Tyros fever is definitely NOT dwindling, at least not for me. Actually, I'm a bit surprised there hasn't been MORE enthusiam here about it. The Tyros has really surpassed my inital expectations. Powerful, lightweight, easy to navigate, and filled with many impressive sounds and greatly improved terrific sounding styles. In my opinion the Tyros is NOT merely a re-hash of the 9000 or 2000 as was mentioned by some.

I continue to recommend the PSR2000 as the best 'bang for the buck' keyboard, but the Tyros offers improvements & new features, as well as addresses all the weaknesses I found on the 2000: hard drive support, 3x more USER RAM memory, improved keyboard feel & build, 128 vs 64 note polyphony (notes never drop out now), substantially improved styles & sounds (especially the acoustic piano), Large EASY to read & navigate Color LCD display screen, USB support for keyboard file backup and transfer between PC, remote sound editing/creation via PC, more convenient mic iniput volume control, easily attachable/detaching speaker system which sound better than built in speakers can provide, arranger buttons (lighted) which (in addition to looking cool) are much easier to access on the fly, and last but not least, the TYros is VERIFIBLY OS 'Flash -Rom' Upgradeable.


When I initially ordered the Tyros (with a 30 day full refund option) I was admittedly skeptical whether it would be worth the close to $2,500 US dollar street price. It didn't take long for me to become convinced(comparing the PSR2000 & Tyros side by side) that the Tyros is well WORTH the expense. Not only does the Tyros include many substantially improved sounding versions of familiar styles on the 2000 & 9000pro, but the Tyros also offers a lot of fresh new styles as well. On my 2000, I relied heavily on imported & customized Technics KN 'jazz styles' because the 2000's jazz & swing styles (imho) sounded pretty stiff (bad) and plain (boring). The Tyros jazz, swing, and latin bossa styles, on the other hand now really sound musical, and breathe, sounding like a live pro jazz combo rhythm section now. Yamaha's styles are less busy (I like that) than say Ketron's styles, and instead of packing lots of instruments, Yamaha instead concentrated on providing a top quality rhythm section (drums, bass & keyboard/guitar). It's all about quality, not quantity here, and as a keyboard player, I DON'T need (or want) an overly busy accomp which just gets in the way. I really think the STANDOUT improvement with the Tyros is in its terrific swing & jazz styles and it seems that Yamaha has updated the sounds of all its other styles as well bringing to them a new sense of live freshness possibly because they are sequenced at 1929 ppq now. I now play all my jazz/swing standards using the Tyros internal jazz swing styles, and no longer use the Technics styles. Yamaha has really come a LONG way here. The other thing I prefer about Yamaha Tyros styles vs say Technics and Ketron, is that Yamaha emphasize drum kit instruments rather than acoustic instrument sounds for fills. which (to me) more effectively energizes a song (and subsequently the audience).

On the Tyros, I'm now able to perform a bit differently (better) than I was able to on the 2000. On the PSR2000, it was awkward (at best) to switch back and forth between calling up songs from the Music Finder, and then songs located in Registration. Unfortunately the PSR2000 does not include a dedicated 'Regist Bank' BUTTON , so it's not possible to call up a 'Regist Bank' file 'while' in the Music Finder. On the other hand, on the Tyros, there IS a dedicated 'Regist Bank' button, which allows you call up a different 'Regist Bank' while you are still in Music Finder. This subsequently allows you to perform one song selected directly from the Music Finder Database, and then load up the next song, which is instead, stored in Registration Memory, and then easily go back to Music Finder and load up another song from there. On the PSR2000, this is not possible.

Ok, you've heard a lot of glowing remarking about the Tyros so far, so I'll now try to balance this out with negative remarks. Probably the weakest feature on the Tyros is its USB implementation as the transfer rate is unimpressive, especially compared to SCSI or USB 2.0. Still, I like the Tyros' ability to transfer data back & forth between my PC and Tyros as well as easily performing all sound editing via the PC with an impressive full screen view of all the sound editing functions instead from the Tyros keyboard. The USB cable, file management, & voice editing software is included in the price of the Tyros itself, and not some additional add on software/hardware you have to purchase later, as was the case when I owned the Technics KN5000. You can also organize/re-organzie all Tyros files on the Tyros from your PC as well. VERY COOL !

Ok, back to Tyros beefs.Though the LCD screen is very large and easily to read, I do notice myself ajusting the Screen's Contrast level rather often, but perhaps it's just my ageing eyes. Also, though the Tyros build quality seem quite good (btw, did you guys realize that the Tyros is built in China, NOT Japan?), its casing shell is made of plastic (to keep the weight down), which isn't as durable as a metal keyboard shell offers. With it's flashy colored lights and modern design, the Tyros presents an image of high tech flash, a very impressive visual statement which seems to wow everyone in the audience.

