Yamaha HS8 or D-85

[Guest]

I just bought an HS-6 for $75 (very clean with all of the original books) and almost before I unloaded itfrom my pick-up truck someone offered me an HS-8 for $350 (probably negotiable). Now I have also been offered a Yamaha D-85 for $350.</P>


I am sure the HS-8 is a better instrument than the HS-6 and the difference in the price is not enough to be relevant considering the time commitment in getting familiar with the organ.</P>


However, I am struggling between an HS-8 and a D-85. I guess both of these blow the doors off a Hammond Aurora?</P>


Owners seem pretty driven to get rid of these things and it would be pretty easy to assemble a collection of orphans in my basement.</P>


Any comments?</P>


Thanks. </P>
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[andyg]

Re: Yamaha HS8 or D-85



I think the D85 is a better sounding instrument than any of the HS series. It's warmer, the PASS system seeming to do a better job of this than the FM of the HS. Also, I like to have organ sounds that I'm in control of.</P>


Depending on where you are and what $ you're talking about, $350 is probably WAAAY too much for a D85. Divide by 3 - at least! I'd say it's too much for an HS8 as well, but there is a smalldemand for these that may inflate the value a little.</P>


I'd offer $150 for the D85, $200 for the HS8 and then sell the HS6 for the same $75 that you paid!</P>


As for blowing the doors off a Hammond Aurora, depends on what model Aurora it is. Later Auroras had a better basic organ sound than any of the 3 Yamahas, but that may not be all you're after.</P>


Andy</P>

[crossyinoz]

Re: Yamaha HS8 or D-85

[quote user="Sunshinecoaster"]


However, I am struggling between an HS-8 and a D-85. I guess both of these blow the doors off a Hammond Aurora?</P>


Owners seem pretty driven to get rid of these things and it would be pretty easy to assemble a collection of orphans in my basement.</P>


[/quote]</P>


G'day,</P>


HS6/8 &amp; D85 are like chalk and cheese, HS models are digital &amp; D85, like a Hammond Aurora is analog, with the warmth of sound that goes with it. The upside of an analog organ is it's warm sound, heart &amp; soul, if you like, whereas a digital instrument will sound more clinical, but provide you with programmable features, sound editing, and digital storage of sounds, both internal and external, and of course if you're interested there's MIDI.</P>


The HS8 was an extremely popular instrument and its re-sale value varies greatly. Last week on Ebay Oz one sold for just over AUD$700, yet 3 weeks earlier another went for AUD$399. There were a lot of accessories for the HS models, most of which are now very difficult to obtain, eg. disk drives, RAM packs, ROM packs containing additional voices and rhythms, &amp; 2 additional voice modules that sold for AUD$995 each I would check what comes with the instrument before agreeing on a price.</P>


Asking $350 for a D85 is la la land stuff; I'll agree with Andy on that one, however it was not that long ago that one sold for AUD$57. Great organ however, and being analog it has the facility to connect an 11pin multi channel Leslie, with no kit required and THEN you'll be blowing away more than the doors off a Hammond Aurora.[Y]. </P>


And yes, it's very much a buyers market now, as next to nobody makes a new one any more, so you can afford to negotiate hard, and one thing's for sure with a Yamaha you're buying possibly the best reliability in the business.</P>


Good Luck,</P>


Ian</P>
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[FlametopFred]

One is Not Enough



Get both.</p>

If you have space, why not? They are fun to
play, inexpensive and ... fun. I think most of the Electone
owners here have at least one. They are a strange
addiction. I have the D-85 (which I love) and the E-70 (which I
also love) and both are so different. I am looking at an FX-20
... but can also see one day have an HS series or something from the
later versions of the Electones.</p>

</p>

As long as you have the space, budget and supportive spouse, go for it. Cheaper than lottery tickets .... </p>

Your tag is "sunshinecoaster" are you from Gibsons or Sechelt, BC?</p>