ROll Up Piano - Yamano Hand ROll Piano - Digital & Portable 61 Keys Roll-Up Piano Electronic MIDI Keyboard with 16 MIDI Output Channels Design by the INVENTOR YAMANO JAPAN Review

I love my Yamano roll up piano.I just got it today in the mail.It replaced my old USB roll-up piano, which is a Dream Cheeky model.The Yamano is by far the better of the two.

There are certain important things that set this roll up piano above others.First, it has full-size keys.Most other models, including my old Dream Cheeky, do not have this.The smaller keys make playing more difficult.Whereas, the full size keys on the Yamano makes playing it very similar to a real piano.In fact, it is the nearest thing to a real piano without moving the real clunker around.

Second, my old Dream Cheeky roll up USB piano was reliant on software for sound.The Yamano, on the other hand, generates its own sounds.The instrument voices are very good compared to say a Dream Cheeky.I compared them side by side, and the piano voice on the Yamano is the far better of the two.Whereas the piano voice on the Dream Cheeky sounds like a very cheap harpsichord rather then a piano.

Third, the Yamano is MIDI compatible.Most other roll up pianos are not, or they need extra software for this.

Fourth, this instrument can be amplified with speakers, or played in private with headphones.Most other models again do not afford you this.

And fifth, which I feel is most important, the Yamano comes with its own drawstring storage fish net carrying pouch.Most of your other models just come alone.You get just the instrument, batteries if you're lucky, and that's about it.The Yamano comes as a complete kit.Besides the instrument, it comes with the storage pouch.It also comes with its own AC power adapter.Most other models use batteries only, or USB.Two instruction manuals round out the kit, one English and one Japanese.Regarding storing the Dream Cheeky, it rolls up and fits into a common pencil case.The Yamano is far too large for that.

The only drawback I have encountered with this instrument is recording it.Most of the conventional methods work, but the sound has a very annoying buzz.The best way to record this instrument is with sound recorder in windows vista.

Bottom line, if you want a roll up piano that travels very well, yet comes fully loaded, get your hands on a Yamano.Your fingers will thank you for it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: ROll Up Piano - Yamano Hand ROll Piano - Digital & Portable 61 Keys Roll-Up Piano Electronic MIDI Keyboard with 16 MIDI Output Channels Design by the INVENTOR YAMANO JAPAN

Product Description:
The Yamano Hand Roll Piano keys are constructed of durable silicon rubber with ABS resin for a smooth finish. Weighing a mere 2 lbs., this roll up piano is extremely light-weight, making it ultra-portable. Roll Up Piano - Concert on the Go!Roll up piano is the newest sensation in portable entertainment. With its unique roll-up design, this portable piano can go anywhere you can. Imagine playing the roll up piano at the park or just in your backyard. Amuse your friends and have some family fun with this full featured roll up piano.Roll Up Piano - Makes the perfect gift!Regardless of your age or skill level, roll up piano makes a great gift idea. This roll up piano is so easy to use that everyone will want to play it. Roll away for easy storage. For a piano gift that will keep on giving for years to come, roll up piano is an awesome choice.

Buy cheap ROll Up Piano - Yamano Hand ROll Piano - Digital & Portable 61 Keys Roll-Up Piano Electronic MIDI Keyboard with 16 MIDI Output Channels Design by the INVENTOR YAMANO JAPAN now Get 50% OFF

On Stage KSP100 Universal Sustain Pedal Review

This is a good foot pedal. It works on my casio and is actually a better quality and price than the casio brand foot pedal. It doesn't slide around, either.

Click Here to see more reviews about: On Stage KSP100 Universal Sustain Pedal

Product Description:
The On Stage KSP100 Universal Sustain Pedal is a sturdy, full size, piano-style pedal that is perfect when you need a sturdy and responsive control over sustain!This high-quality pedal features a polarity switch making it universally compatible with virtually any keyboard. The heavy-duty spring allows for better control and playing longevity. Compatible with any electronic keyboard with 1/4 inch input jack.

