Friends,
My time today with two of the nicest gentleman from both Yamaha US and Yamaha UK/Japan was very productive. One was a marketing manager from the USA and the other a Product Manager formally from the UK and now working closely with Yamaha Japan. His position with Yamaha is in developing both how the keyboard functions and what content is in the keyboards. Not only did we discuss what features I thought were necessary in future models but I also gave him notes of the things all of you have suggested.
We spent a lot of time discussing the possibility of using touch screen technology, the need for improvements in pretty much every area mentioned here. Everything will be taken into consideration I assure you.
I still don't think Yamaha will in the near future come out with a 76 key model. The last pro arranger was the 9000pro and this keyboard didn't sell very well.
We talked about how Yamaha's operating system really hasn't had a big overhaul in many years and that it was in need of some changing.
A module was also discussed and I explained the need for guitar players, accordion players and digital piano/midi controller users to have an arranger module.
I left our meeting knowing that my friends from Yamaha are listening to us and I'm hopeful we will see some changes in the future.
I've had these meeting before with many of the Japanese Engineers but getting to talk with someone who has an input on design, content and operating systems gives me new hopes that some of this stuff can be implemented in the future.
PS Fran.........I even brought up the Chord Sequencer from the old Roland G1000/EM2000 keyboard. I think he liked the idea!



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George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene
Reseda, California
818-881-5566
www.kayesmusicscene.com

Thanks George. You are a true asset to the music industry and a benefactor those of us who frequent the zone.

Gary

Thank you George, for at least bringing the subject up with them. Hopefully one day we may see one.

I think one of the excuses maybe for not having a module is the cost, the fact they they would have to be nearly as expensive as a keyboard version. I for one , don't want a module because I expect it to be cheaper, I want it for the convenience.
I used to luv having my 3 modules midied to my Disklavier piano.

best wishes
Rikki

[QUOTE]Originally posted by George Kaye:
[B]
A module was also discussed and I explained the need for guitar players, accordion players and digital piano/midi controller users to have an arranger module.


[This message has been edited by rikkisbears (edited 08-18-2010).]

Did you perhaps point out to them that the 9000pro failed for many reasons to do with OS, processor, bugs and the like, and NOT because it was a 76? I seem to remember that the 61 note PSR9000 wasn't a big hit EITHER...

But they didn't stop making 61's...

when I brought up modules I made it a point to explain that the need for a dedicated midi controller was not really important to most of the customers who would buy a module from me. In my store, it is more the person with a digital piano who usually comes in and I can sell a module to. I also explained to Yamaha that as I am sure they are aware, there are so few modules to choose from today and that adding one to their line would be a real advantage for them.
I also keep telling them that a 76 key model with the engine of the PSR910 that could sell in the $2,000.00 range would surely attract a lot of customers.
You might also like to know that the German market is the single largest buyer of arranger keyboards in the world and what the German player wants in a keyboard often influences what the manufactures come out with.


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George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene
Reseda, California
818-881-5566
www.kayesmusicscene.com

I know the meeting wasn't about sounds and styles, but did they clue you in to whether we will see any changes with the Tyros drums? The T3 was an improvement but not good enough.

Of course the conversation covered the drum topic which I have had many times with Yamaha representatives and all I can say is that the two I spoke with yesterday know all of our thoughts regarding drums. We will have to wait to see!

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George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene
Reseda, California
818-881-5566
www.kayesmusicscene.com

If only they had a decent rim shot, I would almost live with the rest of the drums.
I hope you discussed the vocal harmonizer as well.
Thanks for all you do,
DonM

Welcome back Diki you were truly missed!

Welcome back Diki.