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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Active Musician

Classical, Jazz, Drumms and Bass, Trance, Breaks, Trip-Hop, Dance, Experimental Electronica, Techno

The best piano sound out there right now. Drums are pretty good, the remainder are fine for filling in as pads. Connected to a pair of half decent monitors (BX8a's), it sounds quite impressive.

Lacks sequencing/sampling, but that's not what this board is intended for. Good selection of voices, editing, effects. Limited on board storage memory for performances and backups. No problem using an external USB drive to correct for this. Would have liked to have seen a firewire interface, and colour display for the ES version.

I have to give a less than perfect score for this. I play piano, first venture into synth boards. The manual could have been written to be a bit easier to understand. For someone with zero experience, I recommend getting the instructional DVD for first time use.

I'm always confident when I purchase Yamaha products, and they have never let me down. They obviously take quality very seriously, and it shows. Fit, finish, quality of material are all first rate.

The price is excellent, considering what you get compared to other boards. The sound quality/quantity are excellent compared to an RD700 in the same price range. Add $$$ for a Motif or Fantom to get the sequencing that you would probably do with a computer anyways.

Yamaha support is always excellent.

Nice, solid, functional piece of gear. I don't know about the sex appeal, I wanted it enough to buy it, how's that.

hobbyist, piano student

classical piano to drum and bass

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.

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.

The whole manner in which the recall of the original S90 ES units shows how yamaha stands behind its product.

This was exactly what I was looking for -- and the price was right.

No exp yet, but I've always had good luck with yamaha.

Hey, it's BLACK. I never liked the silver/grey finish of the motif/fantom units.

former studio musician

classical / experimental / jazz

The sound is amazing. The first time I went in the and tried it out I knew it was what I wanted because the sounds are as good as the Motif.

The only reason I did'nt give it a ten is because it lacks recording. All the other features are great.

If your just getting this for a piano voice or just playing around with it, its easy to use. However, if you try to edit voices or change the locations of a voices it gets really confusing

The quality of preety much all Yamaha products is amazing, including this one. Yamaha is known for great quality.

I think this is the best keyboard out there you can get for this much money.

I hade a problem with my Keyboard and brought it in to "The Good Guys". They were like the only repair peole any where near me and it was a preety long drive.We had to keep nagging them to finish up on my keyboard. Even though it took a long time, they did repair it well.

It looks great, its fun to play, If mine ever broke I would hang it on my wall just to look at it.

Active musician and Recording Engineer

Christian Contemparary

The piano sounds are awesome! Very expressive and the feel between the keys and sounds are wonderful.

I really would like a sequencer, but everthing else is perfect. I've really been enjoying using the drum patterns to add to my piano playing and didn't even realize they were there when I bought it.

Very solid, great finish.

The vast array of excellent sounds and one the best sounding grands I have ever heard in a keyboard make this product outstanding.

Haven't needed it so far.

I set out to find a smaller keyboard with a good piano sound and fell in love with this after playing for a while.

hobbyist

New age, Christian, Instrumental

I've never hear a more crisp sound in my love come from something digital! It's so easy to function and you will not be dissapointed with what you pay for!

So solid, I've never had a problem with it andI do alot of traveling with it!

Active Musician

Jazz

The keyboard cuts through on stage nicely and the wieghted keyboard is not to stiff. You do not get finger cramps and broken fingernails from playing a 4 houg gig. Piano sounds are the main selling point since I am primarily a piano player. Pinao sounds are rich and extremely dynamic from very soft playing to loud.

Favorites option is helpful for navigating through thousands of patches to find the one you want.

Seems pretty well built. Althoug I wish volume sliders were recessed. They are exposed and subject to getting hit or bent (which I did) when moving keyboard around. When you carry this keyboard its so long you feel like you should strap a red flag on the trailing end.

Great piano and action

No

Black is the right color since silver is so hard to keep clean.

35 years of gigging

pop, country and funk

With the half damper foot switch and quality speakers, it sounds like a real grand piano, Only better!!! Why would anyone pay 40 or 50K for a big clunky piano that you can't transport in your own SUV

Yamaha has made it all simple and the manuals are well written.

active musician

Jazz and Gospel

Of all the companies striving to capture accuracy in sound actuality,Yamaha is definitely one of the best, period. My goal i to become a producer, and my main gear will consist of the Yamaha S90es, and the Akai MPC 2500. I really don't need anything else.

