Casio AP24 Digital Home Piano Review

This is a great piano for a new student. Overall price/performance is great. It feels a lot like a real piano. Of course, an experienced pianist can feel a difference, but the main goal with buying this instrument was not to spend tons of money and still get a decent piano.
Another great thing about this digital piano is a headphone jack. This is one of the most important advantages of the digital pianos (for those who have to listen :-). Even though we bought this piano for my daughter, I also play it at night using headphones.
The bottom line is if you need to practice playing piano, but don't want to spend a lot of money - this is your best bet. I searched other Web sites, but this one was the best deal.

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Product Description:
LEADSINGER model LS-3700 (or LS-3000) is a Portable, Hand-held, All-In-The-Mic Karaoke Player. The device connects to the user's TV / Stereo System and provides Lyrics on screen for 300 built-in popular songs. The device allows the user to adjust mic volume, music volume, guide melody, guide musical instrument, key pitch, speed tempo, echo, scoring, & a fun-filled random play Singing Game.
Included contents are: LS-3700 with 300 built-in songs, main cable, song list book, & AC adapter.
Optional items include: High-Fidelity Wireless Remote Duet microphone, Carrying Bag, & a wide variety of 20+ Song Cartridges.

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

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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Product Description:
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.


caption Click to enlarge.
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.
Correct fingering is indicated in the LCD display.
The keyboard lights up the key that you're supposed to play.
Instant access to Yamaha's Portable Grand sound.

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.
What's in the Box
EZ-200 Keybaord, Music Rest, Owner's Manual, Song Book

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Yamaha Survival Kit 88 for 88-Key YPG Series Keyboards Review

This product contains good quality products and their value far exceeds the price you pay.The keyboard cover perfectly covers the keyboard area not the whole instrument.This is much more convenient and looks better than a full cover.Full covers are available if needed for very dusty environments.The cover comes folded and can be unfolded and made to lay flat with very little effort.They sewed a "Yamaha" logo onto the cover that gives it a classy look.

The warranty is three years from date of purchase of the keyboard NOT two years.Perhaps the other rater was confused because there are different survival kit numbers and model numbers.Each kit carries different items and includes either a two year or three year warranty.There is a chart printed on the back of the box that mentions the different warranties and references the different model numbers.The sticker on the end of the box clearly states the model number and what you are getting.

Also included are decent quality headphones, one instructional DVD and a CD.

Bottom line: GREAT DEAL.Quality and contents met expectations.

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Product Description:
Includes Watch & Learn DVD Grand piano key cover Stereo headphones Bonus coupons Yamaha Survival Kit DVD-ROM.

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Casio SP32 Pedal Board for CS67 Stand Review

This pedal board is plastic.It is also a medium grey color, matching part of the px-130 keyboard.The board itself is much flimsier than I expected.What I was expecting was veneered or, foil covered particleboard, the same material that the sturdy stand is made of. Well, its not.It does look more finished than the sustain pedal attached to a cord, but when compared to the px-130 which exceeded my expectations in most regards, and the stand, which was pretty much the Ikea quality I expected, this pedal board underwhelmed.Also, the pedals are short and relatively difficult to depress.I used them with only socks on, and they weren't very comfortable to use, and not at all like a real piano.In shoes, they might be OK. Anyway, I won't return it, because that would be more trouble than its worth.I would give it 2.5 stars if that were possible, since I view it as between "It's OK" and "I don't like it"Nevertheless, the whole ensemble, keyboard, stand and board are nice together.

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Product Description:
A Piano Style, Three Pedal Attachment for Your CS67 Privia Stand!The SP32 pedal adds those extra piano dynamics you want for your Privia Digital Piano. The 3 three pedal system adds an extended damper function in that it simulates a pedal that has been pressed down half way.

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Casio PX-320 Privia Digital Piano Review

I have played the Casio PX-320 for a couple weeks and am a beginner/intermediate piano player.The PX-320 keys have texture and shape and pressure and volume range and return speed that invites making music.The PX-320 is scaled (graded) so that treble notes are easier and quicker versus bass notes are harder and slower.The keys are weighted and have a simulated hammer action.For my taste the keyboard is a joy to play and is close to an acoustic piano.

I think the Yamaha YPG-635 and Yamaha P85 have at least as good touch and piano sound.I liked the Yamaha YPG-635 display and controls and features and sounds.The YPG-635 is too wide to lay flat in my car while the PX-320 lays on my back seat or back floorboard.The PX-320 base is flat and as large as the top, unlike the P85 that has a base smaller than the top.The P85 has 10 voices.The PX-320 weighs 26 lbs (12kg).

The PX-320 has 11 one-touch sounds like grand piano, electric piano, organ, strings and synth-voice.The PX-320 has 60 wide ranging Casio voices.The PX-320 has 128 General MIDI (GM) voices and 2 Drum Sets. I am pleased with the variety and quality of the voices.I like the large 3-character display and miss a numeric keypad and graphic display.The speakers are fine for a bedroom or living room.If the recessed screws underneath the back are loose the speakers can cause plenty of subtle or annoying noise.

I like the Casio PX-320 price, car fit, finger action, voices, 5 song recording or playback with as little as 2 key pushes, and usable speakers.I look forward to exploring 2-track recording, quick registration, 70 play-along rhythms, and flash memory slot.The Casio PX-320 is enjoyable to play and delightful to hear and easy to learn.

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Product Description:
The PX-320 is perfect for stage and studio use. Along with the advanced AIF sound source providing 128 notes of polyphony where notes reverberate naturally without being cut off it also has 1/4-inch line outputs for connecting to a mixer or PA system. The 202 tones including organ and drum tones will make you ready for any music style. The 88 weighted and Graded keys provide the look and feel of an acoustic piano.


Digital piano with 88 weighted keys. Click to enlarge.
Easily expand your song memory with a built-in SD memory card slot.
Perfect for stage and studio use.
128-Voice Polyphony
This permits the keyboard to produce up to 128 notes simultaneously for full musical expression. It lets you play sweeping chords and make extensive use of the damper pedal.
Scaled Hammer Action
88 touch-dynamic weighted keys make for an authentic playing feel, responding to all your playing nuance like an acoustic piano.
202 Tones
The PX-320 features 202 different tones, including standard General MIDI patches and drum tones.
70 Rhythms
70 preset rhythms offer a varied range spanning the world of music. With Auto Accompaniment, the digital piano automatically plays rhythm, bass, and chord parts in accordance with chords you select using simplified keyboard fingerings, or chords you play. Auto Accompaniment makes it feel like you have your own private backup group with you all the time.
60 Songs
Listen, sing along, play along: 60 top quality songs are stored on your PX-320. You can also play back up to 10 songs from an SD memory card.
You can also turn off the left hand part or right hand part of a song and play along on the piano, which makes for a great learning tool.
8 Digital Effects
Add a little more depth and variation to the built-in tones with 4 reverb and 4 chorus effects.
Registration Memory
You can save up to 96 digital piano setups in registration memory, including tone, rhythm, and tempo settings, for quick and easy recall whenever you need them.
MIDI-In/Out
Use the MIDI in/out to control other MIDI instruments, or with external sequencers, computers, etc.
SD Card Slot
Easily expand your song memory with a built-in SD memory card slot.
USB
The PX-320's USB port offers a quick and easy connection to a PC, handy for use with modern DAW and MIDI systems.
Two Piano Setting Keys
The piano setting key switches to grand piano sound at the touch of a button. Two settings are available: "classic" for a soft, discreet sound and "modern" with a more lighter, brighter character.
Stereo Line In/Out
Connect to a PA system or studio equipment, or connect other sound sources with the line inputs.
Panel-Lock
With the Panel-Lock function, the control panel is protected from unintentional moves while playing and to protect settings.
Powerful Speaker System
The PX-320 features a built-in, two-way system with four speakers and 2 x 8 Watts of output power, to fill a room with sound.
3-Pedal Unit Support
With the optional SP-30, the PX-320 has up to three pedals with half-damper effect. This "half-damper" effect simulates a "half-pedaled" damper pedal.
2 Headphone Connections
Use the two headphone connections for duets or lessons.
What's in the Box
Privia PX-320 Keyboard, AC Adapter, Music Stand, User's Manual

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Yamaha DGX-630 88 Full-Sized Keyboard with Weighted Action Review

I am a complete piano novice, but my next-door neighbor, who plays for a living and owns a Kurzweil came over, and after playing it a few minutes said, "If you don't mind my asking, how much did this cost?"His keyboard is a few years old, but he said that he likes the action on this better than his, and he found the sound excellent.

I'm writing this review because I had a few questions that I wished I knew the answers to, but could not find anywhere online before I bought this product sight unseen.

1. Question: How many degrees of loudness are there, depending on how hard you strike?

Answer: A lot.At least 8, but I suspect if my fingers were more dextrous and my ear better I could hear many more levels of touch sensitivity.In any case it sounds in this respect just like a piano to me.

2. Question: Does the timbre of the note change depending on how hard I strike the key?

Answer:Yes, and this effect depends on which keys you strike. In the low notes you hear a realistic sounding distortion when you slam down on the key.On the high notes you hear that hollow sound of the wood piano frame when you nail it.This latter effect was so realistic that I had to turn off the keyboard to be sure it wasn't something that was physically happening inside the box rather than a simulated effect.

