Yamaha Motif XF Reviews Demo :: Initial Impressions of Yamaha XF Part 1 - GospelMusicians.com

My initial impressions of the new Yamaha XF workstation. My initial review part 1.

[@ciscoestates]

I'm a drummer, been playing 10+ years. I recently picked up the Piano, I have less than a year playing. Rhythm, timing was a walk in the park, I'm working on the scales and I am proud to say.....I'm getting my XF8 in less then a month.

[@DannyJustiniano]

This guy is so likeable, I'm subscribing and I'm not even a gospel musician or professional piano player. Great review!

[@GospelMusicians]

@drummer140155 Really??? You liked the sounds better than the Motif?

[@J._Campbell]

Man, your playing is awesome! Especially I like your improvisation on piano, on piano with wonderful pad. Just amazing! Motif XF is a Dream. I have a Yamaha MM6. It's also very good unit (for it's money, of course). Yamaha's grand piano is perfect: so rich, colorful, natural and soft. Thank you for art-music from Russia.

[@lathanbrothers]

I was wondering, the XF 8 is a 88 key keyboard with hammer weighted action. I read somewhere it has synth flexibility also for the keys, what does that mean? I am a stage keyboardist and I am used to playing the 61 key keyboards where the keys aren't stiff, does that mean this will be something that is harder for me to play?

[@Dimitris_Gazis_PIANO]

Awesome! !!! Please tell me, how can you record this perfect piano sound but not audio...I mean that can you record midi and export with this factory piano sound? (Sorry about my english, im greek)

[@terahkasozi]

Hey J, so excite you posted this. I live here in Winter Park Florida. This sounds so sweet. :)

[@KellBailey]

this is kinda off topic but i was thinking of getting a mm6 yamaha and wasnt sure of how good it was any help

[@GospelMusicians]

@elite1keys I would not get a keyboard that doesn't have sampling capabilities, because when you are board of the sounds, you will not be able to load new sounds if you don't have sampling capabilities.

[@geraldcoleman5978]

Gospel Musicians i need some help

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

@ Gospel Musicians All of the presets sounds in the XF are exactly the same as the presets in the XS. You don't use any of the expanded/updated wave ROM unless you are accessing the sounds in the USER BANK. The XF comes default with a bank of sounds that are fully created using the "new" wave rom. So if the XS had 350MB of wave ROM and the XF has 700MB of wave ROM, then that extra 350 of wave ROM is showcased in the USER 1 bank. I hope this makes sense.

[@Jamminn555]

Man, beautiful playing!! Killin' it!! Funkiness!! On that WAY BACK of that beat!!! Thanks for all you do -playing, reviews, samples, everything... Benjamin Black

[@icestarrbeatz]

is this xf 6? the first one?

[@getlostlser]

@GospelMusicians If that's the case I would recommend a Neko by Open Labs. The advantage to the Motif, M3, or Fantom is it's a bunch of sounds with effects ready to go. Also unlike computer based instruments like VST's. Keyboards don't get viruses or crash. More reliable then programs.

[@fernandoborstmann]

hi Jamal, Fernando From Brazil here... PLease, you could tell me if the firewire expansion board for motif xf works fine with the macbook pro? does it need any special cable to work? God Bless!

[@myopinionmeansmoretome]

I'm a musician and collector of keyboards. I own a Korg Kronos and will purchase a XF 76 probably next week. I must say, in ease of use, the Motif is easier.

[@carolinecorman2240]

nathaniel sherron I own a Kross. Just bought a Yamaha.

[@Nathanielshmnaiel]

damn you guys got money , i got a roland xp 80

[@kevinpsalms]

fell on hard times and had to let go of my motif....determined to have another one....

[@Fufuman94]

Sorry to hear about it bro, what board are you currently using?

[@kevinpsalms]

+Mar94 Juno ds88

[@Fufuman94]

+kevinpsalms just watched some videos of the board, sounds nice.

[@kevinpsalms]

+Mar94 it's a great board for the price but it can't top a motif...

[@Fufuman94]

+kevinpsalms Nothing can top a motif, I hope in the near future you'll get it again.

[@DonyaLane]

Hey Jamal! I picked up a very nice, near mint ES7, and I'm trying to create my own, original, gig-specific Performance Mode sounds. Am I understanding this correctly that the only place to store a new Performance is to OVERWRITE a factory one?! I would like to keep all my factory sounds in tact. Is there a "secret" bank somewhere to write to? Thnx for any info! YOU ROCK, MAN!

