The Essential Guide to Finding the Best Yamaha Keyboard + Reviews
Do you want the best Yamaha keyboard, but you haven’t gotten anywhere in your search so far? We are here to help you by doing all the heavy lifting for you. Our research team looked at the most popular models on the market and discovered that the Yamaha P71 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano consistently places on top of everyone’s preferences, a fact sustained by sales figures, as well. With its 88 available keys, this model plays for an acoustic grand piano, and it offers you an experience that is as close as possible to the real thing. The 10 different voices present include samples from Yamaha acoustic pianos so that you can enjoy excellent results. At just 25 pounds and 12 inches in depth, it is a sleek option that you will be able to accommodate comfortably in the space you have at your disposal. If this model is out of stock, the Yamaha Ypt260 61-Key Portable Keyboard is the second choice we recommend.
Comparison table
Our Top Choice
When playing on this keyboard, you will enjoy tremendously the weighted keys that feel as close as possible to an acoustic piano. Its Dual Mode allows you to create a combination of sounds, so you will feel like you are in charge of an entire orchestra.
The speakers on this model could have been better, especially since Yamaha is a company well-known for making audio equipment.
Perfect for anyone who wants to practice playing on a keyboard that resembles an acoustic grand piano to the best abilities possible, it is a sound investment. It has 88 keys for a wider musical performance range.
2nd Best
There are hardly better options for beginners than the portable keyboards Yamaha makes, and this model is an excellent example. It comes along with multiple features for beginners, so people who are new to playing the keyboard can get a good start.
There is no headphone jack, so you will have to purchase an adapter to use for the times when you want to connect it with headphones.
Clearly intended for beginners who want to get the hang of playing a musical instrument, it comes with the necessary extras to make a novice’s life easy, like a plethora of onboard songs and numerous voices.
Also To Consider
The ease of use is what should make you take a close look at this instrument for beginners from Yamaha. The USB connectivity is another great plus, and it allows you to hook your keyboard with other devices, such as your computer, with ease.
You will have to purchase both the necessary power adapter and cable separately as an extra expense.
People who entertain the idea of learning a musical instrument will find this portable keyboard right up their alley. The Yamaha Education Suite lessons and features will surely help anyone get the hang of this instrument.
10 Best Yamaha Keyboards (Updated Reviews) in 2020
If browsing through the Yamaha keyboard reviews available from users and experts sounds like a tedious task for you, just take a look at the list we put together. We did our homework – and yours – and this is the result of our research. One of these keyboards must be for you.
- 1. Yamaha P71 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano
- 2. Yamaha Ypt260 61-Key Portable Keyboard
- 3. Yamaha PSR-E-363 61-Key Touch Sensitive Portable Keyboard
- 4. Yamaha Psr-E263 61-Key Portable Keyboard
- 5. RIF6 Electric 61 Key Piano Keyboard
- 6. Yamaha P45, 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano
- 7. Yamaha YPG535 Portable Grand Piano
- 8. Yamaha DGX660B 88-Key Weighted Digital Piano
- 9. Yamaha PSR-E463 61-Key Portable Keyboard
- 10. Yamaha P125 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano
- Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Yamaha P71 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano
This stylish Yamaha keyboard piano will steal your heart from the first moment you take a look at it. Its slim profile is guaranteed to convince you that it’s easy to find enough room for it in your home. If you intend to become familiar with the way an acoustic piano is played, this model is your go-to solution.
The keys are weighted, which means that they simulate the way the keys on an acoustic piano feel, so you can safely assume that you can use the Yamaha P71 if you ever want to transition to a full-fledged instrument.
As far as this Yamaha 88 key keyboard goes, you will find that there are many features to enjoy. The 10 different voices available contain samples from Yamaha acoustic grand pianos, and the Dual Mode is a way for you to combine two voices. Ideal for learning, but also for creating, the Yamaha P71 is an excellent recommendation for beginners, but not only.
Pros
The 88 fully weighted keys are as close to the keys of an acoustic grand piano as such an instrument can possibly offer so that you will get excellent quality at a more than fair price.
With voices sampled from acoustic instruments, this model is guaranteed to offer you an experience that can truly help you advance in your efforts to learn a musical instrument.
At only 25 pounds, it can be considered portable for offering a performance that’s as close as you can get to that of an acoustic grand piano.
It also has a decent footprint as its depth measured only 12 inches, allowing you to find a place for it on a table in your home.
