eMedia MyPiano Electronic Keyboard and Learning Software Kit Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This kit will help a child become somewhat familiar with a keyboard instrument, rhythm, notes, rests and the music staff. Some moderate and usually fun practice with the interactive MyPiano software will have the child progress from 'Mary Had a Little Lamb' (lesson 15) to 'Jingle Bells' (lesson 106). The keyboard interacts with the MyPiano software through the provided MIDI to USB cable.
By the way, the keyboard can be used on its own and similarly, the MyPiano software should be usable with any MIDI-enabled electronic keyboard - I wrote 'should' because I was unable to use it with our VERY OLD (10 years old) MIDI-capable electric piano but I am blaming the piano at this time.THE KEYBOARD
The 49-key keyboard comes with all the bells and whistles expected from the upper end of the 'inexpensive' class. All the detailed specs are available at the Amazon page so I won't repeat them here. It is powered by either a DC adapter or batteries. An soft but audible hiss can be heard when turning on the device.
One somewhat uncommon enhancement is the LCD display showing which keys are played both on a staff and, for some reason, on a small representation of the keyboard. The notes played appear on the LCD display as small dots, not always easy to see.
The 2 outputs are a PHONES OUTPUT and the MIDI OUT. There is no MIDI IN which was a disappointment but not totally unexpected.
The keys are significantly smaller than those of a true piano. This is presented as a feature meant to accommodate children's small hands but I personally have some doubts that it's a good idea to have children practice with small keyboards if the goal is to make proficient keyboard players. The keys travel a long way and some force is required to press them all the way but the sound is produced when the key reaches 1/3 to half-way down. Hitting the keys harder will not produce a louder sound.MY PIANO SOFTWARE
The goal of MyPiano is not to produce a concert pianist in 108 easy lessons but, hopefully, to help parents determine if their child is talented and sufficiently motivated to take professional lessons and study the instrument beyond "Jingle Bells" or "Pop! Goes the Weasel". To the extent that the scope of the software is well understood and accepted, both parents and children should have a mostly enjoyable experience.
As I mentioned on the first paragraph, this is an introduction to piano playing and not a lot of time is spent, for example, on the proper sitting and hand position. Yes, there is a lesson on each but a professional instructor will spend months if not years, constantly correcting the student. Lessons are dedicated to identifying the notes on the keyboard, presenting the treble and bass clefs, the music staff and so on. There is only very little practice at playing both hands simultaneously or playing chords.
Technically speaking, the interactivity of the software consists on its ability to monitor whatever is played on the keyboard via the MIDI connection. After the song is played, the software will display a score in the form of a percentage, the assumption being that the higher the percentage, the better was the song played. In practice, this works most of the time but I found that simply pressing the first note of the song and then doing nothing would return me a perfect 100% score.
Other features include a pop-up metronome that duplicates the 'Metro' key on the eMedia keyboard. Most lessons pages come with buttons that would display little videos, play the featured song while a keyboard pop-up display shows which keys are to be pressed by which fingers and, as mentioned before would analyze the student's play and provide a score. While learning a song, the tempo can be slowed down or accelerated to achieve the suggested optimum.THE LEARNING PROCESS
Studying piano this way can be fun for the child and the child will make a lot of progress, quickly, gaining the ability to play simple songs. However, the ceiling is pretty low - without a true instructor and an understanding of music theory going beyond the basics (no chords or scales are taught here) the student will not go very far. He/she may be able to learn more simple songs or fragments of songs but 'simple' is they key word and, in my view, 'more' is not a synonym for 'better'.MY EVALUATION
For a basic keyboard teaming up with a not so ambitious piano learning kit, this is an okay package. Our kids learned a couple of songs already but, overall, a 3-star rating should be fair - Amazon's translation of 3-stars is "it's Okay".

Click Here to see more reviews about: eMedia MyPiano Electronic Keyboard and Learning Software Kit


Get Started with the eMedia My Piano Kit Introducing the eMedia My Piano Kit. This kit has everything your child needs to begin playing the piano: an electronic keyboard sized for small fingers, a power supply, and the USB MIDI interface for connecting the keyboard to your computer. What's more, it comes with a great teacher, the new interactive eMedia My Piano CD-ROM (for Windows & Mac computers) for children ages 5 and up.


System Requirements:
Windows: Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7 64 MB of free RAM, CD-ROM

Macintosh: Mac OS X 10.3 or later (Intel OK) 64 MB of free RAM, CD-ROM



What's in the Box Keyboard, Power Supply, USB MIDI Interface, eMedia My Piano CD-ROM

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Yamaha PSRGX76AD 76-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard with AC Adapter Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I had been practicing on a 60 keys or so keyboard, that didn't have touch sensitivity, when I got into more advanced music. My left hand started running out of keys! This became very irritating very fast. So I set out to find a remedy. After sifting through almost all the keyboards , I decided on this one. The main reason was the 76 keys. When it arrived, I quickly plugged in and started playing. I was used to practicing with my other keyboard in my lap, but don't try it with this one! Get a keyboard stand as it is way too heavy! Anyway, the first thing I noticed was how realistic the sound was. And it had touch sensitivity too! The pieces I was playing sounded really good! There are also tons of different effects. You can make it sound like you are playing in a concert hall! I was really pleased with my purchase and my playing times became longer.
Then I tried taking the lessons that it includes. I was able to learn the right hand parts of songs when only one note gets played at a time. However I think someone recorded the song on the keyboard manually instead of by computer. The notes come out irregular when the pianist playes multiple notes with one hand in songs like Nocturne. I solved the problem by buying the sheet music for it. However I didn't buy the keyboard for lessons so it is a non-issue for me.
Now we come to the only thing I am really frustrated about. I have started playing really advanced pieces like Toccata & Fugue in D minor, Nocturnes, Ballades, and Sonatas. They will sometimes run off the board! Most of the time there is more than one note being pressed by the left hand so it doesn't sound quite as bad. But it unnerves me!
I don't mean to complain too much about this product as it is very good other than the lack of extra keys. For most people, 76 keys is more than enough. I'll just have to get a real piano sometime. But if you are thinking of getting a keyboard, don't even look at the others, you search has ended here.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Yamaha PSRGX76AD 76-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard with AC Adapter

Work out your musical fingers on 76 full-size touch sensitive keys with the Yamaha PSRGX76AD. It features bass ports for upgraded sound quality and two-way stereo speakers. You can test your creativity with 256 instrument voices and 100 accompaniment styles, along with a DJ button for instant access to special dance voices.
Beginner and intermediate keyboard players will enjoy the Yamaha Education Suite, featuring lessons and grading. This keyboard includes 100 built-in songs to learn to play and a song book. For private practice, a headphone jack is provided. The PSRGX76AD also features a five-song, six-track sequencer for recording original songs. You can embellish using multifingering auto accompaniment, pitch bend wheel, DSP, chorus, and reverb effects. With 10 drum kits and 32-note polyphony, the PSRGX76AD provides the flexibility and basics you need in a keyboard.
It includes a music rest and a Yamaha PA3B power adapter. Alternatively, it uses six D-cell batteries.

