Roland vs Yamaha - Is the NEW MODX+ better than the Fantom-0? 

if you're going to compare organs, at least use the tonewheel organ engine on the fantom (only on channel 2), and pick a similar drawbar setting, Seems like the roland choices were made to make Yamaha sound better.

For me, Yamaha. Especially the piano. But I wouldn't hesitate to use a Fantom - they sound great. You can't lose with any keyboard made by either of these giants.

I prefer the Yamaha, but both are good. To make the most of the MODX+, the user should download additional patches. Yamaha is currently (and very often) offering the Chick Corea Rhodes collection for free, as well as the Bosendorf Piano and CS-80 collections. There are tons of great sound collections you can load in a MODX including all the Montage sound collections, MOTIF series & DX-7 series. It's not just about the included patches. Sampled sounds are generally better on the Yamaha and it has way more memory for multi-sampled instruments at 1.75 gigs. The Fantom 0 has just 256 megs (1/4 of 1 gig) and is severely limited in that regard. The MODX also includes (I think) much more sampled content and in general, higher quality samples. Both synths are pretty good on synth sounds. The Fantom has the ZenCore VA engine and you can purchase models of the Jupiter 8, Juno 106 and others at $150 each, but these are not the highest quality models Roland offers of them. The MODX+ has the very powerful AWM2 engine which is like having multiple analog synths, plus the FM-X engine which is an update of the DX-7 and compatible with it's sounds. The Fantom has the advantage of being easier to create your own analog style sounds from scratch. I wouldn't say the Fantom is more powerful because of the VA engine as professional sound programmers have proven just how great of analog sounds you can get out of the MODX which is impressive, but if you want to make your own, Fantom would be easier. The Fantom has more sliders/knobs also. However, you can add additional ones to the MODX via class compliant device like my Korg Nano Kontroller. You'd need to purchase the Organimation package for the MODX (about $50) to get the best organ sounds for the MODX. It's surprisingly good, and has a unique way of offering real-time drawbars using the Super knob instead of sliders (really great idea). Also capable of adjusting overdrive, key click, etc. I'd still probably get the Fantom a slight edge for organs with a dedicated engine, but it will likely not come too far behind with a package like that loaded. And also, if you need some type of organ patch not included with Organimation, it's tweak-ability would be less. The MODX integrates better with an iPad/iPhone without purchasing/connecting an addition interface. The B-3X soft synth is the best organ synth available and out powers even dedicated organ synthesizer keyboards like the Nord, Hammond, etc. The VB3 organ (which powers the Crumar Mojo organ) is just $14 and runs on an iPad and even an iPhone which is surely at least equal to the Fantom 0 organ engine. I run my Roland synths as software because Roland offers it. You can essentially add a Fantom (minus organ engine or the limited number of Super Natural sounds the Fantom 0 has) to your laptop. In fact, doing so actually offers far more synth engines as you can get the more faithful System 8 ACB engines, and models of famous synths like the D-50, Juno 60 & Jupiter 4 unavailable for the Fantom, plus more. In addition, Korg offers 11 engines for computers and some for iPad/iPhone including some of the Kronos engines and two of Korg's very latest keyboards. Winner for me is MODX + laptop full of VST's including Roland & Korg's synths. Remember...Yamaha doesn't offer the software option. So buying a MODX to get your Yamaha sounds, and a laptop or iPad solution for your Roland & Korg needs makes total sense. Roland offers the ZenBeats App for iPad/iPhone which is also ZenCore compatible.

I recently purchased an 08. I'm still learning about it. I've been using a very old Korg Triton. The mid board A flat quit working and the touch screen shortly afterwards. I purchased a fantom in 2001 and absolutely loved it. At that time I gigged using four boards. Top rack was a Roland XP10, second rack a Korg and that fantom on bottom with an Kurswell to melt right.

I tried both and went for the Roland. I liked the sounds better and the feel of the keys. Also when playing live, the arrangement of the buttons and the square pad thing and the scene chain make it so easy to gig with. I set out the sounds for my whole gig and even when the songs changed order it was easy to use. Nothing against Yamaha, I also use a CP for my main piano sounds. As someone else said in the comments Roland and Yamaha compliment each other.

