PSRS500 » Electronic Keyboard

Yamaha PSR-E223 61-key Portable Electronic Keyboard with Foot Pedal Switch and Stereo Headphones

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:24:31 +0000

Yamaha has carefully designed the PSR-E223 keyboard to make playing and learning music the way it should befun and easy. The included Interactive Yamaha Education Suite has 5 lessons, a chord dictionary, metronome, and over 100 songs to learn and improve your basic skills. The PSR-E223 keyboard has 375 voices, including the amazing Portable Grand with which you can let your inner talent shine. The Yamaha PSR-E223 keyboard gives you 32-note polyphony, with 9 digital reverb effects including a new chorus. It is also GM and XGlite-compatible. Simply connect The Yamaha PSR-E223 to your computer and enjoy the extra benefits. The PSR-E223 can be powered by the optional Yamaha PA-130 AC adapter power supply (sku#336005) or six AA batteries (not included).

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Roll Up Piano – Digital & Portable 61 Keys Roll-Up Piano Electronic MIDI Keyboard with 16 MIDI Output Channels Design

Sat, 26 Dec 2009 16:43:32 +0000

For a roll up piano with all the features and quality you would like to have, this Roll Up Piano is simply the best value of any rollup piano at a very affordable price. This roll up piano is so portable that you can easily roll it up and bring it with you anywhere you go. Featuring 61 keys, 128 tones and 100 rhythms, this roll up piano is truly a must have for any piano player.

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Even Beginners Can Make Great Music With a Synthesizer

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 22:51:04 +0000

Synthesizers are electronic, keyboard-based instruments that produce artificial, or synthesized, sounds. Many frequently mistake synthesizers for simply portable, electronic pianos, but the differences are extremely vast. While synthesizers can definitely produce a piano sound, their main purpose, usually, is to create sounds not specifically found on any other instrument.
The process of creating these sounds is sometimes very difficult; while some synthesizers come with pre-created sounds, or patches, many come with a clean slate. The synthesizers produce sounds by a series of dials and knobs dedicated to a variety of aspects: oscillation, modulation, sustain, delay and attack, just to name a few. Some synthesizers even create sounds based on a patch bay.
Remember old telephone operators that patched calls through based on cords and inputs? Some synthesizers use the same principle (and are generally used by those with an extremely advanced knowledge of their workings). And what’s more, many older synthesizers don’t offer the option of saving the sounds created; instead, the user has to keep detailed records of dial and knob placement, being careful to catch every nuance. To recreate a sound on these synthesizers is to keep very meticulous notes.
Synthesizers made their break into popular music during the 1970s and 80s when numerous progressive rock bands began using them to create cosmic, unfamiliar sounds. However, devices from different manufacturers were generally not compatible with each other and could not be interconnected, so eventually a digital standard for musical instruments called “midi” was born. Midi is an acronym for musical instrument digital interface.
Midi allowed synthesizers made by different companies to communicate with each other, which was a huge breakthrough and was responsible for the explosion of synthesizer use. One of the first synthesizers was a “Moog”. I remember meeting Bob Moog back in the 70’s at NAMN – a trade show in Anaheim across the street from Disneyland. More than any other person, Moog had created the first useable and affordable synthesizer. Soon companies such as Roland and Yamaha with deeper pockets came out with more affordable models. I think I bought my first synth in about 1980 – a Roland that I used for probably 10 years before moving on to something more current.
The use of synthesizers quickly developed into an entirely new genre of music, electronic music, headed by such veterans as Kraftwerk (who, by the way, are still massively popular). They eventually found their way into almost every branch of 1980s popular music — which is probably why they fell so far out of favor. Synthesizers in the mainstream music industry quickly became associated with 1980s bubblegum pop, the very thing that new rock and punk bands were railing against. And even while an electronic music scene thrived (and even revolutionized), synthesizers became known as the outdated kiss of death for popular, mass-audience intended music.
The late 90s, however, saw a resurgence in the use of synthesizers among underground rock and punk bands (ironically enough) and have quickly become re-embraced by the popular music industry.

Bobâs Pianos for Less Announces Pianos at Discounted Prices Online

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:08:31 +0000

Even in the midst of a shaky economy, people will find solace in beautiful piano music. Thus, there remains a demand for quality pianos and organs. However, buyers are always on the lookout for a great bargain. Excellent bargains can be found at a new website, http://www.bobspianosforless.com. Find great deals on grand, baby grand, upright and digital pianos, organs and electronic keyboards.

