Modern digital keyboards come with built-in tools and features that allow keyboard players to make beautiful music; but a lesser-known fact is that these instruments can easily be connected to a PC, which means that keyboard players can also harness the power of the computer to experiment with musical compositions, music recording software, and lots more.

One of the main reasons to connect your keyboard to your computer is to record your performances, either to share them on social media, or for self-evaluation. Once the keyboard is connected, you can record your music and enhance it by adding effects, tracks, etc.

The major problem that first-time Yamaha keyboard users generally face is how to record their keyboard on a computer. Read this article for a step-by-step guide on how to connect your Yamaha keyboard to your PC. Subsequently, you will also be able to transfer files and record music from the keyboard on your computer.

Connecting a Yamaha Keyboard to a Personal Computer

Every Yamaha keyboard comes with a USB port. Generally, audio-out ports come in four types. They are:

• A MIDI port and USB audio port that sends MIDI and audio data with the help of a USB A to B cable
• A USB MIDI port that sends MIDI data only via a USB A to B cable
• A MIDI port that uses a five-pin cable
• An auxiliary port which is used to connect an audio cable. This is used as a line-out port

Once you have connected your USB or MIDI cable to its out ports on the keyboard, the next step is to attach the cable’s opposite end to the computer. In the case of a USB A to B connector directly linked to the keyboard, connect the cable’s other end to a port that is free on your PC. In the case of a MIDI cable, it needs to be connected to the MIDI port, and an audio interface should be connected to a USB A to B cable. If you have an auxiliary port, you will have to connect a ¼” audio cable to the line-in port. To attach the audio interface, a USB A to B cable can be used.

In case you lack the audio interface required for this task, you can connect the cable to the keyboard’s microphone port with the help of an adapter (3.5mm). Once the cable is in the port, turn on the keyboard. In some Yamaha models, you will be required to put your keyboard into a MIDI or PC mode to record or transfer MIDI data.

How to Connect a Yamaha Keyboard to MAC?

In most Yamaha models, keyboards are recorded via MIDI data. For that, you will need to download the most recent versions of the MIDI drivers for the system you’re using (MAC or PC). To download MIDI drivers on a MAC, you will need to click on the following link: USB Midi Driver for Mac

The next step is to click on the checkbox that guarantees your conformity to the software’s license agreement. After this, you have to download the Yamaha MIDI driver zip file. Open the zip file from wherever it downloads to on your MAC (usually the “Downloads” folder) to access it. Click on the “um132-2mx” file in the folder and select your keyboard in the sound settings.

How to Connect a Yamaha Keyboard to Windows?

In order to connect a Yamaha keyboard to your Windows, you will need to go to the following link: USB Midi Driver for Win

Once you’ve done this, agree to the license agreement by clicking on the checkbox. In order to download the required zip file, you will need to click the purple button. Once the zip file is downloaded, it will be available in your “downloads folder” from where you can extract the files. Click on the “um3141x64” folder and run the “setup file” to successfully connect your keyboard to your Windows.

How to Transfer Files from a Yamaha Keyboard to a Computer?

Depending on your model, you can transfer files using a USB cable as well as a disk. Once you have connected the cable/disk to the port of your Yamaha keyboard, you can easily transfer files by downloading them. Once the files are downloaded, create a folder and save these files in it. You can disconnect the Yamaha keyboard and access the files later whenever you want.

You can also download “Audacity” for free and plug in a ¼ inch jack into your headphones. For the keyboard, get a 1/4 to 1/8 adapter and plug it into the back of your computer. Start “Audacity” and play whatever you want to on your keyboard. Don’t forget to click on the record button to start the recording process. Once you are done playing the keyboard, stop the recording. You can save the file and listen to the recording whenever you like.

How to Record a Yamaha Keyboard on a Computer to Compose a Song?

For this, you will need to access your digital audio workstation, also known as DAW. Many digital devices have their own built-in DAW. If your Yamaha model doesn’t consist of DAW, Audacity and Reaper allow free trials for recording multiple music programs.

