Yamaha MO

[el mae de las teclas]

Hello everyone!
My girlfriend is interested on getting an MO 61 keys, what is your opinion about it? The other day I went to the music store to compare it with a Motif. Well I didn't had much time, but basicaly the differences I found are that the MO has no sampler, no ribbbon and I believe there are less sounds.
I wasnt able to check the sequencer, is it good? Are the sounds of the MO fully editable as with any workstation/synth?

Thanks for your reply!
Andres

[Omega Monkey]

Just get a used Motif 6. It will probably run you several hundred less than a new MO6. Another option would be a used S80 or S90.

Actually, I just checked Musician's Friend and you can get a BRAND NEW S90 from them for $100 more than a MO6. That seems like the obvious way to go (unless your girlfriend REALLY wants an onboard sequencer). And actually, for about $100 or so more than that, you can find practically new ES6s on ebay as well.

I know its tempting to just get the "cheapest" thing, but in that case, you should go with a used Motif 6. Also another thing to consider is I dont think the MO series uses the PLG cards, which are one of the best features of the Yamaha stuff. The Motif and S series do though.

So I'd say if the MO6 is what her budget is like, she should go for a new S90, unless she doesnt want one of the nicest 88 key controllers on the market, or desperately wants an onboard sequence recorder (the S90 can play sequences but not record them). In which case I would go with a used Motif 6 or ES6, depending on how serious she is about music. If its just a casual hobby, the Motif 6 would be fine, but if shes more serious about it then the ES6 would be better (better sounds, more modern features like a ribbon, etc...). If shes a piano student and doing lots of classical or jazz stuff though I would definitely go with the S90.

What is she going to be using this for?

[Staccato]

Hm, from what I have heard there is a big difference between the sounds of the Motif, and the Motif ES.. and as the MO uses the same sounds as the ES, should not that make a big difference. Haven´t have time to try them a long time so I can really tell.

[Omega Monkey]

Actually, the MO has about 100mb smaller wave rom than the ES. Thats over half. So it has about the same size as the Motif. But of course it is a "slimmed down" version so Im sure you're losing out in other areas.

Like I said though, the ES6 can be had in like new condition on ebay for about $300 more than a new MO6, which is worth even if you only consider the MUCH larger (over 2 times!) wave rom against the cost of sample cds and/or expansion cards.

The Motif ES right now is one of the top 2 workstations (along with the Fantom X), anything else is basically a compromise. But I would rather compromise a bit on price (especially when you are only talking about a few hundred dollars) than quality/features. I actually cant believe that original Motifs are starting to approach what I paid for my 7 year old EX5 a year ago.

[Staccato]

ohh, didn´t know that!:P Yeah, if it´s only maybe 200-300 bucks.. then get the ES.. it is that much better!:P

[Michael Troy]

buy a used Motif 6 on ebay. That "MO" was a stupid idea for Yamaha.

[el mae de las teclas]

Thanks guys! I guess I'll better do some research on Ebay for a Motif ES6
Well she is very passionate about music and will like it to be more than a hobby, so its seems like its worth it to push the budget a bit.
Thanks, Ill let you know what happens.
Andrés

[stefanlindmark]

I think it's worth pointing out that the MO6:
- lacks aftertouch
- can't be expanded with any PLG expansion boards
- doesn't feature an input for breath control

[Michael Troy]

Junk. Why dont they fix the annoying "dead spot" during program changes if they are bored.

[Asho]

Junk. Why dont they fix the annoying "dead spot" during program changes if they are bored.

Damn right they should.

Apparantly the MO is more for dancer/techno ETC. But isnt one of the advantages of Yamaha for these users the PLG boards? Doesnt make sense does it!

[mesavox]

I think it's worth pointing out that the MO6:
- lacks aftertouch
l

That is the weakness that kills me about them....

Specwise, they are VERY similar to the ES. I was surprised to read the charts side by side.

No doubt the ES sounds are much better than the earlier Motif (although that's still a sweet board), but I can't for the life of me understand where this no aftertouch thing came into play. One of the best things about the ES is the pianos and aftertouch usage with them.

Oh well, there is always a tradeoff with any budget board and the 88 board is what excites me as it looks like a great dual purpose controller at a nice price.