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Yamaha YDP 144 vs Casio PX 870 | Digital Piano Comparison & Review
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The under $2,000 CAD home digital piano market is one of the most competitive in the digital piano industry, hands down. Today, weâre going to compare two of the best-selling and highest-reviewed digital pianos with weighted keys in the category with the Yamaha YDP 144 vs Casio PX 870.
The Yamaha Arius and Casio Privia are two lines that really don't typically intersect, with the exception of these two models. The YDP-144 digital piano is closer to the entry point of the Arius line, while the PX-870 is the top model available in the Privia lineup.
But these two digital console pianos compare very well, both in terms of their overall offering, and price point, making both a common choice among beginners just getting into music and more advanced players seeking a practice instrument. Letâs get into it.
Yamaha YDP 144 vs Casio PX 870 - Brand & Series Overview
Itâs important to note right away that the Yamaha Arius YDP-144 has been on the market longer than the Casio PX 870. As a slightly older product, itâs not really fair to expect the YDP-144 to keep up with the PX-870 in every single regard given their similar price point.
Technology progresses very quickly, and it's no different in the digital piano space than it is in the smartphone space for example. Just like it wouldnât be a fair fight to compare a smartphone from 2017 to one from 2019, the same logic applies to digital pianos.
That said, this comparison really is unavoidable given that these are current models that happened to be positioned against one another, along with offerings from Roland, Kawai, Korg and some smaller manufacturers.
Casio has had a pretty strong selection of offerings in the sub $1,000 part of the market for a while now, but they obviously made a decision at the corporate level a few years ago to go after a bigger piece of the pie - models released over the past few years have spoken to a tightening competition in the over $1,000 home digital piano category where normally Yamaha, Roland, and Kawai have been the dominant brands.
The PX-870 is one of those models that has been increasing in visibility and truly emerged as a viable option in this competitive market space.
The YDP-144 is one of the entry points into the Arius line of Yamaha digital pianos before moving up to the more advanced and costly YDP-164 and YDP-184.
With that little bit of context out of the way, letâs begin by comparing the sound engines of these home pianos.
YDP-144 vs PX-870 - Digital Piano Sound Comparison
A quick side-by-side comparison of the default acoustic piano patches on these two pianos reveals that the manufacturers have gone for very different tonal profiles. Sometimes when you compare similarly priced competing instruments from different manufacturers, you donât necessarily hear a huge difference. In this case, these pianos really do sound quite different.
The YDP-144 has quite a throaty sound with more of an emphasis in the upper mid-range and tends to have a non-conventional EQ curve. The PX-870 on the other hand has that traditional EQ curve with some bass and treble enhancement, while the throaty mid-range portion is somewhat squished.
Thereâs no right or wrong approach here, but given the stark difference, odds are you will have a preference between the different piano sounds here.
Into specifics about the sound engines themselves, the YDP-144 is equipped with the Yamaha CFX Concert grand piano sample. Yamaha doesnât disclose how many sample layers have gone into the engine, but our understanding is that this isnât an 88-note individually sampled tone, meaning there is some stretching going on. Theyâve synthesized some other acoustic effects like damper resonance and key-off resonance, which are then added to the sample.
The sound can be manipulated to a certain extent with the Yamaha Smart Pianist App as you can adjust things such as the reverb simulator and some other parameters. Other sound-related features include Yamahaâs Intelligent Acoustic Control and Stereophonic Optimizer.
Over on the PX 870, thereâs also a companion app - the Casio Chordana Play App for piano - which performs a similar function.
An interesting thing Casio has done with the PX870 includes a set of tone ports which essentially gives your ear a direct line to the back of the speaker. And in this case, thereâs a powerful set of 20-watt amplifiers that are pushing that piano tone for 40 watts of power, contrasted with a 16-watt speaker system on the YDP-144.
Thatâs a substantial difference in the amount of power and thus in the depth of sound, these pianos are capable of. The YDP-144 has a set of tone ports too, but the effect is less dramatic given the less powerful amplifiers.
Beyond the difference of the power itself, weâre also hearing a difference in the complexity of the samples as well, and this is evidenced by the fact that the 870âs Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source sample is using up 3x more memory than the YDP-144âs CFX sample.
Further evidence of this increased processing power is the polyphony - the YDP-144 has a very solid 192 notes of polyphony, while the PX-870 has an even better 256-note polyphony count. 192 notes is going to be sufficient for just about everyone, so this isnât the most important spec comparison, it just simply attests to the extra power possessed by the PX-870.
In terms of the total number of sound presets, the YDP-144 has 10 in total, while the PX-870 has 19. The sounds are very solid across the board on both pianos (especially the YDP-144âs electric pianos), though an area where the PX-870 could use some improvement has to do with the dynamics of the different patches - they vary widely which can be jarring, so some uniformity there would be welcome.
That concludes our discussion on sound. As we stated at the outset, thanks in part to being a newer instrument, the PX-870 wins the sound battle in a number of key specifications, on paper at least. The caveat is though, at the end of the day, these two manufacturers have approached sound in fundamentally different ways, so you should really try to play to see which approach you connect with more.
Digital Piano Action Comparison - Tri-Sensor vs GHS
The action comparison between these two instruments plays out in a similar way as the sound comparison - both are solid, but we are comparing older technology with Yamahaâs Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action versus Casioâs newer Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II.
The 870âs Tri-Sensor action has a nice texture on the ebony and ivory keys which gives the key surfaces a really nice level of glide. Itâs also equipped with a triple sensor which means the MIDI output is going to be more accurate than a dual sensor with better touch sensitivity, and triple sensors are by no means a given at this price point.
Not everyone is going to derive value from the triple sensor. In fact, beginners probably wonât notice a difference at all. But anyone doing some studio triggering, or especially folks getting into advanced classical music will absolutely appreciate the benefits of a triple sensor. There is no escapement like on a real piano, with only Rolandâs PHA4 action offering that feature in the price range.
The YDP-144âs GHS action has a matte texture on the black key tops which is nice, but the white keys have a glossy finish that can be too grippy during longer playing sessions, and itâs also equipped with a less advanced dual sensor.
Besides these differences, these keys feel quite similar, especially in terms of the weighting and the response. This is pretty remarkable in that even 5 or so years ago, itâs hard to imagine anyone arguing that a Casio action could be on par with a Yamaha action, let alone superior, but here we are.
The repetition speed on both actions is good, if not at the top of the class where we would argue actions from Roland and Kawai sit.
So again, we have a situation where the PX-870 wins the on-paper battle, but thereâs no doubt that weâre looking at two high-quality actions capable of producing an enjoyable playing experience.
Additional Features & Connectivity - USB/MIDI
Since weâre discussing a couple of console-based digital pianos here, both of these musical instruments come with integrated stands and triple pedal systems with a sustain pedal, sostenuto pedal and soft pedal. The PX-870 has more of a slim, contemporary look while the YDP-144 comes to the table with a more traditional upright piano aesthetic.
Both have built-in dust covers, and you should definitely close the covers when your piano isnât in use to prevent dust from getting into the action and therefore prolonging the life of your piano. Both pianos are available in Black and White, while the YDP-144 is also available in Rosewood.
In terms of the connectivity ports, both pianos have two stereo quarter-inch headphone jacks, though no discreet audio outputs, so you will have to use one of these headphone ports with an adapter if you need more juice.
Neither piano has Bluetooth of any kind, unfortunately, so if you want to get connected to an iOS iPad or Android device, you will need to use the USB port with a cable. Both pianos have both USB Type A and B.
Standard features like a metronome a present on both, as well as some built-in piano songs.
Closing Thoughts
So what do we have here at the end of the day? Well, we can confidently say that we have two excellent models here bringing excellent value to the market with very good warranty coverage. The price points are very similar, and while theyâre targeted at the same end user, theyâre actually quite different musically.
If you like Yamaha as a brand and are attracted to the Yamaha sound, thereâs not a lot to take issue with as far as what the YDP-144 has to offer - the tone is classic Yamaha and the action is solid.
If youâre not attached to Yamaha necessarily, the PX-870 has the edge in a few areas, such as a more complex sample, a much more powerful amplifier, a higher polyphony count and more onboard sounds.
The action battle also goes to the PX-870 in terms of the specs, though of course, some folks will prefer the GHS action simply due to personal preference.
Weâve got two great pianos here worth their popularity and rave reviews, both of which should be considered should you be shopping for a piano in this category.
Thanks for reading!
The post Yamaha YDP 144 vs Casio PX 870 | Digital Piano Comparison & Review first appeared on Merriam Pianos
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Digital Piano Market Industry: Future Demand, Market Analysis & Outlook to 2022
In this report, the global Digital Piano market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.
Sample Copy of This Report: https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/request-sample/657001
Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Digital Piano in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), covering:
North America
Europe
China
Japan
Southeast Asia
India
Global Digital Piano market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players including:
Casio
Yamaha
Roland
Korg
Young Chang
Clavia
Kawai
Williams
Kurzweil
Hamzer
Privia
Detailed TOC: https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/report/global-digital-piano-market-research-report-2017-d-101
On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into:
Console Type
Upright Type
Portable Type
On the basis of the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate for each application, including:
Household
Education
Commercial
Table of Contents -
1 Digital Piano Market Overview
1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Digital Piano
1.2 Digital Piano Segment by Type (Product Category)
1.2.1 Global Digital Piano Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2012-2022)
1.2.2 Global Digital Piano Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 2016
1.2.3 Console Type
1.2.4 Upright Type
1.2.5 Portable Type
1.3 Global Digital Piano Segment by Application
1.3.1 Digital Piano Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)
1.3.2 Household
1.3.3 Education
1.3.4 Commercial
1.4 Global Digital Piano Market by Region (2012-2022)
1.4.1 Global Digital Piano Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)
1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)
1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)
1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)
1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)
1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)
1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)
1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Digital Piano (2012-2022)
1.5.1 Global Digital Piano Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)
1.5.2 Global Digital Piano Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)
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QY Research Groups is a company that simplifies how analysts and decision makers get industry data for their business. Our unique colossal technology has been developed to offer refined search capabilities designed to exploit the long tail of free market research whilst eliminating irrelevant results. QY Research Groups is the collection of market intelligence products and services on the Web. We offer reports and update our collection daily to provide you with instant online access to the world's most complete and current database of expert insights on Global industries, companies, products, and trends.
