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

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I did a lot of research before ordering this piano. Even so, I was very surprised at how much was included for this price. A WONDERFUL Yamaha digital piano with many fantastic features. The stand. The AC adapter. Even free lessons on music theory on a CD to get you started. Throw in all of the voices, sounds, songs, and ability to interface with a computer, and you have an unbelievable deal.
The only down side is that the software it comes with doesn't load on my Mac :-(, but since most things don't, I wouldn't downgrade it just for that. It interfaces with Garageband, which is the software I already use, so that's enough for me.
Oh, and talk about fun. I'm got this to practice my piano lessons at home, and the first day it came I had so much fun I went to bed with sore wrists. I kept trying out practicing my scales with different voices. I guess I'll have to "space out" my fun a little bit better in the future.

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Blue Man Group Keyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)I own 3 of these keyboards and they are the greatest electronic musical instruments I have ever come across. There are preprogrammed tunes to play with. You just wave your hands over the tubes and different instruments chime in. You can also control the tempo and volume by waving your hands over the tubes...almost like an orchestra conductor. There's a hookup for your ipod or mp3 player that you can play the music through this instrument and the speakers are great. You can use the keyboard to play tunes that you know and change the instruments from piano to trumpet,drum, organ, guitar, tuba,etc. WooHoo! I love them and so do my grandkids.

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Inspired by the ever-popular Blue Man group, this tabletop electronic keyboard provides the perfect introduction to music making. New technology interfaces give it an edge on other keyboards of its kind, and keeps beginners excited about music.
The Blue Man keyboard features savvy styling, unique play patterns and engaging musical interactions. Furthermore, it's MP3-compatible, meaning you can play music on top of your favorite MP3 tracks. Keyboard plays pre-recorded songs, and lets you record and play back your own musical masterpieces. Requires 4 "AA" batteries (included). Measures 11.5"L x 25.75"W x 7.75"H.

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Yamaha PSR-E413 61-Key Digital Keyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)The PSR-E413 is Yamaha's next addition to their portable keyboard line. It was designed with the new musician in mind, and includes numerous learning tools (the Yamaha Education Suite being the most prominently featured) and "cheater" features (Yamaha Performance Assistance Technology let's you hit the wrong key and still sound correct). Unlike many other beginner level keyboards, however, the PSR-E413 has numerous features that will allow new musicians to grow into semi-professionals without having to buy a new instrument - 504 voices (instruments the keyboard can sound like), 100 arpeggio types, 165 preset styles, 30 preset songs, a pitch-bending wheel, and 5 song/6 track recording. Other common features such as "touch sense" (the keys can sound louder or softer depending on how hard they are pressed), a USB port, sustaining pedal port, and a headphone/output port are also present.
What all of that boils down to is simply this: the E413 is fun to play and sounds great. The price is generally within the acceptable realm for beginners, and the features make it something even those at a semi-professional level would like to play (though, in all honesty, most professionals are going to want a less portable 76+ key unit). After going to numerous music stores and online sources, this model ended up being the best fit for my budget and needs - I highly recommend it.
I have two complaints with the PSR-E413 as packaged. The first is that the music stand (which easily slides into two slots on the top-back of the unit) is made of cheap plastic, and looks like it will break easily. The second is that a number of additional items are needed to fully enjoy this instrument. The first thing you'll need is a plug-in power adapter (I was shocked that the keyboard didn't come with one) unless you want to spend hundreds of dollars on batteries. Next, you'll probably want a keyboard stand (a decent folding one costs anywhere from $20 - $60). An AB-type USB cable is necessary to connect the instrument to your computer and fully realize its potential. After that, a dust cover and case might also interest you. Finally, headphones and a foot switch/pedal should be considered, especially if you like being creative and don't live alone. Yamaha offers a few of these items in a special set called the Survival Kit B (it includes the power adapter, foot switch, headphones, and an extended warranty), but I don't recommend it, as the headphones and pedal it contains are of inferior quality.
Note: This model replaced the PSR-E403 as of May 2008. The two are extremely similar, with the E413 containing a few upgrades (165 vs. 155 styles; 100 arpeggio functions vs 50; etc..). The feel and most of the features of the two, however, are almost the same.

