PSR-SX920/720: First impression at official release

[BogdanH]

Hi everyone,
As Saul suggested, I started new thread where we can express our initial impressions about just released new SX920/720.
Of course opinions will differ, depending on if we already own previous SX900/700, or if we wish to consider upgrading from older PSR-S model.
At this point no one owns new SX720/920 and so the discussion will probably be more "new features" oriented.

Bogdan

[BogdanH]

So let me be the first
I already own PSR-SX700 and so I can say that both SX720 and SX920 are good and affordable arrangers (as SX predecessors were).
Now better voices and some styles have been added (as expected) and also memory has been quite increased. That is, we have no reason to complain if we get more for the same money.
Ok, there are also some new features, but value of those depends on whether you use them or not.. doesn't hurt to have them, though.

But as it seems, it's the same keybed as on SX900/700 and that's the reason enough for me not replace my SX700 with SX920.
That's for now

Bogdan

[sonic2000gr]

But as it seems, it's the same keybed as on SX900/700 and that's the reason enough for me not replace my SX700 with SX920.

So what is the keybed like on any of these? Yamaha calls it FSB and I was thinking it would be like FSX (Montage) without the aftertouch, but people say it's not really.
Keybed feel is quite subjective of course, but are you happy playing it? For someone like me who hasn't had an arranger since PSR-2100 it's a no brainer to get either one of these, if I decide to get an arranger again (Christmas is not that far!)

[Jugge]

I tried to download the user and reference manuals from here: https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical ... oduct-tabs, but it's just a bunt of text files

I guess it will take some time untill we see a proper manual, but in the meantime. Could someone confirm that the PSR-SX720/SX920 have a built-in USB audio interface? They are mention it breefly in the overview description here - https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical ... oduct-tabs, but it's a bit vague.

Cheers
/Jugge

[Gunnar J]

SX 720:
https://europe.yamaha.com/en/products/m ... oduct-tabs

SX920:
https://europe.yamaha.com/en/products/m ... oduct-tabs

[Selander]

Hello,
Having an PSR-S910, but considering the new SX720 model. Have "Sweet" voices disappeared in these new arrangers ? Can't find any in the specifications I've seen so far ..SX700 had "Sweet" voices....

[BogdanH]

@Sonic2000gr
The feel of the keybed is just fine for a mid-range keyboard. I have no idea what FSB means, but it's a simplest key solution that one can imagine.
The problem is, that after few months of using, black keys start to rattle and produce annoying crackling noise. If we press black keys vertically, then that's not a problem; but if we press key slightly from side while playing (or travel with fingers on black keys) then noise is very audible.

@Jugge
As it seems there's no audio interface -at least it isn't mentioned in specs.
Speaking for me, that isn't really a deal breaker -would be nice to have, though.

Bogdan

[MusicGenos]

Hello,
Having an PSR-S910, but considering the new SX720 model. Have "Sweet" voices disappeared in these new arrangers ? Can't find any in the specifications I've seen so far ..SX700 had "Sweet" voices....

Hi, Selander
Due to the adoption of a new UI by Genos, the categories of Sweet, Cool, Live, Drum/SFX, and LiveDrum/SFX are no longer displayed in Genos, Genos2, PSR-SX series, and PSR-A5000, but these voices still exist. The only thing we need to do is compare the data list and check if the MSB-LSB-MIDI numbers are the same.

MusicGenos

[LarryHawk]

But as it seems, it's the same keybed as on SX900/700 and that's the reason enough for me not replace my SX700 with SX920.

Bogdan

Yes the keybed is a big question

[BogdanH]

hi Larry and welcome to the forum -really nice to see you here

Yes, as AC-Hamilton said "it feels smoother". That's because it's new and the grease under keys is still where it should be, but over the time it gets pushed out.
I really hoped Yamaha would change something in this regard.

Bogdan

[sonic2000gr]

The feel of the keybed is just fine for a mid-range keyboard. I have no idea what FSB means, but it's a simplest key solution that one can imagine.
The problem is, that after few months of using, black keys start to rattle and produce annoying crackling noise. If we press black keys vertically, then that's not a problem; but if we press key slightly from side while playing (or travel with fingers on black keys) then noise is very audible.

Interesting, if there was one thing I really disliked in the PSR-2100 was the keybed. I think it was actually worse than my previous PSR-740. But Montage is excellent and MODX+ is also ok for me (and people complain about the MODX keybed all the time, so this is really subjective).
So for anyone who has/had both a MODX+ and a PSR-SX, how do they compare?
(If I decide to get an arranger, I will probably sell the MODX)

[DrakeM]

I just got back from my visit to two local Yamaha dealer stores. Neither one carries the PSR or Genos line in stock. You can't sell a SX920 if you don't have one to demo or have anyone that can play the thing.

I did get a price from one shop. The sales rep had to call his Yamaha dealer to get his cost on the Keyboard while I waited. I had his best offer in less than five minutes. I am waiting for a call from the second store to check on what his best offer is. I will then call Frank at Audioworks, he seems to always beat the other guys by a lot. I just thought I would give my local dealers an opportunity this time.

[LarryHawk]

Good to see you too Bogdan. Always liked your comments on PSR Tutorial.

A Yamaha dealer in my area, told me that some SX900 and SX700 keyboards manufactured at a certain period of time ended up with "clacky" keys due to the under layout of the keybed in conjunction with grease not holding, and not all SX900 and SX700 had that manufacture defect. I didn't have that problem with my SX900, but I did have it greased anyway, free of charge while under warranty by Yamaha, and while the keybed is not "Genos like" it's fine by me.

From previous complaints, Yamaha has most likely learned to have more quality control to insure ALL current and future keybeds will be manufactured as per the Yamaha standard. It certainly will not stop me from upgrading.

The SX920 and SX720 are impressive, but I'm still in the "thinking about it" mode

[richkeys]

You can't sell a SX920 if you don't have one to demo or have anyone that can play the thing.

I have never seen a pro arranger on the floor to demo in any music store in the U.S. (at least in the last 2 years since I became interested in them)

This will be a great upgrade for you coming from the much older model.

Rich

[richkeys]

So for anyone who has/had both a MODX+ and a PSR-SX, how do they compare?

I had a MODX7+, then replaced it with SX900. No key rattling on the SX since I bought it a year and a half ago. However the MODX's synth keys I found quite superior to the SX900 keys, especially for playing piano. Many complain about the MODX synth keys but not me. The SX's keys feel more toylike, not enough resistance, but they are an improvement over my budget E373 which is not saying much.

Rich