Yamaha DGX640W Digital Piano,Walnut Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)We just bought one of these because my daughter needed
a keyboard or piano that would respond to touch like a
piano for her piano lessons. Although I am a beginner
piano player myself, I think the keys behave like real
piano keys (in terms of response to force of touch)
and the sound is just incredible--I would not know
the difference between this and a real piano if I
couldn't see them. There is an amazing number of things
you can do with it, although we haven't really worked
through them yet--practice songs (although the repertoire
is not huge; maybe 20 or so songs) and play to a very large
variety of background rhythms and accompaniments, as well
as export what you've played to a computer. I'm not sure
we'll use all these features, because we really just
got it for the weighted key action and it does beautifully
at that, but they're nice to have for the future if we
do continue to play. My daughter adds, "it will keep me
busy for a long time."
It's a decent-looking machine
but is not a beautiful piece of furniture like a piano;
the "wood" portions are clearly synthetic, but seem
sturdy.
We bought it locally for about the same price listed
here and paid about $75 for delivery, but it came with
headphones and bench so I thought it was a good deal.


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Yamaha's most piano-like Portable Grand ever. It has weighted Graded Hammer Standard action with matte finish black keysand a wide selection of Voices.Selecting a sound is as easy as keying in a number, and recording performances is simple with the built-in recorder.

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Piano For Dummies Review

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(More customer reviews)I am having a blast learning how to pay my keyboard with this software. You can see your progress and that makes me want to practice more and set goals. I wish I had this software years ago.

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The eMedia Piano For Dummies CD-ROM offers everything you need to learn how to play. Learn from over 160 step-by-step lessons with full-motion video demonstrations. Piano teacher Irma Justicia has taught at the renowned Juilliard School of Music. Learn from either the music notation or an animated keyboard. Songs include recorded audio, variable-speed MIDI and MIDI accompaniments. When used with a MIDI keyboard, you can get specific feedback on playing mistakes. Also includes a digital metronome and recorder.

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Casio SA-76 44 Key Mini Keyboard, Orange Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This keyboard fits into my slightly larger backpack. Its portability allows me to carry it around and work out melodic and harmonic ideas for the songs I write when I'm away from home. The eight-note polyphony is really helpful for chording.
A problematic issue exists with the Casio SA-75 power adaptor that is advertised as an optional accessory on the Amazon page that features the keyboard. The adaptor isn't compatible because the jack-end doesn't fit into the 9.5 volt terminal on the back of the keyboard. The manual claims the six batteries required to operate the keyboard will last for about six hours, though.
I contacted the seller of the SA-75 adaptor and they told me that the correct adaptor for the SA-76 keyboard won't be available until December 2010.
The tones are clear and reasonably distinctive, perhaps slightly less so in the brass. The rhythm patterns cover all the basics, and there's more than enough volume control to play with. All in all, after two weeks of using it, I would say that this is a cool little keyboard!

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Perfect for the beginner, the SA76 utilizes an easy-to-read LCD display that shows useful data including tone, rhythm, song number, metronome, tempo and the note being played. The intuitive design makes it easy to switch between Piano and Organ sounds with the press of a button. The 44 mini keys and 5 percussion pads allow younger hands to play comfortably while getting the most out of their introduction into keyboard playing. Casio SA76 Features 44 mini-sized keys and 5 percussion pads 100 sounds and 50 rhythm patterns Simple tone selection with PIANO, ORGAN tone button Easy-to-read LCD display Melody on/off lesson function Built-in grip for easy portability 10 Song Bank tunes with Melody on/off Powered by 6AA batteries or Power Supply (neither included) Includes Score Book Lesson Function A collection of functions provides more productive practice sessions. Part Cut mutes the left or right-hand part, and Melody On/Off mutes the melody part for play along with the accompaniment. Phrase Repeat repeats a particular phrase. 3-Step Lesson provides step-by-step guidance. Step Up Lesson for phrase-by-phrase practice of songs, guides you along the way to music proficiency. Step Up Lesson allows the player to practice songs phrase-by-phrase,with play advancing only after you masterthe current phrase. Phrase-by-phrase practice makes the task of learning a new song less daunting. With a Key Lighting Keyboard, keys light to guide you along the way, which makes mastering a song even easier! AmericanMusical com is an authorized dealer of Casio products.

