When I first started learning the piano, I started with a simple digital piano. The digital piano only came with 66 keys, a sustain pedal, and a learning guide.
But even when it didn’t have the best technological features whatsoever, I still managed to play decently for a beginner. I learned that you don’t always have to get the most expensive or the one with the most advanced features.
Today, we will analyze the different features and functions of the Yamaha P115 review. This will help guide you in finding your digital piano.
Yamaha has always been a top producer of high-quality digital pianos and other musical instruments. Most of their products are brimming with performance and functionality.
One example that could justify the brand's excellence is the Yamaha YPG 235. It is a 76-key piano that can both serve beginner and amateur players.
The YPG or the Yamaha Portable Grand is a series that includes digital pianos that can replicate the tonal characteristics of the authentic grand or acoustic.
We already have featured piano models that are part of the YPG legacy, such as the 235 digital piano.
Now, the YPG 235 takes the spotlight. Of course, with its quality, it is a not surprising feat anymore. Learn more about this keyboard on this Yamaha YPG 235 review!
When it comes to portable keyboards, Yamaha is a top notch manufacturer. They have a lot to offer to any pianist, regardless of their skill level. Among their products, of the finest is the Yamaha YPT 240.
Specifically, the YPT 240 is not a high-end digital keyboard. Instead, it has an entry-level price and application, which works well for beginners.
However, it is still undeniable that the features of this piano are awe-inspiring beyond its price. Get to know the full performance of this piano by reading this Yamaha YPT 240 review!
But before we get to the specifics, let us make a quick detour. It would be useless to get a digital piano if you don't know its basics.
After all, you can never identify a good digital keyboard from a bad one until you know the things that make it tick. Let's get started!
It has a sounding and performance that can closely emulate those of a concert grand. Moreover, it has an appealing design that can please your eyes as well.
On our part, we do consider the Yamaha YDP223 as an excellent digital piano. Although they are almost quite the same with the Yamaha YDP113, their respective features are already world's apart. You can learn more about this digital piano by reading this Yamaha YDP223 review.
But before we go there, let us teach you the fundamental concepts of a digital piano. You can't distinguish a good model from a bad one if you don't know the essential indicators. Check them out here:
If you are searching for a full-size 88-key digital piano, you better try the Yamaha YDP181 (or Yamaha Arius for some).
This particular keyboard has impressive features and design. You will just love the fact it got a 128-note polyphony, which is relatively higher than those piano from the Portable Grand series of Yamaha.
Moreover, it has a sounding that somehow captures the aural nuances of an acoustic piano. This particular capability makes this digital piano an excellent choice for those that have keen ears.
If you want to discover the full features of this instrument, read this Yamaha YDP181 review.
But before that, let us take a quick but relevant detour. In the next section, we will be teaching you some of the essential considerations in choosing a digital piano. If you want to avoid getting the wrong and flimsy product, you have to pay to these details.
If you want a valuable 88-key piano to invest on, you should get the Yamaha YDP163.
This particular digital piano has excellent features and functions. Its capabilities have been drastically increased since the release of its predecessor, the Yamaha YDP162.
The performance of the Yamaha YDP163 is worth noticing upon. It can replicate the nuances of a real acoustic piano. It doesn't sound flavored, and it doesn't miss any voice or notes.
This digital piano is simply the epitome of beauty and excellence. If you want to learn more about this keyboard, better read this Yamaha YDP163 review.
But before we go to the specifics, let us highlight the essential things that you should learn about digital pianos. In this way, you will be able to find the right model that can suit your needs and skill level. Here are they!
There is something about the Yamaha YPG 535 that makes it special. This 88-key digital piano has been a constant favorite in the market for several years already.
By just looking at its design, this unit is an attempt to replicate to an authentic grand. But despite this, this instrument remains portable and modern.
There is no denying that Yamaha made a fortune out of this digital keyboard. After all, the latter has excellent features that allow it to be functional and usable, even for intermediate and advanced learners.
If you want to explore the full capabilities of this digital piano, you should read this Yamaha YPG 535 review fully.
Well, we cannot say that the YP5 535 is the best that there is. You should know that these digital pianos have categories that divide them.