The main advantage of the Roland over the Yamaha (as I have pointed out on my channel with several videos) is the WORKFLOW and EASE OF USE (both as a workstation and performance synth) ..... and from a technical point of view (I am an electronics engineer) the ROLAND is easier to maintain as the years go by (this has to do with their engineering philosophy and the IC chips they use)..... Roland RE-USES their chips across their models and their chips are easier to find .... even sourcing them for very OLD SYNTHS is never a problem ...... Yamaha service quality VERY MUCH depends on where you live in the world and can be quite a problem in certain countries..... this makes me vote ROLAND even though I like the Yamaha sound.... cheers mate 🙂

Is it just me or do I see the ModX missing some drum pads and other UI features? Also can't you get Roland's sounds on cloud sort of defeating the purpose of hardware if you already have a good MIDI controller? Thx for the upload.

Muy buenas. Cuál de los 2 teclados se siente mejor el tacto de las teclas ???

I got the MODX just for the FM and arpeg sounds. Fantom is best for VA , the Roland legacy PCM patches, user sampling and drum machine sounds.

what song is jack playing on the wurli?

This was a great side-by-side. I own a MODX8 and am considering getting a Roland as well. They sound similar - I could barely tell the differences. The Yamaha menus/navigation is very comprehensive and perhaps a bit difficult for newbies - it took me a long time to understand. I feel that Roland would be much easier in this regard.

*It’s been the same for years. If you want Pianos and Strings then it’s the Yamaha. If you want Rhodes / Synths then it’s the Roland.*

What song did you played around 1:24 secs :) thanks

Which is easier to arrange (old school term) "patches" for live gigging? I want to replace a well used krome 88 that I had all my patches loaded in sequence of my set lists... responses are much appreciated as purchase is pending and gigs are upcoming!

Just bought the Fantom 08 (from Andertons!). Played both in store and the Roland won for me, both sounded great but my old synth is a Juno Gi and that made the Fantom feel more familiar

Can someone tell me what track he plays in the String section from 2:44? I like it amazingly, it's a soundtrack? If this is existing music, what is its title? Please help me! :-)

As someone who has been messing with music for over 20 years, but never really truly learned to play piano and would like to learn and also incorporate the sounds into techno/house genre music would you recommend the Fantom or the ModX+? And should I go all in and get the 8 or would it be better to start with the 6 or 7?

how is the yc-88 compare to them?

Jack, what is that organ progression you do?; Dm - C/E - F6 - F/G - C Where's it from? I admit I've been watching for about a year, and playing several of your phrases 🤫

Love most of the 'organic' sounds on the Yamaha (E Piano was better on Roland), but the synth sounds sound richer on the Roland - although I do wonder whether it was just a more 'Juno-esque' chorus trick that a bit of programming might equalise?

Got my MODX three years ago and love it every day! It just sounds incredibly good. Perfect mixture of Attack/Power, Warmth and clarity/brilliance. The FM-X engine is killer and a sound designer's dream!

I love Yamaha's sound quality. Many musician recommended MODX. but regarding operability on the live stage, I prefer Roland's workflow. anyway Both are amazing! I want to get BOTH !! thank you so much for making this video!

If Roland can get the acoustic sounds (piano, EPs, strings etc) to sound as good as Yamaha, then that will be something. Otherwise, they compliment each other well.

when you do these, maybe announce which will be first in each category? i'm totally blind and want to follow along, though because you did the mod x first in describing i'm guessing thats how it all lands in the demo

which one is better in term of piano sounds and keybed feeling. Thanks in advance for answers

How do the 88 weighted keybeds compare?

Roland's keyboard feels better then Yamaha's imo

Love the Yamaha sound but i can't get my head around how far away those mod and pitch wheels look.

Initially, I was planning to purchase the Modx+ instead of the Roland 06. However, I am currently feeling extremely unsure about the poor quality of the plastic bridge keys in the MODX+. It is frustrating that in this day and age, a key hinge mechanism like that is still present. I find it hard to believe that even a low-cost MIDI controller priced at 100 USD can have superior keybeds with proper pivot hinges and springs. I understand that they may be going for a cheaper montage path option, but this cheap keys of the Modx+ in a 2000 USD keyboard is insulting.

