PSRS500 » Acoustic Pianos http://www.psrs500.com Yamaha PSRS500 61-Key Arranger Workstation Keyboard: Musical Instruments Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:31:49 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9 en hourly 1 Yamaha PSR-E223 Entry-Level Portable Keyboard http://www.psrs500.com/yamaha-psr-e223-entry-level-portable-keyboard/ http://www.psrs500.com/yamaha-psr-e223-entry-level-portable-keyboard/#comments Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:31:49 +0000 http://www.psrs500.com/yamaha-psr-e223-entry-level-portable-keyboard/ Yamaha PSR-E223 Entry-Level Portable Keyboard

With the PSRE223 digital keyboard, youre 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 its time to practice. Yamaha is known around the world for the quality of their acoustic pianos and this attention to detail is evident as you enjoy the warmth and clarity of this Portable Grand piano. And of course, the keyboard includes a Sustain Pedal jack on the back for practicing and playing piano pieces.

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]]> http://www.psrs500.com/yamaha-psr-e223-entry-level-portable-keyboard/feed/ 0 The Great Debate – Acoustic v Digital Pianos http://www.psrs500.com/the-great-debate-acoustic-v-digital-pianos/ http://www.psrs500.com/the-great-debate-acoustic-v-digital-pianos/#comments Tue, 22 Dec 2009 06:45:49 +0000 http://www.psrs500.com/the-great-debate-acoustic-v-digital-pianos/ You will see upright acoustic pianos every where, perhaps at your favorite restaurant, or at a school hall. You used to see them at your church, but perhaps not so much these days, as the use of digital pianos becomes more prevalent.
You like the class and sound of an acoustic piano so much that you want one for yourself, and perhaps have not considered going the digital route.
Perhaps you want to give your child a musical education, and have settled on the piano as the instrument of choice, as it is by far the most popular of instruments and there are plenty of teachers around.
So once you have decided that the piano will be your instrument you will have to make a decision on what to buy.
Probably the first thing you would do is go to a piano dealer and see what is on offer. You will see lots of wonderful pianos, which are almost like furniture, and you will love them until you see the price and the amount of space it takes up.
So although you may desperately want one, an acoustic piano may not be affordable and you wouldn’t have the room for it, especially if you live in an apartment.
If you are buying one for your child to learn to play, you have to remember that piano lessons are hard work, and your child may want to give up after a couple of months. I know my own children lasted for a year, but that was it.
If this is the case, and you don’t play yourself, you now have an expensive piece of idle furniture taking up a vast amount of space in your living room.
A viable alternative has to be the digital piano. A lot of them these days look very much like a traditional upright acoustic piano, and the sound is very similar.
An acoustic piano is a mechanical instrument where the depression of the keys causes muffled hammers to strike against strings, which produces the familiar sounds, while digital pianos produce sound electronically.
The sounds produced come from previously recorded sounds of a real piano, and certainly with the top of the line digital pianos, like the Yamaha, the sounds are going to be of an extremely high quality, and practically indistinguishable to the untrained ear.
There is another argument against digital pianos, which is that the feel of the keys is different from that on an acoustic piano, and this used to be true. With an acoustic piano you can actually feel the hammers striking against real strings, and can adjust the weight you put on the keys according to the sound you wish to make.
The left hand keys on a keyboard are harder to play, especially for a right handed person, and the strength of the key depression is lighter on the treble keys.
However, because this was a sticking point in the arguments about the merits of digital v acoustic, piano manufacturers such as Yamaha have addressed this problem and the modern models can almost replicate the touch and feel of the traditional acoustic piano.
The keys may be described as being semi-weighted, weighted, hammer, and graded hammer. The graded hammer is recognised as being the best, while the semi-weighted and weighted actions are the ones normally used for the entry level models.