Ok, that's my evaluation of the Tyros. After owning it for a month now. The Tyros
is definitely a KEEPER for me. I highly recommend the Tyros and urge everyone to at least audition one (in person) and decide for yourself. I look now forward to reading Tyros reviews from others who actually own one, or at least auditioned one in person.

Scott

[This message has been edited by Scottyee (edited 01-10-2003).]

Scott,
I agree with your assessment except for the negatives, which I do not share the same "dissappointment" with you. I think the USB works at a very acceptable rate for me and I have yet to adjust the contrast on the screen (and my eyes are older than yours).

So, I whole heartedly agree with all your positives.

If I had to pick any negatives, be they minor for me....the speaker system is good sounding but not great sounding. Also I would like to see the correct chords displayed when transpostion is used.

In short I find the Ty an exceptional board and based on what else is out there at what price, I think the Ty well worth the money and IMO nothing else comes even sort of close to it in any respect.
jam on,
Terry

Hi Terry. Well, to be honest I really had to look long and hard to come up with the nit picky negatives I listed. The fact is that the Tyros is living up to all of my expectations, but just felt I had to point out at least a few negative things, to keep the Tyros 'nay sayers' here from thinking that my review was just ONE sided commercial for Yamaha. - Scott

I had a chance to play Tyros at a local store a couple of days ago, and I must say I was quite impressed with the Tyros's sounds, styles, and ease of navigation. Not being a Yamaha user for the last 13 years, I nonetheless had no trouble getting around the instrument quickly and easily. The only negative for me is the undersized keyboard in the oversized frame, after being spoiled by the Roland G1000 marvellous keys.

I will definitely consider getting the Tyros Pro, whenever it comes out, assuming it has 76 keys and its frame is not much larger than the Tyros. I think it would behoove Yamaha to retain the brackets for the detacheable speakers, but speed up the slow USB connection (ideally going up to USB 2.o, and allowing multi-channel digital audio output, as well as speedy file transfer). I also hope it will retain the nice features of the 9000 Pro, such as the expansion slots, and the gooseneck lights.

But at any rate, I think that Tyros is a winner, and it will solidify Yamaha's position as the market leader.

I too tried the Tyros. And having owned my PSR-9000 for over 2 years now, I have to say that for me and my ears the Tyros does not warrant going out and spending almost 3 grand! Compared to the PSR2000, yes, the Tyros can be a fair upgrade. Compared to the 9000 it is not! Sorry. Some styles are new. Some have been reworked and sound nicer. OK. Rather expensive styles though. What about the voices? Try playing those "megavoices" in realtime. The rest of the guitars haven't changed at all. The grand piano is EXACTLY the same as on the 9000. If you like it, good. I think Yamaha could have done much better. Listen to Roland's pianos and compare. I'm sorry, but colorful buttons and colorful screens are nice ... but are they worth spending the $1500.00 difference? (assuming we cen get $1500.00 for our 9000s). By the way, do you see a lot of 9000's for sale? No. Why? Folks are keeping theirs. Why? Well you be the judge. I'm not knocking the Tyros. I hope everybody who buys one will be happy with theirs. I'm sure they will be. It's a great keyboard ... just like the 9000 is still a great keyboard. The Tyros is NOT the next generation PSR9000. They're at the same level imo. Just my $0.02 of course.
ev

Hi Scott,

thanks for the great review.
I can't wait too see you and the Tyros in action next month.

It's too bad you can't read german. You should see the posts on the German forum.
People are going crazy over the Tyros. You would enjoy reading the posts and compare notes.
Lots of support there. It almost seems like that several hundred people own one. Yes it's a big forum.
Their evaluation is pretty much the same as yours. The say you turn it on and you can't stop playing. It brings the best out in you.....


Eric

Hey Eric, don't tell me that....

Here is my quick summary of the Tyros having upgraded from the Psr 9000.

Positives
---------
1. Value - I paid 2200 for the 9000 new in 2001 and 2500 for the Tyros. I would say an excellent price performance upgrade in value.
2. That LCD screen. I use multiple keyboards when I perform, and I can now angle and read the display when the Tyros keys are just below eye level. The quality of display is very clear and easy on the eyes.
3. Speakers. Big improvement over PSR9000 and other internal speaker systems. I think the engineering of the on/off design is outstanding and the bass response is also killer.
4. Lighted buttons. Great for performing.
5. Weight. The huge reduction is weight is great for transporting to and from gigs.
6. Hard Disk implementation. Tyros uses the Hard disk much more efficiently and logically.
7. Improved styles. Really invigorates a performance and adds much more of a "Groove" and "Pocket" factor. Performances are a long way from the old "oom Pah" type styles of years ago.
8. Piano patch is very respectable although I like the Korg Tritons much better.
9. Brass and Sax patches are very good.
10. Strings are much more authentic.
11. Extra footages, distortion, and roto speaker effects on the Organ Flutes.
12. Score and Lyrics feature. One of the greatest teaching and convenience tools available today on a keyboard. Just a wonderful feature.
13. Revoicing. Breathes new life into old midi and song files.
14. USB feature and PC software support.
15. Guitar voice patches are probably the best in the industry. Just killer.
16. Operating System. Although I'm not fully up to speed yet, it is starting go grow on me. It is very logical and visually appealing.
17. Separate buttons for tap tempo, tempo, transpose, octave select, and metronome.
18. Separate tape controls for playing back midi files.

