Yamaha PSR260AD 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard with AC Adapter

Yamaha PSR260AD 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard with AC Adapter Review

Yamaha PSR260AD 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard with AC Adapter Feature

• 61-full sized keys
• Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) input and output
• 100 instrument voices and styles encourages creativity
• Interactive keyboard lessons for beginners
• DJ Mode with programmed game to improve rhythm

Yamaha PSR260AD 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard with AC Adapter Overview

If you are looking to buy a first keyboard at a reasonable price, try the Yamaha PSR260AD on for size. It's uncomplicated and fun to play, and it might just help you develop music skills. The PSR260AD has 100 voices ranging from pianos to trumpets to drums. One hundred accompaniments, from twist to fusion, can be mixed with the voices. As a MIDI-compatible keyboard, the PSR260AD can connect to a sequencer or computer via MIDI cables (sold separately), both of which can record musical performances from the keyboard and then play them back using the instrument voices on the PSR260AD. After a while, though, 100 voices will probably seem limiting to most users.

The PSR260AD is not a General MIDI keyboard, which means that if you connect it to a computer, General MIDI files (a standard of most MIDI files in educational software and of those available on the Internet) will not sound correct--the instrumentation will be wrong.

One feature on the PSR260AD that most people (especially children and teenagers) will enjoy is the DJ. Pressing the button shaped like a vinyl record resets the keyboard for playing special DJ songs and voices. There are orchestra hits, samples of real voices singing phrases such as "one more time" and "Get up!" and a variety of scratches. There is even a DJ game programmed into the keyboard that helps users develop rhythm skills. One hundred other songs of various styles are also included that are fun to play and are used in the three lessons offered by the PSR260AD.

The lessons can all be done with left hand alone, right hand alone, or both hands together. In the timing lesson, the song plays and the student presses any note in the proper time. During the waiting lesson, the PSR260AD holds the accompaniment until the student plays the correct notes. And in the minus one lesson, the student plays the proper notes in the correct time. An evaluation function gives a grade for each lesson. A staff display and keyboard display help the student identify the correct keys, while animated clapping hands help the student visualize the rhythm. A dictionary function shows the different chord types on the display staff. These educational activities are very entertaining, and by doing them, the student may pick up rudimentary skills that will help in the further study of music.

The PSR260AD is an easy keyboard to use, even for a small child. It is lightweight (11.7 lbs.) even though it has built-in speakers. The buttons are all colorful and clearly marked, and all of the accompaniments, voices, and song styles are printed right on the keyboard. Most of the functionality is so intuitive and simple, you may never need to take the manual out of the shrink-wrap!

The PSR260AD is a fun keyboard to play, but it is mostly a learning tool and creative toy. It will provide many hours of entertainment for younger users, and it may very well inspire them to study music. --Chris Fresolone

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Lightweight
• Lots of fun for younger users
• Clear, intuitive functionality
• Entertaining educational tools

Cons:

• Only 100 voices
• Not General MIDI compatible

Yamaha PSR260AD 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard with AC Adapter Specifications

The Yamaha PSR-260AD will encourage your hidden musical talent. In addition to a five-octave touch-response keyboard, it features the Yamaha Education Suite 2 music teaching function, bass ports, and a new DJ mode. With touch-sensitive keys, you'll have control over volume and tone. A large backlit LCD with icons and characters provides all indication for settings, and the standard MIDI interface is all you'll need to hook up to a computer or other peripherals.

It features 100 instrument voices, 100 accompaniment styles and 100 built-in songs. In addition, the Yamaha PSR-260AD includes 100 songs in a songbook for the beginning keyboard player. If you need to practice without disturbing others, a headphone jack is available, and a sustain pedal jack will enhance your control of sound.

Other useful features for encouraging creativity include four multipads with 10 banks of musical phrases, a multifingering auto-accompaniment, and a DJ button with special dance voices.

At only 11.7 pounds, the Yamaha PSR-260AD is easily portable. It operates with an included adapter.

