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Casio CTK-3500 Review: A Touch-Sensitive Version of the CTK-2550 – For The Same Price!

September 12, 2019 By Maurice

Casio CTK-3500 61-Key Touch Sensitive Portable Keyboard with Power Supply

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The Casio CTK-3500 61-Key Touch Sensitive Portable Keyboard is a beginner's keyboard with onboard lessons and simple integration with Casio's popular Chordana Play, so students can quickly and easily learn to play the piano at their own pace. It also has built in rhythms, voices, and a Dance Music Mode that can have even novices playing fun, party-friendly music right out of the box.

Casio CTK-3500 price*:	$129.00	2019-09-22	Buy on Amazon

* Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com or other relevant Amazon Site(s) as applicable at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Quick Navigation

Overview of Casio CTK-3500

Casio CTK-3500 Video Overview

Casio CTK-3500 Specs

Who the Casio CTK-3500 is Most Suitable For

What’s Included with the Casio CTK-3500 Keyboard

Casio CTK-3500 Features

Pros & Cons of the Casio CTK-3500

Casio CTK-3500 Manual

Alternative Products to Consider: Casio LK-265 and Casio CTX700

Overview of Casio CTK-3500

Casio CTK-3500 Portable Keyboard Bundle with Power Supply, Removeable Stickers, Instructional Book, Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD, and Polishing Cloth

The Casio CTK-3500 61-Key Touch Sensitive Portable Keyboard makes learning to play the piano fun and simple, avoiding the frustration that can prevent people from practicing or progressing. With the Chordana Play app, learning to play the piano is a fun game, and can even be practiced on your tablet or smartphone, so you can make music and play along with your favorite songs from anywhere.

The Casio CTK-3500 Keyboard comes with a power supply, and is loaded with features and built-in rhythms, making music education fun and accessible for all.

Casio CTK-3500 Video Overview

Here's a quick video covering the features and benefits of the Casio CTK-3500:

See Reviews & More for Casio CTK-3500

Casio CTK-3500 Specs

Specification	Description
Keys	61 full size touch sensitive keys
Weight	Weighs just 7.5 lbs.
Display	LCD display
Voices	400 built-in instrument voices
Rhythms and effects	Dance Music Mode with 50 built-in rhythms and effects
Auto-accompaniment	100 built-in auto-accompaniment rhythms and effects
Songs	60 built-in songs
Reverb	10 levels of reverb
Polyphony	48 levels of max polyphony
Presets	100 one-touch presets
Sensitivity	2 levels of touch sensitivity, or turn sensitivity off
Ports	Ports for pedals, audio in, headphones, and USB
Transpose and tuning controls	Yes
Pitch bend wheel	Yes
User Level	Built-in Step-Up piano learning system for beginners
Apps	Compatible with Chordana Play app
Store and Play	Store and play MIDI songs through the keyboard with the app
Power	Can be powered with the included power adaptor, or by 6 AA batteries

Who the Casio CTK-3500 is Most Suitable For

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The Casio CTK-3500 61-Key Touch Sensitive Portable Keyboard is designed to be the first keyboard for a student or family, with a lot of beginner-friendly features that make learning the piano fun and simple. It has loads of built-in instrument voices and rhythms, and the touch-sensitive keys increase in volume based on how hard you play them, for more individualized expression while you play your music.

With the Chordana Play app, unlike many portable keyboards, you can load any MIDI song into the keyboard's onboard memory and play along with your songs anywhere. It will even show you the musical notation for your songs, so you can learn to read music as well as play it.

Casio keyboards are known for being affordable, easy to use, and durable, and this is a great starter instrument, where learners can get familiar not only with playing the piano, but with using today's advanced digital technologies to play music. It's a smart way to start a music education, before upgrading to a more advanced, specialized keyboard.

What’s Included with the Casio CTK-3500

OMNIHIL (8 Foot Long) AC/DC Power Adapter Compatible with CASIO CTK-3400SK, CTK-3500, CTK-4400, CTK-5200 Power Supply Charger Adaptor

The Casio CTK-3500 61-Key Touch Sensitive Portable Keyboard comes with a power supply, but it can also be powered by batteries.

The keyboard has Casio's step-pp piano lesson system built in, and is compatible with the Chordana Play app.

Here's a quick video from Casio that explains the step-up feature:

Casio CTK-3500 Features

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The Casio CTK-3500 61-Key Touch Sensitive Portable Keyboard has all the features a beginner needs to learn to play a digital keyboard, and to not only play along with all their own favorite songs, but to start composing their very own music

Header	FEATURE	DESCRIPTION
	Design	The 61-key keyboard is compact and lightweight, and the ability to use battery power allows you to take it anywhere. With 6 AA batteries, you can play inside or out.
	Sound	It has 400 instrument voices and 100 built-in rhythms, so it's easy to customize the sound of the Casio CTK-3500 to play nearly anything you like. With 48 levels of polyphony, you can create complex, overlapping sound and more nuanced compositions. It also has 10 levels of reverb, and a pitch bend wheel
	Touch sensitive keys	Full-size, touch sensitive keys allow the sound to be responsive to your touch and playing style, for greater expression.
	LCD display	The bright LCD screen is easy to read, and the buttons and screen guide you quickly through settings and adjustments, and even built-in lesson modules.
	Step-Up Lesson System	Casio's Step-Up lesson system uses the onboard LCD screen to guide beginners through piano lessons and practice, using the 60 built-in songs hand by hand and phrase by phrase, to learn at their own pace.
	Dance Music Mode	Dance Music Mode uses the lower third of the keyboard to make dance music generator. With 50 styles of dance music that include drums, bass, synth, and effects, beginners can create their own fun party tunes and styles in just minutes.
	Features	The Casio CTK-3500 has all the features and functions you would expect, including transpose and tuning, a built-in metronome, and a pitch bend wheel for advanced synth pitch effects.
	Chordana Play App	The free Chordana Play app comes with the Casio CTK-3500 and is a fantastic companion to the keyboard. Chordana Play has 50 built-in songs, and guides beginners through playing along with a piano roll display and/or a music notation display, to combine practice playing along with learning to read music. With the Chordana Play app, you can also convert any song in your library into a MIDI file, and play along in the app, or store it in the CTK-3500 keyboard and play it online or offline. You can also assign tracks or melodies to each hand, alter the tempo, or transpose a tune, and use the repeat function to learn at your own pace. Even better, the Chordana Play app has an on-screen virtual keyboard display, so you can practice playing anywhere, on your tablet or smartphone. The app will track your progress and keep score, making learning to play the keyboard into a fun interactive game. With Chordana Play, you can transfer your favorite songs to the keyboard and play them anywhere or use the virtual keyboard to turn your tablet into a keyboard and play it anywhere, for the ultimate versatility in learning and practicing the piano.

