I have owned a Genos since it first came out six years ago or so. Watching and listening to your videos Leigh, has inspired me to take the plunge and order the Genos 2 arriving soon! Thanks for sharing your expertise.
Hi Leigh - I am new to the Genos, just bought a G2 and I really love it - and this although I own a grandpiano (Shigeru Kawai SK-6) … I must say that your videos are a true inspiration for me because you not a tech-savvy nerd but someone with a true feeling for the beauty of sounds, chords, music. Please write a book, teach me how to play the Genos 2 at its fullest possibilities - and go on with your videos. I‘ll become a patreon, no doubt about it, thank you!
I sold my sx900 en bought a genos2 3 days ago. I already liked the SX900 and look enviously at the Genos 1. I have now played for a few hours and can only say one thing. I'm completely blown away. what a fantastic keyboard. A lot of money but I don't regret it for a second.
Ive had my Genos 2 since mid December. Awesome video for showing me some things I didn’t know (Like the reverb). I dabble in keyboards but i am by no means great. I am a song writer and the genos2 helps me fool around with melodies. It’s now Feb and you are at 10.7k subs so good job. Never used the Genos1 so i am new to this. I really can’t get over the quality of the sounds on this.
Hi, I have just bought a used Genos1 including the speaker system from a well known Great Yarmouth dealer for £1995! It’s a complete game changer as it’s an upgrade from my 9000pro! Great video and very helpful as I find my way around the keyboard. Cheers, Neil.
Thank you, Leigh. I've watched all your videos on the Genos2 only to have developed a serious case of 'keyboard lust'. 12 months ago I bought the Yamaha DGX670 which is incredible and constantly amazes me. It was a massive upgrade to the previous DGX660 model. I was more than satisfied with it until I watched your videos! It's all your fault, Leigh. Now I want a Genos2 so badly.
My Genos2 arrived yesterday so a wonderful Christmas present to myself. Thank you for all your excellent videos which are of such high quality. Wishing you and yours a very happy, peaceful Christmas. 🎉🍹🤣🎉🍹
I don't have a Genos 2 yet, but would just like to thank yu once again for another great video. I am going to go and look at a genos 2 in the new year. I know the voice guide for us lind people isn't much good, but the sounds and styles are amazing, so I may well purchase one next year. Merry Christmas, and do keep up the great videos.
I don't own a Genos, but those faders are programmed that way to avoid sudden jumps in level. Each fader needs to "capture" the current stored value before changing it. If it was set to 10 for the current mix level from the preset, but the physical fader was sitting up near 100, and you started to move it even a fraction, you do NOT want the level to suddenly jump up to 90 or more. You want to "grab" the current setting by moving the fader through that level, then move it where you want it, up or down. That is how many of the professional computerized mixing desks work. It is also how controller units like my Nektar Panorama P6 work with its faders. Motorized faders would be even better, so that the physical fader would move to the level that has been determined in a preset, and change through the preset if automated changes have been recorded. That way, they would ALWAYS be at the correct current level. Just a case of getting used to better technology ;)
Yep, we all get that, the theory is simple, but the practice may suit different people differently. It’s a simple firmware change to have it toggle between latch and actual value, then it’s a case of each unto their own.
I can't agree more with you Leigh in regard to the Strings! rather disappointed in many was coming from Classical background as a pianist ... If I have a one word that would describe the new Yamaha Genos2 will be addictive, and that in all sense of the word! Never have I ever owned a keyboard that exited me so much. Love Yamaha and I so wish they will have an update in the near future that would fix the sliders shemozzle if I brutally honest and present a set of new strings to the quality of "Soundpacks 1 & 2". I also wish that Yamaha brings out more FreePlay style as I love using them for compositions and ideas! Thank you once again for you brilliant demonstrations to the "one and only" top of the line Yamaha.
Thanks for your demo of the Genos-2, I have tried the Genos-1 in the music shop but didn’t like it, as I prefer my Tyros-5. I have been to a music shop and played the Genos-2 and loved, it is so much better now so I have ordered one and will get it after Christmas. Thank you, your videos are very good. Hubert.
Hi Leigh, I've been watching all your Genos 2 videos... I'm going to sell my Korg and buy a Genos 2 😄. I love this arranger now! 😍Thanks for your helpful reviews👍❤🎹
Now that's a proper review in the best sense of the word Leigh. Most reviewers will do a presentation of a brand new instrument in the 'yay it's new' phase in which they either love it or hate it. A honest review after owning it for a while, all the downsides and upsides with players in mind. Many thanks for taking the trouble of uploading these reviews and taking us on the journey with your discovery of all these keyboards.
Best review I have seen, I have a Genos 1 Since January 2018 I had a Tyros4 before , I would of bought it before but María Hurricane hit Puerto Rico in 2017 and we did have some issues , no Internet no Electricity ect... I still think that I will wait for Genos III to see what will comes out and hope that my Genos will Still work until it comes out. I'm subscribing to your channel, Thanks !
Hi there Leigh, While i watched your review of the slider resistance, I thought to my self, "what if there was a little button that you could use to adjust the sliders resistance to your own personal preferences/touch" I'm enjoying your videos and looking forward to the GENOS 7 x
I`ve been following your last month`s videos on Genos 2 indeed, and while there are some positive sides to this instrument, still there is something in the air that is hard to pinpoint. As if Genos 2 was created to please Yamaha fans, and create a good sounding Tyros, instead of an instrument that would sound like a band. Now - I certainly acknowledge its not just Yamaha, basically all Arranger keyboards just catering the niche audience that got used to the sound, and using them for decades, so in 2023 it resembles a magic circle. I own Event now, and they made some strides to create commercially sounding party and dance styles, maybe a few others, but Event`s strengths lie in a too narrow category, and relying on grooves and recordings to achieve it, so I was hoping Yamaha would reinvent itself, harness the processing power available in 2023 tech, and start doing something fresh. Nonetheless, thank you for your great playing, and informative videos!!
This commentry was very informative and downright honest,the presenter was very well versed all areas and features of this well designed keyboard workststion the Genos 2 i will be getting one soon. My name is Clarence Harvey and endorse this keyboard a musician's and a composer's go to tool❤
I nearly watched all your videos about genos 2, I own a psr x900 and korg kronos2. So my request from you, is to do a direct honest comparison between the genos2 and its main rival the korg pa5x, in term of specifications, ease of use, flow, ease of creating styles, gutar mode, availability of sounds and sets to be installed and sound w sound transition So it will guide me and lots of others in the next upgrade of my hardware. Many thanks for all your nice videos and the efforts you put in them and I always enjoy your playing and the diversity of geners you represent.
I don't see how you can assess the quality of sound that a PA5X V Genos 2 produces listening to Leigh play through your speakers at home. I wanted to know how the Tyros 5 compared to my PSR S900Pro, the only way was to go to a store and sit down and play the T5. I have to say I thought the 9000Pro was good...until I played the T5. The leap from T5 to Genos 1 was even better. I played a friends PA4X and didn't like it. I bought the Genos and was delighted with the difference. The G2 is chalk & cheese away from even the G1. I have played gigs since 2013 with the T5 then the G1. Health reasons say I am unable to play gigs anymore, but now just for home use the jump to the G2 will come in the next few weeks. Go to a store, they will be more than helpful IF you are really looking to buy, that's what they are there for.
