Amazon.com Product Description

The Casio CTK-671 Portable Keyboard features 61 full-size keys, 32-note polyphony, and 348 tones. Built-in 2.5-watt per channel stereo speakers give you good sound quality, and a headphone jack and stereo lineout (to attach the keyboard to a home stereo) give you the volume options you need for big performances or late-night practice.

With the keyboard you get 128 general MIDI, 100 face panel sounds, 100 variations and 10 drum sets ready-to-use. Using the synthesizer functions, you can create and store 10 of your own sounds. Simultaneously use up to four effects, such as reverb or chorus, to produce your perfect sound. The 100 rhythm patterns give you everything you need to start making music.

Casio's Internet Data Expansion system lets you download new sounds, patterns, songs, and keyboard settings over MIDI from Casio's Web site.

Other features include three-song/six-track recording with real-time or editable step time, six drum pads, a pitch bend wheel, sustain pedal jack, and a backlit LCD. The LCD displays selection and status of tone, rhythm, mixer, keyboard functions, and tempo for complete control.

The CTK-671 operates with an optional AD-5 AC adapter or D batteries. ... Read more

Features

• 128 voices and 100 rhythm patterns
• 3-step teaching system
• 5-octave, full-size keyboard
• 61 touch-sensitive keys
• 24-note polyphony

Reviews (3)

Decent sound, terrible support, useless for many purposes
I am a bassist, guitarist, and vocalist working on my own project.

I did not have the money to throw into a Korg, Kurzweil, Roland, or Yamaha board. All I needed a keyboard/synth for was drum sounds and some keyboard/synth fill in. At first, this seemed like the model for me..

The touch sensitivity is nice.. most of the sounds are pretty decent, if not you can make all sorts of adjustments to just about anything for any tone... except the 'raindrops' tone, a common favorite on most keyboards/synths.. the raindrops tone for the Casio is a cheesy video game sound effect.

Otherwise, the sound and sound possibilities were surprisingly decent.

That is where the good review ends. 6 songs is not a lot of storage if you actually plan to compose with this thing.. no floppy. However you can save songs to your comp, and load songs from your comp to the keyboard.. if you have a good laptop and want to take it everywhere the keyboard goes, then this is not as much of a concern.

Don't buy it if you plan to use it with Cakewalk.. Casio does not provide the .ins (instrument definitions) file for it, and the manual is useless for creating your own. It works terribly with Cakewalk (and I would imagine other MIDI devices) for this reason.

If you just want to play, and never record anything, then this is the instrument for you, otherwise, go for something a bit more expensive. Do not go Casio though.. At present there are little to no .ins files for Casio boards anywhere on the web.

Also, it is certainly not an instrument to take on the road, partly for the limited storage, partly for its innability to interact with other MIDI devices to the extent it could and should be able to, and partly because it is very lightweight and flimsy, don't sneeze in its direction..

.. Look at the price, ask yourself if you can wait a while longer and buy something that is even just a little bit more expensive.. such as a Yamaha for a hundred or two more.

If you think it will help you on your home project... not unless you want to record and flatten to analog from track to track, or program everything into the keyboard and record analog.

Reliable as my old model
I was shopping and based on the reliability of my Casio CTK-511 I selected this model. This is a fun reasonable priced Keyboard with great sound and good features. Consider this one!!!

looks cool
it is cool looking i might buy it but if you have 600$ get the
yamaha psr55oad that looks sweet ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Casio LK50 is the perfect keyboard for the casual enthusiast or for those just starting out. It offers 61 full-size, touch-sensitive keys. Touch-sensitive keys provide better finger control. The harder you strike the key, the louder the sound will be. The LK50 also has 100 rhythm patterns, 137 instrument tones, and 100 accompaniment songs. All the auto accompaniment songs follow the Casio chord and fingered-chord systems, so you can generate background music at any skill level.

Using the LK50's easy teaching approach, you systematically learn to play with lighted keys until you finally play the melody in real time with accompaniment. You will easily see your tone, rhythm, song, and tempo selections via the easy-to-read LCD display. The display's onscreen music staff and finger icons show the notes and chords that you play. This Casio keyboard is compatible with the general MIDI scheme. ... Read more

Features

• 24-note polyphony
• MIDI compatibility
• 61 full-size, touch-sensitive keys
• 137 sounds and effects
• Split and layer functions

Reviews (2)

My daughter's "MUST-HAVE" keyboard!
My daughter tried this keyboard out at the store. It has been on her "MUST-HAVE" list since that day. When I was young I had a Baby-Grand piano vs this Casio LK50. I think it is great to have a lighted-teacher keyboard instead of going for hourly lessons weekly. I explored the internet doing homework, this is a great buy. I know she will have many enjoyable hours learning to play. A "MUST-HAVE" for me to get this keyboard for her!

Can't wait to get it...
I tried it out at a store, and this thing rocks. The lighted keys really do help in playing pieces. I can't wait to get mine... =) ... Read more

Features

• MIDI IN/OUT Jack; 5-part multi-timbral
• On-screen Keyboard, music staff and finger icons display notes and chords
• 61 full-size keys; 12-Note polyphonic
• 2 Built-in Speakers; Lineout/headphone Jack
• LCD Window (76x42mm) display selections and status of Tone, Rhythm, Song, Volume, Melody Off and Tempo

Reviews (3)

Not bad for beginners...
Yeap, that's all I could say.. it's great for all beginners who never lay their hands on the keyboard, because it has some features that some other don't have, which is songbook controller, that could let you play, PAUSE, forward, backward, while other only can do play and stop.. which is uneffective to learning from the image of keyboard button on the lcd.It is really helpful.. that's why I cancel to buy LK-43 and buy this instead(even though they have the lighting keys-I think it's not really helping, though..)

