Yamaha PKBB1 Single Braced Adjustable X-Style Keyboard Bench Review

Yamaha PKBB1 Single Braced Adjustable X-Style Keyboard BenchFirst of all, the PKBB1MM is the same model as the PKBB1. In fact, the box for this bench leaves off the MM suffix. So, it would seem that the same bench is being sold twice on Amazon, for two different prices. Go for whichever is cheaper.

Now, as far as the bench goes, it's not bad, especially for the price. Raising and lowering could be easier--as is, it involves unscrewing a knob, pulling out a bolt, holding a bunch of washers in place, and screwing the knob back into the bolt at the desired height. Not as horrible as it sounds, but could be annoying if you're taking this bench to a gig. If you're using it in your home, however, you'll probably just leave it in one position anyway.

The other downfall of this bench is that its highest setting is not all that high. I'm six feet tall, have a digital piano with the keys positioned at exactly the height of a regular grand piano, and honestly, the bench makes me feel a little short. Two or three inches more height would be perfect.

The upsides are: 1) the cushion is quite comfortable, even for extended playing; it feels almost like visco-elastic foam. 2) The bench is reasonably sturdy and well-built, considering the small size and the low cost.

Overall, I'd recommend this bench for home use, but only because it is dramatically cheaper than anything else in its class.

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Product Description:
The PKBB1 offers lasting comfort and a reputation as one of Yamaha's top-selling benches. Its ultra-thick padding and extra-wide single seat assures the utmost comfort for hours of music enjoyment.


With a definitive black finish and a soft padded seat, this bench is fully adjustable for individual comfort and folds up for your traveling convenience. Height is adjustable from 17.5 to 19.5 inches.Recommended for use with any portable keyboard or synthesizer.
What's in the Box
Yamaha PKBB1 Keyboard Bench

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Kohler Digital KD160 Ebony High Polish Review

Kohler Digital KD160 Ebony High PolishI used to own a Clavinova."Used to" is the operative word here.I really feel like I have moved up about 10 notches with the purchase of the Kohler.

Unlike the Clavinova, the "grand" sounds like a grand.Even in the highest octave, it does not sound tinny.The other instrumental sounds sound like real instruments whereas the Clav sounded "electronic."

The polyphony is excellent, and more than adequate to sate any musician's appetite.

The keys and hammer action are weighted. The Kohler feels perfectly natural and as realistic as any acoustic.(Hooray!!).

Everything can be adjusted which is very satisfying, as the velocity senstivity can sometimes make the instumental sound become a bit harsh rather than louder, as velocity would on an acoustic.

Finally there is the speaker system.It is wonderful.The Clav was disappointing in this regard.It sounded as if it used hand-me-down speakers from a 1990 boom-box.The only time the Clav ever sounded good to mewas when I wore headphones. The Kohler, on the other hand, is a pleasure to listen to, as it incorporates a high-end stereo speaker system.

I love it.I am sure you will too.

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Product Description:
The Kohler KD-160 offers the best of both worlds: great looks and state-of-the-art technology. This piano starts with the 4'10" true grand piano cabinet that is amazingly beautiful and a wonderful showpiece in any home. The Korg Triton based sound engine offers performance found in no other digital grand piano at this price and the three hundred and sixty watt, 5-way speaker system ensure that all 660 sounds are heard the way they were meant to be. Additional features include a vocal harmonizer and video output, capable of displaying Karaoke lyrics on your TV screen. The KD-160 also includes a built-in hard drive along with a floppy drive. The KD-160 is the perfect instrument for the creative musician or the novice who simply wants the best in sound and performance.? Powerful HI (Hyper Integrated) sound generation system? OPOS (Objective Portable Operating System)-multi-tasking operating system, to let you load data while playing your instrument? Updatable operating system, to add new features from disk? Solid State Disk (SSD), for any system update-a smart way to replace the usual ROM memory? Direct style from floppy disk or hard drive? 360 total watts (120 watts x 3), 5-way speaker system ? More than 660 sounds? 4 Multi effect processor, each with 89 effects? 80 Performances and 1,216 Single Touch Settings (STS), for fast keyboard and effect settings? 304 styles with 4 variations? XDS Dual Sequencer with Cross fader? Backing Sequence-16 tracks, real time record, acc step record? Style record and edit? Full-featured sequencer (Song Record and Edit)? Onboard sampling to create new sounds and audio grooves? Large custom display? Monophonic After Touch? Pitchbend and Modulation Wheels? Lyric display? 88-note hammer action keyboard with after-touch (Fatar TP30)? Hard Drive, Vocal Harmonizer ? Video output with karaoke lyric display? 3 years parts, 1 year labor warranty

