Customer Reviews

YAMAHA YPT200AD 61-KEY PORTABLE KEYBOARD WITH PORTABLE GRAND FUN

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I bought this keyboard to replace an older one, with 3/4 size keys. My main reason was simply that I wanted one with full-sized keys, but I got far more than just that. Its Grand Piano voice is full, rich and authentic in its sound. Most of the other voices are also remarkably realistic-sounding. It's fun to have a variety of voices, to reduce the monotony that can result from the repetition that practice requires. It came with an instructional DVD that was very helpful- take the time to watch it.

The speakers give ample sound even at lower volumes. The keyboard never sounds tinny. You can buy a more expensive keyboard and get more features (though this one has more than I need), but unless you are spending 4 times as much, it won't sound superior. You can also add headphones or a sustain pedal, if you want.

There are only 2 drawbacks for me. Firstly, the LCD screen would be easier to use if it were backlit. Secondly, on a 61-key board, the middle-C is off center. (This is true with any 61-key board. The simple solution is just to move your chair over a bit.)
Despite these minor complaints, I love it. It's great to have music in my home again.

Great keyboard. Great sound quality. Slow shipping with DSL. The matching black bench is excellent... and shipped amazingly fast with FedEx Home delivery.
Do NOT buy the recommended yamaha double x keyboard stand.... it doesn't fit with this keyboard.

Hope this helps.

I just started to learn piano (I play guitar)and wanted something with normal sized keys to use at home for practice and composing tunes. I am not ready to invest in a piano yet. I have really enjoyed this little keyboard and have been tinkering with it since the day it arrived. The sound is good and the keys feel closer to the keys of a real piano than a competitor's model I tried at the store. I use it almost exclusively with a headset so as not to disturb anyone else and this has been a great asset. It has a lot of features which I have not yet figured out completely (that requires reading the whole manual and you know how fun that is) but we have had a blast with the sound effects and other instrument "voices". A few little things I've noted: 1. The keyboard is very lightweight so getting it positioned properly on the stand is very important to make sure it stays stable - it could be very easy to tip over. And don't lean on it! We've had a close call with that already. 2. I saw on the CD that comes with it that the silver model the instructor had has symbols above the key that relate to the different percussion options associated with that key. The model I have is black (not silver) and while it turns out the symbols are there, you cannot really see them. I would have liked them to be visible as I may wish to use the percussion feature in the future. Not sure why they didn't print them in white for this model instead. 3. If you are going to use the headphones, you should be aware that the outlet is a stereo-sized headphone receptacle, which means it is larger than those used for personal devices (ipod's, portable CD players, etc) so they will not fit it. Currently I am using my ipod headset fitted with an adapter and that works just fine. I have ordered a larger headphone set to use just with the keyboard.

I have not yet purchased the MIDI cable and linked into my computer yet, but will do very soon. Until then can't comment. I also did not buy the stand or stool advertised online, but probably should have. I paid a bit more locally and don't think I got more quality or better fit for it.

Am rating five stars for fun factor if nothing else!

UPDATE: Yes, the AC adapter is indeed included in the package. It's "hidden" in one of the Styrofoams. I didn't know and spent ten bucks on a separate one from Amazon. Should have paid more attention to packaging.

Original review:

Others have said a lot about this excellent product. I just have a few points to make.

First, in terms of voices, the grand piano voice is definitely the best synthesized on this keyboard. The other instrumental voices are not too authentic, especially the violin (which disappointed me a little as I used to be a violin player). But if you want to use this as a poor man's grand piano substitute, you've come to the right place!

Second, the LCD is really quite poor. Not only is it not backlit, but it's rather difficult to see under any lighting conditions. Overall, though, it does the job. Besides, since it's really used for setting functions, it probably won't get used much.

Third, the keyboard is marked "designed in Japan, made in China." It's actually quite well made, to my surprise. It feel sturdy yet lightweight. You can carry it around easily.

Fourth, no AC adapter is included in the package. You can get the Yamaha PA3C AC adapter for about ten bucks from Amazon. I tried to get a Radio Shack universal 12V AC adapter but none had the correct tip. Or you can use 6 AA alkaline batteries; they last a surpringly long time. NiMH can also be used but my experience there wasn't good (short life, sudden loss of power), so use alkalines or just invest in the AC adapter - I did.

Fifth, the manual is easy to understand but doesn't seem comprehensive. But if you spend time playing around with the keyboard, you'll figure everything out quickly. The only things you need from the manual are the voice, song, and style listings, so you know what "voice 23" corresponds to.

Sixth, this is really a joyful gadget if you are into music. It has tons of featuers and functions. It's great for kids and adults alike. Words can't describe how fun this is.

Seventh, you can use the MIDI interface to hook this up to your PC (a USB-MIDI adapter is required) so you can record your own music and/or learn how to play the keyboard using piano-teaching software. The possibilities are probably almost endless.