Pros & Cons of the Casio CTK-3500

PROS
61-key touch sensitive keyboard has full-size keys like an acoustic piano for accurate fingering 2 levels of touch sensitivity, or turn it off for a synth sound Weighs just 7.5 pounds for portability and convenience The ability to use the power adaptor, or power its batteries, makes it convenient to take outdoors or anywhere else The built-in LCD display is bright and easy to read, for guidance through lessons, or to use different keyboard features and settings This keyboard includes the power supply without having to buy it in addition 400 built-in instrument voices for a wide range of sounds and styles 100 built-in auto-accompaniment rhythms Pitch bend wheel for fine control of tuning and timing, and a greater possibility of musical expression Dance Music Mode with 50 built-in rhythms and effects 48 levels of max polyphony for overlapping sound Compatible with Chordana Play app for piano lessons and practice with or without the keyboard Store and play your own MIDI songs through the keyboard, to go beyond the built-in song library Built-in Step Up lesson system makes piano education simple and fun

cons
Keyboard is not weighted Keyboard instrument sounds are a bit mechanical and not very expressive No onboard recording or playback function

Casio CTK-3500 Manual

If you'd like to dig deeper into the CTK-3500, here's the link to the keyboard's manual:

Click to Download Casio CTK-3500 Manual

Alternative Products to Consider: Casio LK-265 and Casio CTX700

Casio CTK-2550 Portable Keyboard Bundle with Power Supply, Removeable Stickers, Instructional Book, Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD, and Polishing Cloth

The Casio CTK-3500 61-Key Touch Sensitive Portable Keyboard is virtually identical with their popular CTK-2550 model, except that the CTK-3500 is touch sensitive. If touch sensitivity isn't important to you, then consider saving a little money and getting the CTK-2550.

For a young piano student, the Casio CTK-3500 or CTK-2550 are both excellent choices, while the LK-265 might be a good choice for a very young learner, who can more easily follow along with the lighted keys.

Casio LK-265 Lighted Keys Keyboard Bundle with Power Supply, Removeable Stickers, Instructional Book, Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD, and Polishing Cloth

Casio CT-X700 Portable Keyboard Bundle with Stand, Bench, Sustain Pedal, Power Adapter, Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD, and Polishing Cloth

For a piano beginner who is particularly interested in exploring the vast possibilities of digital music, the Casio CTX700 is a compelling alternative.

It costs a little more than the CTK-3500 but is loaded with advanced features and capabilities that usually cost much more. Like the Casio CTK-3500, the CTX700:

Has 61 full size touch sensitive keys
Comes with an AC adaptor
Can be AC or battery powered
Has 48 max levels of polyphony
Has metronome, transpose, and tuning functions
Has 100 one-touch preset slots
Includes the Step-Up lesson system

However, the Casio CTX700 has more features overall, and more powerful features than the CTK-3500, including:

Powerful AiX sound for more range and expression
3 levels of key touch response
600 instrument voices
20 types of reverb
32 registration memory
10 choruses
10 types of Master EQ
195 built-in rhythms
100 types of arpeggio
310 music presets
10 customizable user rhythms
Auto harmonize, synchro stop, one touch presets, and other fast functions
A built-in MIDI recorder with enough memory to record and playback 5 songs with 6 tracks each
USB to host port

While the CTX700 does not have a pitch bend wheel or dance music mode, and isn't compatible with the Chordana Play app, the ability to connect it to any Android or iOS device via USB opens up the whole world of apps, as well as endless possibilities for recording, mixing, and sharing your music.

The Casio CTX700 may be a better choice for a slightly older beginner, because it has onboard learning and practice features, but also has a better sound engine, and the sophisticated digital capabilities one would expect from a more advanced instrument, including USB connectivity and onboard recording and playback functions.

Summary

The Casio CTK-3500 61-Key Touch Sensitive Portable Keyboard has a lot of great features in a compact keyboard at an affordable price.

The onboard lessons and Chordana Play app make learning to play the piano a fun and engaging game, encouraging children to stick with the instrument and improve over time. The wide range of instrument voices and rhythms allow players to customize their sound, experiment with different styles, and express their own taste.

Dance Music mode has even new players composing their own songs and making fun dance music in no time. It's an excellent option for a first keyboard, to enhance musical education and introduce a newcomer to the world of the piano, and to the possibilities of today’s tech-enhanced, digital keyboards. The affordability of a Casio makes it easy for a beginner to learn and try lots of different styles and features.

Yamaha PSRE463 61-key high-level Portable Keyboard with Knox Double X Stand and Survival Kit

Casio CTK-3500 (please click image for more info)

When you're ready to move on to a more advanced keyboard, you know what to look for and what features and capabilities matter most to you. It's a perfect, low-risk introduction to learning music, and puts the world's styles, rhythms, and songs at your fingertips.

See Reviews & More for Casio CTK-3500

Yamaha PSR E363 Review: A Fast & Affordable Way to Learn Piano

September 2, 2019 By Maurice

Yamaha PSR-E363 PKS 61-Key Premium Keyboard Pack with Stand, Headphones & Power Supply

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The Yamaha PSR E363 61-Key Touch Sensitive Portable Keyboard is a beginner keyboard with onboard lessons that makes learning to play the piano fast and easy.

It's also packed with digital capabilities and advanced functions that allow a beginner to create songs, sounds, and compositions that go well beyond most beginner keyboards. It's an excellent keyboard for the next generation of digital musicians.

Yamaha PSR E363 price*:	$199.99	2019-09-22	Buy on Amazon

Quick Navigation

Overview of Yamaha PSR E363 Keyboard

Yamaha PSR E363 Video Overview

Yamaha PSR E363 Specs

Who the Yamaha PSR E363 is Most Suitable For

What's Included with the Yamaha PSR E363 Keyboard

Yamaha PSR E363 Features

Pros & Cons of the Yamaha PSR E363

Yamaha PSR E363 Manual

Yamaha PSR E363 vs E463

Summary

Overview of Yamaha PSR E363 Keyboard

The piano has become a wonderfully versatile musical instrument. Today's piano is not just an instrument for concert halls and cathedrals, but, with the huge range of instrument voices, rhythms, and effects, it can be the driving sound for any kind of ensemble performance, or allow a single musician to create multi-instrument soundscapes by themselves. Learning to play the piano unlocks a whole world of musical possibilities.

The Yamaha PSR-E363 61-Key Touch Sensitive Portable Keyboard is designed for the next generation of musicians, with the sound of a portable grand piano, and so much more.

Yamaha PSR E363 Video Overview

Here's a two-minute overview of the Yamaha PSR E363, produced by Yamaha:

See Reviews & More for Yamaha PSR E363

Yamaha PSR E363 Specs

Specification	Description
Keys	61 touch-sensitive keys
Weight	Weighs just over 10 lbs without batteries
Display	Backlit LCD display
Songs	154 preset songs, including touch tutor, chord study, and chord progression practice songs
Reverb Settings	12 levels of reverb
Polyphony	48 max levels of polyphony
Style Control	165 built in styles with style control
Harmony	26 types of harmony
Voice & Effects	574 total instrument voices, with 197 panel voices, 18 drum and effects kits, 20 arpeggio voices, and 339 XGlite voices, 5 types of chorus.
Functions	Dual keyboard function Split keyboard function Duo keyboard function
Jacks & Ports	Headphone jack Sustain pedal jack AUX IN stereo mini jack USB to HOST port
Record and Playback	Record and playback up to 5 songs with 2 tracks each with onboard memory
Music Database	158 music database
Power	AC or DC powered with 6 AA batteries
Metronome	Yes

Who the Yamaha PSR E363 is Most Suitable For

Yamaha makes a number of entry-level 61-key keyboards with different feature configurations. They are always highly praised by instructors and experts for their high-quality Yamaha sound and construction.