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: May 25, 2011 12:10:03

Casio LK50 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard

Casio LK50 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard Review

Casio LK50 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard Feature

• 61 full-size, touch-sensitive keys
• 137 sounds and effects
• Split and layer functions
• 24-note polyphony
• MIDI compatibility

Casio LK50 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard Overview

61 full-size, touch-sensitive keys. 137 sounds and effects. Split and layer functions. 24-note polyphony. MIDI compatibility

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Mar 15, 2011 07:00:09

Yamaha PSR240 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard

Yamaha PSR240 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard Review

Yamaha PSR240 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard Feature

• Touch-sensitive MIDI keyboard
• 61 full-sized keys
• Hundreds of voices and rhythm styles
• 10-centimeter stereo speakers
• 100 demo songs

Yamaha PSR240 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard Overview

With Yamaha's PSR240 portable electronic keyboard, you can channel your musical inspiration anywhere. Simply select any of the built-in music styles and soon you'll be on your way. The Yamaha PSR240 features an easy-to-read LCD display, 61 full-sized keys, two stereo speakers, the built-in Yamaha Education Suite programs, and a collection of functions that make it simple for anyone to learn to play music.

The Yamaha PSR240 gives you the choice of 100 voices, including that of a grand piano; 100 styles and rhythms; demo songs; special effects for harmony and echo; and more. You control the tempo, accompaniment volume, tuning, and everything else needed to make your music sound its best.

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 12, 2011 06:40:03

Casio CTK-571 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard

Casio CTK-571 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard Review

Casio CTK-571 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard Feature

• Electronic Keyboard

Casio CTK-571 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard Overview

The Casio CTK-571 portable keyboard features 61 full-size keys, 24-note polyphony, and 128 PCM tones, plus 9 drum-percussion kits. Built-in stereo speakers give you reasonable sound quality for most situations, and a headphone jack plus a stereo lineout (to attach to a home stereo) give you the volume options you need for late-night practice or big performances.

The CTK-571 includes a three-step teaching system. Just play any key to advance the melody notes, then play them--musical accompaniment will wait for you. Finally, play the melody in time along with complete rhythmic accompaniment.

Other features include song memory with two song locations, a sustain pedal jack, midi in/out jack, and a backlit LCD window. The LCD displays selections and status of tone, rhythm, song, volume, melody off, and tempo for complete control. The 100 rhythm patterns, 30 classical songs, and 20 popular songs complete the musical package.

The CTK-571 operates with an optional AD-5 AC adapter or D batteries.

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Nov 09, 2010 10:39:05

Casio CTK-671 Portable Electronic Keyboard, 61-Note Touch-Sensitive

Casio CTK-671 Portable Electronic Keyboard, 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Review

Love this keyboard! The touch sensitivity is easily worth any perceived compromises in sound quality compared to Yamaha or other comparably-priced products. The button layout & functionality is comprehensive without being overwhelming. Manual is good--and on-line. Backlit display is also a plus, as is the midi connectivity & modest recording capability. Sound quality of pianos & organs is especially good. Not sure if that quality would be maintained direct through a p.a., but it is certainly of high enough quality for home recording & use in small clubs. Sounds are very tweakable, and the advanced tones are for the most part immediately useful. Guitar tones are good. Obviously more expression is possible playing an actual guitar, but here again the touch feature helps--if you hit the keys hard, you get a much more dynamic response than from playing lightly. Sustain pedal is very useful for not much money. Back is tapped for two retention bolts for use on a stand, but I would be more comfortable gigging with it in a flight case of some sort. Casio calls this keyboard "high-grade," and that's an accurate assessment--it's much better than most keyboards in the 0-200 price range, and is definitely not a toy but a real, expressive musical instrument.

Casio CTK-671 Portable Electronic Keyboard, 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Feature

• Features include three-song/six-track recording with real-time or editable step time pitch bend wheel, sustain pedal jack, and a backlit LCD.

