Blue Man Group Keyboard Review

I own 3 of these keyboards and they are the greatest electronic musical instruments I have ever come across. There are preprogrammed tunes to play with. You just wave your hands over the tubes and different instruments chime in. You can also control the tempo and volume by waving your hands over the tubes...almost like an orchestra conductor. There's a hookup for your ipod or mp3 player that you can play the music through this instrument and the speakers are great. You can use the keyboard to play tunes that you know and change the instruments from piano to trumpet,drum, organ, guitar, tuba,etc.WooHoo! I love them and so do my grandkids.

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Product Description:
Inspired by the ever-popular Blue Man group, this tabletop electronic keyboard provides the perfect introduction to music making. New technology interfaces give it an edge on other keyboards of its kind, and keeps beginners excited about music.
The Blue Man keyboard features savvy styling, unique play patterns and engaging musical interactions. Furthermore, it's MP3-compatible, meaning you can play music on top of your favorite MP3 tracks. Keyboard plays pre-recorded songs, and lets you record and play back your own musical masterpieces. Requires 4 "AA" batteries (included). Measures 11.5"L x 25.75"W x 7.75"H.

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Yamaha DGX230AD 76 Key Portable Grand with power Review

Aside from it now being affordable (I bought it when it first came out at around $900), this is a high quality digital piano.The sound is utterly incredible, clear cut and crisp.Basic operation is simple, the weighted keys match those of actual piano keys...the feel is all there.This is perfect for those fluid in their craft, going from in studio to performing in shows.It is fairly heavy, requires 2 people to transport.It is well made, can take serious rough wear and tear from moving and constant use.

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Product Description:
The Yamaha DGX-630 offers an affordable, feature-packed portable keyboard that boasts an authentic grand piano-like touch: heavy in the low end, feathery light in the highs, and amazingly responsive throughout. It also includes USB MIDI and USB to Device for removable storage, along with a high resolution Live! Grand stereo sample, song recorder, score and lyric display. The USB facilitates easy transfer with a PC or Macintosh computer for use with many optional software packages that can score, arrange, and sequence your music. Can't play a keyboard instrument? Yamaha Education Suite helps you get started. With nearly 500 voices and built-in stereo speakers, the Yamaha DGX-230/AD is truly a grand keyboard music instrument that you and your family will enjoy.Pitch bend wheel to add smooth pitch variations to notes playedVoices - 116 panel voices + 12 drum/SFX kits + 361 XGlite voices, Polyphony -32, DUAL and SPLIT modesStyles - 160 Preset Styles + External files, Style Control -ACMP ON/OFF, SYNC STOP, SYNC START, START/STOP, INTRO/ENDING/rit., MAIN/AUTO FILL, Fingering -Multi Finger, Full Keyboard, Style VolumeMusic Database -300 + External filesEducation Feature -Dictionary, Lesson 1-3, Repeat & LearnRegistration Memory -8 banks x 2 typesEffects - Reverb -9 types, Chorus -4 types, Harmony -26 types30 Preset Songs + 5 User Songs + Accessory CD-ROM with 70 moreAuxiliary jacks -PHONES/OUTPUT, DC IN 12V, USB, SUSTAINAmplifier -6 Watts per channel to two 2-way on-board speakers -12cm x 2 + 3cm x 2Power Supply - Adaptor -PA-150 (included) or an equivalent recommended by Yamaha, Batteries -SixDsize, R20P (LR20) or equivalent batteries (optional) Unit Dimensions (W x D x H) -1,178 x 412 x 137 mm (46-3/8 x 16-1/4 x 5-3/8); Weight -8.3kg (18 lbs. 5 oz.) (not including batteries)Supplied Accessories - Music Rest, Accessory CD-ROM, Owner's Manu

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Yamaha PSR-E413 61-Key Digital Keyboard Review

The PSR-E413 is Yamaha's next addition to their portable keyboard line. It was designed with the new musician in mind, and includes numerous learning tools (the Yamaha Education Suite being the most prominently featured) and "cheater" features (Yamaha Performance Assistance Technology let's you hit the wrong key and still sound correct). Unlike many other beginner level keyboards, however, the PSR-E413 has numerous features that will allow new musicians to grow into semi-professionals without having to buy a new instrument - 504 voices (instruments the keyboard can sound like), 100 arpeggio types, 165 preset styles, 30 preset songs, a pitch-bending wheel, and 5 song/6 track recording. Other common features such as "touch sense" (the keys can sound louder or softer depending on how hard they are pressed), a USB port, sustaining pedal port, and a headphone/output port are also present.