Negatives
---------
1. Lack of Sample playback. I don't necessarily want to do sampling with the Tyros, but I surely want to acquire samples on my PC and load them up in the Tyros to expand my patch inventory.
2. USB Implementation. This is clearly a huge black mark on Yamaha. Why didn't they implement Firewire 1394 instead?
3. Keys and keyboard. I think they are to light and very "home keyboardish". I love my Triton Pro keyboard feel.
4. LCD screen vibrates when speakers are mounted. I get a vibration noise on the adjustable LCD screen.
5. Registrations won't load on startup.
6. Various settings must be linked to a registration rather than saved in flash rom.
7. Configuration of the rear connections is not very ergonomic. If I want to plug in a patch cord from the keyboard to an amplifier while standing in front of the keyboard, I have to use a mirror and a flashlight. On my Korg, the connections are labeled on the top of the keyboard and the connections are right under those labels -- very user friendly.
8. Mega Voices. I don't really use the Tyros styles in my performances, therefore Mega voices do not help me one bit. To me very overrated.
9. Modulation controller should be spring loaded to center off. How many times does this controller get moved during transport, I have to remember to set it to zero prior to performance.
10. Would rather have 76 keys than 61 keys.
11. Key layout is a bit confusing. I would rather have some of the keys that are on the right, positioned on the left instead. Expecially the DSP key.
12. No ability to remap the modulation wheel to any other effects -- such as the Drawbar Rotors
13. Leslie simulation seems a bit less authentic than it was on the PSR 9000. Maybe this is just the way I have it setup, but I thought the 9000 Leslie sounds sounded better.
14. Direct Access key. Some of these settings are puzzling. Why when you press Direct Access and User/Disk bye tghe style buttons do you get the Equalization Screen?


Summary
-------
I personally think Yamaha did a wonderful job putting together this keyboard. Between price, performance, value, quality, they have done a superb job. I will be very, very, very, upset if they come out with a Pro model after having spent my money on this model, but I guess that's a risk we all make when we buy new equipment. The sound engine on the Tyros is outstanding. Clearly Yamaha made a lot of compromises when they created this keyboard. Most of them are winners.

I would love to be a part of their focus group, however, since I would have made a few tweaks here and there.

REgards,
Al G

Eric,

What is the URL of the German forum ?
(I can read German..... and the most important thing is I do understand it )

I live only 500 meters from the Dutch/German border.

Roel

Oooops I forgot all about you Andrea....

Sorry about what I said. The Pro is great...
But then again Tyros??? Mmmmmh!!!

Hi Roel & Scott here is the URL:
http://www.yamaha-europe.com//UBB_threads/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=UBB1

You can read the posts without becoming a member.
If you want to become a member and have trouble to log in, let me know, I had trouble too.
They have at least once a year a big Forum meeting, where Yamaha Europe and other software companies are present and alot of music and teaching is going on.
Also there are some dutch people on that forum.
Good luck.... let me know

Eric

After 3 weeks, I am DELIGHTED with the Tyros. To me, the overall sound (styles and voices) is much more like a live combo than with any board I've owned previously. I was also VERY pleased with the "artificial intelligence" chord recognition that allows me to get some of those juicy passing tone bass progressions such as CMaj7/B (played with B and C only) or C/G (G and C only) and thick Jazz chords like Cm11 (C,Eb,F,G,Bb), plus many more cool combinations.

My ONLY negative is the Piano. Compared to my Roland 64 Meg SRX-02 expansion in an XV-5050 - well, for me there ain't no comparison (with respect for those whose opinion differs).

Great report scott and kbrkr
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the Tyros. I am sure it will be very helpful to many of us here. I have the PSR9000 and still can't make up my mind about it. I guess I will have to try one out if and when we get one on the floor here in San Jose, CA.
Thanks to all that have shared their opinions on this new board
Bebop

[This message has been edited by BEBOP (edited 01-12-2003).]

Just out of curiosity, what is the problem with the USB connection??

