Does it seem that the S30 cannot produce as the same dynamic range from pianissimo to fortissimo as the S80. The S80 just seems to have more expressive ability with the piano sound. I have tried both side-by-side and even adjusted the key-velocity on the S30.

Does the S30 have weighted keys? If not, then that would be my guess why. Without weighted keys it is kind of hard to play notes softly, there is little resistance to slow down the key press.

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John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Yes the s30 has non-weighted keys vs the weighted in the s80. Trying to compare that makes no sense, any synth that comes in these two flavors will have this difference. I always run the piano sounds from all my synths thru my 88 weighted action kybd because of that.

OK, I know that un-weighted keyboards will not have the same resistance, but there seem to be better un-weighted keyboards on the market. I have tried the Roland XP-80 and although it has a very light touch, it allows a full range of piano dynamics. Try the Roland XP-80 and Yamaha S30 side-by-side, you will see a lot of difference.

The Roland XP's are considered "Semi-weighted" in between non-weighted synth keys and full fledged piano keys..... I don't know if the S30 has this on it. It may just be a worse synth overall but I feel that it is the keys..... It all comes down to whether you like the feel or not, if you don't like the feel of the S30's keys don't buy it (or is it too late?) it will probably drive you nuts.

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John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.