If you're a musician looking for an affordable keyboard, Yamaha has some great options for you. Yamaha keyboards are known for their high-quality sound, durability, and versatility. In this article, we'll be focusing on the best Yamaha keyboards under $500.
When choosing a keyboard, there are a few things you should consider. First, you'll want to think about the number of keys you need. Yamaha offers keyboards with 61, 76, and 88 keys. You'll also want to consider whether you need weighted keys for a more realistic piano feel, or if you're looking for something lighter and more portable.
Another important factor to consider is the type of music you'll be playing. Do you need a keyboard with a lot of different sounds and rhythms, or are you looking for something more basic? Yamaha keyboards come with a variety of features, including built-in speakers, USB connectivity, and the ability to record and playback your performances.
After researching and testing several Yamaha keyboards under $500, we've narrowed down the top options for you. Whether you're a beginner or a more experienced musician, there's a Yamaha keyboard on this list that will meet your needs.
Best Yamaha Keyboards under $500
We know that finding the right keyboard can be tough, especially if you're on a budget. That's why we've put together a list of the best Yamaha keyboards under $500. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, these keyboards offer a range of features and capabilities to suit your needs. So, without further ado, let's dive into our top picks!
Yamaha P45 88-Key Weighted Digital Piano Black
If you're looking for an affordable digital piano that simulates the feel of an acoustic piano, the Yamaha P45 is a great option.
Pros
- The weighted keys provide a quality playing experience that simulates an acoustic piano.
- The dual mode lets you combine 2 voices together for an inspiring new playing experience.
- The piano comes with 10 different voices, including digitally sampled tones from real Yamaha acoustic grand pianos.
Cons
- The onboard speakers are OK, but not great.
- The piano doesn't come with a stand, so you'll need to purchase one separately.
- The piano doesn't have a lot of sound choices.
We recently purchased the Yamaha P45 and have been impressed with its performance. The 88 fully weighted piano style keys simulate the feel of an acoustic piano and provide a quality playing experience. The GHS weighted action is heavier in the low end and lighter in the high end, just like an acoustic piano.
One of the best features of the Yamaha P45 is the dual mode, which lets you combine 2 voices together, like piano and strings, for an inspiring new playing experience. The piano comes with 10 different voices, including digitally sampled tones from real Yamaha acoustic grand pianos.
While the onboard speakers are OK, they're not great. If you're looking for better sound quality, we recommend connecting the piano to external speakers. Additionally, the piano doesn't come with a stand, so you'll need to purchase one separately.
Overall, we're happy with our purchase of the Yamaha P45. It's a great option for anyone looking for an affordable digital piano that simulates the feel of an acoustic piano.
Yamaha P71 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano
We highly recommend the Yamaha P71 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano for those looking for a quality digital piano under $500.
Pros
- The fully weighted piano style keys simulate the feel of an acoustic piano, providing a quality playing experience.
- The dual mode lets you combine 2 voices together, like piano and strings, for an inspiring new playing experience.
- The slim and stylish design with a depth of less than 12 inches requires little space and weighs only 25 pounds, making it easy to move around.
Cons
- The built-in speakers don't put out as much sound as expected, so external speakers may be needed.
- The sustain pedal can be a bit noisy.
- The selection of voices is limited to 10.
We have had the pleasure of using the Yamaha P71 and have found it to be an excellent digital piano for the price. The fully weighted keys provide an authentic playing experience and the dual mode allows for creative exploration. The slim design makes it easy to store in small spaces and the included power adapter and sustain pedal are a nice touch. However, the built-in speakers could be better and the selection of voices is limited. Overall, the Yamaha P71 is a great option for those looking for a quality digital piano under $500.
Yamaha 61-Key Portable Keyboard
If you're looking for a versatile keyboard that won't break the bank, the Yamaha 61-Key Portable Keyboard is a great choice.
Pros
- The assignable knobs allow for real-time manipulation of effects and parameters on voices, styles, and more.
- The motion effect button modifies voices with filter, pitch, and modulation effects.
- Quick sampling to USB or internal memory allows for instant recall at the right time.
Cons
- The surface of the keys feels a bit plastic-like.
- The manual is limited in explaining how to use all the buttons.
- The built-in speakers could be louder.
We've been using this keyboard for a few weeks now, and we're impressed with its range of features. The assignable knobs are a standout feature, allowing for quick and easy manipulation of effects and parameters. The motion effect button is also a lot of fun to play around with, and we've found ourselves using it more than we expected.
One downside is that the surface of the keys feels a bit plastic-like, which may bother some users. Additionally, the built-in speakers could be louder, but this is a common issue with portable keyboards.
Overall, the Yamaha 61-Key Portable Keyboard is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile keyboard under $500. Its range of features and affordable price make it a solid choice for both beginners and more experienced players.
Yamaha YPT270 Keyboard
If you're searching for a beginner keyboard that is both affordable and feature-packed, the Yamaha YPT270 Keyboard is an excellent option.
Pros
- The Yamaha YPT270 Keyboard has hundreds of high-quality voices, drum kits, and special effects kits that bring variety and authenticity to your music.
