Yamaha S03 Synthesizer

ronP · Post by **ronP** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 10:38 pm

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Hi. I'm usually self-sufficient on the synth research end, but there is a dearth of "common player" info on this model.

I have a chance to procure one for a reasonable price. No threads here at VSE appear to be dedicated to it (yet). Any owners out there have any impressions?

My ?:

Is this YAMAHA's version of the ROLAND Juno D; a beginner board that allows you to tweak ROM sounds only? The online manual seems to indicate deeper synthesis possibilities. The design seems reminiscent of late 80's synth models (i.e. sleek, black, lotsa buttons, no knobs).

Thanks, in advance, for ye help . . .

.

Villi · Post by **Villi** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 10:46 pm

I guess it is the non weighted keyboard version of the s08, which is a cut down version of the s80. I don't know what level of editing it feature, but it does have 128 user preset slots so it should be some.

sequence · Post by **sequence** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 12:34 am

Villi wrote:I guess it is the non weighted keyboard version of the s08, which is a cut down version of the s80. I don't know what level of editing it feature, but it does have 128 user preset slots so it should be some.

Indeed it is, dont know about the S03 but I know the S08, basically a GM2 rompler with some deep menu diving (there is a USB computer interface but I could never get it to work right) synth possibilites and an *outstanding* weighted keybed, I learned piano on one. They must be useful for they're still being made. Nice piano, organ, love playing my EWI with some of the sax presets. The S08 also fits in a 76 key flight case

As a "synth," tho, one can do better. Too bad Yam dumped the AN1x, a combo of that and the S03/8 wouldve been a winner 8)

Hugo76 · Post by **Hugo76** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 4:39 am

ronP;
if you're after deeper synthesis, you might want to check out the cs6x instead. You should be able to get a good deal on the cs secondhand, ebay perhaps. Also, it accepts plugin cards, such as the an1x plg.

Check out this site for reviews on the s03:
http://reviews.harmony-central.com/revi ... a/S03/10/1

crystalmsc · Post by **crystalmsc** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 3:20 pm

Hugo76 wrote:ronP;
if you're after deeper synthesis, you might want to check out the cs6x instead. You should be able to get a good deal on the cs secondhand, ebay perhaps. Also, it accepts plugin cards, such as the an1x plg.

good choice, not to mention that it would accept the DX and VL board too.

Sealed · Post by **Sealed** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 5:50 am

S03/08 are evolved versions of YAMAHA MU/XG modules. The big advantage is the fully editability. The cutoff frequency ranges 0-1024, which is more delicate than most synths.
But as a synth, they are simplified versions of S80/30/CS6x. The main difference seems to be the power of the filter.