Musical Instruments

Reviews

My daughter saved up to buy this for herself. She also plays an expensive keyboard at church, but she loves this one more. The sound is great, it has all the features she wanted, and it is portable enough for her to take with her if she needs to. The quality is very good, as well. One of our best purchases!

I hadn't played in about 15 years and decided to get back into it. Living in an apartment certainly poses problems with noise, etc. This piano not only sounds GREAT, but also has a plug in for headphones. It also has bells and whistles that I haven't fully explored, but certainly will as I expand. For the price and quality, I can't rave enough. If Every Good Boy Deserves Fruit, then this piano is a peach :-)

I was somewhat skeptical about purchasing a digital piano that "claims" to sound like an authentic grand, but I took a chance because of my past experiences with Yamaha instruments. This piano is excellent. The grand piano sounds live, in addition to numerous other instruments (the soprano saxophone and flute are unbelievably realistic.) The weighted keys are a must for any professional pianist, however, some may find the keys to be fairly sensitive. For example, when playing quick arpeggios, you will have to be cautious not to hit a key too hard or the note will come blaring out. The piano's size is very versatile and can be situated seamlessly in the corner of any room. The brushed steel and wood finish are beautiful and accent the decor of any home, studio, or, in my case, dorm. The keyboard has numerous features; over 400 individual voices, a metronome, and -what I found amazing- the ability to transpose music on the spot and save your compositions on the keyboard. Good thinking Yamaha. I would definitely recommend this piano to any professional or amateur pianist.

I bought this keyboard probably a litte more than a year ago. I have been playing Keyboard for about 6 or 7 years now, and I think this keyboard is terridic quality. If you are looking for a piano (weighted keys etc) this is probably not the buy for you. If you want something that feels like a piano, buy a piano. However, If you are looking for a keyboard that has good sound quality, nice feel and lots of sounds and features this is perfect! When I was looking to buy I had at the time a 67 key Casio. It was my first "starter" keyboard. I couldn't believe how much better my playing sounded. My other keyboard had horrible sound quality. The DGX505 about 500 different sounds including VERY realistic sounding Flute and Trumpet. a lot of the sounds were actually recorded from a real instrument I believe. It also has the full 88 keys.It is also very easy to run. Some keyboards are not marked well and you have to be a rocket scientist to figure them out. I expect to have this for many more years. It is an awesome Keyboard for a VERY reasonable price.

I checked the reviews prior to the purchase of this keyboard. As most were favorable, I did the purchase. It is everything I want in a keyboard. It was ordered, shipped and received in one week. It was packed in the orginal carton and arrived without damage. If you have been looking for a keyboard, you will get excellent value for your money and you can trust Yamaha to produce a good product.

Reviews

Of course it not the most complete keyboard controller you would find, but for $200 I don't think you could ask for something better. Considered in two different parts, the controller is what I've expected and it works perfectly on logic once you learn to program it. The keyboard part is pretty similar to those in this price-range keyboards: made on plastic and non comparable with a professional synth (It's not a 200 bucks yamaha motif that can connect to your computer). I find the yamaha kx61 absolutely reliable and I think that's what you should ask firstly on a keyboard controller.

I picked up a KX61 at GC when I noticed the price was down to $199. I wanted a light controller to carry with me to rehearsals with my laptop and USB audio/MIDI interface instead of my 80 pound XV88 or S80! I downloaded the editor which makes asigning the knobs pretty simple. The action is similar to the Roland XP 30/60/80 in that there is a very slight "click" when you first press down a key which really appeals to me as a performer. The nice thing about having the MIDI in routed thru the MIDI out is I can use this with another 61 key controller as a dual manual organ controller. I tried this with both my Roland VK8m organ module and NI's B4II with success on both counts. I might try using this setup on a organ heavy gig sometime. The lack of aftertouch is a shame, especially as I like to use it on lead synth solos to add some "breath" to the solos. Here's my Pros & Cons breakdown... CONS: No fader controls. Only a sustain pedal input, (no second pedal or expression "CC" pedal input), no aftertouch, no "breath" input (unusual for Yamaha). PROS: Very light, good "synth" action, USB powered or ext power supply, can route MIDI in to MIDI out or USB, can use the "arrow" keys to choose which track I'm on in SONAR & Reason, (the 2 programs I mainly use), only $199 so if I destroy it I can replace it and keep the dead one for parts. I'm not sure if this thing would handle constant gigging or touring, but for a light, portable controller for rehearsals (or for going out in the woods with my laptop and some headphones) I think it is great. If you want more knobs and sliders, look at some of M-Audio's models or CME for higher end performance controllers. If all else fails, try to buy an old Roland A-90 off of ebay...lol Hope this helps someone. Paul Roberts Keyboardist/Arranger/Composer Prospekt Media Kansas City, MO