Great
Although it was a few weeks late, it's a great value.

Late products cannot be reviewed!
Order placed Jan16.No explanation received for late delivery.Dont mind waiting,but should be told why.Hope this item comes with a stand.....its the least casio should do. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Panasonic SXKC200 is the perfect keyboard for the intermediate and beginner keyboardist. It offers 61 full-size, touch-sensitive keys. Touch-sensitive keys provide better finger control over sound quality.Your play becomes more expressive compared to keyboards without touch-sensitivity. The SXKC200 also has 100 rhythm patterns, 150 instrument sampled sounds, and 100 accompaniment songs. The speakers project sound in full stereo with extra bass capabilities. The LCD display is backlit to ensure bright and optimum readability. The SXKC200 also includes Music Trainer software with programs like chord finder and beat master to help you easily learn to play. This Panasonic keyboard is compatible with the general MIDI scheme. ... Read more

Features

• MIDI compatibility
• 150 digitally sampled sounds
• 100-song library with music book
• 61 full-size, touch-sensitive keys
• Stereo speakers with bass port

Reviews (1)

Worth it for such an low price
I have tried other branded keyboard such as casino and Yamaha

Casio Keyboard is cheap but the sound effect and rymthdy are to my own opinion horrible!

Yahmaha Keyboard's sound effect and rym is very good but much too expensive.

I finally purchase this keyboard which I think have one of the best sound and midi. Furthermore, it is of such a low price. I personally think it is very worth it if you are a beginner and intermediate player like me. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Casio WK1600 is the perfect keyboard for the music professional. It offers 76 full-size, touch-sensitive keys. Touch-sensitive keys provide better finger control. The harder you strike the key, the louder the sound will be. The WK1600 also has 130 rhythm patterns, 232 instrument tones, and 120 accompaniment songs. All the auto accompaniment songs follow the fingered chord, Casio chord, and full-range chord systems, so you can generate background music at any skill-level. The synthesizer function allows you to create and store your own sounds.

The backlit LCD display ensures bright, optimal readability. You will easily see your tone, rhythm, song, volume, melody, and tempo selections via the easy-to-read LCD display. The display's onscreen music staff and finger icons show the notes and chords that you play. This Casio keyboard is compatible with the general MIDI scheme. ... Read more

Features

• Split and layer function
• 32-note polyphony
• MIDI compatibility
• 76 full-size, touch-sensitive keys
• 232 sounds and effects

Reviews (3)

Great sound, not too many accessories
This keyboard is a fantastic keyboard if you're going to quality sound.I use it for composing music and have it hooked up to my computer.The speaker system is fantastic, but it doesn't come with a stand, doesn't have reverberation settings, and doesn't have a diskette drive (although it does have the location for one).The keys are a bit tight, but most of the instrument sounds are realistic.It also does not include a stand or sustain pedal. If you're looking for something for composition purposes, this is a great deal.If you're looking for something to have around to learn to play the keyboard, look for something a bit cheaper and possibly even smaller.This doesn't transport easily.

A great keyboard for any skill level.
I've had this keyboard for almost a year. And i love it. It has just about any instrument you could need, and a synthesiser to make your own sounds. Its good for professionals, intermediate, or beginners. I havent used it as a midi instrument yet, but you can connect it to your computer w/ a midi interface. The keyboard is also very easy to use, but has many features. One feature I found very useful is the transpose buttons, which let you change the key of the keyboard without having to figure out the notes. Overall this is a great keyboard, and at a reasonable price. Of course since it has 76 keys, it is a bit heavier, and bigger than the 61 keys. So, if you plan to move this thing around a lot, I suggest getting a case for it.

This keyboard is a great choice.
The sound quality is great and the touch sensitive keys work well.76 keys is just enough keys to not run out.There are lots of great features on this machine too.The lcd screen shows what keys you are playing and the notes on a staff--it really helps for those learning to play.Definitely a great buy. Try the WK1630 if you want a silver one. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Yamaha packs more features into its lightweight PSR-340 Portatone keyboard than anyone is likely to use during the life of the product. But the diversity and flexibility inherent in this surplus should invite the novice and tease the seasoned. The keyboard's battery power offers portability and is a welcome feature. And you don't even need an amplifier--the keyboard's onboard powered speakers play loudly and cleanly.

Setup of the PSR-340 is a cinch using Yamaha's handy quick guide (which precedes the in-depth portion of the keyboard's 123-page manual). Though not always as clear as it could be, the manual does have helpful graphics, special hints, and discussions of piano basics and the whys and wherefores of MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). In a matter of minutes we were up and playing along with one of the PSR-340's three demos, "My Heart Will Go On (Love Theme from Titanic)."

The keyboard's four main buttons guide you to the sounds, or voices, of hundreds of instruments, including myriad drums and sound effects. You have the option of using these voices with over a hundred styles of backing music, available at the press of the Auto Accompaniment button.

Among the numerous features to choose from while playing and recording are: metronome assistance, dual-voice performance, variable split point (the place where the keys switch from one voice to another), and MIDI inputs and outputs. Using MIDI and the PSR-340's sequencer, you can "record" up to six tracks for repeat performances of, say, a jazz piece with piano, organ, bass, and drums. You can adjust the volume for the musical accompaniment and sound effects such as reverb (echo), chorus (a layering of the sound with slightly different timings), DSP (digital signal processing), and others.