Although todayâs economy is in a slump and many people believe a recession is on the way, there is still a strong demand for music to brighten our mood. Of course, savvy buyers continue to look for great bargains when they purchase their pianos, which is where the new website, http://www.bobspianosforless.com comes in.

Online sites are increasing in popularity, since consumers are always looking for the best deal in todayâs economy. Customers that visit this new site find low prices on grand, baby grand, upright and digital pianos from famous makers of quality instruments such as Steinway, Baldwin, Knabe, Bosendorfer, and Bechstein.Â In addition to pianos, Bobâs Pianos also features organs by Hammond, Leslie and others. Electronic keyboard are available from top manufacturers including Casio, Ensoniq, Korg, Kurzweil, Roland and Yamaha, making this site an attractive one to those looking for a great deal.

Today many consumers are no longer willing to pay the high prices that high end pianos used to command, although discounted high end pianos still have quite a market. For this reason, many consumers are finding this new site to be an excellent place to purchase the piano they want for prices that truly are affordable, even in todayâs economy.

In addition to pianos and organs, Bobâs Pianos also offers for piano and organ parts, piano rolls, and more. Bobâs Pianos for Less is a site that is specifically devoted to keyboard instruments, and it is partnered up with eBay to offer customers an easy way to find great deals.

To find out more about the excellent prices available for quality keyboards, visit http://www.bobspianosforless.com for more information.

Portable Electric Keyboard: Good Or Bad

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:09:43 +0000

The electric keyboard is a musical instrument, which is played using a piano keyboard and produces sound with the help of electricity. In earlier times, the keyboard was mechanical but these days the electric variety is used more than the traditional piano. The traditional piano is a keyboard instrument, but it is not electronic in any way. Synthesizers, workstations and portable arrangers are keyboard instruments that use electricity. Electric keyboard produces a variety of sounds and this is done by combining, as well as generating, signals of various frequencies. The frequencies are converted into the electrical signals and then amplified to produce sound through the speakers. But the root of the electric keyboard is in the piano itself, it has evolved from the traditional piano.Modern keyboards came into existence only in the later part of the 20th century, almost in the 1970s. This new revolution started about thirty years ago. It is not a very old form of musical instrument. But since it was introduced, it has gained in popularity over the years. The effect of the electronic keyboard is visible in all parts of the music industry. Everybody today prefers these kinds of keyboards. Today’s bands, groups and musicians have had a boost in popularity due to the electric keyboard. The sound that is produced is simply perfect when played in front of a live audience. They have also made it possible to produce unusual sound effects that have added extra attraction to their music performance.Almost all the bands have begun to use the electric keyboard regularly since the 1980s. Most popular songs of the 1980s feature music using electric keyboards. The best part of these keyboards is ability to replicate the sound of the traditional piano as well as many other instruments.

Casio Keyboards – Favorite with Beginners!

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 04:37:41 +0000

Looking for your first keyboard musical instrument? In all likelihood you may end up with a Casio keyboard. Casio keyboards have been a favorite with first-timers because of their value for money musical keyboards. You can hope to find a lot of features at a lower price compared to its competitors. If you want to start learning the electronic keyboard, you may want to consider a Casio Keyboards. What are the benefits of owning a Casio electronic keyboard?Aggressive pricing – Lot of entry level keyboards at lower prices. More features – Expect to find a whole lot of features. The Full-fingered mode is provided in almost all the electronic keyboards Mini-Keyboards – Casio also has models with smaller key sizes and less than 61 keys, making it ideal for young kids. So are there any disadvantages of owning a Casio Keyboard? Not really! It is just that the perception that Casio keyboards are meant for learners and amateurs. They are not much used for stage performances and professional music production. Yamaha also produces a lot of electronic keyboards for beginners but they tend to be slightly expensive than Casio. Reason being their sound is slight better than that of Casio. Something that can be ignored if you are on a tight budget and are going to start learning to play electronic keyboards. What are the various keyboard models that Casio offers? Here is a list of what they offer.Mini-Keyboards for Kids – smaller size keys and less than 61 keysLighted keyboards – 61 keys keyboard for grown-up kids and adult beginnersCTK series – Casio’s Standard 61 key keyboardsWK series – Includes keyboards with more than more than 61 keys. Meant for the advanced learner!Casio Privia PX series – Elegant digital pianos from CasioGrea t deals on Casio Keyboards