I saw that the tyros supports USB2.0, to utilize its speed you have to make sure that your computer support 2.0 too.

Good post Scotty. As for adjusting the contrast/brightness on the LCD screen, this has and always will be a problem with LCD displays. They are temperature sensitive, and in some instances, the response time of the display is slowed somewhat if the keyboard is cold. Cold weather also makes the display dimmer, which means you have to readjust it from time to time as the weather or playing environment changes. I just played a job that was some distance away and had the board in the back of the van for several hours before unloading. The outside temperature was hovering at 22 degrees, and when I fired up the keyboard, you could barely see the display. Granted, the eyes are getting older, but I'm not blind. Later that night, I had to readjust the screen's contrast becuase the board had warmed to the point where there was too much contrast. Just a quirk that you'll have to live with--but nothing that can't be overcome.

Enjoy the new board,

Gary

The Tyros does NOT support USB2.0. It only supports version 1.1 of USB. The USB connection is painfully slow and is prone to disconnects and timeouts. More so than any other USB implementation that I have seen and I have printers, digital cameras, Creative Jukeboxes, etc.

AL G

I have to agree with Al regarding the Tyros and USB 'timeout' problems. When I performed the Tyros 1.10 OS update, the USB connection 'timed out' right in the MIDDLE of the updating process Thankfully I was able to reboot the PC and successfully reintiate the update.

In addition, I've experienced 'timed out' messages 2 or 3 other times, when attempting to move large amounts of data back and forth between my PC and the Tyros.

In general though, the USB connection between my PC and Tyros works fine, abeit much slower than I'd like prefer.

Can someone here explain exactly WHAT a USB 'time out' is, and what actually causes it to occur?

Thanks, - Scott

Glad to say, I've not had any USB problems. Not sure how many files you guys are trying to load at once, but it must be a bunch, to cause problems, or perhaps it's a combo of your PC's and the Ty. I first had mine hooked up to my desktop a P4 and now a new laptop, also a P4 and both have worked fine at acceptable speeds to me.

I d/l'd a Windows patch on DSL yesterday that took 20 minutes, that was slow to me. In contrast, I've moved maybe 20 or so style files to the Ty in about 20/30 seconds, that seems fast enough for me.
Terry

[This message has been edited by trtjazz (edited 01-13-2003).]

Hi Scott,
Thanks for the "review"
As you know i have a "Mac" computer and I have tried several times to hear your music "real player" doesn`t like my "Mac"
Is there any way I could hear you play some "classical" ?
Thanks, and best of luck with your "Tyros" and I wish you many happy times playing it
Take care
jedi

Hi Jedi. I'm a bit surprised you aren't able to hear my MP3s even on your Mac. I don't think you'd want to hear me playing classical music because whatever classical piano technique I 'developed over the years' has unfortunately become a bit rusty these days, partly because interest in classical music is pretty rare with general audiences & paying clients these days . . . an unfortunate but true fact. - Scott

I fully agree with all positive comments. Its difficult to image what a next generation after TYROS could become.

The USB disconnect problem is know at Yamaha and under work to come up with a solution.
My experience is search your environment for equipment that causes spikes on the mains outlets, connect the TYROS via a mains filter (filtering off from 100 Khz).

I think als the slow speed of the USB is recognized by Yamaha and hopefully a solutions comes available. The question is if a OS upgrade can do the improvement of is an expensive service upgrade required?

I have been in contact with Yamaha service, as few others have contacts.
Let wait and see for few weeks.

IT is still not that good..

the sound and the sequencer..... both are not the best.

Shakil,
As far as sound (primarily the demos I've heard), I think the Tyros blows away other synths like the Korg Trinity, Triton Classic, Triton Studio, PA-60, PA-80, Roland Fantom, VA series, and several other synths in the acoustic department.. Lets face it Korg has really gone down hill with their sound since this teeny bopper I wanna be like Britney crowd has grown bigger.. I notice that when people buy synths today, it's not because it sounds good but mostly because of who's using it.... Guess it makes them feel better about their purchase. As far as sequencing, I looked in the Tyros manual and I think it could use a little work. Yamaha still has yet to really nail it with the sequencers in ALL of their upper line arrangers.

Squeak

In order to solve the USB disconnect problem:

1. Add a pci usb card (either 1.1 or 2.0) to your computer; or

2. Add a powered usb hub (either Belkin or Linksys) to your computer.

Either hardware will solve your problem. It will create a more "robust" usb connection.

For background, see:
http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=aximactivesync&message.id=24

Make sure when you view this link that you copy the entire address.

Blinkers,
I think even better than a powered hub (which I also have) I have the Ty plugged directly to the PC and not the hub. This could be why I am not having the same USB problems others are having.
jam on,
Terry

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