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United States Digital Piano Market Outlooks,Demand ,Share Analysis and Trends
ReportsMonitor.com has added United States Digital Piano Market Report 2017 Â to its database of market research reports.
 Geographically, this report splits the United States market into seven regions: The West Southwest The Middle Atlantic New England The South The Midwest with sales (volume), revenue (value), market share and growth rate of Digital Piano in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast).
 Request  a Free Sample Report @ https://www.reportsmonitor.com/request-sample/?post=296083
United States Digital Piano market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Digital Piano sales volume, price, revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players including Casio Yamaha Roland Korg Young Chang Clavia Kawai Williams Kurzweil Hamzer Privia
View Entire Report @ https://www.reportsmonitor.com/united-states-digital-piano-market-report-2017-2/
 On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into Console Type Upright Type Portable Type
 On the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume, market share and growth rate of Digital Piano for each application, including Household Education Commercial
 Some Points From Table Of Contents:
 1 Digital Piano Overview 1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Digital Piano 1.2 Classification of Digital Piano by Product Category 1.2.1 United States Digital Piano Market Size (Sales Volume) Comparison by Type (2012-2022) 1.2.2 United States Digital Piano Market Size (Sales Volume) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 2016 1.2.3 Console Type 1.2.4 Upright Type 1.2.5 Portable Type 1.3 United States Digital Piano Market by Application/End Users 1.3.1 United States Digital Piano Market Size (Consumption) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2012-2022) 1.3.2 Household 1.3.3 Education 1.3.4 Commercial 1.4 United States Digital Piano Market by Region 1.4.1 United States Digital Piano Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2012-2022) 1.4.2 The West Digital Piano Status and Prospect (2012-2022) 1.4.3 Southwest Digital Piano Status and Prospect (2012-2022) 1.4.4 The Middle Atlantic Digital Piano Status and Prospect (2012-2022) 1.4.5 New England Digital Piano Status and Prospect (2012-2022) 1.4.6 The South Digital Piano Status and Prospect (2012-2022) 1.4.7 The Midwest Digital Piano Status and Prospect (2012-2022) 1.5 United States Market Size (Value and Volume) of Digital Piano (2012-2022) 1.5.1 United States Digital Piano Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022) 1.5.2 United States Digital Piano Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)
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Yamaha YDP-160 Arius Review
The options for digital pianos are endless, but I wanted to find one that gave me an authentic piano experience. It is a suitable option for people who want to develop proper playing habits and finger strength. Designed to mimic an acoustic piano, the Yamaha YDP-160 Arius digital piano is a great option to consider for a real piano feel.
Things To Consider When Buying A Digital Piano
When shopping for a digital piano, decide which features are most important to you. Do you need scaled and weighted keys? Do you need a lot of different sounds for layering? What do you want in a foot pedal? Do you need the ability to hook it up to your computer? How many headphone jacks do you need? Do you need a built-in record function?
The Yamaha YDP-160 Arius Package
The Yamaha YDP-160 Arius digital piano comes in a rosewood finish with a matching stand, bench and full keyboard. It has more piano samples per key than its predecessor, the Yamaha Arius YDP-131, but less sound samplings than its competitor, the Casio Privia PX-850.
Pros
Suitable for people of all skill levels
Sliding keyboard cover
High quality sounds
Scaled and weighted keys
Cons
Only 10 sounds
More expensive than other digital pianos in its class
Dual 20 watt speakers aren't quite loud enough to fill a large room
Check Current Prices
Features And Benefits
Features For An Authentic Piano Experience
With a graded and weighted full keyboard, great action and response, and high quality sounds, it feels and sounds like playing an acoustic piano. It also includes a triple pedal that works and feels just like the pedals on a baby grand. I like this combination of features because it nurtures good techniques you can only learn from a digital piano that mimics a real piano. The Yamaha YDP-160 Arius is a digital piano that works, sounds and plays like a real piano.
Sound Options
It has 10 sounds in 6 different categories: grand piano, electric piano, harpsichord, vibraphone, church organ and strings. I like this feature for practicing different types of genres and layering sounds. If you write your own music and want to add rich layers to your songs, you might find this feature useful.
Helpful Functional Features
One of the things I found most helpful with the Yamaha YDP-160 is that there are several functional features like two headphone jacks for playing without disturbing those around you. It has two midi ports for notation and learning softwareâuseful for teachers and students. It also has a sliding keyboard cover to protect the keys from dirt and debris, which is great if you are also interested in maintaining your keyboard.
I like the built-in metronome and one-track recording capability for learning, practicing and listening to my progress. Pianists of all skill levels might find these features useful.
Rating
Design
5
Performance
5
Construction
5
Value for the Money
4
User Satisfaction
5
Alternatives
The Yamaha Arius YDP-160 is a great digital piano for students, professionals, teachers and novices alike, but there are other alternatives if it doesnât quite suit your needs.
Casio Privia PX-860
This digital keyboard is in the same class as the Yamaha YDP-160 Arius. It has many of the same features plus some that the Yamaha YDP-160 does not haveâlike a split keyboard. It is designed to give you an authentic piano experience with a full keyboard and graded and weighted keys. It is cosmetically pleasing with a black finish and matching stand.Â
Compared to the Yamaha YDP-160 Arius:
Around $50 cheaper
Has 8 more voices and includes instrument tones that the Yamaha YDP-160 Arius does not
Instrument sounds are great, but not as authentic
No matching bench in package
Check Current Prices
Williams Overture 2 88-Key Console Digital Piano
In the same class as the Yamaha YDP-160 Arius, the Williams Overture 2 is a digital piano designed to give you the benefits of a real piano. It comes in a glossy black finish with the option to purchase a matching bench separately. It has more features than the Yamaha YDP-160, like split keyboard and a usb port. While it is a good alternative at a much better price point, it does have mixed reviews, so you might want to research it further.Â
Compared to the Yamaha YDP-160 Arius:
Priced about $300-$350 lower
Well over a hundred more sounds to choose from
Decent, but lower quality sound samplings
Has 2-track recording capability, as opposed to the Yamaha YDP-160's single track
Lower quality construction
Lower overall quality with a few reviewers reporting technical malfunctions
Check Current Prices
Yamaha P-45
This digital piano is in a lower class than the Yamaha YDP-160 Arius, but it is still a very reasonable alternative. The Yamaha P-45 digital piano has a full keyboard with scaled and weighted keys. It is not as fancy as the Arius line, but it does have high quality sound and mimics a real piano.Â
Compared to the Yamaha YDP-160 Arius:
Keyboard, stand and bench cost about half as much as the Yamaha YDP-160
Same number of voices
Lower quality speakers
Smaller footprint
Authentic high quality sound samplings
Keyboard weight and action not as authentic as the Arius
Lower polyphony
Check Current Prices
Final Thoughts
The Yamaha YDP-160 Arius is a great digital piano for musicians off all skill levels. It feels and plays like an acoustic piano. This instrument is great for nurturing proper playing habits and form. If you are looking for a high quality digital piano that will give you an authentic piano experience, then you might want to check out the Yamaha YDP-160 Arius digital piano.
The post Yamaha YDP-160 Arius Review appeared first on Music Advisor.
source https://musicadvisor.com/yamaha-ydp-160-arius-digital-piano/ from Music Advisor http://musicadvisorcom.blogspot.com/2017/08/yamaha-ydp-160-arius-review.html
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This report studies Digital Piano in Global market, especially in North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2011 to 2015, and forecast to 2021.This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, covering Williams Yamaha Long Beach Music Hamzer The ONE Music Group Casio TMS Roland Privia Kurzweil Korg PianoMaestro Artesia
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Appreciate Jazz Music All April Long With Casio
Casio America, Inc. is encouraging musicians and consumers worldwide to join in the celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, culminating with International Jazz Day on Sunday, April 30th. Jazz Appreciation Month, also known as JAM, is intended to encourage people of all ages to participate in jazz. Whether attending a concert, listening to recordings of the greats, or studying jazz music, Jazz Appreciation Month serves as the time of year when the rich history and cultural impact of the music genre can be fully celebrated. For 2017, the celebration focuses on "Women in Jazz", as it is the centennial of jazz icon Ella Fitzgerald's birth. In addition to talented vocalists, female musicians, composers, arrangers, and beyond are being celebrated for their positive contributions to both its history and future.
"Many of today's musicians count jazz as an influence to their musical works, and Jazz Appreciation Month is the perfect time to acknowledge the strong impact jazz music has made across all genres," said Stephen Schmidt, Vice President of Casio's Electronic Musical Instrument Division. "As a major manufacturer of digital pianos and keyboards, we acknowledge jazz music's heritage and hope people everywhere will join the JAM celebration by listening to jazz standards, attending a concert or learning to play in their own homes."
Casio's extensive portfolio of digital pianos offers a variety of options to entice musicians of any skill level to join in the Jazz Appreciation Month festivities. For beginners, Casio offers a wide range of instruments, such as the LK-260, that are equipped with education tools that make learning to play the piano both entertaining and fun. The lighted keys provide instruction and assistance, allowing users to gain experience and eventually play on their own. Also, the LK-260 includes Casio's Step Up Lesson System, which helps beginners be their own teacher by learning phrase by phrase at their own pace as the display shows hand position and music notation.
