Anyone know who's got the best price on a s900 right now?

I know M.A.P. on it is $1599.00. Sweetwater and Full Compass are usally the most competitive?



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God Bless,
Mikey

www.mikeymaestro.com
www.balloonanimal.com
www.1000colorcards.com

Mikey,

Are you looking to purchase a 900? I might be selling one of mine to move up to the T2 for live play.

zuki

Mikey, forget the S900, buy my 3K and SAVE!

If you want a new one, call George Kaye. Price is right and service is without equal!
DonM

Hi

Ditto Don....George is great to do bussiness with, I have done it also.
I own the T2 and the S900, I also did have the 3000, all good keyboards, but the 3000 next to the S900 is not even close...no S.A. sounds, more Megasounds, no USB audio recorders, etc. That is why it was replaced, in it´s day was great !.
George has a knowledge wealth on arranger keyboards second to none, and because is his bussiness, he certanly makes sure to provide customer service, besides, the guy is really nice too !!
I saw what you do in your songs for children, I really like it, it reminded me what I did a few years ago with a friend of mine that is an actor, we adapted "Peter and the Wolf" and complemented with another music and 10 comical squetches, it was a lot of Fun to do it for the children.

Manuel

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mdorantes

thanks for the compliment, I will be weighing out all the dealers and i'm sure I will find the best for price and reputation.

thanks for all the input

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God Bless,
Mikey

www.mikeymaestro.com
www.balloonanimal.com
www.1000colorcards.com

Mikey,

Are you keeping or selling your T2?


zuki

Yes I'm keeping the t2 the 900 will be a backup

------------------
God Bless,
Mikey

www.mikeymaestro.com
www.balloonanimal.com
www.1000colorcards.com

That's a lot of money to be shelling out for something that's gonna collect dust waiting for the T2 to catch a glitch.

Back ups are cool, Cassp...I'm using a 3k for now...I will soon sell it and get another S900.

If you play using the arranger like Mickey (and me) and several others, having a backup is necessary...if you mostly used SMF or MP3 it wouldn't be as critical...a laptop and just about any keyboard will get you by in an emergency.

Plus, you can have a keyboard set up at home or in the studio.

Ian

Yes, a backup is the way to go, especially gigging 40+ monthly.

That's the setup I want (Mikey), but I have to rid one 900 first. Jumping up to the T2 might be a bit expensive though and the 900 surely does the job - have to think it out.

zuki

Zuki,

The T2 was very nice, but it was a pain to move around...you'll need a good case....AND you still have 61 keys like the S900.

I took a T2 around with me for several months for many store demos and it was not as easy to deal with as the S900, although it wouldn't seem that way as it is not that much heavier or bigger...just more awkward.

I just put the S900 in a gig bag since I'm the only one moving it.

I'll stick with my S900...I'm quite happy with it's performance.

Ian

Ian,

I had a T1 for a week way back before I was gigging and I know it was more difficult to transport.

I'd like to stay with (2) 900s, but I'd like a hard drive, unless I find a way to manage files better.

I have an email into Gary for help.

Off to a gig now.......

Zuki, USB sticks now come in sizes up to 32 gig in size. Do you really need a board with a hard drive when 8, 16 or even a 32 gig stick could do the trick?

I'm using the 8 gig Corsair stick ( link below) I don't see myself running out of space too soon. BTW you can buy less expensive sticks, but the Corsair is rubberized and is very durable.

Corsair



[This message has been edited by Stephenm52 (edited 01-21-2008).]

I am not sure why a T2 would need a good case and an S900 doesn't... You break one, you need a new S900. At $1600 roughly each. So you only have to break ONE S900, and you might as well have got a T2 in the first place!

The need for a backup drops dramatically if you a) get a good case, and b) get a better built, less toy-like keyboard in the first place...