For configurations and selections, you only need to keep a button pressed down for superior convenience.
Cons
You might expect better speaker quality for a product made by Yamaha, but, unfortunately, the speakers don’t live up to the overall quality of the keyboard.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($449.99)
2. Yamaha Ypt260 61-Key Portable Keyboard
In case you are looking for a cheap Yamaha keyboard, you should look no further than this specific model. First of all, it comes with 61 keys and a power adapter, so you will be able to start playing the moment the instrument is delivered by your door.
When it comes to extras, this model is guaranteed to make a lasting impression on potential buyers. There are 400 voices for you to select from, and no fewer than 130 auto accompaniments, as well as 112 onboard songs. That said, you have everything you need to start playing.
Since this instrument is intended mostly for novices, it also comes with the Yamaha Education Suite that offers a lesson function. Because there is an aux input available, you can connect the Yamaha Ypt260 with a computer, phone, or tablet so that you can play along with other music sources.
Pros
While it is clearly designed with a novice’s needs in mind, it is the type of instrument that is capable of growing with you and offering new challenges as you advance.
The Yamaha Education Suite includes a 9-step lesson so that people who touch a keyboard for the first time in their lives can get the hang of the instrument fast.
Also, there is a downloadable songbook available with your purchase so that you can get everything you need to start practicing.
The plethora of extras offered is fantastic, with 400 voices, 130 accompaniment styles, and 112 songs.
You can also make use of the playback function during recording.
Cons
One disappointing aspect is the lack of a headphone jack, so you will have to purchase a jack adapter separately just so that you can use your headphones with your keyboard.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($129.99)
3. Yamaha PSR-E-363 61-Key Touch Sensitive Portable Keyboard
Any novice can start practicing by getting this Yamaha portable keyboard, and that’s a given. The company’s dedication to offering beginners the right tools for beginning to learn a musical instrument is evident in this particular product. The touch-sensitive keys are easy to use, and that’s something anyone new to a musical instrument can appreciate.
It must be mentioned that this model comes with onboard lessons, so you will be able to start getting the hang of playing a keyboard by merely following the step by step instructions offered by the Yamaha Education Suite.
As there is a USB port available for playing MIDI files, you will be able to make all the audio transfers you want, and just one cable is necessary for this operation. The library includes 574 voices so that you have a lot to choose from when composing your creations.
Pros
People who want to learn a musical instrument or get a new hobby will find this portable keyboard to be right up their alley, as it is made to satisfy their specific requirements.
As you can connect your keyboard to a computer, you will be capable of transferring audio files without any issues.
You will find the Yamaha Education Suite lessons that come with the keyboard to be convenient, mainly if you never played this type of musical instrument before.
The keys are sensitive to the touch, so while they might not be on par with the experience you can get from playing the piano, they will help you figure out how to play.
Cons
While it’s true that the keyboard is sold at a low price, it doesn’t come with a power adapter and a cable, so those will amount to extra expenses.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($199.99)
4. Yamaha Psr-E263 61-Key Portable Keyboard
Another Yamaha 61 key keyboard that makes it to our list and for all the right reasons is the Psr-E263. 61 keys are pretty much standard for a beginner, and they offer a configuration that can stay with you for a long time before you become versed enough to advance to a more challenging instrument.
There are 100 preset songs included with your keyboard, so you will have plenty of help to exercise and become better at playing the keyboard than ever before. You will notice that there is an aux line input present that allows you to connect it with a computer, or a mixer, as long as it has a headphone output.
In its comprehensive library, you will find no fewer than 400 voices, an aspect that will surely make you happy regarding your possibilities to start practicing right away. There is a Duo Mode that lets you practice along with a buddy.
Pros
There are no fewer than 130 accompaniment styles available that will provide the background for your practice sessions without fail.
If you’re new to a musical instrument and you want to make sure that you get the hang of it fast, you should take advantage of the 100 preset songs, as well.
As it comes with 61 keys, it is ideal for beginners who need an instrument that it’s not particularly challenging.
Its aux line input serves for connecting your keyboard to another device, such as a mixer or a computer, so that you can transfer audio sources without a glitch.
Have fun with this instrument and its Duo Mode that lets two people use it at the same time, by generating two middle C notes.
