Yamaha PSR-EW320 Portable Keyboard w/ AC Power

The Yamaha PSR-EW320 is a popular and versatile 76-key portable keyboard. It's an excellent choice for beginner and intermediate players, offering a balance of a touch-sensitive keyboard, a wide range of high-quality sounds, and a comprehensive suite of learning and creative features. It is a step up from the standard 61-key models, providing a wider keyboard for a more piano-like feel.

Here is a detailed breakdown of its key features:

Core Concept & Key Features

• 76 Touch-Sensitive Keys: The keyboard has 76 full-sized keys with touch sensitivity. This means the volume and tone of the sound change based on how hard you press the keys. This is a crucial feature for developing proper musical expression and technique. The extra keys, compared to a standard 61-key keyboard, provide a wider range for playing piano pieces and are a great feature for students who may eventually transition to a full 88-key piano.

• Tone Generation: The PSR-EW320 uses a new tone generator that delivers high-quality sound with a significant polyphony count of 48 notes. This is a nice upgrade from previous models and allows you to play more complex pieces without notes cutting out.

• Super Articulation Lite Voices: A key feature for this price point is the inclusion of "Super Articulation Lite" voices. These are special sounds that reproduce the natural nuances of non-keyboard instruments, such as the slide of a guitar or the harmonics of a string instrument.

• Over 650 Voices: The keyboard is loaded with 650 high-quality instrument sounds, or "Voices," including a variety of pianos, organs, strings, brass, drums, and ethnic instruments.

• Auto-Accompaniment Styles: The keyboard features 260 auto-accompaniment styles. These styles provide a virtual backing band that automatically follows the chords you play. This is a fun and easy way to create full-band arrangements.

• "Portable Grand" Button: This button instantly calls up the sound of a rich and beautiful Yamaha grand piano, so you can focus on playing a realistic piano sound without having to search for it.

Learning & Recording Features

• Yamaha Education Suite (Y.E.S.): The keyboard includes a comprehensive suite of lesson functions. This includes three-step lessons to help you practice and improve your skills with the 122 built-in songs.

• Smart Chord: This feature allows you to play musically correct chords with just one finger in your left hand, which makes it easy for beginners to play along with the accompaniment styles.

• Dual & Split Keyboard Modes: You can "split" the keyboard to play different sounds with your left and right hands, or "layer" two sounds on top of each other. The keyboard also has a "Duo Mode" that splits it into two halves, each with its own middle C, which is great for a teacher and student.

• Recording Function: A simple two-track recording function allows you to record your own playing to listen back to or to play along with your recorded parts.

Connectivity & Power

• USB Connectivity: It has a USB-to-Host port, allowing you to connect the keyboard to a computer for MIDI and audio transfer.

• Headphone Jack: A headphone jack is included for private practice.

• AUX IN Jack: An AUX IN jack allows you to connect an external audio device (like a phone or tablet) to play along with your favorite music.

• A/C Power Cable: The keyboard is powered by an included A/C adapter, but it can also run on six AA batteries, which makes it even more portable.

Overall Impression

The Yamaha PSR-EW320 is an excellent choice for:

• Beginner to Intermediate Players: The combination of touch-sensitive keys, a wider range, a wide selection of high-quality sounds, and fun learning features makes it an ideal instrument for a student who is serious about learning to play.

• Hobbyists: Its wide array of voices and accompaniment styles makes it a fun and versatile tool for creative exploration and songwriting.

• Anyone wanting a fuller piano experience without an 88-key keyboard: The extra keys and powerful speakers provide a more piano-like feel and sound than a standard 61-key keyboard.