Introduction
The Yamaha S90 ES is one of the most beloved keyboards from the early 2000s, known for its warm, expressive sound and natural fit in worship environments. Thanks to modern technology, we can now enjoy this classic instrument in VST/AU format, making it possible for worship musicians and producers to use its signature sounds in live services and studio recordings without needing the original hardware.
What is the Yamaha S90 ES?
The Yamaha S90 ES was a synth workstation based on the Motif ES engine, designed with pianists in mind. Featuring fully weighted keys and a rich library of inspiring tones, it became a favorite in churches, Christian studios, and live stages.
The S90 ES VST is a faithful recreation or sample library of the original keyboard, featuring iconic sounds such as:
- Acoustic and electric pianos
- Warm string layers
- Lush ambient pads
- Classic vintage EPs (like Rhodes)
Key Features of the VST
- Sampled directly from the original Yamaha S90 ES
- Realistic acoustic pianos with expressive dynamics
- Worship-friendly strings and pads for ambient layers
- Low CPU usage (depending on the developer)
- Compatible with major DAWs: Ableton, Logic, MainStage, Cubase, etc.
- Some versions include built-in effects (reverb, chorus, delay)
Installation on Windows and macOS
Windows:
- Download the VST plugin file (.dll or .vst3)
- Place it in your DAW’s plugin folder (C:\Program Files\VSTPlugins)
- Rescan plugins in your DAW settings
macOS:
- Download the AU or VST3 version
- Move the file to /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST or /Components
- Restart your DAW and rescan your plugins
⚠️ Some versions of the S90 ES VST require Kontakt Player (free or full version). Always check compatibility before installing.
Interface and Parameters
Depending on the developer, the interface may vary, but here are common controls included:
- Instrument selector (Piano, Strings, Pads, etc.)
- Envelope controls: Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release
- Built-in effects: Reverb, Delay, Chorus
- Velocity and expression response for dynamic live playing
Use Cases and Worship Tips
This is where it shines for the RecursoIglesia community. The Yamaha S90 ES VST brings a worship-ready tone palette that fits perfectly in many church environments:
- Warm piano intros: Great for songs like Here I Am to Worship or Jesus at the Center
- Pads and strings for prayer moments: Perfect for atmosphere and reflection
- Chorus-heavy EPs: Useful for bridges or dynamic transitions
- Easy integration with MainStage or Ableton Live for live keys rigs
You can also combine these sounds with drum samples or multitracks available at RecursoIglesia to create a complete, professional worship setup.
Videos and Recommended Resources
Conclusion
The Yamaha S90 ES VST is more than just nostalgia—it’s a powerful tool for modern worship. If you’re looking for a VST with soulful pianos, lush layers, and a proven worship sound, this one delivers on all fronts.