The Holy Grail of sounds for the electric piano has been creating the sounds and playing experience of the concert grand piano. Has the Yamaha AvantGrand N3 found the right mix of sound and playability. Keyboard mag gave a first look review of the piano.

The conclusion was:

“Yamaha has set a new benchmark for what’s possible in a grand piano substitute, and by a dramatic margin. The elephant-in-the-room question is, “But is it worth the price?” One naysay is that you can find a more-than-decent baby grand for the same money or less. Having lived with an N3 for six weeks, and repeatedly compared the N3 at my local piano store to many sizes and makes of acoustic grands in the showroom, I found I needed to step into the six-foot (and at least $30,000) league to hear something compelling enough to make me forget that the AvantGrand will never need tuning nor react to temperature and humidity, and can be turned down for quiet practice. Point being, the AvantGrand sounds and plays so authentically that even purists who’ve historically dismissed such standard digital piano selling points have ample reason to think again. With aplomb, Yamaha has pulled off not just a major technological leap, but a seeming contradiction: a virtual piano for people for whom nothing but a real piano will do.”

So they seem impressed by the piano and what it can do. The advantages of having a digital piano, quiet practice, control over sound. With the feel of the grand piano.

The only con that is mentioned is the “lack of multitimbrality, arranger features, and lesson functions” that are sometimes included in top of the range pianos.

As a beginner, it can be hard to decide what kind of keyboard to buy. You may not want to spend too much but at the same time you want something that will last past the first 6 months. Today there is such a wide variety of instruments that it can be a confusing process.
Here are a few tips to help you decide:
• The keyboard should have full sized keys. Even if you have a young child who is starting, they will soon grow out of smaller keys, and the chances are the keyboard they use in their lessons will have full size keys.
• Ideally if you want the keyboard to last longer than the first 6 months it should be touch sensitive.
• 61 keys minimum, this will be enough to last a couple of years, but anything less will be out of date almost as soon as you start

psrs700

Below is a demonstration of the PSR S700 being used so you can see what how well it works.

Yamaha’s PSR Series Keyboard PSR-S700 Digital workstation keyboard.

Features:

• Series: PSR Keyboards
• Further details: – 813 voices inc. Megavoice and Organ flutes 
• 96 note polyphony 
• 205 styles 
• Multi pads 
• Music Finder Plus 
• IDC with LAN port 
• USB to device 
• 12W x 2 amplification

An advanced keyboard that has a multitude of features for the user that wants more from their keyboard.

Yamaha KX8 USB Keyboard

The Yamaha KX 8 series USB Keyboard Studios have been created to optimally complement software-based music production and workflow.

Yamaha KX 8 Control capability has been refined for smooth integration with DAW software, the most popular software-based tone modules, and the workflow methodologies they involve. Everything you need for smooth music production is right at your fingertips. With Yamaha and Steinberg total integration, a KX gives comprehensive control of Cubase. (Cubase AI4 is already bundled with each keyboard). Perfect for the ‘one-stop’ solution for the education market, the KX range gives the peace of mind of knowing that regardless of the computer platform or connectivity options , the KX 8 will allow anyone to create and produce music on a standard USB-equipped computer.

Features:

• 88-key keyboard with optimized touch and velocity response.
• Seamlessly play and control software or hardware tone modules via USB or MIDI.
• Four assignable knobs for real-time tone module parameter control.
• Control templates for 30 of the most popular software tone modules.
• Integrated DAW transport and track control.
• Integrated VSTi instrument window and track control.
• Built-in arpeggiator with 342 phrase types for fast, efficient production.
• Bundled with Steinberg’s advanced CUBASE AI recording and production software.
• KX Editor application allows detailed parameter assignment and editing.
• Single-cable USB computer connection with USB bus power

The new Tyros 3 keyboard from yamaha.

61 key keyboard with authentic sounds that are powerful with all new exciting styles.

Combines the most advanced tone generation technology,
Super Articulation 2 with state-of-the-art digital electronics and features to give you stunning sound quality with maximum musical versatility.

• 749 Voices
• 35 Drum/SFX Kits
• 480 XG and 256 GM2 Voices including brand new Super Articulation 2 Technology
• 450 exceptionally high-quality Styles including the new MegaVoices
• Eight slider, one assignable slider and articulation switches
• Adoption of Two-Track Hard Disk Recorder and large-capacity Hard Disk Drive
• Convenient Multi Pad Sync function, Registration and OTS Setting

If you would like to see a demonstraion of the keyboard then you can pop down to dolphin music who are doing showcases of the new tyros 3 follow this link for more information: Here

The official website for the tyros 3 keyboard is below:

http://music-tyros.com/

Some wall paper links for you fans

http://music-tyros.com/img/tyros3wp_01_1280_1024.zip

The Yamaha PSRE413 is a 61-key portable keyboard with innovative features for learning to play, like the Yamaha Portable Grand and Yamaha Education Suite. A step up from the Yamaha PSR-E403, it too has fun, creative features including sound control knobs for real time control over effects, filters, EQ, tempo and 100 different Arpeggiator patterns. The PSR-E413 includes USB connectivity, allowing for the transfer of songs, styles and MIDI data between the instrument and a computer.

This can be used for educational purposes or for musicians to play along with pieces that are downloaded into the unit. For aspiring music artists, recording original pieces is quick and simple with the six-track/five-song capacity onboard sequencer. And, with Yamaha’s Performance Assistant technology, anyone can play a song – even novices. When the PSR-E413 keys are struck in time with the music, the notes are corrected to match chords of the song being played. No matter what keys are hit on the keyboard, the correct notes will play.

