Yamaha Motif ES8

$655.00 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (5)

1 Critic Review

2 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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Page last updated Jun 29, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 29, 2026.

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4.0 (8)

$655.00 9 available Used

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Average Price: $655

Standard/Professional

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Yamaha Motif ES8 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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High-end

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Description

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Dive into the heart of music creation with the Yamaha Motif ES8, a synthesis powerhouse that marries the legacy of Yamaha's Motif series with cutting-edge technology. This instrument isn't just a synthesizer; it's an 88-key workstation that embodies versatility and innovation. Whether you're laying down tracks in the studio or performing live, the Motif ES8 stands ready with its vast sound library, dynamic sequencer, and robust sampler. It's not just about the sounds you can create, but the stories you can tell.

Key Features:

88-key fully weighted, balanced hammer action keyboard for an authentic piano feel.
Advanced sequencing and arranging capabilities with a 128-voice polyphony for complex performances.
Expansive sound library that covers a wide range of musical genres and styles.
Integrated sampling functionality to capture and manipulate audio on the fly.
Comprehensive connectivity options, including USB and MIDI, for seamless integration with other gear and software.
Versatile effects engine to sculpt and refine your sound to perfection.

Product specs

Brand	Yamaha
Model	Motif ES 8 Production Synthesizer
Finish	Gray
Year	2000s
Made In	Japan
Categories	Keyboard Synths, Workstation Keyboards
Analog / Digital	Digital
Key Size	Full Size
Keyboard Action	Weighted
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through, USB MIDI
Number of Keys	88 Keys
Polyphony	128 Voices

FAQs

What type of keys does the Yamaha Motif ES8 have?: The Yamaha Motif ES8 features 88 full-size, weighted keys, providing a realistic piano feel suitable for both studio and live performances.
Is the Yamaha Motif ES8 synthesizer polyphonic?: Yes, the Yamaha Motif ES8 offers 128-voice polyphony, allowing for complex arrangements and layered sounds without note dropouts.
What are the MIDI connectivity options for the Yamaha Motif ES8?: The Yamaha Motif ES8 includes MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through, and USB MIDI, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of MIDI devices and DAWs.
What makes the Yamaha Motif ES8 suitable for professional use?: The Yamaha Motif ES8 is renowned for its high-quality sound engine, extensive polyphony, and robust build, making it ideal for professional musicians and producers seeking versatility and reliability.
How does the Yamaha Motif ES8 integrate with DAWs?: The Yamaha Motif ES8 can connect to DAWs via USB MIDI, allowing for seamless integration and control within your digital audio workstation environment.

Videos

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phsycopiano

YAMAHA MOTIF ES8 piano sounds

phsycopiano

Is the Yamaha Motif ES still worth it in 2024?? 🧐🤔 #Yamaha #YamahaMotif #GospelMusicians

Andrew Mckain

Yamaha Motif ES 8 VS Roland RD 700|Comparison| Sounds| Blessed Music

Piano Tân Bình- Blessed Music

Saying GOODBYE! 3 reasons I sold My motif Es 8

Kell Bailey

Reviews

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PROS

Key bed provides an exceptional playing experience
Versatile sound palette suitable for all styles of music
High-quality, authentic Yamaha sounds
Durable build, lasting for decades with proper care
Acts as a central piece in a music production workflow

CONS

Heavy and cumbersome to transport (62.375 lbs.)
Challenging to fit onto small stages due to its size
Knobs do not support control changes, limiting live performance flexibility

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha Motif ES8.

Build quality

0 0

The 88-key weighted action is praised as one of Yamaha's best from that era.
Source

Features and functionality

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The ES synth engine supports up to 8 layers per voice, providing complex sound capabilities.
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Comparisons

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The Motif ES8 is noted as a predecessor to the XS series, sharing some engine features with budget models like the MX49.
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Value and pricing

0 0

A price of approximately £500 is considered reasonable for this model in the current market.
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Critic Reviews

Yamaha Motif ES

soundonsound.com

The Yamaha Motif ES8 is a solid evolution of the original Motif, boasting impressive enhancements like doubled polyphony, a redesigned effects engine, and a new synth engine with an analogue feel. Its expansive waveform ROM and sampling capabilities offer versatility for diverse music styles. However, the lack of onboard sample RAM is a notable downside, requiring additional investment for sampling functionality. Despite minor connectivity omissions, the inclusion of USB storage support is a plus. Overall, the Motif ES8 remains a powerful, desirable workstation for both studio and live settings, offering deep synthesis and sequencing capabilities.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings

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mvrasicci

289

about 7 years ago

This is without a doubt the most powerful workstation ever created...

The sound is unmistakably Yamaha. I recommend it to anyone that needs one of the finest keyboards in the world. I have been using mine since February 2006. The only challenges are lugging this 62.375 lbs. keyboard around and trying to fit onto a small stage with it. There are no substitutes for these marvels.

alton_james

100

almost 11 years ago

Still Top of Line

I love this keyboard. It has been the heart of my workflow for almost a decade now. It's only drawback to this day is that fact that the nobs can't be used for control changes. But, MIDI control surfaces are so cheap. I'll have this board as long as it works!