It is a way to indicate their capacity and performance. But in its division, the YP5 535 instrument has an extraordinary quality and a throne to topple.
Before we discuss the full features of the YP5 535, allow us to teach you the basics of a digital piano. What makes this instrument tick? Let's find out.
We covered all the essentials of a digital piano. Now, let us introduce the Yamaha YPG 535 correctly. We already mentioned that it is an 88-key model. Therefore, it is perfect for those who know a thing or two about the fundamentals of piano.
This instrument also comes with a sustain pedal and matching stand. These amenities above are proof that the YPG 535 is versatile and usable for various applications.
Nothing about this product seems to be "amateurish" since it is a comprehensive system. But it doesn't mean that it doesn't have a user-friendly interface.
Yamaha YPG-535 Specs
88-key semi-weighted keyboard
Type: Graded Soft Touch Keyboard
Touch Response: Yes (3 types)
Display: 320 x 240 LCD (+ score/lyrics display function)
Connections: USB to Host, USB to Device, Headphone jack, Sustain Pedal jack
134 x 42.2 x 14.5 cm (52.7” x 16.6” x 5.7”)
11 kg (24 lbs); with the stand – 17 kg (37.5 lbs)
High-Quality Keys
We love how the Yamaha digital pianos can give a realistic playing experience. They have different critical systems that they integrate with their products. On YPG 535, it has the Graded Soft Touch System.
Specifically, the latter enables ultra-responsive keys that you can play on. It is a unique type of engineering that makes this device suitable for various practitioners.
The construction of the keys doesn't feel cheap either. That's one of the biggest reason why love Yamaha products. They make sure that even their entry-level instruments still brim with quality.
Excellent Sampling
There is a huge boost on the Yamaha YPG 535 when it comes to sound production.
First, this instrument comes with a set of four speakers that can generate crystal-clear audio, without hints of warbling or whatsoever. This allowed Yamaha YPG 535 to take the lead in the race.
Second, this digital piano has a patented Advanced Wave Memory Sampling. This particular technology is not available to any Yamaha pianos.
The system allows you to layer three samples of concert piano to any sound that you are playing. It makes your technique versatile and unchartered.
Enormous Sound Library
The Yamaha YPG 535 features a vast repository of tones and voices. It got more than 500 voices, which ranges from different types of instruments such as string and brass.
Moreover, there is a separate library for the panel voices and SFX Kits. And all of these are accessible by just the touch of your fingers.
The 361 XGlite Voices are also present on this digital piano, which include Yamaha's signature sounds. Apparently, this is an extension to the standard MIDI sounds of this system.
Pros:
88-key digital piano.
Graded Soft Touch System.
Comes with Yamaha Educational System.
Excellent choice for any skill level.
It has a lot of connectivity options.
Advanced Wave Memory Sampling.
Realistic grand piano sampling.
Integrated track sequencer for songwriting.
Comes with a music database (more than 200 setups).
It has a matching stand.
LED interface.
Cons:
The keys don't have weight.
It has 32-note polyphony only (which is very surprising).
As an interested consumer, you should be wary about the quality of the keys of a particular digital piano. Does it feel cheap or does it make you feel comfortable? You see, a digital piano should have weighted keys.
The latter allows you the user to experience the same sensation as playing an acoustic piano. You can know if the keys are weighted if they offer resistance once your press them down.
Moreover, it is important that you the number of keys that your digital piano should possess. If you are a beginner, you should pick 61 or 76-key models.
They have limited chords and notes, but they are already enough for those who are still new to this instrument. For intermediate and advanced practitioners, 88-key pianos like the YP 535 are the optimal choice.
Sampling
There is no way a digital piano can replicate the complex tonal characteristics of a real piano. If it can, then it would never be as portable as it is. After all, the construction and mechanisms of an acoustic or grand piano are unbelievably hard.
Fortunately, technology can scale things up into perspective. This is where sampling takes a huge role.
There is nothing too technical about the definition of sampling. Specifically, the latter is the method of recording sounds for later playback. If you cannot get the tone of a grand piano, then why not copy it instead?
