Shop For Yamaha YPT400AD Portable Electronic keyboard w/ 61 Full Size touch sensitive keys

I am not a professional musician, but I have dabbled in music most of my life without ever settling on a specific instrument (I did blow a mean blues harp in the eighties). I was recently inspired to pick up an inexpensive keyboard after watching a PBS special demonstrating just how easy it is play the piano...as long as you're not expecting to become a classically trained concerto master, anyway. Heck, if I can handle a typewriter keyboard, then I might have enough dexterity to fumble out a song or two during the holidays, eh?

I studied all the choices, price ranges, features and options here on amazon.com before settling on the Yamaha YPT-400AD. I would have preferred to purchase the YPT-400MS since it also comes with a keyboard stand, but it was only a few bucks extra to buy a stand separately, and I was in too much of a hurry to wait two months for it to be delivered.

Yamaha YPT400MS Portable Electronic Keyboard with 61 Full Size Touch Sensitive Keys and Keyboard Stand

In case you wondered, YES, THE YPT-400AD COMES WITH THE AC ADAPTER INCLUDED IN THE BOX. An important consideration for me, since I prefer not to leave a steaming trail of used batteries behind me when I leave the planet.

Simple to use, but extremely powerful with all the included features that Yamaha so thoughtfully included in this keyboard. I had a spare USB (a-b) cable sitting around the house, and I was able to get connected to my PC running Windows Vista Ultimate in seconds. The included software is easy enough for even my own parents to install.

The most difficult part of my experience with this keyboard is knowing when to stop. I've had it in the house for almost a week, and I haven't spent a spare minute doing anything but playing around with it. The comprehensive documentation sits open nicely on the (also included) music stand so I can read while I explore the seemingly limitless options and create soundtracks for my home videos, and fiddle with the simple controls to make it sound like I'm making it sound that good on purpose...even though I'm really just hacking around right now.

Hope you like yours as much as I like mine!
Get more detail about Yamaha YPT400AD Portable Electronic keyboard w/ 61 Full Size touch sensitive keys.

Yamaha YPT210 61 Full-Size Keyboard Bundle

We bought this last year for my son. Just this last month we tried to turn it on and it wouldn't power up. We tried batteries only and it still wouldn't power on. So after les then a year of use it will not turn on with the adapter or batteries. I thought Yamaha made more reliable products!Get more detail about Yamaha YPT210 61 Full-Size Keyboard Bundle.

Yamaha YPR50 76-Note Digital Piano Review

The item delivered did not correspond to the picture. This was a surprise (legs were not delivered)Get more detail about Yamaha YPR50 76-Note Digital Piano.

Yamaha YPG-625 88-Key MIDI Digital Keyboard with Keyboard Stand Top Quality

After a lengthy search for a quality digital piano for myself to leisurely play and for my childrens piano classes,My wife and I settled on the YPG625. The setup was easy and 1 hour after unwrapping we were playing.The sound was great and the feel of the keys was excellent.

Then it became a mess. 3 days after receiving it the screen turned white and quit working.(the keys still made notes when pressed) I called Yamaha and requested to have another one shipped but they refused, instead wanting me to take to the nearset authorized retailer to be fixed. The retailer was 65 miles away and with our work schedule and the store hours this was not feasible.

I decided to keep the piano at home for the kids lessons until I could get Yamaha to send a replacement and I could return the original.

Within a week the whole piano quit working if left on for more than 15 minutes. After unplugging it and let it cool down, it would start working again( the screen still was not functioning), but each time the duration is getting shorter.

I am now awaiting an return authorization from Yamaha to ship it to them for repair. They will not swap out for a new one and they expect that I will be without a piano for 4 weeks. In this time i will lose about $200 for prepaid music lessons that I have no piano to teach or learn on.

In short this as been the biggest dissapointment of all my Amazon purchases and I cannot recomend Yamaha for any purchase.The product has had two major quality problems within 2 weeks and Yamaha's customer service is not willing to work with the customers needs.Get more detail about Yamaha YPG-625 88-Key MIDI Digital Keyboard with Keyboard Stand.

Yamaha YKA6000 Heavy-Duty Keyboard Stand This instant

This keyboard stand should satisfy those people out there looking for a sturdy, easy to assemble keyboard stand. The quality of the fit and finish was excellent. The stand went together in about 15 minutes and everything is included in box. This is advertised as a stand made by musicians, for musicians. I totally agree. All in all, a great keyboard stand for the money.Get more detail about Yamaha YKA6000 Heavy-Duty Keyboard Stand.

Yamaha YAMAHA AAX67371 REMOTE CONTROL Immediately

I purchased this remote to simply replace the original one ... it works perfectly! I don't know why I waited so long to replace it.Get more detail about Yamaha YAMAHA AAX67371 REMOTE CONTROL.

Yamaha PSRGX76AD 76-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard with AC Adapter Best Quality

This is the BEST KEYBOARD IN THE WORLD!!!!! It is #1. If you want a keyboard. Get this one!Get more detail about Yamaha PSRGX76AD 76-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard with AC Adapter.

Yamaha PSR340 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard Get it now!