Question:On a sustained note does the sound simply fade, or does the quality of the sound change in a natural sounding way as it fades out?

Answer: Again, it sounds just like a real piano to me in this regard.

This keyboard has a "graded hammer action" so that the weight of the keys at the top is lighter than the weight at the bottom. While they may have reproduced this effect accurately, it is almost indiscernable to me with the keyboard off.But with the keyboard on, the weight of the keys feels absolutely distinct from top to bottom because the "strings" at the top and bottom respond so differently.That is, the sound is so good that it tricks your brain into sensing that the keys have completely different weights.

I bought it in spite of the fact that I wasn't sure of the answers to these questions, and it is exactly what I had hoped for.It feels and sounds just like a piano to me, especially with good headphones, which allow me to practice scales in my living room without driving my family insane.

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Product Description:
The new top of the range 88 keys Yamaha DGX-630 features a fully weighted 88-note Graded Hammer keyboard action, a new piano sound with 64-note polyphony and over 500 high quality sounds.

The 88-key Yamaha DGX-630 is a weighted graded hammer action portable keyboard. Upgrades from the previous model include 64-note polyphony, a beautiful matching stand and an optional three-pedal unit, along with additional DSP (Digital Signal Processing) effects that enable realistic sounding Distortion Guitar and Rotary Organ. The Yamaha DGX-630 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 Yamaha DGX-630 offers an affordable, feature-packed portable keyboard. It also boasts an authentic grand piano-like touch: heavy in the low end, feathery light in the highs, and amazingly responsive throughout.

Yamaha Education System (YES) offers an easy, intuitive method of learning how to play a keyboard music instrument. Stand, AC Adapter, Foot Pedal, and Quick-Start DVD are included. USB connectivity for easy matchup to optional PC software complements. Yamaha DGX Series offers a high quality, moderately priced digital piano, but also a diverse feature set typically found on high-end professional synthesizer products. 88 Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keysDual and split modesFC5 sustain pad, music rest and CD-ROM includedGM and XG-Lite compatibleHeadphone portLarge backlit (blue) LCD displayMulti-fingering mode and 'full' keyboard mode availableOptional 3-way pedal board available (model LP-7)Over 500 voices to select fromPitchbend wheelRegistration memories (2 x 8 banks)Reverb, Chorus, DSP and master EQ effectsSupplied with fixed-frame wooden stand and AC power adaptorSweet, Live and Cool voice technology USB connectivityYamaha Education Suite (Y.

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Tipboook - Keyboard and Digital Piano: The Best Guide to Your Instrument (The Best Guide to Your Instrument!) [Paperback] Review

I found this a good introductory overview of the subject without excessive detail. Just what I was looking for.

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Product Description:
The Tipbook Series books are handy, accessible, thorough and convenient guides for players who want to get the most out of their instrument. They are written in collaboration with and proofread by musicians, teachers, technicians and other experts - for beginners, students and advanced players. Features include: lessons, teachers and practicing * all jargon explained * basic background information * price indications * the history and the family of the instrument * and more. The keyboard and digital piano book covers such topics as: selecting and play-testing instruments; features and accessories; sound, accompaniments and MIDI; a pianist's glossary; and more! "Comprehensive and superbly organized effort; comfortable to handle, visually attractive, and eminently readable. The Tipbook series is a splendid addition to the music field. The most striking characteristic, to this reviewer, is the way in which the material combines conciseness with solid content. A short, 'how-to' manual always runs the risk of being shallow; Tipbooks avoid that pitfall adroitly and consistently. We highly recommend this series." (Dr. William Leland, PianoEducation.org) "This guide has successfully achieved the difficult task of being relevant for both beginners and experts." ((Becki Jones, Music Educators Journal)

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Casio CTK-3000 Premium Pack with Power Supply, Keyboard Stand and Professional Closed Cup Stereo Headphones Review

I really don't think I could have found a better keyboard at the price of the Casio CTK3000.After much research, I decided on this keyboard because of the number of keys and the fact that it came with a stowaway stand, headphones and charger.For me, an adult who is just learning piano, it was essential for me to have headphones so I wasn't disturbing everyone in the house.The keyboard is really easy to use.I didn't even read any of the instructions.I just plugged it in and started practicing.

The stand is a little difficult to adjust and it doesn't attach as securely to the stand as I would like it to, but it's not unstable or anything.The keyboard sort of just sits on top of the stand.This is not a problem for an adult, but if you're looking at getting this keyboard fora child, then you may want to take that into account.This keyboard also works great on a regular table, as long as you have one that is at an appropriate height for practicing.I use the keyboard on the tabletop more than I use it on the stand, but I'm glad I have the stand for those times that I do need to use it.

