8/05/2011

eMedia My Piano Starter Pack for Kids Review

eMedia My Piano Starter Pack for Kids
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I got this keyboard for my 7 year old to learn piano. It is a nice keyboard with a lot of instrument sounds, built-in drums and songs. It also comes with a great software program to use with the computer.
She really has latched onto the program and we have worked on it a little every night since we got it. There are some cute elements to it like a talking piano. However, the lessons are serious and have videos of the teacher showing piano skills. We hook it up to our Mac with a cable it comes with. When you play along with the songs, the program points out where you mis-played. It then shows you on the keyboard the mistake and what you should have played.
The keyboard itself seems well made. It has smaller keys than on my piano but that works well for a 7 year old. Their are plenty of instrument sounds for kids to play around with and the drum are fun to play oven. The songs that are built into the keyboard are not as good as the songs that are on the software program, so we have not done too much with that feature. You can see the songs played on the LCD screen on the keyboard but it is so much easier to learn from the software program that shows the music notation on a big screen with a animated piano that plays along with you.
This is great to either a self motivated kid who wants to learn to play or if you you to do it together.

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Introducing the eMedia My Piano Starter Pack. This pack has everything your child needs to begin playing the piano: an electronic keyboard sized for small fingers, a power supply, and a USB cable for connecting the MIDI keyboard to your computer. The keyboard features built-in speakers and realistic sampled sounds. What's more, it comes with a great teacher, the new interactive eMedia My Piano CD-ROM (for Windows & Mac computers) for children ages 5 and up. eMedia My Piano Starter Pack now also comes with a bonus My Piano DVD.
My Piano Software offers a variety of learning aids

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8/04/2011

Yamaha DGX-530 Keyboard, 88 Full-Sized Lightly Weighted Piano Style Keys Review

Yamaha DGX-530 Keyboard, 88 Full-Sized Lightly Weighted Piano Style Keys
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Tried this instrument out in the store and could not figure out what the difference was between this one and the 520 I previously reviewed on amazon. Sound qualities, voices, layout, display, and software all seemed identical to me to the 520. Finally, after a direct inquiry to Yamaha, I was told that the only difference between this model and the 520 was that the 530 contained 10 more rhythm sequences.
So, if you're one of those who would use this instrument heavily for recording and composition, and just could never find the right rhythmic background, you can try this one and see if one of their ten extra sequences works for you.
If you're like me, however, who use the keyboard mostly for performance purposes and only occasional composition and recording, it really isn't worth upgrading. If you're diligent enough and have the software (pretty much any layered music recording sequence will do; I happen to use Cakewalk 4), you can make and save your own rhythms anyway on either keyboard.
For a more detailed review of other features this keyboard has, check my review out on the DGX-520...aside from the extra rhythms, it's exactly the same.

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Yamaha's DGX530 Portable Grand Piano features 88 piano-style keys with Graded Soft Touch, a matching stand, a sustain pedal, USB storage, backlit LCD displays, notation and lyrics, and plenty more.

Piano-Centric Features The Yamaha Portable Grand, DGX530 has an easy to use panel, a wealth of piano-centric features including 88 piano-style keys, Graded Soft Touch (GST) action with different levels of resistance, and high-resolution stereo piano samples. Included are an attractive matching stand and sustain pedal.
USB Connectivity The DGX530 has 2 USB ports on the back, each with a different use. "USB TO HOST" is plug-and-play connection for recording and playing back MIDI files, as well as transferring data to and from your computer.
"USB TO DEVICE" is for connecting peripheral USB storage devices such as hard drives or portable thumb drives. You can save user songs and settings, or transfer song data downloaded from the Internet to the instrument, where it can be used with the performance assistant and Yamaha Education Suite features.
Lyric, Chord and Notation Display Have you ever played a song and wondered what it would look like as sheet music? The DGX530 can display the score to a song whether it comes from the Internet, the internal selections those you record yourself. Pages scroll automatically when a song is played back--no more page turning! For singers, the screen also displays chords and lyrics to XF compatible songs.
Easy to Use The DGX530 is a breeze to use. Dive right in with convenient tools and features:
Expandable Music Database: Complete keyboard setups by song title. The keyboard selects an appropriate voice for the right hand melody, the correct musical style and the correct tempo. Simply call up a song title and start playing.
One Touch Setting (OTS): Provides you with a recommended voice with effects for each Style. For example, on a jazz style OTS might be piano, for a Latin style it might be acoustic guitar, or for a rock style it might be a guitar with overdrive.
Registration Memory: Set the keyboard up just the way you like and take a digital snapshot for instant recall. Load and save up to 16 Registrations to User memory. The Registration buttons are conveniently located just above the keyboard.
Performance Assistant Technology: Performance assistant technology is a feature from Yamaha that guarantees that you can't play a wrong melody note or chord. Here's how it works. Select a song, press the Performance Assistant button Chord Mode and play the keyboard--any notes you like. Every note you play will fit the music!