When I first bought this it was great.It has plenty of different sounds and features.One thing I didn't like was that after a while,the display screen grows a little dim.Other than that I thought this product was great.Get more detail about Yamaha PSR340 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard.

Yamaha PSR280AD 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard with AC Adapter Buy Now

I've had a casio CTK-541 and a yamaha psr260, but this is the one i wanted all along. I liked it because of its song recorder, sound effects, voices, etc.... When i got it, i couldn't wait to go home and try it out. It sounded so real that it felt like i was on stage. The yamaha education suite 2 helped me learn all 100 songs. This keyboard is worth 100 times more than its priceGet more detail about Yamaha PSR280AD 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard with AC Adapter.

Yamaha PSR260AD 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard with AC Adapter Order Now

The quality is good and the sound is very good. I don't use this thing, but my wife has really enjoyed it. We've had it for a long time and have not had any problems.Get more detail about Yamaha PSR260AD 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard with AC Adapter.

Yamaha PSR-290 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard without Adapter Decide Now

Bsd
- I like this keyboard. Great sounds ,great rythms and easy of use.
More powerful speakers wouldn't hurt.
But you can't have it all.
I use it even with my music group.Get more detail about Yamaha PSR-290 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard without Adapter.

Yamaha PSR-175 Music Keyboard with DJ Voices Right now

I, unfortunately, feel victim to the same problem as another reviewer. I ordered the PSR-175 but was sent the YPT-200 Karaoke keyboard, which hardly has the same features. Luckily for me, I was able to return it and received a full refund including the express shipping I paid. However, they promised me they would contact Amazon to have this listing removed, but two months later it's still here, baiting another poor soul.Get more detail about Yamaha PSR-175 Music Keyboard with DJ Voices.

Lowest Price Yamaha P80 88-Key Graded Hammer Effect Digital Piano

I've had my P80 for over ten years now -- on occasion I will go to our local "Guitar Center" and try the new keyboards. I'll stick with my old P80 -- feels and sounds very close to an acoustic. In fact, after playing an acoustic here and there, I prefer my P80.

It has a variety of piano sounds, a couple organs and other piano-like sounds... plenty for me. I have been playing the piano since 1951 and worked as a jazz musician for nine years (1955-1964) -- have played on some really bad pianos. But, this one is consistent... sounds good all the time. Plus I like the transposing option ... so I can play Body and Soul in C and have it come out in D-flat (it's beyond me why Johnny Green wrote that in D-flat... guess he wanted to give the piano player a work-out).

If you're mainly interested in a good piano "sound" then this keyboard will work for you. A little heavy for gigs, but it's worth hauling it around ... great sound.Get more detail about Yamaha P80 88-Key Graded Hammer Effect Digital Piano.

Low Price Yamaha P65MSB 88-Key Weighted graded hammer action keys, comes with stand and bench

My wife has been playing piano for a little over a year now and was looking for a keyboard she could use to practice that would give her the feel of our real piano but that she could plug her headphones into and play without disturbing anyone, and this Yamaha was the prefect choice. It comes with everything so there's no need to buy stands or stools, easy easy to put together and sounds great. She tells me the keys feel great too, plus she loves being able to put it in harpsichord mode while playing some of her Baroque period pieces. Its sturdy, but doesn't way so much that its difficult to move (just awkward due to its size). and while it does rock a bit on its stand if you put it on carpet, it never feels like its about to fall over. we've been very happy with it.Get more detail about Yamaha P65MSB 88-Key Weighted graded hammer action keys, comes with stand and bench.

Save Yamaha EZ30AD 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard

I really like the Yamaha EZ30! It makes it fun to learn how to play the paino. I also bought a book to learn how to play. I started with the book first, slowly playing things like "Jingle Bells" and "Tom Dooley".

After a couple hours with the book, I was looking through the songs included on the EZ30. One of them was the Peanuts theme, which I've always wanted to learn.

I couldn't believe how easy it was to play with the help of Yamaha's YES3 technology. After only 15-30 minutes I was able to keep up a decent tempo and it sounded great with all the background music.

If you've ever dreamed of learning to play the paino like I did, order this product and start playing --you'll love it!Get more detail about Yamaha EZ30AD 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard.

Discount Yamaha EZ20AD 61-Note Portable Keyboard with Guide Lamps and AC Adapter

As a beginner wanting to learn how to play the piano, the Yamaha EZ20AD Portable Keyboard had everything I could ask for. With lessons and Guide Lamps. The follow-along illuminated keys facilitated learning, and the Education Suite 3 provided virtual lessons using 100 built-in songs. I was able to start playing the first time I tried. I would highly recommend this product for anyone, whether you are a novice or an expert.Get more detail about Yamaha EZ20AD 61-Note Portable Keyboard with Guide Lamps and AC Adapter.

Cheapest Yamaha Electronic 61-Touch Keyboard PSR-275 Free Ship

The price is right for this touch-sensitive keyboard. The "grand piano" option sounds great!

This keyboard is so versatile:
1. Tons of instrument sounds
2. Lots of beats
3. Sound effects galore

I've had it for 3 years and still haven't used all of the options.