The keyboard also comes with a little bar that you insert into the back of the keyboard to hold your sheet music or lesson book.There is a groove at the top center of the keyboard to prevent the sheet music/book from slipping.I found that the other reviews I read and the product description didn't note that the keyboard does have a space to hold music.Of course that may be something that is just standard on keyboards, but, as a piano novice, I was not aware of this.

Bottom line, I think this keyboard is excellent quality for the price and will last a beginner quite a while.

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Product Description:
The Casio CTK-3000 is an affordable instrument with a 61 Key Piano Style Touch Sensitive Keyboard, 400 total onboard Tones, 150 Rhythms and Digital Effects. Packed with great features such as Casio's famous Step-up Lesson System, audio inputs for a MP3 player, USB port for MIDI implementation and a pitch wheel for additional expression over sounds. All this makes CTK-3000 more realistic and expressive than ever before at this price range.


Everything you need to get started.

CTK-3000 Premium Pack

The Premium Pack bundles the CTK-3000 keyboard with a Yamaha power supply, keyboard stand and professional closed-cup stereo headphones.
Standard-Size Keys with Touch Response
The CTK-3000 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).
400 Built-In Tones
Find just the right sound with 400 built-in tones, and select from ten different reverb settings to add depth.
USB Port
For many musicians, the computer has become a music-making center. Connect the CTK-3000 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 Sampling
You can use the CTK-3000 to sample a sound from a portable audio player or other device, and then play the sound with keyboard keys. For example, you could sample the bark of your dog and then use the sound in a melody, or grab passages from a CD. The sampling feature is a fun way to create new sounds.
Note: Samples are not stored permanently. Turning off power will cause any sampled sound data on the keyboard to be deleted.
An affordable, full-featured portable keyboard. Click to enlarge.
Internal speakers and battery-powering option for full portability. Click to enlarge.
View full control diagram. Click to enlarge.
110 Built-In Songs With Step Up Lessons
The CTK-3000 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."
To master a song, it is best to break it up into shorter parts (phrases), master the phrases, and then put everything together. The CTK-3000 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 Game
Music 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 Accompaniment
Simply specify a chord and the keyboard automatically produces the matching rhythm, bass, and chord patters. One-touch fill-ins make accompaniments sound interesting and natural. 150 built in auto-accompaniment rhythm patterns.
Transpose Function
An easy operation instantly changes the key of the keyboard.
Audio Input
Play along with MP3 or CD players or other devices by plugging them into the stereo mini input jack.
Battery or AC Power
Power the CTK-3000 with six AA-sized batteries (approximately four hours of continuous operation with alkaline 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 Box
CTK-3000 Keyboard, Music Stand, Song Book, Safety Precautions, Appendix, Warranty, Power Supply, Keyboard Stand and Headphones

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LP-350 Home Digital Piano Review

SOUND AND FEATURES: 4.5 STARS

Let's get this out of the way--Korg designged an excellent sounding piano.You should compare this with the less expensive Yamaha Arius YDP-S31 if you want to make an apples to apples comparison.They are similar in features.I've little doubt that they are made from the same components somewhere in China.We don't plan on doing any producing on the piano, although we have entertained using the MIDI controller for some computer learning tools for our children.The only feature that I absolutely have to have is the volume control.It has one.

The sound of the piano is rich and authentic.I am not a piano player at all (I can, however, appreciate sound fidelity), but my wife is--she learned on an old acoustic and has played on dozens of different types and brands and understands the feel and sound of a good piano (and organ).She finds it more than acceptable in terms of simulating the playing of an acoustic piano.As my children learn to play, we are more than confident as their skills progress that they will be able to transition to the authentic acoustic pianos without having to relarn the weight, feel and sound of them.

DESIGN AND BUILD: 2.5 STARS

I assembled it myself in under 30 minutes.Piece of cake.I was mostly disappointed in the finish--I had assumed that it would be a glossy black- it is not.It's a matte black and silver, a thin easily chipped paint that covers medium density fiberboard.The frame isn't as sturdy as I would like it, and not as attractive as Korg makes it out to be.For a piano that is supposed to be a decorative accent that suits a particular lifestyle (read more expensive), I was expecting a higher quality build.