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Williams Symphony Console Digital Piano Review

Williams Symphony Console Digital PianoI purchased the Williams Symphany Console Digital Piano for my own playing as well as for teaching. I wanted something economical that had the look and feel of a real piano. While the instrument was fine for teaching beginning to intermediate students, I found it was a horrible choice for my own playing. I had to press some of the keys very hard to get a sound out and then it was very loud, so it was impossible to achieve the delicate balance necessary for some of the classical pieces I was trying to play. I don't know what "4-level touch sensitivity" means, but it doesn't even come close to a real piano. Finally, after owning the instrument only 3-4 years, some of the keys are permanently stuck in the depressed position, so now I cannot play it at all! I am so sorry I bought this instrument. What a complete and utter waste of money!

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Product Description:
The attractively crafted Symphony Console Digital Piano from Williams has a keycover, pedalboard, back panel, music stand, and sustain, sostenuto, and soft pedals along with a genuine hammer-action 88-note keyboard. The keys have 4 levels of touch sensitivity to get the feel exactly right for your style of play and comfort. Other premium features include 32-note polyphony, 138 voices, 10 drum/percussion kits, 3-track/4-song sequencer, and split and dual modes. Transpose feature shifts the pitch of the keyboard up or down in one-semitone intervals up to a maximum of 24 semitones. You also get reverb and chorus effects, a metronome, 10 demo songs, 100 auto-accompaniment styles, 16-character LCD display, 2 x 20W stereo speakers, MIDI I/O, stereo line out, stereo line in, 2 stereo headphone outputs, microphone input, USB port, and 50 practice songs with accompaniment and melody parts plus a songbook to guide you. Dark woodgrain finish.Note: based on the lighting in the room, the woodgrain finish of this piano can range from being perceived as nearly black to an almost brown coloration.

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M-Audio ProKeys Premium Stage Piano Review

M-Audio ProKeys Premium Stage PianoThe Piano sound is truly the best sound you can find for even under $1000, and this is only $500.

Thats the good news.

The other sounds are ok, the organ sounds being the worst, and the electric piano being the best non-piano sounds. The worst part (and the reason i wouldnt buy it again) is the touch. If you plan on just pounding out chords, itll be fine, but if you play classical, jazz, or even most pop-styles that require a bit of touch, you will hate this piano. They say it is "Hammer-Action" but really they should be called "way-over-weighted". These are the heaviest keys i have ever played, and I wish i would have played it before i bought it online.

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Product Description:
The ProKeys 88 is the premium digital stage piano that doubles as a great MIDI controller. It's loaded with large, realistic samples 14 world-class instruments in all, including split/layer capabilities. We paired those great sounds with an 88-key hammer-action keyboard, delivering a realistic feel to satisfy the most demanding pro. The ProKeys 88 is also a great master controller keyboard, including a built-in USB MIDI interface for easy direct connection to your PC or Mac, MIDI In and Out jacks to communicate with other MIDI gear, pitch and modulation wheels, sequencer controls and more. ProKeys 88 pulls out all the stops in creating the ultimate playing experience in an affordable digital stage piano.
Ultra-Realistic Piano
Our goal in designing the ProKeys 88 was to create an extremely musical and realistic piano experience. The caliber of a digital piano is greatly influenced by the quality and the size of the samples, so we started by giving the ProKeys 88 a generous amount of memory. Then, rather than dividing it up amongst a bunch of sounds you're not likely to use, we focused on the 14 sounds that are the bread and butter for many keyboardists--paying special attention to the stereo grand piano.