Buttons, sliders, knobs, keybed, all need to work flawlessly if the arranger is of any use to a gigging pro. All of these have had anecdotal problems on PSR's (and considerably less on T2's) in situations where they are gigged a LOT. The insistence by those that use them for a backup is telling... You are essentially saying to gig an S900, you need TWO. So they don't cost $1600, they cost $3200. To be usable, that is.

Or you could just get a decent case, and be careful...

Zuki, a 1-2 gig flashdrive will hold a lot (I use a 1 gig)...no need a of a HD unless you are storing a lot of audio files and/or samples,

I'm sure Gary will help you considerably about managing files.

Having the backup is a good insurance...and, although I never needed my spare 3k during the time I was using PSR-3000s, it was comforting to know it was there.

One breakdown can be a disaster, and they can all fail, no matter what brand, no matter how careful you are...it can happen, especially with a very heavy gigging schedule like yours.

It would be like taking a trip in your car without a spare tire....foolhardy, to say the least.

I hope you can get the filing management down and continue to take advantage of the S-900's lighter weight and better portability.

Ian

Not quite the analogy I was trying to make, Ian. In truth, MOST of us drive our arrangers without a spare.

I would say it's more like, buy four cheap tires, you've GOT to have a spare. Buy a pricier set of 'run-flat' tires, and you can get away without one...

Diki,

If you prefer to work without a backup, that's fine buddy...kinda like tightrope walking without the net.

Kinda reminds me of the ad:

Parachute for sale. Used only once. Small stain.

Ian

Diki,

Going out on a job without a backup is akin to playing Russian Roulette with a fully loaded gun--it ain't real smart.

Zuki,

If you are thinking about using a PSR-S900 for a primary machine, and your old PSR-3000 as a backup, you can transfer all the registrations using Michael bedesem's Regfix program, which has recently been updated to accomodate the S900. Michael should be applauded for all his incredible work and tireless efforts to keep his FREE programs up to date. You can find it Here

Good Luck,

Gary

[This message has been edited by travlin'easy (edited 01-21-2008).]

[This message has been edited by travlin'easy (edited 01-21-2008).]

Gary, hello...I have (2) 900s. I am interested in learning more about the internal filing system. I sent you an email.

zuki

When I had considered the S900, I noticed the size is a bit bigger than the 3000, not really that much smaller than the Tyros 2, which meant I couldn't use the case I used on the 2000 and 3000 and would have to use the case I use for the Tyros 2. So, the idea of it being any easier to move around and fit into a car isn't really true.

I haven't yet played the S900 yet, I bet it's a killer. But, I know how much I would miss the 3-layered voices and touch sensitivity. Once you're hooked on that, it's really tough to go back. I'm thinking the organ sounds will be different between the 2 also, it was very noticable between the 3000 and Tyros 1, so I'm just guessing on this. It depends what is important to each player.

Scott

zuki

I see you're interested in a filing system. The article I wrote on this link is the fastest way to get from one song to another. When the ending to one song finishes, I can already have selected the next song and start it immediately after the preceding song.

With this system it allows me to change quickly on the fly according to the crowd that's there responding to you.
http://www.psrtutorial.com/Resources/Articles/organize.html

Very interesting Scott - 900 vs T2:

1. 3 layer voices would be awesome
2. Better organs would be great
3. Improved keybed
4. Optional hard drive
5. About the same weight
6. Since I use text (until I finally memorize the words), I'd like the popup
7. Hopefully a deeper piano
8. And much more probably?

hmmm...maybe I'll sell both 900s for a T2

Thanks Scott. I'll read it again when I'm not so tired Lots of info there. I'd really like a hard drive and am really contemplating a T2.

zuki

Buying a S900 for a back up when you have a Tyros 2 is a good idea. But comparing a S900 to the Tyros 2 is not a great idea. I have both sitting side by side playing the same midi file or a style or live playing. The Tyros 2 has a much richer tone – I say it has class –
The Tyros2 is the one I sold my friend and the S900 belongs to me.

A N D I just love my S900, it does almost everything the Ty2 does – except it’s much cheaper -- but it’s still no Tyros 2.