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Yamaha DGX-530 Keyboard, 88 Full-Sized Lightly Weighted Piano Style Keys Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Tried this instrument out in the store and could not figure out what the difference was between this one and the 520 I previously reviewed on amazon. Sound qualities, voices, layout, display, and software all seemed identical to me to the 520. Finally, after a direct inquiry to Yamaha, I was told that the only difference between this model and the 520 was that the 530 contained 10 more rhythm sequences.
So, if you're one of those who would use this instrument heavily for recording and composition, and just could never find the right rhythmic background, you can try this one and see if one of their ten extra sequences works for you.
If you're like me, however, who use the keyboard mostly for performance purposes and only occasional composition and recording, it really isn't worth upgrading. If you're diligent enough and have the software (pretty much any layered music recording sequence will do; I happen to use Cakewalk 4), you can make and save your own rhythms anyway on either keyboard.
For a more detailed review of other features this keyboard has, check my review out on the DGX-520...aside from the extra rhythms, it's exactly the same.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Yamaha DGX-530 Keyboard, 88 Full-Sized Lightly Weighted Piano Style Keys

Yamaha's DGX530 Portable Grand Piano features 88 piano-style keys with Graded Soft Touch, a matching stand, a sustain pedal, USB storage, backlit LCD displays, notation and lyrics, and plenty more.

Piano-Centric Features The Yamaha Portable Grand, DGX530 has an easy to use panel, a wealth of piano-centric features including 88 piano-style keys, Graded Soft Touch (GST) action with different levels of resistance, and high-resolution stereo piano samples. Included are an attractive matching stand and sustain pedal.
USB Connectivity The DGX530 has 2 USB ports on the back, each with a different use. "USB TO HOST" is plug-and-play connection for recording and playing back MIDI files, as well as transferring data to and from your computer.
"USB TO DEVICE" is for connecting peripheral USB storage devices such as hard drives or portable thumb drives. You can save user songs and settings, or transfer song data downloaded from the Internet to the instrument, where it can be used with the performance assistant and Yamaha Education Suite features.
Lyric, Chord and Notation Display Have you ever played a song and wondered what it would look like as sheet music? The DGX530 can display the score to a song whether it comes from the Internet, the internal selections those you record yourself. Pages scroll automatically when a song is played back--no more page turning! For singers, the screen also displays chords and lyrics to XF compatible songs.
Easy to Use The DGX530 is a breeze to use. Dive right in with convenient tools and features:
Expandable Music Database: Complete keyboard setups by song title. The keyboard selects an appropriate voice for the right hand melody, the correct musical style and the correct tempo. Simply call up a song title and start playing.
One Touch Setting (OTS): Provides you with a recommended voice with effects for each Style. For example, on a jazz style OTS might be piano, for a Latin style it might be acoustic guitar, or for a rock style it might be a guitar with overdrive.
Registration Memory: Set the keyboard up just the way you like and take a digital snapshot for instant recall. Load and save up to 16 Registrations to User memory. The Registration buttons are conveniently located just above the keyboard.
Performance Assistant Technology: Performance assistant technology is a feature from Yamaha that guarantees that you can't play a wrong melody note or chord. Here's how it works. Select a song, press the Performance Assistant button Chord Mode and play the keyboard--any notes you like. Every note you play will fit the music!

Yamaha Education Suite: Helps you learn to play The DGX530 has 30 built-in songs (plus 70 more on the included CD-ROM) for you to learn to play using the Yamaha Education Suite. The songs are separated into left and right hand parts, providing 7 levels of lessons plus a convenient chord dictionary.
Three keyboard lessons for each hand:
Waiting Mode--Stops the playback of a song until you find the correct note and then continues.
Your Tempo Mode--Learn to play the correct notes with the correct timing. Song playback tempo will vary to match the speed you are playing at. The song will slow down when you play wrong notes, so you can learn at your own pace.
Minus One Mode--Here's where you can perfect your technique. The song will play at the normal tempo, minus the part you have chosen to play. Play along while listening to the song.

Lesson Grading--Monitors your progress as you practice each lesson and gives you a grade.
Repeat and Learn--The song location will move back four measures from the point at which you pressed the button, and playback will begin after a one measure count-in. This section will repeat allowing you to practice until perfect!
Chord Dictionary--Shows you how to play chords and tells you which chords you are playing by displaying the notes and chord names on the LCD screen.

6-Track Sequencer With the DGX530, you have the equivalent of a built-in multi-track recorder. Record one or multiple instrument parts at a time and assign each part to a different track. Six tracks are provided to accommodate sophisticated melodies, chord accompaniment and rhythm parts.
Quality Sound The DGX530 sounds as good as it plays. A two-way speaker system with separate woofers and tweeters delivers clear and lifelike instrument voices. Bass Boost ports add deeper low-end impact, and true stereo sound adds spatial depth and realism.
Realistic Sounding Voices The DGX530 comes equipped with 127 panel voices, 12 drum/SFX kits, plus 361 XGlite voices. Dual and Split modes allow you to combine sounds.
Full Keyboard Mode The DGX530 delivers on its piano theme with a special mode of fingering called Full Keyboard Mode. This allows the player to play the keyboard like a piano; for example a chord with the right hand and bass notes with the left. When using the accompaniment feature, the virtual band will follow these chords. Traditional portable keyboards normally require you to chord on the left side of the keyboard, in the bass section, which is foreign to most piano players. The DGX530 is also capable of this mode, for those who prefer it.
Digital Music Notebook Digital Music Notebook is a multimedia Internet service that enables you to preview, purchase, download and print learn-to-play music books and chart-topping sheet music. From scales to chords to your favorite riffs, Digital Music Notebook is jam-packed with all the secrets you need to master your instrument. Add accompaniments, record and mix yourself, sing karaoke with friends, learn new techniques while having a blast--Digital Music Notebook delivers everything you need to bring music alive! And it's included with the DGX530.
What's in the Box DGX530 Keyboard, Music Rest, Owner's Manual, Accessory CD-ROM, Keyboard Stand, Footswitch FC5, Power Adapter

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Casio LK-270 Premium Lighted Keyboard Pack with Power Supply, Keyboard Stand and Professional Closed Cup Stereo Headphones Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Sounds - 5/5
The sounds are very realistic, with the new sound engine they have put in place, when playing the piano sounds beside a real piano, the difference is almost impossible to notice, the tones and accompaniments are also very great.
Step up lessons - 5/5
The lessons are great, they phase the music, and you take it in steps, and if its too fast for you, you can by the press of a button, slow it down to your speed, its user friendly.
Connections - 5/5
The USB MIDI function just works effortlessy, works with keyboard learning software, Finale 2009, and much more, when I opened Finale with the MIDI connected, it just started interpreting what I was playing without have to configure anything in the software.
Look & Layout - 5/5
It looks great, although 61 keys, very convenient, its very light, u can easily carry the stand and the keyboard around without much effort, the layout is very user friendly and its easy to navigate, and the user manual tells you how to perform tasks in detail not readily seen. The Key-lighting function is really cool and very helpful in the step up lessons, only 10 can light at a time, but its also very cool for night playing as well.
Overall - 5/5
Its a great keyboard, I'd recommend it for anyone, dont spend so much on a keyboard just yet, this is the one you must get, if 61-keys is all you need, otherwise, feel free to check out the 88-keys keyboards.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Casio LK-270 Premium Lighted Keyboard Pack with Power Supply, Keyboard Stand and Professional Closed Cup Stereo Headphones

The Casio LK-270 is an affordable instrument with a 61 Key Touch Sensitive, Lighted Keyboard with 570 total onboard Tones, 180 Rhythms and Digital Effects. Packed with great features such as Casio's famous Lighted Key Step-up Lesson System, audio inputs for a MP3 player, Mic Input, USB port for MIDI implementation. All this makes the LK-270 more fun and easier to learn to play music.