What all of that boils down to is simply this: the E413 is fun to play and sounds great. The price is generally within the acceptable realm for beginners, and the features make it something even those at a semi-professional level would like to play (though, in all honesty, most professionals are going to want a less portable 76+ key unit). After going to numerous music stores and online sources, this model ended up being the best fit for my budget and needs - I highly recommend it.

I have two complaints with the PSR-E413 as packaged. The first is that the music stand (which easily slides into two slots on the top-back of the unit) is made of cheap plastic, and looks like it will break easily. The second is that a number of additional items are needed to fully enjoy this instrument. The first thing you'll need is a plug-in power adapter (I was shocked that the keyboard didn't come with one) unless you want to spend hundreds of dollars on batteries. Next, you'll probably want a keyboard stand (a decent folding one costs anywhere from $20 - $60). An AB-type USB cable is necessary to connect the instrument to your computer and fully realize its potential. After that, a dust cover and case might also interest you. Finally, headphones and a foot switch/pedal should be considered, especially if you like being creative and don't live alone. Yamaha offers a few of these items in a special set called the Survival Kit B (it includes the power adapter, foot switch, headphones, and an extended warranty), but I don't recommend it, as the headphones and pedal it contains are of inferior quality.

Note: This model replaced the PSR-E403 as of May 2008. The two are extremely similar, with the E413 containing a few upgrades (165 vs. 155 styles; 100 arpeggio functions vs 50; etc..). The feel and most of the features of the two, however, are almost the same.

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Product Description:
The Yamaha PSRE413 61 Key Digital Keyboard expands the capabilities of one of Yamaha's most popular PSR lines. The PSRE413 includes features for every playing level such as the Yamaha portable grand and Yamaha education suite. An on-board arpeggiator includes 100 different patterns along with 20 different arpeggio voices. A full set of real-time controls gives you easy access to all of the capabilities of the PSRE413. A USB port is also included so you can download songs for learning from the internet. If you want to write your own songs, the PSRE413 also features a 6-track sequencer so you can layer your own tracks.

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Casio LK-270 Premium Lighted Keyboard Pack with Power Supply, Keyboard Stand and Professional Closed Cup Stereo Headphones Review

Sounds - 5/5
The sounds are very realistic, with the new sound engine they have put in place, when playing the piano sounds beside a real piano, the difference is almost impossible to notice, the tones and accompaniments are also very great.
Step up lessons - 5/5
The lessons are great, they phase the music, and you take it in steps, and if its too fast for you, you can by the press of a button, slow it down to your speed, its user friendly.
Connections - 5/5
The USB MIDI function just works effortlessy, works with keyboard learning software, Finale 2009, and much more, when I opened Finale with the MIDI connected, it just started interpreting what I was playing without have to configure anything in the software.
Look & Layout - 5/5
It looks great, although 61 keys, very convenient, its very light, u can easily carry the stand and the keyboard around without much effort, the layout is very user friendly and its easy to navigate, and the user manual tells you how to perform tasks in detail not readily seen. The Key-lighting function is really cool and very helpful in the step up lessons, only 10 can light at a time, but its also very cool for night playing as well.
Overall - 5/5
Its a great keyboard, I'd recommend it for anyone, dont spend so much on a keyboard just yet, this is the one you must get, if 61-keys is all you need, otherwise, feel free to check out the 88-keys keyboards.

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Product Description:
The Casio LK-270 is an affordable instrument with a 61 Key Touch Sensitive, Lighted Keyboard with 570 total onboard Tones, 180 Rhythms and Digital Effects. Packed with great features such as Casio's famous Lighted Key Step-up Lesson System, audio inputs for a MP3 player, Mic Input, USB port for MIDI implementation. All this makes the LK-270 more fun and easier to learn to play music.


Get started right away. Click to enlarge.