For the intermediate jazz enthusiasts, Casio offers the CGP-700 Compact Grand Piano. The CGP-700 is equipped with Casio's Color Touch Interfaceâ˘, which features a premium icon-based 5.3" touch display with 168,960 pixels. The vibrant interface allows users to effortlessly choose tones, select rhythms, and split and layer sounds, all organized by category. Additionally, the CGP-700 incorporates a 3-way sound system with 40 watts of total amplification, providing a powerful stereo experience to fully immerse musicians in quality jazz sound.
Finally, for more experienced professionals looking for an authentic high-grade piano experience, Casio offers its lineup of Privia digital pianos. The Privia PX-160, an 88-key digital piano comes equipped with Casio's acclaimed AiR Technology, which features the sound of a 9-foot concert grand at four dynamic levels, and Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action keyboard, which features simulated ebony and ivory-textured keys.
To learn more about Casio's full portfolio of electronic musical instruments, please visit www.CasioMusicGear.com.
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Buyerâs Guide: Best Beginner Piano Review in 2017
The piano is a wonderfully fulfilling instrument upon which many of the most beautiful pieces of music are composed. However, few of us are born with the natural talent of Mozart and must start somewhere. Unfortunately, the market is flush with pianos and figuring out which one is right for a beginner can be a challenge. That is why we have put together a list and buyerâs guide to help you navigate through the rest to find the best beginner piano available.
Value Section:
As someone who has played the piano for over two decades, I can assure you that the factors which determine the best beginner piano are few. However, that does not necessarily mean you should look for the rock bottom bargain either. Many beginner pianos that are $100 or less will have long-term functionality issues that will simply force you to purchase a new piano sooner should the player develop a legitimate interest in the art. That is why we have put together this helpful guide to assist you in determining which product and what suite of features are relevant for you purchase.
Quick Navigation
Value Section:
Key Count:
Key Quality:
Extra Features:
Price:
Five Best Beginner Piano
Conclusion:
Key Count:
There are two lines of thought on this, both equally valid if a bit contradictory. The first states that beginner pieces are simplified and will rarely use more than 3-4 octaves, if that. Being 12 keys an octave, digital pianos for a beginner can eschew the full 88 key count and still provide an adequate tool to learn the fundamental skills. When the time is appropriate, a full-sized key count can be purchased with a more advanced digital piano to reflect the playerâs advancing skill.
On the other hand, the other argument states that if the player will eventually need to work with a full 88 keys at some point in their development, it serves the player best to become familiar with that arrangement early rather than have to readjust at a later date. In reality, both arguments have their merit, but neither really disproves the other. So long as your beginner piano has at least 5 octaves of keys, you should be fine.
Key Quality:
This may be the most important feature on a beginner piano. In fairness, it is often one of the most important features on any piano, regardless the playerâs skill level. The reason is quite simple: if you practice well, then you will play well. However, the quality of your practice will definitely be improved or hindered by the quality of the tools you use to practice on. With a beginner, the primary concern is that practice teaches the fundamentals: learning scales, chord progressions, time signatures.
Still, the ultimate goal is to eventually be able to transfer all of those skills onto an acoustic piano and play in front of a live audienceâwhether big or small. This is where touch comes into play. Pianos are a precise and tactile instrument, and slight differences in the feel can have big effects on the performance. If you want to one day play an acoustic piano, you would do well by practicing on a digital piano that most accurately replicates the feel of the real thing.
Extra Features:
Like many features on this list, you should not overthink it. Beginners are unlikely to know for what or how to use these features let alone run into a scenario where they are actually necessary. However, there are a few features that can be incredibly useful for beginners to learn the basics. A metronome will provide assistance with beginners learning how to keep time. Despite how it may seem, pianos are percussion instruments and rely more on rhythm than anything. One of the more difficult skills to pick up is timing.
Other features can help, but they may hinder learning the fundamentals more than assist. The Alfred brand of instructional manuals can be helpful, but be careful about instructionals. Lighted keys or other follow along features may teach a song that the player can then show off, but they do not actually teach the skills required to play music in general.
Price:
This should not be seen as primary concern and determined more by the playerâs level of commitment at this point. However, the floor for a solid beginner piano should not drop below $300. On the other end of the spectrum, there is almost no need to go above $600 unless you are purchasing a second piano for a beginner who is about to graduate to the intermediate level.
Keep in mind, if the player is a child who is just as likely to drop interest in the piano two weeks later, you should not feel bad about buying a cheap $50 model. Still, for any player that has just started but already become hooked, cheaping out will only force you to purchase another one sooner rather than later.
Five Best Beginner Piano
Casio Privia PX-160
https://www.amazon.com/Casio-Furniture-Style-Headphones-Instructional-Polishing/dp/B0106BXQFI/ref=sr_1_20?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1489931343&sr=1-20&keywords=Casio+Privia+PX-160&refinements=p_n_condition-type%3A404228011
One of the best qualities of low-end pianos that Casio provides are the same basic features from their mid-tier markets. The voice quality of the PX-160 is the same as the PX-760 for hundreds of dollars less. Using their patented Acoustic and Intelligent Resonator technology, Casio can bring concert quality acoustic voice replication to the beginner at a fraction of the price.
Another factor that you can find across Casioâs digital piano sales line is their Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action. For this price point, you will be hard-pressed to find another digital piano that provides as much sensitivity and precision with each keystroke. This key weighting system not only reproduces the feel of an acoustic piano with surprising accuracy, its three sensors also allow you to play various degrees of volume based on the pressure and speed of the stroke.
However, the Casio is a bit of a mixed bag beyond the beginner stage. This is not really a beginner piano you can grow into. While the interface is clean and easy to navigate, the Casio provides a fairly low number of features for the player as they advance in skill.
Pros
Well-weighted keys provide an excellent feel for beginners and advanced players alike
The Casio plays with an authentic piano voice, making use of their Acoustic and Intelligent Resonator
The interface layout and general piano design allow extra features to be easily accessed
Cons
While the piano voice is laudably replicated, the short pedal effect may constrain practice as the player develops
There is no easy way to put it: the Casio is short on features and will not grow with the player past the beginner stage
The non-piano voices are inauthentic, often sounding electronic or otherwise distorted, which further limits the Casio to a beginner designation
Check Current Prices
Korg B1SP
https://www.amazon.com/Weighted-Digital-Piano-Stand-Three/dp/B01I0G78QE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1489930260&sr=8-1&keywords=Korg+B1SP
To provide that all-important authentic voice, the Korg utilizes servo-assisted MFB technology so the tones are rich and pure without losing quality from the audio compression. This features also allows the Korg to enable a 120 note polyphony without suffering from muddled or distorted voices. This is nearly at the level one would require an intermediate or advanced piano to provide and almost double what some of the other entries on this list offer.
For the second, all-important quality, key action, Korg once again checks all the boxes in both types of feel. First, the weighting is a thing of beauty. The standard Natural Weighted Hammer ensures that you can play precisely without having to worry about how your skills will transfer to the real thing. Even better, the weighting is adjustable, so you can progress in that skill at your pace, rather than an all-or-nothing flow.
This may seem like a minor advantage, but the Korg also comes with a sturdy furniture stand. Moreover, this model comes with a quality single pedal peripheral to help you replicate the various dampening and layering effects that upper level beginners need to develop to move onto the next stage of their instruction.
Pros
Korgâs Natural Weighted Hammer provides great key weighting as well as customization options, so your precision skills become refined and transfer well to an acoustic piano.
The Motional Feedback technology ensures that you hear the authentic voice of an acoustic piano without distortion or muddling.
A good polyphony lets you practice or play with another person simultaneously without any voices or keystrokes getting lost in the mix.
Cons
This is a relatively barebones model noted for its lack of features; though, beginners generally do not require a plethora of features to develop fundamental skills.
The non-piano voices are not nearly as good and their replication is of limited quality in the highest and lowest registers.
In a world quickly synchronizing, the Korgâs inability to connect with other devices or instruments seems like an odd feature to leave out.
Check Current Prices
Yamaha YPG-535
https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-YPG-535-88-Key-Portable-Adapter/dp/B003F2X13I/ref=sr_1_10?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1489931446&sr=1-10&keywords=Yamaha+YPG-535&refinements=p_n_condition-type%3A404228011
The lower budget market for digital pianos is where Yamaha provides some of the best value for pianists at every level of skill. Still, there is a gap between the features you need in your digital pianoâespecially at the fundamental level. For instance, Yamaha uses a Graded Soft Touch key weighting for this model. While different Yamaha models provide different key mechanisms, they all one thing in common: they are simply not true to form compared to acoustic pianos. Granted, Yamahaâs flagship keyboards may not suffer this drawback, but they are also over $1000 and not really suitable for beginners.
As a form of compensation, Yamaha seems to take pride in the cosmetic and somewhat superfluous features that may not necessarily help beginners learn their art but will certainly keep them interested long enough to develop a true love. The user interface is both easy to read and simply to control. This makes changing from one feature to another a breezeâsomething that higher quality digital pianos often omit in favor of a minimal design. Moreover, this Yamaha comes equipped with excellent instructionals, so you player can practice through all levels of skill set.
Pros
Large list of features will provide plenty of entertainment and experimentation for players who may not yet have become hooked.
Great and easy-to-use UI makes switching different voices, arrangements, and layouts simple.
Amazing instructional features may perhaps make up for substandard fundamental qualities by providing the player lessons for every skill.
Cons
Substandard key weighting leaves a lot to be desired and will absolutely not transfer comfortably to an acoustic piano.
The keys themselves are also made out of a somewhat flimsy plastic and clack when the score demands quick, firm keystrokes.
None of the voices are truly authentic, and while this may not technically prevent the development of beginner skills, it limits it to home practice exclusively.