Which brings me to my other problem.The Hammer Weighted keys.When I assembled the piano and took the securing tape off of the cover, I noticed that the three top keys were out of kilter.I'm not talking the out of kilter you usually find on traditional string and hammer pianos, where the lighter keys offer a looser play, the keys were literally rattling around in the frame.I requested a replacement.OVERAL PURCHASING EXPERIENCE 1.5 STARS

The 1.5 Stars is for the inital sale there is no redeeming quality about the rest of my purchasing experience.The price is excellent. My biggest gripe, of course is that I still don't have the piano.After returning it to be replaced,the piano went on back order.It's been on backorder for a month and then the store (name redacted) will start shipping the pianos out.The first time they estimate they will receive the piano will be February 5, one month and two weeks since I requested a return, and almost three months since I initially ordered it.My family loved the piano for the one week that it stood in our home, but I have to say that I'm less than thrilled about the fact that I haven't been able to enjoy a piano that I paid almost a thousand dollars for due to the shoddy manufacturing process that caused me to send it back even before I had the chance to enjoy it.

TOTAL SATISFACTION: SOMEWHERE AROUND 3 STARS

The sound and features bring this back up to average.Without the excellent sound and feel of this piano, you would definitely be looking at another piano.The SP-250 seems to be this piano's sibling in terms of features.A little more work on the manufacturing process could go a long way.Who knows?Maybe the delays in the ordering are to increase the quality of the build for customers.I tend to doubt that, as the more rushed someone is to produce something, the more mistakes they usually make.

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Product Description:
The LP-350 digital piano is pleasing to both the ears - and the eyes! At less than 11 inches deep, the modern slim-line styling is space-saving and efficient, and designed to visually complement nearly any living space. When not in use, the thoughtf...

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Casio SA-75 Keyboard with Headset Microphone Review

For just a little more than a toy keyboard you can get something that really works.This keyboard can do up to four notes at once, so children can learn about both chords and melodies.The sound quality is better than I expected considering the price, and it run on nice cheap AA batteries that can be bought in bulk.Battery changing is easy.

The one downside is that the lowest volume level isn't all that low.It's impossible to just play this quitely at a volume level low enough so that only the one playing can hear.Also, it comes with a microphone, and when that is plugged in, the sound can be heard all over the house with the volume set to it's lowest level.

So, it's a nice way to introduce children to music, but it's a loud way because it doesn't allow a truly low volume setting.

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Product Description:

Casio SA-75 Keyboard: Fun for the Whole Family

Designed for the young or beginning musician, the Casio SA-75 Starter Musical Keyboard provides enough features and functions to get anyone to enjoy and learn to play music without having to invest a lot of money. The SA-75 is an economical way to introduce a child to keyboard playing. It is small-in-size and fun to use with sound and features that will surprise you.


Designed for the beginner, fun for the experienced player.

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Yamaha CP33 Stage Piano Review

Nice upgrade from my Yamaha P90.

I purchaed this piano for the piano sound and feel.Any additional instruments or features that come with it are a bonus.The acoustic bass, strings and jazz organ sounds are done very well also.

While nothing replaces the feel of a real piano, this keyboard comes very, very close and the lighter touch on the higher keys really takes you there.

I only wish that the power transformer was inside of the piano instead of requiring a wall wart (transformer).

If you want a great piano sound and feel get this keyboard.If you want speakers to go with it as well as some more sounds, look into the CP300, but then you will need to add $1000, 30 more pounds and a deeper frame.

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Product Description:
The CP33 is made for the serious musician on-the-go. Sit down with one, and the instrument becomes an extension of your hands and your musical imagination. The authentic piano voices and rich expressiveness come alive at your touch, and the sound is big enough to blast through a full band onstage - yet nuanced enough to work magic in an intimate club.Yamaha's extensive experience in crafting fine acoustic pianos helps us in creating the ultimate digital pianos. Our advanced Graded Hammer Effect (GHE) action gives all keys an authentic resistance that increases from the top register to the lower - just as on an actual acoustic piano. Which means that you can naturally pound out thunderous low notes with your left hand and let the fingers on your right dance and fly with the high notes.In crafting the authentic sound of the CP series, we used meticulously recorded stereo samples of top-quality instruments, taken at various playing strengths, and included subtle elements such as String Resonance, Stereo Sustain, and even Key-Off Samples that capture the felt dampers muting the piano strings - providing the most authentic sounding and finely nuanced acoustic piano voices possible.The CP stage pianos are also master keyboard controllers that give you full command of your gear. Play and control external tone generators. Assign different voices to different keyboard sections and create multi-textured layers of sound. Two instrument zones on the CP33 with panel sliders, let you easily tweak the level of each instrument as you play. You can also freely reassign the sliders and wheels to control other sonic characteristics of your gear, such as sound attack, decay, brightness and filter cutoff.At just under 40 lbs. the CP33 is a very compact and portable yet full size stage piano.