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Yamaha YPT-220 61 Key Personal Keyboard with AC Adapter, Deluxe Keyboard Stand and Professional Headphones Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I had a keyboard as a kid and knew that it would go over well for my boyfriend's 8 y/o artist/musician/gymnast wanna be. While most of the features are too advanced for her, she's catching on!
I did a lot of searching. The price for just the keyboard was somewhat standard for a sale price at at least one store, but I couldn't find such a reasonable bundle anywhere. Any parent who considers this MUST, MUST, MUST purchase the headphones, and the stand is a blessing. It keeps it off the floor and makes for a more realistic piano lesson at home.
Good sound; lots of bells and whistles. Sure it doesn't have 88 keys, but most people don't use the top or bottom keys very often. I think this keyboard is just perfect!

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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 professional closed-cup headphones, single x-braced stand, and power supply.


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
Dimensions: 37.2 x 4.6 x 13.7 inches (WxHxD)
Weight: 9 pounds, 11 ounces

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Piano and Keyboard Method Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I think this is a great product. It walks you through the basics through more advanced techniques and songs. It also does a great job of teaching you to read music.
It includes short videos of a person playing piano so you can see proper posture and such. Each song comes with (optional) accompaniment, which can make it funner to play (especially with the simple songs). You can also slow the songs down while learning them. The software grades your playing with a percentage score, and gives you details on your errors (if you want them).
This is a great program if you really want to learn to play on your own.

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This new version of eMedia Piano & Keyboard Method offers everything you need to learn how to play! Piano instructor, Irma Irene Justicia, M.A., who has taught at the renowned Juilliard School of Music, guides you through over 300 step-by-step full-screen lessons. New Instant Feedback works with both electronic keyboards and acoustic pianos! It listens as you play melodies and shows whether you're playing correctly!

The lessons start with the basics, such as hand position, rhythm, and playing on black keys, and move on to reading music notation, sight reading, scales, and much more. Techniques are demonstrated with over 70 videos viewable in full-screen mode.

Learn songs and exercises from music notation as an animated keyboard guides you through fingerings. Songs and exercises are provided as both live-recorded audio and variable-speed MIDI tracks which let you slow the music down as needed. Colorful MIDI accompaniments help make practicing fun! You will learn over 100 popular classical, blues, pop, and rock songs, including hit songs from artists such as Billy Joel, Bob Dylan, and Elton John!

Interactive review and ear training quizzes help reinforce new concepts and develop your ear. When used with an electronic MIDI keyboard, you get Interactive Evaluation Feedback with detailed specifics on your playing, including which notes and rhythms were wrong and how to correct them. In addition, the new Note Tracker shows you what note you're playing and makes learning music notation easy. This latest version also offers fully scalable lesson screens and an option for full-screen video. Other accessories include a built-in digital metronome and a recorder. eMedia Piano & Keyboard Method is the ultimate way to learn how to play piano or keyboard!

eMedia Piano & Keyboard Method Features Accessories include a built-in digital metronome and a recorder. Click here for a larger image

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Yamaha YDP161 Digital Piano with Bench Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I am absolute newbie with sight-reading experience from my former choir signing days! I wanted to learn to play a piano but did not want the tuning and expense of owning the real McCoy and then find i didn't want to play it. Especially living in an apartment there were the neighbors to consider as well as the premium floor space. Then I came upon the digital piano and this form solved all my problems in one quiet swoop. You get what you pay for, so do some research on your must have and budget. I just knew that i wanted a brand name in the world of music so the yamaha was a given. Now I was deciding between the 161 and the 141, both new models released on 2010. I finally went with the 161 for the better hammer action and that it offered the 128 notes polyphony. These might be minor issues for you, but my passion to learn made me decide that rather than upgrade later, I would splash out a little bit more now and have the piano for a lot longer. If you live in an apartment like me, the bigger speaker offered by the 161 was not a huge selling point as I practice most of time with the head phones. Only when I wanted to show piece a well practiced piece do I unplug the headphones. The size of this piano is awesome and compact in depth and with the 88 keys, you have the grand piano sound without taking up a lot of space.
Other features include a metronome than can adjust for different time signature like 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, etc; 50 preset songs were you can mute either the right or left hand and you can practice with it (this is really for the intermediate player, but nice to look foreword to! The piano defaults to the grand piano output, but you can switch to outputs that include the organ sound, harpsichord, strings. Also nice are the options to set various digital reverb ranging from hall, room, stage or off, which is the default setting. You could also manually set the reverb effect, which is worth doing as it does change the output quite considerably.
The piano also records up to two tracks, which for a beginner is a great way to learn which part of the score that you need to practice the timing a bit more!
The 161 has two headphone plug INS to allow for a second listener. There is midi that allows you to record more of your own music onto a computer (for composition) or you can down load music to the piano too.
The weights of the keys are superb and I am loving the experience, the sound and the accessibility the digital format offer me.
For the price it is reasonable. It is worth shopping around for competitive bundles. I did not end up buying my piano here. But I am so happy with my experience that I really highly recommend this model for beginners who are looking to progress to play full scores. For beginners, I recommend the Alfred's adult all in one course. It is by far the best series out there. For a novice in the world of music theory, My husband is really impressed with the progress that I have made in less than one week.
For those who have wanted to fulfill a dream, don't hesitate any more, this is the best option and you will love yourself for buying it. Happy playing.
Update: September 2010: Try the piano and keyboard software! it is another fabulous tool for those who are teaching themselves to play the paino. It is a great supplement to the Alfred's all in one adult course. read my review on the software. I even more happy with the purchase of this piano!