Piano beginners, particularly older ones, prefer Yamaha's entry-level keyboards for the same reason: they aren't toys, and don't look like toys. They are serious instruments, with the look, sound, and feel of adult musical instruments, that have onboard educational and learning tools.

The PSR-E363 has a much wider range of instrument voices, accompaniment styles, and sound customization effects than many of their entry-level keyboards. It also has touch-sensitive keys, where the volume of a note is affected by the pressure of your fingers. However, it doesn't have weighted keys – where the keys are harder to press depending on the lowness of the note.

Weighted keyboards simulate the amount of pressure required to move the hammers on an acoustic piano, and are a valuable learning tool for students who need to practice the fingering technique and build strength and endurance to transition to an acoustic piano.

The non-weighted keyboard and advanced features of the Yamaha PSR-E363 make it a fantastic keyboard for older beginners who want to learn how to play the piano, but also unlock, adjust, and create music using the latest technologies, and won't get confused by the large variety of options and settings.

The ability to record, playback, and export your songs also creates the opportunity for your songs to be mixed, edited, and shared online.

In other words, the Yamaha PSR-E363 is the perfect entry-level piano for those who intend to be and remain digital musicians, and never transition to an analogue piano. It is a fast, simple, easy introduction to the world of digital possibilities in a single instrument.

What's Included with the Yamaha PSR E363 Keyboard

Yamaha PSRE363 61-Key Portable Keyboard with Knox Double X Stand and Survivalkit (Includes Power Adaptor and 2 Year Warranty)

The Yamaha PSR-E363 61-Key Touch Sensitive Portable Keyboard comes with a music rest, and has the Yamaha Education System built in.

It's worth noting that the default bundle does NOT come with a power adapter, which you will need. It's better to upgrade to the bundle that includes the power adapter, unless you already have a 120V power supply at home.

Yamaha PSR E363 Features

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The Yamaha PSR-E363 61-Key Touch Sensitive Portable Keyboard has a lot of attractive features to help beginners and intermediate piano players get the most out of their instrument:

Header	FEATURE	DESCRIPTION
	Design	Compact and lightweight, at just over 10 lbs. Being able to play with batteries or with AC power allows you to take this instrument anywhere, to practice or perform, indoors or outdoors.
	Sound	The Yamaha PSR-E363 is driven by the Yamaha AWM stereo sampling sound engine, for good grand piano sound from a compact digital keyboard.
	61 touch-sensitive keys	61 touch-sensitive keys play louder when the keys are played more forcefully, or quieter with a softer touch, just like an analogue piano.
	LCD display	The backlit LCD display is clear and easy to read, guiding you through the lessons and settings of the keyboard.
	Melody Suppressor	Melody Suppressor function eliminates the vocals when pre-recorded songs are played through the Yamaha PSR-E363 keyboard, so you can take the lead in any song you choose.
	Instrument voices	A rich library of 574 total instrument voices, with 197 panel voices, 18 drum and effects kits, 20 arpeggio voices, and 339 XGlite voices, for nearly any instrument sound you may want to reproduce, or explore and discover a sound that is all your own.
	Reverb	12 levels of reverb, 5 types of chorus, 150 types of arpeggio, and 165 built in styles, and the 48 levels of polyphony allow you to fully explore all these sounds and complexities without overloading the sound.
	Functions	The Master EQ has six settings so you can customize the sound of the keyboard.
	One-touch setting	One Touch Setting allows you to choose from a variety of sound and instrument presets, or customize and save your own and restore them quickly.
	Record and playback songs	Record and playback songs using onboard memory, so you can share your music or track your progress over time.
	Yamaha Education Suite	The Yamaha Education System provides simple, effective music lessons within the keyboard, with practice and exercises for one hand or both hands, so you can learn the piano at your own pace.
	Duo keyboard function	Dual keyboard function allows you to play two instruments with every note, split keyboard function, so you can play two instruments with each hand, or duo keyboard so two players can share the keyboard and play along with each other.
	Features	The Portable Grand Piano button automatically sets instrument voices and audio settings to instantly produce the sound of a grand piano.

Pros & Cons of the Yamaha PSR E363

PROS
Lightweight and compact size make it easy to take anywhere, and play with a cord or battery power Touch-sensitive keys mimic the experience of playing an acoustic piano The LCD display helps navigate menus and settings, as well as guide you through the onboard lessons AWM stereo sampling provides great Yamaha piano sound 48 levels of polyphony allow for complex, overlapping sounds A huge library of onboard instrument voices, rhythms, and effects gives vast range of sounds and musical expressions A big music database and onboard song library allow you to learn and play a wide variety of songs in a variety of genres, so you connect to the songs you are learning The ability to customize reverb, chorus, equalizer, and harmony allow you to create any acoustic environment you may want, so you always sound your best Transpose and tuning functions allow your Yamaha PSR-E363 keyboard to be adjusted to play along with live or pre-recorded music, or adjusted to the preferences of a vocalist The ability to virtually split or share your keyboard creates the possibility of sounds, voices, and expressions that simply aren't possible in an analogue piano Melody suppressor makes it more fun and easy to play along with your favorite songs from your own music library One Touch setting and portable grand piano buttons allow you to quickly use, store, or restore a range of instrument voices and effects so you don't have to adjust multiple settings individually It comes with all the connectivity you need, whether you want to use headphones or a sustain pedal, play your own songs through the keyboard, or record, mix, and share your music through a computer or device

cons
Non-weighted keyboard Does not come with a power adapter by default Wealth of settings, features, and functions may confuse music novices Not compatible with the Yamaha Piano Controller app

Yamaha PSR E363 Manual

If you'd like to check out the nitty-gritty of the Yamaha PSR E363, here's a link to the model's manual:

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD YAMAHA PSR E363 MANUAL

Yamaha PSR E363 vs E463

The biggest downside of the Yamaha PSR-E363 61-Key Touch Sensitive Portable Keyboard is that it does have so many options, settings, and features, but you need to access and control them through onboard buttons and the LCD screen. This can mean frequently referring to the user manual to navigate what all these features do and how they are controlled.

Yamaha PSR E463 (please click image for more info)

For beginning and intermediate players who really want to take advantage of the digital capabilities of their instrument, consider upgrading to the Yamaha PSR E463. It has the same or more musical capabilities as the PSR E363, but has a greater range of app and computer compatibility, for easier control and enhanced features.

Advantages of the Yamaha PSR E463 over the PSR E363

4 levels of touch response
758 total instrument voices
Crossfade function
235 preset styles
Built in preset grooves
Record and playback wav files

Quick sampling capability
Live control knob
More convenient USB connections to devices and apps
Louder onboard amplification
Lighter weight and more portable
Greater number of preset songs

The Yamaha PSR E463 is more interactive, with onboard DJ and sound sampling features, and greater amplification, so it is better suited for live performances, and has a greater range of potential for intermediate to advanced musicians. Easier connection to devices and computers greatly expand the capacity of this keyboard, making it worth the additional investment.

See Reviews & Price for Yamaha PSR E463

Summary

Yamaha makes great-sounding keyboards for beginners and piano practice for those who want to easily transition to an acoustic piano in the future.

But there are a growing number of musicians who don't aspire to playing a concert grand piano, and who want to make digital music for online audiences.

Non-weighted, touch-sensitive keyboards with advanced connections, instrument voices, and digital capabilities are a great choice for these aspiring musicians, and the Yamaha PSR E363 is a fantastic choice to begin your musical journey.

Yamaha PSRE363 Premium Keyboard Package with YXKS Stand

Yamaha PSR E363 (click image for more info)

Yamaha YPT 260 Review: A Beginner-Friendly Upgrade to the YPT 255

September 2, 2019 By Maurice

Yamaha YPT260 61-Key Portable Keyboard with Power Adapter (Amazon-Exclusive)

Please click image for more info

The Yamaha YPT 260 is a 2017 update to their popular YPT 255 model, with expanded features and capabilities in the same compact, beginner-friendly keyboard. Yamaha is known for their exceptional digital pianos, and the YPT 260 is no exception. It's a worthy upgrade from its predecessor, as we'll explore in greater detail.

Quick Navigation

Overview: Yamaha YPT260 61-Key Portable Keyboard

Yamaha YPT 260 Video Overview

Yamaha YPT 260 Specs

Who the Yamaha YPT260 is Most Suitable For

What's Included with the Yamaha YPT260 Keyboard

Yamaha YPT260 Features

Pros & Cons of the Yamaha YPT 260

Yamaha YPT 260 Manual

Alternative Product to Consider: Hamzer Keyboard

Additional Accessories to Consider Buying

Summary

Overview: Yamaha YPT 260 61-Key Portable Keyboard

Please click image for more info

The Yamaha YPT260 61-Key Portable Keyboard is sophisticated enough to provide both novices and intermediate piano players with a range of musical choices, expressions, and experiences that make it a great investment in a musical journey.

The Yamaha YPT260 61-Key Portable Keyboard is designed for beginners, and easy to use for even complete amateurs. It has built-in education features to make learning the piano fast and fun. It's lightweight and portable, able to be powered with batteries for outdoor play. But it also has more advanced digital piano features for more sophisticated sounds and compositions, going beyond a simple entry-level keyboard.

Yamaha YPT 260 Video Overview

Here's a two-minute overview of the Yamaha YPT 260, produced by Yamaha:

Yamaha YPT 260 Specs

Specification	Description
Keys	61-key keyboard
Display	Custom LCD display
Sound	112 onboard sounds
Reverb Settings	9 reverb settings
Polyphony	32 max polyphony
Chorus Settings	5 chorus settings
Accompaniment	130 styles of auto accompaniment
Voice & Effects	400 high-quality voices with 16 drums and effects
Functions	Recording and playback function Master EQ function Transpose function
Settings	Ultra-wide stereo setting Touch setting
AWM Stereo Sampling	Yes
Free Gift	Free downloadable song book

Who the Yamaha YPT 260 is Most Suitable For

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The Yamaha YPT260 61-Key Portable Keyboard is designed for beginners, with the included Yamaha Education Suite and a number of features to make it easy to learn the piano with no prior experience. It's also a great choice for piano teachers, who can use the duo mode and learning suite to give or enhance lessons.

However, even though it is an entry-level keyboard, the ability to adjust the eq, transpose chords, and enjoy a wide selection of sounds and backing tracks still provide plenty of advantages as one grows as a musician. These features enable it to grow along with the player, providing more complexity and capabilities over time.

What's Included with the Yamaha YPT 260 Keyboard

Yamaha YPT-260 Portable Keyboard Bundle with Stand, Bench and Power Adapter

Please click image for more info

The Yamaha YPT260 61-Key Portable Keyboard comes with a music stand, a power adapter, and a downloadable song book.

Yamaha YPT 260 Features

Header	FEATURE	DESCRIPTION
	Design	The Yamaha YPT260 has 61 keys, and weighs 8 pounds, 13 ounces. It has an LCD display, and can be powered with the included AC adapter, or with 6 AA batteries.
	Sound	The Yamaha YPT260 tones are generated with Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) stereo sampling. AWM sampling uses high-quality recording and filtering technology to make tones that are expressive, nuanced, and authentic to the source instrument sound.
	Amplification boosts	Built-in amplification boosts tones from the onboard 12 cm speakers and produces good quality and loudness when playing the keyboard.
	Polyphony	32 max polyphony isn't a very high number, but many entry-level digital keyboards don't have polyphony capabilities at all, so it's nice to see in the YPT260.
	Instrument voices	It has 384 instrument voices and 16 drum and SFX sounds. It also has 9 types of reverb, 5 types of chorus, and 130 preset accompaniment styles.
	Master EQ	Master EQ has 6 styles of customization, so you have greater control over the sound quality. It also has 3 types of ultra-wide stereo, panel sustain, and multi-finger capability, along with style controls to adjust sync start and stop, intro/endings, auto fill-in, etc. Transpose and tuning functions allow you to adjust the tone of the instrument.
	Tuning functions	Transpose and tuning functions allow you to adjust the tone of the instrument.
	One-touch setting	One-touch setting allows you to either use the 4 preset settings, or customize your own voice, style, and effect settings and restore them with the push of a button. Or, use the “Portable Grand” button to have the sound and style of a grand piano at a touch.
	Learning functions	The YPT260 comes with 112 preset songs with 12 chord study songs.
	Yamaha Education Suite	The Yamaha Education Suite provides practice and exercises for one hand at a time, or both hands together. When learning, use the onboard song library to interactively advance your piano playing. The song playback will adjust to your playing tempo, and the song will pause and wait for you to play the right chord before it goes on, making it easy to learn and play along with the included songs. The downloadable song book includes the sheet music for the included songs, so you can learn to read music while you play.
	Duo function	It has a built-in metronome, and a duo function allows you to split the keyboard in half, with two middle C keys. This allows two players to sit beside each other and play simultaneously, and is great for teachers and students.
	Connectivity	The AUX IN port on the Yamaha YPT260 allows you to connect your own device and hear your favorite music through the instrument speakers, so you can play along with any song you like. It also has a headphone jack, and a jack for a sustain pedal.