I bought a pair of these to use as a double-manual electronic organ or harpsichord. I coupled them with existing MIDI modules (Roland Fantom XR and SC88VL). These KX61 are very good controller keyboards. The action is good. It is synthesizer action, not weighted, but it is consistent. The keyboards are also very light, which is good if you travel. I keep mine at home, and this is actually a bit of disadvantage since the very low weight makes it easy to accidentally move the entire keyboard while playing. I will probably end up taping them to the keyboard stand to avoid this problem. The USB power feature is very nice - it saves me from using two wall adapters, since I have them both plugged into a USB hub. I like the programmable keys - I have them set to MSB/LSB "bank change", so I can choose the sounds on my MIDI modules directly from the keyboards. The only downside is that only the MIDI messages themselves are editable from the keyboard. To change the associated text strings on the LCD requires using the editing software on the computer. The downside of the package is no doubt the Cubase AI software. It is included for people who have no MIDI equipment and expect to play sounds with the controller keyboard from their computer. While I understand why Yamaha bundled it, the software is a failed effort that is likely to frustrate any beginner. If you pay MSRP because of this software, prepare to be disappointed. The box claims Vista support, but the Cubase AI DVD actually won't install on Vista. You need to download very large updates from the internet to make it even install. And the installer won't run if you have Vista's Data Execution Protection turned on (a good idea for security). This is all due to the overkill Syncrosoft e-licenser that is required to use Cubase AI. Once I did get the software installed, and tried to use Halion One, I was disappointed to find that there was a very long lag (about .3s) between pressing the keys on the KX, and hearing the sound on the computer. This made it basically impossible to play. The problem was due to the lack of ASIO drivers for my soundcard. I had to dig for some 3rd party driver, ASIO4ALL, to resolve the issue. This just should not be necessary. Even when I could play the HalionOne sounds real-time, through my Yamaha amp over SPDIF from the PC and nice hifi speakers, they compared very unfavorably to the sounds from my 1996 vintage Roland SC-88VL coming through the analog audio out, not to even speak of the Fantom XR from 2004. This controller keyboard needs to be coupled with a sound module, or with much better software sounds than what's included in the package. Another problem I found with Cubase AI was that I had to put the KX in USB mode to get it to play sounds with HalionONE. If I used MIDI mode, and connected it to my Roland UM-880 USB MIDI interface, the DAW remote keys from the KX did not work. There might be a way to still get it to play sounds over MIDI in Cubase with Halion while in MIDI mode, but I didn't find out how. And I probably won't be seeking a solution to this, given the low quality of HalionOne sounds. I got a very good deal on the package, for only 40% of the MSRP at a local retailer, and I had little interest in the software, mostly the keyboards. I wish I hadn't wasted all this time trying to install and use the software. Save yourself the time - use an external MIDI sound module, or some better software. If the box didn't include Cubase AI, I would rate this 5 stars instead of 4.

I thought the one-star review (above) was a bit harsh. I recently purchased this and thought that it delivered for the money. Yes, the keys are plastic and they DO feel like plastic but I didn't think the action was bad. In fact, quite reasonable. And yes, it is light.. but why should that be a curse? Glue some aluminum sheet metal to the bottom of it if you want more weight! I was pleased that I didn't need to buy an extra MIDI cable to connect it to my PC as it connects via USB. It also claims to be USB powered but I use the (included) wall-wart to power it. The drivers worked as advertised and Sonar had no trouble at all finding it. I use it to control virtual synths and it does that without any problem. It comes with a starter copy of Cubase but I didn't evaluate how well the KX61 works with that DAW since, as mentioned, I am a Sonar guy. Yamaha includes some VST plugin software which I look forward to playing around with. Also, I was able to figure out how to use the transport keys built into the controller to talk to Sonar after some Internet research. The instructions don't quite cover this. Finally, I had to buy a sustain pedal with a polarization switch because my older pedals worked in reverse with this controller. So, expect to spend at least another $15 if you buy this and want to add a pedal.

