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Digital Piano Yamaha NP12 Full Review. Is it a good one?

Where to Buy Yamaha NP12: Review and Opinion

If you are looking for a digital piano for less than 200€, the Yamaha NP12 might be the best choice for you.

The NP12 is a keyboard focused on those who love the piano, since its functions are directed to imitate a piano, the simplicity in its design and its 4.5 kilograms of weight make it the ideal choice for those who wish to travel with their keyboard.

Get the Yamaha NP12 with the best discount available on Amazon pressing the following button

Features

The Yamaha NP12 is a simple keyboard with great portability, among the outstanding features of the NP12 are the 61 keys with sensitivity to pressure, the possibility of using the power adapter or 6 AA batteries (duration of 16 hours).Features:

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  • 61 Pressure-sensitive keys (without weighted keys)
  • 64-note polyphony
  • 10 Sounds (4 Piano Voices, 2 Organo Voices, String Voices, percussions and harpsichord)
  • 10 Demonstration melodies
  • 10 Piano Presets
  • Recorder with a capacity to store 1 song (approximately 7000 notes)
  • Metronome
  • Auto power-off function
  • Headphone output
  • Input for sustain pedal (FC3A)
  • USB TO HOST (MIDI)
  • Integration with iOS Devices via USB Host (iPhone and iPad)
  • 2 Speakers of 2.5W each.
  • The option of use with 6 AA Batteries or 6 NI-MH Rechargeable Batteries
  • Dimensions 1,035mm x 105mm x 259mm /Weight 4.5kg

The NP12 is a simple keyboard that has everything to learn piano or use as a travel instrument.

 

Sound

The Yamaha NP12 has two 2.5w speakers, the power of the speakers can below for those who want to make presentations in public, however, the sound quality of these speakers is quite good.

The sound of the NP12 is of great quality, its voices are clear and perfectly imitate the piano, strings, etc. Below is the official Yamaha video, where you can appreciate the sound:

The following video shows a funky improvisation, using a NP12:

Connectivity

For its price has “enough” connectivity, because it brings MIDI so you can connect it to the computer and record MIDI tracks while playing, which can then be exported directly to the music sheet with a single click. It also comes with sustain pedal input, something basic if you want to learn to play the piano.

The strong feature of the Yamaha NP12 connectivity is the connection with iOS devices, as those who love the iPhone and iPad may have several additional functions through the USB Host connection.

In terms of connectivity, the Yamaha NP12 is well suited for a user who is focused on playing music as a hobby or intends to use the keyboard primarily for practice, however, connectivity is limited for those looking for a keyboard made for music production.

Advantages and disadvantages of Yamaha NP12

The advantages of this model are:

  • Portable and Lightweight
  • Possibility of use with 6 AA Batteries (16 hours of use with alkaline batteries)
  • Pressure Sensitive Keys
  • Sound Quality
  • Sustain pedal input
  • USB HOST with Integration for iOS devices

The disadvantages of this model are:

  • Non-weighted keys
  • Only has 10 voices
  • No music production functions
  • Internal recorder with capacity for 1 single piece.

The balance of the Yamaha NP12 is quite positive as for less than 200€ it offers you 61 pressure-sensitive keys with a pretty good sound, sustain pedal input of only 4.5 Kg. and the possibility of use with 6 AA batteries for about 16 hours.

Among the main disadvantages is the lack of counterweight on the keys, the small number of voices and functions, however, do not lose sight that the idea of this keyboard is entirely aimed at portability.

Yamaha NP12 vs NP32

The NP12 and NP32 are two Yamaha models that share virtually all functions, the two digital pianos are focused on portability, the main differences are:

  • The NP12 has 61 pressure-sensitive keys and the NP32 has 76 pressure-sensitive keys.
  • Graded Soft Touch technology, which provides better sensitivity performance.
  • The NP32 has 2 6w speakers while the NP12 has 2 2.5w speakers.
  • Both models support 6 AA batteries, however, the NP 12 has an average life of 16 hours and the NP32 7 hours.
  • NP12 weighs 4.5kg while NP32 weighs 5.7kg

The two Yamaha models share all functions, the only key differences between these two models are the number of keys and pressure sensitivity technology, sound power, maximum battery life, and weight.