Three special chord functions make Auto Accompaniment especially easy. The onboard digital dictionary can teach you the notes for the chords you request (an F# minor M7 flat 5, perhaps?), or you can select Smart Chord to inform the keyboard what key you'll be playing in. If you're new at this, EZ Chord lets you line up a series of chords in advance; all you'll have to do is press the same note whenever you're ready for the next chord in the sequence.

One aspect of sequencer operations that puzzled us was the fact that, upon editing a note, subsequent notes are deleted from your recorded track. Say, for instance, that you recorded 10 notes on Track One and 10 notes on Track Two. If you want to edit the sixth note on the second track, you'll have to redo notes six through 10 rather than simply note six.

As long as you leave the PSR-340 plugged in, it's never truly off. (When you power down, it goes into standby.) So, if you change any of the settings--tempo, volume, split, metronome, etc.--the keyboard will retain those settings for next time.

If you want to reset the settings to Yamaha's factory presets, the PSR-340 offers global as well as individual defaults. Under global default, holding down a designated key when you're turning the keyboard on or off will return everything you've changed during your last session--tempo, volume, split, metronome, etc.--to the factory preset. Individual default lets you return any one setting (just the tempo, just the volume, etc.) to the factory preset.

Given its price, the PSR-340 is clearly aimed at a family audience and keyboard neophytes, though it's sophisticated enough that professionals can just as easily appreciate its innovative features.

--Michael Anderson

Pros:

• Lightweight, portable
• Display remains clear and bright in direct sunlight
• Easy returns to global- and individual-setting defaults
• Multiple ways to select same feature
• Standby mode allows low-power usage while retaining user selections

Cons:

• Accessories sold separately
• In sequence editing, the keyboard deletes subsequent notes from the edit point in your recorded track
• Panel display gradually dims over long periods of use

Features

• Can be hooked up to a Mac or PC
• Portable keyboard with built-in floppy-disk drive
• 61 full-size touch-sensitive keys
• Abundant MIDI functions for sequence recording and other applications
• Hundreds of instrument voices and accompaniment styles

Reviews (5)

Dim
When I first bought this it was great.It has plenty of different sounds and features.One thing I didn't like was that after a while,the display screen grows a little dim.Other than that I thought this product was great.

Sensational Keyboard!A MUST for the beginner!
I was amazed, no, ASTONSIHED by the enhanced sound that this thing makes!It's almost better than owning your own grand piano at such a low low cost!Although I do not own the keyboard myself,I am constantly using my friends system.I love it so much that I am having it purchased for me for Christmas.I love the idea that you can save your compositions onto a floppy and than convert it to midi on the computer.You can even download midis off the internet and have them play right off the keyboard for an easier learning environment.Download the sheet music,and download the song,there you have it folks!Furthermore, there is a WIDE variety of instrumental selection on this monster.I mean,if you select trumpet,it's a TRUMPET!Unlike the older versions of YAMAHA keyboards where every instrument sounds like a computerized immitation.IT SOUNDS LIKE THE REAL THING FOLKS!No cheap immitations here!You'll be playing for hours! There is so much more that I could compliment this keyboard for,but I would be typing for years!...For parents reading this review,this is by no means a TOY,it's worth the money and you'll soon see your children or teens blooming into Mozarts.It's really incredible! I can't stress that enough! It is seriously just as good as owning a piano.

What makes this product even more exciting is the many accessories you can purchase for this musical maham. A sustaining foot switch is one of the many.

For a cost like what Amazon offers,five stars does not even satisfy the rating this product should receive.

Delighted
I purchased the PSR340 as a Christmas gift for my retired parents. They both have a history with full sized organs and piano's and they simply love the Yamaha keyboard. I was particularly pleased with Amazon.com's orderingprocess. I was promptly notified via email of the exact status of my orderand received it right on schedule.

Yes, I was rather disappointed thatYamaha chose not to include the power supply but Amazon.com DOES in factsell it.

Yamaha PA6 Power Adapter for Electronic Keyboards and Drums

no power supply
This is a fine keyboard.Unfortunately, Yamaha does not include the power supply, and considers it 'optional' !So, be aware that you will have to wait up to 30 days for a backordered 10 v power supply, or buy a pallet ofD batteries.Amazon does not appear to carry the power supply.

Awesome Keyboard!
This Yamaha keyboard does everything! I can hook it up to my computer to write music. The disk drive makes it easy to record music and it acts almost like a player piano. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Yamaha PSRD1 Dance and Techno Keyboard is a 61-key portable keyboard with many advanced features for creating techno and dance tracks. It's your one-stop groove station--complete with a built-in sampler and real-time control knobs. Sample your own parts (from a microphone or CD player), then play them from the keyboard. You can use the knobs, pitch bend wheel, and ribbon controller to change the sound. Simple-to-use editing controls let you fine-tune your samples and even loop them.

The Yamaha PSRD1 features 100 patterns to groove with, 15 drum kits, and 283 voices including hits, scratches, break beats, loops, and human voice samples (with 128 general MIDI voices). It is MIDI-compatible, so you can use this keyboard in conjunction with your PC for even greater variety and control.