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Sabine Zipbeat Digital Metronome Review

I generally use a Seiko SQ-50 (ASIN B0002F7GX2) when practicing, but this one has some great features for drummers that the Seiko lacks.

First, for the slower tempos from 40 to 60 beats per minute you can select the beat in two-beat increments versus the four-beat increments that the Seiko is fixed at. From 60 through 72 beats the increments are three-beat, increasing to four-beat from 72 through 120, the range from 126 through 144 is in six-beat increments, increasing to eight-beat increments for the remainder of the range, which stops at 208.While the faster tempo increments have coarser settings than the Seiko (and the Seiko goes to 240 beats), the smaller increments at slower tempos is a plus.

Second, this metronome is LOUD, which is a feature that drummers will appreciate.I also like the ability to set accents to occur anywhere in the two to six beat range. This is another wonderful features for drummers.

It uses both audio and visual clues (a clack and LED lights), and has a headphone jack.

This metronome has won me over. I still use my Seiko, but find myself using this one more and more. If you're a drummer I strongly recommend that you give this one a try.

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Product Description:
The Sabine Zipbeat Metronome delivers the accuracy of digital circuitry, the convenience of battery operation, a loud, clear, tone, a sweep LED, and full adjustability.The Zipbeat is one of the most powerful metronomes we've ever offered. You can adjust the speed from 40 to 208 BPM, with 2 to 6 accented downbeats per measure. You can adjust the speed from 40 to 208 BPM, with 2 to 6 accented downbeats per measure. There's also a built-in tone generator, adjustable from 440Hz to 445Hz. Includes a free earphone monitor and 9V battery.Sabine's new ZipBeat-6000 Digital Metronome offers you many valuable features previously available only in far more expensive metronomes.FeaturesLoud & Clear ToneAccented Downbeat from 2-6 beats per measureSpeed Adjusts from 40 to 208 beats per minute(or Largo to Presto)Sweep LED gives you visual cue; switch from 1 alternating LED's to 8 sweeping LED's6 - Setting Tone Generator for reference pitch (from A=440 to A=445 Hz)Stand for easy viewingThe ZipBeat-6000 Digital Metronome comes complete with a manufacturers Limited Two Year Warranty.

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Yamaha DGX-230 Keyboard Bundle, 76 Keys - Includes Professional Headphones, Keyboard Stand, and Power Supply Review

I bought the yamaha keyboard for my wife for Christmas expecting
a middle of the road keyboard,We are both impressed with the quality,workmanship and endless features of this product for the price. We would recommend this to anyone from a beginner to an advanced player.

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Product Description:
If you're looking for a reasonably priced piano-style keyboard, look no further than the DGX230. It's great for veterans and students alike, with 76 non-weighted keys that not only look like piano keys but have a Graded Soft Touch (GST) action with different levels of resistance, making it easier for a budding musician to move to an acoustic or digital piano.


If you're looking for a reasonably priced piano-style keyboard, look no further than the DGX230. Click to enlarge.
2-Way Speaker System
Separate woofers and tweeters deliver sounds in crystal-clear stereo, for more lifelike instrument voices.
Bass Boost System
A special port on each speaker adds a impact to low-ed reproduction.
Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
Enhance sound quality with sophisticated digital effects like Harmony, Reverb & Chorus.
Advanced Wave Memory (AWM)
Yamaha Advanced Wave Memory technology delivers amazingly realistic sound.
Full Keyboard Mode
The DGX230 delivers on its piano theme with a special mode of fingering called Full Keyboard Mode. This allows the player to play the keyboard like a piano; for example a chord with the right hand and bass notes with the left. When using the accompaniment feature, the virtual band will follow these chords. Traditional portable keyboards normally require you to chord on the left side of the keyboard, in the bass section, which is foreign to most piano players. The DGX230 is also capable of this mode, for those who prefer it.
Learn to play using the Yamaha Education Suite.
Interface with your computer and DAW with USB connectivity.
Easy and intuitive controls.
Built-in stereo speakers.
Yamaha Education Suite
The DGX230 has 30 built-in songs plus 70 more on included CD-ROM 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.
Learning features are plenty. Waiting Mode stops the song until you find the right note, Your Tempo Mode matches the song's tempo to your playing speed, and Minus One Mode plays the song without your chosen part, so you can play along.
The DGX230 will monitor your progress, giving you grades for each lesson. A Chord Dictionary is also included, displaying notes and chord names on-screen.
6-Track Sequencer
Imagine capturing your child's first performance or writing and recording your own songs. With the DGX230, you have the equivalent of a built-in multi-track recorder to record one or multiple instrument parts at a time and assign each part to a different track. Six tracks are provided to accommodate sophisticated melodies, chord accompaniment and rhythm parts.
Computer Connectivity: USB and Flash ROM
The DGX230 comes with 30 built-in songs plus 70 more on an included CD-ROM and an interactive lesson system, divided into left and right hand parts, for learning them. In addition, you have the ability to connect to a computer via USB, download more songs from the Internet into the internal Flash ROM (PC only), and use all of the Yamaha Education Suitefeatures to help you learn to play them. Yamaha makes it easy to get connected with the new PC button. Now, instead of wading through function menus and fighting through a maze of selections, one button is your expressway to music on the web and your computer. In addition, once connected, you can play your songs into the computer (PC and Mac), edit them if necessary, and e-mail them to your friends and family. And with General MIDI (GM) and XGlite compatibility, song data always plays back with the correct sounds.
Digital Music Notebook
Digital Music Notebook is a multimedia internet service that enables you to preview, purchase, download and print learn-to-play music books and chart-topping sheet music. From scales to chords to your favorite riffs, Digital Music Notebook is jam-packed with all the secrets you need to master your instrument. Add accompaniments, record and mix yourself, sing karaoke with friends, learn new techniques while having a blast--Digital Music Notebook delivers everything you need to bring music alive! And it's included with the DGX230.
Ease of Operation
There are many tools in the keyboard that make it easy to be a power user from the first day you own the keyboard.

