Showing posts with label educational. Show all posts
Showing posts with label educational. Show all posts

8/08/2012

Casio CTK-671 Portable Electronic Keyboard, 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Review

Casio CTK-671 Portable Electronic Keyboard, 61-Note Touch-Sensitive
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I am a bassist, guitarist, and vocalist working on my own project.
I did not have the money to throw into a Korg, Kurzweil, Roland, or Yamaha board. All I needed a keyboard/synth for was drum sounds and some keyboard/synth fill in. At first, this seemed like the model for me..
The touch sensitivity is nice.. most of the sounds are pretty decent, if not you can make all sorts of adjustments to just about anything for any tone... except the 'raindrops' tone, a common favorite on most keyboards/synths.. the raindrops tone for the Casio is a cheesy video game sound effect.
Otherwise, the sound and sound possibilities were surprisingly decent.
That is where the good review ends. 6 songs is not a lot of storage if you actually plan to compose with this thing.. no floppy. However you can save songs to your comp, and load songs from your comp to the keyboard.. if you have a good laptop and want to take it everywhere the keyboard goes, then this is not as much of a concern.
Don't buy it if you plan to use it with Cakewalk.. Casio does not provide the .ins (instrument definitions) file for it, and the manual is useless for creating your own. It works terribly with Cakewalk (and I would imagine other MIDI devices) for this reason.
If you just want to play, and never record anything, then this is the instrument for you, otherwise, go for something a bit more expensive. Do not go Casio though.. At present there are little to no .ins files for Casio boards anywhere on the web.
Also, it is certainly not an instrument to take on the road, partly for the limited storage, partly for its innability to interact with other MIDI devices to the extent it could and should be able to, and partly because it is very lightweight and flimsy, don't sneeze in its direction..
.. Look at the price, ask yourself if you can wait a while longer and buy something that is even just a little bit more expensive.. such as a Yamaha for a hundred or two more.
If you think it will help you on your home project... not unless you want to record and flatten to analog from track to track, or program everything into the keyboard and record analog.

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The Casio CTK-671 Portable Keyboard features 61 full-size keys, 32-note polyphony, and 348 tones. Built-in 2.5-watt per channel stereo speakers give you good sound quality, and a headphone jack and stereo lineout (to attach the keyboard to a home stereo) give you the volume options you need for big performances or late-night practice.
With the keyboard you get 128 general MIDI, 100 face panel sounds, 100 variations and 10 drum sets ready-to-use. Using the synthesizer functions, you can create and store 10 of your own sounds. Simultaneously use up to four effects, such as reverb or chorus, to produce your perfect sound. The 100 rhythm patterns give you everything you need to start making music.
Casio's Internet Data Expansion system lets you download new sounds, patterns, songs, and keyboard settings over MIDI from Casio's Web site.
Other features include three-song/six-track recording with real-time or editable step time, six drum pads, a pitch bend wheel, sustain pedal jack, and a backlit LCD. The LCD displays selection and status of tone, rhythm, mixer, keyboard functions, and tempo for complete control.
The CTK-671 operates with an optional AD-5 AC adapter or D batteries.

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7/20/2012

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

Yamaha PSR260AD 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard with AC Adapter
Average Reviews:

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The PSR 260 is a sophisticated and easy to play keyboard. For its excellent price you will get a keyboard that is portable and versatile, with realistic sounds and 100 voices, among them; piano, grand piano,church organ, accordion, soft guitar, wood bass, strings, marimba, french horn, clarinet, flute, pan flute, violin, sax, banjo and many more. The PSR 260 has also 100 songs either for listening or for use or play with the Yamaha Education Suite. MIDI terminals allow interfacing with other MIDI terminals and a featured touch response lets you control the volume of the voices with your playing strength just as on an acoustic piano. A truly portable instrument this keyboard weights only 12 lbs and is less than one meter long. It comes with a song book, owner's manual and it has a large multifunction LCD backlight display, stereo speakers and auxiliary jacks. A great keyboard to enter into the fascinating world of music.

