All the synthesis power and control capabilities of the Motif ES line with a stunningly natural acoustic piano sound.
63 People rated this product : 8 out of 10
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17 People wrote reviews |
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() 10 out of 10
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Feature:
Many have mentioned the s90's lack of a built in sequencer or sampler. I actually do not mind the absence of such features. Mine came with pre-packaged sequencing software which is more than sufficient for recording needs, and smapling is what samplers such as a Korg Kaoss Pad are for. The arpeggiator is absolutetly wonderful as well, and the effects options allow for complete customization of a voice. Not only this, but you also have the option to transfer MIDI data to a computer via USB 2.0 (using a printer cable), which is incredible handy. The sixteen track recording mixer and the four track "Performance" mode is the icing on the cake, giving the s90 great versatility. Also look to the three expansion slots.
Quality:
I am very "hard" on my possessions, and have the "touch of a blacksmith" according to many of my close friends. Yet all the same, the s90 has not yet broken, faltered, or even stalled or frozen in one year of use (which cannot be said for my laptop). There is little to worry about braking, as the build is solid.
Value:
The Yamaha s90 is all about balance, a balance between performance and production, and balance between value and features. If you're looking for a keyboard/studio of great quality but are on a budget, then look no further than the s90. For a thousand dollars less than a Motif 8, you get the most beautiful piano voice in the world, and you still get the same Yamaha quality.
Desirability:
The the sleek, black color and the simplisic layout of buttons and sliders make the s90 a sort of "stealthy sexy" appearnce one might associate with a ninja. But don't be disarmed by its simplistic appearnce. Beneath that stealthy exterior lies a analog and digital killing machine. It's big, but not clunky or unweildy as many 88 key synths are. The smooth weighted action only helps it seduce you into it's world of endless pleasure. Once you play this synth, it will become an unbreakable addiction as it has for me.
Sound:
The piano, as many have stated before, is wonderful. I also happen to be in the possesion of a Boston grand piano, and I can say that the s90's actually sounds far better. "Steinway perfect" if you will. That is not the only good part about its sound quality however. The leads are crystal clear and, well, so is everything else. The accoustic voices, (such as the violins and flutes)are incredibly realistic, so much so, that it feels as if you have not a keyboard, but an orchestra at your command. As long as you have a good set of speakers or some decent headphones, this is the keyboard for you. As an example, my friend owns a trombone and came over to see it. We compared the two's sounds and the s90's was actually better!
Ease of Use:
When I recieved the s90 for Christmas from mum and pap, I had never touched an electronic keyboard before in my life. Within an hour, I was editing voices, changing Performance Mode rhythms, and generally having a blast. As always, it pays to read the manual, and if you seek to use the computer recording software, it may take a day or two to get down the basics.
Support:
When I was starting to mess with the sequencing software, I called on Yamaha twice for help (not for technical issues, just for some general advice). They were not only expedient, but patient, friendly, and even offered humor at times. Expect your probelms to be solved with speed and effecience beyond your highest expectations.
Overall:
Chances are that the s90 will stay with me for the rest of my life. I'm already saving up to get three plug-in cards for it, and play on it at least once a day. I believe that the Yamaha has given me the perfect audio weapon, something I will never replace or sell, for any price. If you're still bent on having a dedicated workstation such as the Motif 8, a Korg Triton or Triton Extreme will sate your tastes, and completment the s90 well. I have already made an album off of the s90, and am working on another.
Submitted: 3/31/2007
Style of Music: Classical, Jazz, Drumms and Bass, Trance, Breaks, Trip-Hop, Dance, Experimental Electronica, Techno
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5 of 5 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() 10 out of 10
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Feature:
I've been looking for a board with state of the art piano/synth sounds and action -- without having to pay for the workstation/sequencer functionality of the motif/fantom/etc.
Quality:
The whole manner in which the recall of the original S90 ES units shows how yamaha stands behind its product.
Value:
This was exactly what I was looking for -- and the price was right.
Desirability:
Hey, it's BLACK. I never liked the silver/grey finish of the motif/fantom units.
Sound:
I was primarily looking for a board that could take the place of a grand piano. The S90 ES has some pretty incredible piano samples. Quite a bit of diff between this and the original S90. When you try this keyboard out -- do yourself the favor of listening to it through a good quality set of headphones like Sony 7506.
Support:
No exp yet, but I've always had good luck with yamaha.
Overall:
I was looking for a main keyboard that I could stick with for at least several years. I suspect that the state of the art will have to scale considerably before I feel the need to upgrade.
Submitted: 12/21/2005
Style of Music: classical / experimental / jazz
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9 of 9 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
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Read all Yamaha S90ES 88-Key Weighted Action Synthesizer reviews...
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