Powered by either six D batteries or a Yamaha PA6 power adapter (not included), and weighing only 15 pounds, the Yamaha PSRD1 can go anywhere. This keyboard comes with a one-year manufacturer's warranty. ... Read more

Features

• Pitch bend wheel
• Digital sampler
• MIDI-compatible portable keyboard
• 61 full-size keys
• 283 voices and 15 drum kits

Reviews (4)

Why It can be shipped outside US?
I will be happy to buy it but I don't know how. Bye Daniele

As good as it gets (for the price)
Yep, this is one powerful and relatively easy piece of equipment.This is my first electonic purchase in ages and I am thrilled.The sound is fantastic, better that my home speakers in fact.My only criticism is that the manual assumes that you have read every page previous.For impatient enthusiasts, this can be a hinderance.I am just beginning to understand how to record my own tracks and it's been three weeks since the DJX has enhanced my life.But what about the next series of DJX?They are most certainly more powerful and easier, but for this price I am in love with my new toy.

Yamaha PSR-D1 DJX
Why is it that musical critics who are accustomed to using $5,000.00 workstations frequently give the cheap, portable keyboard, the Yamaha PSR-D1 DJX, such rave reviews?Perhaps it is because underneath itstasteless, plasticy exterior looks lies so much uniqueness and potentialfor both the informal home hobbyist and the serious recording professional.In this price range, one would probably expect a "family"keyboard that entails multitudes of z-grade patches as well as limitedeffects and little or no MIDI implementation.However, the majority of thepresets are deep, complex, and, most important of all, modern sounding. More amazing is that the sounds can actually be edited and implemented intoserious recordings since the DSP, reverb, chorus, and arpeggiator effectsare quite effective and innovative for a budget keyboard such as this.TheMIDI functions of the DJX are also numerous, though it may be tricky forthe typical user to program them into sequences at their fullest potential. Still, this keyboard is very unique and is one of the best keyboards, inany price range, for use in dance-techno styles.Overall, its value andits features makes it one of the few keyboards that is certain to pleaseboth the curious hobbyist as well as the recording professional.

Throw a party with this DJX!
What a blast!This things has sounds in it from a grand piano to a human voice singing. I recently had a party and brought out my DJX and we didn't quit plying until 3:00am!I could only imagine this unit hooked up througha p.a. system at a night club.. Anyone can be a DJ. This ROCKS! ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Yamaha PSS16 portable electronic keyboard features 37 midsize keys.It includes 100 PCM voices, 22 PCM rhythm accompaniments, and 15 programmed songs with the Music Minus One feature. You can play by yourself or take a lesson with help from the computer-aided music function. Auto Harmony, Auto Ad-Lib, and four drum pads help complete your sound. The built-in headphone jack and stereo speakers give you the option to play for your ears only or share your music with a crowd.

The Yamaha PSS16 can be powered by either six AA batteries or an optional Yamaha PA3B AC adapter. It measures 6.6 by 25 by 2.6 inches and comes with a one-year manufacturer's warranty. ... Read more

Features

• 4 drum pads
• 15 programmed songs with Music Minus One feature
• 37 midsize keys
• 100 PCM voices and 22 PCM rhythms
• Built-in stereo speakers

Reviews (4)

A good choice for amusement or ear training
I've never purchased a keyboard before.I never thought I would need one.However, I found myself in the situation of learning vocal music andrealizing that while I knew the name of the note, I couldn't alwaysremember the sound of the note.

"A keyboard", my vocal coachsuggested.

"A keyboard," I sighed.

I hunted around town andfound that the cheapest I could get was 80 or more dollars -- too much formy budget.Then I saw this gem.I figured that if it was too much like atoy, I could send it to my nephews (and really annoy my sister!).

I'vetried it and I like it.Read the description for the details of what ithas.As for me, this review is what I like and dislike about it.

Whileit has a three-octave range, by shifting the selected voice to a bassvoice, one can get lower notes -- this is good, for basses and baritoneswho need notes while learning vocal scores.By shifting to a sopraninovoice (like the piccolo) one can cover the full soprano range.

The keysare very small -- I find myself hitting strays when running 5 and 8 notescales.The good point to the small keys is that the player must hit thekeys precisely in the center to play anything accurately; however, it alsomeans that the player gets used to having the intervals closer than theyare on a full sized keyboard.

Yes, there are lots of voices andcombinations, but don't expect them to sound identical to the instrument. Remember that this is a $40.00 keyboard, not a several hundred dollarRoland or Yamaha.

It is lightweight and VERY portable; however, spend awad on batteries -- this thing uses 6 "C" cells.Do yourself afavor and pick up the adapter the same time you buy the keyboard.

Thebuilt in speakers sound good for the midrange voices; however, they do notgive full sound the lower voices and the higher.If you demand bettersound, then jack in additional speakers or a set of headphones.

Great fun for not so serious players
I bought this keyboard for my daughter, but everyone wants to play it because it's so much fun.I particullarly like the 100 instrument settings, and playing along with the preprogrammed songs.It has severalfeatures to make keyboard playing easier.

The keyboard isn't well suitedfor serious music reading though, having only 3 octaves and small keys. Also, it uses up batteries rather quickly. If you use it much at all you'llneed the power adapter or rechargeable batteries.

Let The Music Begin
This Is An Awesome Product Than Can BeUsed By People Of All Ages, It ComesWith 15 Fun To Listen Songs On It's Memory And It Can Be Set To Sound As 100 Different Rythms Or Musical Intruments.

ummmmmm...............
this is a ok product.....for babys.if u are begining you should not use this product.this is a childs play thing, sure its fun for babys to pound on.so i gave it 1 star ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Casio's CTK651 features 61 full-size keys with a touch-sensitivekeyboard that spans five octaves, letting you create or play music withfull-size piano sound. Its useful onscreen keyboard with music staff and finger iconsdisplays notes and chords played, while a built-in metronome with six drum padskeeps the beat.

