Old Motifator threads are available in the Archive.
chiro973
Total Posts: 4
Joined 05-21-2012 status: Newcomer |
I have, among other keyboards a Yamaha CS6C and thinking of replacing it with the MOX6.
As to use I play in a band that gigs 1-2 times a month, we cover everything from Lady Gaga to Nickelback to Steve Miller to Carrie Underwood.
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Bad_Mister
Total Posts: 36620
Joined 07-30-2002 status: Moderator |
Although we could give a detailed blow-by-blow of the differences - most of what is really important to you is known only by you. What I guess I’m saying is you will have to make the decision based on you trying the keyboard yourself. The CS6X is from another era. That was 13 years ago, it is a different world now. The keybeds are different - that is guaranteed - back in the 20th Century lead weights were still being used (sounds like the stoneage). But the CS6X was about 26 pounds in weight, the 88 key version of the MOX is only 32 pounds - a big advantage for gigging musicians who dreaded carrying an 88-note keyboard to the gig because back in 1999 88 keys was surely over 50 if not over 60 pounds!!! |
chiro973
Total Posts: 4
Joined 05-21-2012 status: Newcomer |
I knew that there would be differences, and it is relatively easy for me to see and hear these via You tube and other media sites, however mostly I am wondering about the action as I would try one out, but no stores within 200 miles seems to have these in stock, very frustrating. So my hope was that someone who might have some familiarity with the CS6X and the MOX6 would explain what the difference is in the action. Other details are good as well. I am pretty much sold on the sounds and the overall applicability, just wondering if I will like how it feels to play it. |
anotherscott
Total Posts: 653
Joined 06-30-2010 status: Guru |
I’m pretty sure the CS6X action is the same as the S30, yes? Compared to the S30, the MOX6 gives you more resistance as you push down (the resistance kicking in just a little after you start to depress the key), and on release, it seems to “spring back” with a little more force (though not as much as, say, a Nord Electro 3, or a 76-key semi-weighted Kurzweil). There’s also a mechanical kind of “popping” sound to it, which I know someone mentioned not liking, though I can’t imagine you’d hear it when playing at stage volume. Personally, I prefer the S30 action, but I still find the MOX6 perfectly playable. (Remember also that the MOX doesn’t have aftertouch.) If you can’t find one nearby to try out, I think the MOX6 action feels a lot like the top sections of the graded 76-key Piaggero models (i.e. NP-30/31, NP-V60/80), if you might be able to find one of those more easily. |
iluvchiclets
Total Posts: 112
Joined 06-15-2007 status: Pro |
It’s been a long time since I had my CS6X! At the time I had it, I was replacing a Korg X3. The CS6X felt like a step in the right direction...its Rhodes and even its piano sounds were quite nice. However, one play on the MotifES and I traded in the CS6X. There is definitely a Yamaha lineage there - some of the sounds on the CS6X sound very Motif-like. And in the CS6 performance mode there were those short dance inspired patterns? Definitely a nod towards the direction that Yamaha ended up with the Motif! The Motif series (and now the MOX) are a huge leap sonically in my opinion. There are detailed pianos, organs, Electric Pianos, wind instruments, and synth/synthetic sounds too. Some people might like the analog type sounds on the CS6X, but in my mind the real test of a synth is how realistic it can model acoustic instruments. I think the Motif series and the MOX are a giant leap forward compared to the CS6. Build quality, however, is a step backwards. Pretty much like any keyboard built nowadays (unless you want to spend over $2000) it has a plastic or light-duty feel to it. It is a result of the basic rule of business - you have to buy inexpensively to make money...things are so competitive out there that companies have to cut corners. I love my MOX6, but if I play a keyboard from 10 years ago (say Korg Karma or Yamaha EX5) there is an immediate difference in feel. My opinion is the MOX6 is inferior in feel, but way superior in sound. You should try one out to see how it feels. The sounds that are included are breathtaking, to the point where I can’t live without it! |
anotherscott
Total Posts: 653
Joined 06-30-2010 status: Guru |
There are some sounds from my S30 that I miss on the MOX. One I worked to try to replicate was the “Tube” organ. Most of the patch can be duplicated very well with identically or similarly named waves… but I could not find any overdrive distortion effect on the MOX that was nearly as good as the Tube one on the S30. I’ve been meaning to get back and tinker with it some more. I’d be surprised if the S30 fx could not be duplicated on the MOX, but maybe this one can’t. I don’t suppose anyone knows...? But I agree… overall, the MOX is a pretty big sonic leap over the S30, and there have been major interface advancements as well. |
chiro973
Total Posts: 4
Joined 05-21-2012 status: Newcomer |
Thanks for the great responses! I am convinced the sound capabilities will be improved, what about the action? the feel is it similar on the MOX to the CS6X? |
anotherscott
Total Posts: 653
Joined 06-30-2010 status: Guru |
see post #4 on this page |
iluvchiclets
Total Posts: 112
Joined 06-15-2007 status: Pro |
Hi again, I think anotherscott sounds like he knows what he’s talking about. I regret I have never played an S30. I recall the CS6X to feel very much like the original Motif action. It was beautiful to play, as are the later XS and XF models. I feel the MOX action has a budget action. It is not the same as your CS6X. Are you able to try an MOX out before buying? |
chiro973
Total Posts: 4
Joined 05-21-2012 status: Newcomer |
no unfortunately I cant find any store within 150 miles that carries the MOX6, shame really. A few have the MOX8 with its action, but not much help. GC of course said they could order it for me and if I don’t like it within 30 days return it. I guess I just don’t want an action that feels like and M-Audio, et al keyboard. I am classically trained on piano, but really do not mind the synth action at all, such as found on the CS6X or Roland Fantom-S or Novation Supernova 2, they all feel very comfortable. Hated the action on the new Kurzweil SP4-7. |
anotherscott
Total Posts: 653
Joined 06-30-2010 status: Guru |
The MOX6 action is nothing like the SP4-7, it’s closer to the other ones you mentioned. If there’s no MOX6 nearby to try, check for those other PIaggero models I mentioned above, whose action is similar. |