LK-270 Premium Pack

The Premium Pack bundles the LK-270 keyboard with a Yamaha power supply, keyboard stand and professional closed-cup stereo headphones.
Touch-Sensitive Lighted Keyboard
The LK-270 features 61 standard-size keys and two sensitivity levels for a more piano-like experience, along with 48-note polyphony (24-note for certain tones).
The "LK" in LK-270 stands for "Lighted Keyboard." Designed to provide a fun way to learn how to play music, the keys illuminate to show you what notes to play in lessons or built-in songs.
570 Built-In Tones
Find just the right sound with 570 built-in tones, from strings to woodwinds and plenty more. You can layer two different tones (such as piano and strings) or split the keyboard down the middle for an ensemble approach.
Reverb and Chorus Effects
Select from ten different reverb and five different chorus effects to add depth and shimmer to your performance.
Microphone and Karaoke Function
Have some fun with the included microphone and the LK-270's Karaoke feature. The karaoke feature can be used with 52 of the built-in songs, and lowers the volume of the melody part so you can sing along, just like a karaoke machine.
SD Memory Card Support
The LK-270 supports SD Memory Cards up to 2 GB, so you can store sampled sounds, user rhythms, recorded songs, and more, without running out of memory.
USB Port
For many musicians, the computer has become a music-making center. Connect the LK-270 to a computer using a USB cable and exchange MIDI data between the two devices. Send play data from the keyboard to music software running on yourcomputer, or send MIDI data from your computer to the keyboard for playback.
Intuitive editing and controls.
Internal speakers and battery-powering option for full portability.
Learn quickly with Casio's famous lighted-key "Step Up" lesson system.
Built-In Sampling
You can use the LK-270 to sample a sound from a portable audio player or other device, and then play the sound with keyboard keys. Sample up to ten seconds, and store up to five sampled sounds to keyboard memory.
You can also loop sampled sounds so they continue to play, or replace individual sounds on drum patches.
152 Built-In Songs and Ten User Songs
The LK-270 comes with a bank of songs for your learning and enjoyment, from classics like "Greensleeves" or "Auld Lang Syne" to holiday tunes like "Jingle Bells."
You can also record your own performances, using up to six tracks of different instruments.
Step Up Lessons
To master a song, it is best to break it up into shorter parts (phrases), master the phrases, and then put everything together. The LK-270 features a "Step Up Lesson" feature that helps you to do just that. The built-in songs are pre-divided into phrases to help you master keyboard play. Step Up Lesson takes you through practice of the right hand part, left hand part, and both hand parts for each phrase of a song. Master all of the phrases and you master the song.
Music Challenge Keyboard Game
Music Challenge is a game that measures your reaction speed as you press keys in response to on-screen keyboard indicators and fingering guide indications.
Auto Accompaniment
With Auto Accompaniment, simply select an accompaniment pattern. Each time you play a chord with your left hand the appropriate accompaniment will play automatically. It's like having a personal backup group along with you wherever yougo.
Auto Harmonize
Auto Harmonize automatically adds harmony to notes you play with your right hand, which adds rich depth to the melody of your performances. You can select from among 12 types of Auto Harmonize to suit the type of music you are playing.
Arpeggiator
The Arpeggiator makes it possible to play an arpeggio pattern automatically. There are 90 different arpeggio patterns from which to choose in order to match the music you are playing.
Transpose Function
An easy operation instantly changes the key of the keyboard.
Audio Input
Play along with MP3 or CD players or other devices by plugging them into the stereo mini input jack.
Battery or AC Power
Power the LK-270 with six D-sized batteries or purchase the AD-5 AC adapter separately to power from your electrical outlets. Built-in speakers make the keyboard entirely portable.
An Auto Power Off feature turns off the device six minutes after the last key is touched, helping you save batteries.
What's in the Box
LK-270 Keyboard, Music Stand, Song Book, Safety Precautions, Appendix, Warranty, Microphone, Power Supply, Keyboard Stand, Headphones

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Yamaha FC-5 Sustain Pedal for Portable Electronic Keyboards Review

Growing up with an acoustic piano, I was uncomfortable with how the FC-5 Sustain Pedal felt.For me to tell when I was pressing the pedal or not, I had to take my shoes off.Unwilling to be an environmental hazard, I decided to purchase a pedal that has the feel of an acoustic piano's pedal.(Much better than buying that yellow tape to surround myself with...)
If you are looking for the feel of an acoustic piano's pedal, I would recommend the FC-4.Or if you want the same feel with a pedal that can do more than just sustain, I'd recommend the FC-3.