These are cool keyboards but Keyscape still knocks them both out of the park with the Piano and EP sounds.

I love the moe Dx plus and ordered the 61 keys version.

I own a MODX7+ and very happy with it. Now looking for a backup board to play organ and iOS instruments. Nearly decided for Fantom 06 before realising, that Roland does NOT support Midi/USB audio for iOS - and has considerable issues with polyphony…Will buy a YC61 now..

which have the better Accordeon Sound?

The MODX sounds fresher and brighter to me,, I would probably choose it above the Roland ....the Roland wins on all those fancy buttons though.

I have both, well 2 pairs of each.. Yamaha MODX 7 & 8, and also the Fantom 08 & 07.. I mainly use the MODX 8 as the piano (Really love the Montage Nashville C3 free download) Character Piano Collection from Yamaha, the MODX 7 is Saxes, Brass, CS80 synth stuff, Roland Fantom 07 is the tone wheel organ, strings, a cool rhodes, and also my external gear.. So very easy to setup the Roland with external gear (iPad and send the iPad output through the MODX audio interface via USB) just so easy to do with both manufacturers..

That free keyboard (Nord wave 2, yess please) Do you ship it to Denmark 😉 Cheers from an avid subscriber🤗

The main features of both keyboards reside beyond the sounds you can get. Only a few demo videos show the filter functionalities, the sequencer, or for example the incredible integration with DAWs you realize with the Fantom-0x. People overestimate their needs, instead of a Fantom-08, you may purchase an RD-88, amazing sounds and same PHA-4 keyboard, you will spare $600. The choice is yours.

Roland not including the modelled piano engine on the 08 was (for me) a mistake that almost kills the product. Modelling makes so much difference to the realness of the sound I don't really understand why these products still use samples at all for piano and e-piano.

These arpeggiator styles, Jack played one at the end of the video, are a great feature of MODX/Montage, even much better than those of the Motif. Hardly anyone seems to know about it. This is quasi kept quiet in Yamaha's promotional campaigns, but is a lot of fun to play with once you discovered it.

Has the Mod x plus improved their feel of the keyboard over the older modx??

It's hard to choose. I think I'm going Roland. I love their synths, workflow and quality. I use Native Instruments for my natural sounds anyway. The Maverick has to be my favorite piano sound.

I know they say for piano and strings Yamaha but is that only for stand alone?which one combine sounds better or which has better combine sounds lol

Great job my friend. For me Roland all day and I have both boards

I own both, and prefer the Roland for pretty much everything. The MODX7 used to be my portable keyboard, something I used when I didn't want to lug my 2 billion lbs Fantom 8 around, but it never sounded as good, and making patches on it was a nightmare. So I got the Fantom-07 and boy, what an improvement. The only inconvenience is having to replace V-Piano with something else when I import the scenes I made on the Fantom 8 into the Fantom-07 - it doesn't sound as good either, but it's definitely less 'unnatural' than what's on the Yamaha. Also, not that many people care, but no n/zyme on the 0. Oh, and tone wheel. That tone wheel.

For me having more faders is a win.

Yamaha sounds better but my main concern would be the navigation. I produce music and im looking for something with easy navigation nothing that would take me a hour just to compose 1 instrumental.

My Nord Stage EX88 lacks enough memory and I have to unload patches when loading new ones and the splits are fixed to where the split LEDs are. So, I've been wanting to add a workstation to my live set-up. I've been trying to decide between the Roland Fantom O8 vs the MODX+8. . I actually own a Hammond B3, a Yamaha C3 conservatory grand and a Rhodes suitcase. To my ears, the Roland sounds more realistic. I gig often and feel that the Roland cuts through better when playing in a band. The Yamaha sounds like it is best suited to make music for movies. I like that the Roland has 8 sliders to control the drawbars on the B3 patch. The Yamaha only has 4 sliders. I like that the Roland has pads. The Yamaha lacks pads. The feel of the keys and action feel more like my grand piano on the Roland. The Yamaha keys have a cheap mushy plastic feel. The Roland feels like it has a higher quality build. As for sounds during recording, I use my Native Instruments Ultimate and Omnisphere, which sound better than either of these keyboards. I also mic my real Piano with Neumanns as well as my real Leslie for recording. The Roland, with more controls, is more user friendly to me. So, I'm leaning towards purchasing the Roland. I do appreciate all of your videos. Keep up the great work!