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Stepping up to the YDP-161provides true piano sound and feel. The Graded Hammer keyboard and 128-note polyphony responds to the beginner and experienced player, both in practice and in performance. The 3-level AWM Dynamic Stereo Sampling Voices deliver remarkably authentic and responsive sound.

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Yamaha YPG-235 76-Key Portable Grand Piano Premium Pack Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I received this keyboard on 2/2/11. As always, I was impressed with how quickly I received my order from Amazon.com. However, within minutes of setting up the keyboard, I noticed that two keys on the right side of the keyboard didn't work. One key simply didn't work AT ALL, and one key seemed to have a short and would only play after pressing it like 3 or 4 times in a row. Amazon is making it easy to return/exchange this keyboard, so I'm hopeful that the replacement is decent. However, after this experience and reading other reviews online of this exact problem, I am very concerned about the build quality of this keyboard, despite having heard good things over the years about Yamaha.
I'll update this review after I receive the replacement in a week or so. Hopefully I won't have to switch to another brand, but Casio maybe the next one I look at (need to keep this purchase affordable).
UPDATE: I received a replacement keyboard in record time: less than 2 days! I was at first bummed that I wouldn't be able to test the new keyboard over the weekend, but Amazon got the replacement out immediately and it was here early Friday afternoon (I had only submitted the return early Wednesday evening). Amazon did create some confusion, however, by on the one hand telling me that UPS would be picking up the defective keyboard from my house, and then e-mailing me a label and instructions for dropping the keyboard off at a local UPS center. Then UPS added to the confusion when I called to confirm the pick-up at my house: they said that one hadn't been arranged. So then I bring the keyboard to a UPS center, and then find a UPS pick-up attempt label on my door. Whatever...I got the defective keyboard to UPS and back to Amazon.
As for the keyboard: it sounds great. I've only just begun to play around with it, but the keys feel good, and the variety of quality sounds is incredible. I'll be combining this keyboard with Ableton Live Intro to create music. I spent several hours after receiving the keyboard testing the keys (I was concerned after the defective unit) and checking out the various functions. I haven't even scratched the surface yet, but I am giving the keyboard a decent rating. I'll report back if my opinion changes over time.
The headphones that were included with this package deal are ABSOLUTE GARBAGE. It's not worth my time to return them, especially since I already went through the hassle of returning the entire first keyboard package. The right channel of the headphones didn't work AT ALL right out of the package. These no-name, god-awful headphones are already in the trash. I ordered the package to get the power adapter and the stand anyway, so it's not a big lose. Still, you don't like to feel ripped off in any way.
The stand that came with this package is quite sturdy. It certainly isn't anything fancy, but it was easy to put together and it seems strong enough to last years.

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The Yamaha YPG235 76 Key Portable Grand Piano delivers a piano-focused sound set that will propel your music to the next level. The YPG235 features 76 Graded Soft Touch action piano-style keys that are perfect for the beginner to the expert. A USB port is also included allowing you to download new Songs and Styles for playing. The interactive lesson feature lets you set your own tempo so you can progress at your own speed. Yamaha YPG235 Features 76 piano-style keys with Graded Soft Touch 6-track sequencer allows you to record your own music USB and Flash ROM to download new Songs and Styles for playing 5 types preset Master EQ Interactive Lessons: Your Tempo mode helps you learn to play Backlit LCD, panel lights, pitch bend wheel Portable Grand Button: industry's best piano Yamaha XGlite/GM voices plus Sweet!, Cool!, Split and Dual voice Performance Assistant guarantees a rewarding music experience Music Database 267 keyboard setups by song title Yamaha PA150 Power Supply (optional) Available as a package (YPG235KIT) which includes a Yamaha SKD2 Survival Kit! The Survival Kit is designed to provide you with everything you need to get started. It includes a Yamaha PA150 power adaptor, Foot switch, Stereo Headphones, 2-Year Extended Warranty, Hundreds of dollars of Rebate Coupons, Survival Kit DVD, Playing with Styles DVD. AmericanMusical com is an authorized dealer of Yamaha products.

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