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Product Description:
This handy sustain pedal/FS controller hooks up to any synthesizer, tone module, or drum machine with a .25-inch phone jack sustain-pedal input. Specific compatible Yamaha devices include the PSR-D1, PSR-195, PSR-225, PSR-225, PSR-240, PSR-248, PSR-270, PSR-330, PSR-340, PSR-530, PSR-540. Its five-foot cable affords ample placement options.
What's in the Box
Sustain pedal/FS controller and an instruction manual.

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Casio LK-100 Lighted Keyboard with Premium Accessories Package Review

We recently started suspecting that our 2 year old has perfect pitch, like her father and her grandmother before her.So all the little toy keyboards that she loved to play with which were all off-key were become problematic.However, it was almost impossible to find a toy keyboard that was actually in tune and not off key.We bought and returned probably a half dozen.Then, the grandparents stepped in and started laying pressure to buy her an actual keyboard.This was the result.

The keyboard has a wonderful sound and plenty of demo songs to keep young children busy.I love that it lights up and it helps illustrate the concept for children who are just learning about music and notes.The keyboard is lighter than I expected.And for the price, it was a good compromise over the toy keyboards.It's also great that it comes with a stand, headphones, and an adapter.Many of the high-end casio keybaords, for some reason, do not even include an adapter.

I do warn, however, that this is a beginner keyboard.It's good for exposing your child and just to test drive to see whether or not your kid's piano interest isn't going to be just a passing phase.However, the keyboard is not going to grow with any serious piano players.There is no touch sensitivity, which is so important to learning to play the piano adequately.And I was disappointed to see that there was no USB connectivity, which you can get with the slightly more expensive Casio models.

But, all in all, I'm satisfied that I'm getting my money's worth.But if you want more features and more piano-like sound/feel, then you'll have to pay more.

If you found this review helpful, please let me know!

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Product Description:
The Casio LK100 Lighted Keyboard features 61 full-sized illuminated keys and incorporates Casio's 3-step lesson system to help you learn to play quicker by following the keys as they light up. The keyboard also features auto accompaniment system to generate complete backgrounds with drums, bass and chord parts with the left hand, while playing melodies and solos with the right hand. This package also comes with a stand and professional closed cup headphones.


Follow the lights on the keyboard to learn quickly and easily. 3-Step Lesson System
Develop your musical skills by following the keys as they light. First, you become familiar with the timing of the notes by watching the keys light as you playback one of the 100 built-in Song Bank tunes. Next, practice playing along at a pace that's comfortable for you. Finally, try playing along at the normal tempo. A simulated human voice is used during the Step 1 or Step 2 lesson feature to call out the fingers you should use to play the required notes (Voice Fingering). The timing of notes is also indicated on the display screen.
Features

Auto Accompaniment: Simply specify a chord and the keyboard automatically produces the matching rhythm, bass, and chord patters. One-touch fill-ins make accompaniments sound interesting and natural.
Easy-to-understand on-screen indicators help to simply keyboard play, even for novices
50 built in auto-accompaniment patterns
100 built-in Song Bank tunes for playback enjoyment or play-along practice
Transpose function instantly changes the key of the keyboard
Connecting to another MIDI device lets you sound notes on both this keyboard and the connected device by playing on this keyboard
Connect a commercially available microphone and you can sing along with Song Bank tunes

Specifications

Keyboard: 61 Standard-size keys, 5 octaves
Key Light System: Can be turned on and off (up to 10 keys can be lit at the same time)
Tones: 100 presets
Polyphony: 12 notes maximum
Lesson System: 3 Step Lesson System
Playback: 1 tune repeat playback
Musical Information Function: Tones, Auto Accompaniment, Song Bank numbers and names, tempo; 3 step lesson display, chord name, fingering, timing indicator, key lighting, voice fingering
Speakers: 10 cm diameter x 2 (Output: 2W + 2W)
Headphones/output: Stereo standard jack (Output is monaural)
Microphone/input: Standard jack (with microphone volume knob)
Power: DC 9V, or 6 AA batteries (approximately 4 hours of continuous use)
Dimensions: 37-1/4 x 14-11/16 x 5-5/16 inches
Weight: 10.4 pounds

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