I'm sure a few ppl here have received 950's.
Where are the reviews???

Mine arrives on Tuesday. A review will follow - but only after the "shock and owe" wears off and reality sets in.

Deane

Deane,

Mine arrives Tuesday as well, but you have a much better way with words than I, so your review should be a better read.
I love that" Shock and OWE" bit.
Bill G

I don't know of anyone who has one yet. Some are on the way though.
DonM

Mine came at 9am this morning, and after I finished setting up my iPad mini (hee,hee) I sat down to the s950.
Results:
It feels like a psr
it sounds like a Tyros (LOVE the acoustic guitars)
it's built like a toy, but it's LIGHT. (why I got it)
The real audio drums sound good - not a night and day difference, but very clean and "in the groove"
The first 2 jazz styles (audio) work seamlessly with each other to go from simple combo to full big band .... great logical steps.
Haven't tried the mic yet, or any song files.

If you're happy with PSR/Yamaha offerings .... you'll be happy with this one. It's very much a lightweight as far as build quality, but for us old timers who tre at their gear very gingerly .... it will not be an issue.I have all day tomorrow to fiddle with it, so I'll post more later.
For now ... the PA3x might be retired to my studio to do my recording and jam sessions - the Yammy will come out once a month for my club dates until summer hits ... providing there is still work at the Jersey shore for me. As far as I know, my favorite spot (the Crab Trap) is still standing. My fingers are crossed for everyone who makes a lot of their living during that short, summer season each year. I feel so sorry for the people on LBI and Seaside .... it will be a miracle if they work at all this summer.

I posted in another thread two things of interest:
1 - the "auto off" feature is selectable. You can turn it off completely.
2 - the viewing angle can be improved if you change the main picture. (wallpaper/background image)
go to:
function/utility/main picture ... and try the third one down - Light Pillar.

OK - I've had more time with this beast and I'll share what I know so far.

1. I can use this on stage right now. I wasn't sure if I would be comfortable with no add-ons (harmonizer, etc), but I have determined that it's about 80% right ... right outta the box, so I'm giving it a whirl next weekend.

2. The Vocal Harmony2 is a huge improvement over past Yamaha offerings. It's way behind TC, but the cost factor offsets that ... just a bit. If I were still performing full time, I might not be willing to sacrifice quality and comfort, but for my new reduced schedule - it's really way better than I expected.
_a. The vocoder settings have been more humanized, and I like using the vocoderXG setting on my right hand .. as long as the octave shift is set to 1 lower, it compliments my voice pretty well, and lets me alter each tiny nuance of the chords in real time. I like that flexibility. The LH chords function won't follow as closely with certain passing tones. So, if I need a basic, easy harmony during style play - the LH chordal mode is fine, but if I go into Four Freshman mode and need more control, I switch to the vocoder mode, which, incidentally, will still play on the right hand even if the arranger is playing chords triggered from the left. I think that may be new - I don't remember using it like that before. Then again, I didn't like the quality of the vocoder in earlier models, so maby that's why I never gave it more than a quick trial. This one is not bad. Not amazing ... but certainly usable.
_b. As always, Yamaha has great effects and easy menus to edit and resave things, so it's a breeze to customize it to my needs.
_c. Don't get discouraged if the vocoder sounds weird - it's very particular to the RANGE of notes played. I tend to chord in the same 2 octaves alot, so I have a favorable note range for my voice - if you are into monster arpeggios and runs ... you need to shut off the harmony during that style of play.You could, of course, set the vocoder to follow your LEFT hand, and then you'd have the flexibility to voice exactly the chord you want to hear...if you can play like that. I can't - I have a simple workhorse for a left hand - basic chords and life-like bass lines.

3. The acoustic guitars are really a pleasure to play. I didn't expect to like them this much, but the playability is just wonderful.

4. The case shape/size is just a touch on the deep side, but it's still better than having to push my keyboard back another SIX inches for the sound bar. It sits well on my regular stand, and makes a nice impression.

5. BLACK. (what else do I have to say?)

6. Bang for the buck? I'd have to give it 2 thumbs up. For the market it's aimed at - it satisfies. Will it replace my PA3x? Nope - at least not for important control and recording settings. The Korg will now reside at home in the studio atop my cherished "Kentucky Rhodes" (the title of my next CD, for sure! Thanx again, Russ!)

7. The ability to turn off drum trax in a sequence and replace it with a pattern is interesting .... and useful sometimes. They took it one step further and gave 3 on/off buttons for drums, bass and chords of the smf playing, so you can "thin out" a sequence to give it a more intimate feeling. Nice feature.

8. Next to the 3x - what do I miss?
_a. chord sequencer (to be fair, we've done without it for a long time now, so it's not a deal breaker, but I DO miss it already)
_b. live sliders and drawbars ... better suited for studio work, as my left hand is always too busy to really benefit from these tools
_c. solid build quality - sexy design
_d. KEY FEEL (it's still a psr ... sigh)
_e. real time buttons for mic and harmony controls - the Korg shines here
_f. real time buttons for changing chord mode, quick mute of all arranger trax, and figured bass

9. Do all the above compromises justify a $2000 savings? Hmmm ..... I'll need more time to address that. I like pro gear, and I suppose the T4 is more of a direct comparison to the 3x, so I am not going to slam the board because of what it ISN'T. What it IS - is a fantastic sounding, lightweight workhorse with almost everything most performers will need to execute a show with some nice touches. I haven't tried the aux in with my iPad or guitar yet, so that review is still to come. Thanx for listening - hope you all enjoy yours as much as I hope to enjoy mine!

Nice S950 review as always Dave...time will tell if you keep it
Anyway after reading I like #5..

thanks for the review

Dave, you do remember that there are fingering tricks to mute style parts, at least in fingered mode. For example you can hit any three adjacent notes below the lh split and everything mutes except the drums.
Most of the drawbacks that bother you don't affect me. I actually prefer the ultralight (read flimsy if you want) keys.
Just easier on my aging wrists and fingers.
I think I would miss most of all the facility for so many foot controls, using the 6-button Korg controller and still have dedicated volume and damper pedals. . . and that wonderful Songbook.
I have also come to appreciate the individual fill buttons on Pa3X.
I WON'T miss the abrupt endings on many of the new Korg styles.
DonM