Check Current Prices
Alesis Coda Pro
https://www.amazon.com/Alesis-Hammer-Action-Keyboard-Layering-Included/dp/B00SHCDMRQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1489931644&sr=1-1&keywords=Alesis+Coda+Pro
The Coda Pro is a solid reentry that signals a potential rise in Alesis as a manufacturer of digital pianos, regardless the skill level. In order to produce an authentic voice, Alesis has incorporated AIR Music Technology and SONiVOX into their audio reproduction so the sounds are clear, albeit still inauthentic.
In a previous model, the keys offered little to no resistance and made beginning level practice almost impossible. This is where Alesis put the most improvement into the Code Pro, opting for a Hammer Action that feels fairly close to an acoustic.
Alesis still has a ways to go before it can truly compete with the big players of the low end piano market, but has come a long way. It offers a large list of features that allow beginners at various stages of their skill level to experiment and aid in their instruction. With basic connectivity, you can even install instructional material onto the Coda Proâthough, it will cost extra.
Pros
A large number of extra features will keep novices interested long enough to develop basic skills and provide beginners ample room for experimentation.
Well-weighted keys allow the skills you learn practicing on this instrument to transfer to an acoustic piano.
With USB and MIDI ports, the Alesis provides solid, standard connectivity that is missing on better beginner pianos.
Cons
The unimpressive polyphony is not terrible, but it will prevent maximum utilization of the decent connectivity at higher levels.
Inauthentic voices definitely limit the ability of this piano to transfer to intermediate play where subtle recognition of tone is important.
The plastic keys provide a poor tactile sensation and are somewhat slick, leading to fingers slipping off during quick play.
Check Current Prices
Williams Rhapsody 2
https://www.amazon.com/Williams-Rhapsody-88-Key-Console-Digital/dp/B013YPL3CQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1489931913&sr=1-1&keywords=Williams+Rhapsody+2
The trouble with the Williams really sits in the piano voice. However, the Williamsâ voice suffers from a subtle quality that will not immediately be obvious to the casual listener.The problem arises from a lack of tonal control, which might seem to be an issue with the keysâ weighting, but is actually a function of the voice reproduction. The keys themselves are actually fairly well-weighted, though they are not true âhammer action,â instead using the âgraded actionâ which mimics, but does not reproduce, the genuine feel of an acoustic key stroke.
Likewise, the voiceâs actual sound is a fairly good quality, comparable to many of the Williamsâ competitors at this product tier. The issue comes with the keyâs sensor having little precision based on the strength of the stroke. Whether you hit the key hard or softly, the tonal quality will vary little. Ultimately, this means that practicing some of the finer points and skills of the piano are impossible, and you absolutely cannot advance to an intermediate stage with this product. Still, if you want a digital piano that looks great and can serve functional purposes, this is an attractive option.
Pros
The well-weighted keys and authentic voice provide the basic necessity of any decent digital piano.
One of the nicer looking models that comes with a furniture stand that incorporates three pedals
The Williams provides solid connectivity with both USB and MIDI ports as well as a Âźâ output port.
Cons
Easily the biggest flaw with the Williams, a lack of tonal control seriously impedes its ability to provide use beyond the beginner level
While you do not necessarily look for a wide range of features in a beginner piano, the Williamsâ lack of features is still surprising
Substandard speakers means you will either need to hook up headphones or use the Âźâ output to hook up external speakers
Check Current Prices
Conclusion:
In a surprising discovery, neither Yamaha nor Korg took the top spot. As manufacturers of professional grade equipment, you would expect one of those two to nab the title. However, it is the unsung, though no lesser known, Casio that provides the best value and experience for the beginner learning the ropes on a new piano.
With features that comes standard on even its higher-end models, the Casio wows with its replication of an authentic piano voice and provides one of, if not, the best key actions out of any beginner piano. If fact, the key action is so good, it can even stand up to competition at the intermediate level. Granted, the Casio is not perfect.
Once the beginner skillset has been mastered, a lack of features prevents this model from growing with the budding pianist. Moreover, the pedal effect does not sustain nearly as much as one would preferâthough, in fairness, that may be a bit nitpicky. Still, for the modest investment, you can learn the fundamentals on a great instrument whose dedication to excellence will allow those skills to transfer fairly effortlessly to an acousti once you have reached the intermediate stage of skill progression.
The post Buyerâs Guide: Best Beginner Piano Review in 2017 appeared first on Music Advisor.
from Music Advisor https://musicadvisor.com/2017/03/21/best-beginner-piano/ from Music Advisor https://musicadvisor.tumblr.com/post/158657348867
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Buyerâs Guide: Best Beginner Piano Review in 2017
The piano is a wonderfully fulfilling instrument upon which many of the most beautiful pieces of music are composed. However, few of us are born with the natural talent of Mozart and must start somewhere. Unfortunately, the market is flush with pianos and figuring out which one is right for a beginner can be a challenge. That is why we have put together a list and buyerâs guide to help you navigate through the rest to find the best beginner piano available.
Value Section:
As someone who has played the piano for over two decades, I can assure you that the factors which determine the best beginner piano are few. However, that does not necessarily mean you should look for the rock bottom bargain either. Many beginner pianos that are $100 or less will have long-term functionality issues that will simply force you to purchase a new piano sooner should the player develop a legitimate interest in the art. That is why we have put together this helpful guide to assist you in determining which product and what suite of features are relevant for you purchase.
Quick Navigation
Value Section:
Key Count:
Key Quality:
Extra Features:
Price:
Five Best Beginner Piano
Conclusion:
Key Count:
There are two lines of thought on this, both equally valid if a bit contradictory. The first states that beginner pieces are simplified and will rarely use more than 3-4 octaves, if that. Being 12 keys an octave, digital pianos for a beginner can eschew the full 88 key count and still provide an adequate tool to learn the fundamental skills. When the time is appropriate, a full-sized key count can be purchased with a more advanced digital piano to reflect the playerâs advancing skill.
On the other hand, the other argument states that if the player will eventually need to work with a full 88 keys at some point in their development, it serves the player best to become familiar with that arrangement early rather than have to readjust at a later date. In reality, both arguments have their merit, but neither really disproves the other. So long as your beginner piano has at least 5 octaves of keys, you should be fine.
Key Quality:
This may be the most important feature on a beginner piano. In fairness, it is often one of the most important features on any piano, regardless the playerâs skill level. The reason is quite simple: if you practice well, then you will play well. However, the quality of your practice will definitely be improved or hindered by the quality of the tools you use to practice on. With a beginner, the primary concern is that practice teaches the fundamentals: learning scales, chord progressions, time signatures.
Still, the ultimate goal is to eventually be able to transfer all of those skills onto an acoustic piano and play in front of a live audience--whether big or small. This is where touch comes into play. Pianos are a precise and tactile instrument, and slight differences in the feel can have big effects on the performance. If you want to one day play an acoustic piano, you would do well by practicing on a digital piano that most accurately replicates the feel of the real thing.
Extra Features:
Like many features on this list, you should not overthink it. Beginners are unlikely to know for what or how to use these features let alone run into a scenario where they are actually necessary. However, there are a few features that can be incredibly useful for beginners to learn the basics. A metronome will provide assistance with beginners learning how to keep time. Despite how it may seem, pianos are percussion instruments and rely more on rhythm than anything. One of the more difficult skills to pick up is timing.
Other features can help, but they may hinder learning the fundamentals more than assist. The Alfred brand of instructional manuals can be helpful, but be careful about instructionals. Lighted keys or other follow along features may teach a song that the player can then show off, but they do not actually teach the skills required to play music in general.
Price:
This should not be seen as primary concern and determined more by the playerâs level of commitment at this point. However, the floor for a solid beginner piano should not drop below $300. On the other end of the spectrum, there is almost no need to go above $600 unless you are purchasing a second piano for a beginner who is about to graduate to the intermediate level.
Keep in mind, if the player is a child who is just as likely to drop interest in the piano two weeks later, you should not feel bad about buying a cheap $50 model. Still, for any player that has just started but already become hooked, cheaping out will only force you to purchase another one sooner rather than later.
Five Best Beginner Piano
Casio Privia PX-160
https://www.amazon.com/Casio-Furniture-Style-Headphones-Instructional-Polishing/dp/B0106BXQFI/ref=sr_1_20?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1489931343&sr=1-20&keywords=Casio+Privia+PX-160&refinements=p_n_condition-type%3A404228011
One of the best qualities of low-end pianos that Casio provides are the same basic features from their mid-tier markets. The voice quality of the PX-160 is the same as the PX-760 for hundreds of dollars less. Using their patented Acoustic and Intelligent Resonator technology, Casio can bring concert quality acoustic voice replication to the beginner at a fraction of the price.
Another factor that you can find across Casioâs digital piano sales line is their Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action. For this price point, you will be hard-pressed to find another digital piano that provides as much sensitivity and precision with each keystroke. This key weighting system not only reproduces the feel of an acoustic piano with surprising accuracy, its three sensors also allow you to play various degrees of volume based on the pressure and speed of the stroke.
However, the Casio is a bit of a mixed bag beyond the beginner stage. This is not really a beginner piano you can grow into. While the interface is clean and easy to navigate, the Casio provides a fairly low number of features for the player as they advance in skill.
Pros
Well-weighted keys provide an excellent feel for beginners and advanced players alike
The Casio plays with an authentic piano voice, making use of their Acoustic and Intelligent Resonator
The interface layout and general piano design allow extra features to be easily accessed
Cons
While the piano voice is laudably replicated, the short pedal effect may constrain practice as the player develops
There is no easy way to put it: the Casio is short on features and will not grow with the player past the beginner stage
The non-piano voices are inauthentic, often sounding electronic or otherwise distorted, which further limits the Casio to a beginner designation
Check Current Prices
Korg B1SP
https://www.amazon.com/Weighted-Digital-Piano-Stand-Three/dp/B01I0G78QE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1489930260&sr=8-1&keywords=Korg+B1SP
To provide that all-important authentic voice, the Korg utilizes servo-assisted MFB technology so the tones are rich and pure without losing quality from the audio compression. This features also allows the Korg to enable a 120 note polyphony without suffering from muddled or distorted voices. This is nearly at the level one would require an intermediate or advanced piano to provide and almost double what some of the other entries on this list offer.
