Gary, I do not work...I detest it...it is the curse of the leisure class.

I play.

I have done the occasional demo for Yamaha, and I help Canadian customers get familiar with a new purchase.

Why...were you looking for a job?

You can be in quality control...there must be an opening or two in Indonesia if Beaky is correct.

Ian

So do Yamaha Canada know you ARE liaising with the public, Ian, and making official sounding pronouncements about the state of quality control in the US or Indonesia?

Or is this just more evangelism in the guise of official communication..?

Does anyone here think that Yamaha International give the REAL skinny to an occasional clinician and non-full-time employee in a small part of Canada? Most corporations get EXTREMELY tight-lipped about quality control issues with brand new products. Why anyone would think that Ian was privy to such information, yet alone authorized to release it to the buying public is beyond me. This, especially given Ian's constant PSR evangelism, just sounds like someone spouting the party line... (as he does with everything concerned with the PSR's).

The FACTS are, several members at SZ have received faulty S900's, some multiple ones, at widely different times and from widely different dealers. Whatever conclusion you draw from this, one thing is certain. No-one from Yamaha has made ANY official statement...

Let's not take Ian's 'opinion' as one of those...

Well, Diki, let's see if I can help you...

Yamaha Canada are very much aware of my pronouncements regarding the state of the S900 here in Canada(which was the fact there were no problems reported)...and yes, in spite of my modest position, I do get the "skinny" on things pertinent.

Now, regarding the state of quality control in US and Indonesia...well, if my SPECULATIONS sound official, then that's great...I always wanted to sound official.

I would beg to differ about my "evangelism"...I like to think of it more on the lines of enthusiasm, much like your connection to your G70....maybe more so because Yamaha make cooler stuff.

I certainly appreciate your marvelous assessment of my job...I have to agree with you..it's part time and occasional(at least for now whilst I'm off with disability)...but it pays the bills.

Thank you, Diki, you always make me think much deeper about things...and I appreciate that very much.

All the best,

Ian

Ian, I know we are quite different in our approach to our favorite toys...

I think of 'enthusiasm' as a great liking for something, but at least a willingness to talk openly about possible improvements, possible faults, and potential for change.

'Evangelism', on the other hand, I usually spot by it's users' refusal to consider that ANY fault exists, ANY improvement could be made, and that anyone else could even NEED any change...

We both share a great love for our tools of choice, but sometimes the fact that you can't ever bring yourself to address ANY issue with regard to the fact that the PSRs maybe COULD use some changes here and there gives less weight to your positive impressions. I'm just more likely, I guess, to listen to someone that CAN see both sides of the issues, than someone that has NOTHING to say but positives. Nothing, so far in my experience with keyboards, EVER comes close to 'perfect', there's always SOMETHING that could be improved.

But usually, when discussing PSRs with you, I get far more the impression that I'm talking with a salesman than an actual user... MOST of us are willing to talk flaws....

Perhaps you're right, Diki, maybe I am evangelical in my approach.

I also don't waste my time complaining about what a product needs...I just adapt and find ways to make it work for me right now...not when the manufacturer gets around to it.

PSR improvements?

Many years ago I complained there was no ON BASS on the PSR...even the high end...now, I'm not going to say they did it for me, as there were MANY other clinicians, product specialists and artists that probably wanted it...but it did happen.

As for the present PSR/Tyros there's no doubt a half measure button would be nice, and I have mentioned this to Yamaha several times, but until they do decide to make it real, I find workarounds....I had a special program designed by Michael Bedesem, who took my tiny core idea and made a terrific program for me so I could construct styles that eliminated the half measure problem.
It even converts portions of the style to double time if I wish....very handy...not as cool as dedicated buttons, but cooler in it's own way and it's adjustability.

With so much gear bashing that went on in the not so distant past( I was probably part of it as well), the standard procedure on this forum was to defend your purchase or your favorite brand at all costs...there are still traces of it left over, although I do find lately that things have returned to some form of civility.

Because of those issues(and a few more)I found it very hard to take this forum seriously, and only used it as a means of diversion and entertainment...especially while convalescing.

Maybe, in this improved atmosphere, more(including me) will be willing to discuss what you have suggested.

Again, thank you for your thought provoking post.

Ian


[This message has been edited by ianmcnll (edited 10-15-2007).]

Hi Ian,

After reading some of the posts , I thought you worked for Yamaha , sorry !!

I really think it`s cool that you demo there KB`s and have at-least some communication with Yamaha.

I value ALL opinions and ALL the help I receive here.

I am looking for an arranger that I can enjoy and make music with.
The S900 is what it is , and would probably suit my needs just fine , but with the 2 that I tried , I really don`t know.

