First and foremost, (in my hunt for an amplifier)I would like to thank everyone for thier fabulous replies in the past, and for this great forum. I have learned more here than anywhere else.
Second, I would like to state that my search for the best digital piano (for me and my budget, anyway) is still on the prowl. It has taken longer than I had previously expected, but my finances are finally in the clear and I'm ready to make the sacrifises in which I must.
The following question may complicate matters for my situation but, I must ask.
Has anyone had any experiance (owned/play-tested)with the Yamaha S08. I personally have not even seen one in any of the shops I have visited. If anyone has an opinion on this keyboard as to its feel (light, heavy, similarity to the Yamaha p80), or sound as compared to an acoustic, it would be very much appreciated.
Just to let you know, the current models I have my eye on are:
Roland RD-150
Roland FP3
Yamaha P80
Yamaha P120

My primary interest is the sound and feel when compared to an acoustic piano (although, I would like some opinions on the features on the S08, primarily the horde of different sounds (aka: quality of sound), as I will be hooking whatever I buy, up to my computer). Thanks, much.

I have not tried the S08, but it wouldn't hurt to give it a try. It has a lot of sounds. I believe Yamaha is coming out with a P90 in July, which is supposed add more sounds and features to the P80 as well as improve the basic piano sound.

Ryan

Hi Zymtil,

I tried the S08 for about three seconds and walked away. The action is simply too light. Per Yamaha, it is specifically designed for quickness, such as when playing the drum sounds. I was also disappointed with the RD-150, which has a similarly light action (it is NOT the same as the FP-3 action).

If you have some good speakers already, you probably won't need the FP5 (my baby) or P120, which have built-in speakers. I'd say go for the P80 or FP3. Between the two, it is a matter of taste and financial considerations, as the Roland is generally $300 more.

I chose the Roland because I liked the lighter touch, warmer piano sound and extra voices - well worth the additional cash. Some prefer a firmer touch, a crisper piano sound and couldn't care less about extra voices, in which case the P80 is the clear choice and the $300 can go toward, say, ice cream. :p Good luck!

I don't mind the action of the S08 (which is the same as the S90, which I took home yesterday). I did have a chance to play an S08 this weekend, and it isn't a bad keyboard.

The only difference between the actions of the S08 and P series digital pianos (at least that I know of) is that in the P series the hammers are heavier in the bass than the treble - the weight gradually descreases as you move up the keyboard. In the S series synths the weight is the same for all keys.

Just a thought, if I were looking in the price range of an S08, I would probably try to find a used or NOS S80 instead. I think the S80 has better sounds overall and is expandable - it can take two of the Yamaha plg boards. For a person who isn't so much interested in synthesis and mostly wants good pianos and MIDI tone generation, the piano and general midi boards look pretty interesting.

Ryan

You really thought they were the same? No way. You definitely bought the right keyboard. And worse yet, the grand piano patch in the S08 is absolutely horrid, horrid, painfully awful. The S90s piano is quite comparable to the P120, which I like just fine.

In fact, the sounds in the S08 are altogether unsatisfactory, and the action is pathetic. Save up for S90 or RD-700! (Ryan, I covet your S90!)

-Lorenzo

I have tried the S08 and the S90. They are both ok. Feel kind of light and springy. Not real solid. If you really want a good feeling try the Kawai ES1 or the Kawai MP9500. The 9500 is amazing! Good luck.
bc

According to the specs they are the same action.

Ryan

Lorenzo, I like my S90 a LOT. I've had it for a week now and am having a lot of fun putting it through its paces. The UI is not as powerful or user friendly as the Korg Tritons, but I think the waveROMs are the best sounding and most useful of any synth that I've played in this price range. I will be adding in the AN and DX expansion boards next week and am looking forward to having a HUGE palette of sounds.

BC,

Neither the S90 or S08 is designed to mimic the feel of a piano action exactly. They are still synths, after all. They strike a balance between having a weighted and responsive feel but still being light enough to use fast synth and organ techniques.

Ryan