Incorporates a full USB MIDI interface that communicates with your computer via a USB connection.
Experiment with different effects on the ProKeys 88 to create signature sounds of your own.
Sustain, sostenuto, and expression pedal jacks--all MIDI assignable.
More Than a Stage Piano
The ProKeys 88 delivers all the staple keyboard sounds needed by many musicians. Its flagship stereo grand is supplemented by an alternate grand designed to really cut through in popular music. The ProKeys 88 has electric pianos covered too. And the Clavinet brings one word to mind: "funky." Acoustic and electric basses give you the option of layering a ride cymbal for jazz tunes. Vibes, ensemble strings and an inspiring warm, lush synth pad round out a great sonic palette for the gigging keyboardist.
88-Key Hammer Action
Of course, a realistic digital stage piano must have a full 88 keys that are properly weighted. The ProKeys 88's full-range clavier features hammer action that feels just like the real thing. It features three velocity curves tailored to different touches, as well as a fixed velocity for synth work.
Splits and Layers
The ProKeys 88 keyboard also features split and layer capabilities. Put a bass in your left hand and keys in your right. Chord with an organ while playing a piano lead. Layer lush strings over a piano. You can even have a split and layer simultaneously for a total of three sounds at once.
Control Your DAW
When it comes to communicating with the outside world, most digital stage pianos offer little more than a MIDI jack. In sharp contrast, the ProKeys 88 inherits much from M-Audio's years of experience pioneering mobile MIDI controllers. It incorporates a full USB MIDI interface that communicates with your PC or Mac via a single, simple USB connection--perfect for recording with virtually all MIDI sequencer software on the market. (The instrument features class compliancy with Windows XP and Mac OS X without installation of additional drivers.) You can even control your sequencer remotely via front-panel Start, Stop and Tempo buttons.
MIDI In and Out jacks allow full communication with all standard MIDI gear as well. The ProKeys 88 also features performance controls that are rare on digital stage pianos, including pitch wheel, modulation wheel, two footswitch inputs, and expression pedal input. The three different ranges available via the ProKeys 88's combined split and layer functions can each transmit on a separate MIDI channel as well. You also get dedicated front-panel buttons for program change, channel, bank MSB, bank LSB and local on/off.
Built-in Effects
There's no need to mess around with additional gear to add basic effects to your ProKeys 88. On-board EQ lets you easily tweak the tone on the fly. You also get three different built-in reverb spaces that simulate different acoustic environments. Chorus fattens up sounds like the electric pianos and basses. And what's a vintage Wurlitzer electric piano without tremolo? Experiment with different effects on the ProKeys 88 to create signature sounds of your own.
Full Pedal Complement
Every digital piano has a sustain pedal jack. But what about the sostenuto pedal (the middle pedal on an acoustic piano)? ProKeys 88 has it. There's also an expression pedal for foot-control of volume. And all three of these pedals serve as MIDI controllers for outboard gear as well.
Headphones and Pro Audio Outputs
Ever need to practice privately? ProKeys 88 includes a 1/4-inch stereo headphone jack so you can play without anyone else hearing you--at home or at a sound check. Of course, it wouldn't be an M-Audio product without high-fidelity 1/4-inch unbalanced audio output with specs like 20Hz-20kHz frequency response and 108dB dynamic range.
What's in the Box
ProKeys 88, Software Driver CD (drivers and applications), USB cable, Printed User Manual, Power supply (12V DC), Sustain Pedal

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Casio PX-120 Privia Digital Piano Review

Casio PX-120 Privia Digital PianoI traded in a PX-110 for a PX-120.I bought the Casio so I could practice piano using headphones.The most important features for me are piano action, piano sounds and metronome.I don't care much about the other features and sounds, although sometimes I use the recording feature to lay down a bass line I can solo over.

Pros:

* The action is significantly better in the PX120 as compared to the PX110. The loud clunking caused by the key return in the PX110 is gone in the PX120.Big difference!

* 128 note polyphony means no notes cut out when you hold down the damper pedal during long runs.Nice.

* Notes sustain longer when held and this sounds more realistic than the PX-110.

* The "classic" piano setting is better than the PX110.

* Metronome volume can be adjusted in the PX120.

Cons:

* The "modern" setting sounds too metallic, brittle and "twangy" for my taste, especially with headphones. So the "classic" sound is the only usable piano setting, in my opinion.

* The samples are problematic for 3 notes: the second D#, E and F above middle C.There is a noticeable metallic rattle or buzz when these notes are struck firmly.Very annoying, especially with headphones.How could Casio let the product go out the door with this flaw?The PX-320 has the same problem (I went back to the store and checked the floor models with headphones).

* The sound is a little bass-heavy in the PX-120.The PX-110 has a more balanced sound.

* The metronome could be set to "ding" in 5/4 time (every five beats) in the PX110, and this feature was removed in the PX120. The promotional literature for the PX120 is incorrect on this point.The PX120 metronome can be set to ding every 0,2,3,4 and 6 beats.Not a huge deal, but I don't see why they had to remove it, as 5/4 isn't that uncommon anymore.