LK-270 Premium PackThe Premium Pack bundles the LK-270 keyboard with a Yamaha power supply, keyboard stand and professional closed-cup stereo headphones.
Touch-Sensitive Lighted KeyboardThe LK-270 features 61 standard-size keys and two sensitivity levels for a more piano-like experience, along with 48-note polyphony (24-note for certain tones).
The "LK" in LK-270 stands for "Lighted Keyboard." Designed to provide a fun way to learn how to play music, the keys illuminate to show you what notes to play in lessons or built-in songs.
570 Built-In TonesFind just the right sound with 570 built-in tones, from strings to woodwinds and plenty more. You can layer two different tones (such as piano and strings) or split the keyboard down the middle for an ensemble approach.
Reverb and Chorus EffectsSelect from ten different reverb and five different chorus effects to add depth and shimmer to your performance.
Microphone and Karaoke FunctionHave some fun with the included microphone and the LK-270's Karaoke feature. The karaoke feature can be used with 52 of the built-in songs, and lowers the volume of the melody part so you can sing along, just like a karaoke machine.
SD Memory Card SupportThe LK-270 supports SD Memory Cards up to 2 GB, so you can store sampled sounds, user rhythms, recorded songs, and more, without running out of memory.
USB PortFor many musicians, the computer has become a music-making center. Connect the LK-270 to a computer using a USB cable and exchange MIDI data between the two devices. Send play data from the keyboard to music software running on yourcomputer, or send MIDI data from your computer to the keyboard for playback.
Built-In SamplingYou can use the LK-270 to sample a sound from a portable audio player or other device, and then play the sound with keyboard keys. Sample up to ten seconds, and store up to five sampled sounds to keyboard memory.
You can also loop sampled sounds so they continue to play, or replace individual sounds on drum patches.
152 Built-In Songs and Ten User SongsThe LK-270 comes with a bank of songs for your learning and enjoyment, from classics like "Greensleeves" or "Auld Lang Syne" to holiday tunes like "Jingle Bells."
You can also record your own performances, using up to six tracks of different instruments.
Step Up LessonsTo master a song, it is best to break it up into shorter parts (phrases), master the phrases, and then put everything together. The LK-270 features a "Step Up Lesson" feature that helps you to do just that. The built-in songs are pre-divided into phrases to help you master keyboard play. Step Up Lesson takes you through practice of the right hand part, left hand part, and both hand parts for each phrase of a song. Master all of the phrases and you master the song.
Music Challenge Keyboard GameMusic Challenge is a game that measures your reaction speed as you press keys in response to on-screen keyboard indicators and fingering guide indications.
Auto AccompanimentWith Auto Accompaniment, simply select an accompaniment pattern. Each time you play a chord with your left hand the appropriate accompaniment will play automatically. It's like having a personal backup group along with you wherever yougo.
Auto HarmonizeAuto Harmonize automatically adds harmony to notes you play with your right hand, which adds rich depth to the melody of your performances. You can select from among 12 types of Auto Harmonize to suit the type of music you are playing.
ArpeggiatorThe Arpeggiator makes it possible to play an arpeggio pattern automatically. There are 90 different arpeggio patterns from which to choose in order to match the music you are playing.
Transpose FunctionAn easy operation instantly changes the key of the keyboard.
Audio InputPlay along with MP3 or CD players or other devices by plugging them into the stereo mini input jack.
Battery or AC PowerPower the LK-270 with six D-sized batteries or purchase the AD-5 AC adapter separately to power from your electrical outlets. Built-in speakers make the keyboard entirely portable.
An Auto Power Off feature turns off the device six minutes after the last key is touched, helping you save batteries.
What's in the BoxLK-270 Keyboard, Music Stand, Song Book, Safety Precautions, Appendix, Warranty, Microphone, Power Supply, Keyboard Stand, Headphones

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Casio CTK-4000 Personal Keyboard, 61-Key, with MP3 Connection, 10 Second Sampling, and Digital Effects Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm not a professional, but I've been playing music for close to 20 years, and I'm very picky about sound and build quality of the electronics and instruments I buy. I don't find the CTK-4000 to be "flimsy", as one reviewer stated. It's very well made, and it's perfectly suited to "bedroom" playing and practicing. Don't let the price fool you, it's not a toy.
The digital sounds are actually very good, especially the organ, piano, and harpsichord. There are enough others to cover most styles. The built-in speakers are plenty loud, and have a very full rich sound. This is what sold me, after playing twenty different digital keyboards in the store.
The training features and the onscreen helps are very nice. You see the staff with the notes you are playing, and there are many songs included.
The keys are not weighted, but neither are real harpsichord keys, so it's fine with me.
Overall it's a small, light, attractive keyboard, with good sounds and playability, and I did not play anything in the sub $300 price range that I thought was better. Spending more will get you more voices, sounds, and extra features like a pitch wheel, but not really a better instrument.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Casio CTK-4000 Personal Keyboard, 61-Key, with MP3 Connection, 10 Second Sampling, and Digital Effects

The Casio CTK-4000 is an affordable instrument with a 61 Key Piano Style Touch Sensitive Keyboard, 570 total onboard Tones, 180 Rhythms and Reverb plus Chorus Digital Effects. Packed with great features such as Casio's famous Step-up Lesson System, audio inputs for a MP3 player and a USB port for MIDI. All this makes CTK-4000 more realistic and expressive than ever before at this price range.

Standard-Size Keys with Touch Response The CTK-4000 features 61 standard-size keys and two sensitivity levels for a more piano-like experience, along with 48-note polyphony (24-note for certain tones).
570 Built-In Tones Find just the right sound with 570 built-in tones, from strings to woodwinds and plenty more. You can layer two different tones (such as piano and strings) or split the keyboard down the middle for an ensemble approach.
Reverb and Chorus Effects Select from ten different reverb and five different chorus effects to add depth and shimmer to your performance.
USB Port For many musicians, the computer has become a music-making center. Connect the CTK-4000 to a computer using a USB cable and exchange MIDI data between the two devices. Send play data from the keyboard to music software running on your computer, or send MIDI data from your computer to the keyboard for playback.
Built-In Sampling You can use the CTK-4000 to sample a sound from a portable audio player or other device, and then play the sound with keyboard keys. Sample up to ten seconds, and store up to five sampled sounds to keyboard memory.
You can also loop sampled sounds so they continue to play, or replace individual sounds on drum patches.
152 Built-In Songs and Ten User Songs The CTK-4000 comes with a bank of songs for your learning and enjoyment, from classics like "Greensleeves" or "Auld Lang Syne" to holiday tunes like "Jingle Bells."
You can also record your own performances, using up to six tracks of different instruments.
Step Up Lessons To master a song, it is best to break it up into shorter parts (phrases), master the phrases, and then put everything together. The CTK-4000 features a "Step Up Lesson" feature that helps you to do just that. The built-in songs are pre-divided into phrases to help you master keyboard play. Step Up Lesson takes you through practice of the right hand part, left hand part, and both hand parts for each phrase of a song. Master all of the phrases and you master the song.
Music Challenge Keyboard Game Music Challenge is a game that measures your reaction speed as you press keys in response to on-screen keyboard indicators and fingering guide indications.
Auto Accompaniment With Auto Accompaniment, simply select an accompaniment pattern. Each time you play a chord with your left hand the appropriate accompaniment will play automatically. It's like having a personal backup group along with you wherever you go.
You can also edit and save up to 10 of your own auto accompaniment patterns.
Auto Harmonize Auto Harmonize automatically adds harmony to notes you play with your right hand, which adds rich depth to the melody of your performances. You can select from among 12 types of Auto Harmonize to suit the type of music you are playing.
Arpeggiator The Arpeggiator makes it possible to play an arpeggio pattern automatically. There are 90 different arpeggio patterns from which to choose in order to match the music you are playing.
Transpose Function An easy operation instantly changes the key of the keyboard.
Audio Input Play along with MP3 or CD players or other devices by plugging them into the stereo mini input jack.
Battery or AC Power Power the CTK-4000 with six D-sized batteries or purchase the AD-5 AC adapter separately to power from your electrical outlets. Built-in speakers make the keyboard entirely portable.
An Auto Power Off feature turns off the device six minutes after the last key is touched, helping you save batteries.
What's in the Box CTK-4000 Keyboard, Music Stand, Song Book, Safety Precautions, Appendix, Warranty

