I just checked out the new Yamaha PSR2000 today and ended up taking one home with me. Since I didn't receive any answers to my PSR2000 questions (see other thread: "Now Considering the Yamaha PSR2000! hmmm"), I decided I had better drive over to my local music store myself to hopefully find the answers. After spending about 45 minutes checking out this board, I was really BLOWN AWAY by the PSR2000's impressive sounds and styles.
I then tested its' jazz (rootless) chord recognition capabilities and was thrilled
to find that even this mid-priced arranger supports most all the rootless jazz style chord voicings I find essential for live jazz style piano comping/playing. I had read (from someone else on this board) that the PSR2000's acoustic piano sample was lackluster and that it sounded 'artificial'. On the contrary, I thought the PSR2000 sounded at least VERY VERY good and certainly acceptable to me, at least in the store (I also own/play a Steinway B acoustic grand). I had also expected to encounter a cheap feeling keyboard synth action. Though I found the keyboard action a little "mushy" and not the best synth action around, I actually had NO PROBLEM controling the dynamic subtleties required for playing pianisticly. I was able to use the same comping/soloing techniques as I do when performing on my Technics KN5000. I really had a lot of fun playing and experimenting with the PSR2000's wide variety of impressive sounds/styles and it even attracted a group of customers who gathered to watch/listen to me perform. They were all impressed with the PSR2000's natural sounding sounds & styles (not canned) and told me that my performance (along with the realistic auto accompaniment backup) really sounded PRO. I too was pretty amazed that a keyboard in this price range could sound this good and deliver so much BANG for the Buck. I realize that the PSR2000 gives up some important features (keyboard after touch, onboard hard drive), but considering all the other plus' (extremely lightweight (23 lbs/10 kg), compact size (38-5/16" x 16-11/16" x 6-5/16"/973 x 399 x 161 mm), highly impressive sounds, tasty styles, excellent price point), I think this KB may be a real WINNER, especially for a gigging musician like me. In fact, my friend (musician) who accompanied me to the store even thought the PSR2000 sound was much smoother & richer than some of the other much more expensive hi-end arranger boards out there. This really trips me out because the price of the PSR2000 is MUCH less than half of what some of the top end arrangers sell for. Anyway, what really 'aced' the deal for me is the 30 day risk free trial and FULL refund if I end up deciding that the PSR2000 isn't for me. As I begin exploring & creating music this week on the PSR2000, I'll be providing my observations and will certainly have questions to ask of other Yamaha arranger keyboard players out there. I also plan to record a PSR2000 produced song (MP3) and hope to get feedback from you guys on it. OK, it's time to get this baby out of the box and start making music!
- Scott
http://scottyee.com [This message has been edited by Scottyee (edited 11-11-2001).]
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