I have both of those keyboards and I can tell you something many players have noticed including my self. Acoustic sounds goes to yamaha but synth goes to roland.piano sounds nice on yamaha all by itself but has an annoying sound around the ....... frequency it makes your drum rattle In the studio.roland does not do that with its piano. I can easily tell when someone use a piano from yamaha unless they eq out that frequency. Layer the new piano with strings on roland and then do the same with yamaha and see which strings come out better. And from the first motif that upper range in the piano has that ring annoying problem.must have the air for it .and once you notice it .it never goes away. Anyways there is ways around it but both board are awesome but if I was on a dessert island with one board I would pick the fantom 7 not 07 but the fantom 7

Jack - as usual great video. That was really cool to hear these two beasts sort of face off. I feel what you were saying about the Yamaha too in this case, not to say the Roland is not a great synth also. I do like Roland A LOT - but Yamahas sounds have always just touched my soul a little differently and made me smile a bit more than Roland. Sorry Roland - hey I still love ya, just more like a best buddy - it's not you Roland, it's me.. But anyway... Thanks for the video man!

Is it all about sounds only Anderton's? Does Yamaha Mod+ have sequencing and midi recording available? I do not know, thus I'm asking, those who do, and those who are making a fast summary "report" on. I'm curious, but don't have time to wade thru opening sound comparison details. Obviously, different people seek keyboards for varied purposes, and summarize by their "mixed" priorities for scope of attributes as juxtaposed to scope of application.

Growing up in the 80's and seeing my favorite bands using Roland I always wanted one. I bought my first one as I was wanting to learn to play and I couldn't be happier with it. I give respect to Yamaha though. Either one is a good choice.

I agree.... The Yamaha sounds better (on internal patches)... But the Board, the Workflow management, the build quality, etc... come to the Roland...

Hi, please do a comparison between Roland Fantom 06 and the newest stage keykeyboard Yamaha CK 61. 🙂 🎹🎹🎹🎹

Is there a new Montage?

i would love to have a board (YAMAHA MODX+ ) like that....thank you for letting us know your opinion, keep it up and Godbless!

I have an Montage7 and an Fantom 07. If I have to prefer between both, I would clearly take the yamaha, but roland has zen core and so you can uprade with severel models (JD800, Junos, JX, Jupiter) This would make decicion hard. Better have both and all the old gear too (Which i have, except Jupiter8)

Speak master, help me in a cruel doubt. I've heard a lot about the MODX keys not being good, that's true, right? I say this because I want to buy a MODX 7+ help me there except for this doubt thanks. Another thing I know that the MODX8+ has heavy GHS keys so they are better than the MODX7+. Sorry to be a layman on the subject. Thank you.

thanks for the vid

ZEN CORE just elevated the value of both the Fantom O and EX Series’s!

All but the wurly sounded better on the Yamaha. What really shined on the Yamaha was the piano and strings.

I’ve the modx. I’d love a Roland to go with it

Hmmmm I may have to upgrade my rig. I've been gigging with a Roland FA-06 and a Yamaha MOXF6 for the last 7 years. Before that it was a Roland Fantom-XA and a Yamaha MOX6. Both boards are very complimentary of each other and fill in the gaps that the other board doesn't have. I love the organ sounds in the MOX/MOXF compared to the Roland. This new comparison video illustrated what I hear when I play the Roland vs the Yamaha, nothings changed. However...... The Fantom and FA have always had that sample pad to trigger stuff from and between both boards I've got all the sounds covered. The best part is that the average person sitting in the pub doesn't know the difference if I'm playing a piano on the Yamaha or the Roland, they do know if I'm covering a song and it has a CP70b in the original, the Yamaha has always nailed that sound. And...... If my Kronos wasn't so heavy I'd be carrying that out to gig as well but hey gotta love these light powerhouse keyboards they have out nowadays.

I mean, they are quite different in architecture. The Yam has a full fm synth along with the rompler, and the roland has the usual roland synth engine. That's teh main difference IMO.

