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Average Price: $383

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$400

$2001+

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Description

The Yamaha S90 ES is a fusion of power and flexibility, making it a standout performer in any live music scenario. It's a simplified workstation, borrowing features from the acclaimed Motif XS, delivering a new standard for stage pianos. Its 88 hammer-weighted keys provide an authentic piano feel, while its vast library of realistic sampled sounds and extensive layering capabilities give it a unique edge in versatility.

Key Features:

  • Stripped-down workstation with features adopted from the popular Motif XS
  • Equipped with 88 hammer-weighted keys for a genuine piano experience
  • Features an extensive library of realistic sampled piano sounds
  • Provides enormous layering capabilities

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model S90 ES Modular Synthesis Plug-in System
Finish Black
Year 2010s
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 ES have weighted keys?

Yes, the Yamaha S90 ES features 88 weighted hammer-action keys, providing a realistic piano feel that is ideal for both practice and performance.

What type of synthesis does the Yamaha S90 ES use?

The Yamaha S90 ES utilizes a digital synthesis engine, featuring the complete MOTIF ES Wave ROM for a wide range of high-quality sounds.

How many voices of polyphony does the Yamaha S90 ES support?

The Yamaha S90 ES supports up to 128 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex and layered performances without note dropouts.

Can the Yamaha S90 ES be used as a MIDI controller?

Yes, the Yamaha S90 ES functions as a MIDI master keyboard with comprehensive MIDI I/O options, including MIDI input, output, through, and USB MIDI connectivity.

What are the standout features of the Yamaha S90 ES's piano sound?

The Yamaha S90 ES includes a 32MB S700 acoustic piano with soundboard simulation, delivering a rich and realistic piano sound suitable for various musical styles.

Is the Yamaha S90 ES compatible with DAW software?

Yes, the Yamaha S90 ES offers full-function remote control capabilities for DAW and VST software, enhancing studio integration and workflow.

Yamaha Global

Yamaha Global

Jens Skwirblies and the Yamaha S90 ES

Video thumbnail for Jens Skwirblies and the Yamaha S90 ES by Yamaha Global

Jens Skwirblies and the Yamaha S90 ES

Yamaha Global

Yamaha Global

Video thumbnail for YAMAHA S90 ES DEMO NA CLASSIC KEYBOARDS by CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

YAMAHA S90 ES DEMO NA CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

Video thumbnail for Yamaha S90 ES piano and rhodes demo by MusicOnPlanet

Yamaha S90 ES piano and rhodes demo

MusicOnPlanet

MusicOnPlanet

Video thumbnail for Yamaha S90ES Demo by STUDIO R MUSIC

Yamaha S90ES Demo

STUDIO R MUSIC

STUDIO R MUSIC

Video thumbnail for I really should stop doing this... (Yamaha S90 ES) by JayB

I really should stop doing this... (Yamaha S90 ES)

JayB

JayB

Video thumbnail for Is the Yamaha S90ES still relevant 18 years later?? by Andrew Mckain

Is the Yamaha S90ES still relevant 18 years later??

Andrew Mckain

Andrew Mckain

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Montage’s CFX Grand piano sound VS the Yamaha S90ES’s Natural Grand Sound 🤔👂🥊 by Andrew Mckain

Yamaha Montage’s CFX Grand piano sound VS the Yamaha S90ES’s Natural Grand Sound 🤔👂🥊

Andrew Mckain

Andrew Mckain

Video thumbnail for yamaha S90es [gear rundown] by Dean keys

yamaha S90es [gear rundown]

Dean keys

Dean keys

Reviews

PROS

  • "Godzilla huge" sound quality with a lot of dimension

  • Unbeatable voice library, including expressive acoustic and electric pianos

  • Keybed has great feel and response, enhancing expressiveness

  • Suitable for both studio recording and live performance use

  • Offers flexibility for users with varying skill levels and sound preferences

  • Deep AWM2 sample/synthesis engine for rich sounds

  • Interface geared towards live performance, easy to navigate with familiarity

  • Expandability with PLG boards for further sound customization

  • Encourages creativity with the ability to create own sounds and performances

CONS

  • Interface requires a learning curve to fully operate

  • Considered fairly dated compared to newer models

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha S90 ES.

Setup and maintenance

  • The Yamaha S90 ES may require resoldering if it needs warming up to boot, indicating a potential power-related issue.