For the second, all-important quality, key action, Korg once again checks all the boxes in both types of feel. First, the weighting is a thing of beauty. The standard Natural Weighted Hammer ensures that you can play precisely without having to worry about how your skills will transfer to the real thing. Even better, the weighting is adjustable, so you can progress in that skill at your pace, rather than an all-or-nothing flow.
This may seem like a minor advantage, but the Korg also comes with a sturdy furniture stand. Moreover, this model comes with a quality single pedal peripheral to help you replicate the various dampening and layering effects that upper level beginners need to develop to move onto the next stage of their instruction.
Pros
Korgâs Natural Weighted Hammer provides great key weighting as well as customization options, so your precision skills become refined and transfer well to an acoustic piano.
The Motional Feedback technology ensures that you hear the authentic voice of an acoustic piano without distortion or muddling.
A good polyphony lets you practice or play with another person simultaneously without any voices or keystrokes getting lost in the mix.
Cons
This is a relatively barebones model noted for its lack of features; though, beginners generally do not require a plethora of features to develop fundamental skills.
The non-piano voices are not nearly as good and their replication is of limited quality in the highest and lowest registers.
In a world quickly synchronizing, the Korgâs inability to connect with other devices or instruments seems like an odd feature to leave out.
Check Current Prices
Yamaha YPG-535
https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-YPG-535-88-Key-Portable-Adapter/dp/B003F2X13I/ref=sr_1_10?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1489931446&sr=1-10&keywords=Yamaha+YPG-535&refinements=p_n_condition-type%3A404228011
The lower budget market for digital pianos is where Yamaha provides some of the best value for pianists at every level of skill. Still, there is a gap between the features you need in your digital piano--especially at the fundamental level. For instance, Yamaha uses a Graded Soft Touch key weighting for this model. While different Yamaha models provide different key mechanisms, they all one thing in common: they are simply not true to form compared to acoustic pianos. Granted, Yamahaâs flagship keyboards may not suffer this drawback, but they are also over $1000 and not really suitable for beginners.
As a form of compensation, Yamaha seems to take pride in the cosmetic and somewhat superfluous features that may not necessarily help beginners learn their art but will certainly keep them interested long enough to develop a true love. The user interface is both easy to read and simply to control. This makes changing from one feature to another a breeze--something that higher quality digital pianos often omit in favor of a minimal design. Moreover, this Yamaha comes equipped with excellent instructionals, so you player can practice through all levels of skill set.
Pros
Large list of features will provide plenty of entertainment and experimentation for players who may not yet have become hooked.
Great and easy-to-use UI makes switching different voices, arrangements, and layouts simple.
Amazing instructional features may perhaps make up for substandard fundamental qualities by providing the player lessons for every skill.
Cons
Substandard key weighting leaves a lot to be desired and will absolutely not transfer comfortably to an acoustic piano.
The keys themselves are also made out of a somewhat flimsy plastic and clack when the score demands quick, firm keystrokes.
None of the voices are truly authentic, and while this may not technically prevent the development of beginner skills, it limits it to home practice exclusively.
Check Current Prices
Alesis Coda Pro
https://www.amazon.com/Alesis-Hammer-Action-Keyboard-Layering-Included/dp/B00SHCDMRQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1489931644&sr=1-1&keywords=Alesis+Coda+Pro
The Coda Pro is a solid reentry that signals a potential rise in Alesis as a manufacturer of digital pianos, regardless the skill level. In order to produce an authentic voice, Alesis has incorporated AIR Music Technology and SONiVOX into their audio reproduction so the sounds are clear, albeit still inauthentic.
In a previous model, the keys offered little to no resistance and made beginning level practice almost impossible. This is where Alesis put the most improvement into the Code Pro, opting for a Hammer Action that feels fairly close to an acoustic.
Alesis still has a ways to go before it can truly compete with the big players of the low end piano market, but has come a long way. It offers a large list of features that allow beginners at various stages of their skill level to experiment and aid in their instruction. With basic connectivity, you can even install instructional material onto the Coda Pro--though, it will cost extra.
Pros
A large number of extra features will keep novices interested long enough to develop basic skills and provide beginners ample room for experimentation.
Well-weighted keys allow the skills you learn practicing on this instrument to transfer to an acoustic piano.
With USB and MIDI ports, the Alesis provides solid, standard connectivity that is missing on better beginner pianos.
Cons
The unimpressive polyphony is not terrible, but it will prevent maximum utilization of the decent connectivity at higher levels.
Inauthentic voices definitely limit the ability of this piano to transfer to intermediate play where subtle recognition of tone is important.
The plastic keys provide a poor tactile sensation and are somewhat slick, leading to fingers slipping off during quick play.
Check Current Prices
Williams Rhapsody 2
https://www.amazon.com/Williams-Rhapsody-88-Key-Console-Digital/dp/B013YPL3CQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1489931913&sr=1-1&keywords=Williams+Rhapsody+2
The trouble with the Williams really sits in the piano voice. However, the Williamsâ voice suffers from a subtle quality that will not immediately be obvious to the casual listener.The problem arises from a lack of tonal control, which might seem to be an issue with the keysâ weighting, but is actually a function of the voice reproduction. The keys themselves are actually fairly well-weighted, though they are not true âhammer action,â instead using the âgraded actionâ which mimics, but does not reproduce, the genuine feel of an acoustic key stroke.
Likewise, the voiceâs actual sound is a fairly good quality, comparable to many of the Williamsâ competitors at this product tier. The issue comes with the keyâs sensor having little precision based on the strength of the stroke. Whether you hit the key hard or softly, the tonal quality will vary little. Ultimately, this means that practicing some of the finer points and skills of the piano are impossible, and you absolutely cannot advance to an intermediate stage with this product. Still, if you want a digital piano that looks great and can serve functional purposes, this is an attractive option.
Pros
The well-weighted keys and authentic voice provide the basic necessity of any decent digital piano.
One of the nicer looking models that comes with a furniture stand that incorporates three pedals
The Williams provides solid connectivity with both USB and MIDI ports as well as a Âźâ output port.
Cons
Easily the biggest flaw with the Williams, a lack of tonal control seriously impedes its ability to provide use beyond the beginner level
While you do not necessarily look for a wide range of features in a beginner piano, the Williamsâ lack of features is still surprising
Substandard speakers means you will either need to hook up headphones or use the Âźâ output to hook up external speakers
Check Current Prices
Conclusion:
In a surprising discovery, neither Yamaha nor Korg took the top spot. As manufacturers of professional grade equipment, you would expect one of those two to nab the title. However, it is the unsung, though no lesser known, Casio that provides the best value and experience for the beginner learning the ropes on a new piano.
With features that comes standard on even its higher-end models, the Casio wows with its replication of an authentic piano voice and provides one of, if not, the best key actions out of any beginner piano. If fact, the key action is so good, it can even stand up to competition at the intermediate level. Granted, the Casio is not perfect.
Once the beginner skillset has been mastered, a lack of features prevents this model from growing with the budding pianist. Moreover, the pedal effect does not sustain nearly as much as one would prefer--though, in fairness, that may be a bit nitpicky. Still, for the modest investment, you can learn the fundamentals on a great instrument whose dedication to excellence will allow those skills to transfer fairly effortlessly to an acousti once you have reached the intermediate stage of skill progression.
The post Buyerâs Guide: Best Beginner Piano Review in 2017 appeared first on Music Advisor.
from Music Advisor https://musicadvisor.com/2017/03/21/best-beginner-piano/
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Kawai ES110 Digital Piano | 12 FAQs Including Performance Features & Overall Value
youtube
Continuing our â12 FAQsâ series, today weâll be setting our sights on another immensely successful and well-regarded 88-key weighted action portable digital piano - the Kawai ES110.
The ES110 has been one of Kawaiâs best-selling musical instruments since its release in early 2017 and considering everything it has to offer for the price point, most notably its rich piano tone and stereo speaker system, itâs not hard to see why.
Weâve checked Google to find out the 12 most common questions people have about the Kawai ES110, and weâll be answering them all here. While the answers to these questions are available in different places around the internet, such as specs sheers and digital piano reviews, this article and companion video will save you by putting it all in one place.
FAQ #1: How Good is the Kawai ES110?
While this is obviously a very general question, itâs also a very important one, especially for folks that arenât interested in burying themselves in months of research. Rather, theyâd simply like to know; is the ES110 a good instrument, and if so, how good?
Simply, the ES110 is very good, especially when you consider the price range and what else is available in the class. The quality of the piano sound and the way itâs paired with the built-in speakers and amplifier is very impressive. In fact, we think the piano tone is without question one of the contenders for the top spot in the class, especially due to its full 88-key piano sampling and synthesis of things like damper resonance, damper noise and fall-back noise.
The ES110 also has a 1/4â line out, which when it came out, was a rarity for the class, though competing models have since added this feature, such as the Yamaha P-125 and Roland FP30-X.
The ES110 was also one of the first pianos in the class to include Bluetooth MIDI at the price point, and its light weight makes it truly portable. Kawaiâs great warranty coverage caps everything off.
FAQ #2: Is the ES110 Good for Beginners?
The answer here is a resounding âYes.â There are other pianos that cost that will also work for piano lessons, but the ES110 is going to provide a wonderful piano experience for a beginner that theyâll be able to grow with for several years.
