https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2GD3WY25vs

Just from this video I can see a huge jump from the S950.

- Wider better quality screen and interface re done
- Assignable knobs
- Arperggiator on the right hand
- HD Reverb (Improves overall sound clarity and less white noise)
- Graphical layout for the Real distortion effects like the Tyros 5
- Master compressor (first time ever in PSR line)
- Updated boys/girls Choir voice from the Tyros 4/5 - long time needed
- 512 MB RAM

Im getting this keyboard for sure, cant wait for it to hit the stores in Oz.

Nick

Nick, as an S-950 player I can assure you that you will really love the S970. From what I have seen thus far, the S-970 is a S950 on steroids. Lots of really neat, new features and new sounds.

All the best,

Gary

Hey Nick!.. When it does hit OZ shores, see if you can get a better deal for 2!!
Hope youre well
Ky

Still no touch screen!
Deane

Many are asking for a touchscreen on Yamaha keyboards. Myself,
if the next Tyros or whatever they call it, lacks a touchscreen
I will change brands. Lloyd

Personally, I REALLY don't need a touch screen on any electronic device I have. What I really find amazing is the same people that bitched and moaned that they needed real sliders, knobs and button switches, are now crying for a touch screen.

During a live performance, the only thing I REALLY want my hands to be doing is playing. I have a couple foot switches for doing some minor tasks, triggering the vocal harmony, and triggering effects for various right hand voices - that's all I REALLY need. That said, I'm NOT in the category that plays MP3s, MIDI files, and DJs - so maybe those guys and gals NEED a touch screen.

BTW: I've had some touch screen navigational devices and they were a real PITA to use while underway. I would think the same rules apply to arranger keyboards during a live performance. Those dedicated buttons and switches seem to hold up very well for live performances, and I really wonder about the durability of the keyboard's touch screen. I've had two touch screen devices fail for me during the past five years, one of which was a GPS plotter that no longer responded to the screen touches while I was 55 miles out in the Atlantic off the coast of Georgia. Fortunately, I always have a backup, including one for navigating the boat.

I'll stick with the buttons, knobs, and pedals!

Gary

Gary, we differ greatly in opinion here. I will most likely never buy another arranger without a touch screen. It is so fast, versatile and easy to use. Very large icons. . . just touch and go! There are still plenty of sliders and buttons!
As far as pedals, I use the dedicated Ketron 6-switch pedal. (There is also a 13-switch pedal.) I assign vocal harmony on/off to #1, text scroll up and down to 2 and 3, sustain to 4 and 5 (I have very big feet with no feeling in them and don't want to have to look at the switches, and break/fill to 6.
On some songs when I need different things I use different pedal settings. Bank of settings can be stored in Registration, so you can have several available for your own needs. You can assign each variation change/start/stop/fill, reg up and down, PDF scroll, Bassist settings, effects changes, voice up or down. . . just about any function that the keyboard has available.
I don't have to carry an extra sustain and assignable pedal with me now, although I have them if needed. I haven't used a volume pedal in a long time, but there is a place for that too.
There are dozens of functions that are assignable to the foot switch. I'll bet even you could find a use for some of them.
If I want I can have the 6 switch plus dedicated volume, sustain or assignable fs!

When I bought my korg pa600 I was very worried about having a touch screen again because I hated it on my Roland va5 from years ago. They also told me it's menu is complex. However after using it I can see that the touch screen technology has evolved to a point now where I can do things faster than say on a psrs950 . I understand now why a lot of more people prefer touchscreen now compared to 10 years ago

2 must for me..a great key pad and a touch screen..