The NP32 is a clear winner as it is a keyboard with more keys and better sensitivity technology, it also has the benefit of sound power, however, if your focus is on portability or time of use with batteries the NP12 might be the best choice for you. Below is a video showing the two Yamaha models:

Yamaha NP12 vs NP11

The NP12 is the new version of the Yamaha NP11, both keyboards have functions in common, however, as expected the NP12 has better features, below are the main differences between the two models:

  • Both models have 61 pressure-sensitive keys, have 10 voices, 2.5w speakers, input for a sustain pedal and a weighs 4.5 Kg.
  • NP11 has 32 polyphony notes while NP12 has 64.
  • Both models have the option of using AA Batteries, however, the NP12 has a maximum duration of 16 hours, while the NP11 has a maximum duration of 6 hours.

As mentioned above, these two Yamaha models are practically the same, however, the NP12 is a clear winner in that it has better sound quality and lower power consumption, allowing prolonged use with AA batteries.

Yamaha NP12 vs Roland Go Piano

Yamaha and Roland have always been great competitors and have very similar keyboard lines, the NP12 and Go Piano are two keyboards focused on portability that have similar features, below are the main differences and similarities:

  • Both models have 61 touch-sensitive keys and no weighted keys, but the Ivory Feel technology and Box-shape keys included in Roland’s Go Piano produces a more realistic piano feel.
  • The NP12 has 64 polyphony notes, while the Go Piano has 128.
  • The Go Piano has 30 voices, while the NP12 has 10.
  • Both models have an integrated recorder, however, the Go Piano allows 99 songs to be stored, while the NP12 only allows 1.
  • Both models have an option for a sustain pedal, USB MIDI, and headphone input.
  • Roland has Bluetooth connectivity and a lesson system through the application in iOS.
  • The Roland has a black and white LCD screen, while the Yamaha has no screen.
  • Both models can be used with AA batteries, the Roland Go Piano has an average battery life of 6 hours, while the Yamaha NP12 has a maximum battery life of 16 hours.
  • The Go Piano weighs 3.9 kg and the NP 12 weighs 4.5  Kg.

At first glance, the clear winner is Roland’s Go Piano as it has better key technology, better sound quality, the recorder has more capacity and is a lighter keyboard, however, the battery life is significantly shorter than a Yamaha does. Below is a video of the sound of the Roland Go Piano:

Conclusion

If you are looking for a digital piano to practice wherever you want the Yamaha NP12 is a very good choice. The NP12 is a portable keyboard that has a focus totally directed to pianists since, in spite of not having weighted keys, it has 10 voices of which 4 are focused on the piano.

For those looking for a keyboard to learn to play the piano or to move and use it with batteries, the NP12 can be an option, especially if they are looking for a keyboard for less than 200€.

If you want a keyboard that has a different approach with a low cost we recommend you take a look at our guide to digital pianos and low-cost keyboards, on the other hand, if you are looking for a keyboard with the better performance you can review our guide to the best digital pianos and keyboards cost/benefit ratio.

Where to buy Yamaha NP12

There are several options to purchase the Yamaha NP12, we recommend Amazon as they have a great logistics, there is the possibility of making a return, in case you are not satisfied with the product and also has the best prices in the market. If you want to get the best price available, do not hesitate to press the button below:

For a similar price you have the following pianos and keyboards:

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Digital Piano Korg PA 600 Full Review. Is it worth it?

Where to Buy the Korg PA 600: Review and Opinion

For all lovers of rock, electronic music and above all the musical composition the Korg PA600 is a great choice.

Within the 61-key keyboards with great recording functions the Korg PA600 stands out, since it possesses a wide diversity of voices, rhythms and functions that every lover of the musical composition will want to have.

Korg has always stood out as a popular brand among rock bands and electronic music, as its keyboards have an infinite number of functions to produce music, the PA 600 is no exception to this rule. It costs around €788/$1150/£725.

Where to Buy the Korg PA 600?

Amazon

  • Free Shipping and possibility of shipping in one day with Amazon Premium.
  • Full Guarantee but they are no experts in music equipment
  • Leader in fast shipments.
  • Price that change a lot daily.
  • The best option in USA and ASIA

Thomann

  • Free Shipping
  • Full warranty. If you have any problems, they take care of everything.
  • 100% reliable payment.
  • Leader in trouble-free shipping.
  • Usually Best Price.
  • Best Reputation: They are the leading online store in Europe and have the best catalogue and information.