Buy cheap On Stage KSP100 Universal Sustain Pedal now Get 66% OFF

Roll Up Piano - Digital & Portable 61 Keys Roll-Up Piano Electronic MIDI Keyboard with 16 MIDI Output Channels Design Review

Don't buy this junk.Seriously.

I play piano and I thought, how cool it would be to have a roll up keyboard I could travel and practice with.

Forget about it.It is almost impossible to play anything except for plinking songs on this junk.Sometimes the keys work, sometimes they don't.Most of them you have to press so hard, you are pounding on the thing.

It is like a martial arts finger pounding excercise!!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Roll Up Piano - Digital & Portable 61 Keys Roll-Up Piano Electronic MIDI Keyboard with 16 MIDI Output Channels Design

Product Description:
For a roll up piano with all the features and quality you would like to have, this Roll Up Piano is simply the best value of any rollup piano at a very affordable price. This roll up piano is so portable that you can easily roll it up and bring it with you anywhere you go. Featuring 61 keys, 128 tones and 100 rhythms, this roll up piano is truly a must have for any piano player.

Buy cheap Roll Up Piano - Digital & Portable 61 Keys Roll-Up Piano Electronic MIDI Keyboard with 16 MIDI Output Channels Design now Get 36% OFF

M-Audio Keystation 88ES Midi Controller Review

I'm an amateur musician, and I always wanted a big keyboard, something close enough to a piano, but the big keyboards were always so expensive. In top of that, they always come with lots of knobs and features that I never wanted to learn or try. I just wanted a piano-like keyboard to play.

When I saw this keyboard for first time, I loved its 'minimalistic' style: no knobs, no screens, no buttons. Just the 88 keys and the minimum necessary controllers (3 buttons, 2 wheels and 1 slider), all in a beautiful and solid silver case. When I checked its price, I suspected maybe its quality was poor, but I had good references for the M-audio brand. So I decided to give it a chance and I'm still very proud of my purchase: just plugged it into the usb port of my PC and it was inmediately recognized. I was using FL Studio, but right now I'm trying Sonar and it works flawlessly. The keys offer some resistance to pressure, so it almost feel like piano keys.

If you're interested on this keyboard, I strongly recommend it. But if you don't to know that much of keyboards (and you don't want to, anyway), you have to know this keyboard is not a exactly a toy, nor is the kind that comes with lots of sounds and rythms. It is a controller, which means you have to use some kind of software or synth device for it to produce any sound. If you know exactly what you're buying, I don't think you will ever regret of buying this keyboard. It's great!

Click Here to see more reviews about: M-Audio Keystation 88ES Midi Controller

Product Description:
If you appreciate the full range of a piano keyboard in a lightweight package, the 88-note Keystation 88es is for you. You get great-feeling, semi-weighted action that's velocity-sensitive, to convey all the nuances of your playing to your computer and most popular music education and studio software. The pitch and modulation wheels plus slider and buttons make it a great controller for playing and programming synths, samplers, drum sounds and more. At just 22 lbs., the Keystation 88es is equally at home on stage and in the studio. Class compliancy with Windows XP, Vista (32 bit), and Mac OS X ensures easy plug-and-play setup. It's even bus-powered, so one simple USB cable is the only connection you need.

88-Key Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Controller

Pitch bend and modulation wheels are ideal for controlling synths, samplers, etc.
Easily assign the control slider to different parameters of sound modules or software.
88-note velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted action
88 keys means no constant hitting of an octave switch, an annoyance with smaller controllers. The semi-weighted action gives you a piano feel, and since it's velocity sensitive, your dynamic playing is accurately sent as data.
Pitch bend and modulation wheels
These are ideal for controlling synths, samplers, etc.
Volume/assignable control slider
Easily assign the control slider to different parameters of sound modules or software, for further control over your sound.
Advanced function button for programming
When the Advanced Functions button is pressed, the keyboard goes into "Edit Mode." In Edit Mode, the keys on the keyboard are used for selecting functions and entering data. Black keys are used for selecting functions, while the white keys are used for data entry and channel selection.
Sustain pedal input (pedal sold separately)
Add a sustain pedal, such as the M-Audio SP-1, for piano-like pedal control of your notes' duration.
Built-in USB MIDI interface
Easily interface with most MIDI software using the built-in USB MIDI interface. The standard MIDI "out" jack routes MIDI signals from the keyboard or computer to your external devices.
USB Powered
The 88es grabs power from the USB port on your computer. You can also purchase a 9VDC power adapter.
Mac OS X and Windows XP class compliant
Enjoy plug-and-play operation with both Mac OS X and Windows XP. Ableton Live Lite music production software is included, so you can make music right away on either platform.
What's in the Box
M-Audio Keystation 88es USB Keyboard, USB Cable, User's Manual