[@drummer140155]

@GospelMusicians Yes, the OASYS is mouch "deeper" if you bother to learn how to operate it. "Right out of the box" the Yamaha may be easyer to get started with, but I thikk it still sounds the same as any Motif... I also own, and use, a Kurzweil PC3, Roland V-synth, Yamaha EX5, Korg MS2000 and Alesis Andromeda A6,

[@jstyleent]

nice review bro! I will be purchasing some of your videos pretty soon. You got skills

[@GavinMcCloy]

I love how you just walk right in like a boss, nobody knows who you are in the shop, the guy has no clue your walking in and then when you enter the actual room, the salesman is dealing with somebody on your left, and you just sit down and start without asking anyone hahhah. nice video though and good playing sir.

[@Dadee3]

The Yamaha Motif XF8 is huge, I dunno how Jamal said here that he could travel with that thing unless he has a towing truck!

[@GospelMusicians]

@GRACEtoHOPE This is an HD from the iPhone, but the lighting was bad!

[@carnellbutler6678]

Are you still in Houston? If So I bought a Motif xf for my son and don't know anyone that can teach him how to Play a piano voice with a preset drum beat. Looking for a few lessons.

[@GospelMusicians]

@dilliot2k If you have an XS, I wouldn't bother, but for me that has the ES, I think I would make the jump. I would probably wait for the XS Rack!

[@Dadee3]

Have you tried the Yamaha S70XS? It's a 76key weighted stage piano with the complete sound engine of the Motif XS. I recommend it if you're the gigging type. Since you already have the ES7 which is mostly studio, get the Yamaha S70XS.

[@doitee52]

Great vid. Can anyone suggest where I can purchase a dvd or manual on using the XF8? The stuff from Yamaha doesn't cut it for me. I'm an experienced piano and Hammond player, but I think I need to start from scratch to use all the potential of this great instrument. Thanks in advance!

[@iAmLaKwan]

I went absolutely CRAZY when the camera caught the XS8. Yamaha has a special place in my heart. My first keyboard was a Yamaha, and I've been hooked on them ever since. Great playing Jamal. I'm gonna play better than you one day (don't know how but i will) LOL!

[@CLASSICKMUSIC]

hey Jamal, what do you think about Open Labs' keyboards? great review by the way!!!

[@tyros2lauraz]

hello i just want to know if you can tell me please the sample format in yamaha motif xf is the same as motif xs?Thanks

[@GospelMusicians]

@synthsix Yea...I learned after the video that the new voices are in User1. I'm going to go to the store and play them a second time!

[@GPhatProductions]

Where did you learn to play chord progressions like that? Very nice!!!!

[@Lastchance2030]

have you ever been told you look like the actor Terrence Howard? Awesome playing by the way...and keep the video's and reviews comin'...

[@dynamitekid8967]

Art Perez yup he does look like Terrence Howard.

[@dilliot2k]

Wow , I used to work at that store. Store 774. Honestly I wouldn't bother with a new board, it still doesen't seem like that much of a jump.

[@adipsous]

Been doing research on picking up a workstation and really like your vids, Jamal. You've a great vibe. I'd like to see a tutorial from you on putting together multi tracks on the Yamaha. I'm sold on the sounds, but I'd like to know about putting together songs or music compositions.

[@travisdunkley3044]

This video is why yamaha endorses him now lol. "But they aren't endorsing me"

[@TechCrazy]

@Emperor961 : I know the feeling. I started with the SY99 and now am exploring the Ex5. What a monster !

[@boooyaboo]

this might be off topic but I was wondering what keyboard will be a great practicing keyboard for a gospel keyboardist. I have been playing keyboard for some years now. I loved playing the Motif xf and xs with both the sounds and keys. However, they are way over my budget even for the 66 keys. I want a simpler keyboard that I can practice on but not trade up the lovely piano sounds and keys. I want to develop my keyboard skills more in order to use these synthesizers fully. Any suggestions?

[@dvamateur]

The Motif XF is really good choice in today's sort of disappointing and confusing synthesizer product offerings. I am still stuck with SY77/SY99 'cause it's financially more viable and there's still so much to explore in those older machines, that I really have no need to look any further. One disappoiting thing is that Yamaha doesn't do FM anymore. You could still get FM in CS6x or even Motif ES, but starting with Motif XS, FM is all but history. Maybe I am too much died in a wool fan of basic concepts (still don't want to get rid of my DX7II and D-50). Anyway, I find the Motif XF the most appealing line of synths today, probably due to the fact that they didn't go cheesy touchscreen route yet, and also, as Mr. Jamal points out, Yamaha got their DAC converters really right. I wish Yamaha put the XF in a module form.

