Casio have been making keyboards for quite a while now and their name is synonymous with electronic keyboards, so you'd expect them to do what they do well, which they do. Casio are particularly good at making entry-level digital keyboards and they have a wide variety to choose from. This article will help you to choose the right one for you.
There are basically two ranges with different models within those ranges - the LK digital keyboard range, and the CTK range of keyboards. To look at the two ranges there isn't a huge amount of difference to the untrained eye. But once you delve further into the functions and features there is a marked difference.
The main difference between the Casio LK and CTK digital keyboards is that the LK range, have what they call a back light keyboard. The back light keyboard is a tried and trusted feature designed to help absolute beginners to start learning and playing quickly.
We use Casio LK digital keyboards in our own music school and I've seen countless kids and adults find this to be one of the most useful training tools, but especially for younger learners as they can become frustrated and unfocused if they can't learn quickly. I'm not saying you'll become a piano maestro immediately upon using the tool - it just provides a very practical learning guide.
There are 5 models in the Casio LK range of keyboard: LK-120, LK-220, LK-230, LK-270 & LK-300TV. All of these models have 61 keys which all light up. 61 keys are plenty to be getting on with for absolute beginners. The Casio LK-120 is the entry level and goes up to the LK-300TV at the top end. Each model has slightly more features as you go up the range. For instance the LK-120 has 100 onboard sounds whereas the LK-300TV has 514.
Similarly the LK-120 has less rhythm choices than the LK-300TV digital keyboard. As you go up the range you'll find more features such as effects e.g. delay, reverb. The ability to connect outboard gear becomes possible as you go up the range e.g. adding a microphone and playing along to someone singing. One thing that is common throughout the models is the capability to connect to a computer easily either through Midi or USB. They also feature the Casio Step up learning system.
The Casio CTK-range is also suitable for absolute beginners but do not feature the back light keys. They do however all feature the Step-Up learning system as well more recording, sampling and effects features.
There are 6 models in the CTK range; CTK-230, CTK-2000, CTK-2100, CTK-3000, CTK-4000 and the CTK-5000. As with the LK range of digital keyboards, the CTK range increases the number of on-board sounds, digital effects as you go up the range. The CTK-230 is the entry level, and it should be pointed out that it only has 49 keys, where as the others all have 61 keys.
Another feature of the CTK range worth mentioning is the appearance of the keys. On a lot of keyboards at this price range, you can find that they keys are a different size to those of an acoustic piano. Casio have made the keys to be the same size and to look the same as an acoustic. All of which helps with playing technique.
So the question is which is the best Casio keyboard for beginners? There is no right or wrong, but as a guideline, I would chose the LK-230 absolute beginners who are younger i.e. 4-7 years old. For older players I would choose the CTK range.
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When it comes to Yamaha lighted keys keyboard there are several units with specially marked keys to make learning to play the piano easier. Such keyboards contain keys, lit by small red lamps to indicate where the novice must place her fingers. This also serves as an orientation aid when locating adjacent notes. This can be analogous with the raised keys of a typewriter indicating the home row.
The EZ-200 lighted keyboard is one prime example of a Yamaha lighted keys keyboard. The keys illuminate when the player selects a song, chooses whether she wants to play left or right-handed, then finally hits START. As the chosen song plays, the proper keys that must be pressed light up and the song will slow down or pause until the player strikes all the proper keys.
All Yamaha lighted keyboards come with Yamaha Education Suite (YES) built in software. Three keyboard lessons are organized for each song that a beginner plays for the first time. The first lesson calls for the player to listen and learn the melody of the song. The second allows the newbie to play the song by striking the key with the right timing. Lesson Three is the "Waiting" mode that allows time for that person to find the right key. The song pauses until the correct key is struck then continues.
There are two common models of Yamaha lighted keyboards: the EZ-150 and the EZ-200. Both are very similar when it comes to features as the YES software with three introductory lessons, the performance grader, and the chord dictionary. Marketed in February of 2007, the EZ-200 is an upgrade to the EZ-150 and EZ-250 with 367 general MIDI & XGlite compatible voice and nine reverb settings. The EZ-150 only has 100 built in voices. It also has an LCD screen that can be used with the Survival Kit (sold separately). The Survival Kit contains a power adapter, a two-year extended warranty, headphones, foot switch, and a DVD with learning software. The EZ-150 has 16-note polyphony meaning up to 16 notes can be played simultaneously while the EZ-200 has 32-note polyphony. The EZ-150 typically retails at 0 while the EZ-200 sells for around 0.
What are people saying about Yamaha lighted keys keyboard? Many have purchased these keyboards for children under 12 years old to learn on. Most customers are impressed with the great sound as well as how quickly their kids can learn to play. Not only do the keys light up, but the screen tells the beginner what fingers to use. Parents find that once their kids start using this unit, they become addicted to it and play for a few hours almost every day. As for the feel of the keys and the sound resemblance to an actual piano, many users do not feel it comes as close as it claims. Still, the vast majority have been highly satisfied with the unit.
One common complaint remains about the Yamaha lighted keyboards: its stand. Reviewers commonly express with how awkward and flimsy it can be. Some have found that it keeps tipping over, especially considering that the stand does not strap or screw into the bottom of the piano keyboard. Yet others comment that they've had no problems with it.
Overall, with the low affordable price and the great many built-in features, these units serve as fantastic learning tools. Adults, as well as children, enjoy learning on them and habitually play them on a daily basis. Though these digital pianos don't have the power and sound quality of upscale models, most everyone who has purchased one of the Yamaha lighted keys keyboard finds them highly satisfactory.
| Price : | Post Date : Nov 11, 2011 17:21:16Yamaha PSR-170AD 61-Key Portable Electronic Keyboard with AC Adapter
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If you are an intermediate level player, here is what you need to keep in mind before you buy a keyboard.
After playing the keyboards for a couple of years, you should ideally look at a keyboard that will help you grow as a musician. Once you are past the beginner's stage, the next step for you is to consider a Yamaha keyboard that is more suitable for intermediate players.
If you can afford the budget, a beginner arranger workstation like the Yamaha 550 will be a very option. You can immediately notice the difference in the sound quality. Besides, you get a sequencer which will let you record complex songs. You can record with the built-in accompaniment or you can record one track at a time. You can even create your own unique musical styles.
Another question to ask yourself is, do you want to play the electronic keyboards or do you want to increase your repertoire to cover more of piano pieces? The reason being you will need more than 61 keys in that case, since 61 keys are not going to enough for many classical pieces. In this case the grand series of keyboards - YPG / DGX is something that
you need to look at.
A pitch bend wheel will be an added advantage on your keyboard so that you can learn how to properly mimic instruments like the electric guitar or the organ. Since there is a likelihood that you will play on-stage, a good feature to have is the Programmable Pads; you need something that is easier to use. It will also help you if you intend to appear for examinations. This feature will be handy since you will be expected to demonstrate your skills using these pads.
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