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The Yamaha PSRE413 61 Key Digital Keyboard expands the capabilities of one of Yamaha's most popular PSR lines. The PSRE413 includes features for every playing level such as the Yamaha portable grand and Yamaha education suite. An on-board arpeggiator includes 100 different patterns along with 20 different arpeggio voices. A full set of real-time controls gives you easy access to all of the capabilities of the PSRE413. A USB port is also included so you can download songs for learning from the internet. If you want to write your own songs, the PSRE413 also features a 6-track sequencer so you can layer your own tracks.

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M-Audio AXIOM 61 Advanced 61-Key Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Controller 9900-51413-10 Review

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(More customer reviews)MIDI controllers are often a subjective choice because not everyone uses them for the same purpose or has the experience of playing on weighted keys such as your normal piano.
I purchased this after having started with a 49 key M-Audio Key Studio which was an entry level controller with plain, non weighted keys and no extra control beyond the standard pitch & mod wheels and octave buttons. I wanted something that would allow comfortable "piano style" two handed play without getting into actual 88 key units. If you are not experienced with actual keyboards/workstations (the ones that have sound and sequencers on-board like the Fantom, Motif, Triton) then you will likely be surprised with the weight of the unit. It is not heavy per se, but if your prior experience is with a small drum pad or controller with non-weighted keys the 11 pounds will be something of a shock.
The key action is exactly what I was looking for. It gives you enough resistance to feel the play style without actually being heavy enough to wear out your hands like a piano can do. The adjustable velocity curves let you pick how hard you want to have to press a key to achieve set input level which is a nice way to customize the board to how strong your fingers and hands are. I found the action to be smooth and not as sloppy as the thin non-weighted keys I was used to.
The sliders feel slightly flimsy, think hollow plastic, but they ride on a slider bed that offers some resistance so they don't flop around. Not a big deal unless you are used to working with metal sliders. The endless rotary knobs have a good feel to them and look to be very useful.
The drum pads have a soft feel to them but they use switches under them that require fairly centered strikes to trigger the pad. I also own a KORG padKontrol that I use for my pad needs and it is a much better unit, with pads that don't require a direct center hit to trigger and also have a surface which is not as prone to letting your fingers slide. The KORG though is a $200 unit that has only pads and is focused around their use. The Axiom 61 has pads as more of an afterthought or convenience, they are not either numerous enough nor of sufficient quality to be a feature for this unit. They are handy to trigger things while playing the keyboard but not as a drum pad, which is what some folks believe they are getting.
The LCD display is very clear and bright making reading it no problem. I'd prefer if they would have inclined the face of it about 10 degrees towards the user though for even better reading ease.
The included software was of no use to me, I use Logic Studio 8. The lack of a printed manual was disappointing considering that you really need to read through it to understand how to use the various functions. It will typically be plug and play for the keyboard, pitch and mod wheels but the sliders, knobs and pads will require some assignment in almost all software.
Overall I am pleased with the Axiom 61. The keys are very nice as long as you understand they are not hammer-action piano keys. Between the sliders, knobs and pads I would say the knobs are the best implemented "accessory" feature with the sliders and pads coming off as usable but not anything to brag about. If you are getting started and want a good all-in-one solution wither this model or the 49 key Axiom will fill the bill nicely. The controls function properly but as mentioned above if you are into drum pads I'd only use these until you can get a stand alone unit.
I can see how someone who is not really sure what they are getting, could give it a 3 for the lack of a manual and the so-so accessory MIDI knobs/sliders/pads. I only wanted the 61 semi-weighted keys so everything else was not a deal breaker for me. If the knobs/sliders/pads had blown me away with their quality and there was a printed manual I'd have given it a 5 but I'm going to stick with a 4. It does what I bought it for very well and the extras work and do not detract from it.

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The Axiom 61 is an advanced 61-key USB mobile MIDI controller with semi-weighted action and assignable aftertouch. Eight rubberized trigger pads are ideal for creating drum tracks and firing samples. Nine sliders and eight endless rotary encoder knobs put you in total control of your software studio. There are also 15 MIDI-assignable buttons—including six transport controls—assignable wheels, foot pedals and more. Programming is a breeze with dedicated front-panel keypad and backlit LCD screen. 20 memory locations store your setups and the free Enigma editor/librarian software lets you manage an unlimited number on your computer.