However, the sampling process should not be that straightforward either. The sound should have enough "depth" and "rate" to make it less susceptible to tone loss.
Polyphony
Aside from sampling, a digital piano should have polyphony as well. Specifically, this concept refers to the number of notes that a piano can play per time.
If you want to learn some complex passages, your piano should at least have 64-note or 128-note polyphony. In this way, you can tackle classical pieces, which quite popular with their complex chord progressions.
Social Proof
Despite the unexpected downgrade on its polyphony, many still embraced the Yamaha 535. In the piano community, this particular instrument has a reputable identity.
People like it because of its highly realistic sounding and user-friendly interface. Music teachers use this to teach their students. On the other hand, independent learners get this to solidify their core skills further.
Final Verdict
Overall, there is nothing that you should worry about if you are planning to invest on the Yamaha YPG 535. Aside from its low polyphony, there is no other lacking on this digital piano.
With its quality and performance, it is quite a surprise that doesn't have a steep price tag. After all, getting this instrument will always be a good deal, no matter where you look at it.
Did you learn from this Yamaha YPG 535 review? Have you tried this digital piano already? Share your experience with it in the comment section below!
When we talk about digital piano for beginners, the brand Casio always come out. Of course, it should not be a surprise, considering that they have released multiple entry-level keyboards (e.g. the LK 165 and LK 170).
This time, we will introduce you to this Casio LK 280 review.
Primarily, the LK 280 is one of the best beginners pianos of the brand Casio. It is a good unit that can act as your digital teacher. Specifically, it has features that make learning a lot easy.
It is a great thing, knowing that the piano is a hard instrument to master. Moreover, the piano has a portable and intuitive design. Therefore, using it is not that difficult at all.
Before we fully discuss the features of the Casio LK 280, let us narrow down first the essential things that you need to look for a digital piano. In this way, you will get the best unit for your needs and money as well. Read on!
Casio LK 280 Review & Buyer’s Guide
We already gave you the essential components that you should look for a digital piano. Therefore, we can already showcase you the features of the Casio LK 280.
This digital piano has all the essential features for beginners to learn the instrument fast and properly. Moreover, you can guarantee that its features comply with the industry's standards.
This particular digital piano features a compact and lightweight construction. It also offers an intuitive design, with the majority of its space being given to its two speakers.
You will also be happy that this model comes with a slot for SD cards if you want to download or upload a song from your computer.
Overall, the Casio LK 280 offers solid performance and functionality. To know more about its features, you have to read on!
Huge Sound Library
Casio does not limit itself when integrating sounds to its machines. Specifically, the LK 280 boats 600 tone presets and 180 rhythms. Excluded from this count is the whopping 150 songs that you experiment and play.
Of course, you can guarantee that these audio files are distinct and unflavored. Each of them undergoes sampling procedures to make them immune to tone loss.
Speaking of sampling, this device comes with a built-in microphone for sampling. Therefore, you can sample sounds from your voice or surrounding sources and integrate them in your rhythms.
The Casio LK 280 also houses multiple effects like reverbs and chorus. With these features, you can guarantee that this machine has enough arsenals to satisfy your needs.
Ideal for Piano Learners
Just like the rest of the LK Series, the LK 280 is using a Step-Up Lesson System. This assistive feature acts as your digital instructor on how to play the piano.
Specifically, this system separates the songs into various pieces so that you can familiarize them at your pace. As a result, learning the notes and concepts becomes hassle-free!
Moreover, the system includes a performance assessment to rate your progression. It also offers a guide for the proper fingering, which you can see on its LCD screen. Notably, this system also lets you practice with either or both of your hands!
Touch Sensitive Keys
Although we know that all LK pianos don't use the weighted mechanism, the LK 280 still stands out. The reason for this is due to its touch-sensitivity feature. With this feature, you can set the sensitivity of the keys to three levels.
However, you can still disable the sensitivity so that the volume would just be the same regardless of how hard or soft you pressed the keys.
The keys of the LK 280 also uses a lighting system. The latter will allow the keys to light up, depending on the notes that you have to play. It is still an assistive function that you will love!