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Features

The Korg PA 600 has 61 touch-sensitive keys and although there is no weight them, it has a key speed system that improves keyboard response, however, the focus of the PA 600 is entirely on functions for music production.

PA 600 has the following features:

  • 61 keys with speed system
  • 950 sounds and 64 preset battery kits (expandable to 128), the PA600 QT version includes sounds ideal for music from the Middle East, mainly music from Arabia and Turkey.
  • 1120 style positions and more than 360 preloaded styles.
  • Controls and variations for each style (beginnings, endings, accompaniments, etc.)
  • Dedicated piano and guitar functions with step recording
  • 125 types of effects and 3-band equalizer for each track
  • 4 Track Pads with Track Recording
  • 2 levers for assignable quick functions (joysticks)
  • Playback of up to 4 tracks in real time
  • 7-inch colour touch screen with 800×480 resolution and TFT technology
  • Fast and multi-track recording
  • Software for Windows with songbook, which includes a list of styles, accompaniments and tracks fully downloadable to the keyboard.
  • 96mb internal memory (expandable via USB)
  • Search engine to find the various functions
  • Input for damper pedal or assignable pedal Optional pedals: Expression or Volume Pedal (KORG EXP-2, KORG XVP-10) Damper Pedal (KORG DS-1H) Pedal Switch (KORG PS-1, PS-3)
  • 2 unbalanced in-line outputs for stereo headphones
  • MIDI input and output with USB port
  • 2 Speakers 15 watts
  • Dimensions without lectern: 1,03m x 37.8 cm and 12.7 cm Weight 11 kg
  • Includes lectern, manuals and dvd

It can be appreciated in the specifications that the Korg PA 600 is a keyboard dedicated to music production, since it has advanced functions for styles, accompaniments and rhythms, besides including several recording modes, however, another outstanding characteristic of this keyboard is the 30 watts of power generated between its two loudspeakers.

Sound

The PA 600 incorporates two powerful speakers of 15 watts each, in addition to a great variety of voices, rhythms and accompaniments, but the sound power is not the only advantage of the Korg PA 600, since definitely the quality in the voices, the cleanliness of the sound and the fidelity make it an ideal keyboard to use in a stage or recording studio.

The following video shows the sounds of the Korg PA 600:

A remarkable factor of this model is the ease with which voices, styles and samples can be added.

Connectivity

The Korg PA 600 has MIDI input and output, 2 online inputs and outputs, pedal input and USB port, probably the only thing that some will miss will be the Bluetooth connectivity, which is not indispensable but has become very popular for mobile applications.

Korg designed a keyboard very well equipped in terms of connectivity, as it has virtually everything needed for music production, plus the use of the brand’s software is really good, except for Mac users, as there is no version available for this operating system.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Korg PA600

The advantages of this model are:

  • Variety of functions for music production
  • Variety of recording functions
  • Specialized functions for rhythms, accompaniments and styles
  • Sound quality and sound power
  • Connectivity
  • Colour touch screen.
  • Software to import and export rhythms, styles, accompaniments and configurations

Disadvantages of the Korg PA 600:

  • Keys without counterweight
  • There is no triple footswitch available for this model.
  • No bluetooth
  • Internal memory (96 mb)
  • Software only available for Windows

After reading this section you will see that Korg’s keyboard has more advantages than disadvantages and it is important to note that one of the best advantages of the PA 600 is the ease of finding custom rhythms and downloading them to the keyboard, especially for Latin music as it is a very popular keyboard among bands in America.

The Korg PA 600 has everything you need for a band of any genre, has appropriate functions to produce quality music, in addition the sound quality of this model is completely remarkable.

Korg PA600 vs Yamaha PSR s670

The Korg PA 600 which around €788/$1150/£725. and  Yamaha PSR s670, which costs €598/$850/£539 and share a wide variety of functions, both have an approach to music production, the main differences between the two keyboards are:

  • The PA 600 has a 7-inch color touch screen while the PSR s670 has a black and white screen without touch functions.
  • The Korg keyboard features 950 sounds and 64 drum kits, while the Yamaha only has 416 sounds and 34 drum kits.
  • The connectivity of the Korg PA 600 is wider, as it has a USB port and software designed to create, import and export accompaniments and rhythms.
  • The Korg has a variety of preset and user-designed rhythms available on the internet for free download.
  • The sound of the PA 600 is much better, as the speakers of this model are of better quality than those included by Yamaha in the PSR s670.