]]> http://www.psrs500.com/the-great-debate-acoustic-v-digital-pianos/feed/ 0 Acoustic Piano or Digital Piano? http://www.psrs500.com/acoustic-piano-or-digital-piano/ http://www.psrs500.com/acoustic-piano-or-digital-piano/#comments Tue, 22 Dec 2009 06:23:23 +0000 http://www.psrs500.com/acoustic-piano-or-digital-piano/ The invention of piano has already come a long way since around 500 years in the past. A great number of various piano styles have emerged out of imitating and enhancing the original piano version many times. Digital pianos are made with the latest technology and it is one of the most famous alternatives for piano. The question you’ll ask to yourself is which one suits you? Your piano playing styles and budget are the main criteria for searching a piano. For both side on the other hand the advantages and disadvantages.
Acoustic Piano
A complex built – That best describes the acoustic piano. The hammers are made to hit the string inside the piano when the keys are pressed on the outside. It then creates a vibration that is augmented by the coundboard of the piano. A quality, full and rich piano sound is created that is always being appreciated at recitals and grand performances. The only disadvantage it has is that it entails a lot of money, space and maintenance.
When looking for an Acoustic Piano, here are the things to take note:
• The acoustic piano requires habitual tuning most especially when the piano is moved to another place or when the climate changes.
• The sound created by the acoustic piano is very rich and full that nothing can match up to with it.
• Depending on the temperament of the pianist, it allows the creation of either loud or soft sound. Whatever the way the pianist wants to play, acoustic pianos can go along very well.
• A big space of a room is required when you decide to buy an acoustic piano. They weigh at the range of 450 – 1000 lbs.
• Usually, acoustic pianos that can be availed at a low price is not worth to buy since they have a lot of defects. Great acoustic pianos are always highly priced.
Digital Piano
A good copy of an acoustic piano is the digital piano. Recorded notes from the real pianos are being used by digital pianos to create sound instead of having the built in strings and mechanisms within. Individuals who play in the band can find digital pianos very handy for they can be easily carried anywhere though they have some flaws.
When looking for a digital piano, here are some things to take note:
• Digital pianos come at an economical price. They are more affordable than acoustic pianos.
• The real version of the piano piece can never be acquired since the digital keys are not very sensitive.
• Students who only have digital pianos are not accommodated by some piano teachers.
• Digital pianos come along with their own carry bags and they are portable and quite light to carry around.
• A broad range of features and styles are offered by a good quality digital piano. Other sounds of instruments like the drums are included in these features.
• You don’t need to get digital pianos tuned and they are good to use in areas that have humid climates and have drastic change in temperature.
The issues between both instruments have long existed since the creation of digital pianos. But it is still up to you, both instruments have their own strong points and it greatly depends on how you want to use it.

]]> http://www.psrs500.com/acoustic-piano-or-digital-piano/feed/ 0 The Benefits of the Digital Piano http://www.psrs500.com/the-benefits-of-the-digital-piano/ http://www.psrs500.com/the-benefits-of-the-digital-piano/#comments Tue, 22 Dec 2009 05:17:09 +0000 http://www.psrs500.com/the-benefits-of-the-digital-piano/ A digital piano is a modernized version of the electronic piano that was manufactured and sold from the 1950’s through the 1980’s. Electronic pianos were based upon synthesized sound as opposed to the mechanical sounds carried by the electric pianos which were sold for awhile in the 1960’s and 70’s.
When the digital piano appeared on the scene in the 1980’s, they began to take the place of the acoustic piano because they were less expensive than acoustic pianos. Comparing a digital piano and an acoustic piano of the same size, the digital piano generally costs much less. Today, the cost savings also continue to add up because the digital piano has no strings; this, in turn, means that it does not have to be tuned. Since the cost of tuning an acoustic piano can run between $75.00 to 175.00 each time the piano is tuned, usually at least once a year, obtaining a digital piano as opposed to an acoustic piano may also be desirable because of the savings in its continued upkeep.
The digital pianos were and are also a bit smaller than their acoustic counterparts making them easy to put into tight places. The feel of the key on the modern digital pianos compares favorably with the acoustic piano, as well. For a pianist, the touch of the keyboard is very important in how that musician plays the instrument. The digital pianos available now are able to simulate the weight of the keys on the acoustic keyboard making them an attractive alternative to the serious musician.
There are other features which make digital pianos very attractive to keyboardists as well. The ability to transpose is available at the touch of a button. For those who sing solos or who sing with other groups, that ability is a very attractive feature, especially when a lot of music is written for sopranos and the person who wants to sing a solo may be an alto or a bass.
Many of the newest digital pianos have the ability to link to a computer or they have a place for a disk on which the keyboardist can record the music for later use. With the advent of digital music players such as Ipods, Zunes, mp3’s, and other equipment, this can be seen as very advantageous for the person who wants to record his or her own playing so that it can be used later at a different venue.
The most important feature is the timbre of the instrument. Timbre has to do with the quality of sound that comes from an instrument. New digital pianos do not have the “tinny” sound that came with early electric and electronic pianos. The timbre of the instruments synthesized into the piano gives a beautiful tone that can even sometimes be deepened or lightened according to the whims of the keyboardist. This is very easily done at the touch of a control wheel or slider on the digital piano.
While most concert halls still used highly crafted acoustic grand pianos, the advent of the digital piano is a great help to people who desire to have pianos in their homes so that their children can learn to play the piano. Since learning to play the piano on an old upright piano of indiscriminate age, having a digital piano has been a delight. It provides for creativity and enjoyment in my home for the listener and the keyboardist. Having access to a piano in the home is one of the greatest joys of my life. I wish that joy for children and adults everywhere.

