Yamaha has been crafting top-notch musical instruments for years, and their keyboards are no exception. They’re known for their quality and innovative features. In this guide, we’ll dive into the best Yamaha keyboards of 2024, offering choices for every skill level and need.
We picked these keyboards based on sound quality, features, usability, and value. We get that musicians have different needs, so we’ve made sure to include options for beginners, intermediates, and pros. You’ll find keyboards perfect for home use, stage performance, and music production.
Our goal is to help you pick the Yamaha keyboard that suits you best. Let’s explore the amazing range Yamaha has to offer and help you find your perfect keyboard match!
Best Yamaha Keyboards
Here are our top picks for the best Yamaha keyboards:
Yamaha CK Series 88-Key Stage Keyboard
We recommend this keyboard for its versatility, built-in speakers, and range of authentic sounds.
Pros
- Expressive piano and keyboard sounds
- Variety of organ types
- Realistic string and brass ensembles
Cons
- Bright LEDs difficult to read in certain lighting conditions
- Some tweaking needed for optimal sound
- Slightly bulkier compared to competitors
The Yamaha CK Series 88-Key Stage Keyboard is a powerhouse with its focused piano and keyboard sound set. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned musician, this keyboard is perfect for any musical style. It’s expressive and authentic, making it ideal for various genres.
The CK88 shines with its versatile organ types. From vintage drawbar to combo transistor-based organs, it covers rock, pop, jazz, R&B, and country music. Plus, the realistic string sections, brass ensembles, and more add to its wide musical range.
However, there are a few downsides. The bright lighting and LEDs on the user interface can be hard to read in dim light. Some users might need to tweak the settings to get the perfect sound quality. Also, this keyboard is a bit larger than some competitors, which can be a hassle when transporting it to gigs.
Overall, the Yamaha CK Series 88-Key Stage Keyboard is an excellent choice for musicians of all levels. It offers a wide range of sounds and features to suit diverse musical tastes.
Yamaha PSREW310 76-Key Portable Keyboard
We highly recommend this keyboard for beginners seeking a versatile, easy-to-use instrument.
Pros
- 76 keys perfect for serious piano beginners
- AWM Dynamic Stereo Sampling for realistic sound
- Smart Chord and Super Articulation Lite Voices for creative expression
Cons
- Non-weighted keys may not suit all preferences
- Lacks 88 keys for more advanced players
- Power adapter included, but not the cable
The Yamaha PSREW310 is a fantastic choice for aspiring musicians. With 76 keys, this portable keyboard offers a solid foundation for those looking to start their piano journey. Its AWM Dynamic Stereo Sampling engine delivers rich, realistic sound, capturing the nuance of an acoustic instrument.
This keyboard is packed with creative features. The Smart Chord function lets you produce impressive chords with just a few fingers. The Super Articulation Lite Voices and “Art” button add natural expression to non-keyboard instruments, making your playing more engaging and diverse.
However, the PSREW310 might not be perfect for everyone. Some players might prefer weighted keys or a full 88-key layout. Also, while the power adapter is included, the cable is not, which can be a bit inconvenient.
Overall, the Yamaha PSREW310 76-Key Portable Keyboard is an excellent investment for beginners. It’s versatile, user-friendly, and packed with features to kickstart your music-making journey. Don’t let its minor drawbacks discourage you—this keyboard is full of creative possibilities!
Yamaha PSRE373 Portable Keyboard
A fantastic starter keyboard with great sound and versatile features.
Pros
- Ideal for beginners and hobbyists
- Over 622 instrument voices
- Expressive Super Articulation Lite Voices
Cons
- Power adapter not included
- Slight learning curve for functions
- Plastic touch-sensitive keys
The Yamaha PSRE373 is a 61-key portable keyboard that’s perfect for beginners and hobbyists. Its touch-sensitive keys are a great help for those just starting out. Even though the keys are plastic, they’re responsive and work well.
This keyboard offers an impressive 622 instrument voices, giving you endless options for creativity. Plus, the Super Articulation Lite Voices add a new level of expression and realism to your playing.
There are a few downsides, though. The power adapter is sold separately, so you’ll need to make an extra purchase to power it up. And while it’s packed with cool features, some users might find the learning curve a bit steep when navigating all its functions.