John C.

Zuki, the T2 isn't any easier to transport than the T1...I know, I hauled one around for six months...no comparison to the S900 IMO.

The organs in the S900, IMO, sound the same as the Tyros2, with the exception of the SA organs in the latter which the former does not have.

The S900's SA voices, also in my opinion, sound the same as Tyros2...there are not as many, and they lack the T2's aftertouch, but, if I remember correctly, my sources at Yamaha said they were the same samples.

The Tyros2 has a better piano (a bit more full) than the S900, but the E.Pianos seem to be the same.

Of course, you're already aware of the T2's FSX keyboard, which is more weighted than the S900's, and has aftertouch...best feeling arranger keyboard around.

Since the T3 is just around the corner(well, not quite...but soon) the Tyros2 will be less expensive when the former is released.

There should also be a few second hand T2s available.

Just trying to be helpful...good luck with whatever way you choose.

Ian

[This message has been edited by ianmcnll (edited 01-21-2008).]

Hi John

That is one of the best and most sensible explanations I have seen on this subject. To me this is most important to the people considering purchasing keyboards, many of them lurkers. They trust and value our judgement. I have always been very concerned of the one's that go over and over that the 3000 is identical to the Tyros 1 and the S900 is the same as the Tyros 2. This is sending out the wrong message to those looking for the instrument that is best for them.

It all depends on the individuals needs, and while it's best if one can try one out first, in some cases that's not possible. That is why our responses on this subject are so important.

My 2 cents worth

Hi Ian

I hope to try out an S900 soon. Until then, I am wondering about the drawbar organs. I remember the difference between the Tyros and PSR and it was a big difference for someone who likes to use those kind of sounds. Am wondering what the case is between the T2 and 900 in your opinion.

Otherwise, for the rest, I'll have to see for myself what the voices with the same names sound like compared to each other.

Weren't the same voices used on the 3000 and the Tyros 1 supposed to be the same samples too? But yet they sounded different. I compared this with other people and they agreed on this difference. Make's you wonder how much difference is between peoples hearing ability and other factors really. A very subjective subject

zuki,

Still havn't recieved an Email from you yet. Try sending it to keyboard@bcpl.net

Gary

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Travlin' Easy

Scott, depending on how seriously you want those drawbaar sounds, you may want to consider a Roland VK8m or a Hammond XM2. IMHO these are the best two non-keyboard clones. You could easily midi it your keyboard and bring it in and out as desired with the volume knob or an expression pedal. FWIW

I loved the trumpet sound on my Kn7000. I hated it on the Psr3000 and the Tyros1. The Tyros 2 came with great trumpets. I understood, and it is hearsay, that some of the Technics tech went over to Yamaha.

My ratings (Personal opinion)

Psr 3000 excellent keyboard.

Tyros 1 better, but not earth shattering.

Tyros 2 much improved and back to excellent.

S900 is like my Taylor C314 guitar – it’s sweet – nice to play – nice tone. But ain’t as good as the C714 at almost twice the price.

John C.

Hi Scott,
Well, my friend, I can only say, that except for the main piano sound, the Tyros2 and S900 sounded very much the same to me, when played through my sound system.

The drawbar organs SEEM to be same, at least to my ears, although the organs for both the T2 and S900 don't sound much like a real Hammond to me.

The SA sounds appear to be identical (minus the aftertouch)and, in my opinion, are the most useful ones from the Tyros2...they are excellent.

Hammond's XK1 and XK3c, which I tried last week, are the closest to the true Hammond sound...they smoke the other clonewheels by Korg, and Roland, but carrying another instrument(or module for that matter), is a hassle...if I was going to carry anything else, it would be an 88 note hammer action digital piano...but I haven't found one under 30 lbs that I like.

I am more than pleased with the sound, reliability and overall performance of the S900.

Ian

Thanx everybody for your detailed answers and tips. I look forward to testing out the s900. Someday, I'd also like to test out the NI B4 II.

