GEAR REVIEW
YAMAHA MODX8 | Ed Kerr
KEY FEATURES
• Seamless Sound Switching
• 7” touch screen
• 79 piano sounds
• FM Engine = Great Pad Sounds
My daughter, Natalie, is in the 9 th grade, and
this year she’s taking a calligraphy class. Her
teacher has let her try out an especially nice
calligraphy pen, and Natalie says the difference
this pen makes in her work is significant. Going
back to her usual, student-level pen makes the
difference especially obvious. The right tool is
so important in creative pursuits.
Every keyboard player reading this will agree love what you hear in the MODX. The category In keyboard sessions I’ve taught at worship
that it matters what instrument we play. When search button makes it easy to browse pad conferences for years, one of the common
I sit at an unfamiliar instrument I prepare myself sounds. Within the pad category you can complaints among musicians is the awkward
to react to several things. First, how does the choose from options like analog, warm, bright, cut off of sounds that can happen as you switch
action feel when I’m playing piano sounds, choir and others. Within each of these options from sound to sound. With Seamless Sound
second, how realistic are those piano sounds there are dozens of sound choices. Be ready to Switching (SSS) on the MODX, that’s no longer
and third, how are the pad sounds. Today browse for a while, as the number of choices is an issue. The sound you’re currently playing
I’m sitting at the new Yamaha MODX8 in my very generous. You’ll discover some favorites (notes, envelopes or effects) sustains as you
studio, and for all of these issues my response quickly I’m sure. You’ll also quickly find pad select the next sound. Once you begin playing
is simple: Wow! sounds that will work well for whatever songs new notes, the new sound is heard. No clicks,
your church is playing. And, you could choose no pops, no side eyes from the worship team
Call up one of the many great piano sounds the MODX7 or MODX6 options that have semi- as your sound suddenly stops. Once you have
available and you’ll quickly recognize that this weighted keyboards. These will work well for this feature at your fingertips you’ll wonder how
instrument can end your search for a realistic you if your concern isn’t a weighted action best you managed without it. Truly a breakthrough
grand piano sound that also feels great to suited for piano sounds. for distraction-free worship.
Concert or any of the other beautiful options, Speaking of auditioning sounds and category One of my questions as I consider how great
and I suspect you’ll find yourself delighted with searches, Yamaha has made this easier than the action on the MODX8 is, “How’d they do
what you hear. And with what you feel, since ever with the display on the keyboard. The that?” Even with the Graded Hammer action
Yamaha has built a Graded Hammer action 7-inch color display is super crisp and clear, the instrument is shockingly light. Many of you
into the MODX8. Plus, with the FlashROM you and the intuitive operating system makes reading this deal with the realities of moving a
can add even more piano sounds like the free navigating the instrument straightforward and weighted-action keyboard from your home to
Bösendorfer Imperial 290 that Yamaha offers! efficient. I was able to quickly create a layer of your church weekly. That will no longer be an
play. Choose from the Natural Grand, the CFX
acoustic piano and two unique pad sounds. issue for you with the MODX8. You’ll need to
A worship keyboard player looks for lots more Layers are easily controlled with the 4 available check out the keyboard in person to confirm
than a great piano sound these days. For many, faders or the Super Knob. This knob offers the how light it is. Yamaha has even released a
the priority is pad sounds. If that’s you, you’ll player infinite real-time control possibilities. soft case for the keyboard. Transporting this
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November 2018
WorshipMusician.com