Overall, the Yamaha PSRE373 is a fantastic investment for aspiring musicians. Its sound quality and versatility make it a popular choice for those starting their musical journey.
Yamaha PSRSX600 Arranger Keyboard
You’ll love this top-notch keyboard for its impressive features and versatility in music creation.
Pros
- Unison Function for unique accompaniment
- Accent Function for rhythmic accents
- 1/4″ microphone input for singing along
Cons
- Might be complex for beginners
- Patient learning required for features
- Sound quality could be better
We were excited to try out the Yamaha PSRSX600 Arranger Keyboard, and it didn’t disappoint. This beauty is packed with features that make it stand out. The Unison Function lets the Style accompaniment parts follow your performance, giving your music a unique sound and feel.
The Accent Function adds another layer of excitement. By striking the keys with more force, you can create rhythmic accents, making your performance more dynamic. Plus, with the 1/4″ microphone input, you can sing along while you play.
However, this keyboard is not for the faint-hearted. With so many functions and features, beginners might find it overwhelming at first. But if you’re willing to invest time and effort, this keyboard can be a dream come true.
We did notice that the sound quality could be better, especially considering the price. Still, the Yamaha PSRSX600 Arranger Keyboard is an excellent choice for intermediate to advanced musicians who want a versatile keyboard with remarkable features.
Yamaha 61-Key Piaggero Ultra-Portable Digital Piano, Black (NP15B)
Give this keyboard a go if you’re in search of a portable, user-friendly option with a realistic piano feel.
Pros
- 61 touch-sensitive, piano-style keys
- Smart Pianist app enhances functionality
- Ultra-portable, lightweight design
Cons
- May lack advanced features
- No Bluetooth capability
- Possible build quality concerns
We love how the Yamaha NP-15 combines portability, touch-sensitive keys, and a realistic piano feel. It’s perfect for beginners, helping you build muscle memory while offering dynamic expression. The Smart Pianist app for iOS devices makes navigating and personalizing settings a breeze.
One drawback is the lack of advanced features. If you’re looking for more bells and whistles, this might not be the keyboard for you. Some users have also expressed concerns about the build quality. However, many find it to be a great value for the price.
Overall, the Yamaha NP-15 is an excellent choice for aspiring pianists on the go. Its portable design, touch-sensitive keys, and user-friendly app make it a convenient and fun option for practicing, performing, and collaborating. Just remember, if you’re after loads of features, this might not be the keyboard for you.
Yamaha REFACE CP Portable Electric Piano
This Yamaha keyboard is perfect for those seeking vintage electric piano sounds in a portable package.
Pros
- Vintage keyboard sound engine
- 128-note polyphony
- Built-in speaker system
Cons
- Fewer keys (37)
- Mini keyboard size
- Limited sound variety
We recently tried out the Yamaha REFACE CP and loved its portability and authentic vintage keyboard sounds. With six detailed vintage keyboard types, it truly captures the essence of 70s stage keyboards.
What really impressed us was the 128-note polyphony, which ensures smooth, dropout-free performance. Plus, the built-in speaker system lets you play anywhere, anytime.
However, there are a few drawbacks. With only 37 mini keys, it might not be ideal if you’re looking for a full-sized keyboard. Also, its focus on vintage electric pianos means it has limited sound variety compared to other synthesizers.
Overall, if you’re an aspiring artist looking for an authentic vintage keyboard experience in a portable package, the Yamaha REFACE CP is definitely worth considering.
Yamaha 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano
If you’re an aspiring musician, we recommend this Yamaha keyboard for its authentic feel and impressive features.
Pros
- Graded Hammer Compact (GHC) keyboard action
- CFIIIS Premium Grand Piano Voice
- Smart Pianist app compatibility
Cons
- Not very loud without headphones
- Some users report less fluid key response
- May need tweaking for optimal performance
This Yamaha keyboard nails the acoustic piano experience with its Graded Hammer Compact (GHC) weighted keys, mimicking the responsiveness of a real piano. The CFIIIS Premium Grand Piano Voice produces a rich sound, perfect for enhancing your musical expression.
Another great perk is its compatibility with the Smart Pianist app. This app helps you elevate your piano playing and access functions beyond what the keyboard offers on its own.