@@davidperry2306 Thank you for replaying, I agree with your opinion. I like lots of things in Genos line, and I am more into it. however, I still wish for it to improve in two major things. The smooth "seamless" sound transition that the Pa5X have and the guitar strumming mode of the Korg Pa line. Thanks again for stepping by.
pa5x has better organs, electric pianos, and electric guitars, BY FAR! the build quality is as solid as a rock too. the g2 has superior mixing on all rhythyms. the 5x lacks the hold button on the lower registration. pa5x needs to add that
We'll stated Leigh in regard to the design and layout of the Yamaha Genos2. It is in my opinion super clever of Yamaha to keep similarities if not most of the operational layout that immediately is allowing you to sit and play this new beast of a professional arranger-workstation in a flash! Let face it, the fact that the Genos 1 stood its ground for over 6 years is a testimony of its quality of voices, styles and above all, the playability and such a vast upgradable content. Yes, indeed, the sliders are of great quality and indeed, the fact that you have to go all the way up in order to reset the level is something that I seem to get a bit annoyed with it too. As a Classical and Jazz pianist, this Yamaha Genos2 is mind-blowing and learning how to use registrations and many other feature as for regular users of Tyros/Genos will be a breeze whereas I'm a novice in the respect. Well done Yamaha as you have produced a super beast of a professional arranger-workstation that seems to be keeping me pro-active to get well equated with such a beautiful instrument. My favourite of all seem to be Yamaha FreePlay styles mostly. Brilliant video once again Leigh and thank you such great content. A Very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year 2024 to you and all
Great post... keep 'em coming! I've been seriously bribing Santa (like 3 plates of cookies and a gallon of milk on Christmas Eve), but it doesn't seem to be doing much good as my request for a Genos 2 has been met with rather lack-luster interest. He's acting just like a typical Washington politician always wanting more. Since he's been sitting on his fat butt all year, he's now requesting an "extra-wide" sled with 10 additional reindeer to carry the extra load. Rudolph isn't helping matters any by requesting I provide "Margaritas" instead of cookies for all the reindeer. Guess I'll still have to wait a while before unwrapping a new G2. Maybe I'll just skip it and go for a new G3! 🧑🎄🧑🎄🧑🎄
Excellent Work! I don t have yet G2 but I am really thinking to buy because of your Excellent vídeos Leigh! Merhy Christmas and a happy new 2024! And please continúe with these vídeos about G2! ❤
I agree with you Leigh in the most of your thougts. But in my own opinion the new faders and knobs are one of the best things that the knew one has. In live situations was it very dangerous to do variations while playing. That was one of the reasons i decided me for Genos2. It sounds great. That´s another reason to upgrade.
I agree with you about the sliders… It used to be that the slider was sitting at around 100 and I wanted the right one voice to go up to 120 and since it was off a little bit… if I flick it up, It didn’t do anything. I had to go down and back up again. I know that they did it for a reason you don’t have a jump sound but I use it for song balancing and sound balancing. I’m just used to the old way and the new sliders are thicker and have more resistance to them. So I’ll get a new workflow with that.
Maybe Yamaha will, in the next update, switch from 'Catch' to the option to either Catch or Jump, and will give the user the option of how they want it done.
I definitely think that it was worth it because I’ve had the Yamaha tyros 1 and the tyros5 also in the past. I have the Genos 1 and I have been playing alot of gigs with it. I have been very satisfied with it. I agree with you that the sounds of the strings should be more realistic, like what commented about. But either way Iam very happy with it. Mabey if there’s ever a Genos 3 they can better with more Latin styles
Yamaha genos2 ? a beast of a keyboard Sounds very good and especially the effects. Well done Yamaha! The great thing is that I was able to transfer the styles, sounds and registrations from the Tyros 4.
After a few years with Yamaha S750 I went to Korg PA4X due to the lack of Indian sounds and rhythms in Yamaha and while I found Korg to be better at it, I’m overall disappointed with the rest of PA4X. It’s just not as good as Yamaha IMHO when it comes to usability, form, function, portability, and performance. I might still go for the first generation Genos, but this video just sold me on returning to Yamaha and definitely via Genos. Good content.
I had Pa4x and liked about 60% of it. The issue that Korg has is the way it works. The interface is clumsy and over complicated. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love Korg to up their game and give the genos a run for its money but it simply doesn’t - well not at this moment in time.
And god forbid if you ever have to move with that PA4X. I joke but I always found Yamaha’s bed rather flimsy. Yes, not having a true weighted bed saves a ton of weight and cost but that’s my first pet peeve with Yamaha arrangers. I learned just now about the lack of seamless sound switching issue very much present in Genos 2 which their synthesizers in the Montage family doesn’t have. Oh well!
@@LeighWilbrahamI finally did it (thanks to your reviews) and ordered a Yamaha Genos2. Luckily I was able to find an open box model for $700 less than retail price on a reputable website (fingers crossed it turns out to be legit) so I was able to squeeze in the Genos speakers and the Genos iconic stand. I am looking forward to receiving the bundle in a week! 🎉
Thanks Leigh for another great video. I have 1 major problem in the North east we do not have a music shop what stocks Yamaha products which are on display to try out mainly you have to buy 1st before you can try out. The nearest store now is 119 miles away in Edinbrgh Scotland nothing near that why I realy on videos like yours to give an honest opinon Scott
Great review, very useful. One of the most useful things you recommended for strings was in a previous video was getting at the old Tyros strings which I use all the time now, but realise they've removed these now (well I believe they have). But far two grating as you say. Such an important sound too. I suppose there is always possibility of a string sound library?
the thing with faders is just because they are not motorized. So when you change the patch, the actual value is different. So to start controlling the actual value you need to reach it first with fader and only after that you can go down/up. This way it will prevent the situation when you change the patch and the current value is lets say 80 and fader is all the way down to 0 from previous patch and you try to move it, it would jump to zero first. If the fader was for an exmaple a cutoff filter, you would loose the sound until you open it up again. Which is not desired during live play. This is very common method to controll not motorized faders. You don't have this issue with infinite digital knobs because you are always at the current value indicated by leds.
I posted on an earlier Genos2 video you made a few weeks back. I had the Genos1 and got one of the first Genos2 in Atlanta. Yes the Genos2 mostly blows away the Genos1, but I've hit some issues along the way. Migrating from Genos1 to Genos2 has not been easy, most of my saved registrations no longer work b/c of style and voice changes. Although painful, it does have the benefit of letting me improve their quality by selecting improved styles and voices. I've hit functional problems. Although the new dynamic ambience setting can be saved in a registration, the new style dynamics setting cannot. They recently added the ability to control it via a foot pedal, but I want to recall it via registrations as I play. One time while playing the entire instrument froze up (minus the moving metronome display) and it stopped playing any sounds. I had to reboot it. On a different occasion the polyphony was apparently exceeded and the entire style stopped playing for around 5-10 seconds. I never had noticeable issues like that w/ my Genos1. Like you say, the slider controls at least need the option to be controlled as they were with Genos1 b/c I don't like the new approach at all. Otherwise Genos2 has been a wonderful upgrade. The overall sound quality is amazing. The displays are easier to read. The performance of the operating system and filesystem is pleasantly faster (the slow OS was previously my main gripe with Genos1). I also noticed improved keyboard feel...but don't know if that is due to any changes made or as a result of switching from my much-played Genos1. I'm upgraded to the latest 1.02 firmware and keep watching every day for a newer release. Looking forward to more of your videos showing off its capabilities!
Great video! Thank you! Maybe I will upgrade from G1 because of Desert Adventure? 😅 Joking. I just upgraded from a sx 700 to Genos 1 for a very reasonable price. TBH I just don’t have the cash for an upgrade to G2 XL right now. And I am very happy with my G1. Unless… Desert Adventure is missing! Could load it into my G1 by using the YEM. But it needs a hard way twinking. Let’s see what Cubase can do for me 👍☺️ Ofc the sounds are much more juicy on G2!
The Wersi was sold and when I ordered a new one it never arrived from Wersi. They are a **** company that works like no other. If they think you’re going to highlight issues or show problems they don’t want you owning one. Absolute shower of ***** never thought I’d come across such an unprofessional company.
i own it now for a month. I love the sounds, i love the styles. I love the way how the instruments reacts under your fingers, It's so dynamic. ihaven't worked out yet the new functions for the joystick. And i not a fan of how the instuments with one touch settins are programmed. Often with lots of reverb. Which is a fantastic reverb but a litlle overdone. So i will have to spend some time creating my own registrations that will work for me. But in essence, a beast of a keyboard, great sounds, love de DX sounds, the new piano's. And sure, there is whish-list. But that will be there forever, the perfect keyboard will never be made. But this one comes close.
Another great review. Thank you. Will you be posting a tutorial on how to use a lower midi keyboard and midi pedal board with the Genos 2? I intend to upgrade from my Genos 1 sometime in the future.
Great analysis, many thanks. I'm going to play it myself in a music store soon. The touch is also important for me (it is probably better than on my sx900) since I am used to playing on weighted keys, both on my acoustic grand piano and on my digital Kawai ES920. I'm curious whether I can also make the Henos 2 sound on my high-quality Bluesound soundbar without latency, as you showed with the Bluetooth headphones. Greetings from the Netherlands.
Hello Leigh, I am wondering if you can still record directly to a USB stick? And which is better between the two. I don't have the room to set up the computer close to the keyboard directly to the computer software. It is also interesting how you have developed the sounds since the first week you aired this keyboard. If you recall I said the upper end sounded cheap. But here today it is marvelous. Thank you and Merry Christmas to you and I hope you have a Happy New Year. All the best Patrick. 🎄🎅🔔❄️🎁
the slider thing is good if you dont want to accidentally knock them off their setting. I think they should make it an option to enable or disable this feature (of having to slide the sliders to wake them up)
Can anyone explain to me HOW you can knock the sliders when playing the keys. Unless you have involuntary movement syndrome I don’t see how anyone can throw their hand out and move all of the faders. It’s a fix to a problem that didn’t exist.
I'm a Genos player and thoroughly enjoy your videos. Financially, upgrading to a Genos 2 isn't a problem as I'm one of those old aged players with a few bob to spare. However, after weeks of research I can find no reason to do so. Yes, I like the shiny bells and whistles and maybe an 80's synth is a bonus - said synths being around £500 to buy separately - but the general consensus is a 10% - 15% upgrade and the loss of some important parts of Genos. This is the world of "arranger workstations" so dissection and rearranging is all part of the game. I could very easily rearrange the Genos 2 sounds and Genos sounds so that the Genos had the edge. Never mind what it sounds like straight out of the box, like I said this is the world of arranging so fiddling around is the first thing we do. If this was a computer game Genos 2 would be a DLC for Genos. The only thing which would sway me would be if the Genos 2 - or 3 - had keys like on the SX900. There is a basic reality here. The original Genos v2 has incredible sounds which are even more incredible after editing. No matter how much people praise the Genos 2 there is only a small and hardly discernible improvement. I don't know how precise the new ambient drums are but I can appreciate the principle, if it works. Wet/Dry settings have been around forever so standing next to the drum kit will give a dry sound compared to the wet sound from the end of the hall, or wherever. So, the two rhythm sections can have one wet and one dry giving even more depth to the style. I prefer that idea over Revo drum principles. I'd like to see vs between Genos and Genos 2, both on screen. Never mind "straight out of the box" nonsense. We all tweak so give both the same tweak. The Genos 2 sounds fantastic, but so does my Genos and definitely isn't threatened by the marginal updates of the Genos 2. Although I do like the new lights. Last point. Yamaha Strings are still rubbish on the Genos 2. So, you have to go to "Legacy" to find some acceptable sounds and I would recommend going to SoundPacks.co.uk and buying; Epic Strings and Epic strings 2 for some beautiful strings.
As someone who has both I find it hard to play my Genos 1 now as the new voices in 2 make a significant difference. In fact reading your comments I’d recommend you go and play a Genos 2. Watching reviews (even mine) don’t do the instrument full justice. Also not wanting to sound rude it concerns me when people say they can’t hear the difference…. I’m not diminishing your view here but it is a vastly superior instrument - albeit not that it looks it from the design. Listen with your ears.👂
I accept what you are saying, maybe I was a bit clumsy with some remarks. Yes, I can appreciate a difference but it's like saying I can appreciate the differences in voices with the Pa5X - indeed that k/b has arguably better sounds - and the Genos. Let me put it another way. When I have "tuned" my Genos the resulting sounds are mindblowing. At what point does one reach satisfaction? or is it a case of endlessly chasing perfection after perfection? There is a line on the playing field and we know that anything below that line is unacceptable for our enjoyment but anything above it is acceptable so no need to never be satisfied. I call this; "listening with my ears", otherwise I might as well decide never to be satisfied as each iteration is sure to be better., although I suspect what you mean is don't listen to all the negative comments. All I'm saying is that because the Genos 2 is an improvement it doesn't mean the Genos suddenly becomes sub-standard. I feel that for what we get in a Genos 2 it isn't worth the cost. Had it had the SX900 keys that would have been a different matter. @@LeighWilbraham
I am not disagreeing with you. I respect that you are someone fully engaged in spending a lot of time playing and examining keyboards. Your ear is far more developed than most of us who get great pleasure from your videos. If I played to the extent you do I'm sure I would be as demanding of my instrument as you are and therefore any upgrade would be a noticeable advancement in quality I'm a casual player so have different expectations. If I was gigging it would be a different matter. Just as a point of personal interest would you prefer the length of keys on a SX900? @@LeighWilbraham
Hello Leigh, First of all thank you so much for this video! I have watched it from A to Z. What a magnificent piece of tech this Genos 2 is. You asked to give a comment only if you own a Genos 2. Sadly I do not! Of course I want one but is sadly enough out of my league. Maybe I will be lucky in the future. Fortunately I am a proud SX900 owner because of your previous video about it! You said if they would take your Genos 1 away you would be happy with the SX900. That gave it away for me and I bought it. Never regretted it for one day. Thanks Leigh. One thing struck me you were not enthusiastic about the joystick on the SX900! The Genos 2 has the same "darn" thing. In the cons you dit not mention it. Does this mean that you are used to it now? I am just curious. One other thing Leigh are you gonna make a video on the new Montage? Would be greatly appreciated,... Last question Leigh you demonstrated some REAL and awesome strings that you added. Is this also possible for the SX 900? Could you give me the right direction? Thank you so much in advance. I hope you do not remove my comment. All things said are with the best intentions. Thanks again Leigh. Cheers Glenn.
Totally agree regarding the faders - it`s not very intuitive to raise the fader before you can lower it - perhaps a firmware update can make this right or at least a choice for the user to make in settings.
Interested to know what expansion pack you used for the strings at 25:30, Leigh. I always encourage layering, panning, detuning etc for convincing strings, I'm sure you do the same with people you're teaching.
Thank you for these videos. However, you are such a talented musician I think you could make a kazoo sound good. So, as you often recommend, I would like to try the keyboard myself but the stores in my area don't have it on display. I was considering the Korg PA5x but after finally finding one, I was unimpressed by the sound (unless maybe it was just poor speakers or noisy background). Have there been any notable changes to the Genos 2 as far as workstation features: multitrack recording, style editing etc?
J’ai un Genos 2 depuis une petite semaine. C’est un clavier extraordinaire sur lequel vous êtes tout de suite à l’aise si vous connaissez l’ergonomie Yamaha. Rien de comparable avec Korg ou Ketron qui sont de vrai prise de tête pour peu que l’on s’éloigne des programmations d’usine. Je possède les 3 donc je sais de quoi je parle … Mon seul bémol, et vous avez le même, sont les potentiomètres rectilignes qu’il faut manœuvrer constamment. On finit par s’y habituer. Mais quel son. Une mention spéciale pour la sono spécifique yamaha qui assure vraiment et n’est pas trop encombrante. Merci pour votre vidéo un vrai chef d’œuvre et enfin un avis autorisé.
I have enjoyed the reviews, but have seen a lot of videos positioning arranger keyboards for home use hobbyists vs professional musicians. I play over 300 events a year ranging from solo piano to duos where I have been using a Tyros 5 76 and a Nord stage 4. Thinking of selling the tyros and evaluating the Genos 2 and korg PA5x. I have listened to many of the style Demos and I think for live gigs, some of the intros that try to simulate the actual songs, like the Whitney beat for How will I know, are fun but appreciate there are copyrite issues if the style exactly replicates the originals. I’m in Toronto and no retailers have Genos 2 units to even evaluate. I will take a hard look at the Genos and korg. Why do you need to keep your old Genos if you have a Genos 2?
Hello Leigh, first of all, thank you very much, for your very informative videos about the Genos2. I think it's great that you express your personal enthusiasm and provide us with so much information about this excellent keyboard. But I have to clearly disagree with you at one point: At 1:15 min you say, that it bothers you, that you have to "pick up" the faders, so that they react. But that's exactly what many users, including me, have longed for for years, so that there are no unpredictable jumps, when the slider is in a different position than the current value of the parameter. I hated it on my Genos1 and now love it on the Genos2. Opinions on this can be so different. Do you still think this solution is really bad? Many years ago I was happy, that this exact function was introduced by Yamaha as an update for my MOTIF XF a few years, after its market launch. I even take this function for granted! Please excuse my bad English and please continue with your videos! Best regards from Oberhausen, Germany Holger
Hi Leigh, I watched your video's and fall in love with Genos... I can't afford for a Genos 2, but was thinking of asking you whether you want to sell your Genos? I am a 74 year old and would love to own a Genos for my spare time. Thanks, Tuan Rau
Yamaha should give you a big incentive for selling this keyboard. It's sold. BTW, I love the Seattle Quartet in Genos, does it sound any different in Genos 2?
