Good and compact conclusion from Diki: “… But how are they going to get you to sell your T4 and buy a T5 (and then the T6, T7... T1000) if they do?”
My goal for this thread was …
1. To inform many keyboard buyers that SA/SA2 voices in styles (T4) is a significant step forward. That alone will make a T4 “more” “future proof”. With also the new vocal voices and that capability (of articulation in styles) the musical limits are now up to you, the player. On T2 and T3 that capability is “locked” and therefore not as much “future proof”. A keyboard should newer restrict or limit a player. Now I also see that the added musical palette (vocal voices) on T4 is making the palette of voices whole and complete. Vocal voices are now here to stay. That´s also “future proof”. Now the music is only limited by you, the player and not by a stupid software lock …
2. Each and every player has to be informed and aware to make good decisions. For me I took a chance 2008 to skip T3 (because I first wanted to be informed about the approaching release of Ketron Audya). One month ago my plan was to go for an Audya5 when info came about the “early” release of T4. So, to get “the most of two worlds”, should one go for a T4 now and one of the Audya´s later? Or perhaps an Audya now and a T5/T6 later? Personally, it´s very likely it´s going to be a T4 this year and skipping T5. The Tyros line with the T4 has now reached a good enough level of saturated musical potential or in other words more “future proof”. What could a future T5 have to make you depart from a T4? Now is the time to concentrate on developing playing skills instead of exchanging (costly) hardware every second or third year.
3. As for the question about SA/SA2 in multipads it would sure be nice but not as important as it is for styles
. My point is that to inspire many to forward feedback to Yamaha that we don´t like stupid restricting software locks. Let the power free of the keyboards hardware and software. Let instead the player be the limiting factor. It should cost Yamaha next to nothing to make away with the lock. Better for everyone in the broad longer perspective but perhaps not as good for the profit in the shorter perspective. Keyboard makers care about goodwill, so let us take our “pitch forks”
and collectively forward the message to Yamaha and other keyboard makers to hopefully help and inspire them to make better decisions. (“Do to others what you want them to do to you”. If I had the power to make decisions for the Yamaha Keyboard group I would have implemented the policy of never restricting actual existing hardware by unnecessary software locks …)
4. Many businesses nowadays release software updates in the form of free bug fixes and optional upgrades. I think Yamaha could do better in that department. I think I´ll stay positive in my expectation that Yamaha in some time will release optional software updates that unlock the SA/SA2 voices for multitabs on T4.
5. Personal view: I think the only missing voice to add to the existing T4 voice palette would be the unique sound of the resonator guitar also called dobro. A SA2 Jerry Douglas Dobro would be great and so useful in many musical genres. Also perfectly suited for multipad phrases. Of course, for multipads upgraded to SA2 (through “YOSUS”, the Yamaha Optional Software Upgrade Service
). See also
http://www.yamahapkowner.com/forum/index.php?topic=26871.0 ------------------
PSR900, Sierra D10 (keyless) Pedal Steel Guitar ...
[This message has been edited by Joysound (edited 09-20-2010).]