Pros & Cons of the Yamaha YPT 260

PROS
61-key keyboard has room to learn, grow, and express yourself musically Compact and portable to play anywhere, powered by a cord or batteries Attached music rest can hold sheet music or a tablet computer Custom LCD display easily guides players through lessons, settings, and keyboard functions, and uses the Yamaha education suite AWM stereo sampling provides famous Yamaha high-quality instrument sounds 400 high-quality voices with 16 drums and effects for a wide range of musical possibilities 130 styles of auto accompaniment and 112 onboard songs quickly and easily create rich, full sound even when beginning 32 max polyphony, 9 reverb settings, and 5 chorus settings allow for complexity and nuanced musical expression, in any acoustic environment you care to create Yamaha Education Suite provides simple, effective piano lessons friendly for complete novices, allowing you to practice with either hand or both hands, and allowing you to set the pace Recording and playback functions allow you to listen to your music as you grow and progress 6 types of Master EQ gives control over accompaniment and instrument sounds to customize your sound 3 types of ultra-wide stereo gives full, wide sound from the onboard speakers using advanced processing One-touch setting uses Yamaha presets to control a variety of settings at once Portable Grand is a shortcut to all the settings that make the YPT260 sound like a grand piano at a single touch Duo mode splits the keyboard for two players to play at once, each with their own middle C Transpose function is great for playing along with others, or use tuning to adjust the instrument as a whole The downloadable song book helps you learn to read sheet music even as you practice with the YPT260's onboard song library

cons
No touch sensitivity Keys aren't weighted Keys are narrower than standard

Yamaha YPT 260 Manual

If you'd like to really dig into the specifics of the Yamaha YPT 260, here's a link to the model's manual (clicking the link will start download of the PDF manual):

	click to download Yamaha YPT 260 Manual

Alternative Product to Consider: Hamzer Keyboard

Hamzer 61-Key Portable Electronic Keyboard Piano with Stand, Stool, Headphones & Microphone

Please click image for more info

If you're looking for an entry-level piano for a young child who may struggle to concentrate or be reluctant to practice, a good alternative is the Hamzer 61-key portable electronic keyboard piano bundle.

Both keyboards have 61 keys, with a variety of available sounds, rhythms, and features to enhance playing. The Yamaha has superior sound quality over the Hamzer, but a child is unlikely to be concerned with the authenticity of sound sampling and audio quality.

The Hamzer 61-key keyboard bundle from Amazon also comes with a stand, stool, headphones, and microphone that the Yamaha YPT260 does not have.

Importantly, the Hamzer is compatible with the award-winning Piano Maestro mobile app, which makes a colorful, interactive game out of learning the piano, and is highly appealing to children, with a wide range of kid-friendly songs.

Advantages of the Hamzer Keyboard

Comes with keyboard stand and stool

Comes with headphones and a microphone

Compatible with the Piano Maestro mobile app

Advantages of the Yamaha YPT260

Superior Yamaha sound sampling and reproduction

More voices, rhythms, and polyphony capabilities

Larger keys that transition fingering skills better to an acoustic piano

For older learners, the Yamaha is a better option, due to the better audio quality and greater range of capabilities for progressive musical growth and learning. But for young children, the Hamzer and the Piano Maestro app may help to better sustain their interest in learning to play the piano.

Additional Accessories to Consider Buying

Most players of the Yamaha YPT260 will need a few accessories to take full advantage of their keyboard's capabilities.

Headphones

For those who are just starting to play the piano, headphones are a must. Not only do they help you hear your own music better, and screen out surrounding noise to boost concentration, but they also prevent you from annoying family or neighbors while you practice.

The Edifier H650 headphones are an excellent choice to go with the Yamaha YPT260. Like the keyboard itself, they are lightweight and portable, and even foldable.

Like the Yamaha, they provide great sound clarity and quality. They are durable and rugged, and have the noise canceling features you need to play your best. They also come in a wide range of fun colors to suit any taste. They even have a 1 year warranty, so you can try them without risk.

Sustain pedal

When learning to play the piano, it's a good idea to get a pedal and use it early, so you get used to using your feet as well as your hands when you play. The Yamaha YPT260 has a jack for a sustain pedal, and the capability to use it, but doesn't come with one.

The M-Audio SP-2 Universal Sustain Pedal is a great option, with the classic style and feel of an acoustic piano. It's a high-quality chrome, and has a slip-resistant base for stability while you play. It also has full-pedal and half-pedal capabilities, for a greater range of expression and nuance in your playing. It even comes with a one-year warranty.

M-Audio SP-2 | Universal Sustain Pedal with Piano Style Action for Electronic Keyboards

Summary

The Yamaha YPT 260 61-Key Portable Keyboard is the brand's successor to their incredibly popular YPT255 model. It's a good upgrade from that model, with all the same features that made it simple, easy, and friendly for beginners, but with new capabilities and options that provide more room for advanced musical expression as your learning progresses.

The YPT 260 is a fantastic starter keyboard, with enough room to grow into an intermediate player, and explore the wonderful world of playing the piano.

Casio Privia PX-160 Review (2019): High-end Piano Sound Without the High-end Price

January 14, 2019 By Maurice

Casio Privia PX-160 Digital Piano - Black Bundle with CS-67 Stand, SP-33 Pedal, Furniture Bench, Instructional Book, Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD, and Polishing Cloth

For years, conventional wisdom has been that if you are looking for an authentic grand piano sound and feel in a digital keyboard, you needed to choose a Yamaha. However, the Casio Privia PX-160 Digital Piano Black Bundle has exceptional sound and playing feel, a great range of features, and some surprising design enhancements that make it strong competition for mid-level Yamahas, at a surprisingly affordable cost. Let's take a closer look at the impressive Casio Privia PX-160 Digital Piano….

Quick Navigation

Quick Overview of the Casio Privia PX-160 Digital Piano Black Bundle

Summary of the Casio Privia PX-160 Digital Piano’s Features and Specs

Who is the Casio Privia PX-160 Digital Piano Black Bundle Most Suitable For?

What’s Included With the Casio Privia PX-160 Digital Piano Black Bundle?

Overview of the Casio Privia PX-160 Digital Piano Black Bundle's Features

Pros & Cons of the Casio Privia PX-160

An Alternative Product to Consider

Both keyboards offer

However, the Casio Privia PX-160 offers several advantages over the Yamaha P71

Conclusion

Quick Overview of the Casio Privia PX-160 Digital Piano Black Bundle

The Casio Privia PX-160 Digital Piano Black Bundle has something for everyone. The key action provides excellent response to touch, weight, and velocity while playing, with a simulated ebony and ivory touch that feel like a high-quality acoustic piano. Sound advances in both the tone sampling and onboard speaker system provide full, rich sounds. Players who are accustomed to playing analogue pianos will be pleasantly surprised by the sound and experience of the Casio Privia PX-160.

For beginners, it has built-in songs with lesson functions, a metronome, and a dual keyboard function that makes learning the piano easy and intuitive, in person, or online.

For composers, the instrument tones, digital effects, onboard recording functions, and line out make this keyboard a great choice for creating, sharing, and even performing your own music.

The great sound and feel of this digital piano, as part of this comprehensive Amazon bundle, gives beginners and experts alike everything they need to create and enjoy music in their own home, at their own pace.

Summary of the Casio Privia PX-160 Digital Piano’s Features and Specs

Specification	Description
Keys	full-size keys
Weight	Weighs just over 24 pounds
Reverb and Chorus	4 types of reverb 4 types of chorus
Songs	60 song onboard music library
Polyphony	128 levels of max polyphony
Instruments	18 built-in instrument tones, including: Grand piano (concert, modern, classic, mellow, bright) Electric piano 1 and 2 Strings 1 and 2 Pipe organ Jazz organ Electric organ 1 and 2 Bass
Jacks & Ports	Pedal inputs Headphone jack USB to HOST port
Function	Layer keyboard function Split keyboard function Lesson function Transpose function
Accessories Included	Amazon bundle includes x-style keyboard stand Amazon bundle includes x-style keyboard bench Amazon bundle includes instructional materials and online lessons

Who is the Casio Privia PX-160 Digital Piano Black Bundle Most Suitable For?

source

The Casio Privia PX-160 Digital Piano Black Bundle is a great choice for a serious beginner or piano student. The full-size keyboard, synthetic ebony and ivory keys, realistic touch response and weight, and pedal inputs, mean that a piano student can practice techniques and fingering skills on the Casio Privia PX-160 that will easily transfer to analogue pianos.