Types of Keyboards and Synthesizers

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 03:33:42 +0000

There are a number of different types of keyboards available in the market. If you are some one who wants to make a complete orchestra single handedly, then a portable electronic keyboard can be a good choice. You can not only carry them along anywhere and everywhere, they also have features like multi instrument sounds, built in speakers and different kind of rhythms. Some of the more advanced keyboards also have something called sampling capabilities which gives you a feature to record your music and playback for a sample. However, if you really are more seriously into making your music then there are much advanced and robustly featured electronic keyboards that must be considered. Apart from electronic keyboards there are also synthesizers that are more technologically advanced than the regular keyboards. A sampler with digital sound recording capabilities is almost a must with them. Then there are something known as a workstation that are like a complete studio packed in one device. The workstations come with highly advanced features like samplers, rhythms and percussion etc. You really would not need even a single additional instrument if you are on a work station to create any kind of music. Some electronic keyboards also have MIDI or Musical Instrument Digital Interface capability that lets them get connected and communicate with other computers or any kind of electronic instrument. If you are a piano lover and can not indulge in the real thing, you can always go for a digital piano which is lower at costs and highly portable too. It can be used by professional musicians because of it quite advanced features and technology. Features to Consider The standard that you will get from most of the electronic keyboards is 128 of acoustic and electronic instruments and at least 47 prerecorded sounds. These prerecorded sounds are the basic rhythms that you get for different types of music. More advanced keyboards will naturally come with much advanced music features. You can also use the many digital effects featured to really jazz up your music through chorus, delay or increased or decreased pitch. With so much of basic knowledge on selecting a Computer Keyboards, you are sure to find a right music maker for yourself and start getting constructive and creative with it!

5 Reasons To Get The Yamaha Electronic Keyboard

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:21:04 +0000

Are you interested in buying a new electronic keyboard? You will get many brands of keyboards from which you can choose the right one for yourself. You just need to ask yourself a question or two. Ask yourself which keyboard will be the best for you and why and secondly, do you need all the bells and whistles that come with higher end keyboards. If you really want to choose the best deal for you when it comes to buying a keyboard then you can opt for the Yamaha electronic keyboard. You can have many reasons to choose the Yamaha electronic keyboard. Five of those reasons are given below. Firstly, when you have decided to buy a keyboard make sure about what features you want. If you do not know your exact needs then you might end up spending more than you need.Yamaha electronic keyboard offers some very great features that are absolutely perfect for those who are using a keyboard for the first time. Secondly, the Yamaha electronic keyboard offers some on board music lessons and this will work very well for those who are just starting keyboard lessons. There is also a feature called, Learn how to play now, which can teach you to play songs. It also has some built in songs that you can play along with. With the Yamaha electronic keyboard, you will also get 7 different levels of lessons to help you play the instrument. Thirdly, the keyboards on the Yamaha keyboard are very much user friendly and they do have any complicated buttons like other keyboards.The Yamaha electronic keyboard also has an easy user guide. Fourthly, you do not need to pay thousand dollars to get an extra ordinary timbre or rich sound. You can select the style of music you want from a variety of models, which have built in music styles. You can even try out different genres of music on the Yamaha electronic keyboard. Finally, you will get a variety of easy play options which have made the Yamaha electronic keyboard a popular choice for beginners.