I'll graduate to a weighted keyboard when I feel I have progressed enough (two or three years).
For now, this baby rocks!Get more detail about Yamaha Electronic 61-Touch Keyboard PSR-275 Free Ship.

Cheap Yamaha DGX300 Electronic Keyboard

Considering the price of this keyboard, it is of very good quality. It sounds 80% like a real piano and feels 70% like the real one (the keys are still a little too light). And like many have reviewed this keyboard, I also feel the sound is not "loud" enough. I have to turn the volumn close to max in order to have a decent volumn with or without headphone (btw, if you turn off the touch function then the keyboard will be louder but it will be mono-tone). However, it is still a wonderful keyboard in this price range. I am glad that I got it. If you don't mind spending a bit more money (~$500), the Casio 88-key ones sounds and feels better than the Yamaha ones.Get more detail about Yamaha DGX300 Electronic Keyboard.

Buying Yamaha DGX-305AD Portable Electronic Keyboard (with AC Adapter)

This is the best beginner's keyboard considering the price and the learning time. I have no music background at all, so it is mighty difficult for me to read the music score. However, this keyboard has built in features to convert midi track1 and track2 and display it on the LCD screen, so i can follow it key by key. After all, my sole purpose is to be able to learn a couple of my favorite songs and show off in some special occasions.
The sequencer feature is great to combine several tracks of musical plays that you played, and edit and replayed. It is great fun to be able to mix drums, guitar, bass .... and create a song for fun.
For this price, one should not expect a weighted keyboard. Great beginner's keyboard period.Get more detail about Yamaha DGX-305AD Portable Electronic Keyboard (with AC Adapter).

Buy Yamaha DGX-205 76-Key Portable Keyboard with MIDI and Built-In Song Sequencer

This was my first keyboard. I have since moved on to the PSR1500 Workstation and the Hammond. This is a great keyboard for beginners with a bit extra more money. The piano is superb. Pump it through a tube amp and it sounds even better. The theater organ patch is quite powerful, I use it for old style playing when there isn't a Hammond to be found. I have three minor issues with this keyboard:

1. The keys are a little stiff for my taste. They aren't springy enough.

2. The DSP effects are limited, to say the least. It has the usual chorus, reverb, flanger and phaser. But it could benefit from a few extra effects (like tremolo/rotary speaker, distortion, etc).

3. No modulation wheel. No way to control vibrato, if any at all.

Despite these limitations the keyboard is great for beginners who just want a lot of sounds and no fancy, confusing menus.Get more detail about Yamaha DGX-205 76-Key Portable Keyboard with MIDI and Built-In Song Sequencer.

Purchase YAMAHA 61 KEY PORTABLE KEYBOARD W/AC ADAP *NIC*

I'm pleasantly surprised by the quality and variety of voices in this modestly priced keyboard. It's more than met my expectations, in terms of performance for making demo songs. There's no confusing this product with a performance level instrument, but then again, why would you expect that at such a low price?Get more detail about YAMAHA 61 KEY PORTABLE KEYBOARD W/AC ADAP *NIC*.

Order STAGE PIANO

This seemed to be the answer to someone looking for the action and basic functions of the RD700 without all the extra weight and bells and whistles. And it was a lot easier to program than all of the Kurzweils I've struggled with (mostly when the absence of a bass player required keyboard splits and precise, stable control). But after three jobs I had to admit to disillusionment--again. The action was stiffer than I required for an electric (and especially for organ sounds), the menu system didn't provide the quick responses I was used to, and, worst, the volume levels kept changing whenever I switched from one sound to another. Try to play melody and/or chords in your right hand, accompany yourself with a walking bass line in your left hand, and finally to make constant adjustments to the levels of each of the sounds/programs/set-ups to maintain consistent, balanced levels (not to mention silencing the constant complaints from the saxophone player or band leader). Just don't ask yourself if you're having fun. Answering that question honestly may lead to starting that long-postponed Roth instead of purchasing more gear.Get more detail about STAGE PIANO.

Where To Buy Spectrum AIL495 61 Note Keyboard Pack

Well here is the story. I bought this keyboard which was on "sale" for about $129 in NYC, some 3 yrs ago. Few days later the display light stopped working. Then I exchanged the instrument for another similar one at the store. Then the new one had the same problem. I emailed the customer service, then many days later I got a reply asking me to ship it to them for an exchange. What? am I supposed to pay for the shipping...no way. So then I replied about the shipping policy. Then I never got a reply. The keyboard still works but now the sound is not good. The display light is still not working. For the same price, you get much better brands. Just don't buy any of the models of this brand. I guarantee you will have the same or worst problems.Get more detail about Spectrum AIL495 61 Note Keyboard Pack.

Shop For Schoenhut My First Piano II, White

I was really let down by this product. My two year old uses it as a sitting bench...yes, it's that small! When she does try to play it she has to sit on her knees and crouch down. It is otherwise really well made and has surprisingly good sound...if it were double the size I would love it...as it is, it simply sits in the corner of the room unused.Get more detail about Schoenhut My First Piano II, White.