For students who play a traditional piano at school or during lessons, and then practice at home, this keyboard is a great choice for consistency of sound and feel for solid skill-building.

It's also a great choice for intermediate and even advanced piano players who want a more compact, easy-to-play digital piano at home. The rich audio of the redesigned speakers, new and fuller string sounds, and impressive key response offer the experience of a much more expensive keyboard.

What’s Included With the Casio Privia PX-160 Digital Piano Black Bundle?

Casio PX-160 Privia Touch Sensitive 88 Key Tri Sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard Digital Piano with 18 Built-In Tones Package with Bench, Piano Stand and Zorro Sounds Piano Polishing Cloth

An X-style keyboard stand

An adjustable X-style piano bench

Yamaha FC3A Piano Style Sustain Foot Pedal with Half-Pedaling

A sustain pedal

A polishing cloth

An instruction book
An instructional DVD
Two months of online piano lessons

The Casio Privia PX-160 Digital Piano Black Bundle comes with a lot of attractive extras, including:

Overview of the Casio Privia PX-160 Digital Piano Black Bundle's Features

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The Casio Privia PX-160 has several important advancements over other Casio models.

Header	FEATURE	DESCRIPTION
	Design	The 88 full-size keys have simulated ebony and ivory surfaces. Not only do the keys feel more natural when playing, an improvement over standard smooth plastic keys, but the keys resist becoming slippery over prolonged playing or practice sessions.
	Sound	Another important advancement in the Casio Privia PX-160 is the sound engine. The AiR Sound Source technology uses longer samples to avoid auditory looping during prolonged notes. The sound is richer, more nuanced, more expressive, and more detailed, with a resonance that sounds like piano strings.
	Tri-sensor scaled hammer	The Tri-sensor function is a much more advanced system of touch response, responding not just to how hard the keys are pressed, but how swiftly they are attacked, and the motion of the fingers, for a sophisticated touch response that allows nuance, sensitivity, and expression when playing. Unlike some digital keyboards, the Tri-sensor system holds up well to same-key rapid repetition. While it is a full-size keyboard, the Casio Privia PX-160 remains portable, at less than 25 pounds. This makes it a great option for rehearsals, gigs, travel, and anywhere else you want to take your keyboard.
	Powerful Speakers	Another important sound feature on a digital piano is the speakers. The Casio Privia PX-160 has a redesigned speaker system, with more powerful speakers that deliver a louder, richer, higher quality sound. Speakers are placed at the back of the keyboard, so that sound can travel outward over an audience during performance or bounce back into a room when placed against a wall. It's a better design than speakers facing upward or downward. There are also two tiny speakers over the keys, aimed at the player, to improve their sound experience and improve accuracy when you play.
	Connectivity	In the digital age, USB connections are essential, and yet many pianos in this price range do not offer it. Connecting your keyboard to a computer allows for a wide range of recording, mixing, playback, and sharing capabilities, and also allows you to access piano learning apps and tools.
	Reverb	Reverb, chorus, and brilliance functions, along with transpose and tuning controls, allow you to fully control and customize your sound, and are excellent features when playing with other musicians.
	Functions	A good range of piano instrument voices come with this keyboard, and keyboard layer and split functions allow you to play two instruments at once, or a different instrument voice with each hand.
	Polyphony	128 levels of polyphony isn't the highest capacity in digital pianos, but is excellent within this price range, and most players are not likely to need more.

Pros & Cons of the Casio Privia PX-160

PROS
88 full-size keys are sensitive to the motion, nuance, and intention of the player, allowing for a greater capacity for individual style and expression Key weighting system is very good, with the feel of an analogue piano, so players get the necessary strength and techniques they will need to play acoustic pianos Simulated ebony and ivory key surfaces feel good to the touch, and resist getting slick over time Portable, and can quickly be set up anywhere AiR Sound Source provides high-quality, rich, grand piano sound when playing Advancements in speaker design and technology give a more powerful, richer, dimensional sound to this keyboard Built in songs, metronome, and lesson modes allow beginners to practice and improve their playing. Duet keyboard function allows two players to share the keyboard at once, which is great for lessons as well as for shared performances The ability to choose a wide range of piano voices, and then customize reverb, octaves, chorus, tuning, and other audio features gives players a lot of room for experimentation and exploration, along with the ability to create the exact soundscape they are looking for Pedal inputs are another way to add expression when playing, but it's also an important skill for beginners to learn, particularly if they want to graduate to an acoustic piano USB to HOST and line out ports provide greater possibilities for enhancing, sharing, and even performing with this keyboard, since it can be connected to an external speaker or other devices

cons
Included accessories in this bundle are a bit flimsy, and not worth the cost Some keys can have a little bit of lateral movement when playing

An Alternative Product to Consider

Some may point out that the onboard voices and features are fairly limited in number on the Casio Privia PX-160 compared to other keyboards, but that criticism isn't merited considering the price point of this keyboard. The feature list is more than fair for the purchase price.

Yamaha P71 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano with Sustain Pedal and Power Supply (Amazon-Exclusive)

The most direct competitor of the Casio Privia PX-160 is the Yamaha P-45, and it's the comparison most frequently made. Amazon shoppers can get this keyboard at a special, Amazon exclusive price, listed on Amazon as the Yamaha P71. The P71 is available in a very comparable bundle to this one:

Both keyboards offer

88 full-size, fully weighted, touch sensitive keys
Bundled with stand, bench, and sustain pedal
Excellent instrument sampling and sound engines
Very similar size and weight of the keyboard itself

However, the Casio Privia PX-160 offers several advantages over the Yamaha P71

More instrument voices
Chorus, brilliance, octave shift functions
Built-in song library with memory for user added songs
More than double the polyphony
Ability to record a song
USB to HOST connection
Ability to connect to a 3-pedal unit
Aux out port
Onboard learning tools and bundled with education tools

Importantly, speaker placement on the Casio Privia PX-160 is much more intelligent. Most of the sound is directed out of the back of the keyboard, for better audio when performing for an audience, or when placed against a wall.

There are also small speakers directed at the player, for more robust sound when you are playing. The Yamaha's speakers are directed upward, and many digital pianos have sound directed downward. The Casio's 8 watt speakers simply sound better, because they have better placement and more power, than the Yamaha's 6 watt speakers.

For many people, the Yamaha sound engine is richer, and the Yamaha keys have slightly less unwanted motion, but those differences are minor, and largely a question of individual preference. In terms of sheer features and capabilities, the Casio Privia PX-160 is the better choice, and only slightly more expensive.