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The Yamaha PSR-260AD will encourage your hidden musical talent. In addition to a five-octave touch-response keyboard, it features the Yamaha Education Suite 2 music teaching function, bass ports, and a new DJ mode.With touch-sensitive keys, you'll have control over volume and tone. A large backlit LCD with icons and characters provides all indication for settings, and the standard MIDI interface is all you'll need to hook up to a computer or other peripherals.
It features 100 instrument voices, 100 accompaniment styles and 100 built-in songs. In addition, the Yamaha PSR-260AD includes 100 songs in a songbook for the beginning keyboard player. If you need to practice without disturbing others, a headphone jack is available, and a sustain pedal jack will enhance your control of sound.
Other useful features for encouraging creativity include four multipads with 10 banks of musical phrases, a multifingering auto-accompaniment, and a DJ button with special dance voices.
At only 11.7 pounds, the Yamaha PSR-260AD is easily portable. It operates with an included adapter.

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7/03/2012

First Act FL312 Discovery Learn & Play Accordion Spiral Bound Book Review

First Act FL312 Discovery Learn and Play Accordion Spiral Bound Book
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This is an easy to follow and very durable book and leads to many hours of enjoyment! Be sure to get the First Act Discovery Accordion to play along! First Act Discovery FA107 Junior Accordion

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The accordion has always been an intriguing instrument. This book will let aspiring musicians explore this fun musical instrument while developing a lifelong love of music. Give it as an inspiring gift to your favorite junior musician. Ideal for children and beginners, the 42-page book features one- and two-hand exercises, international songs and custom illustrations. Imported.

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6/18/2012

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

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

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Beginning keyboardists will love Yamaha's EZ20AD Portable Keyboard With Guide Lamps. The follow-along illuminated keys facilitate learning, and the Yamaha Education Suite 3 provides virtual lessons using 100 built-in songs. It features 61 piano-size keys and MIDI interface for computer connectivity.
Two stereo speakers plus bass ports and bass boost enhance the sound. With 100 instrument voices to choose from, plus 100 accompaniment styles, the Yamaha EZ20AD encourages creativity. In addition, it includes 19 multipads using keys for sound effects. If you need to practice in privacy, the EZ20AD features a built-in headphone jack.
The keyboard operates with an included Yamaha PA3B power adapter or with six optional D-cell batteries. Yamaha provides a one-year limited warranty on parts and labor.

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5/16/2012

Yamaha PSR240 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard Review

Yamaha PSR240 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This keyboard is great, and my children have really enjoyed it since we bought it for christmas. it is easy for them to use and to play with.
one BIG downside : it doesn't come with a power adaptor, so when you receive it, you have to buy 6 batteries. It would be a lot better to have the power adaptor included in the package, this is a real nuisance to have to order again, and it is not clear in the description that it is not included

Click Here to see more reviews about: Yamaha PSR240 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard

With Yamaha's PSR240 portable electronic keyboard, you can channel your musical inspiration anywhere. Simply select any of the built-in music styles and soon you'll be on your way. The Yamaha PSR240 features an easy-to-read LCD display, 61 full-sized keys, two stereo speakers, the built-in Yamaha Education Suite programs, and a collection of functions that make it simple for anyone to learn to play music.
The Yamaha PSR240 gives you the choice of 100 voices, including that of a grand piano; 100 styles and rhythms; demo songs; special effects for harmony and echo; and more. You control the tempo, accompaniment volume, tuning, and everything else needed to make your music sound its best.

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3/13/2012

Yamaha MM6 Music Synthesizer Review

Yamaha MM6 Music Synthesizer
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(More customer reviews)
Got more then expected. Lightweight with great sounds, especially Live! ones. Good synth suitable primarily for performace. Easily programable for fast patch switching.

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Power and control, two elements that can make all the difference in your music, whether you compose, create or perform. The MM8 and MM6 Music Synthesizers deliver all the musical power and creative control you need - and a whole lot more. Taking their sounds from the highly popular pro-level MOTIF series instruments, the MM series have an enormous variety of dynamic, authentic voices to help you create and perform in virtually any style of music. These powerful instruments also give you total control over your sound, letting you dynamically change sonic textures as you play with real-time tweakable knobs. Also built-in are special Patterns that provide full instrumental backing - drums, bass and chords - to accompany your live performance and song creation. The MM8 and MM6 have 418 Voices and 22 Drum Kits on board, all based on the dynamic, realistic sounds of the advanced MOTIF series synthesizers. These exceptionally high-quality sounds range from authentic acoustic instruments to wild, unique and in-your-face synth Voices. An extra set of GM Voices is built into the instrument as well, giving you all you need to play back songs recorded in that popular format. With so many Voices to choose from, you might think it's difficult to select the ones you need. Not so. The convenient Category Search function lets you choose the type of instrument you want to play - organ, guitar, synth, lead, strings, whatever - then select the specific Voice. All your favorite sounds are right at your fingertips, ready to play when you are.