Total MIDI Control and Playability

Get Into the Action The Axiom series of mobile USB MIDI controllers has everything it takes to get the most from your MIDI software and hardware. Semi-weighted action complete with aftertouch gives you great feel and expression for both synth parts and pianistic passages. Eight rubberized trigger pads put your drums at your fingertips for programming with feel--or easy fire samples or visual effects.
Total MIDI Control Assign the eight rotary encoders to mixer controls like panning and effects sends, or to any synth parameters you want to control. Map the nine sliders to software mixer faders or drawbars on your virtual organ. 15 buttons, pitch and mod wheels, and sustain and expression pedal jacks round out a tour de force of MIDI domination. Assigning controllers is simple, yet has the power to let you delve as deep as you want. Each controller can map to just about any applicable parameter in the MIDI spec, including independent channel addressing for each. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
Intuitive Front-Panel Programming M-Audio Axiom MIDI controllers all feature a large backlit LCD screen for visual feedback--and the 61-key and 49-key models also place a 10-key pad right on the front panel for direct, intuitive programming. You'll also find 9 dedicated front-panel function buttons to easily access common operations like preset / program change or MIDI channel +/-, octave +/-, and transpose +/-. Use the Controller Mute button to prevent parameters from jumping when you change them, for example, then press Snapshot to transmit all current settings. 20 non-volatile memory locations instantly save and recall your favorite presets--and you can manage an entire preset library on your computer via SysEx dumps and our free Enigma software editor/librarian for PC and Mac.
Mobile Operation The Axiom series is extremely compact and lightweight and all models are powered directly from your computer's USB bus. Choose the size that's best for your needs, then take your music anywhere you want to go.

Axiom 61 Specs
MIDI Data from variable controllers:
MIDI Controller Number
RPN/NRPN
Program, Bank LSB, Bank MSB
Pitch Bend
GM/GM2/XG SysEx Messages

MIDI Data from buttons/switches:
MIDI Controller Number
Note On
Note On/Off toggle
RPN/NRPN
MIDI CC On/Off toggle
Program, Bank LSB, Bank MSB presets
MIDI Machine Control
GM/GM2/XG SysEx messages

Size: 38.4 x 11.2 x 2.6 inches; 97.6 x 28.5 x 6.6 (cm)
Weight: 11.7 pounds; 5.3kg

What's in the Box Axiom 61 Advanced 61-Key Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Controller, User's Manual, Ableton Live Lite Software

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Akai MPK 49 Controller Keyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)First of all, the pads DO suck. MPC's are known for their pads so you'd think Akai would at least be able to put the same type of pad/contact design on their MPK line. Instead they put a bunch of pads with no play that feel like buttons and make the keyboard housing vibrate when you pound them. On top of that they placed the contacts so far away it's damn near impossible to get 127 velocity on the pads without going Full Level. Even my LPD8 feels better than this thing. And even though they look like the MPC1000 pads, the 1000 pads are twice as thick as the ones here. I would have loved for them to have put the 1000 pads on this. At least then I'd be able to play back a chopped loop without feeling like I'm dialing a phone number.
The best part of the controller is the control surface. The transport keys, knobs, and sliders feel great. The LCD screen looks great.
Something unique about the controller is that it has built in MIDI settings that mimic classic MPC functions (16 level, MPC swing, note repeat). Too bad the pads keep you from fully enjoying these features.
The keys are decent but slightly noisy because they vibrate on release. The controller is also one of the few 49 key controllers out there with aftertouch. I prefer the lever-like feel of the Axiom when it comes to using aftertouch but the keys here are not a dealbreaker.
There's also a simple arpeggiator you can use. It's fairly simple in that there are only 5 settings you can use to separate notes in a chord. If you've used a more sophisticated arp (like the one on a Yamaha KX8), you'll be disappointed though.
The MPK is a good controller but Akai could have done way better than this. If you're using this for the keys and control surface it's a decent investment. But if you're thinking of buying this for the pads so you can drum and play back chopped loops, get an MPD instead.

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More than just a USB/MIDI controller, the Akai MPK49 USB/MIDI Controller Keyboard helps you maximize your musical ideas on-stage or in the studio. It combines a high-quality, 49-key, semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch and 12 genuine MPC drum pads. It also offers 48 total accessible pads via 4 pad banks, and you can control up to 72 different parameters via 24 assignable Q-Link knobs, faders, and buttons as well as optional footswitches.

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Yamaha DGX230AD 76 Key Portable Grand with power Review

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(More customer reviews)Aside from it now being affordable (I bought it when it first came out at around $900), this is a high quality digital piano. The sound is utterly incredible, clear cut and crisp. Basic operation is simple, the weighted keys match those of actual piano keys...the feel is all there. This is perfect for those fluid in their craft, going from in studio to performing in shows. It is fairly heavy, requires 2 people to transport. It is well made, can take serious rough wear and tear from moving and constant use.

