Guitar Center will match internet prices if you can find a deal they will match it, also GC regularly has 20% off coupons.
 
I never pay full price at CG.  I got my MOXF8 with a trade in of some hardware and a 20% off coupon.  I only paid $1200, still a lot of money but was cheaper than the retail of $1700.

A real Motif has a better quality keybed than the MOXF series. Sounds a little better as well, even though the sound set is pretty much the same. People that have used both describe the MOXF sound as "veiled", compare to a Motif XS/XF. Inferior conversion maybe? I'm sure they cut corners everywhere to get the price point down. Still, a very good workstation for the money. Some good choices these days for budget workstations from Yamaha, Roland, Korg and Kurzweil.
 
If you're hell bent on a Yamaha, a used Motif XS or XF would be the best option. Might cost a little more, but the extra quality and features would make up for that.
 
 

Bonzos Ghost
A real Motif has a better quality keybed than the MOXF series. Sounds a little better as well, even though the sound set is pretty much the same. People that have used both describe the MOXF sound as "veiled", compare to a Motif XS/XF. Inferior conversion maybe? I'm sure they cut corners everywhere to get the price point down. Still, a very good workstation for the money. Some good choices these days for budget workstations from Yamaha, Roland, Korg and Kurzweil.
 
If you're hell bent on a Yamaha, a used Motif XS or XF would be the best option. Might cost a little more, but the extra quality and features would make up for that.
 

 
I heard that it's the exact same sound engine, and that the difference is in the arranger features and the quality of the keybed - so it's interesting to see a post that says the sample sets are different...
 

MachineClaw
I have a Yamaha MOFX8.
 
the keybed on moxf6 and moxf8 are a bit different in feel.  the moxf6 is like a synth keyboard, kinda mushy not true weighted or anything.
 
the MOXF8 has a bit more solid feel but it's still not weighted keybed or anything.  
 

 
Not quite correct...
 
he MOXF8 features an 88-key GHS keyboard that provides authentic, realistic keyboard response—much like the playing feel of an acoustic piano—with a heavy touch in the bass register that changes to a lighter one in the treble, and a natural gradation of touch in between. Meanwhile, the MOXF6 offers a 61-key, semi-weighted keyboard that has been designed and adjusted so that you can easily and expressively play the rich variety of sounds the instrument offers.
 

What are the differences between Yamaha Graded Hammer Actions? GHS, GHE and GH3

 

GH / GHE (Graded Hammer effect):
One of Yamaha's premium weighted actions, provides greater accuracy for faster repetetive passages required by intermediate and advanced pianists. Professional grade components provide a smoother,quiter mechanism when striking the keys.

GHS (Graded hammer Standard):
Well suited for the beginner pianist and delivers the graded, weighted touch piano teachers recommend for building proper technique for playing acoustic pianos.

GH3:
Like GH / GHE, but GH3 also swings back faster, like high quality piano keys. GH3 allows the player to feel the weight of the key when depressed a second time, even when the player has not completely released the key after the first push of the key.
 

SuperG

Bonzos Ghost
A real Motif has a better quality keybed than the MOXF series. Sounds a little better as well, even though the sound set is pretty much the same. People that have used both describe the MOXF sound as "veiled", compare to a Motif XS/XF. Inferior conversion maybe? I'm sure they cut corners everywhere to get the price point down. Still, a very good workstation for the money. Some good choices these days for budget workstations from Yamaha, Roland, Korg and Kurzweil.
 
If you're hell bent on a Yamaha, a used Motif XS or XF would be the best option. Might cost a little more, but the extra quality and features would make up for that.
 

 
I heard that it's the exact same sound engine, and that the difference is in the arranger features and the quality of the keybed - so it's interesting to see a post that says the sample sets are different...
 

The soundset for the MOXF indeed comes from the XF
 
The new MOXF series combines a MOTIF XF sound engine and Flash memory expandability\
 
I have both the 6 and 8, and use the 6 as a top board

I think they're basically the same soundset/samples/wavs, etc, but there seems to be a general consensus out there that the MOFX doesn't sound quite as good as a full blown Motif. Whether they're more compressed, or it's a question of D/A conversion, I don't know, but it's not the first time a mfr has done this when a more budget friendly model is introduced. Still a lot there to like though.

Bonzos Ghost
I think they're basically the same soundset/samples/wavs, etc, but there seems to be a general consensus out there that the MOFX doesn't sound quite as good as a full blown Motif. Whether they're more compressed, or it's a question of D/A conversion, I don't know, but it's not the first time a mfr has done this when a more budget friendly model is introduced. Still a lot there to like though.

I'll bet a wooden nickel if you looked inside you'd find *identical* circuitry. Sometimes folks 'hear' something that just doesn't exist, and a $2000 price differential might tend to do that.

Ya, who knows....Could be that the keyboard velocity responds a little differently. I wouldn't be surprised if a Motif has better quality DACs though. Some people claim there is a difference. Could be just the ones with the golden ears, but it's been a topic of debate on other forums.

Bonzos Ghost
Ya, who knows....Could be that the keyboard velocity responds a little differently. I wouldn't be surprised if a Motif has better quality DACs though. Some people claim there is a difference. Could be just the ones with the golden ears, but it's been a topic of debate on other forums.

true, but I have "Hi Fi" friends who claim they can hear the difference in cables that cost $5000 vs cables that cost $50. 
 
sometimes it's all in the Kool-Aid. 

Beagle

Bonzos Ghost
Ya, who knows....Could be that the keyboard velocity responds a little differently. I wouldn't be surprised if a Motif has better quality DACs though. Some people claim there is a difference. Could be just the ones with the golden ears, but it's been a topic of debate on other forums.

true, but I have "Hi Fi" friends who claim they can hear the difference in cables that cost $5000 vs cables that cost $50. 
 
sometimes it's all in the Kool-Aid. 

Cables won't do it, but a bottle of Jack makes anything sound better.