Piano Wizard

My kids love this. They want to take lessons and it is fun. They immediately start playing songs!!!!Get more detail about Piano Wizard.

Organetto Abruzzese Review

The instrument pictured is not an "organetto abruzzese" but simply a concertina, which is not a traditional Italian instrument. Abruzzo is a region of Central Italy, where organettos are mostly built, but the instrument is used throughout the country in traditional dance music. The links you provide under the picture show how real organettos look like, and it can easily be seen that the instrument is quite different from both the English and Anglo concertina.Get more detail about Organetto Abruzzese.

Nord Wave Synthesizer 49 49-key Synthesizer Top Quality

I just purchased the Nord Wave and like all Nord products, it does not disappoint. I am however finding that it is pretty tedious to add some of my waves from other sources to the instrument. There are several sounds that your can download from the clavia.se site - however, many do sound stock to me. But that's the whole point of this instrument - to manipulate those sounds using your computer. Once I get the hang of how to do all that, I'm sure that this will be a rewarding purchase and I will enjoy the sounds I am able to manipulate/create on it! I have to give this 5 stars. I think it is well worth the investment. . .Just be prepared to take the time to learn how to use it.Get more detail about Nord Wave Synthesizer 49 49-key Synthesizer.

Nord Nord Electro 2 Keyboard 73 Key Keyboard This instant

Ok this simple little thing that does only piano and organ is on the verge of overtaking the (now-vintage) Yamaha EX-5 as my favorite all time keyboards I've owned. Here's my story:

I am a synth player that does piano and organ mostly on my own prog rock. Well I morphed into a prog rock band (you know how that happens) and the guitar player morphed into familyhood (you know how that happens, too)... so here's the synth player left with no guitar to bounce off of.

Ut-oh.

Never fear the Nord Electro 2 saves the day. Give it a couple days you'll know what it's capable of. Give it a month you'll be confident in it. Use it in high-stress-tests and you'll mind meld with it. It JUST does piano and organ, huh? Yeah right. Ok dial up a nice electric piano and punch your first effect to ring mod, turn on the distortion about 30%, drop it down an octave, get to know that low F down there ... hold the sustain and get all the F's going and maybe some intervals for fun in the upper ... then set the rate knob on the ring mod all the way up and turn it on ... turn the knob down slowly over 2-3 second. Oh yeah ... yeah you heard that didn't you? That's no piano sound that's old school FX and it sounds so sweet ... you were trying to get that with portamento and it never worked. See? That's what you're missing.

Seriously this thing is my pulse. I breathe it. I really don't know what else to say if you are looking for piano and organ that's completely organic and open and intuitive this is it.

Oh yeah it does drawbars too and the organ ... well ok

You'll want an EV-5 pedal for organ swell
A sustain pedal
MAYBE a switch for the leslie, but I have one I don't use it
and a reverb pedal, I recommend the Digitech/Lexicon guitar pedal thingy
It does NOT have built in FX such as reverb ... relax you don't need it. Better that be outside.

This was not a technical review, this is a player review. If you want specs ignore me. I just love the damn thing, all I can really say. I break out in a sweat playing this thing it's just so fun and gets me so animated.

Get more detail about Nord Nord Electro 2 Keyboard 73 Key Keyboard.

Nord Electro 3, 61-Key Electronic Stage Piano and Organ, (AMS-NE361) Immediately

I sold my Electro 2 so I could partially buy the latest model. After using it a few weeks it's clear how much better it could have been. Here are the good and bad:

Good:
- New sounds including Vox Continental, Farfisa, harpsichords and samples.
- Better Hammond organ sound.
- Better piano sounds but they take up a lot of memory and do not have keyboard resonance features of the Nord Stage EX.
- Sample software allows you to create your own sounds, organize your patches and is easy to use.
- More built-in effects including reverb, compression and 3 different amplifier distortions.
- USB MIDI interface.

Bad:
- Limiting up/down buttons plus A/B patch selector makes it difficult to get to the sounds you want quickly. The Electro 2 had 8 buttons plus bank up/down which is more useable.
- Unergonomic button layout makes navigation difficult. For example, the shift button is too far from the organ presets making it impossible to play and switch presets at the same time.
- Lack of effect amount knobs as on the Electro 2. You are stuck with toggling through only 3 preset amount settings.
- Ring modulation should not be an oscillator like tremelo. The Electro 2 is correct.
- New Vox and Farfisa sounds aren't that accurate.
- Only 64 MB of onboard sample library memory means you'll be limited to how many sounds you can use at a time.
- Sample software is limiting and doesn't allow for more than one sample per key, assigning polyphony, glide (portamento) or other patch functions.
- No pitch wheel. Nord provides many synthesizer samples but, there's no way to control them. The Electro 3 cannot receive pitch bend MIDI commands from another keyboard either.
- No modulation wheel. Why bother having any synthesizer sounds without modulation.
- Same non-weighted keyboard feels junky.
- Expensive.

[DW]Get more detail about Nord Electro 3, 61-Key Electronic Stage Piano and Organ, (AMS-NE361).