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The Yamaha DGX-630 offers an affordable, feature-packed portable keyboard that boasts an authentic grand piano-like touch: heavy in the low end, feathery light in the highs, and amazingly responsive throughout. It also includes USB MIDI and USB to Device for removable storage, along with a high resolution Live! Grand stereo sample, song recorder, score and lyric display. The USB facilitates easy transfer with a PC or Macintosh computer for use with many optional software packages that can score, arrange, and sequence your music. Can't play a keyboard instrument? Yamaha Education Suite helps you get started. With nearly 500 voices and built-in stereo speakers, the Yamaha DGX-230/AD is truly a grand keyboard music instrument that you and your family will enjoy.Pitch bend wheel to add smooth pitch variations to notes playedVoices - 116 panel voices + 12 drum/SFX kits + 361 XGlite voices, Polyphony -32, DUAL and SPLIT modesStyles - 160 Preset Styles + External files, Style Control -ACMP ON/OFF, SYNC STOP, SYNC START, START/STOP, INTRO/ENDING/rit., MAIN/AUTO FILL, Fingering -Multi Finger, Full Keyboard, Style VolumeMusic Database -300 + External filesEducation Feature -Dictionary, Lesson 1-3, Repeat & LearnRegistration Memory -8 banks x 2 typesEffects - Reverb -9 types, Chorus -4 types, Harmony -26 types30 Preset Songs + 5 User Songs + Accessory CD-ROM with 70 moreAuxiliary jacks -PHONES/OUTPUT, DC IN 12V, USB, SUSTAINAmplifier -6 Watts per channel to two 2-way on-board speakers -12cm x 2 + 3cm x 2Power Supply - Adaptor -PA-150 (included) or an equivalent recommended by Yamaha, Batteries -SixDsize, R20P (LR20) or equivalent batteries (optional) Unit Dimensions (W x D x H) -1,178 x 412 x 137 mm (46-3/8 x 16-1/4 x 5-3/8); Weight -8.3kg (18 lbs. 5 oz.) (not including batteries)Supplied Accessories - Music Rest, Accessory CD-ROM, Owner's Manu

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Casio LK-270 Premium Lighted Keyboard Pack with Power Supply, Keyboard Stand and Professional Closed Cup Stereo Headphones Review

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(More customer reviews)Sounds - 5/5
The sounds are very realistic, with the new sound engine they have put in place, when playing the piano sounds beside a real piano, the difference is almost impossible to notice, the tones and accompaniments are also very great.
Step up lessons - 5/5
The lessons are great, they phase the music, and you take it in steps, and if its too fast for you, you can by the press of a button, slow it down to your speed, its user friendly.
Connections - 5/5
The USB MIDI function just works effortlessy, works with keyboard learning software, Finale 2009, and much more, when I opened Finale with the MIDI connected, it just started interpreting what I was playing without have to configure anything in the software.
Look & Layout - 5/5
It looks great, although 61 keys, very convenient, its very light, u can easily carry the stand and the keyboard around without much effort, the layout is very user friendly and its easy to navigate, and the user manual tells you how to perform tasks in detail not readily seen. The Key-lighting function is really cool and very helpful in the step up lessons, only 10 can light at a time, but its also very cool for night playing as well.
Overall - 5/5
Its a great keyboard, I'd recommend it for anyone, dont spend so much on a keyboard just yet, this is the one you must get, if 61-keys is all you need, otherwise, feel free to check out the 88-keys keyboards.

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The Casio LK-270 is an affordable instrument with a 61 Key Touch Sensitive, Lighted Keyboard with 570 total onboard Tones, 180 Rhythms and Digital Effects. Packed with great features such as Casio's famous Lighted Key Step-up Lesson System, audio inputs for a MP3 player, Mic Input, USB port for MIDI implementation. All this makes the LK-270 more fun and easier to learn to play music.