Lights have gone out on that slider Leigh. But a daft question, would you say there was a rhythm/style for every voice that would perhaps match a song?
Great Keyboard ❤ But worth upgrading from G1 to G2 for 2500 Euro on the Price for the G1 ?? THe Price for the G1 on the Market is actually down. So i´ll wait 😏
Interesting. Surprised you did not find it useful to use aftertouch when playing electric guitars. I sold my Yamaha SX700 mainly because I wanted to upgrade to an arranger with After touch : ) But I don't see you or anyone else using after touch when reviewing the Genos (or the PA5X). It is really useless? I used it a lot on my Native Instruments S88 MKII controller (playing Saxes or guitars ... )
I’ve found that after touch on Yamaha boards (I’ve owned a T4 and have a G1) is very minimal and doesn’t react nearly as well as on Korg boards. I did have a PA800 which had great styles and excellent, expressive after touch but the acoustic pianos always sounded muffled compared to T4 and G1. Yamaha after touch always runs into vibrato if notes are held which is unauthentic to the voice most of the time.
Hi Leigh, on the above video at 25.18 mins you choose strings from a sound pack, please could you tell me the name of the string pack. As you may have guessed I'm and oldie and new to the Genos 2. Thank you. Chris.
realistically unless the go to motorised faders this is the best toptions as if you have presets with assigned volumes then a dafer in the wrong position could have horrible results
Just curious about how well people are doing with selling their version 1 boards in upgrading. Kinda been wondering if buying these high end keyboards would be a decent investment or are they more like a car and lose big time once opened ,until enough time goes by and nostalgia drives prices up??💸😲💸
can I ask you, I'm going to buy a genos 2 over the weekend, here's the question: ARE the standard speakers that the genos/genos 2 normaly use good enough or are they really good or should I buy yamaha studio speakers and a subwoofer to 1400 euros
I can make a bet and prove that my Yamaha PSR a3000, a5000 and sx900 have more realistic sounds than my brand new Roland fantom. Many times over realistic. I use the PSR’s for all instruments and fantom for pads and synth sounds although my PSR’s have incredible pads but you can get more from fantom for those sounds.
But how about the drums. Didn’t they take out the variationsamples so called revo drums and now “only” use the same drumsample for every beat if you catch my meaning.
nice video. I have both the genos2/ pa5x....the mixing on the genos is superb. most voices are superb, except, organ is terrible, elec piano is weak, except the sparkletop,the electric guitars are weak, and the strings are all inferior to the pa5x. the build quality is superb on the pa5x, not plastic. genos has the hold button for the lower left hand,pa5x doesnt, they need to get this. the mic/guitar inputs are superior to the g2 in my opinion, g2 doesnt even have guitar input into the processor. pa4x had the tc helicon which was terrible, they have really corrected this! the vocal on my tyros5 are better than the g2, in my opinion. but g2 is still good.
One MAJOR factor between 5X and Genos2 is - interface. Try adding more reverb whilst playing or changing Eq whilst playing - car crash. The interface is all over the place. Tiny drop down menus - a Keybed that has razor sharp edges to the keys - the list goes on and on. Genos is a musicians instrument A 5x is a programmers wet dream. Very different instruments. Try loading samples into a 5x - try making a style on 5x… as I said the list goes on and on. No audio multipad, only 4 registrations per song entry.
@@LeighWilbraham you are right on. if you want to deep dive into the unit pa5x becomes very tedious. I bought the genos 6 years ago and then returned it, it wasn't what I was expecting at all. I am keeping the G2 and the pa5x88, both units need improving. they need more input from musicians rather than a college graduate
I don't think the designer of the Korg was ever a musician. If he was he would be bald with tearing his hair out each time he turned it on. @@Steven-zg5bq
Having owned the G1 for six years, I find the G2 interesting and there's been some nice improvements. My biggest criticism lies in the styles. The intros and endings are well done but the body of the styles are *still boring and predictable* . It's like they hired a great drummer for the intros and endings but let a rank amateur sit in for recording the body of the songs. Round robin technology has been around for years, and for $7,000, Yamaha still keeps the same old boom-chuck drums in the most important part of the song! The price for me to upgrade would be around $4,600 - not worth it. Not enough has been improved to spend that much.
@@LeighWilbraham Thanks Leigh and for your great videos! I'm not saying the G2 is a waste of money but there are some key things people were hoping for that were neglected. It's a perfect fit for Yamaha's target market though. Thanks...
@@LeighWilbraham Hi Leigh, Seamless sound switching was big on the list. Other companies have had it for years. Why not Yamaha? Other wish list items include better DAW integration, more new styles and less re-purposed styles from the PSR days, a simpler Style Creator, more robust buttons that are less prone to breaking at the hinge point, a tiltable screen, a drum part dedicated mixer, and a better finish on the case. These are but a few wish list items.
@@acreguy3156 I wish for none of those things - I have more forward thinking ideas 💡 but each person has their own want list. No point wishing for things of the past.
Why don't Yamaha - and the rest of the manufacturers - use a proprietary O.S. , android , for example , to operate their products. Is it to prevent user modification ? Things have moved on, it's a pity the functionality of the products has been over complicated by in house O.S. limitations.
I have seen on many stages and live performances where professional musicians use Roland and Korg keyboards ranging from pa4x, 5x, fantom, kronos, nord and even the mid level keyboards like pa1000 can also be seen on many stages and live bands, but i have never seen anybody using the yamaha keyboards.....they are mostly found in the home setup by pleasing some hobbyists, but they never catch the attention of pro musicians.....
Sounds are good. but $7000 ? Jeez. You should either be a professional who's making a living out of that to justify, or plain rich. As a hobbyist I can't by any means afford to buy a $7000 toy.
I will also sign these words of @matthiaskalt7041, an amazing and accurate description of a professional and emotional workflow. I join the request for a video that will teach us more about the rhythm, dynamics and chords of your perception Leigh.
I have owned a Genos since it first came out six years ago or so. Watching and listening to your videos Leigh, has inspired me to take the plunge and order the Genos 2 arriving soon! Thanks for sharing your expertise.
Hi Leigh - I am new to the Genos, just bought a G2 and I really love it - and this although I own a grandpiano (Shigeru Kawai SK-6) … I must say that your videos are a true inspiration for me because you not a tech-savvy nerd but someone with a true feeling for the beauty of sounds, chords, music. Please write a book, teach me how to play the Genos 2 at its fullest possibilities - and go on with your videos. I‘ll become a patreon, no doubt about it, thank you!
I sold my sx900 en bought a genos2 3 days ago. I already liked the SX900 and look enviously at the Genos 1. I have now played for a few hours and can only say one thing. I'm completely blown away. what a fantastic keyboard. A lot of money but I don't regret it for a second.
What a great 👍 response. It’s super
Just sold my sx900 and got G2 as well
@@entatainmeentee3620 congratulations.
Brilliant comment mate, im gonna get one now knickers to the price.
Ive had my Genos 2 since mid December. Awesome video for showing me some things I didn’t know (Like the reverb). I dabble in keyboards but i am by no means great. I am a song writer and the genos2 helps me fool around with melodies. It’s now Feb and you are at 10.7k subs so good job. Never used the Genos1 so i am new to this. I really can’t get over the quality of the sounds on this.
Hi, I have just bought a used Genos1 including the speaker system from a well known Great Yarmouth dealer for £1995! It’s a complete game changer as it’s an upgrade from my 9000pro! Great video and very helpful as I find my way around the keyboard. Cheers, Neil.
@@neilhoddy7828 you might find www.patreon.com/genosclub very helpful
Thank you, Leigh. I've watched all your videos on the Genos2 only to have developed a serious case of 'keyboard lust'. 12 months ago I bought the Yamaha DGX670 which is incredible and constantly amazes me. It was a massive upgrade to the previous DGX660 model. I was more than satisfied with it until I watched your videos! It's all your fault, Leigh. Now I want a Genos2 so badly.
You and me both!!
My Genos2 arrived yesterday so a wonderful Christmas present to myself. Thank you for all your excellent videos which are of such high quality. Wishing you and yours a very happy, peaceful Christmas. 🎉🍹🤣🎉🍹
I don't have a Genos 2 yet, but would just like to thank yu once again for another great video. I am going to go and look at a genos 2 in the new year. I know the voice guide for us lind people isn't much good, but the sounds and styles are amazing, so I may well purchase one next year.