Casio CTK-671 Portable Electronic Keyboard, 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Overview

The Casio CTK-671 Portable Keyboard features 61 full-size keys, 32-note polyphony, and 348 tones. Built-in 2.5-watt per channel stereo speakers give you good sound quality, and a headphone jack and stereo lineout (to attach the keyboard to a home stereo) give you the volume options you need for big performances or late-night practice.

With the keyboard you get 128 general MIDI, 100 face panel sounds, 100 variations and 10 drum sets ready-to-use. Using the synthesizer functions, you can create and store 10 of your own sounds. Simultaneously use up to four effects, such as reverb or chorus, to produce your perfect sound. The 100 rhythm patterns give you everything you need to start making music.

Casio's Internet Data Expansion system lets you download new sounds, patterns, songs, and keyboard settings over MIDI from Casio's Web site.

Other features include three-song/six-track recording with real-time or editable step time, six drum pads, a pitch bend wheel, sustain pedal jack, and a backlit LCD. The LCD displays selection and status of tone, rhythm, mixer, keyboard functions, and tempo for complete control.

The CTK-671 operates with an optional AD-5 AC adapter or D batteries.

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Oct 27, 2010 18:35:05

Yamaha PSR-290 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard without Adapter

Yamaha PSR-290 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard without Adapter Review

As the other reviewers have said, this is a great keyboard for the beginner or the person who just wants to play around. If you are looking for a professional keyboard, this is not for you.

I recently decided to learn piano and bought this keyboard as a good starter keyboard (instead of paying thousands of dollars for a real piano). I was pleasantly surprised. The sound quality is excellent. The speakers won't blast you out but they are strong enough. Also, the instrument sounds are very realistic for an electronic keyboard. The grand piano sound sounds more like a piano than the old upright I practice on at a friend's house.

The number and variety of the sounds, beats, and songs is good. The play-along feature is great! You choose a style (with drums and bass). You can then intro into the song. There are always two different tempos to switch between with short breaks to transition from one tempo to another. So at the push of a button, you have a backing band for whatever you want to play. This was nice as I am practicing basic jazz improvisation and it is good to have a backing beat to work with.

The keys and displays are set up intuitively and after about 15-30 minutes of playing around, you'll know where everything is and what you need to do.

The keys are well spaced and have a touch sensitivity that works well.

I have not tried the more advanced features on the keyboard, but the manual appears to be well written and helpful.

Yamaha PSR-290 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard without Adapter Feature

• The PSR-290 has a special Portable Grand Piano Voice which gives you excellent tonal quality.
• The keyboard also uses a sophisticated AWM (Advanced Wave memory) tone generation system.
• It also works in conjunction with the Dynamic Filter, which dynamically adjusts the timbre or tone of a voice according to your playing strength.

Yamaha PSR-290 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard without Adapter Overview

Yamaha PSR-290 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard without Adapter

Yamaha PSR-290 61-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard without Adapter Specifications

The PSR-290 has a special Portable Grand Piano Voice which gives you excellent tonal quality. The keyboard also uses a sophisticated AWM (Advanced Wave memory) tone generation system. Additionally, with the natural Touch Response feature, with a convenient front panel on/off switch, you'll receive maximum level control over the voices. It also works in conjunction with the Dynamic Filter, which dynamically adjusts the timbre or tone of a voice according to your playing strength. Included with the package is the Yamaha Education Suite, a set of learning tools to make studying and practicing music more fun. Each style has memory space for two One Touch Settings, and you can change them to your own desired voice setting letting you save your custom panel settings for instant recall. The built-in stereo amplifier/speaker system come with a special Bass Boost feature. The keyboard runs on six D batteries or through household current using the adaptor (not included.)

What's in the Box
Keyboard, music stand, song book, owner's manual, and one year warranty.