Cons
Beginners may find the multi-level keys daunting to use, while the user’s manual doesn’t offer enough information for novices to be capable of detecting the details they need fast.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($129.99)
5. RIF6 Electric 61 Key Piano Keyboard
Although it is an electronic keyboard, this model offers an excellent layout, as its 61 keys allow players of all levels to experiment with various songs so that they can get the hang of this instrument. Children and grownups will find it an easy instrument to play.
The manufacturer also includes a complete library of songs and accompaniments so that you can practice to your heart’s content. You will find no fewer than 300 tones, 300 rhythms, and also 50 songs in this library.
It is interesting that this model also comes along with some useful accessories, such as over-ear headphones that will let you focus on your practice without any other sounds around to distract you. Even more, there are a plethora of additional extras to consider. For instance, you get a stand, a piano stool, and an adapter, so you will find it an excellent option for touring.
Pros
A recording feature allows you to playback your playing so that you can quickly identify the possible problems on which to focus in your practice.
The keyboard comes with two teaching functions, which means that you will find it easy to get the hang of this musical instrument without any problems.
Incredible portability is what makes this particular model stand out from the crowd, as it comes with its own stool, stand, music sheet, and adapter.
You will get a complete library with 50 practice songs, 300 tones, and 300 rhythms so that you have enough to get you started.
Cons
Because there is no USB connectivity, it is not possible to take advantage of online lessons, something that could have increased its convenience a lot.
The sound quality is that of an electric model, so don’t expect anything out of this world.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($184.99)
6. Yamaha P45, 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano
If you are looking for a Yamaha piano keyboard on which you can practice so that you can get the hang of playing a full-fledged piano, later on, this model is what you need. It comes with 88 keys, which is advanced compared to models for beginners that only have 66 keys, and the keys are weighted so that they can give you the feel of how the keys on an acoustic piano really feel.
However, that said, it doesn’t mean that the Yamaha P45 is only for advanced players. Novices can take full advantage of this model, and they can get the necessary practice required for learning a musical instrument.
The significant part about it is that it can truly challenge the player when needed. Its 64-note polyphony will help you play piano passages that are denser than beginner’s pieces. Also, it is interesting to see a Dual Mode present, for combining two voices and creating your own orchestra at home.
Pros
The Graded Hammer Standard is a technology used by Yamaha to create a weighted feel to the keys so that you can experience the same action as it’s noticeable in acoustic pianos.
Another exciting technology used by Yamaha is the Advanced Wave Memory Stereo Sampling that has as its primary role to make your instrument sound as natural as possible.
You cannot ignore the superior quality of this model that comes with 64-note polyphony to allow you to challenge yourself as you progress.
Players will love the presence of a USB port that helps you connect your instrument with other sources so that you can take advantage of online lessons, or transfer audio files.
Cons
Unfortunately, the keys are quite noisy, so you might not be able to ignore that completely when you want to focus on your music.
The speakers are of average quality, at best, although using the keyboard with headphones offers pretty decent performance.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($499.99)
7. Yamaha YPG535 Portable Grand Piano
Among the affordable Yamaha keyboards out there, you will find this one that goes beyond the call of duty for the price tag it comes with. One technology used by the manufacturer to make this model sound as great as a piano is the Graded Soft Touch. Not only are the keys responsive to the touch, but they are also weighted so that they feel like those of an acoustic piano.
There are many features present on this model that can help you progress in your effort to learn how to play the keyboard, and, later, the piano. First of all, the 88-key configuration is more challenging than a 66-key configuration, which is something to bear in mind.
Next, the 6-track sequencer puts you in control, and you can record the music you play so that you can listen to it and identify any problems. It is nice that Yamaha includes a keyboard stand with your purchase, as well.
Pros
The numerous piano-centric functionalities offered by this model make it an excellent choice for someone who wants to learn how to play an acoustic piano later on.
Its Graded Soft Touch feature ensures that you will get to experience a plethora of resistance levels, something that not many other models on the market can.
If you feel in the mood to play a standard stereo-samples piano, all you have to do is to hit the Portable Grand button and you are set.
You will be able to use an impressive range of voices and accompaniments, elements that will help you become excellent at what you do.
Cons
The keys have a somewhat artificial feel to them, so they are not on par with how the keys on a real piano would feel like.
For a portable model, it is somewhat heavy, which is an aspect you should be aware of if you need to move it by yourself.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($549.99)
8. Yamaha DGX660B 88-Key Weighted Digital Piano
Another Yamaha keyboard 88 keys configuration you can find on our list is the Yamaha DGX660B. With plenty of features to satisfy not only beginners, but advanced players, too, it is the optimal go-to solution if you want to learn how to play the piano, but you don’t have enough room in your home for one.