Nord C2 Combo Organ Best Quality

The first thing I must say is that in general I am a purist, and I don't like most electronic instruments. When the church I work for started construction and had to move out of the sanctuary, I had them purchase this organ for me since it's the only one on the market that has classical stops as well as the Hammond and other electronic emulations. I was prepared to not love it but it was the best that could be done without spending from three to ten times more. Then it arrived, I hooked it up to good speakers, and I was absolutely blown away.

The Nord Hammond B3 emulation has been lauded by just about everybody, like all of their vintage sounds. With an adjustable speed rotary speaker as well, I feel like I'm playing in a vintage gospel band. I'm less familiar with how the Vox and Farfisa originals sounded, but they're very good sounds to add to your performance palette.

What surprised me the most, though, was that this instrument has a 21 stop pipe organ. Not just some pipe organ sounds, but individual stops like a real organ or the very expensive Rodgers electronic organs. The sounds are uniformly very high quality, blend very well, and for a Christmas Eve service with good amplification, it sounded like Westminster Abbey. The only thing missing is a pedalboard; Nord has made a prototype of what they call PedalKeys to go with this organ and may be selling it in Europe, and I will be lining up to buy them when they're available in the USA.

At 34 pounds, I can carry this from the back of my car under my arm. Definitely different from most organs that are made from fiberboard and bricks, and the distinctive red color gets comments from my congregation every week. So does the sound! I'm not a total convert to electronic instruments, but I've been so impressed working with this organ that I just bought one of the other Nord keyboards for myself.Get more detail about Nord C2 Combo Organ.

Marshall Jefferson - House Generation Get it now!

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2P0UGYLWNWVFZ Marshall Jefferson - House GenerationGet more detail about Marshall Jefferson - House Generation.

Kurzweil SP2XS 88-Key Stage Piano With Speakers and Stand Buy Now

Now that all Kurzweil's can be layered and split, their glaring weakness is all the more conspicuous. The company, in my opinion, makes the best digital pianos--in terms of sound, versatility, and keyboard "feel"--but with the most convoluted, incoherent, least helpful instructions. Guaranteed to lead to many all-nighters for musicians just trying to "set up" the keyboard for the next day's gig, which may not have a bass player or drummer.

If you have q friend, or a knowledgeable techie/gear-head who works cheap, by all means hire him. The manual, as usual, looks like it's been written by a committee. After talking about the most "powerful" dimension of the keyboard as its adaptiveness to set-ups, it fails to explain or illustrate how to construct sounds in the favored "set-up," or "500," mode rather than the more limiting "performance" mode. It gives no directions or helpful illustrations on how the user might be able to use one of the factory set-ups (all of them unusable) as a "template" to help the user with the creation of his own more practical set-ups. It doesn't explain how to transpose a good acoustic bass sound up an octave into a playable range without having all of the notes in the treble, or right hand, also transposed, except into an unplayable range. It provides a paragraph on doing a "hard reset," so that the player can get rid of all the monstrosities he's created and start afresh--unfortunately the manual fails to provide the vital information that before the "reset" button will activate the instructions permitting a hard reset, the user must first depress the "Global" button. (By accident, and several hours later, I finally stumbled upon it.)

Whether the reader finds it merely curious or confounding, the manual will introduce and begin to discuss some of the specifics of splitting, layering, set-up programs, etc. Then in a late section of the book, the reader finds a paragraph stating that the instrument is capable of "layering and splitting, which means adding on another sound or dividing the keyboard into two or more zones so that different sounds can be played, a feature that can often be convenient for a musician, especially one who is playing in a show" (!!!). In other words, the paragraph sounds as though the authors are unaware that anything preceded it. Instead of specific instructions, we're given a reductive introduction that sounds like it belongs in the ad sheet! I's in details like this where Kurzweil seems determined to cut the corners, in the process cutting the frustrated user to shreds.

I could say that this latest Kurzweil gives me more problems when, during the middle of a fast-moving passage in the middle of a tune, I attempt to go from one program to another. Often the button doesn't register my quick press, the light blinks back at me when it should have changed--but for all I know I've programmed it wrong. The same goes for the sustain pedal. It's the slipperiest pedal I have yet to encounter on an electric keyboard. At one time, Roland marketed a pedal with a heel flap, which made eminent sense and was quite effective (enough reason to get rid of it in this inscrutable market). The bottom surface of this Kurzweil pedal is less abrasive than Kurzweil pedals I've had with my K1000, PC2, or PC1se, squirting across a linoleum floor like a hocky puck repeatedly over the course of a 4-hour job (might as well have been 40). Maybe that's the way they like them in Minnesota.Get more detail about Kurzweil SP2XS 88-Key Stage Piano With Speakers and Stand.