* Still no 1/4" output jack, although I don't plan to do gigs with the PX120, so not a big deal to me.

The sound annoyances with the PX-120 are making it hard for me to decide between the PX-110 and the PX-120.Both models have flaws, so it's a matter of deciding which flaws with which to live.I'm really annoyed at Casio for the sample quality in the PX-120.If it wasn't for the problem with the 3 notes, I'd stick with the PX-120.

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Product Description:
Privia PX-120, rich sound with grand piano keyboard touch in a lightweight (under 30 lbs.) portable digital piano. The advanced AIF sound source provides 128 note polyphony providing you with full musical expression where notes reverberate naturally without being cut off during high-speed passages and during performances that require intensive damper pedal operations. With Weighted Scaled Hammer Action Keys you will have the look and feel of an acoustic piano. Use the PX-120 as a slab or with the optional custom wood stand.


A lightweight, portable digital piano. Click to enlarge.
Two different piano tones--a restrained classic and a brighter modern sound.
2 x 8 Watt on-board sound system.
Optional wood stand available.
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 based on concert piano keyboards make for an authentic playing feel, responding to all your playing nuance like an acoustic piano.
20 Piano Rhythms
The PX-120 has 20 piano rhythms, including drum sounds to provide you some accompaniment to play along with.
60 Songs
The PX-120 comes with a built-in Music Library of 60 built-in tunes. You can 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.
MIDI-In/Out
Use the MIDI in/out to control other MIDI instruments, or with external sequencers, computers, etc.
Lightweight
The PX-120 is truly portable, weighing in under 30 lbs. Take it to the gig without risking back pain.
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.
Duet Function
The new duet functions allows teachers and pupils to play parallel to each other. The PX-120 can be divided into two keyboard areas, which can be transposed individually.
Panel-Lock
The control panel is protected from unintentional moves while playing and to protect settings.
Powerful Speaker System
The powerful on-board, 2-way system boasts four speakers and 2 x 8 watts of output power.
2 Headphone Connections
The PX-120 features two headphone connections, ideal for the duet function.
Damper Pedal Jack With 3-Pedal Unit Support
Connect a damper pedal directly or add the optional SP-30 three-pedal unit for damper, soft, and sostenuto.
Optional Custom Wood Stand
A stylish custom wood stand is available for adding a bit of elegance in the home.
What's in the Box
Privia PX-120 Keyboard, AC Adapter, Music Stand, User's Manual

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Yamaha YPG 235 76-Key Portable Grand Piano Keyboard Review

Yamaha YPG 235 76-Key Portable Grand Piano KeyboardAfter having played the Yamaha YPG-535 88-key Portable Grand Piano Keyboard in a showroom and loving it, I was torn, wondering what all I would be missing out on if I went with the more economically priced YPG-235. I now own the 235 and it appears as if I am missing out on twelve keys. That is, I am not experiencing even an ounce of buyer's remorse after opting for the cheaper 235. This is a lovely keyboard with more beautiful voices than I will ever know what to do with and extremely user friendly functionality. Of course, my opinion should be taken with a grain of salt as I will be the first to admit that my experience with other products of this variety is extremely limited. As such, it might be best to say that, for a novice, one could not ask for a better instrument for the price.

So what is the difference between the 235 and the 535? Based on my previous comparative shopping, I have come up with a few differences. First is the obvious fact that the 535 possesses 88 keys, while the 235 has 76. The 535 also includes a stand, sustain pedal, and power adapter, which must be purchased separately for the 235. While I am unaware of the specifics, the 535 also has greater storage capacity and capability as well as a few more voices. Beyond these definitive differences, having now played both models, the 535 also wins out with regard to aesthetics in that it looks and feels to be of a slightly higher quality, from its display to the apparent craftsmanship in assembly.

Why buy the YPG-235? If price is not an issue, go ahead and get he 535, it is a beautiful instrument. However, for those on a budget or for those who simply do not need 88 keys, purchase the 235. Like the 535, the 235 possesses piano style Graded Soft Touch (GST) keys, which are not exactly weighted but occupy that perfect gap between pure synth keys and weighted. The feel is perfect for one who is used to standard synth-style keyboard keys yet longs for a little more control without sacrificing playability. The 235, like the 535, also features USB connectivity and general MIDI compatibility, as well as almost all of the same high quality voices, which separate both the 535 and the 235 from many other models in their price brackets (besides the pianos, the multitude of stringed instrument voices are amazingly realistic). While it is unfortunate that Yamaha decided to not include a power adapter with the 235, the Yamaha Survival Kit D - Accessory Kit for Yamaha YPG-235 & YPG-235 Keyboards which includes a power adaptor, extended warranty, and a couple of other low quality extras can be purchased relatively cheaply. In my opinion, the YPG-235 offers the buyer more bang for their comparative buck. Again, the 235 sounds great, feels great and is hard to beat for the price!