The duel between Korg’s offer and Yamaha’s is not very closed on this occasion as PA 600 is a clear winner for the variety of sounds, drum kits, speaker quality and connectivity, however, you might want to take a look at the full review of the Yamaha PSR s670.

Korg PA600 vs Yamaha PSR s750

The comparison between the Korg PA 600 and the Yamaha PSR s750 is very close, as both models have virtually identical features, however the main differences of these two models are:

  • The PA 600’s 7-inch color touch screen gives great advantages over the monochrome screen while the PSR s750.
  • The Korg keyboard features 950 sounds and 64 drum kits, while the Yamaha only has 480 sounds and 30 drum kits.
  • The Yamaha PSR s750 has a correction and support system, which corrects the creation of songs, even if they are being played in real time. The Korg PA 600 does not have a similar function.
  • The memory of the Korg PA 600 is 96mb while the PSR s750 has a memory of 64mb, in both cases the memory is expandable by means of USB.

The Yamaha PSR s750 has connectivity functions for mobiles, highlighting the integration with different applications for the iPad, while the PA 600 has a Windows software specialized in the composition, import and export of accompaniments and rhythms.

Conclusion

Definitely the PA 600 is a very interesting option for those who dedicate themselves to the composition and musical production, practically all the Latin American musical groups use this keyboard for its great benefits to an accessible price.

One of the most remarkable things about the Korg PA 600 is the music production software, which will take the headaches out of composing music (unless you’re a mac user).

It is necessary to consider that if you are looking for a keyboard for professional music production there are better options, for example the Korg PA900, if on the contrary you are looking for something much cheaper do not hesitate to see our selection of the best digital pianos .

On the other hand if your budget is less than 200 € or $ you should take a look at guide with the most convenient cheap keyboards.

Where to buy the PA 600

It’s always best to buy from an online store that will ensure proper transportation. Besides, buying online can save you a lot of money. You can search for the product at any Korg dealer in your area. At USA check Amazon but in Europe check Thomann:

For a similar price you have the following pianos and keyboards:

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Digital Piano Roland FP80 Full Review. Is it a good choice?

Review and Opinion of Roland FP80 – In-depth Analysis

If you’re looking for an 88-key keyboard that simulates a piano and has a variety of voices and rhythms, Roland FP 80 is for you.

It goes without saying that Roland is a brand that is characterized by making high-quality keyboards and digital pianos and the FP 80 is no exception, as it has everything you need to have the best of both worlds in one package.

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The FP 80 is ideal for those looking for versatility, as you can connect microphones, USB drives for recording, and even the triple pedal (RPU-3) to simulate a piano in its entirety.

Now, let’s break down the features and benefits of this keyboard.

Where to buy it?

Features

The Roland FP 80 has 88 pressure-sensitive keys, piano sound, voices, tones and rhythms, in other words, it is a complete keyboard designed for those who want to replace a piano but without sacrificing the classic functions of a keyboard such as the use of tones and rhythms, as well as a USB input that makes it an ideal keyboard for studio recording.

The most relevant features of the Roland FP 80 are:

  • 88 Keys with Ivory Feel-S sensitivity, Hammer Action keyboard.
  • Pressure-sensitive sound (100 levels of sensitivity or fixed sensitivity)
  • Natural Piano Sound
  • 128 Voices or Notes from polyphony
  • MIDI Format and Visual Control
  • MIDI connector ( IN/OUT)
  • Ringtones
  • 14 Tones of Grand Piano (Piano de Cola)
  • 25 Studio Piano Ringtones
  • 18 String Tones
  • 296 Miscellaneous Tones
  • Microphone Input 1/4
  • Headphone Input 1/4
  • Rhythms
  • USB Flash Drive
  • Internal Songs

Sound

The sound of the FP 80 is quite clean, with unique nuances that make it possible to imitate a piano perfectly, the sensitivity of the keys allows the pianist to express himself freely.