I was basically looking for a digital piano with synthesizer functions and I realized Yamaha had the answer.

Songwriter

Jazz, Rock, and Funk

The Piano sounds, and there a quite a few, are simply stunning - though I must advise that your sound "mileage" will depend directly on the quality of the headphones or monitors/amp that you connect it to. (cheap mp3 player headphones simply won't do.)

The price-to-performance ratio is outstanding. I'm still scratching my head over how much this 'board has got for how little it costs.

If you need to dig deeper, you'll find a bit of a learning curve there - the Yamaha interface takes a bit of time to get used to - but it's not rocket science and once you "get it" you'll find it's easy to deal with. Excellent Manual, though not required for "plug and play".

It's a Yamaha. Need more info? Okay, it's road-worthy and gorilla proof. Just get a decent bag or case for it if you gig out. No worrys ever. I still use a SY77 which was pounded on for over a decade and there isn't the slightest thing wrong it. Again, It's a Yamaha.

Outstanding Value

Never had to deal with Yamaha for any of my Yamaha keyboards, electronics. Ever.

Looks great, sounds better.

Hobbyist, ex-Active Musician, percussionist, recording and sound eng.

Jazz

I've had the little brother for 3 years the s-90. I've beat it to hell andback from planes to ferries etc etc . Yeah the screws get loose. She's a beauty. Buy it. I don;t hv the ES but I imagine its great as well,....I only recommend A PIANO THATS in tune in front of this..no probs buy it, I play for a living ...

Not intuitive

excelent

GREAT!!!

incredible support

It could use a little more sex appela then agai I am listening to the s-90

What better a name than Yamaha to produce the most incredible sounding piano? Powered by M-Audio BX8a Studio Monitors this keyboard outputs incredible sound on every level.

One thing that astounds me is the arpeggio feature that turns every synth/voice into its own set of unique tracks.

To pick up and play is very simple, though creating your own programs and customizing it to your own style can be challenging at first, though the extensive included documentation solves this.

All I can say is...its Yamaha. Growing up with various Yamaha grand pianos and guitars I know what to expect and this keyboard deserves nothing less than a 10.

For the amount of features and astounding quality of sound and functionality this keyboard is a steal.

Never had to deal with Yamaha for support...their stuff works and works flawlessly

This keyboard just looks incredibly sexy. The maroon-colored end caps and accents flow with the black finish of the casing. One thing that could be cooler would be a higher-resolution display but the included one in no way needs improvement.

for the price I prefer a workstation or an electro.

surely not going to brake it

active musician

music in general

OK, yes, the Piano is extraordinary! What about the rest of it? All I will say is

The black finish is harder to keep clean than my Motif. No biggie. I like the slider controls better on my older Motif 8. I agree with the person about recessing them. Overall, the quality is typical Yamaha. Excellent and should Not be a deciding factor for purchase.

I would pay $500 more for this Synth... just for the sound alone.

You want it! Your neighbor wants it! Why can't they make the Motif available in this color? I have to keep a drewl towel handy when I am around this thing.

Hobbyiest/Play at Church

Gospil/Jazz/Classical

The Sound quality is absolutely amazing.

Plenty. I find that it's 16 midi voice sequencer comes in handy quite often

Very difficult to learn. It takes a lot of digging through the system to find all the gold nuggets in it.

Wonderful quality. The keys have the most realistic feeling out of any on the market.

Value is very good though it takes a couple of weeks before noticing it.

Didnt need it.

Looks great. Very Sleak.

Piano sounds amazing, great tone & depth. The sample layer transitions are noticable in some areas, & there is a "note-robbing" issue when you hold the sustain down and hit the same key quickly more than four times. See if this bugs you before buying!

no sequencer / recording capabilities... nice arpeggiator though!

Yamahas are always reliable, but I'm surprised the piano sample got through with its glitches

I've emialed several times with questions regarding the piano sample & never got a reply

The "Intimate" piano patch is really very nice. "Natural" cuts through a mix like hot knife through butter. Dynamically more expressive than RD-700sx with a more "sophisticated" tone.