So the XS 6 and XS 7 use the Tyros 2 (or similar) upgraded synth action—this much was already known.

But the product announcement published at harmony-central today refers to the XS 8 as having “graded hammer action”, not “balanced hammer action”.

Of course I’ll have a chance to see/hear for myself tomorrow afternoon upon arrival in Anaheim, but I thought I’d post this here for the general benefit of the forum.

Re: New keybed actions

Yamahasynth.com lists it as a Balanced Hammer action…

Re: New keybed actions

Even so, I think a formal statement from Yamaha is best, as a few products from last year or the year before had a few minor tweaks in the published specs at yamahasynth.com after the initial product postings went up (I don’t remember the specific examples, sorry).

I’m not sure if harmony-central words their own product announcements or borrows directly from official company marketing literature sent to the press. What I do notice is that Sonic State generally has markedly different writeups in their own news items.

Re: New keybed actions

Good point.

Re: New keybed actions

The XS is a balanced hammer action which is exactly the same as the ES8.  This is the same action as the graded hammer action , but with the differences in weight between the top and bottom keys. 

we did a lot of blind tests early on and whole of players preferred the balanced hammer when playing non piano sounds.

Re: New keybed actions

I’m glad the XS8 went with the BH action. To me its the best compromise between a good piano feel and versatility for playing non piano instruments.