I have both (higher end versions, Montage etc.) Yamaha and Roland. And there's no doubt to me that Yamaha steals the scene when it comes to realistic sounds, but wait just one minute before you go all crazy on me - Roland has a few tricks up their sleeves which is WHY I also have Roland synths, and that is they are much easier to edit, work with and their OS just feels much more updated and the workflow is easier with the Roland. Yamaha is very much a complex beast, you can't beat it for natural sounds... but workflow is important too, and it feels like you need an Engineering degree to do anything with the Yamaha. They are very much two different beasts and not jack-of-all-trades, so if you can afford it - get both, they both have their strenghts and they can def. work together!

What about keybed of both keyboards? I test only modx and the feeling was bad because the keybed Is cheap. Roland?

Yamahas samples sound better, but if we're comparing the systems, the MODX is behind in terms of seamless transitions and only having a sample engine and FM-X , Roland has Zencore, V-organ, Integra supernatural sounds and a decent sampler and integration with DAW's, plus you can do a bit more with the seamless transitions for setlists and organising your patches for live which is important. They're both good workstations I don't even know what I would choose. I use the Kronos so I'd probably take the Nautilus as it seems more capable in certain areas but between the big Fantom and the Montage it's a little closer but I'd take the Fantom based on V-piano and N/Zyme.

Both do the job! depends on your flava

Both are great. I’ve got a modx7 coming this week because I prefer the Leslie sim. I’ve been playing a motif for 20 years and I still need the manual but it’s the devil I know. Plus, seamless sound switching, live sets and 16lbs (MODX7) makes it possible to do a live bar gig with one trip from the car to the bar. (Backpack keyboard bag, keyboard stand and pedals = one trip).

i do have roland korg and yamaha... but for piano and acoustic sounds yamaha is what i go... But if im in a band Most of the time korg and roland cut to the mix..the sound is on the face.. .. but if i play solo i go yamaha....

It would be great to see a production style video as opposed to piano sounds, these workstations are not primarily designed to be a piano.

The Yamaha sounds better overall. The piano comparison was not even close. It would have been even more noticeable how much better the Yamaha is if they played the Roland sounds 1st then the Yamaha 2nd. Even the Roland Fantom V-Piano is not nearly as good as the authentic realism from the CFX grand on the MODX+ IMHO

Both amazing, I don't think you could go wrong with either. That goes for most instruments to be fair.

Great job my friend again Roland for me and I have modx+ and Roland 08

For people who grew up playing piano and ready to move to synth production, it's Yamaha all the way as the entry/transition instrument because you can always return to the comfortable familiarity of the Yamaha acoustic piano that was painstakingly re-created to near perfection. This is why I got my college bound son the Modx8+ as he only grew up playing on our Yamaha studio upright and wanted a keyboard to practice/explore while in college. He absolutely loves playing "piano" with headphones and has yet to explore the other functions!

Thank you for this video. I am looking hard at the Yamaha. It is brighter and richer. Also it has semi-weighted keys on the smaller keybeds.

These keyboards are perfect for studio, but not built for concert stages due to the all-plastic top frame. I was upset when I tried both of these models at Guitar Center and noticed the plastic-ness.

Very difficult to say. Depends the sound which one is better.

a big issue for me with the Fantom is note drop outs. even on the first stock piano i was shocked that just playing it it dropped notes out on me so did some research and found its a real issue so go check that out if you are thinking of buying one or search it. I was very disappointed cause everything else was exactly perfect for me I dont have any issues with even my cheap accompliment keyboard

I put Roland out of use. I use Kurzweil pc4 in combination with yamaha modx6, kurzweil piano is by far the best and yamaha modern and fast keyboard

I own both. Two different characters. The MODX can handle 8 arps in a performance where the Fantom can handle only one. The Fantom's workflow is quick en easy to understand where the MODX is more complex. The Fantoms workflow is more a step-by-step workflow where the MODX like a Matrix of settings. The Motion Controller is very nice on the MODX where the Sequencer is a quick win for the Fantom. The MODX has a baby sequencer in comparison with the Fantom. For my both has it unique features. The MODX is a complete synthesizer and the Fantom is a complete Workstation. I don't think it can be compared

I HAVE a Roland Fantom. And Yamaha had better sounds in those categories except maybe the saw. Roland gets A for effort in the V-Piano with full soft synth emulation but... yeah. Still... average listener at just about any concert won't care. Unless played back to back with someone saying "PICK!"