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1/03/2012

Yamaha YPT320 61-Key Portable Keyboard Review

Yamaha YPT320 61-Key Portable Keyboard
Average Reviews:

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Very nice keyboard for a beginner or an experienced musician.
Tons of great features which I have yet to learn. Sounds very realistic, better then Casio keyboards.
The only dissapointment was that on the product discription page it does not say that keyboard comes with AC adapter. Based on the description and the suggestion from Amazon that together with the keyboard customers were buying AC adapter; I ordered AC adapter separately. Now I have 2 adapters, one of them is collecting dust and was additional expense to me for no reason. Beware! Do not order separate AC adapter with this keyboard, it already comes with one. I give 4 stars because of that, otherwise it would be 5.
I also ordered Yamaha L3C Attachable Keyboard Stand for this keyboard. Yamaha does not say it's compatible with YPT-320, but it fits nicesly. I like the fact that the stand is screwed to the bottom of the keyboard so it will not fly off the stand, like it can do from one of those X-style stands.

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The YPT-320 is a touch sensitive instrument that features 482 dynamic, authentic voices, with 361 XGlite voices, 12 drum kits and a sound effect kit. The YPT-320 also has 106 accompaniment styles and 102 built-in songs. Music database with 100 songs-for instantly setting entire instrument to match a desired music genre. Special two-track Easy Recording feature lets you record and save up to five of your original songs - great for composing and practice purposes.You can practice the preset Songs using these lesson functions: "Keys to Success", "Listening, Timing, Waiting" and "Phrase Repeat." Keys to Success helps you master a Song, whereas Listening, Timing, Waiting helps you first master the timing then playing the correct notes. Phrase Repeat lets you select and repeatedly practice a specific phrase in the Song. In the "Keys to Success" mode, you can practice individual phrase separately. Each time you finish a specific Step, your score is shown in the display. Passing one Step (with a score of 60 or better) lets you go on to next one automatically.

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12/12/2011

My Piano Pack Review

My Piano Pack
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I bought this for my 10 year old son for Christmas. He has had a little piano instruction and is good with technical things, so it seemed a good fit. The software was Ok, perhaps a little too basic for him, but user-friendly. To his great disappointment however, the keyboard did not work properly.
After hooking it up to the computer, we found the keyboard would make NO sound. With a little fiddling the keyboard did begin to work, but the sound was low, even with the volume turned all the way up. It also felt cheap and unresponsive to touch, generally. When started up again the next day, once more the keyboard did not work. There may be a loose wire or something, but quality control definitely seems to be a problem with the keyboard.
In sum, I would recommend the "My Piano" software, which can be purchased separately (and much cheaper). It is good for younger children probably up to age 10 or so.

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eMedia My Piano Keyboard and Software Package; Teach piano fundamentals to beginners on your home computer! Children who learn an instrument at a young age are proven to do better in their schooling, making friends, creativity, self-discipline and have an over-all higher self-esteem. Combining eMedia's My Piano software with a touch-sensitive, high-quality 49-key MIDI keyboard you can connect straight to your computer to play and learn. Features pitch bend and modulation controllers, this specially-designed MIDI keyboard boast several excellent features you see on larger keyboards including; MIDI out port, USB port and a sustain pedal input jack. Connect the keyboard with includede USB cable directly to your computer's USB port and get ready to tickle those ivories. Using a compact 49 key keyboard provides an excellent fit in most situations as it is small enough to fit on the average computer desk. The USB cable supplies power to the keyboard from your computer and the audio plays through your computer's speakers your computer through its USB connection, which means there is no need to use power adapter or a bulky keyboard amplifier. eMedia My Piano Features My Piano Software to learn important piano techniques 49 Key Touch Sensitive Keyboard to interface with the software Basic Keyboard fundamentals (Learning your notes, counting rhythm... etc) More Advanced Lessons (Playing chords, reading music, playing songs... etc) Animated keyboard shows kids where to put their fingers as audio plays Easily adjustable Tempo to learn at your own pace Transpose Function to change the key of a song Metronome and Digital record are included in the Software Designed for Ages 6 years and older! Now it's easy for kids ages 6 and up to learn how to play piano! An animated character named Pam the Piano guides kids through over 100 lessons