The CTK651 enables connectivity with MIDI instruments and musically equippedcomputers for recording, editing, and scripting. A mixer function allows forcontrol over each MIDI channel and musical accompaniment. Its 24-note polyphonickeyboard offers more than 200 tones with 128 general MIDI, 32 presets, 32 usersynth tones, and eight drum set tones. Other proprietary sounds and play modesfeature room, stage, and concert hall presets and 100 discrete rhythmpatterns.

You can record your own compositions (5,200 notes) directly onto the keyboardusing a two-song/six-track memory in real time or editable stereo time. A usefulsynthesizer function lets you create and store your own sounds. Its backlit LCDdisplays music selections, along with tone, rhythm, mixer, tempo, and keyboardfunction. Built-in two-way speakers deliver a 5-watt output and include bassreflex sound.

The Casio CTK651 offers a 0.25-inch stereo line-out/headphone jack. It uses anAD-5 AC adapter or becomes portable with just six D batteries, neither included. ... Read more

Features

• 200 tones, 8 drum sets, and proprietary reverb with 3 presets
• Mixer function, built-in metronome, and MIDI compatibility
• Selectable touch-sensitive keyboard with 61 full-size keys
• 2-song/6-track memory (5,200 notes)
• Create and store your own sounds with synthesizer function

Reviews (2)

Made my piano teacher jealous!
Great Keyboard, Can't say enough good things about it. Within seconds I was playing it like a pro.It sounds like the instraments on it.This really isn't a keyboard its a synthisizer.

a keybard for a symphony
My son owns this keyboard and it has been a dream for him.When he is sent to bed he plays the keyboard and has taught himself several songs.The keybard has allowed him to teach himself from the easy learning instructions he is 10 and has learned to play like a true pianist.We are enrolling him in a school for music and we receive a partial scholarship to learn.

I have 5 children and they have had different keyboards but they have elected this TOP RATED.They are all finding it extremely pleasing and of good use for all of them even if its for the one son they have all found it to be the best.

The keyboard has easy instructions,easy to learn, and best of all THE BEAUTIFUL PRICE.Which since I have been shopping at amazon.com I will honestly say the prices have been the best and the products are the best.Iam appreciative for amazon.com. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Panasonic SX-KC611 is a 61-key, 250-voice keyboard. Besides piano and string instrument sounds, this keyboard offers a wide range of other sounds including drums, saxophone, and guitars. It features stereo speakers with XBS (Extra Bass System) for excellent sound quality and responsive bass.

Extra features include Panasonic's Beat Master, a music game that helps you improve your rhythm. As the bar indicators flash, you are prompted to hit the pads to improve your rhythm. Two modes, Training and Challenge, will push your skills. A built-in 3.5-inch disk drive allows direct playback of standard MIDI files and storage of your own sequenced recordings. There is also an aux-in terminal to connect your portable CD player to the SX-KC611 and play along with your favorite bands.

A 100-song library with play-along music can help teach you the basic skills of playing, so you can quickly start making your own music.

A large backlit LCD display makes operation easy, and 61 full-size, touch-sensitive keys allow you to control tone and volume as you play. Effects keys like reverb and chorus let you adjust the music to the sound you like.

An A/C adapter is included, as well as MIDI in/out jacks and a headphone jack for late-night rehearsing. ... Read more

Features

• 100-song library with play-along music book
• 61 full-size, touch-sensitive keys, 32-note polyphony
• 250 digitally sampled sounds
• 3.5-inch disk drive enables playback and storage
• Beat Master training software

Product Description

The LK-73 is an excellent keyboard and learning tool.With its lighted keys, learning to play is fun and easy.137 tones make it versatile, with a wide range of sounds to play along with the 100 auto rhythms.The LK-73 also full MIDI capabilities so it can be intergrated in to a bigger set up or used with computer hardware or software. ... Read more

Features

• LK ( Lighting Key ) function illuminates up to ten keys simultaneously
• Features three levels of learning -
• Level One emphasizes Rhythm and Time
• Level Two focuses on Melody and Rhythm
• Level Three challenges the learner to play the entire score

Reviews (1)

A GREAT WAY TO LEARN THE PIANO
THE THE FEAUTRES ON THIS ARE UNBELIVEABLE AND THE LIGHTED KEY SYSTEM IS A GREAT WAY TO LEARN AND SHOW PROPER HAND PLACEMENT. HAS EVERYHING YOU CAN WANT. I DID NOT BUY MINE FROM AMAZON THEIR PRICE IS VERY HIGH (I PAID 178.00 BRAND NEW FROM HSN W/FREE SHIPPING AND INCLUDED THE MIDI CABLES, POWER ADAPTER, AND HEAD SETS WHICH AMAZON DOESNT INCLUDE IN THEIRS). MY ADVISE IS DEFINATELY TRY THIS ITEM BUT LOOK ELSEWHERE FOR A BETTER DEAL..YOU CAN DO BETTER THAN THIS PRICE... ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

With just 49 keys and weighing only 8 pounds, the Yamaha PSR160 truly is portable. It features 100 voices and 16-note polyphony, along with two pads and 10 banks of rhythm. Special effects include dual harmony/echo and split voice.

The PSR160 features a two-way speaker system and large backlit LCD. It is powered by the Yamaha PA-3B AC adapter (not included). ... Read more

Features

• Dual, harmony/echo, split voice effects
• 2 pads and 10 banks of rhythm
• 49 standard-size keys
• 100 voices and 16-note polyphony
• Perfect for beginners

Amazon.com Review

The PSR-225GMAD has everything a musician new to keyboards would need to get started creating, composing, and/or performing music, without the expense of a professional synthesizer. It's a fantastic keyboard at a phenomenal price.