I am shocked and surprised that yamaha would make something like this and try to sell it as a profession piece of music gear. It just goes to prove that the music industry is now the new TOY industry. This thing is made out of very lite plastic. You can hold it with your arm stretched straight in front of you with one hand. The keyboard is less playable than some casios i've played. So what if it communicates with your computer! (supposedly). This is not a professional piece of studio or road gear. It might as well be made by mattel or hasbro or marx. Just more junk to get in the way of making real music and another reason the music industry is dying!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reviews

The product was easy to use.But I had to go online to find out why I couldn't get a connection. It was because the directions that came with the product was not clear. But we got it working and it is great. Thanks

I purchased this midi to usb cable on a Monday and it arrived that Thursday! I was worried that this cable might not connect right or have some kind of problem, since it was so cheap. But it works fine! Don't bother going to Guitar Center to spend $40 or $50 dollars on one. I use it to hook my Alesis Micron synth up to my computer and it's perfect. BUY IT NOW!

I purchased this for use with an inexpensive Yamaha music keyboard and an older Macbook laptop computer (pre-Intel). It installed quickly and easily and has worked seamlessly and smoothly from the minute I hooked it up. It was a gift for my husband, and he loves it and uses it almost daily.

I priced MIDI cables (anywhere from 15-70 bucks!)and decided to give this little baby a whirl. It works fantastic! And you can't beat the price! Sure, it's thinner than the one at Guitar Center for 40 bucks, but you could go through several of these before approaching 40 bucks! I'm very happy!

I've used a 2x2 MIDIsport from M-audio for years. I recently upgraded to Windows 7 64-bit and M-audio is dragging their feet coming up with drivers for my device. So I had to find an alternative. Suffice it to say, I paid $50 for my 2x2, and here, less than $7 for this cable, shipping included. And I cannot believe how well this works. It just works. With the midisport, I was constantly installing and upgrading drivers. This device? I plugged it in and it was instantly recognized by Windows 7, my DAW (Mixcraft) immediately recognized it, and I was off recording without notable latency in no time. In fact, the midisport had worse latency than this cable. INCREDIBLE. I give this thing 6 out of 5 stars for the best MIDI to USB bargain out there. I'm running one from my casio keyboard, and just ordered another for my yamaha electronic drum kit. Cannot recommend highly enough.

Reviews

When I heard about this game I was thrilled but began to realize how limited it was. Once you got use to it, one began to realize how hard it was to make good music. Just wish there was more to it. Wish I could download extra work or had more slots to make one song from. Not to say it wasn't fun and that I didn't play the heck out of it but after a while I got bored. Nice to pick up every so often though. Wish I could upload to a site or phone. Still a fun game and love the mixing on-the-fly.

It's one part drum machine, one part synth, one part sequencer and one part kaosillator. A surprisingly powerful piece of software! Buy it.

This software isn't exactly a game. It is a great tool to electronic music on the go. Built in are a four beat, four-part, customizeable drum machine, two different analog synthesizers, and much more. Any type of beat or song you can dream in your head; you can recreate with Korg DS-10. a must have for any musician or fan of digital music!

korg ds-10 is a great"game". the reason i put"" around game was because its not much of a game but if you have ever thought about a career in music production then this is a great start minus the actual lyrics

This little thing rocks. It has two monophonic synthesizers based on the Korg MS-20 and a four voice drum synthesizer. It operates in a very logical fashion, with a sixteen by four grid for the drums: if you want the drum to hit there, you fill in the little square. Synthesizer programming is difficult, but there is a significant 'leg up' in the form of preset sounds. Bass sounds, lead sounds, special effects and drum sounds and every sound can be loaded into any of the six slots. Take a preset, modify to your liking and all of a sudden you're making music. There are two three-setting Kaoss pads too. One setting is for notes, the next is for volume and pan and the third is for whacky or non-whacky filter and resonance sweeps. You can record any activity on the Kaoss pads just by pushing the little red circle. For any aspiring musician, active musician or puttering musician this is one 'game' that should not be missed. It's worth ten times the price I paid just for the fun I've had with it already.