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Oct 26, 2010 08:44:03

Yamaha PSR-295 Portatone 61-Key Touch-Sensitive Musical Keyboard

Yamaha PSR-295 Portatone 61-Key Touch-Sensitive Musical Keyboard Review

[Please note that this product is available from Amazon under three packagings: PSR-295 (no adapter) PSR-295AD (includes adapter) and PSR-295MS (includes adapter and stand). I bought the PSR-295MS package.]

I got this full-length keyboard at a great price of 0 with included adapter and keyboard. Both accessories are a must, since this thing is huge.

The product shipped in two days (from PA to MD) with free shipping. I was delighted to find a helpful instructional DVD in the package to get started with the basics, so I didn't have to go through the manual, except for detailed and advanced features.

Also included was a Song Book, with staff music for some popular songs. It's great for someone who knows how to read music - I'm still learning to. There's also software to transfer music between PC and keyboard.

"Portable Grand" is just a one-touch button option to set the keyboard to Grand Piano mode. Of course, this cannot be expected to sound as great or realistic as a high-end digital piano or an expensive wooden one. However, the touch sensitive feature makes it as realistic as possible.

Here are the features I liked:
* Display shows notes and chords being played in three ways - staff notation, note name (ex. E# m7 aug etc.), and graphical (actual keys on a diagram).
* Truly Touch (Force) Sensitive Keys (can be toggled on/off).
* 487 Voices (incl. ~360 XGLite voices).
* 136 Accompaniment Styles to play along.
* Built-in songs which can be practised using Yamaha Education Suite. (Buil-in feature).
* Jog Dial to move between voice/style/song numbers.
* Flash memory to record your songs.
* Direct USB connection (MIDI-USB connecter cable *not* required - that cable would cost around ).
* Software to transfer songs and voices between PC and keyboard.
* Truly stero output (not just two speakers).
* Phono/Line-Out socket.
* Sustain pedal socket (pedal not included).

Here are some things I didn't like:
* USB cable not included. ( extra from Amazon).
* Volume sometime seems a little low. But then, you can always pass output through amps if you really need it that loud.
* No mic or line-in socket.
* Phono out uses 1/4 inch pin. Had to buy a 1/8 to 1/4 converter from RadioShack.
* LCD display is highly "directional", visible only when looking at a particular angle. This is not much of a problem when playing sitting. However, if playing standing, this may be a little inconvenient.
* No sustain toggle switch. If you don't have a sustain pedal, turning sustain on/off manually takes a couple of steps.

Overall, at under 0, free shipping and included adapter and stand, this is a great buy for beginners as well as advanced users.

I had a Yamaha PSS-11 long back. It was a good beginner keyboard but it soon outgrew me, since you couldn't play it with two hands. Overall, I like Yamaha quality and find their keyboards much more professional than Casio ones (maybe I'm wrong). Of course, "real" professionals would use KORG, but that'll be upwards of 00! :)

Yamaha PSR-295 Portatone 61-Key Touch-Sensitive Musical Keyboard Feature

• 61 piano-sized touch-sensitive keys
• PC Button plus USB MIDI for easy PC connectivity
• Flash ROM to download songs from the Internet
• 487 instrument voices
• Performance Assistant lets you play along with any built-in song, regardless of ability level