The PSR-225GMAD boasts a total of 238 voices. The voices are simple to access: press the Voice button, then type in the appropriate voice's number (all of the voices with their numbers are listed in the accompanying manual). For an inexpensive instrument, the quality of these voices is well above average. The PSR-225GMAD is a General MIDI-compatible keyboard, which means 128 of the voices are grouped in a standardized way: if you connect the keyboard to a computer--via the MIDI ports using MIDI cables (sold separately)--the PSR-225GMAD will correctly play General MIDI files (a standard of most MIDI files in educational software and of those available on the Internet).

If you enjoy playing along with built-in drum patterns and bass lines, then you will want to press the Style button. The PSR-225GMAD contains 100 different auto accompaniments from a variety of musical genres. The keyboard can harmonize chords for you, and it can select voices that match well the style you have chosen. You can easily change the tempo or move between an intro, ending, or two preset sections of a song.

There is also a Song function on the PSR-225GMAD, which allows you to play back songs or record your own songs. This is one area where the PSR-225GMAD does not shine. The user can store only a maximum of three songs. Each song can have up to six tracks, but the interface for recording these tracks is cumbersome and counterintuitive.

A user more serious about creating their own songs will probably opt for connecting the keyboard to a computer and using a software-based sequencer. The novice songwriter will most likely become frustrated rather quickly with the PSR-225GMAD's built-in sequencer because of its complexity and limitations.

There are a number of other useful and extremely easy-to-use functions on the PSR-225GMAD, including a metronome, dual- and split-keyboard modes, and sound enhancers such as reverb and chorus. The five-octave, 61-note keyboard and good-quality built-in speakers make the PSR-225GMAD very fun to play.

Overall, the PSR-225GMAD is a quality keyboard for new keyboardists and composers. --Chris Fresolone

Pros:

• 5-octave, 61-note keyboard
• Built-in speakers
• Good-quality sound
• General MIDI compatible
• 100 different auto accompaniments
• Easy-to-use functions and sound effects

• Limited and difficult-to-use built-in sequencer

Features

• 100 authentic instrument voices and styles encourages creativity
• Multifingering auto accompaniment
• 61 piano-sized keys
• Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) input and output
• Interactive Yamaha Education Suite included for beginning musicians

Reviews (2)

Great Value
I purchased this keyboard so I could have an inexpensive way to play the piano now and then.I am amazed at the quality of this keyboard.I am enjoying the great piano sound and touch sensitive keys.I also purchased an inexpensive foot pedal to go with the keyboard.This nicely simulates the sustain pedal on a piano.This keyboard has many useful features that will be fun to explore over time. I think this keyboard is a fantastic value.

Top Quality for a small price
I have a Clavinova and a PSR 6700.I play the clavinova at our local hospital and the keyboard at the Senior Center.I ordered the PSR225GMAD as a backup mainly because of its weight and price.I was amazed at the sound quality.I didn't believe it was possible with just two 3 watt speakers.The voices very closely mimic the real instruments and the rythm sections are outstanding.It is easy to set the voice, tempos, and accompaniment.At twelve pounds, I can carry it without the possibility of getting a hernia.It is attractive, has quality sound and it was at at unbelievable low price.My only suggestion is that you increase the number of memory setups.Four is not enough.

A very satisfied customer,

Sam J. Vaughn ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Casio WK-1630 has 76 touch-sensitive keys, 32-note polyphony, programmable rhythm patterns, expanded digital effects, a modulation wheel, and separate line-out and headphone jacks. With 232 tones, a split and layer function, 132 rhythm patterns, and a two-song, six-track memory, this keyboard provides a full set of features for the beginner and intermediate keyboard player.

A backlit LCD window displays selections and status of tone, rhythm, mixer, and keyboard functions. The mixer allows control over each MIDI channel and accompaniment part you choose. Other controls include pitch bend and modulation wheels, along with transpose and tuning.

This keyboard operates on D batteries or an included AC adapter. ... Read more

Features

• Bass reflex audio system with 4 speakers
• 76-note, full-size, touch-sensitive keys
• 232 tones, 32-note polyphony
• 2-song, 6-track memory
• 10 digital effects, 130 rhythm patterns

Reviews (6)

Buy it.
I have owned this keyboard for about six months, and although I'm extremely happy with it, there are a few drawbacks that anyone who is considering this keyboard should know about.So I'll try to make good as list as possible.

THE GOOD:
*realistic sounds (#19 is better than a real drawbar organ!)
*good DSP settings
*32 polyphony
*Alot of presets, so you can save your favorite sounds
*Powerful mixing board
*Layer and Split settings, which means that up to four sounds can be playing at once
*Very light weight, especially compaired to some Yamaha's and Rolands I've tried to pick up.
*Many tones, some very funny, such as Helicopter, Applause, and GunShot.
*Many different beats.
*The LCD screen is nice.
*Casio Cord is very accurate.

THE OKAY:
*The onboard speakers are loud, but the louder they get, the worse the quality.Its only a problem for me on a couple of the sounds.
*Only two songs can be saved at a time.
*The volume is very sensitive.
*Keys aren't weighted.I don't mind it, but some do.
*Touch sensitivity is okay.At it's highest, it's just okay, nothing like a real piano at all.But since the keys aren't weighted, you're not going to get much better.

