Kawai Piano Prices: Yamaha DGX220AD Portable Electronic keyboard w/ 76 full size piano box keys Review

Don't be misled by the 5-star rating (it's necessarily relative to many considerations). I bought one of these (a refurbished version at a lower price--apparently no longer on Amazon but available from the sub-vendor, American Musical Supply) simply to placate a bandleader who insisted the keyboard could walk on water after hearing musicians in Arizona playing them in restaurants.To an experienced ear, there's no mistaking the piano sound for that of a Kurzweil purchased in 1988 (at ten times the price), and the non-weighted piano touch is definitely flimsy compared to the non-weighted touch of a current Kurweil SP-76.Still, for the money, this thing blows me away.Not just the sounds and capabilities (splits, layers) but the light weight and the presence of onboard speakers (decent sounding ones).I have no doubt that I could get away playing dinner music on this thing without benefit of electricity (it'll run on D batteries).

All the Korgs, Rolands, Kurzweils, and professional-level Yamahas that I've used are 3 times heavier and don'thave internal speakers (we won't even mention price).If you're a serious musician and have plans to play this machine "out," be sure to get the 76-key model (61 is of no use, 88 is extra weight) and to purchase the AC adapter (excessive, dead weight, but no more expensive than buying six D alkalines).Also, brace yourself for patronizing and bemused if not contemptuous looks from any "real" musician.The garish look of this instrument has Walmart and Best Buy stamped all over it. But face it: most of the public won't even know if you're playing the instrument or if it's playing itself, so best not to raise suspicions by activating the rhythm machine or layering on the marimbas, violins, hip hop bass, gospel choirs and accordions. There's always one person who will compliment himself on spotting the deception and labeling you as an imposter, even if all of the piano parts are being played by the player, not the machine.

In conclusion, if you're a professional musician who doesn't make enough to afford a roadie, don't be too quick to dismiss these non-professional, so-called "consumer" models being made primarily by Yamaha and Casio.On the other hand, if you're serious about learning to play the piano, pass this one up for the equally inexpensive, more basic models by either manufacturer--the ones with less gadgetry.They may have fewer frills, but the action is tighter and they come with two necessities: a power adapter and sustain pedal. Also, it's easier to go from a piano to an organ touch than vice versa, so consider spending a bit more on a weighted-action keyboard.Plan on spending $20-30 for a piano stand (you can omit the bench: any chair without arms will do, and your back will applaud you).

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Product Description:
61 Key Portable Keyboard w/AC Adapter