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Yamaha S90ES 88-Key Weighted Action Synthesizer
All the synthesis power and control capabilities of the Motif ES line with a stunningly natural acoustic piano sound.
Overall User Ratings (based on 68 ratings)
Submitted March 31, 2007 by a customer from gmal.com
"Heaven in an 88-key weapon..."
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.
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!
Features
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.
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.
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.
Manufacturer 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.
The Wow Factor
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.
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Classical, Jazz, Drumms and Bass, Trance, Breaks, Trip-Hop, Dance, Experimental Electronica, Techno
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Submitted June 24, 2007 by a customer from sympatico.ca
"Yamaha U3 acoustic upright for sale."
An excellent keyboard, period. Doubt I'll replace this for a long time. There is a learning curve to get the sound you want, but easy enough to sit and play right away. Add some decent monitors, and a software sequencer, you have a pretty good home studio. I'll probably sell my Yamaha U3 upright now that I have this.
Sound
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.
Features
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.
Ease of Use
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.
Quality
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.
Value
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.
Manufacturer Support
Yamaha support is always excellent.
The Wow Factor
Nice, solid, functional piece of gear. I don't know about the sex appeal, I wanted it enough to buy it, how's that.
Musical Background:
hobbyist, piano student
Musical Style:
classical piano to drum and bass
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Submitted December 21, 2005 by a customer from gmail.com
Yamaha S90ES 88-Key Synth Customer Review
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
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.
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.
Features
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.
Manufacturer Support
No exp yet, but I've always had good luck with yamaha.
The Wow Factor
Hey, it's BLACK. I never liked the silver/grey finish of the motif/fantom units.
Musical Background:
former studio musician
Musical Style:
classical / experimental / jazz
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Submitted February 16, 2007 by a customer from cs.com
Yamaha S90ES 88-Key Synth Customer Review
I expect to have this keyboard for a very long time.
Sound
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.
Features
The only reason I did'nt give it a ten is because it lacks recording.
All the other features are great.
Ease of Use
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
Quality
The quality of preety much all Yamaha products is amazing, including this one. Yamaha is known for great quality.
Value
I think this is the best keyboard out there you can get for this much money.
Manufacturer Support
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.
The Wow Factor
It looks great, its fun to play, If mine ever broke I would hang it on my wall just to look at it.
Musical Background:
Active musician and Recording Engineer
Musical Style:
Christian Contemparary
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Submitted January 21, 2006 by a customer from attglobal.net
"After a month of owning, I am in love with the piano sample."
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This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
I might have picked up a Motif8ES if it had that great piano sample since it has sample memory and a sequencer...but for the price, I don't think there is anything better if you care about having one of the most realistic beautiful pianos there is in a keyboard.
Sound
The piano sounds are awesome! Very expressive and the feel between the keys and sounds are wonderful.
Features
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.
Quality
Very solid, great finish.
Value
The vast array of excellent sounds and one the best sounding grands I have ever heard in a keyboard make this product outstanding.
Manufacturer Support
Haven't needed it so far.
The Wow Factor
I set out to find a smaller keyboard with a good piano sound and fell in love with this after playing for a while.
Musical Background:
hobbyist
Musical Style:
New age, Christian, Instrumental
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Submitted March 15, 2006 by a customer from yahoo.com
"AMAZING! Best purchase of my life!"
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Best Buy I could make!!! Its an amazing peice of equipment to have. You know you've got a good keyboard when it can stand next to a rhodes and a grad and produce VERY similar tones.
Sound
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!
Quality
So solid, I've never had a problem with it andI do alot of traveling with it!
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Jazz
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Submitted January 20, 2006 by a customer from hotmail.com
"Piano sound and feel that truly inspires"
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Korg, Roland and Yamaha are all great keyboard companies. They each have their strengths and weaknesses in sounds. I've owned them all. I just liked the piano on this S90 ES so much I had to get it.
Sound
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.
Features
Favorites option is helpful for navigating through thousands of patches to find the one you want.