There are other options for me , maybe you or someone else can help.

I have been looking at many , and for me this would be a big purchase , and I want the best I can afford.

I have been thinking about the following:

PSR-S900 because it`s just the best buy for the money.

Pa800 because of what I have read. Although I have only tried there synth`s , I can only hope that the Pa800 would be similar as far as build quality.

Roland E-80 , because I love the Roland piano sound , and that KB seems to have it all , and if need more sound , just plug in an expansion board.

So as you can see , I need alot of input from all sides.

Also , you might be wondering , Why not the Tyros 2 or G70 , well I would prefer to have an all-in-one A/KB ( built in speakers ) , as that would best suit my needs.

Lets expand , on that.

The keyboard that I finally chose would be for my own enjoyment.

I have been playing some kind of keyboard ever since my dad bought is first Hammond back in `66.

Still have an old non tonewheel Hammond now , but it need a lot of work.

So , thats about it , I can use any and all the help I can get , so thanks to all.

Gary

Gary,

You are correct...I don't work for Yamaha full time, but I am hired to do clinics and demos on a job to job basis.

The three keyboards you mentioned all have 61 keys, so I imagine you can live without 76 notes.

All three are great boards...I've played the E-80 and it's a real beauty...lots of terrific sounds, cool styles, touch screen, nice speaker system.

A lot more money than the S900, but probably worth it.

The PA-800...can't say much about this one as it isn't sold in my local area, but according to several owners on the forum it is a fine instrument....again, more money than the S900.

The S900...well I can vouch for it's musicality as I own one...it replaced my PSR-3000 and I really like it....love the SA and mega voices that bring it nearly to the level of the Tyros2.

You have to try all three and go with what your ears tell you.

As far as the best "bang for the buck" the S900 is the one...but if you have the extra cash, then the Korg and/or Roland may be the way to go.

Hope this helps.

Ian

Hi Ian,
Thanks for your help !!

I have one problem , location , or should I say lack of stores in my area.
I have a Guitar Center , that has a KB dept. that only has Casio`s and PSR-E403 and < .

So the only way I can make a choice is with a little help from my friends.

A couple of weeks ago I drove to Danvers Ma. , just to look at a Tyros 2.

The only access I have to keyboards , is the internet.

I would love to go to a music store and try all 3 , or at least try the Pa800 and the E80.

I was able to try a couple of S900 and one Tyros 2.

Anyway , thanks for your help , really !!

Take care, later.
Gary

PS:
Yes , 61 keys will do just fine for me , I have played and owned many arrangers , most Yamaha , and have found no need for 76 or 88.
However ,76 would be nice , but space is limited to a 61 key and that`s just fine.

I keep mentioning the S900 , like I said , you really get the most for your money.
But I want quality too , I have said so many times that it sounds great , but ...

It really is a shame , I`m a huge Yamaha fan !!

[This message has been edited by jedi (edited 10-15-2007).]

[This message has been edited by jedi (edited 10-15-2007).]

Not to get TOO controversial here, it's just a thought, but has it occurred to anyone that, if you get an arranger with a sequencer built in, AND TOTL piano sounds (or electric pianos) you MIGHT not always be playing in strict arranger mode.

A VERY large proportion of arranger users also use SMFs. Now free up that left hand, and now you actually DO have the potential to actually play a REAL piano part. This is where making the decision to go with a 61 note keyboard may come back to haunt you.

It's not that a 61 isn't probably the ideal size for just playing in arranger mode, most here think it is. But if you DO play piano (or want to learn), it is a shame to get a keyboard with a VERY good piano sound, and then have insufficient keys to use it fully...

JMO, yada yada yada....

A very big/important part of playing piano is the weighted hammer action keyboard.

Playing on a semi-weighted 76 note action is a poor substitute at best, although there are players who seem to believe they are okay...but, we're not going to fool a real piano player.

If your want to learn piano don't play on semi weighted keys...your technique will suffer.

Solution?

Get a Yamaha CVP or Roland KR series digital piano.

88 keys..weighted hammer action, graded no less...the ability to play SMF...AND arranger functions.

Too heavy or large? Too expensive?

Get a Yamaha DGX-620...88 note hammer action, SMF capability, AND arranger functions.

If your gonna learn piano...you may as well do it right.

If you use SMF and play on stage you can get digital pianos like the Roland RD-700/300 SX or Yamaha CP-300...great realistic actions...and if you're used to dragging around a big heavy arranger like a G70, the weight and size shouldn't be an issue.


Don't wait! See your Yamaha or Roland dealer TODAY!

Ian



[This message has been edited by ianmcnll (edited 10-16-2007).]