Eighth... I think I've said enough and should shut up now. Check out the other guys' reviews.

So, in short, even though this is low-cost and thus lacks a lot of high-end features, e.g., its small LCD really sucks, overall it's an excellent product. Where it counts the most -- the digital grand piano function -- makes this a superior keyboard for under 100 bucks.

For what it is, this keyboard is great. However, "what it is" allows it to have significant drawbacks:
1: the speakers are horrible. With external speakers or headphones, it sounds great (need an adapter, as the keyboard has a quarter-inch jack). If playing one key at a time, the speakers may be acceptable, but they are incapable of combining the sounds of several keys.
2: it is not touch-sensitive. This means that, no matter how hard or soft you press the keys, a sound of the same volume will be played.
3: It is set to LOUD by default. Every time I turned the keyboard on, I lowered the volume to one third. The keyboard uses button presses, rather than a dial, to control volume. This is simply annoying and should have been corrected.
4: It is not full-size. It has 61 keys; a piano has 88. This may or may not be a limitation, depending on your skill level and song preference.
5: Headphone jack is on the back of the keyboard. It should be on the front, which is more convenient and comfortable.
6: Flimsy bookstand. This is a problem with some better Yamaha models as well.


On the exceptionally good side:
1: the default piano sound, with good headphones (Sennheiser EH 350), is spectacular.
2: very light and easy to carry. It can also run on batteries, in case you want to take it camping or something.
3: Very cheap, which is handy if you plan to take it camping. It is also durable if you are careful with it.

On some occasions, I would prefer to use this keyboard rather than my new Yamaha DGX 505, simply because the notes sound so beautiful.


If your child wants to play the piano, either this or a YPT 300 is perfect. The Piano Handbook by Carl Humphries is a very helpful as well.

I purchased this keyboard on the advice of a jazz piano instructor. All I can say is the piano has come a long way since I was a kid. The Yamaha YPT 200 is an excellent keyboard. Rich sound and full size keys. To be honest, I did not know what to expect because I was rather ignorant of this product. But after I did my homework on the internet, I decided to take the plunge. You get more for the money with this machine. When I am more advanced with my piano playing,I will purchase a more sophisticated model I love Baby Grands but lets face it they are bigger than my house.I love the classical music folder. The one down side is I can hardly see the screen butI am not going to dwell on that one.Love this keyboard. Try it - you will not regret the purchase. Make sure you purchase the one with the adapter.

You will not be dissapointed if you buy this to learn to play the piano on. I've never played piano and now that I'm in my early 30's I would like to teach myself.

This keyboard plays so many songs and there are a couple ways to teach them to yourself. You can listen to how it's supposed to sound and then you can put it in "waiting mode"; the keyboard then lets you try to play the tune, only making a sound when you strike the correct key. You can tell it you only want to use your right hand or your left hand or tell it you want to try using both hands at once...very handy function.

You can make the keys sound like so many different kinds of instruments, flutes, violins, bass', ect. And it has funny noises to play that kids would like I'm sure.

I don't have anything to compare it to, but I think that's okay, because I'm very satisfied that I bought this keyboard. I bought it at our local electronics dealer and had to purchase the adapter seperartely, but Amazon includes it in their package from what I can tell here. If bought seperately you would spend $20 for the adapter alone.

My only complaint is that every time I turn on the piano, the sound is turned WAY up...I just need to get in the habit of turning it all the way down before playing because it scares me otherwise. :)

Have fun with it; I sure will. Practice, practice, practice.

it doesnt have 'touch' feature. that means that no matter how hard u push the keys they sound the same thus you cannot express any kind of feeling. but for the price it is okay it works-i just need it to do my voice exercises

I was really looking for an affordable, low-key, semi-portable keyboard that wasn't a toy (or sounded or looked like a toy) for my 4.5-yr.-old to practice on at home after she started piano classes. Of course this keyboard doesn't sound like the $3000 dollar ones, but it's pretty close. And at this price, it's a great deal. I haven't really looked at the functions, yet, but my kids like the tempo settings and demos of course.

Hi
Purchased this in Jan 06 keybord is a charm.. And YES even I didnot get the AC adapter in the shipment as mentioned here..
But Yamaha sent me a AC adapter at no cost...
FYI:
Fax a letter to 1800 517 9260 (Attention Nicole - Parts Keyboard Division)
Stating you didnot receive the adapter, the order number, a copy of the Amazon invoice and your shipping address with your Telephone numbers.

PS: It will work best if you call them and speak to them also..


I received my adapter promptly and now im on with my practice lessons.

A IMPORTANT NOTE:
People please stop rating the product poorly for reasons of failed delivery or your opinion of a particular courier service. It really skews the customer Avg rating. and destroys this whole process.

Like you must have heard :
"With Power comes great responsibility!"
Enjoy your keyboard.