Quality
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.
Value
Great piano and action
Manufacturer Support
No
The Wow Factor
Black is the right color since silver is so hard to keep clean.
Musical Background:
35 years of gigging
Musical Style:
pop, country and funk
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Submitted April 25, 2006 by a customer from cox.net
"Wonderful sounding, easy to use keyboard with professional visual appeal in the appearance department"
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I expect that this will be one keyboard that I don't trade in for a long long time.
Sound
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
Ease of Use
Yamaha has made it all simple and the manuals are well written.
Musical Background:
active musician
Musical Style:
Jazz and Gospel
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Submitted March 13, 2008 by a customer from Yahoo.com
"Production:Dreams into Reality !!!"
Sound
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.
Features
I was basically looking for a digital piano with synthesizer functions and I realized Yamaha had the answer.
Musical Background:
Songwriter
Musical Style:
Jazz, Rock, and Funk
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Submitted November 5, 2006 by a customer from aol.com
"Outstanding Synth/Piano - If it gets stolen, I'll buy another one."
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I've had the S90 ES for about 9 months and have only recently begun to explore modifying the factory sounds. I expect to be using this keyboard for a long, long time.
Sound
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.)
Features
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.
Ease of Use
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".
Quality
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.
Value
Outstanding Value
Manufacturer Support
Never had to deal with Yamaha for any of my Yamaha keyboards, electronics. Ever.
The Wow Factor
Looks great, sounds better.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist, ex-Active Musician, percussionist, recording and sound eng.
Musical Style:
Jazz
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Submitted December 16, 2007
"Rockin great but it"
3 more years
Sound
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 ...
Ease of Use
Not intuitive
Quality
excelent
Value
GREAT!!!
Manufacturer Support
incredible support
The Wow Factor
It could use a little more sex appela then agai I am listening to the s-90
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Submitted February 9, 2007
"Just amazing."
I will never need a new keyboard.
Sound
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.
Features
One thing that astounds me is the arpeggio feature that turns every synth/voice into its own set of unique tracks.
Ease of Use
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.
Quality
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.
Value
For the amount of features and astounding quality of sound and functionality this keyboard is a steal.
Manufacturer Support
Never had to deal with Yamaha for support...their stuff works and works flawlessly
The Wow Factor
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.
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Submitted September 9, 2006
"I prefer a workstation"
Features
for the price I prefer a workstation or an electro.
Quality
surely not going to brake it
Musical Background:
active musician
Musical Style:
music in general
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Submitted July 26, 2006
""Grand Synthesizer" I think should be the new word to descibe this machine."
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Sound
OK, yes, the Piano is extraordinary! What about the rest of it? All I will say is
Quality
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.
Value
I would pay $500 more for this Synth... just for the sound alone.
The Wow Factor
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.
Musical Background:
Hobbyiest/Play at Church
Musical Style:
Gospil/Jazz/Classical
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Submitted July 4, 2006
"The S90 is a treasure chest! Full of capabilities"
I have been very happy with this synth because its perfect for any situation. (recording, live, or leisure)
Sound
The Sound quality is absolutely amazing.
Features
Plenty. I find that it's 16 midi voice sequencer comes in handy quite often
Ease of Use
Very difficult to learn. It takes a lot of digging through the system to find all the gold nuggets in it.
Quality
Wonderful quality. The keys have the most realistic feeling out of any on the market.
Value
Value is very good though it takes a couple of weeks before noticing it.
Manufacturer Support
Didnt need it.
The Wow Factor
Looks great. Very Sleak.
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Submitted May 28, 2006
"almost there, Yamaha...."
Sound
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!
Features
no sequencer / recording capabilities... nice arpeggiator though!
Quality
Yamahas are always reliable, but I'm surprised the piano sample got through with its glitches
Manufacturer Support
I've emialed several times with questions regarding the piano sample & never got a reply
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Submitted January 19, 2006
Yamaha S90ES 88-Key Synth Customer Review
Sound
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.
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