- The keyboard's styles bring your music to life by adding natural feeling accompaniment instruments to your playing, whether you're playing country, rock and roll, or a samba.
- Smart Chord allows you to play great-sounding chords from simple Pop triads to complex jazz 7th chords with only a single finger.
Cons
- The Yamaha YPT270 Keyboard has only 61 full-sized keys, which may not be enough for more advanced players.
- The keyboard's sound quality is not as good as some higher-end models.
- The keyboard's build quality is not as durable as some more expensive models.
We recently got our hands on the Yamaha YPT270 Keyboard and were impressed by its features and affordability. The keyboard's hundreds of high-quality voices, drum kits, and special effects kits bring a wide range of sounds to your fingertips, making it easy to experiment with different genres and styles.
One of our favorite features of the Yamaha YPT270 Keyboard is its styles. The keyboard's styles bring your music to life by adding natural feeling accompaniment instruments to your playing, whether you're playing country, rock and roll, or a samba. This makes it easy to create full-sounding arrangements without the need for a full band.
Another feature we love is Smart Chord. Smart Chord allows you to play great-sounding chords from simple Pop triads to complex jazz 7th chords with only a single finger. This makes it easy to play complex chord progressions without having to learn each chord individually.
However, the Yamaha YPT270 Keyboard does have some drawbacks. The keyboard's 61 full-sized keys may not be enough for more advanced players, and the sound quality is not as good as some higher-end models. Additionally, the keyboard's build quality is not as durable as some more expensive models, which may be a concern for players who plan to use it frequently.
Overall, we think the Yamaha YPT270 Keyboard is an excellent option for beginner players who are looking for an affordable and feature-packed keyboard. Its styles and Smart Chord features make it easy to create full-sounding arrangements, and its hundreds of voices and effects kits provide a wide range of sounds to experiment with.
Yamaha PSR-E273 PKY Premium Keyboard Pack
If you are looking for an entry-level keyboard that combines Yamaha quality voices and styles with practical learning functions, then the Yamaha PSR-E273 PKY Premium Keyboard Pack is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The Portable Grand button allows you to easily select and play various instrument voices, including a piano sound.
- With a wide variety of sound effects, such as animal, weather, vehicle, and bell sounds, you can have hours of fun exploring different sounds.
- The quiz mode is a fun and educational feature that helps develop your musical ear by playing sound effects and notes and letting you choose the corresponding key to play.
Cons
- The built-in speakers are not very powerful, so you may need to use headphones or external speakers for better sound quality.
- The keyboard stand that comes with the pack is not very sturdy, so you may need to purchase a separate stand if you want more stability.
- The keys are not weighted, so it may take some time to get used to the feel of the keyboard if you are used to playing on a piano.
We were impressed with the Yamaha PSR-E273 PKY Premium Keyboard Pack's various fun and educational features that ensure speedy progress, making the whole learning experience fun. The three built-in lesson modes (Listen & Learn, Timing, and Waiting) are great for beginners who want to learn how to play songs. The on-board song recorder is also a useful feature that allows you to capture performances and play them back to help you improve.
Overall, we think the Yamaha PSR-E273 PKY Premium Keyboard Pack is a great choice for aspiring musicians who are just starting out. It is portable, easy to use, and offers a wide variety of sounds and functions to help you realize your potential and develop enthusiasm for learning and playing music.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a Yamaha keyboard under $500, there are a few things to consider to ensure that you get the best product for your needs. In this section, we'll discuss the most important features to look for when choosing a keyboard.
Types of Keys
The first thing to consider is the type of keys the keyboard has. There are two main types of keys: weighted and unweighted. Weighted keys are designed to mimic the feel of a traditional piano, while unweighted keys are lighter and easier to play. If you're a beginner or plan to use the keyboard for casual playing, unweighted keys may be the best option. However, if you're an experienced pianist or plan to use the keyboard for serious practice, weighted keys are a must-have.
Number of Keys
The number of keys on a keyboard is another important consideration. Most Yamaha keyboards have either 61 or 88 keys. If you're a beginner or plan to use the keyboard for casual playing, 61 keys may be sufficient. However, if you're an experienced pianist or plan to use the keyboard for serious practice, 88 keys are a must-have.
Polyphony
Polyphony refers to the number of notes a keyboard can play at once. The higher the polyphony, the more notes you can play at the same time. If you plan to use the keyboard for complex pieces of music, look for a keyboard with a higher polyphony.
Voices and Sounds
Yamaha keyboards come with a variety of voices and sounds, including piano, organ, strings, and more. Look for a keyboard with a wide range of voices and sounds to ensure that you can play a variety of music styles.
Connectivity
Finally, consider the connectivity options of the keyboard. Look for a keyboard with USB connectivity, MIDI connectivity, and headphone jacks. USB and MIDI connectivity allow you to connect the keyboard to a computer or other devices, while headphone jacks allow you to practice without disturbing others.
By considering these features, you can find the best Yamaha keyboard under $500 for your needs.
Harlan Kilstein began playing piano during covid with no piano background at all. He taught himself how to play learning what to do and what not to do.
Today he's an advanced intermediate player and can help you grow in your skills because he learned all this on his own.