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Yamaha DGX-230 Keyboard Bundle, 76 Keys - Includes Professional Headphones, Keyboard Stand, and Power Supply Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought the yamaha keyboard for my wife for Christmas expecting
a middle of the road keyboard,We are both impressed with the quality,workmanship and endless features of this product for the price. We would recommend this to anyone from a beginner to an advanced player.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Yamaha DGX-230 Keyboard Bundle, 76 Keys - Includes Professional Headphones, Keyboard Stand, and Power Supply

If you're looking for a reasonably priced piano-style keyboard, look no further than the DGX230. It's great for veterans and students alike, with 76 non-weighted keys that not only look like piano keys but have a Graded Soft Touch (GST) action with different levels of resistance, making it easier for a budding musician to move to an acoustic or digital piano.

2-Way Speaker System Separate woofers and tweeters deliver sounds in crystal-clear stereo, for more lifelike instrument voices.
Bass Boost System A special port on each speaker adds a impact to low-ed reproduction.
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Enhance sound quality with sophisticated digital effects like Harmony, Reverb & Chorus.
Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) Yamaha Advanced Wave Memory technology delivers amazingly realistic sound.
Full Keyboard Mode The DGX230 delivers on its piano theme with a special mode of fingering called Full Keyboard Mode. This allows the player to play the keyboard like a piano; for example a chord with the right hand and bass notes with the left. When using the accompaniment feature, the virtual band will follow these chords. Traditional portable keyboards normally require you to chord on the left side of the keyboard, in the bass section, which is foreign to most piano players. The DGX230 is also capable of this mode, for those who prefer it.
Yamaha Education Suite The DGX230 has 30 built-in songs plus 70 more on included CD-ROM for you to learn to play using the Yamaha Education Suite. The songs are separated into left and right hand parts, providing 7 levels of lessons plus a convenient chord dictionary.
Learning features are plenty. Waiting Mode stops the song until you find the right note, Your Tempo Mode matches the song's tempo to your playing speed, and Minus One Mode plays the song without your chosen part, so you can play along.
The DGX230 will monitor your progress, giving you grades for each lesson. A Chord Dictionary is also included, displaying notes and chord names on-screen.
6-Track Sequencer Imagine capturing your child's first performance or writing and recording your own songs. With the DGX230, you have the equivalent of a built-in multi-track recorder to record one or multiple instrument parts at a time and assign each part to a different track. Six tracks are provided to accommodate sophisticated melodies, chord accompaniment and rhythm parts.
Computer Connectivity: USB and Flash ROM The DGX230 comes with 30 built-in songs plus 70 more on an included CD-ROM and an interactive lesson system, divided into left and right hand parts, for learning them. In addition, you have the ability to connect to a computer via USB, download more songs from the Internet into the internal Flash ROM (PC only), and use all of the Yamaha Education Suitefeatures to help you learn to play them. Yamaha makes it easy to get connected with the new PC button. Now, instead of wading through function menus and fighting through a maze of selections, one button is your expressway to music on the web and your computer. In addition, once connected, you can play your songs into the computer (PC and Mac), edit them if necessary, and e-mail them to your friends and family. And with General MIDI (GM) and XGlite compatibility, song data always plays back with the correct sounds.
Digital Music Notebook Digital Music Notebook is a multimedia internet service that enables you to preview, purchase, download and print learn-to-play music books and chart-topping sheet music. From scales to chords to your favorite riffs, Digital Music Notebook is jam-packed with all the secrets you need to master your instrument. Add accompaniments, record and mix yourself, sing karaoke with friends, learn new techniques while having a blast--Digital Music Notebook delivers everything you need to bring music alive! And it's included with the DGX230.
Ease of Operation There are many tools in the keyboard that make it easy to be a power user from the first day you own the keyboard.
Expandable Music Database: Complete keyboard setups by song title. The keyboard selects an appropriate voice for the right hand melody, the correct musical style and the correct tempo. Simply call up a song title and start playing.
One Touch Setting (OTS): Provides you with a recommended voice with effects for each style. For example, on a jazz style OTS might be piano, for a Latin style it might be acoustic guitar and for a rock style it might be a guitar with overdrive etc.
Registration Memory: Set the keyboard up just the way you like and take a digital snapshot by memorizing it to one of the Registration buttons. Load and save up to 16 Registrations to User memory. The Registration buttons are conveniently located just above the keyboard.
Performance Assistant Technology: Performance assistant technology is a feature from Yamaha that guarantees that you can't play a wrong note or chord. Here's how it works. Select a song, press the Performance Assistant button and play the keyboard--any notes you like. Every note you play will fit the music. If you move up the keyboard, the pitch goes up. If you move down, the pitch goes down. Play a perfect arpeggio, or play chords in time with the music, or really "go for it" and play a solo. As long as performance assistant is "on," you're "on." In addition to working with any of the internal songs with chords, this feature also works with XF MIDI files.

Master EQ: Tailor Your Sound Five different master equalizer (EQ) settings are provided to give you the best possible sound when listening through different reproduction systems—the instrument's internal speakers, headphones, or an external speaker system. You're in control.
Easy Song Arranger You can change the "feel," or arrangement, of songs by simply pressing the Easy Song Arranger button, allowing you to re-mix any MIDI file. For example, you can try your favorite song with a Rock feel, Hip Hop, then Jazz. It's fast, powerful and one-button simple.
Realistic Sounding Voices The DGX230 comes equipped with 116 panel voices, 12 drum/SFX kits plus 361 XGlite voices. Included in this selection is stereo-sampled Piano, a selection of special voices including brass, woodwinds, electric pianos, organs and more.
2 Note Polyphony and 16 Part Multi Timbrel In electronic keyboards, the more sounds made at the same time--polyphony--the more memory is needed. Obviously, more is always better, because too little polyphony can cause dropouts in dense passages of music. The DGX230 has 32 notes of polyphony and will play back 16 different parts or sounds at once (16-part multi timbrel); enough for the most demanding needs.
Digital Effects Yamaha has long been a world leader in digital signal processing technology. In fact, Yamaha professional audio products are found in most professional recording studios around the world. The DGX230 takes full advantage of this know-how, giving you an extensive range of nine, top-quality reverb effects that simulate playing in everything from a small room to a large spacious concert hall and four chorus effects that add richness to electric pianos and guitars in particular. You'll also find 26 types of Harmony effects for your melody part.
Metronome Just what the teacher ordered! A fully adjustable metronome is just a button push away.
Auto Accompaniment Styles In addition to the 100 songs mentioned above, the DGX230 also has auto accompaniment styles that "follow" your playing. Simply select a style of music from the 160 built-in styles (example Rock) and start playing. The DGX230 will create a backup band (bass, drums, strings, guitar etc.) and "follow" you through the song. You can play your songs and try different genres of music. And if you can't find the right style for your song, you can go to www.yamahamusicsoft.com, preview from the selection, purchase and transfer it to your keyboard (PC only).
Portable Grand: Industry's best piano You're never more than a button push away from the most realistic piano sound in portable keyboards today. One press of the Portable Grand button resets the entire keyboard to a stereo-sampled piano--perfect for when it's time to practice. Yamaha is known around the world for the quality of our acoustic pianos and this attention to detail is evident as you enjoy the warmth and clarity of the DGX230 Portable Grand piano. And of course, the keyboard includes a Sustain Pedal jack on the back for practicing and playing piano pieces.
Connectivity The DGX230 features USB MIDI, Sustain Pedal jack and a Headphone jack for private practice.
What's in the Box DGX230 Keyboard, Music Rest, Accessory CD-ROM, User's Manual

