Post by Tone_Deff (Musicmaker) on Jul 19, 2007 12:53:01 GMT
Hi Playmates.
I have just managed to prise Sunny away from her new S900, to have a 'mess' with it, and try and evaluate it a little more objectively. I am sure that there will be more to add, either by Sunny or myself as we get more familiar with the machine! This is after about an hour or so on it!
Plusses
1. I already love the USB functions - saving .wav files straight into a thumb drive, for later conversion to Mp3 in the computer. We now have 3 of these drives - 1 each for Styles, Midi's and .wavs. No need at all for a Hard Drive, and if you prefer 'Floppies' with .mid files (as I do, between the 9000 Pro and S900, or the computer, you can use an external floppy drive with a USB connector).
2. The voices - these are superb, and the SA voices are all 'upgrades' on the existing T2 voices. I don't think even a T2 owner will miss the T2 voices that are not included. The organs are also very good with a bit of drawbar tweaking, as are the piano's.
3. The speakers - These give a really 'Punchy' sound at 12 Watts RMS a side - I compared them to the T2 ones while in the store, and they sound a lot better. There is, of course a 'Line Out' for external Amps and Speakers.
4. The screen and operation. Nice big and bright (even in a sunlit window!) colour screen, and the operation of menu's is easy, if you have owned a Yamaha model before.
5. Light weight - I can carry this keyboard under my arm!
Minusses
1. USB Port - is on the BACK of the keyboard, and needs a fiddle about to get it plugged in or out - should have been on the front.
2. Music Stand - Do Yamaha never learn? This is a 'cheapo' bit of plastic moulding, and is quite flimsy. Definately will not support heavy music books, or being 'Gigged'.
3. The PSU is an external box on the mains lead, and you have to carry this around with you, however - I suppose this could be an advantage, in that if the PSU goes faulty, it could be cheaply and easily replaced.
4. The Keyboard - this is subjective! - I compared the 'feel' in the store to the T2 and the 3000. In my opinion not as 'nice' as the T2 or my 9000 Pro at home, but better than the 3000 (I have since been told it is the same keybed as the 3000!). However - Sunny likes it, she says it is more a 'synthesiser' feel. I find it 'rubbery', but I like weighted or semi-weighted keys, and she doesn't!
5. Only two Right Hand voices, as compared to the T2's three. No great problem here for either Sunny or I, but could be included as a 'Minus'.
6. Build - Two factors influence my opinion here. 1. It is very light, in spite of having two heavy speaker enclosures (with a tweeter and Mid/Bass - ported). Will this board withstand prolonged useage and Gigging? 2. 'Made in the Phillipenes' - This also worries me for long term reliability. I am aware that it is Japanese designed and QC procedures!
7. No Aftertouch. However, I don't think this is major!
Just my opinion - but I am still not swayed to part with my 9000 Pro - however, at a later date (when I can afford another!), I would consider buying one to midi with the 9000 Pro, to get the sounds!
I just cannot see how anyone buying today would prefer a T2, at over twice the price for very little extra - and this keyboard could just kill sales of the T2. This could be a big plus for Tyros enthusiasts, as it will compel Yamaha to bring out the next Tyros much quicker, and also, it would have to have some great leaps forward to justify a selling price at well over twice as much as the S900 when both are discounted.
I have posted this on other Forums.
Just my initial opinions, these are not 'Gospel' and others may well disagree!
Kind regards,
Tony
I have just managed to prise Sunny away from her new S900, to have a 'mess' with it, and try and evaluate it a little more objectively. I am sure that there will be more to add, either by Sunny or myself as we get more familiar with the machine! This is after about an hour or so on it!
Plusses
1. I already love the USB functions - saving .wav files straight into a thumb drive, for later conversion to Mp3 in the computer. We now have 3 of these drives - 1 each for Styles, Midi's and .wavs. No need at all for a Hard Drive, and if you prefer 'Floppies' with .mid files (as I do, between the 9000 Pro and S900, or the computer, you can use an external floppy drive with a USB connector).
2. The voices - these are superb, and the SA voices are all 'upgrades' on the existing T2 voices. I don't think even a T2 owner will miss the T2 voices that are not included. The organs are also very good with a bit of drawbar tweaking, as are the piano's.
3. The speakers - These give a really 'Punchy' sound at 12 Watts RMS a side - I compared them to the T2 ones while in the store, and they sound a lot better. There is, of course a 'Line Out' for external Amps and Speakers.
4. The screen and operation. Nice big and bright (even in a sunlit window!) colour screen, and the operation of menu's is easy, if you have owned a Yamaha model before.
5. Light weight - I can carry this keyboard under my arm!
Minusses
1. USB Port - is on the BACK of the keyboard, and needs a fiddle about to get it plugged in or out - should have been on the front.
2. Music Stand - Do Yamaha never learn? This is a 'cheapo' bit of plastic moulding, and is quite flimsy. Definately will not support heavy music books, or being 'Gigged'.
3. The PSU is an external box on the mains lead, and you have to carry this around with you, however - I suppose this could be an advantage, in that if the PSU goes faulty, it could be cheaply and easily replaced.
4. The Keyboard - this is subjective! - I compared the 'feel' in the store to the T2 and the 3000. In my opinion not as 'nice' as the T2 or my 9000 Pro at home, but better than the 3000 (I have since been told it is the same keybed as the 3000!). However - Sunny likes it, she says it is more a 'synthesiser' feel. I find it 'rubbery', but I like weighted or semi-weighted keys, and she doesn't!
5. Only two Right Hand voices, as compared to the T2's three. No great problem here for either Sunny or I, but could be included as a 'Minus'.
6. Build - Two factors influence my opinion here. 1. It is very light, in spite of having two heavy speaker enclosures (with a tweeter and Mid/Bass - ported). Will this board withstand prolonged useage and Gigging? 2. 'Made in the Phillipenes' - This also worries me for long term reliability. I am aware that it is Japanese designed and QC procedures!
7. No Aftertouch. However, I don't think this is major!
Just my opinion - but I am still not swayed to part with my 9000 Pro - however, at a later date (when I can afford another!), I would consider buying one to midi with the 9000 Pro, to get the sounds!
I just cannot see how anyone buying today would prefer a T2, at over twice the price for very little extra - and this keyboard could just kill sales of the T2. This could be a big plus for Tyros enthusiasts, as it will compel Yamaha to bring out the next Tyros much quicker, and also, it would have to have some great leaps forward to justify a selling price at well over twice as much as the S900 when both are discounted.
I have posted this on other Forums.
Just my initial opinions, these are not 'Gospel' and others may well disagree!
Kind regards,
Tony
. If anyone knows of one that is near to it please let me know..