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Product Description:
If youre looking for a reasonably priced piano replacement, look no further than the YPG-235. It is the music student or professional musicians answer to I need more keys! and many music teachers encourage new students to get a keyboard that will grow with their needs. It features 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

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Casio LK-100 Lighted Keyboard with Premium Accessories Package Review

Casio LK-100 Lighted Keyboard with Premium Accessories PackageWe recently started suspecting that our 2 year old has perfect pitch, like her father and her grandmother before her.So all the little toy keyboards that she loved to play with which were all off-key were become problematic.However, it was almost impossible to find a toy keyboard that was actually in tune and not off key.We bought and returned probably a half dozen.Then, the grandparents stepped in and started laying pressure to buy her an actual keyboard.This was the result.

The keyboard has a wonderful sound and plenty of demo songs to keep young children busy.I love that it lights up and it helps illustrate the concept for children who are just learning about music and notes.The keyboard is lighter than I expected.And for the price, it was a good compromise over the toy keyboards.It's also great that it comes with a stand, headphones, and an adapter.Many of the high-end casio keybaords, for some reason, do not even include an adapter.

I do warn, however, that this is a beginner keyboard.It's good for exposing your child and just to test drive to see whether or not your kid's piano interest isn't going to be just a passing phase.However, the keyboard is not going to grow with any serious piano players.There is no touch sensitivity, which is so important to learning to play the piano adequately.And I was disappointed to see that there was no USB connectivity, which you can get with the slightly more expensive Casio models.

But, all in all, I'm satisfied that I'm getting my money's worth.But if you want more features and more piano-like sound/feel, then you'll have to pay more.

If you found this review helpful, please let me know!

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Product Description:
The Casio LK100 Lighted Keyboard features 61 full-sized illuminated keys and incorporates Casio's 3-step lesson system to help you learn to play quicker by following the keys as they light up. The keyboard also features auto accompaniment system to generate complete backgrounds with drums, bass and chord parts with the left hand, while playing melodies and solos with the right hand. This package also comes with a stand and professional closed cup headphones.


Follow the lights on the keyboard to learn quickly and easily. 3-Step Lesson System
Develop your musical skills by following the keys as they light. First, you become familiar with the timing of the notes by watching the keys light as you playback one of the 100 built-in Song Bank tunes. Next, practice playing along at a pace that's comfortable for you. Finally, try playing along at the normal tempo. A simulated human voice is used during the Step 1 or Step 2 lesson feature to call out the fingers you should use to play the required notes (Voice Fingering). The timing of notes is also indicated on the display screen.
Features

    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.
    Easy-to-understand on-screen indicators help to simply keyboard play, even for novices
    50 built in auto-accompaniment patterns
    100 built-in Song Bank tunes for playback enjoyment or play-along practice
    Transpose function instantly changes the key of the keyboard
    Connecting to another MIDI device lets you sound notes on both this keyboard and the connected device by playing on this keyboard
    Connect a commercially available microphone and you can sing along with Song Bank tunes

Specifications

    Keyboard: 61 Standard-size keys, 5 octaves
    Key Light System: Can be turned on and off (up to 10 keys can be lit at the same time)
    Tones: 100 presets
    Polyphony: 12 notes maximum
    Lesson System: 3 Step Lesson System
    Playback: 1 tune repeat playback
    Musical Information Function: Tones, Auto Accompaniment, Song Bank numbers and names, tempo; 3 step lesson display, chord name, fingering, timing indicator, key lighting, voice fingering
    Speakers: 10 cm diameter x 2 (Output: 2W + 2W)
    Headphones/output: Stereo standard jack (Output is monaural)
    Microphone/input: Standard jack (with microphone volume knob)
    Power: DC 9V, or 6 AA batteries (approximately 4 hours of continuous use)
    Dimensions: 37-1/4 x 14-11/16 x 5-5/16 inches
    Weight: 10.4 pounds


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