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Casio WK-200 76-Key Personal Keyboard with MP3/Audio Connection and 570 Tones Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I played piano on my family's old baby grand piano all my life and then I went off to college where I had no piano. I finally asked for one for my birthday and this is what my family chose for me. The sound is GREAT (the 5 main piano tones are very nice, I love 002), the keyboards have a very nice weight to them that makes them feel like a real piano (not something cheap and plasticy).
Some accessories I'd recommend for any buyers:
Headphones-- This keyboard can go really loud and if you're around others, you may want to consider headphones so you can enjoy all the sound :) If you use regular stereo-mini phones (like iPod jacks), you will need a Stereo Mini Jack (1/8") to Stereo Standard Plug (1/4").
Pedal-- This is an M-Audio keyboard so it works with just about any pedal but I really love this one:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00063678K
It has a very realistic feel to it; much better than those cheap plastic ones that you get from the manufacturerOver all a great keyboard, I couldn't be happier!

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The Casio WK-200 is an affordable instrument with a 76 Key Piano Style Touch Sensitive Keyboard, 570 total onboard Tones, 180 Rhythms and Reverb plus Chorus Digital Effects. Packed with great features such as Casio's famous Step-up Lesson System, audio inputs for a MP3 player, Mic input, 10 seconds of sampling and a USB port for MIDI. All this makes WK-200 more realistic and expressive than ever before at this price range.


Standard-Size Keys with Touch Response The WK-200 features 76 standard-size keys and two sensitivity levels for a more piano-like experience, along with 48-note polyphony (24-note for certain tones).

570 Built-In Tones Find just the right sound with 570 built-in tones, from strings to woodwinds and plenty more. You can layer two different tones (such as piano and strings) or split the keyboard down the middle for an ensemble approach.

Reverb and Chorus Effects Select from ten different reverb and five different chorus effects to add depth and shimmer to your performance.

USB Port For many musicians, the computer has become a music-making center. Connect the WK-200 to a computer using a USB cable and exchange MIDI data between the two devices. Send play data from the keyboard to music software running on your computer, or send MIDI data from your computer to the keyboard for playback.

Built-In Sampling You can use the WK-200 to sample a sound from a portable audio player or other device, and then play the sound with keyboard keys. Sample up to ten seconds, and store up to five sampled sounds to keyboard memory.

152 Built-In Songs and Ten User Songs The WK-200 comes with a bank of songs for your learning and enjoyment. You can also record your own performances, using up to six tracks of different instruments.

Step Up Lessons To master a song, it is best to break it up into shorter parts (phrases), master the phrases, and then put everything together. The WK-200 features a "Step Up Lesson" feature that helps you to do just that. The built-in songs are pre-divided into phrases to help you master keyboard play. Step Up Lesson takes you through practice of the right hand part, left hand part, and both hand parts for each phrase of a song. Master all of the phrases and you master the song.

Music Challenge Keyboard Game Music Challenge is a game that measures your reaction speed as you press keys in response to on-screen keyboard indicators and fingering guide indications.

Auto Accompaniment With Auto Accompaniment, simply select an accompaniment pattern. Each time you play a chord with your left hand the appropriate accompaniment will play automatically. It's like having a personal backup group along with you wherever you go. The WK-200 features 180 built-in rhythms, and you you can also edit and save up to 10 of your own auto accompaniment patterns.

Auto Harmonize Auto Harmonize automatically adds harmony to notes you play with your right hand, which adds rich depth to the melody of your performances. You can select from among 12 types of Auto Harmonize to suit the type of music you are playing.

Arpeggiator The Arpeggiator makes it possible to play an arpeggio pattern automatically. There are 90 different arpeggio patterns from which to choose in order to match the music you are playing.

Transpose Function An easy operation instantly changes the key of the keyboard.

Line-in and Mic Input Play along with MP3 or CD players or other devices by plugging them into the stereo mini input jack, or plug a mic right in and sing along.

Battery or AC Power Power the WK-200 with six D-sized batteries or purchase the AD-5MR adapter separately to power from your electrical outlets. Built-in speakers make the keyboard entirely portable.

An Auto Power Off feature turns off the device six minutes after the last key is touched, helping you save batteries.

What's in the Box WK-200 Keyboard, Song Book, Safety Precautions, Appendix, Warranty

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Yamaha YPG535 Portable Grand Piano Package (with SK88B Survival Kit) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Nice keyboard, nice sound, feels like a real piano and it's got all the keys. I like that it includes a nice, stable music rest, keyboard stand, footswitch and power adaptor.
Lots of features too: fun sounds, (drum, maracas, bongos, etc. plus sound effects like phone, ufo, dog barking, etc)
It has a super metronome which you can adjust the tempo of, set the number of beats per measure, adjust volume, etc.
It records your performance which is nice, so my piano teacher can play something she wants me to learn, record it, then I can replay that when I'm practicing.
More features, too many to mention... If you'd like to start with something smaller or something less expensiv, I'd check out a Casio keyboard. Casio CTK4000 Premium Pack with Power Supply, Keyboard Stand and Professional Closed Cup Stereo Headphones, Casio LK100 Lighted Keyboard with Premium Accessories Package (this is the first one I got)

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The Yamaha YPG535 88 Key Portable Keyboard gives to the sound and feel of a grand piano in a portable package at an affordable price. The YPG535 offers a graded soft touch action that everyone from the beginner to the professional will love. The YPG535 also includes a stand along with a sustain pedal and power adapter. For the beginner, the built-in interactive lessons provide a user definable tempo that allow for learning at your pace. Yamaha YPG535 Features 88 piano-style keys with Graded Soft Touch 6-track sequencer allows you to record your own music USB & Flash ROM to download new Songs and Styles for playing 5 types preset Master EQ Interactive Lessons: Your Tempo mode helps you learn to play Backlit LCD, panel lights, pitch bend wheel Portable Grand Button: industry's best piano Yamaha XGlite/GM voices plus Sweet!, Cool!, Split & Dual voice Performance Assistant guarantees a rewarding music experience Music Database 267 keyboard setups by song title Optional BB1 keyboard bench. Click for more information. The Yamaha (YPG535KIT) 88 Key Portable Grand Piano includes a Yamaha Survival Kit! The Survival Kit is designed to provide you with everything you need to get started. Includes a two-year extended warranty, Watch & Learn DVD, grand piano key cover, stereo headphones, bonus coupons, Yamaha Survival Kit DVD-ROM. Piano Centric Features The Yamaha Portable Grand, YPG535 has an easy to use panel, a wealth of piano-centric features including 88 piano-style keys, Graded Soft Touch (GST) action with different levels of resistance, high resolution stereo piano sample and comes with an attractive matching stand, PA

