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I purchased used, have been using daily for several weeks. Build quality is good-logically laid out buttons, etc. uses the same software concepts as Yamaha QY modules-graphic pictures for hardware-emulated functions such as the mixer, very nice. Easy to learn, as most functions are not buried-can jump from one function to another very easily. Sacrifices hardware buttons for software controls, but graphic pictures on screen are a big help. Very well thought out, I think. Not to heavy to carry, but get a decent case as the plastic case can crack pretty easily (I've done it already).
Plastic case, metal bottom, hard plastic buttons, well marked. Keyboard is OK, a little springy, lighter touch than my SY77 and S3T, but not noisy to play, similar to the SY22, SY35 and SY55. My LCD backlight is almost gone, but LCD is clear enough under normal lighting conditions without it. Contrast is still adjustable, which is good.
Sound quality-very clear, AWM-many sounds are identical to SY77 and other Yamaha AWM sounds, such as the SY22, SY35. Somehow doesn't sound as "rich' or "deep"-as an SY77 or other instruments I've played (also used 2 Ensoniqs for comparison, KS-32 and TS-12). But variety is excellent in all food groups. Mixed together, has a clear transparent sound quality, plays SMF MIDI files well. Have to shift the keyboard range to get to all the drum sounds, which are laid out over more than 61 keys, but easy enough to do. And soundbanks can be changed with hardware buttons-important since XG has so many banks.
Disk facilities very good, can save and load phrases, styles, sound banks, SMF files (very handy for my work). Factory styles are not thrilling-my PSR85 was better, but you can create, store and save your own or other users styles and this improves things considerably.
Sequencer-fine, pretty comprehensive, not difficult to figure out, can be used in step-edit mode, or real time. All the usual functions are there-quantize, copy, etc. Interesting in that it can be used as any typical sequencer, recording a track at a time, but can also record with auto-accompaniment patterns and discrete tracks combined together. Is actually a realtime "auto-accompaniment" keyboard, like the PSR series, but with a full sequencer.
Still can't figure out why this instrument wasn't more popular-it does many things and easily. I guess as a "hybrid"-caught between a so-called "consumer" and "professional" label, perhaps many people just didn't get it. Tastes great, less filling!
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