For all those who are looking for a keyboard for music production or live performances, the Yamaha Genos is an alternative to consider.
The 76 pressure-sensitive keys, the large touch screen, and the variety of functions and settings make the Genos a very interesting keyboard for music composers.
The Yamaha Genos is a keyboard with a focus on musical production, below is a fact sheet of its characteristics:
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The sound quality of the Yamaha Menos is very good, the cleanliness and clarity that the sound generator is able to reproduce are remarkable, however, it is necessary to consider that much of the sound quality of the Genos depends on the amplifier, as this model does not have integrated speakers.Below is a very complete demo of Yamaha Genos.
As can be seen in the previous video, the Yamaha Genos has a great versatility that allows professional musical production.Below is a provided demo of Yamaha with some effect settings:
When it comes to connectivity, the Genos has it all – this Yamaha model has advanced connectivity options that will meet the expectations of any keyboardist or composer.
This Yamaha model includes virtually every type of ticket. It has USB inputs (USB to Host and USB to device), 2 MIDI input and output modules, 1 microphone input with Phantom Power (+48V), 1 Auxiliary input, 1 coaxial digital output, and even Wifi connectivity.
As you can see in the image above the Yamaha Genos has everything you need for music production, the connectivity of this model allows you to create a recording station.
The advantages of this model are:
The disadvantages of this model are:
It is difficult to find disadvantages in the Yamaha Genos, as this model has great features. It only points against are the size of the keyboard and the polyphony of sound. Although 76 keys are enough to interpret practically any piece or compose, it may annoy some pianists. As for polyphony, there are alternatives that offer full polyphony, however, 256 notes are very acceptable.
The scale tilts in favor of the Yamaha Genos since connectivity, personalization and variety of voices are indisputable advantages, in addition, its 9-inch touch screen facilitates the task of configuration.
The KORG PA4X is an alternative very similar to the Yamaha Genos, below are the differences and similarities between the two models:
The comparison between these two models is complicated, as both Yamaha and Korg have similar features. If you want an option with better polyphony of sound and connectivity, the Yamaha Genos is the best alternative, nevertheless, if you prefer to have a more variety of voices, you can surely go for the Korg.
Yamaha’s Tyros 5 is another alternative for those who want a keyboard for music production or playing on stage. The similarities and differences between these two models are shown below:
Definitely the Genos is a superior model, however, the Tyros 5 is a very good choice. The main difference between both models is the sound quality if you are looking for a model with better sound quality and wifi the Genos is for you.
The Yamaha Montage 8 is an 88-key weighted digital piano focused on music production and live performances. The comparison between Genos and Montage 8 is presented below:
Montage 8 is a superior keyboard over the Genos since the 88 weighted keys will help to stimulate the piano, allowing them to interpret pieces of high speed with pressure. On the other hand, the generator of the sound of this model is of a new generation and incorporates a greater number of voices.
Before buying a digital instrument, make sure you know in detail the functions you require, so you can choose the right option for you.If you are just starting out in the world of piano or musical composition you may want a cheaper alternative, in which case we recommend that you read our guide to the best pianos and keyboards in terms of price and benefit.The Yamaha Genos is an excellent choice for any musician who wants to compose music, although a pianist probably prefers the Montage 8 because of the characteristics of its keys.
You can purchase Yamaha Genos from any authorized dealer, although we recommend that you make a purchase online, as in this way you can save money. In order to choose a virtual store, you only have to verify that the conditions of purchase and the offered transport are adequate. If you want to buy the Yamaha Genos at the best price do not hesitate to click on the following options:
Amazon
Thomann
For a similar price you have the following pianos and keyboards:
For those who complain about not being able to carry their piano everywhere, Thomann solves the problem with the SP 320, a keyboard to consider for those who seek portability without losing the 88 keys.
88 keys with weight and pressure sensitivity and basic functions of a digital piano for less than 300€ sounds great, as the Thomann SP 320 fulfills those benefits.
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The SP 320 is a basic option with very good performance for those who are looking for a digital piano at a good price. The features of the Thomann SP 320 are shown below:
As you can see from the specifications the SP320, is a piano with the indispensable functions, ideal for those who are looking for something portable or want to get started in the world of the piano. This model includes a sustain pedal and lectern. It is a perfect piano to play on the street.
