Yamaha P140 88-Key Digital Piano (Black) Review

I recently did an exhaustive review of the digital piano world as I am trying to teach my children to play the piano.Accoustic pianos are not a choice due to the size, weight, cost, and tuning requirements.I love the idea of a piano that is always in tune (and can move if we move), but I wanted to be sure I was teaching my kids in a way that they could easily play a grand piano if presented with one.The biggest concern is muscle memory, and making sure their fingers are used to the feel of a real key.

Roland makes some of the top-of-the-line pianos, but they also come with a high cost.I am sure the sound might be a bit better, but I could not justify the expense.I tried out some of the higher-end Yamaha pianos, and while I was impressed, still was shocked at the cost.The P85 was the lowest cost Yamaha piano I tried that seemed it could be good for teaching.It sounded nice, feature the weighted keys with "graded hammer standard" (GHS), and was reasonably portable.However, I felt the P85 keys were a little hard to push with a little too much return.I had a higher-end Yamaha nearby (non-portable) and found the keys much better.The store also had a grand piano, and the higher-end Yamaha was much closer than the P85.

With a little research, I discovered that the high-end Yamaha pianos (the ones that cost $2k and up) use "graded hammer effect" (GHE), a step up from GHS.The P-140 was the least expensive piano to support GHE.It also has 64 note polyphony, 14 voices with 3 tonal varieties, and support for a sustain pedal (you only need 1 pedal for most playing).

What are the downsides to the P-140?Some other digital pianos have far more voices, more recording capability, and louder speakers.I think the built-in speakers on the P-140 are rather pathetic.But they are good enough for practice.

When I bought the P-140, the P-155 was being introduced.It has essentially replaced the P-140.Better speakers, 128 note polyphony, and more features, but essentially the same piano.I found a seller who was looking to liquidate his P-140's for a good price (with a free stand as well), and I decided the P-155 was not worth the extra cost.If my kids really start playing seriously, I may invest in a Roland, but for now, the P-140 makes sure they don't learn bad habits.My number one criteria was realistic action, and the least expensive way to get into the higher end GHE is the P-140.

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Product Description:
The Ideal Fusion of Rich, Expressive Sound and Exceptional Style As the newest member of Yamaha's P series line, the P-140 delivers incredible sound performance at an incredibly sound price. Featuring Yamaha's highly acclaimed Graded Hammer Effect keyboard as well as realistic piano and instrumental voices, the P-140 offers both the authentic feel of an acoustic piano and the advanced features of today's digitals. Whether you are an accomplished or aspiring musician, the P-140 has the simple operation and superior style you need to showcase your abilities.

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Yamaha L85 Keyboard Stand for Yamaha P85 Piano (88-Key) Review

The instructions are pictorial so no room for confusion. You need some space for the assembly as the pieces are long, but it was all quite straightforward. And it looked short when done but the keyboard sits about on top of it, with screws to hold it in. My son remarked that it was an improvement over the x-stand previously used, this sits solidly and doesn't wobble as the other did.

I would recommend getting the stand if you have the P85, it does support it better and also looks kind of like a piano. I also got the three pedals, (LP-5), which fit across the bottom of this stand and also helps it feel/sound more like a piano.

Tip: I have seen these three (Digital piano, stand, pedals) offered together as a bundle on some sites.

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Product Description:
The L85 Keyboard Stand by Yamaha was designed specifically for the P85 Piano (88-key), a well-designed stand that is sturdy and keeps your keyboard secure and while playing. It attaches directly onto the bottom of your keyboard for a perfect it.The keyboard stand is great for your home, studio, or stage performances.

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Yamaha P80 88-Key Graded Hammer Effect Digital Piano Review

Great digital keyboard for beginners or teachers.Weighted keys add a realistic feel and provide finger strengthening.Full sized, with 88 keys, from low A to high C.Control Panel allows adjustment of volume, metronome, demos, record & playback, voice/variation, effects and reverb.Keyboard can connected directly to MAC or IBM/PC compatible computers via the MIDI IN/OUT connectors and a MIDI interface...

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Product Description:
Whether you're practicing at home, playing with the band, or doing a live solo performance, the Yamaha P80 88-Key Graded Hammer Effect Digital Piano offers the features you need. The P80 boasts superb acoustic and electric piano voices, along with a number of other essential instruments such as organs, bass, and even strings. Thanks to the "graded hammer effects" on this keyboard, the action is as close to that real thing as you can get. Leave it to Yamaha, a world leader in acoustic pianos, to develop a keyboard with action that's virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. Just as on a traditional acoustic piano, the keys of the lower notes have a heavier touch, while the higher ones are more responsive to lighter playing. The keyboard's sensitivity can even be adjusted to match your playing style.
The P80 delivers heavyweight performance in a slim and lightweight design. Weighing in at a mere 37 pounds, this digital piano is ideal for gigging musicians or those with space constraints in their home. Although the P80 might be slim in size, it is not slim on features. The P80 is loaded with a 64-note polyphony and a substantial inventory of voices including classical, jazz, rock, strings and more. The P80's onboard sequencer lets you record an entire performance and play it back at the touch of a button. After you're satisfied with your first track, you can go back and record a solo or backup part using the two-track sequencer.
The P80 also features MIDI in/out connections, and a "to host" port, which allows for single-cable connections with computers and other supporting devices. These advanced interfacing capabilities make the P80 a great choice for use as both a MIDI controller/sound source and a live-performance instrument.
Other features include dual headphone outputs, allowing for easy instructional and collaborative use; a sustain pedal; a detachable music stand; and a built-in metronome. Conveniently positioned front panel controls are also provided for immediate access to tuning, transposition and brilliance settings.
What's in the Box
Yamaha P80 88-Key Graded Hammer Effect Digital Piano, music stand, sustain pedal, PA-3B AC adaptor, and user's manual.