Merry Christmas, and do keep up the great videos.
I don't own a Genos, but those faders are programmed that way to avoid sudden jumps in level. Each fader needs to "capture" the current stored value before changing it. If it was set to 10 for the current mix level from the preset, but the physical fader was sitting up near 100, and you started to move it even a fraction, you do NOT want the level to suddenly jump up to 90 or more. You want to "grab" the current setting by moving the fader through that level, then move it where you want it, up or down. That is how many of the professional computerized mixing desks work. It is also how controller units like my Nektar Panorama P6 work with its faders. Motorized faders would be even better, so that the physical fader would move to the level that has been determined in a preset, and change through the preset if automated changes have been recorded. That way, they would ALWAYS be at the correct current level. Just a case of getting used to better technology ;)
Yep, we all get that, the theory is simple, but the practice may suit different people differently. It’s a simple firmware change to have it toggle between latch and actual value, then it’s a case of each unto their own.
@@X22GJP now that would be brilliant. I guess they could make it happen in a update.
It's not the point the slider shoud be active all the time like on Genos 2
I just upgrated to G2 and these sliders are so annoying.
I can't agree more with you Leigh in regard to the Strings! rather disappointed in many was coming from Classical background as a pianist ... If I have a one word that would describe the new Yamaha Genos2 will be addictive, and that in all sense of the word! Never have I ever owned a keyboard that exited me so much. Love Yamaha and I so wish they will have an update in the near future that would fix the sliders shemozzle if I brutally honest and present a set of new strings to the quality of "Soundpacks 1 & 2". I also wish that Yamaha brings out more FreePlay style as I love using them for compositions and ideas! Thank you once again for you brilliant demonstrations to the "one and only" top of the line Yamaha.
Merry Christmas and a fantastic 2024 Leigh. Great uploads. Looking forward to more. Thanks
Thanks Andy
Thanks for your demo of the Genos-2, I have tried the Genos-1 in the music shop but didn’t like it, as I prefer my Tyros-5. I have been to a music shop and played the Genos-2 and loved, it is so much better now so I have ordered one and will get it after Christmas. Thank you, your videos are very good. Hubert.
Congratulations Hubert
Wow Indeed. An inspirational Instrument indeed, by an Inspirational reviewer. It's now firmly on my 'go and buy' shopping list.
Hi Leigh, I've been watching all your Genos 2 videos... I'm going to sell my Korg and buy a Genos 2 😄. I love this arranger now! 😍Thanks for your helpful reviews👍❤🎹
I’m so pleased 😀
Now that's a proper review in the best sense of the word Leigh. Most reviewers will do a presentation of a brand new instrument in the 'yay it's new' phase in which they either love it or hate it. A honest review after owning it for a while, all the downsides and upsides with players in mind. Many thanks for taking the trouble of uploading these reviews and taking us on the journey with your discovery of all these keyboards.
Thanks
Best review I have seen, I have a Genos 1 Since January 2018 I had a Tyros4 before , I would of bought it before but María Hurricane hit Puerto Rico in 2017 and we did have some issues , no Internet no Electricity ect... I still think that I will wait for Genos III to see what will comes out and hope that my Genos will Still work until it comes out. I'm subscribing to your channel, Thanks !
is not enough to upgrade at all. it is still the same basically
Hi Leigh, fabulous video, will look forward to more in the New Year. Have a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. Cheers!❤😊😊
I'm glad I have subscribed, this is realy interesting, and nicely done, and informativ.
Hi there Leigh, While i watched your review of the slider resistance, I thought to my self, "what if there was a little button that you could use to adjust the sliders resistance to your own personal preferences/touch" I'm enjoying your videos and looking forward to the GENOS 7 x
I really enjoy your videos, inspiring me to get one..thanks 😊
I`ve been following your last month`s videos on Genos 2 indeed, and while there are some positive sides to this instrument, still there is something in the air that is hard to pinpoint. As if Genos 2 was created to please Yamaha fans, and create a good sounding Tyros, instead of an instrument that would sound like a band. Now - I certainly acknowledge its not just Yamaha, basically all Arranger keyboards just catering the niche audience that got used to the sound, and using them for decades, so in 2023 it resembles a magic circle.
I own Event now, and they made some strides to create commercially sounding party and dance styles, maybe a few others, but Event`s strengths lie in a too narrow category, and relying on grooves and recordings to achieve it, so I was hoping Yamaha would reinvent itself, harness the processing power available in 2023 tech, and start doing something fresh.
Nonetheless, thank you for your great playing, and informative videos!!
This commentry was very informative and downright honest,the presenter was very well versed all areas and features of this well designed keyboard workststion the Genos 2 i will be getting one soon. My name is Clarence Harvey and endorse this keyboard a musician's and a composer's go to tool❤
Glad you approve.
I nearly watched all your videos about genos 2, I own a psr x900 and korg kronos2.
So my request from you, is to do a direct honest comparison between the genos2 and its main rival the korg pa5x, in term of specifications, ease of use, flow, ease of creating styles, gutar mode, availability of sounds and sets to be installed and sound w sound transition
So it will guide me and lots of others in the next upgrade of my hardware.
Many thanks for all your nice videos and the efforts you put in them and I always enjoy your playing and the diversity of geners you represent.
I don't see how you can assess the quality of sound that a PA5X V Genos 2 produces listening to Leigh play through your speakers at home. I wanted to know how the Tyros 5 compared to my PSR S900Pro, the only way was to go to a store and sit down and play the T5. I have to say I thought the 9000Pro was good...until I played the T5. The leap from T5 to Genos 1 was even better. I played a friends PA4X and didn't like it. I bought the Genos and was delighted with the difference. The G2 is chalk & cheese away from even the G1. I have played gigs since 2013 with the T5 then the G1. Health reasons say I am unable to play gigs anymore, but now just for home use the jump to the G2 will come in the next few weeks.
Go to a store, they will be more than helpful IF you are really looking to buy, that's what they are there for.
@@davidperry2306 Thank you for replaying, I agree with your opinion. I like lots of things in Genos line, and I am more into it. however, I still wish for it to improve in two major things. The smooth "seamless" sound transition that the Pa5X have and the guitar strumming mode of the Korg Pa line.
Thanks again for stepping by.
pa5x has better organs, electric pianos, and electric guitars, BY FAR! the build quality is as solid as a rock too. the g2 has superior mixing on all rhythyms. the 5x lacks the hold button on the lower registration. pa5x needs to add that
We'll stated Leigh in regard to the design and layout of the Yamaha Genos2. It is in my opinion super clever of Yamaha to keep similarities if not most of the operational layout that immediately is allowing you to sit and play this new beast of a professional arranger-workstation in a flash! Let face it, the fact that the Genos 1 stood its ground for over 6 years is a testimony of its quality of voices, styles and above all, the playability and such a vast upgradable content. Yes, indeed, the sliders are of great quality and indeed, the fact that you have to go all the way up in order to reset the level is something that I seem to get a bit annoyed with it too. As a Classical and Jazz pianist, this Yamaha Genos2 is mind-blowing and learning how to use registrations and many other feature as for regular users of Tyros/Genos will be a breeze whereas I'm a novice in the respect. Well done Yamaha as you have produced a super beast of a professional arranger-workstation that seems to be keeping me pro-active to get well equated with such a beautiful instrument. My favourite of all seem to be Yamaha FreePlay styles mostly. Brilliant video once again Leigh and thank you such great content. A Very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year 2024 to you and all
Merry Christmas
Great post... keep 'em coming! I've been seriously bribing Santa (like 3 plates of cookies and a gallon of milk on Christmas Eve), but it doesn't seem to be doing much good as my request for a Genos 2 has been met with rather lack-luster interest. He's acting just like a typical Washington politician always wanting more. Since he's been sitting on his fat butt all year, he's now requesting an "extra-wide" sled with 10 additional reindeer to carry the extra load. Rudolph isn't helping matters any by requesting I provide "Margaritas" instead of cookies for all the reindeer. Guess I'll still have to wait a while before unwrapping a new G2. Maybe I'll just skip it and go for a new G3! 🧑🎄🧑🎄🧑🎄
Hahahaahha
Excellent Work! I don t have yet G2 but I am really thinking to buy because of your Excellent vídeos Leigh! Merhy Christmas and a happy new 2024! And please continúe with these vídeos about G2! ❤
Ive had mine a month too also an upgrade from Genos 1. Not only me but it was my wife who said "wow!"