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Korg MicroKey 37 Key USB Keyboard Controller Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The Microkey demonstrates that Korg learns from its failures and its successes. The Microkey's predecessor, the Nanokey, had some advantages: it was cheap and you could throw it in a laptop bag. Users soon found out that the Nanokey was too cheap. It wasn't sturdy, and the button keyboard did not win awards for usability. On the other hand, The Microkorg and Microkorg XL synthesizers have been hits with their mini-sized keys. Korg basically took the keyboard fromt eh Microkorg, put it in a no-frills controller case, and gave it a reasonable, [...] price tag. In short, the formula works.
With 37 mini-keys (3 octaves C-C), the Microkey is too big for a laptop bag, but it fits nicely in your lap or on a table. It plugs directly into your computer via USB. In my case, it was plug-and-play with Windows-7, with the computer automatically loading the driver; however I had to download a driver (no problem) for Mac OS-X. The small keys are easy to get used to, have a good feel and good velocity response. The Microkey does not transmit aftertouch. Other than the keys, the only controls are lighted octave shift + and - buttons (shifting up to 3 octaves in each direction), a spring-loaded pitchbend wheel, and an un-sprung modulation wheel. I knocked off a star for failure to include a jack for a sustain pedal, much less an additional jack for a volume pedal or continuous controller.
KORG LEGACY COLLECTION SPECIAL EDITION - This is what I really want to talk about. The Microkey is bundled with light versions of several software packages, the most notable being Korg's own M1LE. M1LE contains most of the sounds of Korg's bestselling hardware synthesizer/workstation of 1988, the Korg M1. Approximately 100,000 M1 synthesizers were sold for almost at almost [...]. In other words, the M1LE is pretty worthwhile on its own, but it really becomes worthwhile after you register your copy of M1LE online at [...], because registered M1LE owners qualify to buy a special edition of Korg's Legacy Collection software synthesizers for $99.00. The Legacy Collection Special Edition includes BOTH the analog edition and the digital editions of the Legacy collection. It includes the MS20, Polysix, Mono/Poly, Legacy Cell, Wavestation, and M1 (expanded). Recently Korg unbundled these software synths and started selling them individually for $49.99 each. So with the Legacy Collection Special Edition, you're basically buying all of these synths plus the hardware controller for $50.00 less than what you'd pay for just the software synths. Buying the Legacy Collection changes the Microkey from a good buy to a great buy. You have to download the synths one at a time from korguser.net, and the registration procedure is a bit of a pain. The license allows you to download the software on more than one computer that you own, but you can only use one at a time. Each computer that you install the software on must be individually registered. http://www.amazon.com/review/create-review There is no dongle or USB key needed for this version of the Legacy synths.
THE COMPETITION: For my money, the closest competition is Arturia Analog Experience - The Factory Hybrid Synthesizer, which, like the Microkorg plus Legacy Collection, gives you a compact controller plus thousands of sounds. Arturia's product, for just a little bit more than the Korg, Arturia gives you a more full featured controller (with aftertouch). It's a viable option that I almost bought (and might buy yet.) Another option (especially for Windows users) would be M-Audio's M-Audio Keyrig 25 25-note Synth-Action Keyboard and Midi Controller or M Audio KeyRig 49 49 Key USB Keyboard Controller I bought the Key Rig software separately several years ago. Here's a link to my review of the Key Rig Software, http://www.amazon.com/review/R1ZNFX9NE271ES. If your needs are simple, Key Rig may be all the software you need.

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Gain powerful control over your favorite music software, Korg-Style! For live performance stand alone soft-synth applications or as a music production studio tool, Korg's MicroKey is the perfect choice for controlling your computer music software. The microKEY is slim, lightweight, USB powered and compatible with all of your computer music software; use it to create your own compact and customized command center. Korg MicroKey Keyboard Controller Features USB MIDI keyboard - thin, lightweight, and USB-powered 37 velocity-sensitive mini keys Comfortable and easy-to-play Natural Touch keyboard Octave Shift and Key Transpose features access the full MIDI note range Pitch Bend and Modulation wheels add expression to your performance Dual USB connections are ideal for daisy chaining a nanoPAD or nanoKONTROL Natural Touch mini keyboard The microKEY features 37 velocity-sensing mini keys, using the same Natural Touch keybed found on the Korg microKORG XL and microSTATION. This keybed has been designed with careful attention to the touch and feel. The proportions of the black keys and white 'waterfall' keys have been adjusted for optimal playability, and the key touch makes it easy to play chords, glissandos, and rapid-fire phrases. The microKEY accurately conveys the dynamics of your performance to any software plug in. Extended Range and Expression The Octave Shift buttons extend the range of the microKEY by four octaves in either direction - up or down. The Key Transpose allows you to play in any key instantly. Used together, these two features provide access to the entire MIDI note range. For adding tasty expression to your performance, the microKEY is also equipped with both a Pitch Bend wheel and a Modulation wheel. USB versatility

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Casio CTK-3000 Premium Pack with Power Supply, Keyboard Stand and Professional Closed Cup Stereo Headphones Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I really don't think I could have found a better keyboard at the price of the Casio CTK3000. After much research, I decided on this keyboard because of the number of keys and the fact that it came with a stowaway stand, headphones and charger. For me, an adult who is just learning piano, it was essential for me to have headphones so I wasn't disturbing everyone in the house. The keyboard is really easy to use. I didn't even read any of the instructions. I just plugged it in and started practicing.
The stand is a little difficult to adjust and it doesn't attach as securely to the stand as I would like it to, but it's not unstable or anything. The keyboard sort of just sits on top of the stand. This is not a problem for an adult, but if you're looking at getting this keyboard for a child, then you may want to take that into account. This keyboard also works great on a regular table, as long as you have one that is at an appropriate height for practicing. I use the keyboard on the tabletop more than I use it on the stand, but I'm glad I have the stand for those times that I do need to use it.
The keyboard also comes with a little bar that you insert into the back of the keyboard to hold your sheet music or lesson book. There is a groove at the top center of the keyboard to prevent the sheet music/book from slipping. I found that the other reviews I read and the product description didn't note that the keyboard does have a space to hold music. Of course that may be something that is just standard on keyboards, but, as a piano novice, I was not aware of this.
Bottom line, I think this keyboard is excellent quality for the price and will last a beginner quite a while.

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The Casio CTK-3000 is an affordable instrument with a 61 Key Piano Style Touch Sensitive Keyboard, 400 total onboard Tones, 150 Rhythms and Digital Effects. Packed with great features such as Casio's famous Step-up Lesson System, audio inputs for a MP3 player, USB port for MIDI implementation and a pitch wheel for additional expression over sounds. All this makes CTK-3000 more realistic and expressive than ever before at this price range.