Yamaha PSR-295 Portatone 61-Key Touch-Sensitive Musical Keyboard Overview

Yamaha PSR295 61-Key Touch-Sensitive Keyboard Musical Instrument - The Yamaha PSR295 represents a breakthrough in interactive playing, learning, and offers new horizons for the musician. In addition to MIDI connectivity, this is the first time that Yamaha has been able to offer USB on a portable keyboard at such a breakthrough price. Its 'one cable' setup makes it easy to connect the PSR295 and your computer. You can have the ability of creating, editing, and scoring compositions using software on your PC system. The opportunities are virtually endless. Other features include a 6-track sequencer for recording songs and performances, plus 487 selectable instrument voices, including Yamaha's ultra realistic Portable Grand Piano function. The PSR295 comes with 135 built-in styles which will follow your playing like a built-in band. Choose from one of the 30 internal or 70 CD-ROM songs, or download songs from the Web. Easy Song Arranger allows song playback in any of 135 accompaniment styles Portable Grand for the realism of a stereo grand piano Yamaha Education Suite with exercises, interactive lessons and the innovative Your Tempo learning mode, which allows the user to learn songs by progressing at a suitable rate; may repeat any difficult sections On-Board Sequencer records up to 5 songs in 6 tracks 2-way speakers, bass ports & Bass Boost System provide great sound quality Large back-lit LCD shows musical staff & chords Headphone & sustain pedal jacks (headphones and pedals are optional) Includes Digital Music Notebook software for Windows PC

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Oct 10, 2010 15:53:06

Casio 61-Key Touch-Sensitive Keyboard Premium Package

Casio 61-Key Touch-Sensitive Keyboard Premium Package Review

Casio 61-Key Touch-Sensitive Keyboard Premium Package Overview

This keyboard includes 110 song bank tunes and 20 exercise phrases for you to play. The 61 piano-style keys help you play properly and give you an authentic piano-playing experience. Customize the keys' sensitivity with the Touch Response feature which offers 2 levels of sensitivity and the option of turning it off.Product Features:

• 400 high-quality tones include stereo grand piano tones for an impressive musical result
• 150 rhythms include 55 ethnic rhythms and 20 patterns for diverse piano play
• 48-note polyphony lets you play 48 notes at once for an orchestral sound
• 150 one-touch presets allow you to play more efficiently
• Auto accompaniment gives your music a finished quality
• Includes keyboard, power supply, keyboard stand and closed-cup stereo headphones
• No assembly required

(Model CAS CTK3000 PPK)

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Sep 30, 2010 15:15:03

Casio 76-Key Touch-Sensitive Keyboard Premium Package

Casio 76-Key Touch-Sensitive Keyboard Premium Package Review

Casio 76-Key Touch-Sensitive Keyboard Premium Package Overview

This keyboard's 76 piano-style keys with Touch Response let your musical creations sound as expressive in life as they do in your mind. Rely on the 670 high-quality tones, including stereo grand piano tones, to add depth and drama to your performances. The 48-note polyphony lets you play multiple notes at once so you can cultivate a lush, original sound.Product Features:

• Features 670 voices and 200 rhythms for a wide variety of sounds
• Rhythm editor offers 10 user rhythms
• 48-note polyphony lets you play notes simultaneously for a full, rich sound
• 152 song bank tunes, including 50 exercise phrases, for you to play along with
• SD card slot lets you use portable media cards (not included) to hold all your song creations
• Auto accompaniment enhances your playing
• Includes keyboard, power supply, keyboard stand and closed-cup stereo headphones
• No assembly required

(Model CAS WK500 PPK)

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Sep 23, 2010 17:31:04

Casio 61-Lighted-Key Touch-Sensitive Keyboard Premium Package

Casio 61-Lighted-Key Touch-Sensitive Keyboard Premium Package Review

Casio 61-Lighted-Key Touch-Sensitive Keyboard Premium Package Overview

Practice in comfort on this keyboard's 61 full-size keys. The keyboard's lighting system allows up to 10 keys to light up at a time, a convenient feature for beginners or seasoned musicians. An audio-in terminal designed for MP3 players and a high-tech sampling function let you develop your musical tastes.Product Features:

• 570 high-quality tones/voices, including stereo grand piano tones, to accommodate a broad range of musical styles; 180 rhythms include 74 ethnic rhythms and 20 patterns for authentic piano play
• 48-note polyphony helps you achieve a full-bodied sound
• SD card slot lets you save your performances on removable data storage (cards not included)
• PC connectivity using USB and MIDI interfaces
• Includes keyboard, power supply, keyboard stand, and closed-cup stereo headphones
• No assembly required

(Model CAS LK270 PPK)

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 30, 2010 10:45:05