Hello Leigh, I got not a genos 2, but I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year. O by the way, it was a great video.
I agree with you Leigh in the most of your thougts. But in my own opinion the new faders and knobs are one of the best things that the knew one has. In live situations was it very dangerous to do variations while playing. That was one of the reasons i decided me for Genos2. It sounds great. That´s another reason to upgrade.
I agree with you about the sliders… It used to be that the slider was sitting at around 100 and I wanted the right one voice to go up to 120 and since it was off a little bit… if I flick it up, It didn’t do anything. I had to go down and back up again. I know that they did it for a reason you don’t have a jump sound but I use it for song balancing and sound balancing. I’m just used to the old way and the new sliders are thicker and have more resistance to them. So I’ll get a new workflow with that.
Maybe Yamaha will, in the next update, switch from 'Catch' to the option to either Catch or Jump, and will give the user the option of how they want it done.
I definitely think that it was worth it because I’ve had the Yamaha tyros 1 and the tyros5 also in the past. I have the Genos 1 and I have been playing alot of gigs with it. I have been very satisfied with it. I agree with you that the sounds of the strings should be more realistic, like what commented about. But either way Iam very happy with it. Mabey if there’s ever a Genos 3 they can better with more Latin styles
Yamaha genos2 ? a beast of a keyboard Sounds very good and especially the effects.
Well done Yamaha!
The great thing is that I was able to transfer the styles, sounds and registrations from the Tyros 4.
I bet you notice a major change from Tyros 4
I think the tyros5 is the same as g2 instrument sounds that is@@LeighWilbraham
After a few years with Yamaha S750 I went to Korg PA4X due to the lack of Indian sounds and rhythms in Yamaha and while I found Korg to be better at it, I’m overall disappointed with the rest of PA4X. It’s just not as good as Yamaha IMHO when it comes to usability, form, function, portability, and performance.
I might still go for the first generation Genos, but this video just sold me on returning to Yamaha and definitely via Genos. Good content.
I had Pa4x and liked about 60% of it. The issue that Korg has is the way it works. The interface is clumsy and over complicated. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love Korg to up their game and give the genos a run for its money but it simply doesn’t - well not at this moment in time.
And god forbid if you ever have to move with that PA4X. I joke but I always found Yamaha’s bed rather flimsy. Yes, not having a true weighted bed saves a ton of weight and cost but that’s my first pet peeve with Yamaha arrangers.
I learned just now about the lack of seamless sound switching issue very much present in Genos 2 which their synthesizers in the Montage family doesn’t have. Oh well!
@@LeighWilbrahamI finally did it (thanks to your reviews) and ordered a Yamaha Genos2. Luckily I was able to find an open box model for $700 less than retail price on a reputable website (fingers crossed it turns out to be legit) so I was able to squeeze in the Genos speakers and the Genos iconic stand. I am looking forward to receiving the bundle in a week! 🎉
Thats great news - congrats
@@pinaklonkar
Merry Christmas to you
Thanks Leigh for another great video. I have 1 major problem in the North east we do not have a music shop what stocks Yamaha products which are on display to try out mainly you have to buy 1st before you can try out. The nearest store now is 119 miles away in Edinbrgh Scotland nothing near that why I realy on videos like yours to give an honest opinon Scott
Great review, very useful. One of the most useful things you recommended for strings was in a previous video was getting at the old Tyros strings which I use all the time now, but realise they've removed these now (well I believe they have). But far two grating as you say. Such an important sound too. I suppose there is always possibility of a string sound library?
No they are still in genos 2
the thing with faders is just because they are not motorized. So when you change the patch, the actual value is different. So to start controlling the actual value you need to reach it first with fader and only after that you can go down/up. This way it will prevent the situation when you change the patch and the current value is lets say 80 and fader is all the way down to 0 from previous patch and you try to move it, it would jump to zero first. If the fader was for an exmaple a cutoff filter, you would loose the sound until you open it up again. Which is not desired during live play.
This is very common method to controll not motorized faders. You don't have this issue with infinite digital knobs because you are always at the current value indicated by leds.
I posted on an earlier Genos2 video you made a few weeks back. I had the Genos1 and got one of the first Genos2 in Atlanta. Yes the Genos2 mostly blows away the Genos1, but I've hit some issues along the way. Migrating from Genos1 to Genos2 has not been easy, most of my saved registrations no longer work b/c of style and voice changes. Although painful, it does have the benefit of letting me improve their quality by selecting improved styles and voices. I've hit functional problems. Although the new dynamic ambience setting can be saved in a registration, the new style dynamics setting cannot. They recently added the ability to control it via a foot pedal, but I want to recall it via registrations as I play. One time while playing the entire instrument froze up (minus the moving metronome display) and it stopped playing any sounds. I had to reboot it. On a different occasion the polyphony was apparently exceeded and the entire style stopped playing for around 5-10 seconds. I never had noticeable issues like that w/ my Genos1. Like you say, the slider controls at least need the option to be controlled as they were with Genos1 b/c I don't like the new approach at all. Otherwise Genos2 has been a wonderful upgrade. The overall sound quality is amazing. The displays are easier to read. The performance of the operating system and filesystem is pleasantly faster (the slow OS was previously my main gripe with Genos1). I also noticed improved keyboard feel...but don't know if that is due to any changes made or as a result of switching from my much-played Genos1. I'm upgraded to the latest 1.02 firmware and keep watching every day for a newer release. Looking forward to more of your videos showing off its capabilities!
Great video! Thank you! Maybe I will upgrade from G1 because of Desert Adventure? 😅 Joking. I just upgraded from a sx 700 to Genos 1 for a very reasonable price. TBH I just don’t have the cash for an upgrade to G2 XL right now. And I am very happy with my G1. Unless… Desert Adventure is missing! Could load it into my G1 by using the YEM. But it needs a hard way twinking. Let’s see what Cubase can do for me 👍☺️
Ofc the sounds are much more juicy on G2!
I enjoyed your realistic review.
I love hearing you play the wersi oax you and wersi are fantastic please play wersi videos
The Wersi was sold and when I ordered a new one it never arrived from Wersi. They are a **** company that works like no other. If they think you’re going to highlight issues or show problems they don’t want you owning one. Absolute shower of ***** never thought I’d come across such an unprofessional company.
i own it now for a month. I love the sounds, i love the styles. I love the way how the instruments reacts under your fingers, It's so dynamic. ihaven't worked out yet the new functions for the joystick. And i not a fan of how the instuments with one touch settins are programmed. Often with lots of reverb. Which is a fantastic reverb but a litlle overdone. So i will have to spend some time creating my own registrations that will work for me. But in essence, a beast of a keyboard, great sounds, love de DX sounds, the new piano's. And sure, there is whish-list. But that will be there forever, the perfect keyboard will never be made. But this one comes close.
Another great review. Thank you. Will you be posting a tutorial on how to use a lower midi keyboard and midi pedal board with the Genos 2? I intend to upgrade from my Genos 1 sometime in the future.
Great analysis, many thanks. I'm going to play it myself in a music store soon. The touch is also important for me (it is probably better than on my sx900) since I am used to playing on weighted keys, both on my acoustic grand piano and on my digital Kawai ES920. I'm curious whether I can also make the Henos 2 sound on my high-quality Bluesound soundbar without latency, as you showed with the Bluetooth headphones. Greetings from the Netherlands.
Hello Leigh, I am wondering if you can still record directly to a USB stick? And which is better between the two. I don't have the room to set up the computer close to the keyboard directly to the computer software. It is also interesting how you have developed the sounds since the first week you aired this keyboard. If you recall I said the upper end sounded cheap. But here today it is marvelous. Thank you and Merry Christmas to you and I hope you have a Happy New Year. All the best Patrick. 🎄🎅🔔❄️🎁
I’ve done nothing to the upper sounds. Exactly as before.
Ok but can you answer my Questions please?@@LeighWilbraham
Wow thanks for great video
Please show us how to play guitar voice on Genos..
I wish there were more G1 users selling theirs so that the prices would get somewhere I could afford.