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10/08/2011

Bastien Piano Primer Level Review

Bastien Piano Primer Level
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My kids have been learning from this series for many years. Now that they are teaching others, this is the series they will always rely on.

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Bastien Piano Basics is an exciting and comprehensive series for piano study designed to get the young student off to the right start. The learning sequence is carefully graded to assure steady progress in all areas

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10/01/2011

PIANO MADE EASY: "It's Piano Lessons in a Box" Review

PIANO MADE EASY: It's Piano Lessons in a Box
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bought PIANO MADE EASY for my kids and they LOVE it!!! teaches how to REALLY play the piano. very user friendly and easy for kids to set up and play themselves. (don't know why that other reivewer complained about the game not being midi, the instructions say that its not midi). 5 stars.

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WIt's Piano Lessons in a Box! Winner of Creative Child Magazine Top Toy of the Year Award; Family Review Center Platinum Award; iParenting Media Award; National Parenting Center Seal of Approval; The Toy Man Award of Excellence; and National Parenting Publications Honors Award - visit their sites for independent reviews of PIANO MADE EASY. Learn how to play the piano with PIANO MADE EASY! This computer adventure for beginners teaches how to count rhythm and the keys on the piano. With the help of zany Bill the zookeeper and his dog you'll learn how to play music on your own PIANO MADE EASY piano. Up to 4 people ages 7 to adult will make your way through a beautiful zoo learning a new piano concept at each stop. Hidden in the zoo are 57 pieces of orchestrated music plus 10 rhythm and keyboard games. Kids and adults will have a great time learning to play the piano with PIANO MADE EASY's fun piano lessons. PIANO MADE EASY is a 49-key piano keyboard with power adaptor and instructional CD-ROM game for use on a PC computer with Windows 98 2nd Edition, XP, or Vista.

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6/23/2011

Yamaha EZ-200 61 Full-Sized Touch Keyboard, Sensitive Keys with Lighted Key Teaching Review

Yamaha EZ-200 61 Full-Sized Touch Keyboard, Sensitive Keys with Lighted Key Teaching
Average Reviews:

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I am a 36 yo man, I've always wanted to learn piano so I thought I'd get this keyboard which I thought had built in lessons that would guide my learning to play the piano...
For all intents and purposes, doesn't the description seem to infer that? That with the Y.E.S.5 teaching system and all those built in songs you'd have a well thought out lesson plan built in. That was my misunderstanding:::
What it actually is is a nice keyboard that you can learn on, but it won't teach you- the emphasis is on getting out what you put in- you have to really stumble your way thru learning the built in songs that the keyboard lights up the correct keys you're supposed to strike- there is not a good fluid way to learn a little piece at a time (It does have an A-B feature but it's not so much a loop as it is a measure to measure cycle with a 2-4 bar intro, each time!) So its not like you can just sit there and play it over and over and over again until you and your fingers get it, its: play the 2 or so bars you select (A-B) and then at the end, it goes thru at least a 2 bar beat count and then resumes the 2 bars of the song you're trying to learn.... does that make sense?
There are not lesson plans. In the book it says to "Listen to and Learn" the song. My memory isn't that fantastic that I can learn the songs by listening to them and then just learning, I think it would be a vast improvement to have a real loop feature that you could use to select a portion, loop it ad infinitum until you learn it and them move on. Also, I was really thinking that with the latest Learning System (Y.E.S.5) that there would be beginner lessons on reading the sheet music, finger drills, scales, etc... all the stuff you learn when you're learning piano- this piano system is for prodigies and people who already know piano.
So while it is a nice keyboard, it is not the EZ piano that will teach you how to play, you will have to look elsewhere to learn, or teach yourself, but this keyboard with all its songs and such will not be a step by step tutor....