[@chrisward3187]

What kind of piano is this I love this piano is really nice

[@Esbproductions23]

i been looking at the motif for years still havent got one, ill have one one day

[@skyron19]

I need to get myself one of these!

[@coollikeabrezze]

how long have you been playing and how old were you when you starting playing

[@gpr4eva]

I was hoping to see a review on the Montage

[@wpaul1975]

I would like to watch the next video!!!!

[@guidryjoseph44]

Jamal I know I'm older than you but I want to be just like you when I grow up!! Lol 😎

[@GospelMusicians]

+joseph guidry Hahaha...Thanks man!

[@christianfreitas1000]

+GospelMusicians me too!

[@davgotbeatz26]

+joseph guidry I see what ur saying........ but... u gotta be urself.(Advice coming from a 13 year old)

[@guidryjoseph44]

David Solomon thank you young man...But I'm 47 years old and the comment was meant as a compliment towards Jamal's humility and passion for music and it was laced with humor. We all should aspire to be like other great people and still remain true to ourselves. Every artist you hear today was influenced by another, yet they developed there own styles. Be encouraged young man and you should also find a mentor.

[@davgotbeatz26]

joseph guidry I know, I was just joking. I have a love for music as well. Sorry if that comment was too much.

[@keywoods27]

@worshipexcursion I agree. I am buying a kurzweil pc3 if it is just as good with sound quality as my Motif XS8. I need something around about 30 to 40lbs and it fits the bill and price I am looking for.

[@jerryjacob75]

Jamal, try out the yamaha s90xs it has the same new piano sounds on the Motif XF, with a weighted 76 key version for a lot less than the XF. The difference is the screen it does not have that hugh color screen.

[@jaydabliu]

I dont hear Much difference in sounds to the S90XS tho! maybe more waverom but they sound the same to me! maybe if you're looking for somthin with a sequencer....but if i have a S90XS....(which i do) and all you're looking for is LIVE performance and not recording on board (which the S90XS can do to an extent)....no need to upgrade just yet. what yall think?

[@Drdeeski]

Please do a review on the motif xf white

[@lb395]

when you play with a sound module is it just plug and play?

[@Dadee3]

Why did the XS didn't impress you but earlier you said you never really got a chance to play it?

[@rodneylee4026]

Can't believe six and a half years has passed already.

[@GRACEtoHOPE]

could you please upload an HD version? this vid wasn't too clear....

[@VKeyz3]

Hey jamal youre incredible man id love to pay you for some of those chord progressions

[@entwine14]

@tyros2lauraz No, The sample format for the XF is different from the XS, but the XF will read XS samples and even ES.

[@afarongordon]

it sounds very nice indeed

[@jacksellars6497]

cool video. I have a YAMAHA MOTIF XS8

[@StefJTay]

@GospelMusicians: What is your favorite key to play in, bruh??

[@Ekeyz]

having an original motif 8, and an fantom G.... i still would role with my original motif 8 any day for a live piano... but i still say the fantom technology is still better than the motif xf...... i think if u have the original or es series.. im not sure it is worth upgrading..

[@COPESLANDmovemaKER]

@boooyaboo yamaha mox 6 its 1199.00 . awesome sounds and awesome price.

[@teesims3333]

Just got it added it to the studio today. Hehehe

[@alfredox5d]

damnnnnn is that an ensoniq ts 10 in the back !!??

[@GabrielKai]

brother it does have a few more sounds, but the rom is size is more about the sample size. And about Korg Oasis.. Well let's just say Yamaha makes your dreams come true :)

[@McJellow]

When I get a Motif Im def' gonna get a XF! I wish I could play the keys as well as you thou =/ Lol.

[@GospelMusicians]

@TheKoreanX Been in talks but no endorsement yet.

[@ThiOrgan]

Cửa hàng này ở đâu vậy bạn . #demokeyboard

[@Daotrito]

Guys I need an advice! I'm about to buy a new Motif. I'm not sure if I should go for Motif XS or the new XF?? I mostly use it for Synths and electric keyboards not so much for pianos. Can you suggest.I'll appreciate. Thanks

[@dynamitekid8967]

Daotrito go for the XF pal.

