1- different color then the S950 which is Black and has a rougher surface feel...the S970 is more of a smooth surface deep charcoal grey color........

2- The larger display screen is wonderful and makes such a difference, clear, crisp, bright text reading now..

3- Adjustable knobs are really useful I Like to use them to adjust Vocal levels while singing and playing a nice added feature for sure besides all the other things on the menu to control with them..

4- Some sound buttons are in different places vs S950 Eg: Organs etc,.... no biggie to get used to.

5- overall sound is crisper and brighter I haven't changed anything with EQ as of yet...have to play thru my PA later today and make adjustments as I go.

6- so far the Mic processor is pretty good, VH2 seems to be improved regarding tracking.....again will have to test it further in real time thru my PA system.

to be continued........

Donny
I will be looking forward to your ongoing analysis as mine will be in Thursday. I am glad your first impression is favorable.

From what I saw and heard, the S970 is sure to be winner, popular and great value for the buck. Enjoy the new sounds and features.

There are perhaps some S970 hints of what make it's way into the next TOTL Yamaha arranger. Always fun and productive to discover new quality voices reworked into previous styles and to upgrade your own favourite styles and previous midi song files with new voices and DSP effects.

Marcus

I will also add that to set it up quickly I just put in my USB stick with all my previous S950 settings, registrations, user styles, and they worked perfectly with no problems,....I had to re-link a few songs to the lyrics text files & re-save the banks but most were there ready to go.
If your a singer using the assignable control knobs is critical to be able to adjust Voc volume tab #8 menu to balance against the music vol.
More to come as I dig in to the OS but for now its ready for stage.

From my very, very limited playing time with the S-970, it appeared to be one of the only plug and play arranger keyboards on the market today. If I were not semi-retired, I would seriously consider putting my S-950 up for sale and grabbing an S-970. It appears to be the perfect vehicle for an OMB entertainer, and the stay at home player alike.

All the best,

Gary

I think you DESERVE one for Christmas Gary.
No wait you don't believe in Christmas!
"never mind" - Rosanne Rosannadanna

Yea Gary you need a S970!!

I'll talk to Santa when she get home.

Gary

Congrats on your S970. First PSR keyboard I've used in place of my Tyros 4 at gigs and was OK with it.

I really think the S970 is a winner.

Between the many compressor setting and all the efx/eq perimeters you could really screw up the overall sound of the KB if you don't know what your doing,...so be careful and thread lightly when adjusting these things,...basically for now I'm using standard settings and will adjust accordingly when on stage in real time...I'm still exploring but it takes time & that I don't have at the moment.
But overall I'm happy so far,........to be continued...........