CTK-3000 Premium PackThe Premium Pack bundles the CTK-3000 keyboard with a Yamaha power supply, keyboard stand and professional closed-cup stereo headphones.
Standard-Size Keys with Touch ResponseThe CTK-3000 features 61 standard-size keys and two sensitivity levels for a more piano-like experience, along with 48-note polyphony (24-note for certain tones).
400 Built-In TonesFind just the right sound with 400 built-in tones, and select from ten different reverb settings to add depth.
USB PortFor many musicians, the computer has become a music-making center. Connect the CTK-3000 to a computer using a USB cable and exchange MIDI data between the two devices. Send play data from the keyboard to music software running on yourcomputer, or send MIDI data from your computer to the keyboard for playback.
Built-In SamplingYou can use the CTK-3000 to sample a sound from a portable audio player or other device, and then play the sound with keyboard keys. For example, you could sample the bark of your dog and then use the sound in a melody, or grab passages from a CD. The sampling feature is a fun way to create new sounds.
Note: Samples are not stored permanently. Turning off power will cause any sampled sound data on the keyboard to be deleted.
110 Built-In Songs With Step Up LessonsThe CTK-3000 comes with a bank of songs for your learning and enjoyment, from classics like "Greensleeves" or "Auld Lang Syne" to holiday tunes like "Jingle Bells."
To master a song, it is best to break it up into shorter parts (phrases), master the phrases, and then put everything together. The CTK-3000 features a "Step Up Lesson" feature that helps you to do just that. The built-in songs are pre-divided into phrases to help you master keyboard play. Step Up Lesson takes you through practice of the right hand part, left hand part, and both hand parts for each phrase of a song. Master all of the phrases and you master the song.
Music Challenge Keyboard GameMusic Challenge is a game that measures your reaction speed as you press keys in response to on-screen keyboard indicators and fingering guide indications.
Auto AccompanimentSimply specify a chord and the keyboard automatically produces the matching rhythm, bass, and chord patters. One-touch fill-ins make accompaniments sound interesting and natural. 150 built in auto-accompaniment rhythm patterns.
Transpose FunctionAn easy operation instantly changes the key of the keyboard.
Audio InputPlay along with MP3 or CD players or other devices by plugging them into the stereo mini input jack.
Battery or AC PowerPower the CTK-3000 with six AA-sized batteries (approximately four hours of continuous operation with alkaline batteries) or purchase the AD-5 AC adapter separately to power from your electrical outlets. Built-in speakers make the keyboard entirely portable.
An Auto Power Off feature turns off the device six minutes after the last key is touched, helping you save batteries.
What's in the BoxCTK-3000 Keyboard, Music Stand, Song Book, Safety Precautions, Appendix, Warranty, Power Supply, Keyboard Stand and Headphones

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Casio CTK-3000 61 Key Digital Keyboard Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a very nice keyboard for home use, even more so as the price is right. The digital readout is easy to see, with nice big black letters and numbers for the important information. The sound is crisp and clear. There are many voices and rhythms to choose from. I especially like the "teach yourself to play" system with so many playalong tunes and a nice fat songbook. The folk and classical rhythms and accompaniments are WONDERFUL and not found on other keyboards. I like the piano voices in my CT640 better though. Maybe one day I will have this set up as a MIDI and can download those better voices from the Casio website into this keyboard. It's really a very nice instrument, with a headphone jack that works well, putting out a similar sound to what comes through the speakers. Because the piano voices are not the greatest, I recommend adding a sustain pedal when ordering as well as the power adapter, and, if your earphones have the little pin plugs, you will need a stereo phone plug to stereo pin plug adapter.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Casio CTK-3000 61 Key Digital Keyboard

The Casio CTK-3000 is an affordable instrument with a 61 Key Piano Style Touch Sensitive Keyboard, 400 total onboard Tones, 150 Rhythms and Digital Effects. Packed with great features such as Casio's famous Step-up Lesson System, audio inputs for a MP3 player, USB port for MIDI implementation and a pitch wheel for additional expression over sounds. All this makes CTK-3000 more realistic and expressive than ever before at this price range.

Standard-Size Keys with Touch ResponseThe CTK-3000 features 61 standard-size keys and two sensitivity levels for a more piano-like experience, along with 48-note polyphony (24-note for certain tones).
400 Built-In TonesFind just the right sound with 400 built-in tones, and select from ten different reverb settings to add depth.
USB PortFor many musicians, the computer has become a music-making center. Connect the CTK-3000 to a computer using a USB cable and exchange MIDI data between the two devices. Send play data from the keyboard to music software running on yourcomputer, or send MIDI data from your computer to the keyboard for playback.
Built-In SamplingYou can use the CTK-3000 to sample a sound from a portable audio player or other device, and then play the sound with keyboard keys. For example, you could sample the bark of your dog and then use the sound in a melody, or grab passages from a CD. The sampling feature is a fun way to create new sounds.
Note: Samples are not stored permanently. Turning off power will cause any sampled sound data on the keyboard to be deleted.
110 Built-In Songs With Step Up LessonsThe CTK-3000 comes with a bank of songs for your learning and enjoyment, from classics like "Greensleeves" or "Auld Lang Syne" to holiday tunes like "Jingle Bells."
To master a song, it is best to break it up into shorter parts (phrases), master the phrases, and then put everything together. The CTK-3000 features a "Step Up Lesson" feature that helps you to do just that. The built-in songs are pre-divided into phrases to help you master keyboard play. Step Up Lesson takes you through practice of the right hand part, left hand part, and both hand parts for each phrase of a song. Master all of the phrases and you master the song.
Music Challenge Keyboard GameMusic Challenge is a game that measures your reaction speed as you press keys in response to on-screen keyboard indicators and fingering guide indications.
Auto AccompanimentSimply specify a chord and the keyboard automatically produces the matching rhythm, bass, and chord patters. One-touch fill-ins make accompaniments sound interesting and natural. 150 built in auto-accompaniment rhythm patterns.
Transpose FunctionAn easy operation instantly changes the key of the keyboard.
Audio InputPlay along with MP3 or CD players or other devices by plugging them into the stereo mini input jack.
Battery or AC PowerPower the CTK-3000 with six AA-sized batteries (approximately four hours of continuous operation with alkaline batteries) or purchase the AD-5 AC adapter separately to power from your electrical outlets. Built-in speakers make the keyboard entirely portable.
An Auto Power Off feature turns off the device six minutes after the last key is touched, helping you save batteries.
What's in the BoxCTK-3000 Keyboard, Music Stand, Song Book, Safety Precautions, Appendix, Warranty

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Behringer U-Control UMX610 61-Key USB/MIDI Controller Keyboard with USB/Audio Interface Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)MIDI keyboard controllers in general fall into a gray area between computer controller and musical instrument. Most seem to focus on the integration between device and DAW and fall very short on playability. I am a piano and guitar player and have reasonably good quality equipment in my recording studio. I wanted a keyboard that I could use in a different location, primarily for polishing up previously recorded tracks during the editing process. I settled on this 61 key unit because it has a sufficient number of scales to play a composition but is not so large to make it non-portable.
Here are the things I like about the keyboard:
1. It's light (about 10 lbs), so is easy to move about
2. Because it has limited MIDI controls, it is also thin, allowing it to be placed on a desk easily, then removed. In contrast, most other MIDI keyboards are twice as deep and require a permanent stand or position.
3. With Logic 9, the keyboard is plug and play. Logic recognizes it easily (an additional scan seemed to help the volume level). I haven't spent any time trying to assign controls, but the basic stuff seems to work nicely with Logic.
4. Full size keys. These keys are full size, or very close. They are not as large as the ones on the Roland stage piano I have, and not weighted, but they are large enough so that fingers are not tripping over each other.
Here are the most significant shortcomings of the keyboard.
1. It's light. Not titanium light, but cheap plastic light. This makes it portable but also quite fragile. I have the feeling that it will break. Soon.
2. Build quality. The rotary knobs are actually quite sturdy, but the little black plastic buttons make a loud and cheap clicking noise when depressed, as if I am doing something that they weren't designed for. The red color may be eye catching (or gaudy depending on your perspective), but it's already scratched in a few places even with delicate handling.
3. The keys, though full size, have very little feel or weighting, despite the company's claim that they are semi-weighted. I imagine that there are boards with even less feel, but this one offers next to no resistance to the touch. It's not a problem if you're entering a two finger bass line, but definitely is if you're used to the normal piano weighting of an acoustic or a good stage piano. I also realize that the lack of weighting keeps the unit light and portable, so I can accept this inherent limitiation.
4. Key sensitivity is also weak. There are three settings only-light, medium and heavy, where the keyboard responds with more or less sound. On the heavy setting, I have to literally smash the keys to get much sound, and on the light setting, everything played registers as the same volume. These are not keys that one can modulate at all.
5. As a MIDI controller, it's acceptable, but for someone using a full featured DAW, the eight knobs and a few buttons will be woefully inadequate to control complex parameters. I have a separate MIDI controller, so this is not an issue.
6. There is little documentation with the unit. I had to go online and dig about to locate a pretty sketchy manual on the product. I have not tried the included software, and do not intend to.
For what is available right now, this unit is not bad. It has no sounds of its own, but plays everything that Logic has in its audio library. Just plug in the USB connection and it is ready to go. In order to get a good keybed, such as one made by Fatar or Roland, one has to not only spend significantly more money (probably well worth it) but also has to put up with a footprint that is much bigger. It is this last part that really is the Behringer's strong suit. It's pretty svelte, while the rest of the bunch are enormous. Yet, in the final reckoning, I will not keep this unit. It just doesn't seem to be that well built, and I am not optimistic about it lasting. Moreover, while the size of the keys are nice, the playability leaves a lot to be desired, at least if one is used to real pianos.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Behringer U-Control UMX610 61-Key USB/MIDI Controller Keyboard with USB/Audio Interface