]]> http://www.psrs500.com/the-benefits-of-the-digital-piano/feed/ 0 History of Digital Pianos http://www.psrs500.com/history-of-digital-pianos/ http://www.psrs500.com/history-of-digital-pianos/#comments Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:08:47 +0000 http://www.psrs500.com/history-of-digital-pianos/ A digital piano is a modernized version of the electronic piano that was manufactured and sold from the 1950’s through the 1980’s. Electronic pianos were based upon synthesized sound as opposed to the mechanical sounds carried by the electric pianos which were sold for awhile in the 1960’s and 70’s.

When the digital piano appeared on the scene in the 1980’s, they began to take the place of the acoustic piano because they were less expensive than acoustic pianos. Comparing a digital piano and an acoustic piano of the same size, the digital piano generally costs much less. Today, the cost savings also continue to add up because the digital piano has no strings; this, in turn, means that it does not have to be tuned. Since the cost of tuning an acoustic piano can run between $75.00 to 175.00 each time the piano is tuned, usually at least once a year, obtaining a digital piano as opposed to an acoustic piano may also be desirable because of the savings in its continued upkeep.

The digital pianos were and are also a bit smaller than their acoustic counterparts making them easy to put into tight places. The feel of the key on the modern digital pianos compares favorably with the acoustic piano, as well. For a pianist, the touch of the keyboard is very important in how that musician plays the instrument. The digital pianos available now are able to simulate the weight of the keys on the acoustic keyboard making them an attractive alternative to the serious musician.

There are other features which make digital pianos very attractive to keyboardists as well. The ability to transpose is available at the touch of a button. For those who sing solos or who sing with other groups, that ability is a very attractive feature, especially when a lot of music is written for sopranos and the person who wants to sing a solo may be an alto or a bass.

Many of the newest digital pianos have the ability to link to a computer or they have a place for a disk on which the keyboardist can record the music for later use. With the advent of digital music players such as Ipods, Zunes, mp3’s, and other equipment, this can be seen as very advantageous for the person who wants to record his or her own playing so that it can be used later at a different venue.

The most important feature is the timbre of the instrument. Timbre has to do with the quality of sound that comes from an instrument. New digital pianos do not have the “tinny” sound that came with early electric and electronic pianos. The timbre of the instruments synthesized into the piano gives a beautiful tone that can even sometimes be deepened or lightened according to the whims of the keyboardist. This is very easily done at the touch of a control wheel or slider on the digital piano.

While most concert halls still used highly crafted acoustic grand pianos, the advent of the digital piano is a great help to people who desire to have pianos in their homes so that their children can learn to play the piano. Since learning to play the piano on an old upright piano of indiscriminate age, having a digital piano has been a delight. It provides for creativity and enjoyment in my home for the listener and the keyboardist. Having access to a piano in the home is one of the greatest joys of my life. I wish that joy for children and adults everywhere.

]]> http://www.psrs500.com/history-of-digital-pianos/feed/ 0 A Great Range Of Casio Keyboard Pianos To Choose From http://www.psrs500.com/a-great-range-of-casio-keyboard-pianos-to-choose-from/ http://www.psrs500.com/a-great-range-of-casio-keyboard-pianos-to-choose-from/#comments Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:17:38 +0000 http://www.psrs500.com/a-great-range-of-casio-keyboard-pianos-to-choose-from/ Casio keyboard pianos have been on the market for a long time and Casio is a well known brand, dependable for the delivery of quality products. However, when you are trying to buy one of the many keyboards they have to offer you must buy the right one for you. Like other companies Casio too has different types of keyboards and before you buy one, decide what type you want. Casio was my first keyboard and therefore I am still a bit biased towards it. But it was ease of use which drew me towards this keyboard and slowly I started to learn more. So if this is your first then read on and find what you can expect from your first piano keyboard.There is a huge amount of choice as you can chose between digital, lightweight and portable, advanced and beginners. In fact you can find all kind of variations to suit your needs. There are many product models but listing all of them would take up endless time and space. So cutting short let us come to the main point. If you are a beginner in the discipline then your keyboard piano should be such that you enjoy while you play. You can get a lighted keyboard which will light up in various ways as you play. When you play any particular key, that key lights up helping you to learn the notes. Also every key has a different colour so you can actually play in colour combinations. It is fun and exciting to play in this manner and you will simply love it.If however you are looking for a keyboard piano that is like a grand piano then the digital keyboard range should be your choice. The speciality of these keyboards is that the keys are like that of acoustic pianos, heavy and block type. Even the feel and response to touch produced by these keys is quite similar to the acoustic. Of course if you are a millionaire or something closer then you can always spend a fortune (little to you) and get a real grand piano. Lightweight keyboard pianos are also available from Casio. These tend to be the electronic variety rather than actual pianos and have a smaller keyboard. Check out the prices and compare them at various sites before you finally buy. You will always get good value for money with a Casio piano keyboard.