10 Things You Might Not Know About the Electric Keyboard

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:03:16 +0000

1. Some of you may think of someone playing the electronic keyboard as a “pianist”. Well you’d be wrong. They would actually be referred to (by someone who knows what they are talking about) as a “keyboardist”. Sounds clumsy, but it’s true.
2. The term “electronic keyboard” is used to mainly describe the cheap end portable home sequencing keyboards, but is also commonly used to include many variants such as the digital piano, the synthesizer, the electric organ and the arranger keyboard.
3. Many electronic keyboards commonly use MIDI signals to send and receive musical data. MIDI is essentially a sequence of instructions that identify the sound used, the note pressed, the duration of that press, although the complexity of the MIDI system will vary with each keyboard. Some cheaper end models of electric keyboard (such as keyboard toys) simply will not output that data.
4. Many keyboards have the ability to add a “foot switch” or “sustain pedal” as it is commonly referred to. The application of the foot switch enables a pressed note to “ring” for longer and better replicate the sounds of many keyboard based instruments including the organ and the piano.
5. Electronic keyboards across the world have been commonly built by instrument manufacturers such as Alesis, Casio, Ensoniq, E-mu, Kawai, Ketron, Korg, Kurzweil Music Systems, M-Audio, Moog Music, Ne-Ko, Roland, Technics, Yamaha and Sonic to name but a few!
6. Features that keyboardists would be interested in when choosing a keyboard include touch response, after touch, polyphony (the number of notes that can be played at the same time), multi-timbre (playing more than one instrument at the same time), tempo, split point (the ability to split the playing area into different instruments), style, synchronisation, auto harmony, wheels and knobs (to control and vary different features on the keyboard) and response (weighted or spring loaded).
7. Synthesizers are actually slightly different from the standard electronic keyboard in that they can produce a variety of sounds by generating, combining and distorting signals of different frequencies. Unlike the keyboard, the synthesizer produces an electric signal (rather than an acoustic signal) which can then be played through an amplifier of some kind. Synthesizers are most commonly controlled by a keyboard device, although this is often integrated into the machinery.
8. Perhaps the most infamous synthesizer is the Moog Synthesizer, famous for its role in many 1970s and 1980s pop hits and popularly used by artists such as Jean Michelle Jarre and Duran Duran.
9. The earliest incarnations of the non-electric keyboard are the pipe organ, the hurdy gurdy and the harpsichord. The organ is the oldest of these from perhaps as early as the third century AD.
10. The first keyboard to be powered by electricity is said to be the “Ondes Martenot” which appeared in the early 20th century (approx. 1928). It is actually still played today in some French conservatoires thanks to some compositions written specifically for the Ondes Martenot. It produces eerie wavering notes and was produced by “varying the frequency of oscillation in thermionic valves”. Whatever than means…

Synthesis Methods Of The Electronic Keyboard

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:01:16 +0000

Electronic keyboard synthesizers have come a long way since their inception. Few people know that the first electronic synthesizer was invented in the late 1800s. This model was, of course, only a very rough precursor to the musical synthesizers of today. Modern synthesizers are capable of producing a variety of sounds by generating and combining signals of different frequencies. This process is called synthesis, and it can be divided into five distinct types: wavetable, physical modeling, digital, fingerboard and software (digital).
Wavetable synthesis uses an existing sound to create a digital recording, which is known as a sample. This recording can be replayed at a range of pitches. While other synthesis methods use oscillator circuits to produce repetitive electronic signals, wavetable synthesis uses sample playback. If an artist wants to change the musical tone of a passage, the speed of the playback is quickened or slowed accordingly. For instance, in order to alter the frequency of a sound one octave higher, it is played at double speed. Wavetable synthesis is used in certain digital music synthesizers to implement real-time additive synthesis and direct digital synthesis with minimum hardware.
Physical modeling synthesis uses a set of equations and algorithms to simulate the desired physical source of a sound. In order to generate a specific sound, an initial set of parameters is run through the physical simulation. Physical modeling is based on the concepts of acoustics and synthesis. The development of the Karplus-Strong algorithm and the increase in digital signal processor (DSP) power in the late 1980s allowed for the commercial implementations of modern synthesizer physical modeling.
Digital synthesis involves using a digital oscillator to generate a digital sample that corresponds to a sound pressure at a given sampling frequency. In most basic instances, the digital oscillator is modulated by a counter. For each generated sample, the counter is advanced by an amount determined by the frequency of the oscillator. The values are recorded by the oscillator’s counter, mixed, processed and sent to a digital-to-analog converter. The resulting analog signal is then sent to an analog amplifier, which converts the signal to sound.
Fingerboard synthesis utilizes a ribbon controller, which is a user interface used to control the parameters of analog synthesizers. A ribbon controller is similar to the touchpad of a laptop computer in that it registers and translates the motion and position of the user’s fingers. However, most ribbon controllers only register linear motion. Although it could hypothetically be used to alter and control any sound parameter, a ribbon controller is most commonly associated with pitch control or pitch bending.
Digital synthesis is possible on most modern, high-speed personal computers through a variety of available software. DSP algorithms are commonplace, and they allow for the creation of fairly accurate simulations of physical acoustic sources or electronic sound generators. Some commercial programs offer quite lavish and complex models of classic synthesizers. Other programs permit the user complete control of all aspects of digital music synthesis, although such programs can be expensive and difficult to use.