I preferred the yam from what i heard in this vid.

I really like the Roland a lot more than the Yamaha with the exception for the Organ patch.

Modx + Piano Organ and Strings were better Liked Fantom 0 Rhodes Wurly and it was close but Synth

I've had a MODX for years (until I recently I replaced it with a Montage, but same deal) and have had a Fantom-06 since they were released. To me: Pianos - MODX for sure: but the Fantom pianos, despite sounding less realistic and natural, definitely cut through a mix better than the Yamaha pianos. EPs - Again, Yamaha sounds more true, but the Fantom is better for playing live, the sounds are more in your face, and again cut through the mix better Organs - You can get pretty close with the FM-X engine on the Yamahas, but to me the virtual tonewheel organ on the Fantom gives it the win Strings - MODX, all day long. The Fantom strings sound artificial and fake. Synths - it depends. The Yamaha is crazy capable and can do almost everything, but if you want that "Roland sound" (i.e. Juno/Jupiter/etc) the Fantom brings it.

Even though roland sounds are not perfect, the workflow is amazing

I know that Roland has a really great tonewheel engine, so I cannot for the life of me figure out why they'd go with that patch for the first organ patch.

They both sounded different but great.

Noboddy never talks about the screen but the modx+ haves a bigger one and for many people it's importante and they also put more memories inside the new modx+, before it was 1G now it's 1,7G, and put the polyphonie higher before it was 128 and now at 256 that's doble than before. Yamaha have always have a better guidar sound than the korg. Korg never comunicate about the amount of memories of their keybeds it's always an artistical way, but many say often than sometime it's not enough and it's too short and you need to deal with. A sequencer ? well i really think the best way to compose is to plug just a looper behind the keybed and compose like this and search first like this. Then when i'm ready, it's really much better and simple to plug all in a daw to get the more effiente musique that i can do. And never a keybed will be able to fit at this level of facilities. For me i'd better choose the modx+ to be more comfortable in all this. Thank for the cool video.👍😉

I still want and like the fantom

I used to sell keyboards. MODX has a nice engine but it’s semi weighted synth action is quite awful. The full weighted action is from their P series pianos and it’s decent. Fantom 0 series synth action is heartier. Synth sounds are better IMO but the Yammy edges out for acoustic samples. I prefer the weighted PHA4 keybed on the Fantom. I have a full Blown Fantom 8 which topples both of these but to be fair it’s twice as much.

Does anyone else find it annoying they’re all getting similar names? I was trying to explain the difference to someone about the Roland Fantom series, FA06, Fantom 6, Fantom 06, Fantom 6EX etc, same with Yamaha and all the mod series

I was thinking about getting a new keyboard for a long time and now I'm about to buy the modx+ instead of the Roland because it lets me create custom arpeggios and I need those. I did some research online and I don't think Roland can. I could probably use samples but it will probably take lots and lots of time. funny enough I think that Roland Fa-0 can do custom arpeggios.

Everything that's not a synth, the modx wins. Besides that, I prefer the roland workflow

I really wanted to like the Fantom 08. Went to a local music store and played one, was shocked at how terrible (to me) the keys feel. Like a toy, really. The piano sounded very thin and unpleasant to my ears as well. I wish it weren't so, as I really wanted the features, but the overall package is not for me.

MODX+ sound much better to my ears.

The fantom 0 was great, but saving things isn't straightforward, you have to save a scene to save a song

I just bought the MODX6+, traded in my FA06 for it. The FA06 had one of the worst keybeds I have ever had the displeasure of using. Awful in every way, plus velocity issues. Compared to the FA, the MODX keybed is the best thing ever. My main keyboard is hammer action, but this is a perfect synth bed for me. FSX good? No, of course not, but so far beyond the FA I can’t even explain. I was choosing between this one, the Fantom 06 and the Nautilus and this one just had the best feature points that I wanted.

I prefer the Roland sound tbh

I go with Yamaha. The new MODX+ is I think a bit brighter than the Roland. I use a Montage on all my albums along with a Hydrasynth and Deepmind 12.