    Source
  • Replacement key parts can be sourced from Syntaur, addressing issues like cracked back pivots causing keys to stick.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • It's noted for having aftertouch, a feature lacking in many modern lightweight keyboards.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Yamaha S90 ES is comparable to the Yamaha Motif 6 and Motif 8, with similar sound engines but different key weightings.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate its editability and playability, making it a preferred choice for live performances despite its age.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review of the Yamaha S90ES weighted action synthesizer. Yamaha S90 ES review.

yamaha-keyboard-guide.com

The Yamaha S90 ES impresses with its dual role as a synthesizer and digital piano, featuring the remarkable piano voice derived from the $250,000 S700 grand piano. Its 88 weighted keys and half damper capability simulate acoustic piano nuances, while 228MB of expressive voices ensure versatility across genres. The inclusion of Studio Connections for DAW integration and expandable features enhance its appeal. While priced at $2099, its superior sound and functionality make it a worthy investment for performers seeking both piano authenticity and synth capabilities.

positive
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 10 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
compucat

Wonderful workstation

This thing is an absolute beast. The AWM2 sample/synthesis engine is surprisingly deep, and both acoustic and electric pianos sound luscious and wonderful. The interface is geared towards live performance over sound design, but you can navigate around it pretty quick once you know what you're doing. It's a joy to play in studio and a godsend to perform with live.

hamza151

I love audionic music

johannes_berthold

Great versatile synth with excellent piano patches

I should have gotten this synth back in 2005 when it came out. Instead I got it 2014. The factory patches are good, but it gets even better when you start making your own sounds and performances, especially when working with the Arp Manager program to create your own arpeggiators. The expandability with the PLG boards is another plus, even though it takes some time to get into how these boards are operated.

musicfan044

Very good and High sound quality

Although now fairly dated, this Electrical piano is a great keyboard and many musicians like Tyler Joseph have used this instrument

badassist

Nice vintage synth

Nice vintage synth with an interface you really have to know how to operate.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tyler Joseph uses Yamaha S90 ES

Tyler Joseph

Singer, Bassist

Twenty One Pilots

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "Twenty One Pilots EBS" by Ruslan Yarulin on YouTube, Tyler Joseph can be seen using the Yamaha S90 ES during the performance.

See how James Iha uses Yamaha S90 ES

James Iha

Guitarist, Bassist

The Smashing Pumpkins

...
Verified via Photo

Iha can be seen playing a Yamaha S90 ES in this photo.

See how Ryuichi Sakamoto uses Yamaha S90 ES

Ryuichi Sakamoto

Keyboardist, Composer

Yellow Magic Orchestra

...
Verified via YouTube

Can be seen in from the start of this video.

See how Jason Mraz uses Yamaha S90 ES

Jason Mraz

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Yamaha

Listed on Jason's official Yamaha artist page.

See how Tori Amos uses Yamaha S90 ES

Tori Amos

Singer, Keyboardist

Y Kant Tori Read

...
Verified via Photo

In a photo from a 2009 performance, Tori Amos is clearly seen playing the Yamaha S90 ES.

See how Andrew Horowitz uses Yamaha S90 ES

Andrew Horowitz

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Tally Hall

...
Verified via Photo

In the photo, Andrew is seen playing a Yamaha S90 ES on stage in 2008. The S90 ES was his main keyboard after having switched from his Kurzweil PC2x in December, 2005.

See how Lee Seung Hyub uses Yamaha S90 ES

Lee Seung Hyub

Singer, Guitarist

N.Flying

...
Verified via Vlive

At 3:40 in the Video Seung Hyub's keyboard can be seen as a Yamaha S90 ES

See how Mustis uses Yamaha S90 ES

Mustis

Keyboardist

Dimmu Borgir

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video he uses this device on stage with Susperia.

See how Eythór Gunnarsson uses Yamaha S90 ES

Eythór Gunnarsson

Keyboardist, Composer

Mezzoforte

...
Verified via YouTube

During the course of this live, we can see him play the Yamaha S90 ES as his main keyboard. I'm pretty sure its the ES and not the XS due to the panel layout of the keyboard.

See how Ivan Lins uses Yamaha S90 ES

Ivan Lins

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Fotosdelconcierto

Ivan Lins in concert using a Yamaha S90 ES

See how JayB uses Yamaha S90 ES

JayB

...
Verified via YouTube

Seen right in the first second of the video.

See how Neal Doughty uses Yamaha S90 ES

Neal Doughty

Keyboardist

REO Speedwagon

...
Verified via Yamaha

As mentioned on Yamaha's official website.

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 ES, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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