Features:

• Latest generation PSR portable keyboard with great educational features and USB
• 61-key unit with Touch Response
• 504 great sounds
• Extremely portable, and lightweight for easy transport
• Keyboard education tools
• The Yamaha Portable Grand – specially selected Yamaha grand piano sample, recorded in stereo for exceptional realism
• The Yamaha Education Suite
• 6 track 5 song sequencer to record your own songs
• Five types of Master EQ
• 32-note polyphony
• 9 digital reverb, 4 chorus, 26 harmony effects and 50 type arpeggio function
• Arpeggiator provides 100 different patterns and beats
• Performance Assistant technology
• USB connectivity
• Foot switch socket – allows connection of an FC4/5 foot switch for sustain
• Headphone socket – for private practice
• Requires a Yamaha KPA3 power adaptor – not included

Yamaha P85 Specs

• Keyboard – Progressive Hammer Action Keyboard, 88 keys
• Tone Generator – AWM, Stereo Sampling
• Polyphony – Max. 64 notes
• 10 voices
• Reverb Effects
• Dual Performance Modes
• Sustain Pedal – When an optional FC3 Foot Pedal is connected, the half-damper pedal effect can be used.
• Demo Songs – 10 voice demo songs, 50 preset songs
• Connectors – Headphones, MIDI-IN/OUT
• Amplifiers 2 x 6 Watt
• Speakers 12 x 6 cm x 2
• Dimensions (W x D x H) 52-3/8″ x 14″ x 5-1/4″
• Weight 13.0 kg (28 lbs. 11 oz.)
• Included Accessories – Music Rest, FC5 Foot Pedal, AC Power Adapter

The Yamaha PSR-E313 makes playing piano fast and easy with the Yamaha Portable Grand function. One button brings up a great sounding piano, stunningly rich and authentic in its sound and exceptionally responsive to your playing touch, as well as setting up the keyboard to play as a piano.

The Yamaha PSR-E313 also features a built-in 2-track recorder to easily record your ideas and a music database to help you find the sound that suits your style.

The main features of the Yamaha PSR-E313 are:

61 regular-sized keys and 32-note polyphony
482 high-quality instrument voices and 106 accompaniment styles
Special 2-track Easy Recording feature
Music Database: 100 song titles for quick keyboard setups
Yamaha world-famous grand piano sound
Yamaha Education Suite (Y.E.S.) feature
102 built-in songs for easy learning
Reverb effect with 9 different reverb types + different sound effects
Connections: headphones, MIDI In/Out, Footswitch
Requires a Yamaha KPA3 power adaptor – not included

Yamaha’s E-Series keyboards enrich, educate, entertain, and empower

61-key keyboard that features 375 natural sounding voices. 

The PSR-E213 features 375 natural sounding voices, including Stereo Grand Piano, 361 XGlite voices, 12 drum kits and a sound effect kit. The PSR-E213 also has 100 accompaniment styles and 102 built-in songs. Use the Portable Grand button to instantly call up an authentic stereo grand piano sound. The instrument also has a rich Reverb effect that adds concert-hall ambience to any performance. The Yamaha Education Suite feature makes learning and practicing music more fun than ever before.

Features:

• Total of 375 high-quality instrument voices and 100 accompaniment styles 
• Portable Grand button lets you instantly call up Yamaha’s world-famous grand piano sound 
• Yamaha Education Suite (Y.E.S.) feature 
• 102 built-in songs for easy learning 
• Reverb effect with 9 different reverb types 

The PSR-E213 features 375 natural sounding voices, including Stereo Grand Piano, 361 XGlite voices, 12 drum kits and a sound effect kit. The PSR-E213 also has 100 accompaniment styles and 102 built-in songs. Use the Portable Grand button to instantly call up an authentic stereo grand piano sound. The instrument also has a rich Reverb effect that adds concert-hall ambience to any performance. The Yamaha Education Suite feature makes learning and practicing music more fun than ever before.

The Yamaha PSR-E213 it’s an unbelievable bargain as a full size MIDI controller.

Specification

SpecsColor/FinishBody Color: Black

Weight: Weight 4.4kg (9lbs., 11oz.)

Control: InterfaceKeyboard Number of Keys 61

Type Organ Style

Display Type Custom LCD

Size 92mm x 32mm

Language English

Panel Language English

VoicesTone Generation Tone Generating Technology AWM Stereo Sampling

Polyphony Number of Polyphony (Max.) 32

Preset Number of Voices Stereo Grand Piano + 361 XGlite + 13 Drum/SFX/SE Kits

Featured Voices Sound Effect Kit

Compatibility XGlite Yes

GM Yes

EffectsTypes Reverb 9 types

Functions Panel Sustain yes (in menu)

Accompaniment StylesPreset Number of Preset Styles 100

Fingering Multi

Style Control INTRO, MAIN x 2, FILL-IN, ENDING

Other Features One Touch Setting (OTS) Yes

SongsPreset Number of Preset Songs 102

FunctionsLesson/Guide Yamaha Education Suite (YES) Listen & Learn, Timing, Waiting, Chord Dictionary

Overall Controls Metronome Yes

Tempo Range 32 – 280

Transpose -12 to 0, 0 to +12

Tuning Yes

Miscellaneous PIANO Button Portable Grand Button

Storage and ConnectivityConnectivity DC IN DC IN 12V

Headphones x 1

MIDI In/Out

AUX Pedal 1 Footswitch (optional)

Amplifiers and SpeakersAmplifiers Amplifiers 2.5W + 2.5W

Speakers Speakers 12cm x 2

Power SupplyPower Supply Adaptor (PA-3C/PA-130), or batteries (Six “AA” size, LR6 or equivalent batteries)

Power Consumption 10W

AccessoriesIncluded Accessories Music Rest Yes