I don't need no stinkin' backup. Arrangers are just computers with keys, and everybody knows computers never break dow

I hope you're

I didn't know the gun was loaded, and I'm so sorry my friend.
I knew there was a country song there somewhere.

Cheers,

Gary



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Travlin' Easy

I had the crowd in the palm of my hand.
They were diggin' every word I said.
Then the lights went out and when they came back on,
My poor PSR was dead.
{chorus):
Oh, the men all laughed and the ladies wept,
And my stomach began to act up.
All because I didn't listen to Gary,
and have another board for BACKUP.
All together now, "YEAH!"
DonM

THANKS GARY -

Who needs a hard drive??? The USB file system save works effortlessly - awesome.

zuki

hey everyone,

I didn't mean to turn this into such a big drawn out post.

I hope i didnt cause any hurt feelings about who should have a backup, and what the right thing to do is...yadda, yadda..etc

my number 1 reason for having the backup is I'm playing outdoors on a simulated beach at a resort in the cape cod air. Between the sand blowing around and the salt in the air. It's impossible to keep crap from getting in the keys. I tried blowing it out all summer with canned air but i could never get it completely. The keys would get stuck in the pressed position sometimes and not come back up

The 3 service centers in my area wanted the keyboard at least 7-10 days to clean. I was working 6nights a week there and leaving it that long wasnt an option.

My choice for the tyros 2 was #1 the keybed. It has a different method for for making contact. My hope was a little longer playing time inbetween cleanings. It has dramatically improved that. By having a quick backup, the arranger music would never stop during service times. I was forced in playing the same show with my acoustic guitar. Doesn't have the same overall effect.
I will use a laptop also in the future to have option 3 in place by recording smf's, and backing tracks.

I have to give props again to all those who have helped me on here. You guys are amazing!
There are so many of you that have helped me along the way. I must say Gary Diamond, Michael Bedesem, and Scott Langholff have helped me out of some of the biggest messes I've ever managed to get myself into. Thank You Guys.
Your help is priceless!!!!!

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God Bless,
Mikey

www.mikeymaestro.com
www.balloonanimal.com
www.1000colorcards.com

Mikey , for a gig like that..why not use a Zune or Ipod...There is no reason to subject your electronic equipment to those elements...it is abuse..

And the alternative would work fine..

Fran I have considered that option. As far as being functional it sure would be.

However, the resort is hiring me as a full blown 1 man band and Mc/entertainer. They are paying me lots of money to do it. The money spent for equipment cost and upkeep is accounted for when I'm quoting them fees for the contract.

To go the Mp3 route would get the same job done to a point. But the perception of having a full blown entertainer/musician gives my job way more value.

So I am prepared to replace equipment as needed without worry. But if I can save a few bucks here and there... A bonus

They can't tell the difference between a s900 and a T2


Just wanted to give reasons for not going the ipod route


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God Bless,
Mikey

www.mikeymaestro.com
www.balloonanimal.com
www.1000colorcards.com

"I hope i didnt cause any hurt feelings about who should have a backup, and what the right thing to do is...yadda, yadda..etc"

Mikey, no hurt feelings on THIS forum! If I were in your situation I would have at least two backups in place. In fact I no longer keep an extra arranger, but I have access to several if I have an hour or so. I do have the laptop loaded with stuff for an on-the-job emergency.
For those of us that try to make a living playing music, these instruments are our tools, and not the place to cut corners!
DonM

I found the lowest price on the S900!

$1316.00 Shipped to Massachusetts
www.fullcompass.com

full compass music
Middleton, WI

If anyone spots it cheaper anywhere else give me a shout

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God Bless,
Mikey

www.mikeymaestro.com
www.balloonanimal.com
www.1000colorcards.com

Price is important, but not the ONLY thing. I like to deal with somebody I know will back up the sale with service and technical help.
I still recommend George Kaye. Wouldn't hurt to call him.
DonM