Yamaha Education Suite: Helps you learn to play The DGX530 has 30 built-in songs (plus 70 more on the included CD-ROM) for you to learn to play using the Yamaha Education Suite. The songs are separated into left and right hand parts, providing 7 levels of lessons plus a convenient chord dictionary.
Three keyboard lessons for each hand:
Waiting Mode--Stops the playback of a song until you find the correct note and then continues.
Your Tempo Mode--Learn to play the correct notes with the correct timing. Song playback tempo will vary to match the speed you are playing at. The song will slow down when you play wrong notes, so you can learn at your own pace.
Minus One Mode--Here's where you can perfect your technique. The song will play at the normal tempo, minus the part you have chosen to play. Play along while listening to the song.

Lesson Grading--Monitors your progress as you practice each lesson and gives you a grade.
Repeat and Learn--The song location will move back four measures from the point at which you pressed the button, and playback will begin after a one measure count-in. This section will repeat allowing you to practice until perfect!
Chord Dictionary--Shows you how to play chords and tells you which chords you are playing by displaying the notes and chord names on the LCD screen.

6-Track Sequencer With the DGX530, you have the equivalent of a built-in multi-track recorder. Record one or multiple instrument parts at a time and assign each part to a different track. Six tracks are provided to accommodate sophisticated melodies, chord accompaniment and rhythm parts.
Quality Sound The DGX530 sounds as good as it plays. A two-way speaker system with separate woofers and tweeters delivers clear and lifelike instrument voices. Bass Boost ports add deeper low-end impact, and true stereo sound adds spatial depth and realism.
Realistic Sounding Voices The DGX530 comes equipped with 127 panel voices, 12 drum/SFX kits, plus 361 XGlite voices. Dual and Split modes allow you to combine sounds.
Full Keyboard Mode The DGX530 delivers on its piano theme with a special mode of fingering called Full Keyboard Mode. This allows the player to play the keyboard like a piano; for example a chord with the right hand and bass notes with the left. When using the accompaniment feature, the virtual band will follow these chords. Traditional portable keyboards normally require you to chord on the left side of the keyboard, in the bass section, which is foreign to most piano players. The DGX530 is also capable of this mode, for those who prefer it.
Digital Music Notebook Digital Music Notebook is a multimedia Internet service that enables you to preview, purchase, download and print learn-to-play music books and chart-topping sheet music. From scales to chords to your favorite riffs, Digital Music Notebook is jam-packed with all the secrets you need to master your instrument. Add accompaniments, record and mix yourself, sing karaoke with friends, learn new techniques while having a blast--Digital Music Notebook delivers everything you need to bring music alive! And it's included with the DGX530.
What's in the Box DGX530 Keyboard, Music Rest, Owner's Manual, Accessory CD-ROM, Keyboard Stand, Footswitch FC5, Power Adapter

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Casio PX830 Privia Digital Piano, Black Review

Casio PX830 Privia Digital Piano, Black
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I bought this for my daughter who's learning piano and yearning for a "real" one. This sounds and feels like a grand. The parts were packaged and padded securely. It arrived safe and sound even though there was a rip and a hole in the box.
Took me a while to put everything together. The instructions were detailed enough, but it was not in the first page of the manual, so you have to look for it, and read everything first before you start. During assembly, I found that most screws on the piano body were not sufficiently fastened, a few were almost ready to fall out! That didn't incite any confidence in its assembly work. And, the unit did not have a sticker with serial number, nor was one on the box! Can't explain why.
But overall, it plays well, sounds good. And let's hope it doesn't break down! If not for the issues above I would have given it a five stars.
A couple more things. The black wood was faux wood particle board, and looked cheap. I couldn't tell from the photos, and had expected gloss black (like a real piano). Also, even with the lid/cover down, the keys are still exposed on the front side. Instead of having a narrow folding board to cover the front side (again, like many real pianos), it gives you a little stopper to put in the middle so the cover board won't warp. I have to say, this can only make it look "cheap". Not sure if I was expecting too much.