Kurzweil SP-76 Stage Piano Order Now

[Since posting this review, I see that Kurzweil has come out with the SP2 and SP3. Both pianos now allow for splits and layering, the SP2 with 64 (double those of the SP76) and the SP3 with 512 voices. The only problem is that it's now difficult for an average consumer to distinguish between the SP and PC series. In fact, the SP2 and SP3 look rather gaudy to me compared to the cleaner lines of the PC1, 2, or 3. All the same, the SP2 is still comparatively light and easy to program and hence can be recommended as a player's (as opposed to programmer's) axe. Sill one complaint: you have to wonder if these designers have ever heard a jazz trio--Nat Cole, Monty Alexander, Oscar Peterson, the 3 Sounds--for whom the walking bass plus ride cymbal sound are the very essence of "swing" (what's that?). A performance instrument should have those areas covered before the toys and whistles, the effects, the drum machines, the Take 6 examples, the reverb, the RMI electric piano, and every other clever device that, basically, has nothing to do with jazz, with swing, with music is thrown into the electronic circuitry.]

I've gone through twenty different keyboards and ten brands and am currently on my third SP-76 (one was stolen). It's a trifle inflated right now (it's gone down as low as $500, but that's when the American dollar still had some value). It's the most practical solution for the modern keyboard player (and pianist), the least expensive electric piano that still carries some respectability (don't bring a Casio or low-end Yamaha on a gig). Best of all, I can play a downtown job, walk a block to the hotel with keyboard gig bag over one shoulder (lightweight stand inside) and a small but powerful cube amp in one hand in a single trip (by comparison, I see other guys rolling coffins with Roland RD700s and making 2-3 trips), then repeating the whole process at the end of the night. The SP76 is a life-saver.

I'm more of a "pianist" than a "keyboard" player, but you soon force yourself to get used to unweighted keys in exchange for the lightness, and you rarely miss the 12 subtracted notes. The SP76 piano sounds as good as any but falls considerably short of the long-gone Kurzweil K-1000.

Don't be confused by the descriptions of any pianos in the SP series. You can't split and layer sounds without an external module, the keyboard requires time and patience to MIDI, and the 32 onboard sounds are not always adequate (why no vibes?). Still if I lost another keyboard, I'd have to replace it instantly with this one or stop accepting any more one-nighters.Get more detail about Kurzweil SP-76 Stage Piano.

KURZWEIL PC1X Keyboard, 88 Key Decide Now

I've been recording synthesized music for more than ten years, and right out of the box I have been able to make some of the best-sounding music I have ever made using the Kurzweil PC-1X.

The acoustic pianos are some of the most realistic I've heard on any performance keyboard. Some sound brighter (like the Roland XV-88), but few sound more real. Many other sounds are good as well, especially the vocals, electric pianos, orchestral sounds, organs, and percussion.

As far as playing live, the keyboard action is great, and it's easy to set up split/layered performance modes for changing your sound on the spot.Get more detail about KURZWEIL PC1X Keyboard, 88 Key.

Full Size 3 Row Accordion - TriColor with Free Hardshell Carrying Case Right now

Yes this is a very pretty instrument that we did buy on a whim. My 16 year old son is getting quite good just goofing around. The only hassle was Fed Ex delivery, usually it's UPS and they seem to be superior at least in my neck of the woodsGet more detail about Full Size 3 Row Accordion - TriColor with Free Hardshell Carrying Case.

Lowest Price Ensoniq Asr 10

Ensoniq Asr 10
In my opinion, the finest and most intuitive workstation ever made.
Also for live performance, the quickest at changing and layering
sounds and/or banks of sounds. Be sure to get a SCSI Zip 250 drive
for it for maximum speed, storage and reliability. It is an old unit
now, but still capable of going against the latest out there because
of it's architecture and sampling capability. You should love your
instrument, that is a given with this keyboard.Get more detail about Ensoniq Asr 10.

Low Price Edirol PCR-M80 61 key - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

I've had this keyboard a little over a year, using it as my main axe on gigs. I use it with my laptop (playing plug-in instruments), and a Roland JV1010 module. AFAIK the Edirols are the only controllers in this price range that let you program your own sysex, a must for my needs: the keyboard's notes can only transmit on one midi channel (no zoning), so in order to play my JV1010 multitimbrally I use sysex to turn parts on & off and vary volume. The other controllers can be separately programmed to transmit on any of the 16 midi channels. The keyboard feel is fine as long as you're used to an unweighted synth action; the keys have good "spring" (much improved from the previous PCR-80 model). My previous keyboard was a Roland XP50 and the PCR-M80 action is actually much stiffer but I'm used to it now (the XP50's action was particularly light). There are 12 velocity curves that tailor the response of the PCR-M80 to your playing dynamics, a necessary feature in any controller IMO.

Programming from the front panel is a little tedious and convoluted as you need to press multiple buttons and keys on the keyboard to set each controller. The editing software (Mac & PC) works well and makes things much easier, although it's hard to see things on my hi-rez laptop screen; I wish they had made the on-screen display and text labels bigger.

I'm a little concerned about long-term reliability. I banged the &^%$ out of my old Roland XP50 for over ten years, and only towards the end did I have to replace the keyboard contacts (a big $13 for the whole set!), and a few of the plastic switch buttons. After about 15 months with my Edirol, two of the switches stopped working; I opened it up, and used some contact cleaner on them and now they're fine. Recently the pitch bender started acting up -- not returning to "0" after bending down. This turned out to be a loose potentiometer. I called Roland to ask a repair person some questions but they were no help -- only offering to sell me a replacement pitch bend assembly. I am a DIY-type and was comfortable fixing these issues myself, especially since the keyboard was out of warranty.