It should also be mentioned that this model is a Yamaha MIDI keyboard that lets you stream your favorite MIDI files from your iPod, iPad or Apple phone. To do so, the model uses Wi-Fi, so it’s pretty great as far as connectivity is concerned.
Also, there is USB connectivity in place, so that you can record your practice sessions and store them on USB devices for later use. A nice touch is the microphone input that lets you connect a mic and sing along with your piano practice.
Pros
The action of the keys benefits from Yamaha’s GHS technology, which means that they are heavier in the low end and lighter in the high end, the same as it happens in an acoustic piano.
In case you’re a singer, too, you will love the presence of the ¼-inch microphone input that lets you connect such a device for singing along.
MIDI capabilities are something to consider if you want the full experience, and this model readily provides them; you can stream MIDI files from any iOS device.
Recording your sessions for later playback is possible, as the unit comes with a USB port, too.
Cons
While the piano sounds are decent, bear in mind that they are not, by far, suitable for a recital or live performance, but merely for practice.
The extras included are nice to have, but you may soon conclude that you would be better with replacements that offer superior quality.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($799.99)
9. Yamaha PSR-E463 61-Key Portable Keyboard
As a beginner, you will surely find a Yamaha keyboard 61 keys configuration to be less daunting than one with 88 keys. If that’s your case, then the Yamaha PSR-E463 may be all that you need to start practicing like a novice, with absolutely no pressure.
It should be noted that it is a portable keyboard and that you get the sound of a piano despite its being only an entry-level model. That happens because of the superior sound engine installed onboard; however, that said, expect the sound quality to be somewhat inconsistent across the voices offered, due to the still low-entry specifications the unit comes with.
You will surely appreciate the presence of the XG Lite voice library, which will allow you to practice on popular tunes. It must be noted that the model comes with 48-note polyphony so that you can go through slightly difficult piano passages with flying colors.
Pros
Its 61 keys are touch-responsive and, while they might not feel like those on a grand piano, they will surely help you get the gist of what playing the keyboard is all about.
Keep in mind that you will gain access to an extensive library of voices that come from the XG Lite library offered generously by Yamaha.
The 6W speakers are a nice touch, and you will get decent volume and sound quality from them when you practice.
Another thing worth mentioning is the aux input that allows you to connect your keyboard with other music sources, for expanding your learning goals.
Cons
Don’t expect the key quality to be impressive, as this is a model intended only for beginners and practice and nothing beyond that.
You may also notice that some of the voices are not up to par, so the idea of having accompaniment styles is somewhat denied.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($299.99)
10. Yamaha P125 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano
From this short Yamaha keyboard review, you can glean what makes an 88-key model so great, and why Yamaha makes some of the best out there. When you play on this keyboard, you get the same feel of the keys as you would from a grand piano, the acoustic version. The keys are weighted in such a manner that they simulate how an acoustic instrument plays.
There are a plethora of functions and features that can help you diversify your practicing goals. For instance, the Split Mode allows you to play a different voice for each hand, something you won’t see as standard on many other models out there.
You can take full advantage of the USB port, which lets you connect your keyboard with MIDI sources and perform audio transfers to other devices. All you need is a cable that will help you hook your keyboard with another device.
Pros
Its dynamic sound field is one of the essential features of this keyboard that makes sure you can practice like a pro.
Another vital aspect to mention is the overall minimalist design that makes the keyboard extremely user-friendly, especially when compared to other models on the market.
You will love the GHS weighted keys that will give you the feel of an acoustic instrument, without any of the disadvantages.
The manufacturer takes pride in giving this keyboard the ability to reproduce the voice of the Yamaha 9′ CFIIIS Concert Grand piano.
Easy to connect to smart devices, it is easy to control when you need to select voices and accompaniments.
Cons
The extra voices are not all great-sounding, so, if this aspect is essential for you, you would be better with a different choice.
Also, the sustain pedal is made from cheap materials, and it might disappoint you right from the start.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($649.99)
Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
Yamaha is a company with a longstanding tradition in making musical instruments and audio equipment. People expect the keyboards it makes to beat the competition into a pulp, but even so, there are differences between various models that carry the name of this brand. You are here to find out more about the best Yamaha keyboards, and we offer you the actionable information you need to make an excellent choice.