Reviews

Product feels heavy, like it is solid, feels good, as if it is built well, not some cheap lite weight plastic...Plug it in and listen to it, not bad,,Problem i notice is sound..It sounds like when you hear it, sounds like someone is shaking a salt shaker at the same time...So, although what you do hear, is good, i dont like the additional salt shaking sound added to it..

I really wanted to love this little speaker. The design is small, unintrusive, smart lookin' and very handy. The "flex" cord is firm & pose-able, which is really helpful, but the sound is not good. Distortion! Try listening to Joanna Newsom play the harp at a mid-range volume and that distortion is an insult. First I bought the Triton usb laptop speaker (the one that looks like a white hockey puck), and i love it. Amazing sound, but the short cord was a hassle when moving my laptop from my desk to my bedside table. Ultimately, I'd fumble and drop the thing. After a year, the cord broke. I was sad, so i decided to get the b-flex because of the firm cord. If the b-flex was my only experience in external speakers, i'd probably settle. But when the music is turned up loud, it becomes very muffled and tin canny. So I'm going to return it. I might just get another Triton, or I might keep looking. The b-flex is totally fine for increasing your volume for movies, but if you wanna rock out to music then just get the Triton external speaker.

This product is compact, easy to use and a must have if your laptop has low speaker output. I have a Lenovo laptop and the highest volume was quieter than the lowest output using this speaker system. The sound is quite good, not outstanding but I was pleasantly surprised at the volume and the quality this little pack puts out.

Why?? Oh why? It looked like the ultimate space-saving solution!!! Sounds great on my HP Desktop. But wouldn't work for it's intended purpose - my Mac Book Pro... :-(

I purchased this for my husband so he could have better sound while on the road traveling. We were both so surprised how well it sounds and how clear it is. Perfect size and well worth the price!

Reviews

I bought this product so I could sell my keyboard. I was impressed to find it was a perfect fit. (Usually it takes a few tries to find a replacement cord for an electronic)

I got this adapter to replace a broken one for Yamaha keyboard that I bought 14 years ago. The tip of the adapter fit just fine. I assume it should work for any Yamaha keyboard.

I purchased this item to use with my keyboard. It works well. I have no problems whatsoever. I have been using it for over a month now

Powers up my keyboard. Doesn't waste energy while the keyboard is off. I've been using it for 3 months now, no problems.

We purchased this adapter because we needed to convert a UK plug. This adapter is smaller than our UK adapter and works just as expected.

Reviews

Doesn't work with my Sony Vaio with windows 7! Repeated failure to recognize the USB software. Occasionally worked, but droped out again and again. High pitchy frequency noise when it did work. We asked for help from the service department at JLAB audio which proved slow and unprofitable.

I ordered this speaker a few months ago based on the good reviews on Amazon. I have to say, there is NOTHING Bose-like, or even good, about this little speaker. The sound is tinny and sometimes forces a reboot in order not to come out static-y. It makes a sound like it is lying against a metal object when it isn't...For $40, I'd say definitely not worth it. I am ordering a replacement today after only a few months and am going to spend a little more to get something that sounds decent. Am upset to have wasted $40. Save your money.

I bought this speaker to enhance (improve) the poor, tin-like sound quality of my MacBook. It works just as I hoped.

I travel a lot and like to play music in my hotel room through my laptop but wanted to get something with more juice than the speakers built into my laptop. I was extremely disappointed when I first heard these speakers. They were so weak and distorted I switched back to my Laptops speakers after just a couple minutes of the weak, fuzzy distorted sound they made. They were clearly weaker than my laptops built-in speakers, which are not that great. I recommend these only if your current laptop does not have its own speakers, otherwise it's basically the same or worse for playing music as standard built-in laptop speakers.

This is a well designed (except for on small thing - see below) little gadget/product/speaker. It works exactly as advertised. Not meant to be mini Bose speakers. They are just much better versions of laptop internal speakers that can be pointed in any direction rather than the ones in the laptop that are weak and lame and point straight up instead of at the listener usually. Just plug and play. I was looking for a pair of mini stand-alone speakers for a computer that I use for youtube and instructional video type stuff where I don't need great stereo audio but the internal speakers just aren't good enough. This is where these fit it. They take up no actual desk space and are much louder than the internals and quality is good too. I ordered another one and I wouldn't hesitate to give these as gifts. My one tiny con is that it doesn't have an on/off or volume control but they work off of the same controls as the internals so wtf.