Of course, you can spend as little as $100 on a keyboard, but thatâs not going to serve a beginner for long if piano lessons are part of the picture.
The ES110 is going to set a beginner on a great path, especially if eventually learning classical piano is the goal, and the free damper pedal Kawai includes is actually very solid (with some Casio Privia and Korg products, for example, an upgrade over the included pedal is almost essential.)
One other consideration when shopping for a beginner is the potential trade-in and resale value; given the ES110âs success and high praise, itâs certainly an instrument that is going to retain strong resale value on the secondary market, and great trade-in value at a piano dealer.
FAQ #3: Does the ES110 Have Weighted Keys?
The to this question is another âYes.â Kawai uses the Responsive Hammer Compact Action in the ES110, which is a well-regarded key action featuring a dual sensor and textured keytops. The weighting is similar to the average 48â upright piano, or even smaller baby grand piano.
The RHC action also boasts solid repetition speed and response. While Kawai is more known for their actions in their more expensive, super high-quality instruments, the RHC is very solid.
FAQ #4: When was the Kawai ES110 Released?
The ES110 was first announced by Kawai at NAMM 2017 in January of that year and first started appearing in North American showrooms by the Springtime.
In the summer of 2022, Kawai announced the replacement to the ES110 in the form of the new ES120, capping off what ended up being more than a 5-year production run for the ES110.
Given that there are still plenty of ES10s sitting in warehouses, expect some great clearance pricing on remaining stock at various dealers until the ES120 has shipped.
FAQ #5: How do you Connect an ES110 to a Computer?
Itâs actually quite easy to connect the ES110 to a computer. Start by getting your hands on a standard USB cable, and from there, itâs as simple as plugging one end into the ES110 and the other into the computer.
Connecting via Bluetooth connectivity is also a possibility, but since itâs an older version of Bluetooth technology present here weâd recommend going with a cable to avoid latency issues- fortunately, there are no latency issues with the connection between the ES110 and Smart Devices like phones or tablets.
FAQ #6: How do you Connect the ES110 to Bluetooth MIDI?
The last question dovetails with this next one; how do you connect an ES110 to Bluetooth MIDI? The first step is to press the function button and the B-flat 5 key, which is three B-flats from the top of the keyboard.
This turns the Bluetooth function on, and from there, you can open up the Bluetooth setting on your device, whether thatâs an iOS or Android device, and select the ES110.
Kawaiâs Sound Museum app is a great app to check out as it allows you to control the ES110 remotely, navigating between sounds like the concert grand piano and other grand piano sounds, to the synthesizers and electric piano tones.
You can also navigate through the drum rhythms, Virtual Technician feature, song recorder, keyboard modes and metronome this way too.
FAQ #7: How Much Does the ES110 Weigh?
This is going to be an important consideration for folks seeking maximum portability. The ES110 weighs in at a mere 26.5lbs, making it one of the lightest and most portable 88-key weighted action digital pianos around.
Some of Casioâs PX-S series digital pianos are slightly lighter and slimmer, but weâre talking about less than a 2lb difference here.
FAQ #8: How do you connect the Kawai ES110 to an iPad?
The steps are essentially the same here as they were in FAQ # 6 as Appleâs iOS systems are the same on iPhones and iPads.
Please see the answer to FAQ #6 for the step-by-step guide.
FAQ #9: What is the difference between the Kawai ES110 and Kawai ES120?
We have a video over on our YouTube channel that breaks this answer down with what we know so far, and weâll certainly be doing a full product review of the ES120 once it ships.
Head over to that video for a fuller breakdown, but in summary, the ES120 is going to feature an updated user interface, inclusion of the SKEX sample set into the Harmonic Imaging Sound Technology, upgrade from a 14-watt amplifier to a 20-watt amp, improved key cushioning and the addition of Bluetooth Audio.
These are some very nice upgrades sure to make the ES120 appeal to a wide range of customers - beginners, semi-professionals and even professionals.
FAQ #10: How does the Kawai ES110 compare to Yamaha?
Kawai and Yamaha are always pitted against one another, so of course, people will want to know how the ES110 compares to the equivalent Yamaha models.
Most industry observers will have a preference between Kawai and Yamaha, and there are very loyal camps on both sides. That said, from a quality standpoint, weâre talking about two companies that are very much neck in neck.
The best Yamaha comparable to the ES110 would be the Yamaha P125. Both pianos have good acoustic piano sound engines with equal 192-note polyphony, and solid actions, though the Yamaha GHS action in the P125 is considered a little bit dated by some measures. That said, the GHS action still has many ardent supporters.
In terms of features and connectivity, their offerings are fairly similar and both notably have line-out jacks. The ES110 has Bluetooth which the P125 does not, but the P125 features a built-in USB audio interface which the ES110 does not.
FAQ #11: Can you fit the Kawai ES110 in a car?
Given that the ES110 is billed as a portable piano, itâs pretty important to know whether or not it will fit in an average-sized car. Fortunately, even in the original box, the ES110 will fit in an even small-sized sedan, unlike some stage pianos.
The best wait to go about getting the ES110 into a small sedan in the box is to fold down the front passenger seat and feed the ES110 in the car from the rear, positing it on top of the reclined front passenger seat.
In a more compact carrying case when going to and from gigs or rehearsals, you wonât have a problem at all, assuming you havenât affixed it to the HML1 stand or triple pedal/pedalboard/pedal unit. The ES110 truly is a very portable instrument.
FAQ #12: How do you transpose on the Kawai ES110?
The transpose feature is quite easy to use on the ES110. Thereâs a nice visual demonstration in the ownerâs manual, but simply, you press and hold the âPianoâ button and press the F-Sharp and G-Sharp just to the right of the âPianoâ button to either raise or lower the key.
Final Thoughts
Whether youâre a beginner, intermediate or experienced pianist, we hope youâve found this article covering the 12 most common FAQs about the Kawai ES110 helpful.
The ES110 was hugely successful during its production run, and will undoubtedly continue to serve musicians of all stripes even after the release of the new ES120.
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Yamaha P Series P105B 88-Key Review
The world of digital pianos is full of great options. As musicians, we all look for unique qualities suitable for our lifestyle. Today, Iâm going to tell you about a high quality, portable digital piano. The Yamaha P Series P105B 88-Key digital piano has many of the benefits of a high end digital piano in a convientient, small package.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Small Digital Piano
For many people, it is important to find a small digital piano. They are at the right price for beginners, the right size for small homes and the right weight for musicians who need easy transportation. Consider these features when shopping for a small digital piano:
Weight
Size
Keyboard (weighted and graded, split and layer capabilities, etc.)
Speaker power
Ports and plugins (auxiliary, midi, headphone, etc.)
The Yamaha P Series P105B Digital Piano
The Yamaha P105B digital piano comes in a sleek black finish with a full keyboard of graded, weighted keys. Weighing approximately 36 pounds and measuring 58.1â x 15.1â x 11.1â, it has a suitable footprint for small homes and a very manageable weight for musicians who frequently carry their piano to different venues. With better sound samplings than its predecessor, the Yamaha P-95, it provides an authentic piano experience that could meet the needs of experienced musicians and beginning students alike. The Yamaha P Series P105 digital piano combines the high quality feel and sounds of a real grand piano with the compact and lightweight construction of a non-bulky, transportable electric keyboard.
Pros
Mimics grand piano
Powerful speakers
Authentic sounds
Lightweight
Cons
Few non-piano voices
Not the most compact in its class
Lower octaves tend to overpower higher octaves
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Features and Benefits
Top Quality Grand Piano Sound Samplings
I think two of the most important features of any digital piano are the sound and performance. How does it sound and feel compared to an acoustic piano? The Yamaha P105B has graded, hammer action keys that emulate the touch of a real grand piano. Yamaha is known for their piano sound quality, and the Yamaha P105B is sampled from their CFIIIS concert grand pianoâgiving the Yamaha P105B rich and authentic piano sounds. Whether you are a beginner student or a professional musician, you might be interested in this piano for its performance quality sound and its authentic piano experience.Â
Beneficial Features
The Yamaha P Series P105B has great keyboard features like layering and split keyboard. I like these features for practicing, duets, layering and composing. I think the layering function is also helpful for live performers who want to add more depth to their music.Â
Compact Size
Whether you need a lightweight digital piano for easy transportation or something small and compact for apartment living, you might like the compact and lightweight construction of the Yamaha P105B. Weighing approximately 36 pounds and measuring 58.1â x 15.1â x 11.1â, it has a suitable footprint for small homes and a very convenient weight for musicians who transport their piano.
Rating
Design
4
Performance
4
Construction
5
Value for the Money
5
User Satisfaction
4
Alternatives
Kawai ES100 88-key Digital Piano
This digital piano is in the same class as the Yamaha P Series P105B. It has many of the same features like layering, split keyboard and metronome. It is more compact and about 3 pounds lighter than the Yamaha P105B, so you might like this digital piano if you are a musician who carries your piano around a lot.Â
Compared to the Yamaha P Series P105B:
About $140 more expensive
Includes 5 more sounds
Good sound samplings, but not as high quality
More similar to an acoustic piano
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Casio Privia PX160BK 88-KeyÂ
Another digital piano in the same class as the Yamaha P105B, the Casio Privia PX160BK also has many of the same features. Like the Yamaha P105B, it is designed to emulate a real acoustic piano. Unlike the Yamaha P105B, it also comes in a cool white version with gold accents. If you want something different than the traditional black piano, you might be interested in this option. It has authentic sounds, layering and split keyboard capabilities suitable for professional performers and novices alike.Â
Compared to the Yamaha P Series P105B:
Costs about $80 less
Includes 4 more sounds
Smaller and 12 pounds lighter
Has comparable sound sampling quality
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Yamaha P115 88 Key Digital Piano
Also a member of the P series, the Yamaha P115 digital piano is a popular instrument and a great alternative to the P105B. At 26 pounds, itâs lighter and easier to carry around than the Yamaha P105. Musicians who do lots of gigs might find this helpful. It has the same hookups and functions as the Yamaha P105, but the all around quality and design is a step up from the Yamaha P105B. It can also connect to the free Yamaha app that gives musicians better control over practicing, performing, composing and experimenting. Musicians of all skill levels might find this tool useful and fun.