The sound quality of the SP320 is good, much better than you would expect in a 250€ keyboard, the speakers of this model have much higher power than average. Despite having 32 notes of polyphony the SP 320 has great cleanliness and clarity in the sound. The following video shows a cover of Havasi – The Storm, played in an SP320:
As can be seen in the previous video, the SP 320 allows the interpreter to play with the right nuances, giving strength and softness to represent the piece properly.
Not surprisingly, the Thomann SP 320 has basic connectivity, but for many, the options provided by this model will be just enough.
The SP 320 has the minimum necessary, headphone input, in-line output, USB connection, option for use with batteries, and a sustain pedal port (pedal included in the purchase of the keyboard).
The advantages of this model are:
The disadvantages of this model are:
The quality of the Thomann SP320 is very good, especially considering that it is a digital piano of less than 250€.
But first, we will cover the disadvantages:
The SP320 and the Yamaha PSR 363 belong to two totally different worlds, however, they can go into the comparison, as both are popular models for beginner pianists or keyboardists looking for portability. The Thomann SP 320 costs around €239/£215 while the Yamaha PSR E363 is around €198/$239/£179. The similarities and differences between these two models are shown below:
If you’re a pianist, the Thomann SP 320 will be more attractive because it has an 88-key keyboard, more sound power, includes a sustain pedal, and has all the necessary voices, however, if you lean down the path of versatility, the PSR 365 may be a better alternative for you. It should be noted that the Thomann SP 320 is a better alternative for a beginner who wants to learn piano, as it simulates an acoustic piano more precisely.
If you’re interested, you can visit our review of the Yamaha PSR E363.
The Casio CTK 3500 and the Thomann SP 320 fight for a place among portable keyboards. Below is a comparison of both models: The Thomann SP 320 features an 88-key keyboard with pressure sensitivity and light but weighted keys (lighter than an acoustic piano), whilst the CTK 3500 has 61 pressure-sensitive keys.
Both models maintain good quality in relation to the price, however, the choice depends on the activity to perform, for a pianist or apprentice of the piano the SP 320 is a better alternative since it has a full keyboard more sound power, and sustain pedal included, but those who seek to make a musical composition or have a little more portability the Casio CTK 3500 is a good choice.
If you’re interested, you can visit our review of the Casio CTK-3500.
The Thomann DP26 is a very strong competitor to the SP320. The Thomann SP 320 costs around €239/£215 while the Thomann DP26 is around €309/£279. The comparison between the two models is shown below:
The clear winner is the DP 26 as it incorporates better keyboard quality, simulates a piano more accurately, has more voices and teaching functions, however, the SP 320 is an interesting alternative for those looking for an 88-key keyboard for use with batteries, with essential functions and at a low price.
If you’re interested, you can visit our review of the Thomann DP26.
Before choosing a keyboard or digital piano, make sure you know the functions you require, as this way you will be able to acquire the best alternative for the use you will have on it. The Thomann SP 320 is an excellent choice for beginners to the piano world or those pianists who want a cheap, portable 88-key digital piano.
If you can invest a few more Euros, the Thomann DP 26 is a better choice as it incorporates more features and better technology. If you’re looking for a digital piano of far superior quality that simulates an acoustic piano you can take a look at the Roland FP 90.
If you are looking for a digital piano or keyboard with standard features you should take a look at our guide to the best digital pianos and keyboards at value for money and if you’re looking for a low-cost option check out our guide to cheap digital pianos and keyboards.
The best alternative to buy your Thomann SP 320 is over the Internet because this way you can save. Our recommendation to purchase SP 320 is as follows:
Thomann
For a similar price you have the following pianos and keyboards:
Yamaha has always been known for designing good quality musical instruments, with basic and professional product lines. Within the range of the most advanced digital pianos is the YDP 163, a digital piano to consider for any pianist.
Pianists are always looking for keyboards capable of simulating a piano, i.e. with 88 weighted keys and pressure sensitivity, the Yamaha YDP 163 not only includes these features but its functions perfectly meet the expectations of virtually any pianist.
Where to buy it?The YDP 163 is a digital piano that incorporates a full keyboard, similar to that of a piano, plus a sound engine capable of imitating a Yamaha concert piano. The technical specifications of the YDP 163 are shown below:
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The sound quality of the Yamaha YDP 163 is amazing, the main piano voice is inspired by the concert piano CF3 and has a very clean and clear sound. The following video shows the original Yamaha demo:
The previous video shows us the quality of the keyboard, however, for those who want another sample to appreciate the sound of this model we leave a video which presents an interpretation of a fragment of Para Elisa, Claro de Luna, and other musical pieces in a YDP 163:
In the previous interpretation, we can notice how the keyboard of the YDP 163 has a good response to the speed and pressure on the keys, generating great sound quality at all times.