In order to record your music, you will need to click “Track,” which is at the top of a menu bar. Then click on “New MIDI track” or “New Audio Track.” The recording will begin and will record the sound produced by your keyboard. This recording can be saved as an audio file. MIDI tracks record the pressed keys and the sound volume, but use DAW to set the tone. Once you have recorded a song, end the recording process by clicking on the stop button. In this way, you can record as many songs on your computer via your Yamaha keyboard.

Tutorial Links

Like with every musical instrument, pianos require a lot of maintenance; and more so when they’re cheap (bought secondhand, that is), or have become old.

And one of the most common issues with musical keyboards is damaged keys. As a result, the piano keys may fail to produce any audible sound or harmonious melody at all. This is the kind of situation that calls for immediate attention and repair.

If you are facing a similar issue with your Yamaha keyboard, here’s how you can fix this problem at the earliest.

How to Replace a Broken Key on a Yamaha Keyboard

Yamaha produces some of the most popular keyboards out there. Despite being durable and reliable, even the good quality ones can break down at some point in time. In an emergency situation like this, you should be well-equipped with ways to repair your keyboard, or if need be, replace it with a new one.

Here is a proven method that you can follow to replace the keys on a Yamaha keyboard.

First of all, you will need to lay down the keyboard in such a way that the keys face the ground. Next, detach the battery casing from the back plate. Locate the batteries and remove them from the battery holder.

Find the six screws at the top of the back plate and remove them using a screwdriver. With the help of the same screwdriver, loosen the screws from the mid of the back plate. You will also need to remove the screws from the bottom and the sides of the back plate.

Now, turn over the keyboard. Be careful while performing this step because, at this point, the face plate will no longer be attached to the body of the keyboard. If you are not cautious, you may drop the keyboard from your hands and risk breaking it.

Place your hands on both sides of the keyboard and lift the face plate gently from its front and back. Again, be careful while removing the face plate as there are wires attached under the face plate that are crucial to the proper functioning of the keyboard.

The next step entails the removal of the screws that hold the keys together. Decide which block of the key needs to be replaced. This is important because some blocks will have four screws that will need to be removed instead of three.

Gently remove the block of keys by pulling the top of the block in the upwards direction. As a result, the block of keys will come to a lower position.

In order to detach the keys, you will need to press the tab on the backside of the key blocks. Remove the black keys that need to be replaced. Do the same with the white key set(s). Once you have removed the broken white and black key set(s), place the new set in their place.

You’re not done yet. Now, put everything back in the reverse order, starting with the keys. Once they’re in place, screw them in and make sure they’re secure. Once that’s done, attach the face plate and then the back plate of your Yamaha keyboard.

Make sure that you screw in all the screws that you removed earlier. Screw everything back in its original way so that you can play the piano.

Where Can I Buy Replacement Keys for a Yamaha Keyboard

Thanks to the Internet, there are plenty of online sources from where you can easily order replacement keys for any model of your Yamaha keyboard.

You can directly reach out to Yamaha by calling on their helpline number or sending in your query to their email address. In order to send an email request to a customer support representative, you will need to create an account – “My Account.”

You can also engage in a live chat with one of the representatives of Yamaha and share your issue that way. The live chat service is available 24/7, so feel free to contact them for your queries.

Another great online source to order your Yamaha key replacements is Syntaur. This online keyboard parts and accessories store not only sells parts of Yamaha keyboards but also buys old/broken keyboard components for recycling purposes.

In order to sell them your damaged keyboard parts, email them at sales@syntaur.com or call them at 830-627-1530. In addition to Yamaha keyboard parts, you can buy other electronic components such as power cables, USB cables, patch cables, MIDI cables, SCSI cables, and specialty cables.

What Are the Best YouTube Videos to Learn How to Fix Dead Keys on a Yamaha Keyboard?

The following are some DIY tutorials that can help you repair and replace the broken/damaged keys on a Yamaha keyboard: