The first think I noticed about the PX-130 when I sat down to play it is the sound — Casio really nails down that authentic grand piano sound. The next thing I noticed is the new scaled hammer action keyboard (88 notes and tri-sensor). After playing it for a while in the store I became aware of the other nice features such as a built-in metronome and two-track recorder together with a duet mode and other recording features like the built-in USB MIDI interface and the USB connection which enables you to save the songs you have recorded.

If you want to buy this piano, you can get it for a great price at Amazon through this link

An optional yet very necessary addition for the PX-130 is the Casio CS-67 Keyboard Stand. You really need to get this stand to get the most out of your piano.

CS-67 optional piano stand

So here are my pros and cons of the Casio Privia PX-130…

Casio PX-130: The Good

As I mentioned earlier, PX 130 has a strikingly realistic grand piano sound and acoustic piano feel; both qualities that are always at the top of the list of any discerning piano buyer’s list. With the Casio you really don’t have to compromise as the PX-130 as you’re going to get a terrific grand piano sound for very competitive and rock-bottom price.

Casio really delivers with the variety of their features you get 128 polyphony notes, 16 different built-in voices which can be combined or layered together with four available digital effects like reverb and other digital effects.

One last thing I’d like to mention is the library of 50 built-in classical and popular songs. This piano makes for a very amazing jukebox if you just want to sit back and entertain yourself with some classy background music.

Casio PX-130: The Bad

Some people have found the keys a bit too heavy compared to equivalently priced Yamaha models. Normally though, all it takes is a few days of playing the PX-130 and your fingers will develop the necessary strength and you won’t notice it anymore.

When I review pianos I always make sure to look at the back of the piano to see how many inputs and outputs there are. One potential problem is that there is no 1/4″ jack. You’ll have to purchase a converter jack for one of the headphones if you want to send the signal to a professional external amplifier.

Another potential issue is one of durability; the model is made out of plastic which can be easily damaged or broken when mishandled or dropped from a 10 story building. So it’s important that you handle it carefully or find a durable case to protect it while traveling.

The Casio PX-130 is Perfect For:

• Musicians who like to occasionally play live as you can take it with you anywhere
• Piano students who can practice at home as it has the built-in metronome to help them improve their piano technique and the ability to record one’s performances for evaluation

• As an added bonus, it’s also great for piano teachers as they can play with their student using the Privia’s duet mode

Final Verdict

In many ways Casio has come up to the level of traditional digital piano manufactures like Yamaha and Roland in terms of sound and playability except without the steep price. The Casio PX-130 88-key digital stage piano is a great buy for those who are looking for an affordable and versatile digital piano they can bring with them anywhere.

My bottom line recommendation: the PX-130 gets top marks for overall sound quality and consumer value.

-Chris Braun

If you want to buy this digital piano Amazon has it on sale right now

A PX-130 Owner’s Review

By David M. Johnson

This casio sounds so much better than 90% of the pianos I’ve played in the homes of people I have visited. The speakers are more than sufficient for most common uses. High notes sound like they originate from the right of center while the opposite is true for low notes, just like you would expect from an acoustic piano. Such full and realistic sound from such a compact package is shocking. You will not be disappointed…

It is worth every penny of the asking price. Even so, you can find even better deals if you are willing to do a bit of searching. Yes, this is a Casio. No, this is not even the top model in the Privia line. Do not let the low price or the name brand trick you into passing this one up. From now on, I will look at Casio…

Despite the minor gripes, I gladly gave it five stars. In fact, I plan to buy another one specifically for travel. I do not write many reviews, but I felt it was important to do my part in getting the word out about this product. Casio should be rewarded for what they have done. They have successfully reinvented themselves and we are the beneficiaries. You will not be disappointed.

Review paraphrased for size – view original review here

Here’s a good demo and review of the Casio PX-130 that I found on YouTube:

The Yamaha YPG-635 model comes with standard 64 note polyphony, a two-way speaker system (separate woofers and tweeters), a handy digital display, a multi track recorder, built-in reverb effects and digital signal processing (DSP) which adds different special effects.

If you want to buy this piano, you can get it at Amazon for 48% off through this link

If that’s not enough, Yamaha also throws in a fully adjustable metronome which is great for anyone taking piano lessons. You also get a total of 130 voices, 12 special effects and drums kits, and 361 XGlite voices — that’s quite an impressive list of voices and features for a piano of this modest cost.

Yamaha YPG-635: The Good

For me, the big selling point of the Yamaha YPG-635  is the piano action provides; it’s very similar to a real piano. Just like a real acoustic piano, the weighed hammer standard action keys enables responsiveness and a touch that feels heavier on the low parts and lighter on the high notes. Every time I play this model when I see it on display in a music store I’m always blown away by how fun it is to play.

Equally impressive is the pleasing quality of the grand piano sound which is all made possible by Yamaha’s proprietary Advanced Wave Memory technology which produces exquisitely realistic sounds. What makes the sound quality even better is the digital signal processing which enhances the overall sound quality of the piano and takes it to the next level.

I can’t let this review go by without mentioning the attractiveness of this model. The neutral wood accents really make one of the most attractive portable pianos I’ve seen in a long while and make it the perfect addition to any room.

Yamaha YPG-635: The Bad

Sometimes I found myself overwhelmed by the sheer number of features the YPG635 has. As someone who just likes to sit down and play the piano it can get overwhelming. However, once you read the manual and figure out what each button does you’ll have no problems. Note: for those that just want to play the piano you can press the Portable Grand button as shown below in the image.

Yamaha YPG-635 Portable Grand button

Another possible downside for this model would be its small display which can be quite of a hindrance to those who are relying on the display for digital sheet music while playing. Sadly, there is no available option to make it bigger.

The volume of the speakers might actually become a disappointment to those who want or need to play with the YPG-635 in front of a live audience. Most of the time, you might need to set the keyboard volume to maximum unless you can use external amplifiers.

This Digital Piano is Perfect for:

• beginner piano students as you can:
  • read digital sheet music on the display
  • record your practice sessions
  • use the built in metronome
• accomplished musicians who want the sound and feel of an acoustic piano without paying the high cost
• someone with limited space in their home or apartment as this attractive portable piano can fit practically anywhere

Final Verdict

Overall, the Yamaha YPG-635 88 Key weighted portable grand piano is a terrific buy considering its realistic grand piano sound and authentic piano action. It’s less expensive than the newer Yamaha DGX-630 which is essentially the same piano!

Bottom line: when you take into account the numerous features that Yamaha has packed into this piano, nothing can come close. Somehow Yamaha has found that elusive sweet spot of sound, action, features and price. That’s a remarkable achievement in a very competitive market.

This model scores so amazingly well on every criteria that I don’t hesitate to give the flagship Yamaha YPG-635 top marks all around. So when it comes to looking for a great portable digital piano for a reasonable cost, this particular model should be the first model on your list to consider.

-Chris Braun

If you want to buy this digital piano Amazon has it on sale right now

A YPG-625 Owner’s Review

By J. Denton

Wow! I couldn’t be happier with this keyboard. It feels and sounds just like a real piano, not to mention the other 500 sounds you can get from it. We were looking for something for our 9 yr old son to start piano lessons on without buying a piano that might just gather dust in a few years. The entire family has been enjoying this keyboard. In fact, our kids are choosing to play it over video games and tv. It has great sound, even without an amplifier, and is very easy to use. It has enough features to keep our children entertained for hours and yet still has the ability to sound and feel like a real piano for serious practice. It is well worth the price.

View original review here.

Here’s a great video that demonstrates the classic Yamaha grand piano sound and shows you all the features of the pedals:

What Kind of Music Will You Be Playing?

If you are taking classical piano lessons and intend on having a serious digital piano you should focus on buying a model with top-notch, authentic sound. Therefore having access to all kinds of non-piano sounds like an organ, electric piano, bass and drums may not be really necessary for you.

Also, if you are taking piano lessons you should consider the fact that some digital pianos have built in metronomes which will definitely help you improve your playing technique while you practice at home.

On the other hand, some people may want to buy a digital piano for fun and may enjoy having access to all kinds of sounds. With this in mind, many digital piano companies are only too happy to oblige and offer pianos with many different features that allow you to play with a full band accompaniment, arrange songs on the fly and so on.

So remember before you buy, be sure to figure out what kind of music you intend to be playing.  This knowledge will help you buy the right piano for your needs

Where Should I Buy My Digital Piano?

I get asked this question a lot! While there are some good dealers out there unfortunately there are some unscrupulous music stores out there as well. They often sell old, outdated models and worst of all they want you to pay list price for these pianos. Don’t fall for this trap! Instead be smart, savvy and educated and avoid these kinds of dealers.

Thankfully, today’s consumer has many purchasing choices with the advent of the Internet. Buying a digital piano online has never been more convenient and more importantly safe and secure for the consumer. Even better, by shopping online you’ll get the very best price and in most cases you can avoid paying sales tax if you purchase outside of your state. Also, be sure to check out the return policy when you buy online or from an actual store.

Some Final Thoughts

Here’s some important final advice for the prospective digital piano buyer: price should not be your only concern when buying. In this industry you get what you pay for and sometimes paying a hundred dollars more for a piano is well worth the improvement in quality.

After all is said and done, I want to leave you with one final buying tip and it’s the best advice I can give to everyone searching for a digital piano. Stop for a minute and ask yourself this important question:

Does this digital piano inspire me?

The sound of a great piano should make you *want* to play the piano and rewards you for your efforts by giving you something back. The relationship between a piano and the person playing it is magical when you find the right piano.

Once you purchase a piano, you’ll probably have it in your home for a quite a few years. Buying a piano is very much a personal decision and much like finding the right pet for your family. The more time you take to research all of the models on the market, the better the chance you’ll find the right piano for you!

-Chris Braun

Now in part 2, I’m going to share with you more insider tips on how to buy the perfect digital piano.

You’ll find out what you should be looking for in a digital piano’s keyboard action. I’ll discuss why it’s critical to determine who the end user is and finally I’ll reveal why it’s vitally important to know exactly where you’ll be playing your digital piano after you buy it.

Digital Piano Action is Important

Finding a piano with the right action is critical because how the keyboard feels ultimately determines how the piano will sound as you express yourself through the keyboard. You want something that feels comfortable to you – not too heavy but not too light. The keys should feel light enough that they are responsive but heavy enough that they are slightly challenging to play. Find a good balance between both ends of the spectrum by avoiding the extremes of being too easy to play and too hard to play.

The feel of a real piano is influenced by the hammer mechanism which when depressed with enough force strikes the strings in the piano and makes a sound. Digital piano companies have tried to simulate this with varying degrees of success. The least expensive digital pianos have what’s called “semi-weighted” action. These are very easy to play but don’t feel very authentic.

You should be looking for keyboard action that mimics what you find on a real piano with action that is heavier in the lower registers and lighter action in the higher registers. In most cases, the quality of the keyboard action gets better the more you pay.

Watch out for digital pianos that have noisy keyboard action. If you are playing the piano late at night you don’t want the sound of the keys waking up people or causing excessive noise. When you try out the piano be sure to listen to the sound of the keys with the volume turned all the way down. The more expensive digital pianos have quieter action – so you may have to pay a bit more for a quiet keyboard.

Determine Who the End User Is

It’s very important to determine exactly who will be using the digital piano. A digital keyboard for a child taking classical piano lessons and practicing at home may have different requirements than what a teenager or adult would prefer who likes to play popular music.

You should also consider whether you’ll be using this keyboard for music production. If so then you’ll want to make sure it has a modulation and pitch wheels and fully MIDI compliant. Of course someone just looking to play piano wouldn’t need all those bells and whistles. Figuring out what you want to use a digital piano for will go a long way in helping you determine the right model to purchase.

Where Will You Be Playing?

People who play digital pianos do so in all types of places. Where you are playing will determine what kind of digital piano is best for your needs. For many pianists the home is where they’ll be playing, so portability is not that big of a concern.

However if you are playing for a living or playing for a church or in a club you’ll want to make sure you digital piano is portable. If you plan on taking your piano with you be sure to invest in a good roadworthy case.

In part 3 of How to Buy a Digital Piano I’ll reveal why it’s important to know what kind of music you’ll be playing and I’ll share with you some insider tips on how to buy like a pro.

-Chris Braun

Her new EP entitled Short Stories just came to my attention and it’s mesmerizing. Although she’s a jazz singer, she’s managed to transcend the limited appeal of that respectable genre with some very accessible, yet down to earth melodies. She’s taken all of the good things about contemporary jazz and infused them with a rare honesty and originality that results in an exquisitely listenable musical experience.

In an exhausted age of plastic music performed by contrived pop stars, Alexandra Stewart comes across as a breath of fresh air.

From the catchy Stop For a Minute, to the stark honesty of Darling and closing with the optimistic Say It Somehow you are taken on a journey which is why the title of the EP Short Stories is apt. Throughout it all, I was taken aback by the sheer honesty and vulnerability of her songs. This kind of openness is a welcome change from the bravado and posturing that seems to characterize the repertoire of much of today’s modern popular music.

My only complaint with Short Stories is this: it’s just too darn short — no pun intended. This EP definitely had me banging my head against the wall wanting to hear more. Hopefully, we’ll see a full CD release coming from Alexandra in the future.

As a pianist, I really fell in love with her spacious yet restrained piano voicings — they are the perfect accompaniment for her lush and wistful vocals. The fluid arrangements and confident performances are top-notch yet never fail to highlight and support Ms. Stewart’s striking voice.

You can check Alexandra Stewart out on her MySpace page and more importantly you can purchase her new EP on iTunes. She’s also released a video for Stop for a Minute on Vimeo which I’ve featured below.

-Chris Braun

Stop for a Minute – Alexandra Stewart – Music Video from Oresti Tsonopoulos on Vimeo.

Despite its luxurious 88 key keyboard, the first thing you’ll notice is that the P85 piano comes in a compact body and a full-sized GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) keyboard. It also has a total of 10 built-in high quality voices (grand piano, organ, some superb electric piano sounds and more) together with 64 note polyphony and a speaker system which is quite an improvement from the previous models of the P series.

Visually, the P85 also has its controls strategically laid out to allow you to operate the piano with just a single touch.

If you want to buy this piano, you can get it at Amazon for 50% off through this link

The Good:

From the outset, you’ll be impressed by the classic Yamaha grand piano sound. Real Yamaha concert grand pianos have been sampled in Advanced Wave Memory stereo which makes the P85 sound every more lifelike and authentic — check out the sound with headphones and you’ll really notice this. The action is pretty standard with Yamaha digital pianos, it’s a bit heavy at first but you’ll be used to it in a few days as your fingers and wrist develop more strength.

Tip marks to Yamaha here for the P85′s lighter (very portable coming in at only 25 pounds) and compact design.

With just a single touch of a button, you can record and play your performances — which makes the P85 an awesome beginner friendly digital stage piano. You can also play on top of your recorded performances by layering sounds — this is a very cool and fun feature!

It’s also worth mentioning that the Yamaha P85 has a library of 50 classic piano songs built in that you can play at the touch of a button. It’s like having a classical pianist at your fingertips.

The Bad:

The sound may not be comparable to the richness offered by a real acoustic grand piano which can be quite of disappointment to those who are looking for digital pianos that sound and feel like a real acoustic grand piano but when you consider that it can be found selling for under $500 you really can’t go wrong here.

Some people have complained that the speakers could be a bit more powerful. When I auditioned the P85 at my local music store the power of the speakers seemed fine.

I found the absence of a display might add a bit of confusion when adjusting the metronome if you are playing in a darkened room. This can be a bit of a hassle if you need to constantly adjust the metronome as it can be quite tricky to find the controls but eventually you’ll memorize the location.

This Piano is Perfect For:

• Beginner piano students as it has a great piano sound, built-in metronome and solid piano action that will keep your fingers in shape when you play at your piano teacher’s studio
• Semi-pro gigging musician who needs a professional piano for touring or playing in the church — not to mention how portable it is for touring
• People who live in apartments and small rooms due to its compact design

My Verdict:

The Yamaha P85 digital stage piano is a good choice for both beginners and professionals alike. The rich and authentic Yamaha grand piano sound combined with its lightweight and compact design make it a worthy candidate when searching for a good yet affordable piano keyboard. The bottom line: the P85 is a very satisfying and playable semi-pro digital stage piano you can rely on for years to come.

Make sure you check out the matching stand and damper pedals. Both of these Yamaha accessories are a great way to enhance your piano and protect your investment.

-Chris Braun

If you want to buy this digital piano Amazon has it on sale right now

A P85 Owner’s Review:

By Martin Doege

The Yamaha P-85 is well-designed digital piano with the full 88 keys at a price point that is hard to beat. 10 different voices are included, which can also be layered in many different ways (e.g., octave-shifted). The grand piano voices and the first electric organ are in stereo (and there are two stereo headphone jacks at the front of the device) and sound absolutely amazing…

All in all, the Yamaha P-85 looks and sounds great, is a joy to play, and has all the basics for piano playing covered, as well as some advanced features like voice layering. The quality, convenience (headphone jacks, easy recordings), and price of the P-85 make it pretty hard to fathom why anyone would bother with the hassle of a real grand or upright piano anymore. But I suppose the flower vase has to go somewhere…

Review paraphrased for size – view original review here

(Note: here’s a really exceptional video I found on You Tube where the guy demonstrates all of the features of  the Yamaha P85. -Chris)

First a bit of history: digital pianos have come a long way in the past 20 years. Back in the good old days, digital pianos sounded bad and the keyboard action was just awful — thankfully all that has changed. Today you can purchase a brand new digital piano for your home for a fraction of the cost of an acoustic upright piano that many families and schools used to have. Not only are digital pianos more portable, they now sound and even feel like concert grand pianos.

So what should you know before you decide to start shopping for a new digital piano?

Try The Digital Piano Before You Buy

Since every digital piano sounds and feels different, you really need to try a piano before you buy. Visit your local music store and ask to see their keyboard department. Ask the salesperson to show you the piano section. Then sit down and play the piano for yourself. If you are a beginner you may feel self-conscious when you play the piano. In this case look for the “demo” mode button and press it. Or if you are really shy, you can ask the salesperson for some headphones and play in complete privacy.

If you can’t find the demo button then ask the salesperson to help you. The piano should start playing some classical compositions. Turn up the volume, sit back and close your eyes; now can properly audition the sound of the digital piano.

If you can’t audition a digital piano then I suggest you read reviews like those I have posted here on my website. Most of my reviews include demonstration videos that will give you a pretty good idea of what the piano sounds like.

As an experienced musician who’s purchased quite a few pianos and keyboards in my career and I can give you an accurate appraisal of some of the most popular models out there on the market today.

Evaluating the Digital Piano Sound

Probably the most important aspect when deciding which digital piano to purchase is the actual sound. Most digital pianos are sampled from real concert grand pianos and will sound amazing to the untrained ear. But you need to understand that it’s the subtleties of the sound samples that they use that make all the difference as far as quality and of course the price. The more expensive digital pianos record the sound of dampers hitting the strings and harmonics. They also take multiple samples of each note with varying degrees of pressure applied to the keys. Again this costs money and you may not be able to hear this.

You should consider that the speakers in the piano (some digital pianos don’t have built-in speakers) also contribute to the quality of the sound. Generally, the more expensive the piano the better the quality of the speakers.

In the end, it’s all about how *you* the buyer feels. The sound of the piano should be pleasing to you and connect with you. Remember, this piano will be in your home for a long time.

In part 2 of How to Buy a Digital Piano I’ll discuss finding the right piano action and determining who the end user is.

-Chris Braun

The DGX 630 comes with a full-sized 88-key graded hammer standard keyboard which has a touch and sound similar to that of an acoustic grand piano (heavier on the low notes and lighter on the high notes). Two USB ports are also available which allows you to connect USB storage devices and other USB capable devices. The Yamaha DGX 630 also allows you to record up to six tracks so that you can also record accompaniments, rhythm parts, and sophisticated tunes — these are very cool features that will really help inspire the beginning and accomplished musician alike.

If you want to buy this piano, you can get it at Amazon for 36% off through this link

An optional must have upgrade is the Yamaha LP-7A Pedal Unit which is made expressly for this piano and gives you 3 different sustain modes and well worth buying in my opinion.

Optional Yamaha LP7A pedal unit

The Good:

What really impressed me about the Yamaha DGX-630 88 full-sized digital piano is its authentic feel and its surprisingly pleasing sound which is similar to that of an acoustic grand piano. Somehow the 2 way in-board speakers emanate a clear, warm and well-balanced sound. After trying this and some seriously expensive digital pianos at my local music store I found myself somehow always returning to this piano.

Another bonus is that the DGX 630 looks very attractive with its wood accent and it even comes with a sturdy matching stand. Even if the 630 is not considered as an entry level digital piano, some of its features like its six track recorder and its LCD screen that displays music scores while playing can really help beginners improve their keyboard skills.

Compared to other similar priced models and brands, the 630 has been proven to provide quite a few advantages like its multitude of additional voices, high quality built-in DSP reverb effects, the multi timbre feature (16-part), and the digital music notebook which enables you to download more sheet music over the Internet.

The Bad:

Part of the downside with lots of good features is that you end up with lots of buttons which may be confusing to some.

Another potential issue with the 630 will be the optional upgrades available using Yamaha’s Digital Music Notebook service which allows you to download pianos lessons, new sheet music and more are paid upgrades. Spending extra dollars for an optional upgrade can be a turn-off for some but a bonus for others who really want to unleash the potential of this versatile digital piano.

This Digital Piano is Perfect for:

• beginner piano students as you can:
  • read digital sheet music on the display
  • record your practice sessions
  • use the built in metronome
• accomplished musicians who wants the sound and feel of an acoustic piano without paying the high cost
• someone with little space in their home or apartment as this portable digital piano can fit practically anywhere

The Verdict:

Overall, the Yamaha DGX-630 88 full-sized digital piano is surely a great choice for both beginners and professionals alike. The realistic sound and keyboard action together with tons of different features offered by Yamaha definitely makes this particular model a wise choice to consider when searching for the best full-sized digital piano available.

If you are looking for the sound, playability and value sweet spot in Yamaha’s line-up, the DGX 630 is right at the top of my list.

-Chris Braun

If you want to buy this digital piano Amazon has it on sale right now

A Yamaha DGX 630 Owner’s Review

By Maria Consuelo

I absolutely love this keyboard. Don’t sell yourself short and think that it’d be better to spend $200 or so less on a different keyboard. Trust me, the money is worth it. If you’re looking for a very acoustic piano sounding keyboard, this one is for you.

It comes with lots of bells and whistles, which is great for whatever need you see fit…but if you’re like me, than perhaps you just want a full-sized weighted keyboard that feels and sounds authentic. The keys are just about as sensitive as a piano, if not more, allowing you to gain emphasis in your playing. I’ve tested and played keyboards from $400 up to $3000 and I specifically chose this one for how it sounded. This one is the creme of the crop.

Amazon Customer Review – view original review here

Here’s the official Yamaha DGX 630 demonstration video that shows quite a few of its many features:

This particular Yamaha model can provide you with different features and advantages that other entry level digital pianos cannot offer. Moreover, there are also some important facts that you should be aware about before you decide to purchase this particular model so keep on reading this review to find out more…

Some of the standout features of the YDP 141 are:

• 88 full sized Graded Hammer Standard weighted graded keys
• Variable Touch Sensitivity – allows you to choose between hard, medium or soft setting to match your playing style or finger strength
• 64 note polyphony – let’s you play more notes at the same time
• Six different voices: includes grand piano, electric piano, organ and strings
• Damper pedal includes an authentic half–damper effect, giving you nuanced expressive control over the sustained sound
• MIDI Sequencer (with built-in MIDI IN and MIDI OUT)
• 3 different types of reverb effects
• Library of 50 piano songs you can play at a press of a button
• Built-in song recorder and metronome make the instruments ideal for piano lessons, practicing, or even composing your own music

If you want to buy this piano, you can get it at Amazon for 22% off through this link

The Good:

Like most digital pianos from the Yamaha, expect strikingly realistic and high quality voices from the YDP141 as the piano sounds have been sampled at three velocity levels  using their Advanced Wave Memory dynamic stereo sampling technology — which will provide you with a sound that is very similar to a real acoustic grand piano. I’ve found that Yamaha consistently provides the very best in authentic concert grand piano samples, even for their entry digital pianos like the YDP141.

Yamaha Graded Hammer Standard piano action

Expect a real acoustic grand piano feel with this digital piano through its 88 GHS or Graded Hammer Standard keys. This is a great feature that allows you to realistically feel the weight of the keys that lessen from low to high notes.

The dual mode operation and the built-in reverb effects processor can both add depth and texture together with the combination of different available voices which is great if you want to experiment with more modern sounds like electronic piano and strings.

The built-in MIDI sequencer allows you to record your performance for review or for playback as it allows you to store almost 11,000 notes in just one track. This is a great feature for beginning piano students as they can listen back to their performances and improve their technique.

As someone who’s really into computers, another cool feature which I really appreciated are the MIDI IN and MIDI OUT connections available also enable you to connect to MIDI capable devices and of course your PC or Mac.

The Bad:

Since this model is considered entry level, you might get quite disappointed with the limited number of features it has to offer you compared to the higher priced models aimed at the professional musician. Sure, the speakers could be a bit louder but I found them pleasing nonetheless. Also, after you’ve exhausted all of the available features like the number of available voices and the track recording limitation, you might be wishing that you could have a bit more and upgrade to its big brother the Yamaha YPD161.

What’s the Difference Between the YDP-140 and the new YDP-141?

In May 2010 Yamaha introduced the new version of the YPD-140 — it’s called the YPD-141. For the most part the piano is exactly the same with some minor changes which are:

1. You can record 2 tracks instead of just 1 track — this is great for “overdubbing” a solo instrument or additional part on top of a backing track
2. Yamaha doubled the internal storage memory from 337KB to  845KB — this will enable you to store longer songs
3. The YDP-141 is 11 pounds lighter than the YDP-140!
   

Conclusion

Overall, the Yamaha Arius YDP141 digital piano complete with free stand and padded bench is definitely a great buy for an entry level model. I never fail to be impressed by the value that Yamaha offers. With the YPD141 they consistently deliver the classic Yamaha concert grand piano sound *and* realistic piano feel all at an affordable price. Not to mention, it looks great too and will be a nice addition to any home or apartment.

-Christopher Braun

If you want to buy this digital piano Amazon has it on sale right now

By J. Anderson

Just bought the YDP140 yesterday after a lot of internet searching and weighing pros and cons of the choices out there. I have a Yamaha upright, but wanted something to play in the evening w/o bothering neighbors. Sensitive guy that I am, I wanted a digital piano w a sensitive acoustic piano touch– which is why I love my Yamaha upright. After trying several digital pianos yesterday at Guitar Center (mostly Casio and Yamaha), I have to say that the YDP140 is about as close as you can get to the feel and sound of a real piano. All of the other digital I tried felt a little clunky or the sound was slightly off.

Sure, you could spend a few hundred (if you want 20W speakers, a few more voices, and a headphone rack, you can spend $300 more and get the YDP160) or thousand more and possibly get a few hairs closer to the feel of a real piano, along w more bells and whistles, but if you want a quality digital piano w a few quality voices (most importantly, piano)- this is it. The construction and look of this piano is one of quality and looks good in my living room. Also, a nice plus for me is the sturdy rolling key cover, solid, acoustic-mimicking pedals, and included padded bench. I love playing this piano, and when I play my acoustic, the difference in feel is minimal. TRY IT- YOU’LL LIKE IT.

Amazon Customer Review – view original review here

Here’s a video I found on YouTube of someone playing and demonstrating all of the features the Yamaha YDP140:

This piano is perfect for a professional gigging musician or an amateur that wants a serious digital piano. Let me cut to the chase — the sound is vibrant, sparking and authentic. You can actually hear harmonic overtones and felt dampers when using the pedal.

I had the privilege of finding one for sale at my local music store (these pianos are hard to find) and the sound was so sweet and inspiring I had to drag myself away from the keyboard.

Not only does a piano have to have a magical sound that will inspire you to keep playing it also needs to be responsive to your fingers. Well let me tell you, the CP33 feels great. This piano has impressive keyboard action that really lets you express yourself thanks to their advanced Graded Hammer Effect technology that gradually increases the resistance of the keys as you hit the lower notes. As a serious musician realistic piano action is very important to me and the Yamaha CP33 gets top marks here.

Some of the Features:

Yamaha CP 33: The Good

Yamaha CP33: The Bad

This Digital Piano is Perfect for:

• someone who plans on practicing with headphones at night at home as it has super quiet keyboard action
• a gigging musician who needs a quality entry level professional quality digital piano
• someone who wants to record music with a their computer Digital Audio Workstation

Conclusion

All in all, the Yamaha CP33 stage piano is a very balanced digital piano suitable for the professional musician. Sure there are many fine digital pianos out there that cost less but if you can afford it, it’s truly worth the few extra hundred bucks — you’ll thank me in the long run.

The CP33 is one classy digital piano for the serious pro musician and the amateur alike. This baby is investment that you’ll never regret.

-Christopher Braun

If you want to buy this digital piano Amazon has it on sale right now.

(Note: here’s a good video I found on You Tube that demonstrates the grand piano sound as well as many of the other sounds that come with the CP33. Enjoy! -Chris)