[@solomonpk]

He sounds like the kinda guy who plays 300 chords between amazing and grace. 🤣

[@zerogabz1153]

Def not. His style is very simple yet effective.

[@stilliving]

😂

[@keywoods27]

@worshipexcursion I brought my Motif XS8 from them and it is fully loaded with everything they have on that website plus more stuff. Like all the good sounds from the Es and Mo and other samples from other softwares etc....

[@GRACEtoHOPE]

So Jamal, when are you putting out the next Shed Sessions DVD?

[@wormsinaction]

What's the name of the song between 4:18 to 4:21?

[@GospelMusicians]

@drummer140155 Wow, you have some powerhouse Machines. That EX5 is my favorite by far. So warm. I'm actually holding out for the new Kurzweil PC3K, which was suppose to drop a while ago. V-Synth is killer too! The only thing that keeps me drawn to the XF is the 2GB flash as that would keep me from playing VSTs live, which I'd rather have it in one machine.

[@MOSes020]

Your chord voicings are crazy

[@keywoods27]

That xs is a heavy beast @ 65lbs then put it in a tour case adds another 30lbs. I had to down size to a soft case for my xs8 to reduce on the weight casue of my back so I think it is about 80lbs for me to carry around by my self with three ruptured disk in my back and 5 buldging disk in my neck.

[@ranaair]

To be honest. I play a Motif XS8 at my church and I don't see any difference to the XF as far as playing and performing at church is concerned. When it comes to the best keys I highly recommend the Roland RD-800.

[@Joshdrew352]

there are a lot of differences you need to do some research

[@ranaair]

in my opinion no, when it comes to performance mode its pretty much the same. if you want to do all that sampling and all that then there is a difference. why do you think there is a lot of difference?

[@coreykeyz8031]

Man I honestly have to agree I have a Motif XF6 white and there is a great difference soundwize the samples are a lot more filtered and the wave rom is a lot larger definitely a big difference from my Motif ES7..

[@nextstar55]

you should start back vlogging like this again

[@Waynyce]

I've seen the Oasys selling used around the price of a new xf.

[@Pighood]

I wish these uberstation synths had ONBOARD synthesis, rather than the requirement to use some sort of expansion card. M3 Korg is also guilty of this.

[@mastertung7]

korg is owned by yamaha.so its no surprise that it now has a bigger screen,.and the layout is similar to the tritons.yamaha.being the parent company

[@dynamitekid8967]

mastertung7 no it's not. They are both different companies.

[@Ictmaster1]

Hey Jamal, That thing is cheap as over there, i wish it was the same here. The price here in Australia is total murder which is double ; $6999 Aud just becoz of shipping and all that. You can imagine how much the Roland phantom costs here lol....

[@viniguitarjazz]

very very good !

[@MiLTONMJ1]

GOOD GOOD GOOD!!!! MOTIF XF8 GENIAL GOD!!! QE BENDICION SERIA TENERLO...EN CASA...

[@Dadee3]

Actually the sounds are exactly as the XS

[@CalvinLimuel]

this is actually big... probably smaller compared to OASYS. and MOTIF has Balance Hammer which is a kinda downside for me but it's OK.

[@GospelMusicians]

@wormsinaction No song...just making up chords.

[@coco18031]

but you buy the yamaha... dont buy the korg... true???

[@PalabraDeSABIDURIA]

delicioso sound hehe

[@GospelMusicians]

@wormsinaction No song, just free flowing...

[@chrisward3187]

I want to buy the motive Sunday then my favorite

[@chrisward3187]

Who is that lady and I love motif

[@joab302016]

Im dizzy with the camera movement.

[@Toxicflu]

Music starts at 3minutes. Skip the beginning.

[@fabidj]

exelente!!!

[@duque5582]

hey there dodas friend that this new motif xf is an excellent machine but it would sound better if you touched other styles but more rhythmic Latino

[@benson_njogu]

i wish i had on of those

[@gianniwilliams1241]

me too

[@GospelMusicians]

@rah23dragon Guitar Center!

[@drummer140155]

If you can get a nice used OASYS 88 for about the same price: Go for the OASYS! I had a XS for 8 months, and sold it to get the Korg. OASYS may be discontinued, but it's still the greatest worstation ever......

[@DeontePowell15]

im going to save up and get this piano lol

[@weberlds]

Até hoje em 2019 esse piano é muito caro, principalmente no Brasil(brazil). Lamentável.

[@loco46m]

You didn't look like you liked that first performance section. lol