Buy cheap M-Audio Keystation 88ES Midi Controller now

Williams Overture 88 Key Digital Piano Review

I'm certainly not a professional, however, I do know what a piano is supposed to sound like, and I know the difference between a Harpsichord, Organ, and a Harmonica: 'nuff said.

First of all I would like to say that the Williams Digital Piano is by far the best instrument I have ever owned, next to my toy, an old Casio keyboard that I owned for quite some time, I was happy to finally sell that off in a garage sale.When I went hunting for another piano, I took my Sony headphones and headed off to various stores with digital pianos. This one by far sounded the closest to a real upright piano (Well, the Yamaha was closer, but another 1K more expensive...), and it had the features and look I was wanting.

Pros ---
1.The weighted digital piano keys mimic perfectly the hammer-action of a real piano, and the sound is equally amazing.As I said I tested it out in headphones, and even at home in total silence the headphones are clear as anything and sound perfect.The built-in speakers that are attached to the piano work equally as well.I 'tested' it note-for-note, unplugging my headphones and listening to the built-in speakers, and I can safely say that I don't hear a difference at all.No "fuzzy-sounds", no buzzing, no humming, etc.Sounds nice.

2.After listening to several Harpsichord songs, I played a few notes on the piano to compare.So far I can't tell the difference between the notes played in the song and the ones I played on the piano.

3.Same with the Organ and string setting, both sound equally realistic and about as close to an acoustic piano as I'm going to get without spending thousands of dollars.

4.I actually bought this piano online, yes, from Musicians Friend.No, I am not an employee there, nor have I ever heard of it.I did call them up to see how exactly it was going to be mailed.I mean, sure it is less than 1K for the digital piano, but I wanted to make sure it wasn't going to end up in several pieces on my doorstep.I have to say the piano box arrived in no less than perfect condition.Go with Musicians Friend if you are going to buy this!Cons ---
1.Okay, so again I'm new at this.So, of COURSE I played the Play-Along songs while I waited for my real books to arrive.One of the irks I have is that when you use the digital piano to listen to the play-along songs, be forewarned that it is MUCH louder than when you are playing the piano normally.Also, if you are trying to play along, you have to compensate the volume by turning it down to hear the song correctly, but I also had a hard time hearing what I was playing on the piano!

2.Same thing goes with the metronome.It is MUCH louder than the 'volume' of the piano.If I had to change something, it would be how loud the Metronome sounds as compared to the piano.The volume, when recording songs and playing them back, however, is at the 'same volume' as the piano.Don't know if it is just my piano or what, but listening to the Play-Along songs and using the metronome is quite annoying.

3.I'm a computer programmer.I bought this piano because it came with a USB cable, anddd I thought I could use my computer knowledge to retrieve the songs off of the Williams Digital Piano.Not-so-much.There is no way to get the recorded songs off of the piano, the only thing the USB cable does is transmit the MIDI messages to a computer if you have the correct software installed.For me, kinda pointless.

Well, I think that about sums it up.Oh yeah, well, I don't think that this is a "Con" per-se, however: this piano comes disassembled.Which means that you have to assemble it.Fine, but the problem lies:this piano does not have instructions included to tell you how to assemble the piano.I, personally, was able to assemble is promptly.However, at first it was irksome laying out all the pieces and figuring out what goes where.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Williams Overture 88 Key Digital Piano

Product Description:
Williams Overture 88 Key Digital Piano

Buy cheap Williams Overture 88 Key Digital Piano now

Roland DP-990-MC Designer Piano in Medium Cherry finish-with Benchr Piano in Medium Cherry finish Review

I grew up having the luxury of learning to play piano on a Kawai Baby Grand.Nothing can compare to the feel and experience of playing on a top notch acoustic piano.

