PSRS500 » Piano Sound

Yamaha PSR-E223 Entry-Level Portable Keyboard

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:31:49 +0000

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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The Advantages Of Electronic Pianos Over Acoustic Upright Pianos

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 01:03:42 +0000

Many years ago, almost every household used to have an upright piano. People took music lessons with a piano teacher. These pianos took a lot of space and had to be tuned from time to time, otherwise they would sound horrible. Today there are a lots of electronic pianos, which do not have this kind of problem and are also quite cost effective. A big advantage of choosing an electronic piano is that they are not expensive. They also do not require tuning and as they weigh less they can be moved easily from place to place. You can even buy a piano that will match your furniture at home.Before you buy one, you need to consider a few thing things. The first thing you need to check is whether it actually sounds like a piano. Also, check out the other sounds other than the piano sound. Many of these keyboards include sounds of different musical instruments as well so check them out. There are some models that will also provide drum sounds. The next thing you need to look for is that whether the piano has weighted keys. These weighted keys will make your electronic piano sound and feel real. If your child is learning to play then the option of weighted keys is a really a necessary one.Most electronic pianos have a midi sequencer onboard. The sequencer will help you record whatever you play. This will help you when you are composing and playing back music pieces. You can play tracks you have recorded later whenever you need it. The next thing to look for is whether the instrument has a built in sound system or whether you have to connect speakers to it to hear the sound. The final thing you need to look for is whether it as an 88 note keyboard. Acoustic upright pianos always have 88 notes. Sometimes, low priced instruments have fewer notes. Popular sizes are 49 note, 61 note and 76 note keyboards.

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.

Acoustic Piano or Digital Piano?

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 06:23:23 +0000

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.

Piano Keyboards to Keep You Playing: What To Look For In a Keyboard

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:39:42 +0000

When looking for a new keyboard, consider the name brand manufacturers of piano keyboards. Look at your budget and then go from there. Does that budget allow you to check out some of the premiere makers out there? Does your budget require you to go with a lesser-known manufacturer?
Some of the names in piano keyboards are Korg, Kurzweil, Roland, Yamaha, Kawai and Moog. There are a host of others as well, some with a wide model line available. Check each manufacturer’s products from low-end to high-end and compare across companies for features offered. Sometimes a lower-priced model may suit you just as well as a higher-priced one that has many extra gadgets you may never use. The main thing is to make sure any model you choose has a clear, full sound resembling as close as possible a traditional piano sound. You don’t want a tinny sound that is more annoying than pleasing.
If you base your decision solely on price, investigate consumer reports and product reviews that may alert you to product flaws. You may find some high-priced models receive more bad press than lower-priced makes. Regardless, don’t let a piano keyboard purchase blow your budget. You can always upgrade down the road.
One important consideration when purchasing a piano keyboard is the warranty. If you’re buying a new brand, make sure the warranty is suitable with no unacceptable “except for” clauses. If you’re buying used, try to buy from a dealer who offers even a six-month warranty on a used product. They’re out there; you just have to look for them.
Consider the type of keys your fingers will run across when you look at piano keyboards. Do you want traditional weighted keys that have the feel of an acoustic piano? Do you want touch sensitive keys that spring into action with little downward pressure? Both are available, and checking them out will ensure that it suits your touch. I would certainly recommend that you get both of these features so your keyboard not only sounds but also feels like a normal acoustic piano.
Consider whether you want a full 88-key piano or one with fewer keys. It depends on what you plan to play, how much you want to spend, and the space you have in a room. You don’t want to feel cramped with a keyboard whose length barely fits into a small room. On the other hand, if you plan on getting better in a hurry, then get an 88 key keyboard from the outset so you won’t have to worry about outgrowing it.
Another thing to consider in a piano keyboard is the number of controls a model has for sound modification. Many keyboards come equipped with settings to make the piano sound like different musical instruments. Some also have voice settings, so certain keys sound like a choir singing. Again, if you want just your typical piano sound, you may not require all these sound controls. To keep your costs down, it’s best to buy a model with only the features you will use.
An important consideration, especially if you live in an apartment or condominium, is sound control. You want a keyboard that allows you to set the volume as low as possible while maintaining quality and clarity of sound. You also want a keyboard that allows for headphone plug-in, so you can play as loud as you need without disturbing anyone.
With today’s “going green” concerns, you may want to investigate the energy use of keyboards. Keyboards that are green friendly are sure to be the latest models and can save you dollars on energy bills. With that extra money, you can upgrade to a higher-priced keyboard later.
Additional things to consider are any special benefits or bonuses for buying. Some music studios sell keyboards and may offer lesson or music book discounts for purchasing from them. Some music stores offer music lessons on premises and may offer free introductory piano lessons with a keyboard purchase.
The final thing to consider when purchasing a keyboard is its capacity for attachments. Aside from the headphones (and you’ll want them for sure so you can practice silently), you may want outlets for an amplifier or a Musical Instrument Digital Interface outlet. This allows you to hook a keyboard into a computer. Of course, the computer also has to have a MIDI input. If your computer doesn’t, you have to buy a USB MIDI adapter. With the proper software program in place, you can play notes on a keyboard and have them show up as written music on your monitor. The computer plays the notes back, and the program stores the played notes on the computer. If this looks like an attractive option, seek a keyboard with this outlet.
Take the time to investigate all the piano keyboard options available to you on the market. There are makes and models to suit your exact requirements. All you need is an investigative attitude to search out the one that’s right for you.

Yamaha YPT220 61 Key Personal Keyboard with AC Adapter

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:25:44 +0000

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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Yamaha YPT220 61 Key Personal Keyboard with AC Adapter, Deluxe Keyboard Stand and Professional Headphones

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:25:32 +0000

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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