Great job!
the slider thing is good if you dont want to accidentally knock them off their setting. I think they should make it an option to enable or disable this feature (of having to slide the sliders to wake them up)
Can anyone explain to me HOW you can knock the sliders when playing the keys. Unless you have involuntary movement syndrome I don’t see how anyone can throw their hand out and move all of the faders. It’s a fix to a problem that didn’t exist.
I'm a Genos player and thoroughly enjoy your videos. Financially, upgrading to a Genos 2 isn't a problem as I'm one of those old aged players with a few bob to spare. However, after weeks of research I can find no reason to do so. Yes, I like the shiny bells and whistles and maybe an 80's synth is a bonus - said synths being around £500 to buy separately - but the general consensus is a 10% - 15% upgrade and the loss of some important parts of Genos.
This is the world of "arranger workstations" so dissection and rearranging is all part of the game. I could very easily rearrange the Genos 2 sounds and Genos sounds so that the Genos had the edge. Never mind what it sounds like straight out of the box, like I said this is the world of arranging so fiddling around is the first thing we do.
If this was a computer game Genos 2 would be a DLC for Genos.
The only thing which would sway me would be if the Genos 2 - or 3 - had keys like on the SX900.
There is a basic reality here. The original Genos v2 has incredible sounds which are even more incredible after editing.
No matter how much people praise the Genos 2 there is only a small and hardly discernible improvement. I don't know how precise the new ambient drums are but I can appreciate the principle, if it works. Wet/Dry settings have been around forever so standing next to the drum kit will give a dry sound compared to the wet sound from the end of the hall, or wherever. So, the two rhythm sections can have one wet and one dry giving even more depth to the style. I prefer that idea over Revo drum principles.
I'd like to see vs between Genos and Genos 2, both on screen. Never mind "straight out of the box" nonsense. We all tweak so give both the same tweak.
The Genos 2 sounds fantastic, but so does my Genos and definitely isn't threatened by the marginal updates of the Genos 2. Although I do like the new lights.
Last point. Yamaha Strings are still rubbish on the Genos 2. So, you have to go to "Legacy" to find some acceptable sounds and I would recommend going to SoundPacks.co.uk and buying; Epic Strings and Epic strings 2 for some beautiful strings.
As someone who has both I find it hard to play my Genos 1 now as the new voices in 2 make a significant difference. In fact reading your comments I’d recommend you go and play a Genos 2. Watching reviews (even mine) don’t do the instrument full justice. Also not wanting to sound rude it concerns me when people say they can’t hear the difference….
I’m not diminishing your view here but it is a vastly superior instrument - albeit not that it looks it from the design. Listen with your ears.👂
I accept what you are saying, maybe I was a bit clumsy with some remarks. Yes, I can appreciate a difference but it's like saying I can appreciate the differences in voices with the Pa5X - indeed that k/b has arguably better sounds - and the Genos. Let me put it another way. When I have "tuned" my Genos the resulting sounds are mindblowing. At what point does one reach satisfaction? or is it a case of endlessly chasing perfection after perfection? There is a line on the playing field and we know that anything below that line is unacceptable for our enjoyment but anything above it is acceptable so no need to never be satisfied.
I call this; "listening with my ears", otherwise I might as well decide never to be satisfied as each iteration is sure to be better., although I suspect what you mean is don't listen to all the negative comments.
All I'm saying is that because the Genos 2 is an improvement it doesn't mean the Genos suddenly becomes sub-standard.
I feel that for what we get in a Genos 2 it isn't worth the cost. Had it had the SX900 keys that would have been a different matter.
@@LeighWilbraham
@@iErasmus47 I think we must agree to completely disagree.
I am not disagreeing with you. I respect that you are someone fully engaged in spending a lot of time playing and examining keyboards. Your ear is far more developed than most of us who get great pleasure from your videos. If I played to the extent you do I'm sure I would be as demanding of my instrument as you are and therefore any upgrade would be a noticeable advancement in quality
I'm a casual player so have different expectations. If I was gigging it would be a different matter.
Just as a point of personal interest would you prefer the length of keys on a SX900? @@LeighWilbraham
Hello Leigh, First of all thank you so much for this video! I have watched it from A to Z. What a magnificent piece of tech this Genos 2 is. You asked to give a comment only if you own a Genos 2. Sadly I do not! Of course I want one but is sadly enough out of my league. Maybe I will be lucky in the future. Fortunately I am a proud SX900 owner because of your previous video about it! You said if they would take your Genos 1 away you would be happy with the SX900. That gave it away for me and I bought it. Never regretted it for one day. Thanks Leigh. One thing struck me you were not enthusiastic about the joystick on the SX900! The Genos 2 has the same "darn" thing. In the cons you dit not mention it. Does this mean that you are used to it now? I am just curious. One other thing Leigh are you gonna make a video on the new Montage? Would be greatly appreciated,... Last question Leigh you demonstrated some REAL and awesome strings that you added. Is this also possible for the SX 900? Could you give me the right direction? Thank you so much in advance. I hope you do not remove my comment. All things said are with the best intentions. Thanks again Leigh. Cheers Glenn.
Totally agree regarding the faders - it`s not very intuitive to raise the fader before you can lower it - perhaps a firmware update can make this right or at least a choice for the user to make in settings.
Hope so.
Interested to know what expansion pack you used for the strings at 25:30, Leigh. I always encourage layering, panning, detuning etc for convincing strings, I'm sure you do the same with people you're teaching.
Thank you for these videos. However, you are such a talented musician I think you could make a kazoo sound good. So, as you often recommend, I would like to try the keyboard myself but the stores in my area don't have it on display. I was considering the Korg PA5x but after finally finding one, I was unimpressed by the sound (unless maybe it was just poor speakers or noisy background). Have there been any notable changes to the Genos 2 as far as workstation features: multitrack recording, style editing etc?
J’ai un Genos 2 depuis une petite semaine. C’est un clavier extraordinaire sur lequel vous êtes tout de suite à l’aise si vous connaissez l’ergonomie Yamaha. Rien de comparable avec Korg ou Ketron qui sont de vrai prise de tête pour peu que l’on s’éloigne des programmations d’usine. Je possède les 3 donc je sais de quoi je parle … Mon seul bémol, et vous avez le même, sont les potentiomètres rectilignes qu’il faut manœuvrer constamment. On finit par s’y habituer. Mais quel son. Une mention spéciale pour la sono spécifique yamaha qui assure vraiment et n’est pas trop encombrante. Merci pour votre vidéo un vrai chef d’œuvre et enfin un avis autorisé.
🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷👏🏻, Amazing video, thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching!
Nice thank you
I have enjoyed the reviews, but have seen a lot of videos positioning arranger keyboards for home use hobbyists vs professional musicians. I play over 300 events a year ranging from solo piano to duos where I have been using a Tyros 5 76 and a Nord stage 4. Thinking of selling the tyros and evaluating the Genos 2 and korg PA5x. I have listened to many of the style Demos and I think for live gigs, some of the intros that try to simulate the actual songs, like the Whitney beat for How will I know, are fun but appreciate there are copyrite issues if the style exactly replicates the originals. I’m in Toronto and no retailers have Genos 2 units to even evaluate. I will take a hard look at the Genos and korg. Why do you need to keep your old Genos if you have a Genos 2?
Why not.
Hello Leigh,
first of all, thank you very much, for your very informative videos about the Genos2.
I think it's great that you express your personal enthusiasm and provide us with so much information about this excellent keyboard.
But I have to clearly disagree with you at one point:
At 1:15 min you say, that it bothers you, that you have to "pick up" the faders, so that they react. But that's exactly what many users, including me, have longed for for years, so that there are no unpredictable jumps, when the slider is in a different position than the current value of the parameter.
I hated it on my Genos1 and now love it on the Genos2. Opinions on this can be so different.
Do you still think this solution is really bad?
Many years ago I was happy, that this exact function was introduced by Yamaha as an update for my MOTIF XF a few years, after its market launch.
I even take this function for granted!
Please excuse my bad English and please continue with your videos!
Best regards from Oberhausen, Germany
Holger
The ability to turn on and off is better
Hi Leigh,
I watched your video's and fall in love with Genos...
I can't afford for a Genos 2, but was thinking of asking you whether you want to sell your Genos? I am a 74 year old and would love to own a Genos for my spare time.