61 keys or 88 keys?
Since most keyboards made by this company offer decent to impressive quality, you must be wondering about the different variations from one model to another. One of the first criteria to apply is the number of keys available. 61-key models are inferior to 88-key keyboards for multiple reasons.
88 keys are a full configuration, and they are indicated for someone who wants to learn how to play as they would on an acoustic piano. You might not find a lot of cheap Yamaha keyboards in this category, but looking around will help you identify some pretty good deals.
A 66-key configuration is a better choice for a beginner who can take advantage of the limitations imposed, as he or she won’t feel daunted by the possible difficulty imposed by the musical instrument. Depending on your intentions and ambitions, you should get a keyboard Yamaha makes that is right up your alley.
The song and accompaniment library
While there are many features Yamaha offers to beginners and more advanced players alike, let’s focus on the most important. The preset songs, the voices, and the styles offered are usually part of an extensive Yamaha library. However, a more affordable Yamaha keyboard might not come with as many as you could find on a top of the line model.
A voice can be selected from the library offered by Yamaha to reproduce a specific sound. A Yamaha electric keyboard may be able only to do this much, but it is worth mentioning that some voices reproduce the sound of grand acoustic pianos made by the same company.
Are any extras included with your purchase?
You may also be interested to learn whether your Yamaha music keyboard comes with some extras or not. The features can differ a lot from one model to another, so this aspect is something to bear in mind. For instance, some come with a microphone output, while others let you practice in silence due to the available headphone jack.
For some models, Yamaha didn’t hesitate to go the extra mile and include a keyboard stand, and even a stool. Depending on what you want to use the keyboard for, whether it is practice or recitals, you will know what to pick based on what this company offers.
Learning aids for beginners
You can find a Yamaha digital keyboard that is mainly geared toward beginners. If that’s a category you fall into, it would be an excellent choice to opt for one such model. The Yamaha Education Suite, for instance, offers step-by-step onboard lessons, and its help is invaluable when you can’t comfortably accommodate paying for piano courses in your budget.
Such learning aids can offer you a great starting point, and you will find it much easier to get the hang of this musical instrument. The models that are made with the needs of a novice in mind are plenty and readily available, so you will surely find one to your liking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Yamaha good for beginners?
Yamaha is a company with a longstanding tradition in making audio equipment, and today, it offers a plethora of musical instruments, including keyboards. One thing you may notice right away, the moment you take a look at the lineup of instruments Yamaha offers, you will see that there are low-entry models that are specifically designed for novices.
While you may find some expensive models with multiple functions and features carrying the name of this reputable company, the instruments it makes for beginners are an excellent option. You will find that the low-entry models offered are a good deal for their price tags.
Yamaha has a reputation to uphold, which is why the instruments it makes, even those for beginners, need to abide by optimal standards. That is why the answer to the above question is simple: Yamaha instruments are excellent for beginners, as long as you get one that’s made specifically for novices.
Q: When did Yamaha start producing instruments?
You might know Yamaha as a brand that focuses on audio equipment and makes musical instruments as a side gig, but that means that you are very little aware of the history of this company. The journey that has made Yamaha the household name it is today started in the year 1887 when Torakusu Yamaha built a reed organ, the first of its kind in Japan.
Ten years later, the corporation with its founder’s name, Yamaha, was founded, and in 1900, the company started making upright pianos. It was only more than half a century later that Yamaha launched on the market a HiFi player.
While diversifying, Yamaha still kept the production of musical instruments close. In 1959, it made its first electronic organ, and in 1965, the output of wind instruments started, as well. From that moment on, Yamaha would only continue to establish itself as a name in making musical instruments, including Yamaha keyboard models, along with the exploration of other venues.
Q: Can I silence my keyboard?
One thing that people might not be keen to let others know is what mistakes they might make when they practice playing a musical instrument. Luckily, with the advent of technology, electronic devices, such as a keyboard, can be silenced so that you practice without anyone else, but yourself, hear you.
Also, it is a matter of others in the same household needing to have a bit of rest. Someone who practices hours every day could easily cause a lot of noise that’s clearly not at all conducive to relaxation. That is where the silent function on a keyboard truly comes in handy.
Check the model you want to purchase to see if it comes with a headphone jack. That’s how the sound delivered through the speakers is switched to the headphones, and then silence practice becomes possible. Yamaha makes plenty of instruments adaptable to silent practicing, so you should take a look at its offer.