The weak point of this Casio Privia PX-160, for intermediate or more advanced players, is this particular Amazon bundle. The accessories are poorly made, and many negative reviews are focused on the accessories, not the keyboard itself. A comparable bundle that is slightly more expensive, but is higher quality and more useful for players who don't want the lesson book, is this one:

It includes:

Behringer HPS3000 Studio Headphones
On Stage Classic Single-X Keyboard Stand
World Tour Deluxe Padded Keyboard Bench
Casio SP-3 Sustain Pedal
On Stage Keyboard Dust Cover

The addition of well-made, high-quality, professional accessories will make all the difference in your experience of this keyboard, and eliminate some unnecessary frustration.

Conclusion

The Casio Privia PX-160 is an exceptional digital keyboard in its class, with great sound and a great piano experience while playing. It isn't perfect, but it plays like a keyboard that is worth double what it actually costs.

Casio Privia PX-160 (click image for more info)

Alesis Melody 61 MKII Review (2019): More Than a Toy, But Not Quite an Instrument

January 14, 2019 By Maurice

Alesis Melody 61 MKII - 61-Key Portable Keyboard with Built-In Speakers, Headphones, Microphone, Piano Stand, Music Rest and Stool

Alesis is known for their innovative drum kits and digital percussion instruments, specializing in using advanced technology to make high-performance digital instruments more affordable. They aren't well known in the digital keyboard market, but the Alesis Melody 61 MKII has a great looking setup at an incredible price, so it's worth taking a closer look.

Quick Navigation

Quick overview of the Alesis Melody 61 MKII

Summary of the Alesis Melody 61 MKII's Features and Specs

Who is the Alesis Melody 61 MKII Most Suitable For?

What’s Included with the Alesis Melody 61 MKII?

Overview of the Alesis Melody 61 MKII's features

Pros & Cons of the Alesis Melody 61 MKII

An Alternative Product to Consider

Quick overview of the Alesis Melody 61 MKII

The Alesis Melody 61 MKII is designed for kids, and meant to appeal to slightly older kids who want a grown-up style piano keyboard setup, and don't want to feel like they are playing with a toy. It's a great way to introduce children to playing the piano, and has all the accessories and functions that will make any kid feel like a rock star.

The Alesis Melody 61 MKII is a 61-key keyboard with an astonishing 300 instrument voices and 300 built-in accompaniment rhythms. It has 40 demo songs, and comes complete with a keyboard stand, bench, music rest, headphones, and even a microphone. You can even record and play back your own songs through the keyboard. It has all the functions that a young aspiring musician is looking for.

Summary of the Alesis Melody 61 MKII's Features and Specs

Specification	Description
Keys	61 full size keys
Demo Songs	40 built-in demo songs
Power	Can be AC powered or use 6 AA batteries
Split keyboard mode	Yes
Special Feature	Dual keyboard mode (other companies would call this “layer mode,” where you play two instruments with the same note)
Built-in instrument sounds	300 built-in instrument sounds, including sound effects 300 built-in accompaniment rhythms
Accessories Included	Comes with easy-to-assemble X-style keyboard stand Comes with height-adjustable X-style bench Comes with headphones Comes with a music rest Comes with an AC adaptor Comes with a microphone Includes 3 months of Skoove Premium online piano courses

Who is the Alesis Melody 61 MKII Most Suitable For?

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The Alesis Melody 61 MKII is perfect for young kids and pre-teens who have an interest in music. The huge array of instrument voices and sounds are fun to play with, the built-in rhythms and demo songs will have them playing full songs in minutes, and the microphone and headphones will make them feel like rock stars. It's also capable of being powered by batteries, and is lightweight, so the keyboard can go with them to parties or picnics.

This is not a great keyboard for very young children. The keyboard itself, and the included stand and seat, are not particularly rugged in construction, and won't withstand a lot of banging or wobbling.

The Alesis Melody 61 MKII is also not a great choice for more serious young music students. Most piano teachers would prefer that children practice on a weighted keyboard, to build finger strength and techniques that will transfer better to traditional pianos. It also doesn't have any onboard lesson functions, and Skoove Online may not be the best piano instruction option for children. Finally, it doesn't have any ability to connect to computers or digital devices, so you can't choose other apps or online tools that may have better instruction.

With all these weaknesses, though, the Alesis Melody 61 MKII definitely looks cool and is fun to play, and is an extremely affordable digital keyboard. For kids the right age, it's an excellent way to further their interest in music.

What’s Included with the Alesis Melody 61 MKII?

The Alesis Melody 61 MKII comes with:

Headphones

An X-style keyboard stand

Yamaha PKBS1 Adjustable X-Style Keyboard Stand

An X-style keyboard stand

Yamaha PKBB1 Adjustable Padded Keyboard X-Style Bench, black

A microphone

A music rest

An AC adaptor

T POWER Ac Dc Adapter Charger Compatible 9V Alesis HR-16B Drum Machine HR16B-K HR16BK Power Supply Cord

Altogether, it's a complete digital keyboard setup, right out of the box

Overview of the Alesis Melody 61 MKII's features

source

Header	FEATURE	DESCRIPTION
	Design	When it's all set up, the Alesis Melody 61 MKII has a stylish look. The stand, bench, microphone, and headphones give the instrument a professional studio feel that is appealing. 61 keys are often used for beginner keyboards, because it's an ample range of notes for beginners to learn with and produces a satisfying range of songs and musical styles, before upgrading to a full 88-key keyboard. It's easily removed from the stand, and is compact and portable. The ability to power it with batteries make it easy to take anywhere, so your kids can perform and share their music.
	Sound	It has a huge library of 300 instrument voices, some of them including fun and funny sound effects kids will love. It also has 300 auto-accompaniment rhythms, so you can start playing complete songs right away, with just the press of a button. The 40 built-in demo songs are fun to play and sing along with.
	Skoove Premium	Skoove is an online piano education website that walks you step-by-step through the act of playing and reading music. Because the Alesis Melody 61 MKII doesn't have online connectivity, you have to set up a nearby computer to access the website through your browser, and then allow your browser to “listen” to your piano playing through the computer's microphone in order to evaluate and progress through lessons.
	Skoove	Skoove shows you the correct hand positions and pauses lessons until you play the right note, giving you feedback and progressing you through the learning process. Skoove is an effective way to learn the piano, and a great way to try the service (although but the user experience and song selections aren't particularly child-friendly, and may not appeal to short attention spans and encourage kids to practice.
	Features	Dual keyboard mode allows you to play two instrument sounds at once, while the split keyboard allows you to play different instruments with each hand. Onboard recording and playback features allow kids to listen to and share their performances.