However, some users find the keys less responsive and fluid compared to an acoustic piano. Tweaking the settings might fix this. Also, this keyboard could be louder when playing without headphones.
Overall, this Yamaha keyboard is an excellent choice for anyone looking to experience the feel of an acoustic piano in a compact and more affordable package.
Yamaha YDPS55 Arius Series Slim Digital Console Piano
We highly recommend the Yamaha YDPS55 for its sound quality and realistic piano feel.
Pros
- CFX Stereo Sampling reproduces flagship Yamaha piano sounds
- Graded Hammer 3 with synthetic key tops prevents finger slipping
- Virtual Resonance Modeling Lite for realistic acoustic piano sound
Cons
- Pricey compared to some alternatives
- May require repurchase for defective units
- Not suitable for those who dislike digital pianos
Playing the Yamaha YDPS55 Arius Series Slim Digital Console Piano feels like sitting at a beautiful acoustic piano. The CFX Stereo Sampling technology does an amazing job reproducing the sound of Yamaha’s flagship concert grand.
The Graded Hammer 3 keys, with synthetic ebony and ivory key tops, offer a tactile surface that absorbs moisture, providing a non-slip experience. Plus, the Virtual Resonance Modeling Lite technology enhances the sound, making it even more like a true acoustic piano.
The Intelligent Acoustic Control and Stereophonic Optimizer features ensure that the built-in speaker system delivers rich tone at any volume. However, the Yamaha YDPS55 can be pricey. Digital pianos aren’t for everyone, but if you appreciate a slim, modern design and a realistic piano experience, this model is worth considering.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Yamaha Keyboard
Finding the perfect keyboard is essential for your musical journey. It impacts your playing experience, learning, and overall enjoyment. Let’s dive into the key factors to consider when picking a Yamaha keyboard, so you can find one that fits perfectly with your needs and playing style.
Sound Quality
High-quality sound is crucial for a satisfying playing experience. Yamaha keyboards differ in sound quality due to variations in sound sampling technology and speaker systems.
Polyphony, or the number of notes that can be played simultaneously, helps create a richer, more layered sound. For exceptional sound quality, check out the Yamaha Arius series.
Key Sensitivity and Feel
Weighted keys provide a more realistic piano playing experience, especially for pianists or those transitioning from acoustic pianos. Touch sensitivity allows you to control the volume and dynamics of your playing based on the force you apply to the keys.
Yamaha offers different keyboard action types, such as Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) or Graded Hammer 3 (GH3), which affect the playing experience.
Portability and Weight
If you plan to gig, travel, or take lessons, portability is a key factor. Lighter keyboards are easier to transport and store. Additionally, the number of keys (typically 61, 73, 88) can also impact portability.
Connectivity Options
USB connectivity is important for connecting your keyboard to a computer for recording, music production, and software use. MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) allows you to connect your keyboard to other instruments or sound modules. Aux input/output jacks are essential for connecting headphones, external speakers, or other audio devices.
Budget
Setting a realistic budget based on your needs and the features you prioritize is important. Yamaha offers keyboards across various price points to cater to different budgets. Remember to find a keyboard that offers good value for the features you need without compromising quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Yamaha keyboard for beginners?
We recommend Yamaha keyboards with built-in learning tools, intuitive controls, and affordability for beginners. A perfect example is the Yamaha PSR-E373. This keyboard has a user-friendly interface and comes with support materials that make learning easy for new players.
Are Yamaha keyboards good for professional use?
Absolutely! Yamaha keyboards offer high-quality sound, robust build, and versatile connectivity options, making them ideal for professional use. The Yamaha CP88, for example, is perfect for stage and studio use, thanks to its advanced features. Yamaha is well-respected among professional musicians, and their keyboards often appear in live performances and recordings.
How do Yamaha keyboards compare to other brands?
While there are other good keyboard brands on the market, Yamaha stands out with its strengths. They offer a wide range of keyboards for beginners, hobbyists, professionals, and various musical styles. With a long history and reputation for quality, reliability, and innovation, Yamaha continues to impress with cutting-edge features in their keyboards.
However, it’s always a good idea to try out keyboards from different brands to find the perfect fit for you.