In the following video, you can see the sound quality of the Roland FP 80 in its piano mode.

For those who enjoy playing different musical genres or who simply want to play musical compositions for other instruments, the diversity of voices and tones that FP 80 shows will be very useful, as they allow the pianist to have total control over his music.

Below is a video where you can listen to the various voices included in the keyboard.

In the previous video, you can see that the sound quality of the Roland FP 80 is really good in all its voices, so you won’t have any problem using it for more than just a piano.

Connectivity

Nowadays it is essential that a keyboard has several options for recording music, a situation that the Roland FP 80 has no problem covering because it has a USB port, in addition to MIDI input, allowing you to record with a memory (although Roland only recommends using the USB Flash option manufactured by themselves).

The Roland FP 80 features microphone and headphone inputs allowing you to add an amplifier or simply study in the peace of mind.

Last but not least, Roland’s FP 80 has the option to add the 3 pedals of a piano, allowing you to generate a higher quality sound.

Advantages of the Roland FP 80

The main advantages of acquiring the Roland FP 80 keyboard are:

  • 88 Pressure Sensitive Keys
  • High-Quality Sound ( Especially Piano Voice )
  • Versatility
  • Connectivity

Roland FP 80 Vs Roland FP 90

The Roland FP 80 and the FP 90 are very similar keyboards, the main features are practically identical and even the keyboards look very similar, however, the real difference between both models is the incorporation of functions and feature enhancement that the Roland FP 90 presents.

Among the improvements presented by the FP 90 are found:

  • Progressive hammering action
  • Premium sounds for live performances.
  • Bluetooth connectivity and synchronization with smartphones and tablets
  • Improvement in rhythmic accompaniments

Now let’s talk briefly about these 4 points, Roland improved the sensitivity system of the FP 80, adding a progressive hammering with an exhaust that totally simulates a piano. Premium sounds for live performances are designed to optimize voices when using the keyboard in an auditorium. The Bluetooth connectivity and synchronization allow you to listen to your tracks and integrate them to interpret an ensemble with various audio applications and finally the rhythms included in the application Piano Partner 2 are totally improved for this version.

If you want more information, you can visit our review of the Roland FP 90.

Roland FP 80 Vs Yamaha P255

The Roland FP 80 and the Yamaha P255 are two keyboards that can compete perfectly well, both have touch systems focused on simulating a piano (key sensitivity), in terms of connectivity the two keyboards have MIDI, USB, input for headphones, and piano pedals, however below are the main differences between the two keyboards:

  • The Roland FP 80 has 128 polyphony voices while the Yamaha P255 has 256.
  • The Roland FP 80 has a piano voice approach, with 14 voices dedicated to grand piano and 25 to studio piano, giving a total of 39 different piano sounds, while the Yamaha P255 has 24 piano sounds.
  • The Yamaha P255 has an application to recognize the chords of your favorite songs, Roland FP 80 has an application in continuous development but at the moment does not have a powerful chord recognition.

If you still don’t decide which one is best for you, you should consider that there are great similarities between a Yamaha P255 and a Roland FP 80, however, if your orientation is more to classical piano the Roland FP 80 could be a clear winner, since it has more voices.

If you want more information, you can visit our review of the Yamaha P255.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a keyboard that allows you to enjoy all the benefits of a digital piano, the Roland FP 80 is for you. The quality of the sound and the versatility of its functions make the FP 80 an option for pianists and keyboard players.

The price of the FP 80 makes it a good choice for those who want to get started in the world of the piano with a very professional keyboard or those who want to have a good alternative for high-quality home recording.

It is necessary to consider that if you are looking for a digital piano and you have a budget greater than 2000 Euros there are better options, for example, the Roland HP601, if on the contrary, you are looking for something much cheaper do not hesitate to see our selection of the best digital pianos of the moment.

On the other hand, if you do not have a budget higher than 200 € or $ you can be interested in our guide with the cheapest keyboards more convenient.

Where to buy the Roland FP 90 (new model of the Roland FP 80)

It is better to buy in an online store that assures you the correct transport. Besides, buying online can save you a lot of money. You can search for the product at any Roland dealer in your area. But don’t hesitate to take a look at its price on Amazon with the following button:

For a similar price you have the following pianos and keyboards:

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