Aside from the build issues, I like the PCR-M80 a lot. It's extremely compact and light (about 8 lbs). With this and a powerful laptop playing top-shelf VIs, one could easily have a killer mobile setup (I'm old enough to remember carting a Fender Rhodes AND a Yamaha CP-70 to gigs!). There's a downside though: I've found that some people might take you less seriously when you show up with this tiny plastic-y keyboard (some of my fellow musicians refer to it as my "ironing board!"). I could care less. My back is much happier!Get more detail about Edirol PCR-M80 61 key - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller.

Save Edirol PCR-M30 32 key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

The only downside to this is that it is not one of the controllers supported by Ableton out of the box, and it didn't include up to date mappings for Ableton. But with its tools, this is easy enough to create. Mechanically this is a well built controller and the key action is first class.Get more detail about Edirol PCR-M30 32 key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller.

Discount Edirol PCR-800 Midi Keyboard Controller

I have had this for two years now. Great midi controller; love the keyboard feel and response. I play almost daily (in home studio) and have had no problems with it. I use it with Logic Studio and a Roland SonicCell. Took a bit of manual configuration to set it up for Logic 8, but good midi education. I recommend this product.Get more detail about Edirol PCR-800 Midi Keyboard Controller.

Cheapest Dave Smith Instruments Poly Evolver Analog Synthesizer 61 Key Keyboard

One evening using this instrument was enough to convince me that I made the right decision. If you find that you are attracted to Dave Smith Instruments, I would recommend obtaining one directly. You will probably save yourself in the long run.

For example, my instrument survived obvious and egregious rough handling during shipping, but it works just fine. The Evolver is an example of thoughtful engineering, as well as a great instrument. It fulfills all the capacities of many lesser synths. Take my advice. Add this to your rig now instead of later.

Regards,
proclus
[...]Get more detail about Dave Smith Instruments Poly Evolver Analog Synthesizer 61 Key Keyboard.

Buying Casio WK-3800DX 76 Key Digital Music Keyboard Workstation

I bought one of these a few months ago for recording and live performances and I am very pleased with it. Good price, good sound, not as echoy as previous models. I'm wondering what other users do for a music stand? The one I have is just not easy to use with this particular style keyboard. TIAGet more detail about Casio WK-3800DX 76 Key Digital Music Keyboard Workstation.

Buy Casio PX200 Privia Digital Piano with Hammer Action

I bought this piano on Music123, which offers a better deal than Amazon here. I also got a stand that connects to the sides of the piano, so that makes it better since I don't have to find a table for it or anything.

The piano sounds good and clear. I feel like when I make mistakes on this piano, it is more obvious that on a real piano. But I like it anyway. The best thing is being able to adjust the volume and also use earphones. This way, I don't have to worry about being too loud and disturbing the neighbors (or my roommate) when I play.

It certainly is different from playing a real piano. But it is convenient that it's much smaller, so it's great for a college student like me who does not have much space in the apartment room.

The keys are weighted, so it doesn't feel flimsy like a keyboard or anything. The only problem with this piano is that you can actually here the physical sound of the weighted keys being played--which is kind of loud sometimes, especially if the volume is on low. It's not really a problem when the sound is up to the same level as a real piano, and certainly is not audible when you are using earphones. However, that is the reason why I don't give it 5 stars. Otherwise, I really like this digital piano. (FYI, it's the first piano/digital piano I got, so I may not be able to compare much).Get more detail about Casio PX200 Privia Digital Piano with Hammer Action.

Purchase Casio PX130 Privia Keyboard with CS67 Keyboard Stand

This combined product makes no sense at all. It currently (November 2009) is priced at $300 more than the two components separately, each directly from Amazon.Get more detail about Casio PX130 Privia Keyboard with CS67 Keyboard Stand.

Order Casio PX-400R Privia Digital Piano with 88 Full-Size Keys and Grand Piano Touch (Stand Included)

I'm going to agree whole-heartedly with the fella with "50 years piano/organ" experience who praised this board. For the record, I own the Casio Privia PX-555R, which I got for a GREAT price on a close-out, complete with stand and all, from a local store.

I cannot speak for other, or even "similar" models....but this one the Privia PX-555R is EXCELLENT as a practice / idea-generator / small gig board. I would not necessarily recommend this as a pro board for any occasion because the variety of sounds is not up to standards, imo, and also, the real beauty here is the wonderful live tone and presence it offers with its own speakers. These speakers, however, are not sufficient for large rooms or crowded, noisy events. They are too small and do not point outward for better projection.

Now, having said that, I will say that for small, intimate gatherings, practicing, or even laying down idea tracks...this board is GREAT. imo, this "Stereo Piano" patch (when played live with the onboard speakers) does not take a back seat to many other digital pianos out there. Not only is the feel of the keys near perfect, but the sound of this particular piano patch is WONDERFUL...crisp and clear, yet rich and full, without any annoying overtones, fake-sustain envelope issues, etc... It has UNREAL tone and action at any price point.

