Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $400
Budget/Beginner
$500
$1501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Step into a world of sonic possibilities with the Yamaha S90, a synthesizer that seamlessly merges advanced technology with expressive musicality. Designed for both professional musicians and passionate hobbyists, this synthesizer is celebrated for its rich array of sounds and intuitive controls. The S90 is equipped with 88 weighted keys, offering a realistic feel that mimics an acoustic piano, making it ideal for performers who require precision and nuance in their playing.
At its core, the S90 is powered by Yamaha's AWM2 tone generator, renowned for its ability to produce authentic, high-fidelity sound. This engine supports a wide collection of voices, enabling you to explore diverse genres effortlessly. The S90 also includes a comprehensive suite of effects, giving you the power to shape and sculpt your sound to perfection. Whether on stage or in the studio, this synthesizer is a versatile companion, providing the tools you need to bring your musical visions to life.
Key Features:
- 88 weighted keys for realistic piano action
- Yamaha AWM2 tone generator for high-quality sound
- Extensive library of voices and effects
- User-friendly interface for easy navigation
- Ideal for both live performance and studio recording
- Durable build for reliable performance
Product specs
| Brand | Yamaha |
| Model | S90 Modular Synthesis Plug-in System |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2000s |
| Categories | Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths |
| 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
-
Does the Yamaha S90 have weighted keys?
-
Yes, the Yamaha S90 features 88 full-size, weighted keys, providing a realistic piano feel suitable for both practice and performance.
-
What kind of polyphony does the Yamaha S90 offer?
-
The Yamaha S90 offers 128-note polyphony, allowing for complex performances without note dropouts, ideal for layered sounds and sustained chords.
-
Can the Yamaha S90 be used as a MIDI controller?
-
Yes, the Yamaha S90 functions as a MIDI controller with MIDI Input, Output, and Through ports, as well as USB MIDI connectivity, making it versatile for studio and live setups.
-
What sound engine does the Yamaha S90 use?
-
The Yamaha S90 utilizes a digital sound engine with a Modular Synthesis Plug-in System, offering a wide range of high-quality sounds and extensive sound design capabilities.
-
Is the Yamaha S90 suitable for live performances?
-
Absolutely, the Yamaha S90 is designed for live performances, featuring a robust build, weighted keys for expressive play, and versatile connectivity options for integration into various setups.
Videos
DarioMoog
Yamaha S90 - Prima serie
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha S90.
Setup and maintenance
Features and functionality
-
The S90 provides aftertouch, a feature often missing in more recent lightweight, plastic models like the MODX6+.
Source
Comparisons
User experience
-
Long-term users praise the S90's editability and playability, noting its effectiveness in live settings with a 4-voice max limit.
Source
Build quality
-
Replacement parts for common issues like cracked key back pivots are available through suppliers like Syntaur.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 6 Ratings
1072
Excellent sounding synth!
The Yamaha S90 is an awesome synth for synth playing and pianist’s it has great sounding electric piano sounds and great sounding Yamaha synth presets (similar to the original motif sounds). This is a synthesizer though, (not a workstation), so you would need a sequencer or a computer to make complete songs.. but none the less a great keyboard!!
Artist usage
Add artist
Charly García is seen using a Yamaha S90 while performing "Rock and Roll Star" on Juan Alberto Badía's program in 2006, as evidenced by a video uploaded by RarezasSNM on YouTube.
In this interview with Julian Colbeck, Tim says "I the S90 use for the Rhodes sounds and a Nord Lead 3 for more synthy sounds. On She Has No Time I play the S90 throughout and then use the Nord for the solo sound which I originally played on my ARP ProDGX." He widely uses it for playing synth parts both live and in the studio.
He can be seen using it in this photo: http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=opu2ro&s=3
Jesse Carmichael used the Yamaha S90 as his main keyboard for Maroon 5’s headlining shows between 2004 and 2006, as confirmed in the January 2005 issue of Keyboard Magazine.
Marina used this keyboard in a gig at Toronto's Opera House in 2010. She was touring for her first album 'The Family Jewels'. The keyboard's name can be fully seen in one of the slideshow's images.
In this interview, Dost says, "I also use the Juno-6, as well as a Yamaha S90ES for a lot of our other sounds like flutes and harmonium. They stopped making that version of the S90 about two years ago, but I think it’s just the best. The sounds are incredible, and the navigation and editing of patches is really easy."
At 12 minutes and 47 seconds into the video "BOULEVARD LIVE FROM GASTOWN 2015" by Matt Willis Video Productions, Andrew Johns can be seen performing live with a Yamaha S90.
At the 2 minute and 52 seconds mark of the video "Danger Danger - Feels Like Love (Live Firefest 2014)" by Henrik Hansson, Kasey Smith can be seen using a Yamaha S90 on the top tier of his keyboard stand.
Album Usage
The Yamaha S90 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Yamaha S90, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Similar
Add recommendation1 alternative for Yamaha S90, curated by the Equipboard community.
$599.99
Similar keyboard that uses the AWM2. It has a similar sound bank. Just minus a sequencer. Both are also 88key synthesizers
More Yamaha Synthesizers
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Gear Guides
Most Popular Synthesizers
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
JjustinbenoitGear IQ 76
-