]]> http://www.psrs500.com/a-great-range-of-casio-keyboard-pianos-to-choose-from/feed/ 0 A To Z Information On Digital Keyboards http://www.psrs500.com/a-to-z-information-on-digital-keyboards/ http://www.psrs500.com/a-to-z-information-on-digital-keyboards/#comments Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:29:19 +0000 http://www.psrs500.com/a-to-z-information-on-digital-keyboards/ Digital keyboards that feature full 88 touch sensitive keys will perhaps be the best choice for you if you wish to capture the feel of an acoustic piano. A damper pedal attached to it would be even better. However, you have to keep in mind that keyboards of this variety will set you back by $1000 more.These kinds of digital keyboards are ideal for beginners or those who are into their 1st year music lessons. The starting price for cheap acoustic pianos is around $2000. So you can naturally guess how much an expensive electric keyboard will cost you. When you purchase a keyboard, you must check to see that it has USB connectivity and PC connectivity. Such features will raise the price bar higher, but ultimately you will be the gainer in the long run. Don’t think of digital keyboards as substitute for an acoustic piano, rather it should complement or be an adjunct to the latter.If you are a complete novice who wants to test the piano learning waters or wants to gift your children a piano to encourage him or her to take up piano lessons or if you are not sure about the student’s interest levels and don’t want to waste a lot of money on something super expensive. Then the cheaper varieties of smaller keyboards will be ideal for you and they cost less than $200 and are therefore, extremely pocket friendly. You can make do with these types of keyboards for quite a few months. These types of digital keyboards have a rudimentary type of damper pedal, the keys might often turn out to be not so touch sensitive and there will be no more than 4/5 octaves. A full keyboard usually features around 8 to 9 octaves. Another feature that you must check while purchasing a digital keyboard is whether the instrument is MIDI compatible or not.Nowadays, you can avail yourself of different models featuring both complex and simple kinds of keyboards, which are sold with piano training software, and the makers nowadays make available different varieties of software and hardware combinations.

]]> http://www.psrs500.com/a-to-z-information-on-digital-keyboards/feed/ 0 Yamaha YPT220 61 Key Personal Keyboard with AC Adapter http://www.psrs500.com/yamaha-ypt220-61-key-personal-keyboard-with-ac-adapter/ http://www.psrs500.com/yamaha-ypt220-61-key-personal-keyboard-with-ac-adapter/#comments Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:25:44 +0000 http://www.psrs500.com/yamaha-ypt220-61-key-personal-keyboard-with-ac-adapter/ Yamaha YPT220 61 Key Personal Keyboard with AC Adapter

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 YPT-210 Portable Grand piano. And of course, the keyboard includes a Sustain Pedal jack on the back for practicing and playing piano pieces.

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]]> http://www.psrs500.com/yamaha-ypt220-61-key-personal-keyboard-with-ac-adapter/feed/ 0 Yamaha YPT220 61 Key Personal Keyboard with AC Adapter, Deluxe Keyboard Stand and Professional Headphones http://www.psrs500.com/yamaha-ypt220-61-key-personal-keyboard-with-ac-adapter-deluxe-keyboard-stand-and-professional-headphones/ http://www.psrs500.com/yamaha-ypt220-61-key-personal-keyboard-with-ac-adapter-deluxe-keyboard-stand-and-professional-headphones/#comments Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:25:32 +0000 http://www.psrs500.com/yamaha-ypt220-61-key-personal-keyboard-with-ac-adapter-deluxe-keyboard-stand-and-professional-headphones/ Yamaha YPT220 61 Key Personal Keyboard with AC Adapter, Deluxe Keyboard Stand and Professional Headphones

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 YPT-220 Portable Grand piano. And of course, the keyboard includes a Sustain Pedal jack on the back for practicing and playing piano pieces. The package comes bundled with professional closed-cup headphones, a single braced X-style keyboard stand, and a power supply.

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