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8/03/2011

Casio CTK-4000 Premium Keyboard Pack with Power Supply, Keyboard Stand and Professional Closed Cup Stereo Headphones Review

Casio CTK-4000 Premium Keyboard Pack with Power Supply, Keyboard Stand and Professional Closed Cup Stereo Headphones
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For the price, and considering the features, this Casio keyboard package is very fine. The included keyboard stand set up quickly and is good and sturdy. I like the sound quality of the keyboard output very much. I don't use many of the "tones" or various extra features, but for a good, practice keyboard with a very pleasing sound, I am quite happy with this one. The M-Audio SP-2 Sustain Pedal works very well with the keyboard and enhances the realistic sound.

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8/02/2011

My Piano Review

My Piano
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I found this to be a great product in teaching kids to learn to play. I am 30 with no music abilities and I have learned to play part of a song in the first few mins. My daughter is 4 and she loves to watch and play the games at the end of each lesson. Then she goes to the keyboard and tries. I did not expect her to learn since it is recommended for age 6 and over, but the interest is there and she will learn someday.
I have Windows XP and no blank screens

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My Piano is a unique and fun way for kids ages 6 and up to learn how to play piano or keyboard! An animated character named Pam the Piano guides kids through over 100 lessons by former Juilliard School of Music instructor Irma Irene Justicia, M.A. My Piano covers the basics, such as proper hand position and rhythm, and moves on to reading music notation, playing songs and more. An animated keyboard shows kids where to put their fingers as the music plays, and the speed of the music can be adjusted with MIDI tracks so that each child can learn at his or her own pace.When used with a MIDI keyboard, kids get instant feedback on their playing, telling them which notes were played incorrectly and what should have been played instead. Separate audio tracks (left / right hand, full song / voice only) and colorful MIDI accompaniments provide exciting options to have fun with. My Piano is the complete program that will get your child playing piano!Built-in accessories: Digital Metronome: Kids can keep a steady beat with audio and/or visual feedback. Digital Recorder: Allows kids to record and play themselves back for friends and family to hear! Research has proven that children who play a musical instrument do better in school, form friendships more easily and gain self-confidence. Get your child started playing with the easy and fun way to learn - eMedia My Piano

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Casio CDP-100 88-Note Weighted Hammer Action Digital Piano Review

Casio CDP-100 88-Note Weighted Hammer Action Digital Piano
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I purchased a used version of this based off the previous reviews. I definitely agree the weighted keyboard has a nice feel to it (this is coming from someone who's used acoustic pianos in the past) and the keyboard itself is very slim & not too heavy...easy to carry around.
What was really disappointing was the sound...it sounds a little masked, not sharp/crisp. I'm not very picky, I just wanted a full keyboard to practice on, but this was something that bothered me. I actually was able compare it to a Casio WK-200 (which is a cheaper keyboard) & surprisingly the CDP-100 sounded worse than it's cheaper counterpart.
I brushed off someone's previous comment about the sound because I figured it couldn't be that bad. It is that bad, so take this into consideration if you're planning to purchase.


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8/01/2011

Yamaha YPT-220 61 Key Personal Keyboard with AC Adapter Review

Yamaha YPT-220 61 Key Personal Keyboard with AC Adapter
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I just learned how to play the guitar and I really wanted to tackle another musical instrument, so I thought of the piano. As I am on a really tight budget and have such a small space I went with this keyboard, the Yamaha YPT-220 and I'm glad that I did.
I've only had it for about three days but already can play a few things. It comes with a built in Y.E.S. (Yamaha Education Suite)which teaches you how to play over 100 songs. However, you may have to pause frequently because the notes are played standard, not slowed down. Now, there were some complaints about not being able to hit the lower notes, which you cannot on this keyboard. In order to do that you'll need the 76 key keyboard. But, if you are like me and on a tight budget or have a small space then this keyboard is perfect.
I've been going on Youtube and seeing how to play certain songs that I like and so far all the songs I want to play, it's been possible because there are just enough keys. Also, this keyboard DOES come with the power adapter and it does work. This keyboard is made of plastic, so don't expect anything metal. I don't have a problem with it being made of plastic. It doesn't take away from the overall look of the keyboard. Please do be aware that the keys are not just like piano keys. They are close, but they are not weighted. So, be careful when pressing them. I feel that I got my money's worth out of it and am not disappointed.

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