Are you interested in buying a Yamaha Motif keyboard? Let’s take a look at this keyboard series.
When it comes to the Motif, there are several options available. The one you choose would depend on several factors including your budget and the particular features you’re interested in. Maybe you want to get the latest model.
As I write, the newest in the Motif series is the Yamaha MOTIF XF. There’s the MOTIF XF6, XF7 and XF8. They come with 61 keys, 76 keys and 88 keys respectively. How many keys are you looking for? This should play a huge part in the one you choose. These are basically the same keyboards except for the keys. Some keyboard players are simply looking for a 61 keyboard to use as a top tier keyboard. In that case it’s pointless paying more for more keys. Or maybe you want a full piano keyboard. Bear in mind that the Yamaha XF8 comes with a balanced hammer effect keyboard; great for someone looking for that acoustic piano feel.
How about price? The Yamaha Motif XF6 sells for about $2,399.99, the Yamaha Motif XF7 for $3,099.99, and the Yamaha Motif XF8 for $3,499.99. You would have to weigh the possible benefits of more keys versus the higher price.
Here’s a video preview of the Yamaha Motif XF synthesizer workstation.
The Yamaha MOTIF XF models are improved versions of the Yamaha MOTIF XS6, XS7 and XS8. The biggest improvement is the ROM increase. The new models come with 741 MB of waveforms.
We can clearly see that these workstations cost quite a bit. If you’re on a budget and are not looking for a workstation, but want the sounds of the Yamaha Motif keyboard, there are other options available. For instance, you can buy a Yamaha MM6 61 key synthesizer for about $599.99. This keyboard draws on the same sounds of the popular pro-level MOTIF series instruments. It has a wide variety of dynamic, realistic and powerful voices to help you make great music. This Yamaha MOTIF keyboard sounds like the more expensive MOTIF but you won’t have to win the lotto to buy it. It is great for gigging, thanks to its portability. It weighs less than twelve pounds. No need to lug a massive workstation keyboard around to gigs. It comes with an 8 track sequencer as opposed to a full fledge 16 track sequencer on the MOTIF XS and XF series.
Another option for someone who wants the great sounds of the Motif but doesn’t want to pay full price, is the Yamaha MO6 and Yamaha MO8. The Yamaha MO6 (61 key music production synthesizer) sells for about $999.99, while the Yamaha MO8 sells for $1499.99. With the Yamaha MO keyboards, you still get the awesome sequencing features and DAW integration that the MOTIF ES offers. It’s built off the powerful AWM2 sound engine of the MOTIF ES. This keyboard puts the MOTIF sound in the reach of most musicians, yet sacrifices very little of the Yamaha MOTIF’s functional design or sonic power.
Update: The MO6 and MO8 have been discontinued. You may be able to buy them used or check out the latest models, the MOXF6 and MOXF8.
Also look into the Yamaha S70 XS weighted key synthesizer. This one comes with 76 keys. There’s also the Yamaha S90 XS with 88 keys. They feature the same powerful sound engine of the Motif XS workstation, but with a streamlined design and interface geared towards explosive live performance. Compare these with the MOTIF and decide which is best for you.
You can always check out a Motif rack, if you already have a keyboard and prefer using MIDI. The Yamaha MOTIF RACK XS tone generator module sells for about $1299.99.
The Yamaha Motif keyboard is a very advanced one. It is for more advanced, professional keyboard players. If you’re a beginner, check out the various Yamaha portable keyboard options available. There is a wide variety of keyboards to choose from. The MOTIF costs a lot but you get value for money. Be sure to read various reviews before making your purchase.
Learn about the Yamaha Montage, Yamaha’s new flagship synthesizer.
Find out about other types/models of Yamaha keyboards.