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Never played piano or keyboard before? The EZ-200 lighted keyboard from Yamaha will have you playing songs from the very first day. Just call up a song from the 100 songs built-in to the keyboard, select if you'd like to play the left or right hand part and hit "Start". The keyboard will light up the key that you're supposed to play, and in fact, the song will actually stop and wait for you to find the correct key! All of the tools you need are found in the keyboard, including how to play chords.

Expressive Touch like a piano If you're buying a keyboard having piano in mind, you'll want Yamaha's Touch Response feature. On an acoustic piano, striking a key harder will produce a louder sound, striking it softer will produce a softer sound. With Yamaha's "Touch Response" the EZ-200 keyboard responds like an acoustic piano.
Portable Grand: Industry's best piano You're never more than a button push away from the most realistic piano sound in portable keyboards today. One press of the Portable Grand button resets the entire keyboard to a stereo-sampled piano--perfect for when it's time to practice. Yamaha is known around the world for the quality of our acoustic pianos and this attention to detail is evident as you enjoy the warmth and clarity of the EZ-200 Portable Grand piano. And of course, the keyboard includes a Sustain Pedal jack on the back for practicing and playing piano pieces.
Yamaha Education Suite: Helps you learn to play The EZ-200 has 100 built-in songs for you to learn to play, using the Yamaha Education Suite. The songs are separated into left and right hand parts, providing 7 levels of lessons plus a convenient chord dictionary. In addition, the correct fingering is indicated in the LCD display.
Three keyboard lessons for each hand
Lesson One: LISTEN & LEARN the melody or rhythm of a selected song.
Lesson Two: TIMING mode allows you to play the melody or chord by pressing any key using the correct timing.
Lesson Three: WAITING mode stops the playback of a song until you find the correct note and then continues.

Lesson GradingMonitors your progress as you practice each lessons two and three and gives you a grade.
Chord DictionaryShows you how to play chords and tells you which chords you are playing by displaying the notes and chord name on the LCD screen.

Computer Connectivity: General MIDI (GM) and XGlite compatible The music pathway to your computer and the Internet is MIDI. It's the way that keyboards communicate with computers. And because the EZ-200 is both General MIDI (GM) and XGlite compatible, you have access to thousands of MIDI song files on the Internet.
367 Voices and the One-Touch Setting The EZ-200 has 367 Voices for you to choose from. For example, there are pianos, electric pianos, harpsichord, guitars, drums, bass, violins, brass and synthesizer voices. Pretty much every instrument in the orchestra is at your fingertips. And if you don't know which sound goes with what style of music, the keyboard can select an appropriate sound for you using the convenient One-Touch Setting.
Sound Quality: Real stereo (Not just 2 Speakers) Some keyboards have two speakers but aren't stereo. Don't be fooled. Just because a keyboard has two speakers doesn't mean that it's truly stereo with two separate amplifiers. All Yamaha Portable Keyboards feature stereo-sampling technology.
32 Note Polyphony and 16 Part Multi Timbrel In electronic keyboards, the more sounds made at the same time--polyphony--the more memory is needed. Obviously, more is always better, because too little polyphony can cause dropouts in dense passages of music. Some keyboards at this price point have only 12-note polyphony. The EZ-200 has 32 notes of polyphony and will play back 16 different parts or sounds at once (16-part multi timbrel); enough for the most demanding needs.
Reverb Yamaha has long been a world leader in digital signal processing technology. In fact, Yamaha professional audio products are found in most professional recording studios around the world. The EZ-200 takes full advantage of this know-how, giving you an extensive range of nine, top-quality reverb effects that simulate playing in everything from a small room to a large spacious concert hall; a first in this price range.
Metronome Just what the teacher ordered! A fully adjustable metronome is just a button push away.
Strike up the Band--Keyboard Styles In addition to the 100 songs found in the EZ-200, there are 100 Styles that allow you to play any song you like. It's just like having a built-in band. Call up your favorite style of music like Rock, Big Band or Country, press a chord or play Single Finger mode, and the EZ-200 will follow you through a piece of music, providing all of the drums, bass, piano, guitar, horn and string parts for you. With this instrument, you can make great sounding music with little more than 2 fingers, however as you learn to play, the EZ-200 will adapt to your new skills and automatically switch between single finger mode and fingered mode where you play all the notes of the chord.
Connectivity The EZ-200 features MIDI In/Out, Sustain Pedal jack and a Headphone jack for private practice.
What's in the Box EZ-200 Keybaord, Music Rest, Owner's Manual, Song Book

