caused me any grief during a gig. Run the latest version of the operating system - I think that it helped out with any CPU performance issues.

Go bag yourself a beauty!

Jon

If it's in absolute "Mint Condition" for $800.., JUMP ALL OVER THAT! That's a great deal