Yamaha MODX6+

The Modx+ 6 is certainly a great value for money. As second tier (with a good masterkeyboard beneath) ; it's an enrichment for your sound palette. All necessary connections are there as well, although the lack of balanced outputs makes the use of an USB connection between master keyboard and simultaneous audio out from the MODX to that same masterkeyboard unworkable. The keybed feels cheap and is a bit of a disgrace for the rest of the instrument which is, though plastic, quite solid. Touch screen response is a bit sluggish but workable. Personally the lack of aftertouch and cheap keys are a major reason for me to upgrade to the montage after all, despite the added weight and cost. Bonus are the extra controls and balanced outputs. IMHO, if you cannot really use the extra keys of the second tier, it acts more like a disproportionately big sound module. For a more precise and pleasant performance the FSX keybed feels so much better. Shame Yamaha couldn't come up with a slightly better keybed for the modx than the current one. It would make it almost perfect in it's class. But perhaps they intentionally crippled it a bit , to prevent the Modx from cannibalising Montage sales too much. If you are not picky about keys it is almost a no brainer. For the ones that value a good set of keys and can handle the extra weight ; get the montage.