I finally got to play a 76 key Tyros5 yesterday at Guitar Center. I fiddled around with it for a good two hours and I have to admit I was generally impressed with the sounds and styles. The audio styles add a new dimension to the sound quality which is rather interesting when you consider that the PSR-s950 audio styles don't really add much to the overall sound. Apparently Yamaha has improved the concept which is a bonus to anyone thinking about getting a Tyros5. The key feel is the same as the Tyros4 and quite acceptable for an arranger keyboard in my opinion. The layout is also quite nice but I wish the physical draw-bars had the traditional draw-bar look which would be more of an incentive to utilize them if you ask me. The power button is on the back which is an inconvenience because of its location. Yamaha also needs to get on the bandwagon with a touchscreen interface on its next generation of keyboards. Touchscreens make sense because they eliminate some of the hassle of navigating the various menus. But I digress.

After messing around with the Tyros5 for a good two hours I can readily admit I barely scratched the surface. If you live in Europe the organs will likely thrill you. But if you live in the U.S. you will likely be saddened by the mediocre B3 organ sounds. For whatever reason Yammie seems unable to replicate a decent B3 organ sound and I'm not sure why that is. Korg and Roland are both head and shoulders above Yamaha in that regard. Yamaha should invest a little R&D in that department (hire someone from Hammond Suzuki if need be) because in the end they would more than make up for it in overall sales down the road. Musicians want authenticity as much as possible and that also includes B3 organ sounds. The acoustic pianos are pretty good but the Concert Grand might be a little dark for some people's taste. Drum kits have also been improved which is a bonus.

The Tyros5 is a worthy effort by the folks at Yamaha and some of the sounds are simply breathtaking. The Lush Strings is one such example. I really like the Choir section too by the way. There are also some actual human voices added to the mix which is nice to see. The acoustic guitars are for the most part excellent and so are the electric guitars. Brass has been improved somewhat and there are even some nice electric pianos. Although if a person is going to fork over $6,000 they would expect excellence in every way possible I would think. But the Tyros 5 has a few drawbacks that people need to consider. One is the price for what you are getting quite frankly. My personal opinion is the Tyros5 is probably worth $3,000 before taxes. At twice that amount Yamaha is making a killing needless to say. The B3 organs are still kind of cheesy and here we are in 2014 already. No real sampler either and there is still no micro editing capability. Sadly, I expect some Tyros5 owners will experience the infamous note drop off scenario because of the limited amount of polyphony. Some Tyros4 owners had also complained of note drop off and sadly Yammie refused to address the issue on the Tyros5. 128 note polyphony is no longer sufficient especially if you compose complex arrangements. I've spoken about this many times before as you already know. Multi-layered voices, Left, Right 1/2/3, multi-pads, Style auto-accompaniment and let's not forget the polyphony draining sustain pedal that, when combined together, could potentially bring a keyboard to its knees in surrender. Just like what happened on the Tyros4. 256 note polyphony would give the up and coming Tyros"6" some much needed 'breathing room' but only time will tell if Yammie finally addresses the issue. If history is any indicator then don't hold your breath. Although kudos to Yamaha for finally reversing their decision on a 76 key high-end arranger. And the 76 key Tyros5 seems to be even more popular than the 61 key version. Go figure.

All the best, Mike

Anybody that pays asking price for a Tyros 5, or any keyboard, is getting a raw deal. Call Frank. Price is WAY closer to your target price.

Ditto!

The thing about your review that really blew me away is that you actually found a T5 in a Guitar Center and it was available as a display model. Where in the world is that Guitar Center??????

If you pay $6,000.00 for a Tyros 5 you better give Frank @audioworks.ct.com. You will be pleasantly surprised at
his price. Tel. 203-876-1133

+1

"Yamaha also needs to get on the bandwagon with a touchscreen interface on its next generation of keyboards. Touchscreens make sense because they eliminate some of the hassle of navigating the various menus."

I want to put this out there once again. Yes Touch Screens may be great for those who can see to navigate and touch the items they want but for those whom can't see it's a night mare. Right now the Tyros and PSR line are the most accessible arrangers on the market with Ketron a close second. Roland didn't put a Touch Screen on their newest MOTL line of arrangers - the BK series but with the addition of an iPad one can use it's touch screen to select Performances and make edits. A note that the Roland iPad apps do seem to work with IOS VoiceOver for those whom can't see - my demoing the app without an actual BK9 to test - at least I can get around the app...A Gold Star to Roland for this!!

If Yamaha decides to go to a Touch Screen and take away it's most direct access to their MOTL and TOTL boards for the blind, they better create an app for the iPad which will work with VoiceOver. This goes for any of their boards. The layouts of each board, including the PSRs, Motifs, S-whatever's, etc all have an easy layout to go through and know where you are.

Another feature everyone forgets about is the Direct Button where you press the Direct Button and hit one of the other buttons and you can go directly to that screen without navigating all those menus.

I Also recommend you speak with Frank from AudioWorksCT. His prices on a brand new one can't be beat. I was ready to purchase a 76 key last week but because of some uncertain matters at home the money I got from my Audya sale has to be held until we see what the damage is for some Dental work for my wife...disappointing but my wife comes first.

If Yamaha added a touch screen and kept the buttons (There is no reason why the buttons need to be removed) everybody would be happy. (Why add an extra piece of expensive equipment (iPad) when there is no need)

Bill

I think we should stop thinking OLD SCHOOL technology and concentrate on what Yamaha can do to vastly improve there keyboards without all these "baby" steps every few years and design some really amazing features built in to their arranger line. After all the technology is out there for the taking.....
it's moving so fast I hope Yamaha catches up soon.

I don't think I could handle any more upgrades or improvements than have already been made. The S950 REALLY sounds great, easy to navigate, easy to operate, lightweight, all the bells and whistles any onstage performer could envision. What MORE do you REALLY need to improve your act? The S-950 is light years ahead of the 3000, and I couldn't imagine having all the features of a T5 at my fingertips.

Guess I must be really old in my ways, but I don't believe anything that comes along in the next couple years is going to make ME a better entertainer.

Donny, I suggest sitting down and composing a letter to Yamaha. They usually respond to letters, and more often than not, they tend to respond positively. Your letter should be concise, very specific, not demanding, and no more than a single page if possible. I can assure you that Yamaha, as huge as this company is, does monitor this and other forums, though they are not often very vocal, and they do listen to our concerns and usually make great efforts to fulfill out wishes. The list of upgrades users have asked for over the past decade are quite numerous and Yamaha, for the most part, has provided those upgrades and more.

When you get around to composing that letter, we, as Yamaha users, would also like to see exactly what you are asking Yamaha to do for you in particular. Some of this may apply to us as well, and could very well impact consumers throughout the world.

Good Luck,

Gary