Binding: Electronics
Brand: Yamaha
EAN: 0086792276533
Feature: 61-full sized keys
Label: Yamaha
Manufacturer: Yamaha
Model: PSR260AD
Publisher: Yamaha
Studio: Yamaha

• 61-full sized keys
• Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) input and output
• 100 instrument voices and styles encourages creativity
• Interactive keyboard lessons for beginners
• DJ Mode with programmed game to improve rhythm

If you are looking to buy a first keyboard at a reasonable price, try the Yamaha PSR260AD on for size. It's uncomplicated and fun to play, and it might just help you develop music skills. The PSR260AD has 100 voices ranging from pianos to trumpets to drums. One hundred accompaniments, from twist to fusion, can be mixed with the voices. As a MIDI-compatible keyboard, the PSR260AD can connect to a sequencer or computer via MIDI cables (sold separately), both of which can record musical performances from the keyboard and then play them back using the instrument voices on the PSR260AD. After a while, though, 100 voices will probably seem limiting to most users.

The PSR260AD is not a General MIDI keyboard, which means that if you connect it to a computer, General MIDI files (a standard of most MIDI files in educational software and of those available on the Internet) will not sound correct--the instrumentation will be wrong.

One feature on the PSR260AD that most people (especially children and teenagers) will enjoy is the DJ. Pressing the button shaped like a vinyl record resets the keyboard for playing special DJ songs and voices. There are orchestra hits, samples of real voices singing phrases such as "one more time" and "Get up!" and a variety of scratches. There is even a DJ game programmed into the keyboard that helps users develop rhythm skills. One hundred other songs of various styles are also included that are fun to play and are used in the three lessons offered by the PSR260AD.

The lessons can all be done with left hand alone, right hand alone, or both hands together. In the timing lesson, the song plays and the student presses any note in the proper time. During the waiting lesson, the PSR260AD holds the accompaniment until the student plays the correct notes. And in the minus one lesson, the student plays the proper notes in the correct time. An evaluation function gives a grade for each lesson. A staff display and keyboard display help the student identify the correct keys, while animated clapping hands help the student visualize the rhythm. A dictionary function shows the different chord types on the display staff. These educational activities are very entertaining, and by doing them, the student may pick up rudimentary skills that will help in the further study of music.

The PSR260AD is an easy keyboard to use, even for a small child. It is lightweight (11.7 lbs.) even though it has built-in speakers. The buttons are all colorful and clearly marked, and all of the accompaniments, voices, and song styles are printed right on the keyboard. Most of the functionality is so intuitive and simple, you may never need to take the manual out of the shrink-wrap!

The PSR260AD is a fun keyboard to play, but it is mostly a learning tool and creative toy. It will provide many hours of entertainment for younger users, and it may very well inspire them to study music. --Chris Fresolone

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Lightweight
• Lots of fun for younger users
• Clear, intuitive functionality
• Entertaining educational tools

Cons:

• Only 100 voices
• Not General MIDI compatible

Customer Rating:
Summary: Excelent decision!
Comment: Buying this keyboard is an excelent decision. I have one who uses my little son for practicing his keyboard lessons. Considering all the features this keyboard includes, I am sure he could continue using it during several years as his musical habilities increases. Additionally you should consider buying a keyboard stand.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Very happy
Comment: It took me months to pick out this keyboard and I am very happy with the choice. I have had other keyboards and actually gave them away because I was so unhappy with the sound quality...they just weren't "right". As hard as I would try to "get used to" them, it was impossible and actually had an irritating effect on me. This keyboard is wonderful - the sounds of the instruments are beautiful and correct.

If you are just learning, the lessons are great. The song book they send you is written for instruction also - with a little practice you will be on your way.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: No built-in sequencer
Comment: Just a note after I received this keyboard from Amazon - despite what the Amazon page says, this keyboard does not have a built-in sequencer to record your own songs. For that you'll have to pay a bit extra and get the PSR280 61-Note keyboard.

Otherwise, the keyboards seems solid, the majority of the sounds are realistic and the speakers sound great.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: This keyboard has more feature than you can count!
Comment: Well, what can I say this keyboard is awesome! Alright, I'll list a few. To start off with, I learned alot from this keyboard. In a little over a week, i learned how to play to music. In fact, after I finish quickly typing this review, I'm going to go upstairs and play it some more. A great thing about this is all the songs and voices. There are a tiny bit over 100 voices on this thing, and this includes guitar, harp, trombone, and a ton of other instruments you come across alot, and some that you don't hear often, such as strings, banjo, accordion,pipe organ, and some they just made up that plain sound gnarly.
There are many songs too, about 80; and like voices, this has some common songs, Amazing Grace, Home Sweet Home, Livin La Vida Loca, Yankee Doodle, Deck the halls, and some uncommon songs that are still cool, Dancing, The Cookoo, GreenSleeves, and others.
Something neat for begginers is the option to teach you songs, in fact it has 4 different ways for each hand, and 1 for both, which is like a final test.
There also is a dictionary, where you push keys, and it tells you the note's letter.
One of my favorite options is the DJ mode, where it has lots of record sratches, and "Oh, Yeah"s, and other stuff you might hear in rap/punk.
You can even have background sounds to help you play the style. To name a few, It can play pop, hard rock, 70s disco, and many, many more.
You also can play on a drum kit, with all the drum stuff, and more.
If you get a keyboard, get this one. It's radalicious. As I said before, those I said are only a FEW of the options. Yup, just a tiny fragment.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Nice Keyboard
Comment: The sound is much better than you would expect in a keyboard this price! 100 instrument sounds and some of them need just a little imagination to tie them to the real world instrument, but they are fun and the piano sounds really are quite good. The touch-sensitive feature works very well and is a real plus. I thought this instrument would come with a sustain peddle, but it does not; you can order one for another 20$. As a starter, before spending big money on a real piano for my daughter who is taking piano lessons, it is a great deal, and the whole family has had fun with it. Don't count on the included music or lessons to be of much use, though, they are too difficult for a beginner. Fortunately, Amazon has about a zillion beginner piano books, so maybe you would want to order one with the keyboard if you are just starting out.

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