Expandable Music Database: Complete keyboard setups by song title. The keyboard selects an appropriate voice for the right hand melody, the correct musical style and the correct tempo. Simply call up a song title and start playing.
One Touch Setting (OTS): Provides you with a recommended voice with effects for each style. For example, on a jazz style OTS might be piano, for a Latin style it might be acoustic guitar and for a rock style it might be a guitar with overdrive etc.
Registration Memory: Set the keyboard up just the way you like and take a digital snapshot by memorizing it to one of the Registration buttons. Load and save up to 16 Registrations to User memory. The Registration buttons are conveniently located just above the keyboard.
Performance Assistant Technology: Performance assistant technology is a feature from Yamaha that guarantees that you can't play a wrong note or chord. Here's how it works. Select a song, press the Performance Assistant button and play the keyboard--any notes you like. Every note you play will fit the music. If you move up the keyboard, the pitch goes up. If you move down, the pitch goes down. Play a perfect arpeggio, or play chords in time with the music, or really "go for it" and play a solo. As long as performance assistant is "on," you're "on." In addition to working with any of the internal songs with chords, this feature also works with XF MIDI files.

Master EQ: Tailor Your Sound
Five different master equalizer (EQ) settings are provided to give you the best possible sound when listening through different reproduction systems-the instrument's internal speakers, headphones, or an external speaker system. You're in control.
Easy Song Arranger
You can change the "feel," or arrangement, of songs by simply pressing the Easy Song Arranger button, allowing you to re-mix any MIDI file. For example, you can try your favorite song with a Rock feel, Hip Hop, then Jazz. It's fast, powerful and one-button simple.
Realistic Sounding Voices
The DGX230 comes equipped with 116 panel voices, 12 drum/SFX kits plus 361 XGlite voices. Included in this selection is stereo-sampled Piano, a selection of special voices including brass, woodwinds, electric pianos, organs and more.
2 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. The DGX230 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.
Digital Effects
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 DGX230 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 and four chorus effects that add richness to electric pianos and guitars in particular. You'll also find 26 types of Harmony effects for your melody part.
Metronome
Just what the teacher ordered! A fully adjustable metronome is just a button push away.
Auto Accompaniment Styles
In addition to the 100 songs mentioned above, the DGX230 also has auto accompaniment styles that "follow" your playing. Simply select a style of music from the 160 built-in styles (example Rock) and start playing. The DGX230 will create a backup band (bass, drums, strings, guitar etc.) and "follow" you through the song. You can play your songs and try different genres of music. And if you can't find the right style for your song, you can go to www.yamahamusicsoft.com, preview from the selection, purchase and transfer it to your keyboard (PC only).
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 DGX230 Portable Grand piano. And of course, the keyboard includes a Sustain Pedal jack on the back for practicing and playing piano pieces.
Connectivity
The DGX230 features USB MIDI, Sustain Pedal jack and a Headphone jack for private practice.
What's in the Box
DGX230 Keyboard, Music Rest, Accessory CD-ROM, User's Manual

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M-Audio DCP-300 Advanced Digital Console Piano (Rich Walnut) Review