On connectivity issues the YDP 163 comes a bit limited, however, it has what it takes for most pianists.
UD-BT01- Bluetooth device
The YDP 163 features a USB To host, two headphone jacks and a triple footswitch input included. For those who miss the connectivity with devices is available the accessory UD-BT01 that serves for wireless Bluetooth connectivity with iOS and Mac and can be used with Yamaha applications to synchronize the score.
The advantages of this model are:
The disadvantages of this model are:
The YDP 163 is a very different digital piano, has few functions but great quality in them, the focus is 100% directed to imitate a CF3, Yamaha concert piano. Keyboard quality and sound are the highlights, as the piano voice really simulates a concert piano. Among the disadvantages is connectivity, especially if you are looking for a piano to record or use on stage the YDP 163 is somewhat short, however, it is possible to improve connectivity by means of accessories.
Yamaha’s Arius family has several models focused on simulating an acoustic piano. YDP 163 and YDP 143 are virtually identical, both sharing construction and functions.
The only differences between the two models are the loudspeakers, dimensions, and weight. The YDP 163 has two speakers of 20w each and weighs 42kg, while the YDP 143 has two speakers of 6w each and weighs 38kg.
The decision between both models is simple, if you require a digital piano with more sound power you must go for the YDP 163, otherwise, a YDP 143 covers the same needs.
If you want to read our complete review of Yamaha YDP 143 click here >>
The Japanese brand has the Clavinova series which like Arius focuses on digital pianos, however, the Clavinova series models have better features. Similarities and differences between the two models are presented below:
The YPD 163 is one of the most advanced models of the Arius series, while the CPL 625 is one of the most basic models of the Clavinova series, both have very similar features, however, in terms of quality the CPL 625 wins because it has more polyphony and better quality on the keyboard, despite this the two models are virtually identical in functions and connectivity.
Yamaha’s P Series also focuses on imitating acoustic pianos, however, the models in this series are usually more basic. Below is a comparison between YDP 163 and P255. Both models feature an 88-key weighted keyboard with pressure sensitivity, however, the P255 has the GH keyboard and the YDP 163 has the GH3 version, providing an experience more like an acoustic piano.
Both Yamaha models are high quality, the P255 is ideal for those looking for more portability, versatility and better connectivity, ideal for playing at home or concerts, however, those looking for a digital piano for home or a piano academy, with greater similarities to an acoustic piano should go for the YDP 163.
If you want to read our full review of the Yamaha P255 click here >>
The Kawai ES110 is also a digital piano with a focus on simulating an acoustic piano. The similarities and differences between YDP 163 and ES110 are presented below:
The ES110 features inline input and output, midi input and output, 2 headphone inputs, Bluetooth, and Bluetooth MIDI connectivity, pedal input, and triple footswitch (includes sustain pedal), while the YDP 163 incorporates only two headphone inputs, a USB to host and the triple footswitch (included).
The ES110 weighs 12kg (without base) and the YDP 163 42kg.
Despite the great quality of the Yamaha YDP 163, the Kawai ES110 is a clear winner as it has a keyboard of very similar quality (different technology), in terms of sound also has similar characteristics, but in terms of functionality, versatility, and connectivity Kawai offers a more complete instrument, in addition to offering a keyboard with 30kg less weight.
Before choosing the ideal keyboard or digital piano for you it is necessary that you define well the use it will have and the functions that you really need, since you can save a lot by acquiring a model that includes only what you really need.
The Yamaha YDP 163 is a high-quality keyboard with a very nice design, the characteristics of this model are focused to imitate a concert piano. The YDP 163 is ideal for those who are looking for an instrument for their living room and do not require mobility, however, those who require a high-quality digital piano and more portable should opt for another model, for example, the Kawai ES110.
Those looking for a high-quality digital piano can consider purchasing the Yamaha YDP 163, for those who do not require great sound power can opt for the YDP 143 but those who require better connectivity and portability, without sacrificing quality should choose the Kawai ES110.
If you’re looking for a different digital piano or keyboard you should take a look at our guide to the best pianos and keyboards in terms of price and benefit.
For electronic pianos of this type, you can get the best price online. At America and Asia check Amazon. At Europe check Thomann
We update the prices to the new YDP 164 (is the new model) that has a better sound for the same price
Amazon
Thomann
For a similar price you have the following pianos and keyboards:
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