Thanks,
Tuan Rau
Sorry but no
Yamaha should give you a big incentive for selling this keyboard. It's sold. BTW, I love the Seattle Quartet in Genos, does it sound any different in Genos 2?
Lights have gone out on that slider Leigh. But a daft question, would you say there was a rhythm/style for every voice that would perhaps match a song?
One question Leigh. You mentioned the string pack you installed. where did you buy this?
Great Keyboard ❤ But worth upgrading from G1 to G2 for 2500 Euro on the Price for the G1 ?? THe Price for the G1 on the Market is actually down. So i´ll wait 😏
Interesting. Surprised you did not find it useful to use aftertouch when playing electric guitars. I sold my Yamaha SX700 mainly because I wanted to upgrade to an arranger with After touch : ) But I don't see you or anyone else using after touch when reviewing the Genos (or the PA5X). It is really useless? I used it a lot on my Native Instruments S88 MKII controller (playing Saxes or guitars ... )
I’ve found that after touch on Yamaha boards (I’ve owned a T4 and have a G1) is very minimal and doesn’t react nearly as well as on Korg boards. I did have a PA800 which had great styles and excellent, expressive after touch but the acoustic pianos always sounded muffled compared to T4 and G1. Yamaha after touch always runs into vibrato if notes are held which is unauthentic to the voice most of the time.
Hi Leigh, on the above video at 25.18 mins you choose strings from a sound pack, please could you tell me the name of the string pack. As you may have guessed I'm and oldie and new to the Genos 2. Thank you. Chris.
Epic strings you can get them
Here. soundpacks.myshopify.com/products/epic-strings-for-yamaha-s-series-tyros-and-genos
Many Thanks.@@LeighWilbraham
Hi Leigh, I have a question. Is it possible to make à midifile with only chords, and use this midifile to control the chords in a style?
The reverbs section why did you only increase the middle one ? What’s the difference between all of them !
Not to have 88 fully weighted keys at this price seems kind of unfortunate. Although it is capable of making some very good audio.
realistically unless the go to motorised faders this is the best toptions as if you have presets with assigned volumes then a dafer in the wrong position could have horrible results
Just curious about how well people are doing with selling their version 1 boards in upgrading. Kinda been wondering if buying these high end keyboards would be a decent investment or are they more like a car and lose big time once opened ,until enough time goes by and nostalgia drives prices up??💸😲💸
Genos 1 are selling for around £2200 in the UK
I upgraded to the Genos from the sx900 and straight away decided to order the Genos 2! One thing I haven’t found yet is the fade out 🤦♂️💁🏼♂️
Hi Leigh. Did you ever try to copy sart2 Voices from G2 to G1? Does that work? In theory it should
No it won’t.
@@LeighWilbraham then I have to buy one. Was in music store 2 days ago. I am still thinking if the update (2000 bucks) worths the cash.
Leigh... Do you have a row of LEDs out on one of your sliders? Number 7. If you answer later in the video, I apologize for my premature question.
No no led issues
Hmmm... It came on later. Reason? I didn't catch what you did?
Can you put Genos 2 sounds on a PSR SX900?? I have an SX900 and would love more sounds.
No. You can buy new voices from www.soundpacks.co.uk
can I ask you, I'm going to buy a genos 2 over the weekend, here's the question: ARE the standard speakers that the genos/genos 2 normaly use good enough or are they really good or should I buy yamaha studio speakers and a subwoofer to 1400 euros
I wouldn’t buy the small speakers but instead get a pair of Yamaha HS8
If you have enough money kept in the bank nothing to do its very good
I can make a bet and prove that my Yamaha PSR a3000, a5000 and sx900 have more realistic sounds than my brand new Roland fantom. Many times over realistic. I use the PSR’s for all instruments and fantom for pads and synth sounds although my PSR’s have incredible pads but you can get more from fantom for those sounds.
If Genos could talk it would sound like Leigh lol
An easy idea would have been to replace the sliders as well with endless encoders , then the problem would have been fixed. just an idea ....
Please work style Yamaha Genos 2 into genos ? Copy transfer Genos 2 load in Genos 1 ok ? Thanks very much .
But how about the drums. Didn’t they take out the variationsamples so called revo drums and now “only” use the same drumsample for every beat if you catch my meaning.
nice video. I have both the genos2/ pa5x....the mixing on the genos is superb. most voices are superb, except, organ is terrible, elec piano is weak, except the sparkletop,the electric guitars are weak, and the strings are all inferior to the pa5x. the build quality is superb on the pa5x, not plastic. genos has the hold button for the lower left hand,pa5x doesnt, they need to get this. the mic/guitar inputs are superior to the g2 in my opinion, g2 doesnt even have guitar input into the processor. pa4x had the tc helicon which was terrible, they have really corrected this! the vocal on my tyros5 are better than the g2, in my opinion. but g2 is still good.
One MAJOR factor between 5X and Genos2 is - interface. Try adding more reverb whilst playing or changing Eq whilst playing - car crash. The interface is all over the place. Tiny drop down menus - a Keybed that has razor sharp edges to the keys - the list goes on and on. Genos is a musicians instrument A 5x is a programmers wet dream.
Very different instruments. Try loading samples into a 5x - try making a style on 5x… as I said the list goes on and on. No audio multipad, only 4 registrations per song entry.
@@LeighWilbraham you are right on. if you want to deep dive into the unit pa5x becomes very tedious. I bought the genos 6 years ago and then returned it, it wasn't what I was expecting at all. I am keeping the G2 and the pa5x88, both units need improving. they need more input from musicians rather than a college graduate
I don't think the designer of the Korg was ever a musician. If he was he would be bald with tearing his hair out each time he turned it on. @@Steven-zg5bq
Having owned the G1 for six years, I find the G2 interesting and there's been some nice improvements. My biggest criticism lies in the styles. The intros and endings are well done but the body of the styles are *still boring and predictable* . It's like they hired a great drummer for the intros and endings but let a rank amateur sit in for recording the body of the songs. Round robin technology has been around for years, and for $7,000, Yamaha still keeps the same old boom-chuck drums in the most important part of the song! The price for me to upgrade would be around $4,600 - not worth it. Not enough has been improved to spend that much.
Interesting point of view.
@@LeighWilbraham Thanks Leigh and for your great videos! I'm not saying the G2 is a waste of money but there are some key things people were hoping for that were neglected. It's a perfect fit for Yamaha's target market though. Thanks...
Im intrigued what were people hoping for?
@@acreguy3156
@@LeighWilbraham Hi Leigh,
Seamless sound switching was big on the list. Other companies have had it for years. Why not Yamaha? Other wish list items include better DAW integration, more new styles and less re-purposed styles from the PSR days, a simpler Style Creator, more robust buttons that are less prone to breaking at the hinge point, a tiltable screen, a drum part dedicated mixer, and a better finish on the case. These are but a few wish list items.
@@acreguy3156 I wish for none of those things - I have more forward thinking ideas 💡 but each person has their own want list. No point wishing for things of the past.
My biggest question to ask you would you have concidered by passing genos 2 and waited for genos 3 ? Be honest lol
After waiting 6 years for this. No.
Why don't Yamaha - and the rest of the manufacturers - use a proprietary O.S. , android , for example , to operate their products. Is it to prevent user modification ?
Things have moved on, it's a pity the functionality of the products has been over complicated by in house O.S. limitations.
Cause that would create too many after sales support nightmares.
I have seen on many stages and live performances where professional musicians use Roland and Korg keyboards ranging from pa4x, 5x, fantom, kronos, nord and even the mid level keyboards like pa1000 can also be seen on many stages and live bands, but i have never seen anybody using the yamaha keyboards.....they are mostly found in the home setup by pleasing some hobbyists, but they never catch the attention of pro musicians.....
why is it that many of the replies don;t show when i click on them? D.
Try refreshing your browser
Sounds are good. but $7000 ? Jeez. You should either be a professional who's making a living out of that to justify, or plain rich. As a hobbyist I can't by any means afford to buy a $7000 toy.
you can get the G2 for 4000 us dollar not 7000 and what did your car cost? or what do you pay for your children ? the price can not be the problem
You constantly talk about Genos1 when Genos1 does not exist
it's just Genos and Genos2
right is right
I will also sign these words of @matthiaskalt7041, an amazing and accurate description of a professional and emotional workflow. I join the request for a video that will teach us more about the rhythm, dynamics and chords of your perception Leigh.