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5/31/2011

Yamaha YPT-320 61 Key Personal Keyboard with AC Adapter, Deluxe Keyboard Stand and Professional Headphones Review

Yamaha YPT-320 61 Key Personal Keyboard with AC Adapter, Deluxe Keyboard Stand and Professional Headphones
Average Reviews:

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We bought this keyboard for my son. He was starting piano classes and we wanted him to practice at home. This keyboard is perfect! It has grand piano sound and also all the songs and voices you'd expect from a modern keyboard. It is very light, it doesn't take up much space and we have it working with batteries. In our case, batteries last +/- 8 weeks. We find the user recorder very helpful as is showing the notes played on the display screen.
The stand is OK, the headphones have a great feature which is a volume control on them. We got a M-Audio SP-2 US65010 Sustain Pedal Piano Style Sustain Pedal for Keyboards (excellent) and a Yamaha PKBB1 Single Braced Adjustable X-Style Keyboard Bench (very good). Now the whole family is into playing piano ! Recommended.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Yamaha YPT-320 61 Key Personal Keyboard with AC Adapter, Deluxe Keyboard Stand and Professional Headphones

The YPT-320 is a touch sensitive instrument that features 482 dynamic, authentic voices, with 361 XGlite voices, 12 drum kits and a sound effect kit. The YPT-320 also has 106 accompaniment styles and 102 built-in songs. Music database with 100 songs-for instantly setting entire instrument to match a desired music genre. Special two-track Easy Recording feature lets you record and save up to five of your original songs - great for composing and practice purposes.You can practice the preset Songs using these lesson functions: "Keys to Success", "Listening, Timing, Waiting" and "Phrase Repeat." Keys to Success helps you master a Song, whereas Listening, Timing, Waiting helps you first master the timing then playing the correct notes. Phrase Repeat lets you select and repeatedly practice a specific phrase in the Song. In the "Keys to Success" mode, you can practice individual phrase separately. Each time you finish a specific Step, your score is shown in the display. Passing one Step (with a score of 60 or better) lets you go on to next one automatically.The package comes bundled with professional closed-cup headphones, a single braced X-style keyboard stand, and a power supply.

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5/28/2011

Yamaha YPT-220 61 Key Personal Keyboard with AC Adapter Review

Yamaha YPT-220 61 Key Personal Keyboard with AC Adapter
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I just learned how to play the guitar and I really wanted to tackle another musical instrument, so I thought of the piano. As I am on a really tight budget and have such a small space I went with this keyboard, the Yamaha YPT-220 and I'm glad that I did.
I've only had it for about three days but already can play a few things. It comes with a built in Y.E.S. (Yamaha Education Suite)which teaches you how to play over 100 songs. However, you may have to pause frequently because the notes are played standard, not slowed down. Now, there were some complaints about not being able to hit the lower notes, which you cannot on this keyboard. In order to do that you'll need the 76 key keyboard. But, if you are like me and on a tight budget or have a small space then this keyboard is perfect.
I've been going on Youtube and seeing how to play certain songs that I like and so far all the songs I want to play, it's been possible because there are just enough keys. Also, this keyboard DOES come with the power adapter and it does work. This keyboard is made of plastic, so don't expect anything metal. I don't have a problem with it being made of plastic. It doesn't take away from the overall look of the keyboard. Please do be aware that the keys are not just like piano keys. They are close, but they are not weighted. So, be careful when pressing them. I feel that I got my money's worth out of it and am not disappointed.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Yamaha YPT-220 61 Key Personal Keyboard with AC Adapter

A great choice for beginners on the go, the 61-key Yamaha YPT-220 personal keyboard features 375 natural sounding voices--including Yamaha's world-famous grand piano sound--and the Yamaha Education Suite of learning tools (with 102 built-in songs) that make piano practice fun. Other features include 361 professional sounding XGlite voices, 12 drum kit sounds, 100 accompaniment styles, and rich reverb effect that adds concert-hall ambience to any performance.
This Premium Package also comes with power supply adapter.