The UMX MIDI Controller is an extremely flexible master keyboard with a control section for a wide range of applications. Do you need independent control of hardware synthesizers or general MIDI sound modules? How about control over effects devices? Maybe you just want to operate sequencing software or computer plug-ins from a convenient remote location? UMX Series controllers provide total flexibility and tremendous ease of use, allowing you to realize your ideas intuitively.

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Casio WK-500 76-Key Personal Keyboard with MP3/Audio Connection, 670 Tones and Power Supply Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Amazon listed the best price, the vendor was quick in shipping, the product is every bit as good as I could have expected, this was a good purchase.
The only reservation I would list for Amazon is that the time delay when I make an order is 3 to 4 days before they process the order for shipping, Amazon gives some time for customer review and cancellation of an order and I can understand the problem with folks canceling orders and the item is already shipped. With Amazon's experience as a seller I believe they have it right, I'm not the patient type but this wait has been worth it.
The WK-500 is better than I expected, I like the 76 key size, I had looked at the weighted key models but after using this one I'm glad I saved the money and I like the keyboard feel of the keys on the WK-500, they aren't weighted but not cheap feeling like I thought they would be as I have seen on some keyboards. I would say it has a nice action if you can call it that and has reasonable touch sensitive control settings although the default setting appears the best. Good overall sound, when I first got it I was slow to adapt to the different control setup than my smaller 66 keyboard but quickly became at home the Casio's setup. I also thought that the dull black color would be less attractive than my preference would be the higher luster silver type I kind of expected of a keyboard but again I was wrong as the black mantle look matches quite a bit of my other stereo and computer stuff and looks fine.
I'm not an expert on sound quality and keyboard features however I am impressed with both. I have had this about a month and have not used the advanced features like computer hookup etc. so I can't comment further.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Casio WK-500 76-Key Personal Keyboard with MP3/Audio Connection, 670 Tones and Power Supply

With 76 touch-sensitive piano style keys and a host of features, which include 670 high quality tones, recording capabilities and song expansion, the WK-500 as the latest edition to the "WK" range of Casio keyboards. Featuring 48 note polyphony, line and mic inputs, 10 seconds of sampling, USB MIDI Interface, pitch wheel, a SD card slot for song storage, line outputs for connecting the WK-500 to an amplifier or PA, the quality, flexibility and usability all help to make the WK-500 the ideal instrument for beginners and advanced players alike.

Touch-Sensitive Keyboard The WK-500 features 76 touch-sensitive, piano-style keys and two sensitivity levels for a more piano-like experience, along with 48-note polyphony (24-note for certain tones).
670 Built-In Tones Find just the right sound with 670 built-in tones, from strings to woodwinds and plenty more. You can layer two different tones (such as piano and strings) or split the keyboard down the middle for an ensemble approach.
Reverb and Chorus Effects Select from ten different reverb and five different chorus effects to add depth and shimmer to your performance.
SD Memory Card Support The WK-500 supports SD Memory Cards up to 2 GB, so you can store sampled sounds, user rhythms, recorded songs, and more, without running out of memory.
USB Port For many musicians, the computer has become a music-making center. Connect the WK-500 to a computer using a USB cable and exchange MIDI data between the two devices. Send play data from the keyboard to music software running on your computer, or send MIDI data from your computer to the keyboard for playback.
Built-In Sampling You can use the WK-500 to sample a sound from a portable audio player or other device, and then play the sound with keyboard keys. Sample up to ten seconds, and store up to five sampled sounds to keyboard memory.
You can also loop sampled sounds so they continue to play, or replace individual sounds on drum patches.
152 Built-In Songs and Ten User Songs The WK-500 comes with a bank of songs for your learning and enjoyment, from classics like "Greensleeves" or "Auld Lang Syne" to holiday tunes like "Jingle Bells."
You can also record your own performances, using up to six tracks of different instruments.
Step Up Lessons To master a song, it is best to break it up into shorter parts (phrases), master the phrases, and then put everything together. The WK-500 features a "Step Up Lesson" feature that helps you to do just that. The built-in songs are pre-divided into phrases to help you master keyboard play. Step Up Lesson takes you through practice of the right hand part, left hand part, and both hand parts for each phrase of a song. Master all of the phrases and you master the song.
Auto Accompaniment With Auto Accompaniment, simply select an accompaniment pattern. Each time you play a chord with your left hand the appropriate accompaniment will play automatically. It's like having a personal backup group along with you wherever you go.
Select from 200 built-in rhythms or define your own 10 user rhythms.
Auto Harmonize Auto Harmonize automatically adds harmony to notes you play with your right hand, which adds rich depth to the melody of your performances. You can select from among 12 types of Auto Harmonize to suit the type of music you are playing.
Arpeggiator The Arpeggiator makes it possible to play an arpeggio pattern automatically. There are 90 different arpeggio patterns from which to choose in order to match the music you are playing.
Transpose Function An easy operation instantly changes the key of the keyboard.
Audio Input Play along with MP3 or CD players or other devices by plugging them into the stereo mini input jack.
Battery or AC Power Power the WK-500 with six D-sized batteries or purchase the AD-12 AC adapter separately to power from your electrical outlets. Built-in speakers make the keyboard entirely portable.
An Auto Power Off feature turns off the device six minutes after the last key is touched, helping you save batteries.
What's in the Box WK-500 Keyboard, Music Stand, Song Book, Leaflets (Safety Precautions, Appendix, Warranty), User's Manual

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Avid KeyStudio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is exactly what i was looking for!!! ive been searching on and off for something like this for a long time. the keyboard is very basic and easy to use but is still capable of so much. Pro Tools SE is very easy to use and fun!!! would recomend to anyone that would like to learn how to make music for fun!!

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Powered by the same technology behind many of today\'s greatest hits, Avid KeyStudio instantly transforms your Mac or PC into a full-featured recording studio. The streamlined combination of Avid hardware and software—the 49-note, velocity-sensitive M-Audio KeyStudio keyboard and Pro Tools SE music creation application—makes it easy to turn your inspiration into a professional-quality song. Just connect the keyboard to your computer, fire up the software, choose from over 100 different instrument sounds, and start playing. You can build out your composition with loops from the huge included library, then add effects, polish your tracks, and share them with the world.

Make music in minutes

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