THE BAD:
*Really big.Really really big.
*Feels flimsy.I've made scratches on mine by hitting my ring against it.
*Some of the sounds are the same, such as the violins

I bought my keyboard used without a manual.I've figured out most of the settings, such as how to mix, but there are still some which I haven't figured out yet.I would suggest getting the manual, even though it is very easy to understand and use.Like I said, it came used, and I've put it through alot (like a rainstorm, being dropped on the ground, ALOT of travel without a case in the car), and it's still holding up great.The speaker quality isn't an issue with me because if I want it loud, I can plug it into my amp.It does get very loud with it's own speakers (altough a few of the settings cause the sound to waver).

I absolutely love my keyboard.I've compaired it to others, such as the high end of the Yamaha DGX series, and I like my Casio much better.

Buy it!

if you're looking for some quiet practice, this is it
i am a 16 piano lover, and i am lucky enough to own a beautiful piano.yet, that piano happens to be in the center of the house, much to my family's dislike.As i said, i love piano, and tend to practice a lot.This keyboard was perfect for those times when my dad had a headache, or my mom was trying to watch tv, of my sister was sleeping.The sound is beautiful, it's easy to use, and the headphones i bought in addition are wonderful.this keyboard has many additional aspects to it, although i haven't quiet figured them out...lol.the ones i use are the recording, where you can even store songs you've recorded (great for finding your trouble spots and wrong notes in pieces), and i also use the metronome.Also, it's a lot of fun to play around with the different sounds you can use, there's some really great ones.The display is very clear and displays the intrument largely.
BUY THIS!!!

Perfect Keyboard
This keyboard is phenomenal for the money!
I recently bought a Yamaha DGX-202, (a comparable unit), returned it then bought the Casio.
Casio blows the doors off the Yamaha.
The sound is phenomenal. (Much better than the Yamaha's)
The fuctionality is excellent.
The styling is beautiful.
And for the street price ($...) it's an incredible deal.
Get one immediately!

Ultimate for Bros with a Low Cash Flow
This is a surprisingly [inexpensive] piece of equipment for the kind of power it contains. With 232 tones, (32 which you can create yourself) some excellent demo songs to showcase it's power, and over 100 rythms (20 which you can create yourself) this is a powerful piano impersonator. I've things like this that were basically ... batteries. Expensive, bulky, meek, weak etc., you get the idea. This masterful musician's amigo is only 200 something dollars and is EXTREMELY poweful. To get the best out of this equipment, get the computer Music starter pack (or some kinda name like that) from cakewalk to create bigger, easier to compose songs. I'm only 14 and I can make I own music easily with this dynamic digitizer. You won't regret it.

Casio WK1630 Keyboard or Yamaha PSR-GX76AD
My wife and I debated on which 76-Note keyboard to buy: Casio WK-1630 or Yamaha PSR-GX76AD. The price range for both products is very close.

At the beginning, we kind of leaning on the Yamaha for the following reasons:
-Yamaha GX76 has 5 songs, 6 tracks memory while Casio WK1630 only has 2 songs, 6 tracks memory.
-Yamaha has one hundred built-in songs while Casio has twenty something songs.
-Yamaha has a tutorial book come with it while Casio has none.
-Yamaha has four local stores in town for services while Casio has none.
-Yamaha has good reputation in producing musical instrument than Casio.

After testing both products in several stores, we finally settled for the Casio WK1630 for the following reasons:Casio WK-1630 has a better volume control and the sound quality seems to be a little better than the Yamaha GX76. Since my wife is not a beginner, she doesn't care about the education book. She only cares the quality of the music and the audible level of the music.She wants loud PoP music. Yamaha can't produce loud enough music even we turned the volume to the max. We tried the volume features on several stores to make the comparison. The conclusion is Casio produces music louder at the max volume with acceptable sound quality while Yahama couldn't produce loud music at the max volume.That help us made up our mind.

So if you are a beginner and don't care about the loudness of the music, Yamaha seems to be better: more feature and a free tutorial book.
If you are not a beginner and want a loud PoP music, you may consider the Casio WK-1630. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

How to learn two-handed pieces on this keyboard
I agree with the review above regarding the problem with the transition to two-handed play using this keyboard.I spent a lot of time practicing two-handed songs one hand at a time and I couldn't figure out how to begin playing both hands at the same time.I've since figured it out and can now play both Beethoven's Pathetique (#76 on keyboard) and Chopin's Chanson (#82 on keyboard).It took around two months of practice in my spare time to learn each of the two songs (4 months total) and I have never had any piano lessons.Here's how:

Spend a few days or a week -- depending on how much experience you have with music in general -- playing the entire piece one hand at a time.You may have to just listen to the piece sometimes to get a feel for it.

Once you are thoroughly familiar with the song, memorize how to play the just the first measure in your right hand (using "Step 2", right hand).Be sure to pay attention to the fingering guide on screen -- it'll make things a lot easier in the long run if you are playing the correct fingerings and doing the correct sustains, not just blindly following the key lighting.Then switch it "Step 2", left hand, and play the right hand from memory while watching the keyboard to play the left hand as well.The keyboard will also be playing the right hand, but will not advance unless the left-hand keys have been hit correctly.If you hit left-handed keys without playing the corresponding right-hand part, you'll hear it being played anyway -- and know that you didn't do it right.You can then go back and try again.It usually just takes a few minutes until you get it right through trial and error -- but definitely longer if it is a really difficult measure.If you take a look at the sheet music to see when the left and hand keys are playing relative to each other, it often makes it easier to learn the measure.

Once you have really learned the measure, learn the next one and a so on.To make learning easier, I continue to practice in "Step 2", left hand mode even after I have learned to play the entire song, and then wean myself off the the left-hand lighted guide only after I have the song down cold.At a certain point you know the left-hand part just by feel and you only need to learn where to jump to in parts where the left hand moves a long way on the keyboard.