Key Features
Voices & Styles: Total of 375 high-quality instrument voices (Stereo Grand Piano, 361 XGlite voices, 12 Drum Kits and Sound Effect Kit) and 100 accompaniment styles.
Sound Effect Kit: Try out each key and enjoy the sound of a dog burking, running water, a creaking door and many other unique effects.
Yamaha Education Suite (Y.E.S.) is an advanced set of helpful learning tools built into the instrument, letting you teach yourself how to play and perform. Y.E.S. helps you master a song with easy lesson steps. Each lesson can be done in isolation with either your left hand or right hand, or both.
Portable Grand Button: Playing piano is fast and easy with Yamaha's Portable Grand function. One dedicated button brings up a great sounding piano, stunningly rich and authentic in its sound and exceptionally responsive to your playing touch, as well as setting up the keyboard to play as a piano.
Reverb: Different reverb types let you add rich, concert-hall ambience to your performance.

Specifications
Number of keys: 61 (organ style)
Number of voices: Stereo Grand Piano + 361 XGlite + 13 Drum/SFX/SE Kits
Display: Custom LCD
Tone generating technology: AWM Stereo Sampling
Reverb: 9 types
Number of preset styles: 100
Number of preset songs: 102
Amplifiers: 2.5W + 2.5W
Power: 6 AA batteries or AC adapter
Dimensions: 37.2 x 4.6 x 13.7 inches (WxHxD)
Weight: 9 pounds, 11 ounces


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5/10/2011

Yamaha EZ-200 61 Full-Sized Touch Sensitive Lighted Keyboard Bundle: Includes Professional Headphones, Keyboard Stand, and Power Supply Review

Yamaha EZ-200 61 Full-Sized Touch Sensitive Lighted Keyboard Bundle: Includes Professional Headphones, Keyboard Stand, and Power Supply
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Now, I have to admit that I was a bit nervous about buying a keyboard via the Internet, as I have never owned one beforehand. However, I wanted to learn how to play the piano and had heard that this was a good one to start with from several different piano teachers. Wow, this is quite the bargain. The keyboard comes with a stand, headphones (in case you don't want to run off all of your family and friends as you're learning to play), and also a power adapter. I was surprised to find out that the keyboard does not normally come with these features, (as they are traditionally sold separately), but this package comes with all of these features!
The keyboard comes with about 100 built-in songs, (a part of the Yamaha Educational Suite), which you can learn to play along with. (Personally, I have found it easier to buy the Bastien learning series books, as the songs that are included with this keyboard are in small print. This is just my experience, but since I am teaching myself to play, I have found these starter books to be a wonderful guide for an absolute beginner. I am already starting to play songs that I never dreamed possible! Wow, so cool...)
One thing that I really like about this keyboard is that it's piano voice sounds just like a high-quality grand piano. Best of all, the keyboard is very simple to use -- and not complicated.
One thing that I am disappointed in is that it does not come with a USB connection. Instead, I had to buy a MIDI-connector for $40 dollars, so I could connect it to my Mac. I wanted to record my playing, but quickly discovered that Apple's Garageband couldn't seem to work with it. Yes, I have read the instruction manual and followed its directions step-by-step, but still no results. Garageband claims that its connected, but no results.
Overall, this is a great keyboard for getting started. If you are hoping to record your music, you might want to check into a more expensive Yamaha model with a USB connector.

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Never played piano or keyboard before? The EZ-200 lighted keyboard from Yamaha will have you playing songs from the very first day. Just call up a song from the 100 songs built-in to the keyboard, select if you'd like to play the left or right hand part and hit "Start". The keyboard will light up the key that you're supposed to play, and in fact, the song will actually stop and wait for you to find the correct key! All of the tools you need are found in the keyboard, including how to play chords. This bundle includes everything else you need, as well--a keyboard stand, headphones, and a power supply.

