Yamaha V-50

This was my first keyboard and my introduction to MIDI. The learning curve was steep for learning the MIDI functions, even using a simple program such as Musicshop. I haven't found a patch editor for this keyboard, but the manual explains how to edit patches.

61 note keyboard, 16 note polyphony, 8 voice multi-timbral. 32 different effect combinations, only one effect per performance. FDD built in, sequencer is easy to use. I usually use the built in editor to program quick sequences to play background while practicing guitar parts.
In addition to the keyboard, there is a built in rhythm machine which sounds pretty good, althought the learning curve for it was also steep.

The standard sounds are ok as long as your not trying to duplicate a real instrument. I bought a third party set of sounds and they are much better, so the potential is there. It still lacks a good piano sound though, but since the keys aren't weighted, I ended up buying an Alesis QS8 for the piano. The keyboard has good feel though, and velocity and aftertouch work well.

I'm a hobbyist, so other than moving from room to room in my house the keyboard hasn't really been subjected to any stress. Haven't had any problems with it at all.

No experience

This was a good keyboard to learn about Midi and experiment with. I probably wouldn't buy it again because keyboards have progressed quite a bit since the V50 came out, and it doesn't seem to be well supported by third party software.

Presets are okay. Editing the patches is hard. Manual sucks. I don't think the software is upgradeable in this thing. Getting around on it took some time for me. But once used to it, it's pretty easy to get where you need to go.

16-note polyphonic, 8-note multitimbral. Keyboard is non-weighted synth feel with single aftertouch. Effects are decent. No real expansion possible. You can get memory cards, but just use the disk drive. MIDI is standard In/Out/Thru with 16-channels. It has a sequencer built in.

Instruments are obviously FM synthesis. Its synthesis is pretty shallow with only four oscillators creating a digital signal. It probably only works well for a Jazz electric piano or dance/rock. Expressiveness is a bit limited, with only 8 possible velocities (0-7). Good for 80's vintage, however. Its output is basically 100hz to 15,000hz, though, so don't expect chest-pounding bass or shimmering highs.

I've owned this damn thing since 1990. The only problem I had with it was I dropped it from about four feet onto a concrete floor, and it futzed up the disk drive. I had to buy a replacement, which I was able to install myself at home. (but I'm a computer guru, so I do that kind of thing all the time) Also, now, the bottommost key doesn't respond until the keyboard is 'warmed up.' (10-15 minutes after turning it on) That really confuses me.

Never dealt with customer support. Bought the disk drive from a Yamaha dealer. I paid $2600 for this thing new, but that was 1990. You should probably see it for under $500 these days, and then only if it's in pristine condition. It just isn't that modern.

It was worth what I paid, and it's worth $500 for a great little toy for your kid or beginner keyboard to be sure this is really what you want to do. It might even work if you're not the most professional sound person and you want to make your own songs. It is a 'band-in-a box' thing, with drums, sequencer, etc. But you gotta know how to play. No auto-accompaniment or any of that bulls**t.

piano sounds are pitiful, strings pitiful, analog sounds are superb! really disappointed with the piano sounds, wish I could get a hold of some better ones. Editing: seems ok, I followed the manual, it covered a great deal of patch editing. Manual: It's good, I had a Kawai K4 three years ago and that's what I'm comparing the manual to. Kawai's is awful. Yamaha really wants you to understand the machine Not alot of detail on the disk drive tho. I think they could've put more clarification on what happens to your sounds(you cant load them back the same)

keyboard feels like it may fall apart, bought used maybe the guy before hammered it, dont know. Effects are GREAT!! Sequencer is pretty good, use a PC based one tho.

piano is so so bad!

no problems

the ladies I dealt with at Yamaha to get this users manual (didnt get it when I bought it here in Japan) were really great. NO CHARGE!!