Compared to the Yamaha P Series P105B:
Costs about $20 to $60 more
Better action
10 pounds lighter
Better voice variety
Higher quality sound samplings and speakers
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Final Thoughts
With small, lightweight construction and high quality features that emulate a real grand piano, the Yamaha P105B is a convenient digital piano that could be a great option for on-the-go musicians and people who donât have a lot of space for a large instrument.Â
The post Yamaha P Series P105B 88-Key Review appeared first on Music Advisor.
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Casio Privia PX-860 Digital Piano Review
The digital or electric piano is an important way to learn and practice the piano. It's convenient because digital pianos have all kinds of extra features to make it easier to master tough passages. Some digital pianos are useful for performing, recording, editing, or other roles. The Casio Privia PX-860 is a high-end model worth your attention.
What To Consider Before Buying A Piano
By far the most important task is identifying the reason you need a digital piano. Every digital piano has a unique combination of price and features, so it's crucial that you know what you want in advance. That way you know where to look and you are less likely to pay for a feature that you will never use.
The Casio Privia PX-860
The Privia PX-860, or just the 860, is one of the highest-end digital pianos that Casio sells. The instrument retails for a thousand dollars and comes with its own stand that includes a music stand for sheet music and a full set of three pedals. The 860 is in the advanced end of the digital piano market. It doesn't have a particularly long list of features, but it does boast an excellent reproduction of an acoustic piano sound and playing experience. The instrument is meant to help people play the piano when they might not have enough room at home to store one, or if this is a more affordable option than buying a full piano.
Pros
Amazing piano tone
Several features for advanced piano simulation
Accurate key action
Cons
Expensive for the low number of features
Does not come with a bench
No ability to download or record songs
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Features and Benefits
Piano Simulation
The designers at Casio did their best to include as many elements of the piano as they could. For example, there is a simulation that controls whether the tone sounds like a piano with the lid open or the lid closed. String resonance, damper resonance, and ivory keys are all simulated. There is even software that changes the response and tone based on how quickly you release a key in the same way an acoustic piano would respond. The Hall Simulator mode changes the sound to reflect different potential acoustic environments. All of this accompanies effects like chorus and reverb, plus a master EQ, to give you a high-fidelity replication of piano play.
Sound Quality
The underlying samples that drive the piano voice are enhanced by Casio's newest sound tech. It's called Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source. The system allows for not only detailed and clear notes with a max polyphony of 256, but also a natural sustain and falling-off from each key press. These are difficult and complex systems and Casio has managed to do an excellent job at recreating them. All of these combine to create a great tone across all of the 18 voices.
Value
Despite the price of $1000, the 860 is actually reasonable in terms of what you get for the money. The key is to know before buying that this is a piano-centric choice. Some digital pianos have hundreds of different voices and can simulate dozens of different instruments, or even full bands. That's not the case with the 860. Among piano-centric digital pianos, few combine the quality of samples with the attention to detail in simulation. Those that do tend to cost at least twice what the 860 does. making it a relative bargain.
Ratings
Design
4
Performance
5
Construction
5
Value for the Money
5
User Satisfaction
4
Alternatives
Yamaha DGX-660
The DGX-660 from Yamaha is a little cheaper at $800. It is also a piano-centric design, but it has a few more recording-friendly features. Specifically, it has an aux in port that you can use to attach a microphone or another instrument and accompany yourself or record a backing track for your piano play. This comes at the cost of samples that are not quite as good and a lack of simulated piano aspects.
âComparison
Yamaha DGX-660
Price: $800
Voices: 10
Style: Piano, Accompany
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Casio Privia PX_860
Price: $1000
Voices: 18
Style: Piano
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Williams Symphony Grand
The Williams Symphony Grand costs $1300 and contains a longer feature list and number of voices than the 860. Again, it doesn't have the same piano simulation tools, but it has a large library of good samples and both learning and recording tools. It also has USB, MIDI, and Bluetooth support and the ability to use the speakers for playback from a mobile device.
âComparison
Willam Symphony Grand
Price: $1300
Voices: 174
Style: Multi-instrument
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Casio Privia PX_860
Price: $1000
Voices: 18
Style: Piano
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Yamaha YDP143R Arius
The YDP143R is another Yamaha entry. It costs slightly more than the 860 at $1100. The 143R has very high-quality samples, but doesn't have all the piano simulation tools. It does have more tone control and iOS compatibility for its modes and features through an app. It comes with 50 preloaded songs to learn and a 2-track recording feature, which can isolate each hand to a separate track.
Comparison
Yamaha YDP143R
Price: $1100
Voices: 10
Style: Piano
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Casio Privia PX_860
Price: $1000
Voices: 18
Style: Piano
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Final Thoughts
The digital piano space is a competitive one, and each model has its unique advantages. In the case of the 860 those are its software simulations of certain aspects of the piano, like the lid, resonance, and key release. Other models specialize in other advantages and features. If you choose to invest in an advanced digital piano that costs $1000 or more, you should expect excellent quality for what you need it to do, and it should last years. Any of the models in this post should be well-suited to your needs if they meet your budget and your goals for using the piano.
The post Casio Privia PX-860 Digital Piano Review appeared first on Music Advisor.
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Yamaha P71 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano Review
Digital keyboards piano is an appealing way to get started or to continue learning to play the piano. They also usually have extra features like recording, multiple voices, demos, and anything else the manufacturer wants to add. The Yamaha P71 is an example of an entry-level digital piano worth your consideration for a purchase.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Keyboards Piano
The most important thing to plan out is what you will do with the digital piano, because that affects which features you want. Things like recording tools, lots of sounds, a USB port, and other elements might be attractive to different people for different reasons. Finding a digital piano with high-quality samples and the right features is the key to getting the most value out of it.
The Yamaha P71
The P71 starts at $400 and has a starter bundle that adds a bench as well as a deluxe bundle that also adds a stand. It is portable, weighing about 25 pounds, and it provides a sampling of Yamaha's higher-end features in an inexpensive package. It's one of the best value options up until around $800, when more digital pianos have superior feature sets as well as samples.
Pros
This piano offers two different piano sounds so you can get the sound that matches your needs
Excellent value
Portable
Cons
Samples not as good as mid-level digital pianos
Lacking in ports
The high-end on the volume spectrum isn't as loud as some other pianos
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Features and Benefits
Voices
The P71 has 10 different voices: two pianos, two organs, a harpsichord, strings, and more. Furthermore, the Dual Voice feature makes it possible to activate two different voices at once, so one keystroke plays two sounds. This promotes some creative songwriting and composition. The voices all use samples of fair quality, but there is a noticeable step up in this quality at higher-end models that have more memory.
Piano Feel
One area where Yamaha really excels is the ability to make their digital pianos feel like analog ones when you strike the keys. That is due to the Graded Hammer System, which makes the bass keys feel heavier than the treble ones. The feature makes it possible to use experience playing on analog piano or practice playing on the P71 and have that experience carry over to a full piano. Other pianos have evenly weighted keys, which is less realistic. The size and width of the P71 are also piano-like. This, combined with the portability, makes the P71 ideal for practicing on the road.
Value
The P71 has a significantly better set of samples and features than most digital pianos that cost $400. The level of quality is closer to a $600 and over piano, especially the dual voice system. Considering that the middle of the market tops out at around $800, getting a good deal at half that price is highly appealing. The P71 is an Amazon-exclusive model, so that also provides a way to save on shipping, further improving the value of the item. The additional bundles to add a stand and bench are not necessary if you already have those items or something to use as an equivalent.
âRating
Design
4
Performance
4
Construction
4
Value for the Money
5
User Satisfaction
5
Alternatives
Williams Rhapsody 2
The Williams Rhapsody 2 costs $450, so just a little more than the P71. For the extra money, you get an included stand, 2 more voices, and a system to add a different type of effect depending on which voice you are currently using. It has a USB port that can connect to MIDI inputs. The Rhapsody 2 does not have much in the way of additional features. It makes up for that fact with a slightly better set of samples and the included stand.
Comparison
Williams Rhapsody 2
Price: $450
Voices: 12
Extra Features: USB port
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Yamaha P71
Price: $400
Voices: 10
Extra Features: Dual Voice Mode
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Korg B1SP
The B1SP from Korg costs $600 and comes with a stand, a bench, and a set of three pedals that includes damper, sustain, and soft. It has 8 voices: 5 pianos, 2 organs, and a harpsichord. It can also alter the weighting of the keys depending on which register you would be playing in if it was an analog piano to better match the weight of analog keys.
Comparison
Korg B1SP
Price: $600
Voices: 8
Extra Features: Headphone port
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Yamaha P71
Price: $400
Voices: 10
Extra Features: Dual Voice Mode
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Casio Privia PX160GD
The PX160GD costs $500. It has 18 voices and 8 different effects plus a tone adjustor. It also comes with a sustain pedal and a scaled hammer system for altering the resistance of each key. The sample quality is not quite as good as on the Yamaha P71. It has two line inputs, a USB port, and 2 headphone ports.
Comparison
Casio PX160GD
Price: $500
Voices: 10
Extra Features: USB, 2x line in, and 2x headphone ports
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Yamaha P71
Price: $400
Voices: 10
Extra Features: Dual Voice Mode
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Final Thoughts
At this price range, the sample quality and number of voices tend to be the biggest factors that separate two different models of digital piano. If possible, it would be helpful to try to hear the instrument in person. They might be in stock at a local music store. Failing that, Youtube videos are often good ways to hear how the samples sound. The Yamaha P71 stands out from the rest of the crowd due to its sample quality and low price. In value terms, it simply outpaces the rest of the category.