LK-270 Premium PackThe Premium Pack bundles the LK-270 keyboard with a Yamaha power supply, keyboard stand and professional closed-cup stereo headphones.
Touch-Sensitive Lighted KeyboardThe LK-270 features 61 standard-size keys and two sensitivity levels for a more piano-like experience, along with 48-note polyphony (24-note for certain tones).
The "LK" in LK-270 stands for "Lighted Keyboard." Designed to provide a fun way to learn how to play music, the keys illuminate to show you what notes to play in lessons or built-in songs.
570 Built-In TonesFind just the right sound with 570 built-in tones, from strings to woodwinds and plenty more. You can layer two different tones (such as piano and strings) or split the keyboard down the middle for an ensemble approach.
Reverb and Chorus EffectsSelect from ten different reverb and five different chorus effects to add depth and shimmer to your performance.
Microphone and Karaoke FunctionHave some fun with the included microphone and the LK-270's Karaoke feature. The karaoke feature can be used with 52 of the built-in songs, and lowers the volume of the melody part so you can sing along, just like a karaoke machine.
SD Memory Card SupportThe LK-270 supports SD Memory Cards up to 2 GB, so you can store sampled sounds, user rhythms, recorded songs, and more, without running out of memory.
USB PortFor many musicians, the computer has become a music-making center. Connect the LK-270 to a computer using a USB cable and exchange MIDI data between the two devices. Send play data from the keyboard to music software running on yourcomputer, or send MIDI data from your computer to the keyboard for playback.
Built-In SamplingYou can use the LK-270 to sample a sound from a portable audio player or other device, and then play the sound with keyboard keys. Sample up to ten seconds, and store up to five sampled sounds to keyboard memory.
You can also loop sampled sounds so they continue to play, or replace individual sounds on drum patches.
152 Built-In Songs and Ten User SongsThe LK-270 comes with a bank of songs for your learning and enjoyment, from classics like "Greensleeves" or "Auld Lang Syne" to holiday tunes like "Jingle Bells."
You can also record your own performances, using up to six tracks of different instruments.
Step Up LessonsTo master a song, it is best to break it up into shorter parts (phrases), master the phrases, and then put everything together. The LK-270 features a "Step Up Lesson" feature that helps you to do just that. The built-in songs are pre-divided into phrases to help you master keyboard play. Step Up Lesson takes you through practice of the right hand part, left hand part, and both hand parts for each phrase of a song. Master all of the phrases and you master the song.
Music Challenge Keyboard GameMusic Challenge is a game that measures your reaction speed as you press keys in response to on-screen keyboard indicators and fingering guide indications.
Auto AccompanimentWith Auto Accompaniment, simply select an accompaniment pattern. Each time you play a chord with your left hand the appropriate accompaniment will play automatically. It's like having a personal backup group along with you wherever yougo.
Auto HarmonizeAuto Harmonize automatically adds harmony to notes you play with your right hand, which adds rich depth to the melody of your performances. You can select from among 12 types of Auto Harmonize to suit the type of music you are playing.
ArpeggiatorThe Arpeggiator makes it possible to play an arpeggio pattern automatically. There are 90 different arpeggio patterns from which to choose in order to match the music you are playing.
Transpose FunctionAn easy operation instantly changes the key of the keyboard.
Audio InputPlay along with MP3 or CD players or other devices by plugging them into the stereo mini input jack.
Battery or AC PowerPower the LK-270 with six D-sized batteries or purchase the AD-5 AC adapter separately to power from your electrical outlets. Built-in speakers make the keyboard entirely portable.
An Auto Power Off feature turns off the device six minutes after the last key is touched, helping you save batteries.
What's in the BoxLK-270 Keyboard, Music Stand, Song Book, Safety Precautions, Appendix, Warranty, Microphone, Power Supply, Keyboard Stand, Headphones

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Yamaha FC-5 Sustain Pedal for Portable Electronic Keyboards Review

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(More customer reviews)Growing up with an acoustic piano, I was uncomfortable with how the FC-5 Sustain Pedal felt. For me to tell when I was pressing the pedal or not, I had to take my shoes off. Unwilling to be an environmental hazard, I decided to purchase a pedal that has the feel of an acoustic piano's pedal. (Much better than buying that yellow tape to surround myself with...)
If you are looking for the feel of an acoustic piano's pedal, I would recommend the FC-4. Or if you want the same feel with a pedal that can do more than just sustain, I'd recommend the FC-3.

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This handy sustain pedal/FS controller hooks up to any synthesizer, tone module, or drum machine with a .25-inch phone jack sustain-pedal input. Specific compatible Yamaha devices include the PSR-D1, PSR-195, PSR-225, PSR-225, PSR-240, PSR-248, PSR-270, PSR-330, PSR-340, PSR-530, PSR-540. Its five-foot cable affords ample placement options.What's in the Box Sustain pedal/FS controller and an instruction manual.

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