This method really works and I recommend this keyboard to anyone who would like to quickly learn complex two-handed classical pieces without knowing how to read music.Everyone is shocked that I am suddenly able to play difficult classical pieces that would normally require 5-10 years of piano lessons.

Great product, but some issues
In general this is a fun, high-quality product.It is certainly easier to learn a piece of music by having the keys that you need to play lit up for you instead of trying to read sheet music.Great value for the dollar and the sound quality of the digital instruments and speakers is comparable to other keyboards in this price range.Really great product for beginners and intermediates who want to learn to play the piano but have trouble reading sheet music or are in need of lots of repitition of left or right hand parts in order to master a piece.

However, there are a few criticisms:

The keys light up at the end of the keys, which is where your fingertips would normally be, so it is more difficult (but still fairly easy) to tell which keys are lit because your fingertip covers the light.Maybe if the light was 1-2 inches from the edge of the key it would be better.

The keyboard has a function where it lights the first note of a piece, and then after you play that note, it lights up the next note, and then you play that, and it lights the next, and so on.This is great for learning the notes, since the keyboard guides you and you control the pace of the piece, since the next note is not shown until you played the previous note. However, the keyboard only lights up one hand at a time with this teaching function.It does not light up both hand parts simultaneously.So the only way to practice with both hands simultaneously is to have the keyboard play the piece in real time, in which case it is very difficult to follow the notes, even when you slow down the tempo.Plus, it seems that you can only use this function with the pieces that are already pre-supplied on the keyboard.It doesn't seem to work for midi pieces downloaded from the internet.

Also, the ability to import midi pieces from a computer to the lk-73 keyboard via a MIDI cable seems to me to be overrated. I haven't been able to figure out how to make the lk-73 record a midi piece from the computer connected to it. Even if I could, apparently the keyboard will only record two pieces total.It also has a total memory of only 5,200 notes, which is not much, maybe about as much as two Chopin preludes (I haven't calculated exactly).The keyboard also will not retain recorded pieces in memory if the power has been cut off.It also does not seem possible to use the teaching function described above with pieces downloaded from the internet.I haven't figured out how to do this and the instruction manual doesn't say anything about it.

However, you can hook up your computer to the keyboard so that you can play a midi piece from the computer to the keyboard in real time, so that the notes in both hands light up on the keyboard.It seems easier to learn a piece this way instead of learning it from reading sheet music.However, even when the tempo is slowed down greatly this is still not nearly as easy as if the keyboard just lit the first key, then had you play it, then lit the next only after you played the previous one, and not
only showed the left and right parts by themselves, but also showed both parts together in this teaching mode.

Casio lk73 - Great for all ages
I am a mother of 4 ranging in age from 4 years to 14.I have piano experience (as I took piano and organ lessons from age 7 until college). I wanted something that would peak my girls interest rather than me teaching them and it being a battle.I think I have done it.All 4 love it!!!My 8 year old as learned half of the right hand of "Fur Elise".I got her the "Usborne Piano Course Book" one and two.I have helped her and she has also done several lessons on her own. She is half way through the book in 3 weeks. We are already playing a duet from the book together.My 14 year old isn't has also learned the entire right hand of "Fur Elise" by herself (it is quite long) and is now working on the left hand.The lighting of the keys allow the kids to memorize the songs on their own.The 14 year old is quite challenged by it (as I hoped she would be).The 4 year old is on it as much as I allow her to be.This has been a great product for us!!!I have been nothing but pleased. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Panasonic's SXKC600 keyboard with disk drive features 61 touch-sensitive keys for expressive playing, skill-enriching training functions, 150 digitally sampled sounds, and 100 rhythm patterns. Your live sound won't suffer with stereo speakers and a bass port. Panasonic even added its XBS (extra bass system) for enhanced sound.

Beginner and intermediate musicians will appreciate three built-in trainer functions and a large backlit LCD. The SXKC600 is MIDI equipped for PC connectivity and includes a built-in 3.5-inch disk drive. The drive enables direct playback of standard MIDI files and storage of your own recordings. An auxiliary-in terminal allows you to connect your portable CD player and play along with a favorite recording. In addition, Panasonic has included a 100-song library with a play-along music book.

The SXKC600 keyboard's power supply is included. ... Read more

Features

• Stereo speakers with bass port
• Built-in 3.5-inch disk drive for direct playback of standard MIDI files
• XBS (Extra Bass System)
• 61 full-size, touch-sensitive keys
• 250 digitally sampled sounds and 100-song library with play-along music book

Reviews (1)

Expensive waste of time.
I'm a game designer, looking for a decent midi keyboard to compose my music on. This music will then be transferred to my PC, ready to be used in whatever game I fancy. At least that was the plan.
A few slight problems- there are no drivers included with this keyboard (nor are there any availiable) and neither do any of my music software programs work with it. But wait...it has a disk drive ! Midi files are small and fit onto a floppy disk easily, so I decided to save my files to disk and then transfer them to my PC. I checked the disk and guess what ? My PC does not recognize the file format (I use Win 98 with a pentium 3 and a good soundblaster). The files it saved were not in the midi (.mid) file format or the standard midi file (.smf) format, much ballyhooed in the instructions- instead, they were in a completely unrecognizable format which I was unable to do anything with. Don't get me wrong; the keyboard itself sounded great, but if you are buying this with the same purpose in mind as I had, then don't bother.

But then again, isn't keyboard -> PC music transfer one of the sole purposes of having a midi keyboard in the first place ? Hence the well-deserved one-star rating. ... Read more