Expressive Touch like a piano If you're buying a keyboard having piano in mind, you'll want Yamaha's Touch Response feature. On an acoustic piano, striking a key harder will produce a louder sound, striking it softer will produce a softer sound. With Yamaha's "Touch Response" the EZ-200 keyboard responds like an acoustic piano.
Portable Grand: Industry's best piano You're never more than a button push away from the most realistic piano sound in portable keyboards today. One press of the Portable Grand button resets the entire keyboard to a stereo-sampled piano--perfect for when it's time to practice. Yamaha is known around the world for the quality of our acoustic pianos and this attention to detail is evident as you enjoy the warmth and clarity of the EZ-200 Portable Grand piano. And of course, the keyboard includes a Sustain Pedal jack on the back for practicing and playing piano pieces.

Yamaha Education Suite: Helps you learn to play The EZ-200 has 100 built-in songs for you to learn to play, using the Yamaha Education Suite. The songs are separated into left and right hand parts, providing 7 levels of lessons plus a convenient chord dictionary. In addition, the correct fingering is indicated in the LCD display.
Three keyboard lessons for each hand:
Lesson One--LISTEN & LEARN the melody or rhythm of a selected song.
Lesson Two--TIMING mode allows you to play the melody or chord by pressing any key using the correct timing.
Lesson Three: WAITING mode stops the playback of a song until you find the correct note and then continues.

Lesson Grading--monitors your progress as you practice each lessons two and three and gives you a grade.
Chord Dictionary--shows you how to play chords and tells you which chords you are playing by displaying the notes and chord name on the LCD screen.

Computer Connectivity: General MIDI (GM) and XGlite compatible The music pathway to your computer and the Internet is MIDI. It's the way that keyboards communicate with computers. And because the EZ-200 is both General MIDI (GM) and XGlite compatible, you have access to thousands of MIDI song files on the Internet.
367 Voices and the One-Touch Setting The EZ-200 has 367 Voices for you to choose from. For example, there are pianos, electric pianos, harpsichord, guitars, drums, bass, violins, brass and synthesizer voices. Pretty much every instrument in the orchestra is at your fingertips. And if you don't know which sound goes with what style of music, the keyboard can select an appropriate sound for you using the convenient One-Touch Setting.
Sound Quality: Real stereo (Not just 2 Speakers) Some keyboards have two speakers but aren't stereo. Don't be fooled. Just because a keyboard has two speakers doesn't mean that it's truly stereo with two separate amplifiers. All Yamaha Portable Keyboards feature stereo-sampling technology.
32 Note Polyphony and 16 Part Multi Timbrel In electronic keyboards, the more sounds made at the same time--polyphony--the more memory is needed. Obviously, more is always better, because too little polyphony can cause dropouts in dense passages of music. Some keyboards at this price point have only 12-note polyphony. The EZ-200 has 32 notes of polyphony and will play back 16 different parts or sounds at once (16-part multi timbrel); enough for the most demanding needs.
Reverb Yamaha has long been a world leader in digital signal processing technology. In fact, Yamaha professional audio products are found in most professional recording studios around the world. The EZ-200 takes full advantage of this know-how, giving you an extensive range of nine, top-quality reverb effects that simulate playing in everything from a small room to a large spacious concert hall; a first in this price range.
Metronome Just what the teacher ordered! A fully adjustable metronome is just a button push away.
Strike up the Band!--Keyboard Styles In addition to the 100 songs found in the EZ-200, there are 100 Styles that allow you to play any song you like. It's just like having a built-in band. Call up your favorite style of music like Rock, Big Band or Country, press a chord or play Single Finger mode, and the EZ-200 will follow you through a piece of music, providing all of the drums, bass, piano, guitar, horn and string parts for you. With this instrument, you can make great sounding music with little more than 2 fingers, however as you learn to play, the EZ-200 will adapt to your new skills and automatically switch between single finger mode and fingered mode where you play all the notes of the chord.
Connectivity The EZ-200 features MIDI In/Out, Sustain Pedal jack and a Headphone jack for private practice.
Don't forget your Survival Kit! Designed to provide you with everything you need to get started. Kit includes a two-year extended warranty, power adaptor, foot switch on models that require it, stereo headphones, bonus coupons and a DVD-ROM. Look for it at a dealer near you.
What's in the Box Yamaha EZ200 Keyboard, Professional Headphones, Keyboard Stand, Power Supply, Music Rest, Owner's Manual, Song Book

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