Pros & Cons of the Alesis Melody 61 MKII

PROS
61 full size keys are plenty for learning and practicing, and gives kids effective practice on standard-sized keys 300 built-in instrument sounds, including sound effects, and 300 built-in accompaniment rhythms give children a huge range of ways to explore, experiment, and express themselves with the keyboard 40 built-in demo songs are great for practice and learning what the possibilities are Dual keyboard mode (other companies would call this “layer mode” where you play two instruments with the same note) and split keyboard mode allow you to make the most of the number of instrument voices by playing two at once with each note, or playing two different instruments with each hand Record and playback functions are fun for kids, and a helpful learning tool so they can hear themselves progress. It's also a great way for them to share their music with others, so they can show what they have learned It comes with an easy-to-assemble X-style keyboard stand and height adjustable x-style bench so you can set up a keyboard area and keep it off the kitchen table It comes with headphones, which are particularly necessary for parents, as it allows kids to enjoy their playing with the keyboard without disturbing anyone else It comes with 3 months of Skoove Premium online piano courses, which normally costs $13.33/month, and is a simple, easy way to learn and practice the piano using a web browser It comes with a microphone. This one may just as well be a “con” in some homes; the microphone volume can't be adjusted independently of the master volume, and it is very loud. It's a blessing for families with good singers, and most kids love it, but some parents find themselves hiding the microphone in the middle of the night

cons
Can't adjust the microphone volume independently of the instrument volume, and the microphone is loud Instrument voices and sound isn't great No USB or digital connectivity

An Alternative Product to Consider

The Alesis Melody 61 MKII is something more than a toy, but not quite an instrument. When considering alternatives, it's natural to look at the sister model of this keyboard, the Alesis Melody 61. The two models look very superficially similar, and come with very similar accessories, so it comes down to a few crucial differences:

Alesis Melody 61 MKII

X-style keyboard stand
Full-size keys
37.2 inches wide, weighs 8.7 pounds
300 instrument voices
300 accompaniment rhythms
40 demo songs
3 months online instruction with Skoove Premium

Alesis Melody 61

Panel-style keyboard stand
Compact keys
33.84 inches wide, weighs 6.87 pounds
200 instrument voices
128 accompaniment rhythms
10 demo songs
3 built-in instruction modes
USB connectivity

One would expect that a keyboard with USB is more expensive than one without; it's a feature that many keyboard manufacturers attach a premium value to, despite the fact that the capability actually costs the manufacturer very little. However, the Alesis Melody 61 is so much more expensive than the Alesis Melody 61 that the cost difference is truly staggering.

The Alesis Melody 61 MKII is an excellent bargain for the purchase price. The Alesis Melody 61 simply is not; there are exceptional beginner keyboards in that price range that are far superior to this one.

For kids who really want to feel like a rock star, and for a digital keyboard with better sound, better construction, and a better learning experience, a great alternative to the Alesis Melody 61 MKII is the Hamzer 61-key Portable Keyboard. Like the Alesis Melody 61 MKII, the Hamzer 61 has:

61 full-size keys
Comes with a music stand
Comes with a keyboard stand
Comes with a keyboard stool
Comes with headphones
Comes with a microphone
Comes with AC power adaptor
Can be powered with 6 AA batteries
Built-in recording and playback functions

The Alesis Melody 61 MKII has some advantages over the Hamzer, because it has:

More instrument voices, at 300 vs 255
More onboard rhythms, with 300 vs. 255
More demonstration songs, with 40 vs 24

However, despite being virtually the same price as the Alesis Melody 61 MKII, the Hamzer is a much higher quality instrument, and has features the Alesis lacks, including:

61 keyboard percussions
Integrated learning system
Advanced audio effects like chord timbre, vibrato, sustain, ensemble
Advanced customization settings like program/edit rhythm, rhythm sync and fill-in, and tempo adjustment
Improved sound sources and sound quality
Importantly, on the Hamzer, you can adjust master volume and accompaniment volume independently
The keyboard stand and stool are more ruggedly constructed and higher quality
The keyboard itself is slightly smaller and lighter in weight

While the Hamzer 61 is not a professional instrument, the better sound, higher quality construction of the keyboard and accessories, better onboard learning tools, and greater range of instrument options make it an overall better choice than the Alesis Melody 61 MKII, for just a few dollars more. The Hamzer is a good instrument for beginners of all ages, with a wider range of capabilities than the Alesis Melody 61 MKII.

Conclusion

While Alesis continues to make groundbreaking drums and percussion instruments, the Alesis Melody 61 MKII isn't an impressive entry into the competitive digital keyboard market. With affordable options from legendary piano brands like Casio, Roland, and Yamaha, and a feature set that even a simple Hamzer can beat, the Alesis Melody 61 MKII has a way to go.

It also has the advanced digital features that acoustic pianos don't have, including a wide selection of tones, rhythms, polyphony, and even simple volume controls to make it easy to live with. Recording and playback, transpose, and split keyboard functions offer a range of possibilities and capabilities that invite learning and exploration, as well as affording unique opportunities for growth and expression.

Most keyboards offer a fraction of the features at more than double the cost. This powerful, versatile, handsome digital console keyboard simply cannot be beat in its price range, and is a fantastic choice for piano lovers everywhere.

Brands

Casio CTK-3500 price*:

Overview of Casio CTK-3500

Casio CTK-3500 Video Overview

Casio CTK-3500 Specs

Who the Casio CTK-3500 is Most Suitable For

What’s Included with the Casio CTK-3500

Casio CTK-3500 Features

Pros & Cons of the Casio CTK-3500

Casio CTK-3500 Manual

Alternative Products to Consider: Casio LK-265 and Casio CTX700

Yamaha PSR E363 price*:

Overview of Yamaha PSR E363 Keyboard

Yamaha PSR E363 Video Overview

Yamaha PSR E363 Specs

Who the Yamaha PSR E363 is Most Suitable For

What's Included with the Yamaha PSR E363 Keyboard

Yamaha PSR E363 Features

Pros & Cons of the Yamaha PSR E363

Yamaha PSR E363 Manual

Yamaha PSR E363 vs E463

Advantages of the Yamaha PSR E463 over the PSR E363

Summary

Overview: Yamaha YPT 260 61-Key Portable Keyboard

Yamaha YPT 260 Video Overview

Yamaha YPT 260 Specs

Who the Yamaha YPT 260 is Most Suitable For

What's Included with the Yamaha YPT 260 Keyboard

Yamaha YPT 260 Features

Pros & Cons of the Yamaha YPT 260

Yamaha YPT 260 Manual

Alternative Product to Consider: Hamzer Keyboard

Advantages of the Hamzer Keyboard

Advantages of the Yamaha YPT260

Additional Accessories to Consider Buying

Headphones

Sustain pedal

Summary

Quick Overview of the Casio Privia PX-160 Digital Piano Black Bundle

Summary of the Casio Privia PX-160 Digital Piano’s Features and Specs

Who is the Casio Privia PX-160 Digital Piano Black Bundle Most Suitable For?

What’s Included With the Casio Privia PX-160 Digital Piano Black Bundle?

Overview of the Casio Privia PX-160 Digital Piano Black Bundle's Features

Pros & Cons of the ​Casio Privia PX-160

An Alternative Product to Consider

Both keyboards offer

However, the Casio Privia PX-160 offers several advantages over the Yamaha P71

Conclusion

Quick overview of the Alesis Melody 61 MKII

Summary of the Alesis Melody 61 MKII's Features and Specs

Who is the Alesis Melody 61 MKII Most Suitable For?

What’s Included with the Alesis Melody 61 MKII?

Overview of the Alesis Melody 61 MKII's features

Pros & Cons of the ​Alesis Melody 61 MKII

An Alternative Product to Consider

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