However, when I moved into an apartment after college and when my aunt -- a professional pianist -- had to downsize to a condo, we both bought Roland pianos.The action is outstanding.My aunt believes that the action is actually easier on her arthritis.If you are like me and like to bang away on the piano with music to sooth the savage beast, this keyboard is particularly satisfying.I have played other electronic keyboards and stability has always been an issue even if the action was ok.Roland pianos can certainly stand up to Brahms, Beethoven, or more subdued Bach and Debussy.

The sound quality is excellent as well -- as close to an acoustic sound as you could want but with the added advantage of being able to use headphones and not bother nearby neighbors with your late night practice sessions.

The appearance of Roland pianos and the workmanship demonstrates that this is a serious instrument for serious pianists.It may not have the gravitas of a Baby Grand but it looks like a real piece of furniture and doesn't look out of place in traditional decors.

I also like the fact that his piano has all three pedals and not just two (or one) that many lesser electronic keyboards have.Again, the target here is for serious pianists.

That said, as I have grown and now have children of my own, I like having this piano for my own children to learn on.Kids can be a bit harder on instruments and you hate to buy a Steinway to have sippy cups or pocket knives dropped on it.This piano can certainly withstand punishment of kids.But it also provides a great learning mechanism so when it is time to transition to a "real" piano, they are already more or less used to "the real thing".

As an extra keyboard, a starter piano or a main piano, I can't recommend this piano enough.It will last for many years and give many many hours of pleasure.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Roland DP-990-MC Designer Piano in Medium Cherry finish-with Benchr Piano in Medium Cherry finish

Product Description:
Perfect Piano Sound & Feel, Stylish DesignForm meets function in the new DP-990 — a sophisticated, streamlined piano with amazing sound and touch that also serves as a functional piece of furniture. The three luxurious silver-finish pedals naturally reproduce every detail of your sensitive pedaling just like an acoustic grand piano. It's available in Satin Black (SB) or Medium Cherry (MC) finishes.

Buy cheap Roland DP-990-MC Designer Piano in Medium Cherry finish-with Benchr Piano in Medium Cherry finish now

Yamaha EZ-200 61 Full-Sized Touch Sensitive Lighted Keyboard Bundle: Includes Professional Headphones, Keyboard Stand, and Power Supply Review

This is my first real keyboard and I got it to learn to play piano. I've only had it a few days but I'm really impressed by it so far. The keyboard seems to be really good with teaching songs, not only do the keys light up but it tells you which fingers to use and it can teach one hand at a time which is nice for a beginner. I really wasn't expecting much but this thing sounds like a real piano and even the stand and headphones are pretty good quality.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Yamaha EZ-200 61 Full-Sized Touch Sensitive Lighted Keyboard Bundle: Includes Professional Headphones, Keyboard Stand, and Power Supply

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. This bundle includes everything else you need, as well--a keyboard stand, headphones, and a power supply.


Learn to play today. 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.

100 built-in songs for you to learn to play, using the Yamaha Education Suite.
The lighted keyboard will have you playing songs from the very first day.
Built-in stereo speakers for brilliant sound.
Bundle includes a keyboard stand, headphones, and a power supply.
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.

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.
Don't forget your Survival Kit!
Designed to provide you with everything you need to get started. Kit includes a two-year extended warranty, power adaptor, foot switch on models that require it, stereo headphones, bonus coupons and a DVD-ROM. Look for it at a dealer near you.
What's in the Box
Yamaha EZ200 Keyboard, Professional Headphones, Keyboard Stand, Power Supply, Music Rest, Owner's Manual, Song Book

Buy cheap Yamaha EZ-200 61 Full-Sized Touch Sensitive Lighted Keyboard Bundle: Includes Professional Headphones, Keyboard Stand, and Power Supply now Get 50% OFF