After reading reviews of similar items this one addressed some issues that were identified as disappointing. It is heavily built and there are no plastic foot petals - they are metal. It has an 11 inch deep top shelf that will hold a lamp (the key board extends out another 8 inches). It has a fold-up music stand. It is very handsome and appears solid and 'meaty' as a furniture piece. The sliding lid is solid. The finish is rich and textured. There is a full sized 'modesty panel' that is also a structural advantage in stabilizing the legs. The metal foot petals are fixed with heavy plastic covers to protect them and provide a wearing surface. The set-up is simple - but its Heavy so prepare two people to lift the top piece. We assembled ours upside down on the couch where we could protect it and then roll the finished piano over on its feet. The components are also 'meaty' (I'm growing to hate the word Robust and refuse to use it). Its components are simple and direct. It has associated composing software and will accept MIDI files, etc.It SOUNDS GREAT. The notes last like piano notes do and all play together without interrupting one another. The keys are weighted realistically. The two speakers fill the room we have it in - I'm not going to address the finer qualities of sound because I'm not a musician. The M-Audio WEB site has a demo. I'm very, very pleased with the quality of construction and the person playing it thinks its a wonderful way to enjoy the piano.

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Product Description:
Advanced Digital Console Piano - Rick Walnut

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Casio WK-500 76-Key Personal Keyboard with MP3/Audio Connection, 670 Tones and Power Supply Review

Amazon listed the best price, the vendor was quick in shipping, the product is every bit as good as I could have expected, this was a good purchase.
The only reservation I would list for Amazon is that the time delay when I make an order is 3 to 4 days before they process the order for shipping, Amazon gives some time for customer review and cancellation of an order and I can understand the problem with folks canceling orders and the item is already shipped.With Amazon's experience as a seller I believe they have it right, I'm not the patient type but this wait has been worth it.
The WK-500 is better than I expected, I like the 76 key size, I had looked at the weighted key models but after using this one I'm glad I saved the money and I like the keyboard feel of the keys on the WK-500, they aren't weighted but not cheap feeling like I thought they would be as I have seen on some keyboards.I would say it has a nice action if you can call it that and has reasonable touch sensitive control settings although the default setting appears the best.Good overall sound, when I first got it I was slow to adapt to the different control setup than my smaller 66 keyboard but quickly became at home the Casio's setup.I also thought that the dull black color would be less attractive than my preference would be the higher luster silver type I kind of expected of a keyboard but again I was wrong as the black mantle look matches quite a bit of my other stereo and computer stuff and looks fine.
I'm not an expert on sound quality and keyboard features however I am impressed with both.I have had this about a month and have not used the advanced features like computer hookup etc. so I can't comment further.

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Product Description:
With 76 touch-sensitive piano style keys and a host of features, which include 670 high quality tones, recording capabilities and song expansion, the WK-500 as the latest edition to the "WK" range of Casio keyboards. Featuring 48 note polyphony, line and mic inputs, 10 seconds of sampling, USB MIDI Interface, pitch wheel, a SD card slot for song storage, line outputs for connecting the WK-500 to an amplifier or PA, the quality, flexibility and usability all help to make the WK-500 the ideal instrument for beginners and advanced players alike.


76 touch-sensitive piano style keys and a host of features for beginners and advanced players alike. Click to enlarge.
Touch-Sensitive Keyboard
The WK-500 features 76 touch-sensitive, piano-style keys and two sensitivity levels for a more piano-like experience, along with 48-note polyphony (24-note for certain tones).
670 Built-In Tones
Find just the right sound with 670 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 Effects
Select from ten different reverb and five different chorus effects to add depth and shimmer to your performance.
SD Memory Card Support
The WK-500 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 Port
For many musicians, the computer has become a music-making center. Connect the WK-500 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 your computer, or send MIDI data from your computer to the keyboard for playback.
Stereo six-watt speakers built-in.
LCD display of lesson info, including fingering.
Built-in SD card slot for storage.
Built-In Sampling
You can use the WK-500 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 Songs
The WK-500 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 Lessons
To master a song, it is best to break it up into shorter parts (phrases), master the phrases, and then put everything together. The WK-500 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.
Auto Accompaniment
With 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 you go.
Select from 200 built-in rhythms or define your own 10 user rhythms.
Auto Harmonize
Auto 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.
Arpeggiator
The 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 Function
An easy operation instantly changes the key of the keyboard.
Audio Input
Play along with MP3 or CD players or other devices by plugging them into the stereo mini input jack.
Battery or AC Power
Power the WK-500 with six D-sized batteries or purchase the AD-12 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 Box
WK-500 Keyboard, Music Stand, Song Book, Leaflets (Safety Precautions, Appendix, Warranty), User's Manual

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