I say MAJOR KUDOS to Casio for this board....the Stereo Piano patch in particular. I have played MANY intimate gigs with it.....small locales only...and it has been an inspiration every time. For louder or larger events, my Kurzweil PC2X and a set of JBL speakers is still the way to go.

glty.

db

angelsplayground dot comGet more detail about Casio PX-400R Privia Digital Piano with 88 Full-Size Keys and Grand Piano Touch (Stand Included).

Where To Buy Casio PX-100 Privia 88-Key Digital Piano

I've had this keyboard for a couple years. Actually, I have the PX-110 which is not listed on the site, but this should be close enough. I'm not an amazing piano player, but I'm at the level where purchasing a weighted keyboard is a need, not a want. The first time I turned it on and played a few notes, I knew it would suit me well. The piano sound is very lifelike - I gotta admit, the sound is almost better than my "real" upright piano. The only thing I don't like about it is that the keys are almost TOO weighted. When playing fast, repetitive passages, the keys sometimes don't travel back up fast enough. That's only a minor problem, though. I also use it as a MIDI keyboard for home recording. All in all, it's an awesome keyboard. It's my friend. My best damn friend.Get more detail about Casio PX-100 Privia 88-Key Digital Piano.

Shop For Casio LK94TV 61-Lighted Key Keyboard with TV Output

A great product but I went with Costoc on line, shipping included for 169.00 and that included the adapter, the stand, and the digital chord finder.Get more detail about Casio LK94TV 61-Lighted Key Keyboard with TV Output.

Casio LK220 Premium Keyboard Pack with Power Supply, Keyboard Stand and Professional Closed Cup Stereo Headphones

This item I ordered was above expectations, I lOVE it! The headphones it came with are awesome too. Stand is adjustable so that is a plus. I already learned two songs in the song bank. I am a beginner who doesn't know much about keyboards but I think this one is awesome for beginners and non beginners. You can hook it up to your computer to (haven't done it yet cause that is to advanced for me) and many other options I haven't figured out yet but over all it is a great product, works great. The only downfall is it came with an A/C adapter that came with multiple attachments to plug into the keyboard but it doesn't tell you which one to use. I figured it out (I think). I would recommend this product. ThanksGet more detail about Casio LK220 Premium Keyboard Pack with Power Supply, Keyboard Stand and Professional Closed Cup Stereo Headphones.

Casio LK110 Electronic Keyboard Key Lighting / Midi Review

This exact Casio LK 110 can be purchased new for $69.00 at Guitar Center, Musician's Friend---just to name a few.
Get more detail about Casio LK110 Electronic Keyboard Key Lighting / Midi.

Casio LK-92TV 61-Key Lighted Keyboard with TV Outputs, Stand, and Power Adapter Top Quality

The lighted keys make learning so much faster. 35 catchy piano melodies.Get more detail about Casio LK-92TV 61-Key Lighted Keyboard with TV Outputs, Stand, and Power Adapter.

Casio LK-73ADBKS Lighted Touch Sensitive Keyboard This instant

I agree with the review above regarding the problem with the transition to two-handed play using this keyboard. I spent a lot of time practicing two-handed songs one hand at a time and I couldn't figure out how to begin playing both hands at the same time. I've since figured it out and can now play both Beethoven's Pathetique (#76 on keyboard) and Chopin's Chanson (#82 on keyboard). It took around two months of practice in my spare time to learn each of the two songs (4 months total) and I have never had any piano lessons. Here's how:

Spend a few days or a week -- depending on how much experience you have with music in general -- playing the entire piece one hand at a time. You may have to just listen to the piece sometimes to get a feel for it.

Once you are thoroughly familiar with the song, memorize how to play the just the first measure in your right hand (using "Step 2", right hand). Be sure to pay attention to the fingering guide on screen -- it'll make things a lot easier in the long run if you are playing the correct fingerings and doing the correct sustains, not just blindly following the key lighting. Then switch it "Step 2", left hand, and play the right hand from memory while watching the keyboard to play the left hand as well. The keyboard will also be playing the right hand, but will not advance unless the left-hand keys have been hit correctly. If you hit left-handed keys without playing the corresponding right-hand part, you'll hear it being played anyway -- and know that you didn't do it right. You can then go back and try again. It usually just takes a few minutes until you get it right through trial and error -- but definitely longer if it is a really difficult measure. If you take a look at the sheet music to see when the left and hand keys are playing relative to each other, it often makes it easier to learn the measure.

Once you have really learned the measure, learn the next one and a so on. To make learning easier, I continue to practice in "Step 2", left hand mode even after I have learned to play the entire song, and then wean myself off the the left-hand lighted guide only after I have the song down cold. At a certain point you know the left-hand part just by feel and you only need to learn where to jump to in parts where the left hand moves a long way on the keyboard.

This method really works and I recommend this keyboard to anyone who would like to quickly learn complex two-handed classical pieces without knowing how to read music. Everyone is shocked that I am suddenly able to play difficult classical pieces that would normally require 5-10 years of piano lessons.Get more detail about Casio LK-73ADBKS Lighted Touch Sensitive Keyboard.