Let’s take a look at Yamaha PSR keyboards. We shall talk about beginner, intermediate and advanced models.
PSR keyboards are the most popular Yamaha keyboards. I guess this is mainly because of the fact that there are so many student and beginner models.
Some advanced models (PSR-S models) cost over a thousand dollars. These may not be the best ones for someone who is just starting out or who is on a budget.
As a beginner, you should probably check out cheaper models (PSR-E models) like the Yamaha PSR-E443 (price: $229.99), or the Yamaha PSR-E353 (price: $159.99). A young child would probably be fine with a basic keyboard like the Yamaha PSR-E253 (costs about $99.99).
When it comes to keyboards, it usually gets better with price. So budget is always a factor. If you’ve got more money to spend, check out the Yamaha PSR-S670 (price: $799.99).
These Yamaha PSR Keyboards Are Great For Intermediate or Advanced Players – PSR-S
PSR keyboards like the PSR-S770 and PSR-S970 cost about $1,299.99 and $1999.99 respectively. These are more advanced Yamaha PSR arranger workstations. They come with incredible features and are great for intermediate and advanced players.
For instance, the Yamaha PSRS710 has 128 note polyphony, 850 incredible instrument voices, realistic built-in accompaniment, a 16-track sequencer, audio recorder, large, easy-to read screen, dozens of effects and Internet Direct Connect and USB connectivity.
(Update: The PSRS710 has been discontinued. Get the PSR-S770 instead.)
The Yamaha PSRS910 features super articulation voices, sounds from the legendary Tyros3, MP3 playback, microphone input with 3-part harmony, color screen, 128 note polyphony, a 16 track sequencer, audio recorder, Internet Direct Connect and USB connectivity, and dozens of effects.
(Update: The PSRS910 has been discontinued. Get the PSR-S970 instead.)
Such arranger workstations are to be bought by intermediate or advanced players, particular those interested in musical arrangement.
These Yamaha PSR Keyboards Are Great For Beginners – PSR-E
It’s pointless spending so much money on a keyboard for features you are not yet ready to use. You’re better off with one of the cheaper Yamaha PSR keyboards.
Basic beginner keyboards like the Yamaha PSR-E353 and PSR-E443 come with a very important feature, the Yamaha Education Suite. With this feature, beginners learn how to play the keyboard.
What kind of other features can one expect in cheaper Yamaha PSR keyboards?
Let’s take a look at the Yamaha PSR-E323
(Update: The PSR-E323 has been discontinued. Get the PSR-E353 instead).
It comes with the following features:
– Touch Response: Expressive touch like a piano
– Back-lit display: Better information
– 12 Drumkits plus 1 Sound Effect kit with dedicated button
– Split (different voice on L&R) & Layer (2 voices i.e. Piano/Strings)
– Music Database: Automatic keyboard setups by song title
– 2-track sequencer: Record your own songs
– Yamaha Education Suite features Keys to Success function
– Flash ROM: Import Standard MIDI Files for listening or learning
– DSP effects include 9 Reverb and 4 Chorus
– Headphone jack
– MIDI In/Out
– Sustain Pedal jack
– Bass ports provide full sound
Let’s check out the Yamaha PSR-E423. Features of this Yamaha PSR keyboard include:
(Update: The PSR-E423 has been discontinued. Get the PSR-E443 instead).
– 61-key Portable Arranger Keyboard
– Touch Response for added expression
– Built-in 6-track, 5-song sequencer with Easy Song Arranger
– Yamaha’s built-in Education Suite with chord dictionary
– Pitch bend wheel and optional sustain pedal jack
– 700 built-in voices — 183 Panel Voices, 462 XGlite Voices, 15 Drum/SFX Kits, and 40 Arpeggio Voices
– 32-note Polyphony
– 2 Control Knobs to adjust effects with your hands
– Reverb/Chorus effects plus Built-in EQ, Harmony/Echo Effects, and 150 Arpeggios
– 174 Accompaniment styles, including a number of World Styles
– 30 Preset songs built in (30 onboard, 70 on a CD-ROM you can load from a PC)
– Built-in 5W speaker system with enhanced bass response
The Yamaha PSR keyboards we have looked at all come with 61 keys. This is one factor to take into account when choosing the best keyboard for you. A grand piano comes with 88 keys. If 61 keys are not enough then you obviously have to look elsewhere. The good thing is that 61 keys are enough for the majority of beginners learning to play the keyboard. When starting out you may not need too many keys or octaves.
All in all, these cheaper PSR-E models are very good keyboards for beginners, while more advanced players would want to spend some more for a PSR-S model.
Check out various Yamaha PSR keyboards here. Be sure to read the various reviews before deciding on what is right for you. Customer reviews go a long way in helping you make a choice. But the ultimate decision should be yours.
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