The post Yamaha P71 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano Review appeared first on Music Advisor.
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Yamaha DGX650B Digital Piano Review
When I moved into a new apartment that couldnât fit my upright piano, I decided that it was the right time to get a digital piano. Digital pianos are perfect for spaces where you canât be loud for long in fear of annoying your neighbors, and this new space was one of those. I spent a long time in the local music shops testing out different keyboards until I found the Yamaha DGX 650B. It has a beautiful feel and a dizzying number of options and tweakable effects.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Digital Piano
If you are a regular piano player, youâll know that there are some key differences between digital and normal pianos. The major thing you should look for in a digital piano is how the keys are weighted. The weight of the keys signifies how âpiano-likeâ the simulation of this piano is by its digital version. Another important factor you should consider is how much you would like to be able to modify the sound. Some high-end digital pianos recreate real pianos to the point you can barely tell the sonic difference but donât offer much else.
The Yamaha DGX 650B
The Yamaha DGX 650B is a truly professional digital piano. It offers a great 88-key keyboard with proper weighting on all keys and 88-note polyphony. It also has built-in accompaniment, USB to MIDI outputs, and a headphone jack for private practice. The keyboard features a fully sampled digital version of the Yamaha CFIIIS concert grand piano, and its range is extremely dynamic. There are some awesome hidden features that add just enough to bring this out as one of my favorite digital pianos of all time.
Pros
Great addition of technology and new features
Sounds just like the real CFIIIS grand piano
Keys are weighted perfectly
Cons
Confusing menu system
Hard to add in new effects or tweak sound while playing
Stand can be a little shaky on some surfaces
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Features & Benefits
Sound quality and output
One of the most jarring things about having a digital piano is the audio clipping you get if you turn the volume up and play with force. The audio signal runs too hot into the speakers, and the sound begins to distort. Thatâs never happened with my Yamaha even when I put it on full volume and play as hard as possible.
Furthermore, I canât stress enough how insanely good this piano sounds. If I was a listener and just closed my eyes, I donât think I could tell the difference between it and a true piano. The sampling is extremely well done, and thereâs no hint that itâs digital.
Realistic Key Action
Having the same key response that your regular pianoâs keys have is imperative for a great digital piano. The DGX has great response and even takes that a step further. The weighted keys also have four different touch sensitivity settings that you can tweak to your playing style, giving you increased customizability over how the piano is played.
Ease of Use
If you were to unpack this piano right now, youâd be able to plug it in and play it out of the box without reading the manual. Since you donât need to know how to navigate the menus to get the amazing sounds itâs known for, the fact that those menus are slightly complex becomes unimportant. Once youâve mastered the easy-to-use portions of the Yamaha, then you can dive into the more in-depth menus.
Rating
Design
5
Performance
5
Construction
5
Value for the Money
5
User Satisfaction
5
Alternatives
While the 650B is my absolute favorite digital piano, for some people it may not be close enough to their particular acoustic piano that they feel totally comfortable. In that case, you should try out some of these alternatives.
Williams Legato 88-Key Digital Piano
If youâre on a tighter budget, then the Williams digital piano does the job quite well. Its piano isnât quite as natural sounding, but it does have five distinct sounds you can use. It also allows for battery use, instead of relying on keeping it plugged into the wall all the time. It has the added bonus of including stereo/mono line outs in addition to its MIDI USB jacks, so you can plug it into speakers if wanted.
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Much cheaper than the Yamaha
Does not come with stand or pedal
Keys are only semi-weighted
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Casio CGP-700BK 88-Key Digital Grand PianoÂ
Casio is known for producing cool toy keyboards and high-end electronics, so it's only natural that they created a great combination of both. The CGP-700 is a great digital piano with amazing sound and a nice touch screen. The touch screen makes tweaking settings during performances supremely easy, but the keys just donât feel quite as real as the Yamahaâs keys do.
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Color touch screen is much easier to navigate than the Yamahaâs menus
Rich tones that sound surprisingly unlike other Casio equipment
Keys donât feel quite as nice as the Yamaha
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Casio PX860 Bk Privia Digital Home Piano
If you really want to splurge, then this is the digital piano for you. The PX860 has an impressive sample library, allowing you to play instruments like other electric pianos and even string ensembles. It also has 256-note polyphony and split-mode capabilities, so you can play one piano with your right hand and another piano with your left. The piano is extremely heavy and canât be moved as easily as the Yamaha, as itâs intended to stay at home.
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Extremely large sound library
More customization options than the Yamaha
No way to transport if wanted
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Final Thought
If youâre looking for a digital piano thatâs cheaper than the real thing but still provides a true sound, then the Yamaha DGX 650B is definitely one of the best options on the market. Its great modeled sound and its good key feel give it an edge on the competition.
The post Yamaha DGX650B Digital Piano Review appeared first on Music Advisor.
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Casio Privia PX-160 88-Key Digital Piano Review
Choosing a beginner piano isn't always easy for someone with little experience. The task is made more challenging by an infinite number of models on the market. For the player who's on the market for a full-size portable piano with an authentic feel and high quality sound, the Casio Privia PX-160 is as close as you can get.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Digital Piano
There are a number of variables that determine the worth of a digital piano. Such include great keyboard action, sound quality and versatility, functions as well as connectivity. You will need a piano that offers an authentic feel, crisp sound, as many polyphony notes as you can afford. The ability to connect to headphones so that you can practice in private or to a computer so that you can record music would be great.
The Casio Privia PX-160 88- Key
The PX-160 is the bigger brother to the preceding PX-150 by the same company. It comes with all the features found in the PX-150 and more, promising enhanced performance and playing experience without pushing up the price significantly. Those with an eye for aesthetics will certainly appreciate the expanded color options. But is it a worthwhile advance on Casio's large lineup of pianos?
Pros
Quality sounds
Attention to detail
Authentic playing experience
Greater versatility
Cons
Pedal is somewhat weak and small
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Features and Benefits
High quality keyboard
Casio has done a great job of installing a top quality keyboard in the PX-160. You get a Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II keyboard, which lends an acoustic sound. The 88 keys are weighted, meaning that the keys at the top are lighter than the ones at the bottom. What's even better is that the keys are designed to mimic the feel of ivory and ebony keys.
Sound quality and versatility
The integrated Acoustic Intelligent Resonator technology offers multi-dimensional sound production. It allows you to obtain sound combinations, which would otherwise be difficult to achieve in a small room. Casio also installed 2 8W speakers, making the piano a great concert instrument. You benefit from 18 sounds, five of which are Grand Piano sounds i.e. Classic, Concert, Mellow, Modern and Bright. The sounds are well crafted and quite phenomenal.
Connectivity
The PX-160 is pretty standard in the connectivity department. It has two stereo mini-jacks for headphones, two 0.25" audio outs for an external amplifier as well as a MIDI cable for attaching a tablet, computer or other devices. There is also a 2-track recorder that you can use for recording composed music.
Other features
The Duet Mode allows you to split the keyboard into two smaller ones that have the same range and timbre. This makes it possible for two people to play at the same time, hence a great learning tool.
Split Mode simply splits the keyboard into two zones, allowing you to play piano with the right hand and bass with the left.
The lightweight construction is one of the features that make this a favorite piano for many. It is easy to transport that most and to make things more interesting, the piano is available in a champagne gold or black finish.
Rating
Design
4.5
Performance
5
Construction
4
Value for the Money
4
User Satisfaction
5
AlternativesÂ
Casio PX-360
This is PX-160's big brother and comes with advanced features. It has a Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action keyboard, powerful effect system, 550 tones as well as Acoustic and Intelligent Resonator. While it doesn't have speakers, you can use the 5.3" touch screen display to explore different sounds.
Comparison
Casio PX-360
550 tones
128 polyphony tones
5.3" touch screen display
200 built-in rhythms
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Casio PX-160
18 tones
128 polyphony notes
No screen display
280W speakers
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Yamaha P115
There are many similarities between the Casio PX-160 and Yamaha P115. The latter is more pristine and offers a cleaner tone. However, this is a matter of personal preference. Both have 88-weighted keys. The P115 bundle comes with a height-adjustable seat, which isn't the case with the PX-160. Where the P115 has a Graded Hammer Action keyboard, the PX160 has a Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II keyboard.
Comparison
Yamaha P115
192 note polyphony
Intelligent Acoustic Control
Graded Hammer Action keyboard
Height-adjustable seat
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Casio PX-160
128 polyphony notes
Acoustic Intelligent Resonator
Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II keyboard
Seat has fixed height
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Casio PX760
This is an advanced piano that offers a pure playing experience. It offers 88 weighted keys and a variety of essential tones for versatility. It weighs nearly 70 pounds, making it almost impossible to transport. Like the PX160, it has the AiR sound engine. Other similarities include 128-note polyphony, Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer action II keyboard and 18 different tones.
Comparison
Casio PX760
128 polyphony notes
18 tones
Air sound engine
Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II keyboard
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Casio PX-160
128 polyphony notes
18 tones
Air sound engine
Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II keyboard
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Final Thoughts
It isn't easy to find fault this piano in terms of construction, sound or even aesthetics. It is an exceptional product that represents the true meaning of value for money. The piano combines amateur-grade and professional-grade features exceptionally, making it a great instrument for all levels of experience.
The post Casio Privia PX-160 88-Key Digital Piano Review appeared first on Music Advisor.
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bundle digital piano kit 2017
http://piano-reviews.com/casio-privia-px-160-digital-piano-bundle-review/Â Â love to play piano try this oneÂ
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