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eMedia Learn To Play Piano & Keyboard Pack with USB Cable Review

I was reluctant to make this purchase after reading so many negative reviews; however, I am now very pleased that I went against what I believed to be my better judgment. I have been dedicating about six hours each week to this product for the last four or five months. When I began, I possessed only the most limited of knowledge with regard to sight reading, keeping time, and rhythm. I now have to admit, though I still have much to learn, that I can play the piano because of this product (although playing well will inevitably take some time). This system worked wonders for me and was much cheaper than the alternative of paying weekly for lessons, yet I must encourage you to read the following.

WARNING:
- Children should not be subjected to this product, as they might experience severe boredom if product is applied directly (some instances of secondhand boredom have been reported in children under 16 that have even come into indirect contact with this product). That is, the lessons are far from engaging and should not be expected to keep a child's attention for even one moment. This might be particularly true when the child has no actual interest in learning how to play the piano, other than appeasing mom.

- The software (and hardware) is, in fact, flakey. This being said, the software and keyboard have always worked for me, even if it did require a few additional steps from time to time. I discovered that one of the primary issues with the keyboard is that it will not work if the latest QuickTime update has not been installed. Considering the speed at which new QuickTime updates are made available, it is easy to see why this might require an update check quite frequently. At one point I also had to visit the company's website to download the latest drivers, since which time I have experienced no further issues. I have also realized that the keyboard will not communicate properly with the program if it is not turned on prior to opening the learning modules. If all else fails...rebooting has always worked.

Even with these seemingly significant drawbacks, my own results with this product prevent me from doing anything other than singing its praises. The cost/benefit ratio, in my opinion, appears to have worked out in my favor. If you are an adult that seriously (serious enough to sit through monotone instructions and no-frill lessons) wishes to learn how to play the piano, I would recommend this product. I would also recommend utilizing these modules with a (not necessarily the one provided in this bundle, although it's not terrible) MIDI controller/keyboard, as there is great benefit to be had from the controller/software interaction and feedback.

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Product Description:
Learn to Play Keyboard Bundle is a complete learning tool for developing skills with a piano or keyboard. This bundle combines the eMedia Piano & Keyboard Method CD-ROM with a high quality 49-key full-size, touch-sensitive MIDI keyboard. Hook up the keyboard to your USB port and start teaching yourself to play. The small Desktop keyboard is ideal for use on your Computer desk. Also includes Pitch bend and modulation wheels and a pedal port. Learn To Play Keyboard CD features 250 lessons that teach sight-reading, creating accompaniments, transposition and other essential keyboard skills. Video demonstrations and interactive reviews feature 100 songs, to reinforce lessons while making them more fun. The keyboard comes with USB cable that plugs your MIDI keyboard into your PC or Macintosh computer via a USB port that also powers the keyboard. Learn To Play Keyboard CD features 250 lessons that teach sight-reading, creating accompaniments, transposition and other essential keyboard skills. Video demonstrations and interactive reviews feature 100 songs, to reinforce lessons while making them more fun.

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Digital Blue Piano Professor Review

I bought this for my 3 and 5 year olds and they *love* it.They fight over it all the time.

Some of the games that come with it are too advanced, but if you go to the "piano room" you can click on the piano, even the youngest child can play.Whatever notes they press appear on the screen as little cartoon images of fruit (grapes, oranges...), in the correct treble or base clef lines or spaces.

It introduces their little minds to the possibility that the notes they are pressing actually have a visual equivalent.As they grow older, they can play the more difficult (yet fun) games, and even use the "professor" to take lessons and learn how to play.

If you are interested in your child learning to play an instrument eventually, and not just making noise (as fun as that is), this is the toy for you.

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Yamaha P155B Contemporary Piano with Ebony Top Board, Black Review

Dont expect a big difference in sound quality over the P-140 or you will be dissapointed.At most there may be an ever so slight increase in micro-dynamic expressiveness on softer, subtle passages (maybe that's the 4th layer?), but dont expect anything to jump out at you.I mean subtle! Not much difference in the decay versus the P-140.About the same. I owned them both.The action is heavy and responsive on the P-155 (same as P-140) which I like and the features are an improvement over the P-140.Given how inexpensive and small digital memory has become, it would be nice if Yamaha could give us a DP with a natural sounding decay instead of a looped one. On a real piano the harmonic overtones decay faster than lower fundementals.This sonic reality has not been incorporated into this instrument unfortunately.The P-155 does sound resampled, just not enough to show a really audible difference from the P-140. At soft levels its pretty good but at mezzo forte or louder decay is unnatural, like the P-140.Sound quality via the built-in speakers is the same as P-140. Dynamic range and volume is a little better because of greater wattage but thats about it. Speakers and frequency range are unchanged.Unlike P-140 you can choose brightness levels in between Bright, Normal and Mellow for a total of 5, not 3 choices which is nice.If you can get one for $1,000 or less its worth it but I wouldn't spend 1200 on it over the P-140, unless you need the new features.

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Product Description:
Whether you're practicing at home, playing with the band, or doing alive solo performance, the P155 series offers professional quality sound with our legendary touch. Thanks to top-shelf Yamaha digital piano technologies, musicians don't have to choose between portability and piano quality- the quality you expect from a company that's been building world-class acoustic pianos for over a century.

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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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