Pros:
48-note polyphony
AHL Sound Source
Sampling function is available
Extensive sound library (600 tone presets and 180 rhythms)
Step-Up Lesson System
Keys are touch-sensitive
Full 61-keys
Multiple connectivity options
Compact and portable design
High-quality speakers.
Cons:
LCD doesn't have a backlight (it is hard to see the status in low-light conditions)
The term polyphony is like jargon, especially to people that are not into music. But for the musical aficionados, they know that this concept is highly important, especially on pianos.
Specifically, polyphony refers to the maximum number of notes that a piano can play at a time. For example, a three-note chord will require a machine with 4-note polyphony. However, such amount is too small.
Most of the digital pianos today already come with 48-note to 128-note polyphony. If you want to play classical pieces, then you should go with those models that have 128-note polyphony or more.
But for amateurs, pianos that have 48-note polyphony or less can work already.
Sound Sampling
We all know that there is a limit to what a digital piano can do. After all, it doesn't have those particular parts that an acoustic piano possesses.
Fortunately, many manufacturers imbibed innovation to their machines. This scenario gave birth to sampling.
Specifically, sampling is the process of recording sounds from different sources and instruments for later playback.
With these sounds, you will be able to create complex harmony and rhythms. If the digital piano has a layering function, then you can take advantage of this feature fully.
Another thing that you should look at is the rate of the sampling. This aspect tells you the quality of processing for the recorded sounds. In short, it is not enough that you can record a sound.
Instead, the recorded audio should have enough "depth" and "rate" to prevent tone loss.
Quality of Keys
The build of the keys is another essential aspect of digital pianos. We know that you want to invest on a digital piano because you are tired playing with those toy keyboards.
Therefore, you should inspect the keys of the digital pianos that you want to buy.
Specifically, you need to choose a digital piano that has a weighted-key mechanism. It is through this action that you can feel that you are like playing a real piano. You can know if the keys have weights if they offer resistance if you press them down.
Moreover, you should also consider the number of keys that you want your piano to have? Do you prefer starting with a full 88-key piano? Or you are already happy with 61-key or 76-key models? You are the only one that can answer that.
Social Proof
You can see a lot of good reviews for the Casio LK 280 on various music forums.
Even on online retailers, this product is still undeniably reputable. Specifically, piano users regarded the sound quality of this digital piano. They said that its sound is audible enough and doesn't show any flavoring.
Moreover, people liked how compact this machine is. According to some of its users, the LK 280 is a good digital piano to give to children because it is lightweight and durable.
Overall, the Casio LK 280 offers a wide array of functions and features at your disposal. Despite having an entry-grade price, this product still comes with sophisticated capacity that truly gives value to your money.
If you are a beginner, you will certainly love the service of this digital piano. It is intuitive, user-friendly, and downright awesome!
Did you learn from this Casio LK 280 review? Tell us your thoughts about this digital piano in the comment section below.
Casio is a decent brand of digital piano. It released several models that can stack up with other popular piano brands competitively. For those who are skeptic about this, then we will present you this Casio Privia PX 130 review.
Specifically, the Casio Privia PX 130 is a standard digital piano. It can offer high-quality replication of grand piano sounds, which is truly mesmerizing.
Those who tried this (including us) were able to discern the level of sophistication and realism of its sounds.
Moreover, you will certainly find its impressive sampling that is present of its Linear Morphing System. As a result, the sound it produces becomes seamless and intricately dynamic.
Before we explore the full features of Casio Privia PX 130, let us discuss first the key considerations in choosing a digital piano. In this way, you will be able to discern a good digital keyboard from a bad one. Read on!
Workstation keyboards, such as the Casio WK 6600, usually function like a synthesizer because they contain sounds, tones, and effects by the hundreds.
So it is capable of MIDI and audio recording and sequencing. Digital pianos, on the other hand, focus mainly on piano functions and lack recording or MIDI capabilities.
This workstation keyboard is more of a combination of a keyboard, a sound module, and a track sequencer. This is an essential multifunctional instrument that experimental musicians love. And you can have one at a reasonable price.
But before you decide to buy the Casio WK6600 finally, check out these factors to consider:
