This is a fantastic keyboard. As a travelling musician it has been a valuable practice tool since it came out. Slip it in your bag. It's not meant to replace your regular keyboard. Use it too practice on the go. It's not perfect for sure, but this is not a bad start. It should be seen for what it is.
This is the only reason that makes me still think of buying it. Its a very neat little thing that you take it with you and practice whenever and wherever you are. It lacks a lot of good synth sounds, its sounds are dated and it doesn't have a sustain input. But it can work with MIDI, so its good for using with a smartphone or a tablet. It worths if you consider the whole package
I have the PSS-A50 and I love the thing. Although has its limitations, it has a niche that it is very good for. I purchased it for myself as an adult beginner. I have *access* to a full-size piano, but this is great for an extraordinarily portable practice keyboard, for having fun playing with very small groups, and if you want a MIDI controller that you can still use as an instrument when it is not plugged in a computer. To be fair, you are more likely to be frustrated by its short range if you want to play virtuosic classical pieces. I use it to play blues, folk, and country tunes, and for stripped-down arrangements of jazz standards. It's very limitations have helped to kickstart my knowledge of music theory, as I taught myself to transpose and make arrangements that work on this little keyboard. I also use this keyboard to essentially do music therapy with my elderly grandmother, as its easy to tuck under my arm and carry up to her room, and she's happy as long as I can manage to play old songs that she remembers. (I let her play on it as well- she has severe memory problems, poor vision, and arthritis, so she isn't capable of playing full pieces, but she can often manage to tap out some pleasing sounding rhythms, and things that sound like minimalist jazz.) Note: you will probably like this keyboard better if you happen to have small hands. The mini keys are similar to the keys on a melodica!
In the late 80's I bought a credit-card sized electronic 'piano' with push-button keys from a dollar store. That was enough to get me interested in playing the piano. This PSS-A50 will definitely set some kids to a great music journey.
Though flawed based on this review, perhaps this is a rare device that meets these needs all in one keyboard: -Mini key / desk top sized -Built in sounds -Midi out Are there any other keyboards out there that have all three of those features?
Ok, after a year of owning PSS-A50 i think it's great keyboard. It's unique combination: 3 octave mini keys with touch response and nice keybed, built in speaker and basic sounds, and also the looper and arpeggio. There is no direct competition for it except for maybe Akai MPK Mini Play, but it's more expensive and has much worse keybed, 2 octaves and quiet, bad quality loudspeaker.
This makes more sense if you think of it as a MIDI controller that can also work as a standalone keyboard than as a keyboard that also functions as a MIDI controller.
I've had mine for weeks. So much fun! Using the drums and the phrase recorder, you can def create a backing track to noodle over. The A50 fits into my carry-on also. Big plus. I feel the $50 jump in price is due to the higher quality voices it has. Another idea.....try the dirtier synth or guitar sounds and octave shift those as low as they can go. Amazing gritty industrial, if thats your thing. Good review anyway.
You completely forgot the fact that you can record phrases with the arpegiator for example and have the play on loop. I do agree though that its limitations can be frustrating, i would've really really liked the ablility to atleast have 2 layered recordings, on top of an arpegiator/drum beat. A PSS A80 would be awesome
I believe it does one thing that the A30 does not do- it has the midi port to hook up to a DAW. Please feel free to verify this. You may wish to spend $50 more only to get this feature if you are into music production. If you are not into that -then stick with the A30.
If you think that light gray on black is hard to read, you need to experience the Roland JD-Xi, which has dark red on black. You can only read the text at certain angles with a light source hitting it. The Motion Effect is a sort of weird cost down implementation of the Super Knob you find on the Montage and MODX, which is knob that can be mapped to do several things.
I really wanted the PSS-F30, but chose the A50 over it because it doubles as a great little MIDI controller with 37 keys. But, otherwise, the $100 price tag would have been too high if it weren't for good quality mini keys and USB MIDI. The arpeggiator is serviceable, and it's easy to record from this keyboard into a sound card/audio interface. This may also be a good keyboard for someone learning multitrack recording with Audacity (a great open-source, free application) or recording some quick musical ideas while needing a highly portable instrument. But then again, I could have gotten a Casio CT-X700 for only $74 more and would have still had a very portable board with terrific AiX sounds and USB MIDI, too. And the CT-X700 would probably be a lot better for someone learning how to play piano because it has full size keys
The main differences, for me, between this and the F30 are velocity (touch sensitivity) and MIDI. Even though it's only USB-MIDI, and I'd far rather have DIN MIDI Out, it's still MIDI, so it can be plugged into a computer to play soft synths, or to play a MIDI synth by using the computer to send it to a USB->MIDI converter - introducing a tiny bit of latency, but generally good enough to use. Yes, the motion effects are pointless. Voice selection is less than ideal too, but I can live with it. The numbers shown on the LED display are MIDI Program Change values, which it sends over the USB MIDI, as you select a voice. You can use thta to change patches on another synth, but there are only about 50. Still useful though. Not being able to play a solo over an arpeggio at all, is a common problem with much more expensive synths than that, so yes, it's disappointing if you wanted to be able to do it, but it doesn't surprise me that it can't be done - I've never thought to try it. Great playing though. I wish I could play as well as that.
Hi James, Thanks for all the many reviews you have done. It is so interesting to see and hear your comparisons. You seem quite honest in your assessments of each product's high and low points. I like that you play the same compositions on each; that gives a good continuity to the reviews. One area I'd like to see you explore is dedicated MIDI controllers, especially the high end 88-note ones from Native Instruments, Kawai, and Arturia. How do those compare to the digital pianos from Kawai, Yamaha, Korg, Casio, and Roland? Of course there are some cheaper products out there as well, if this ends up being a category you explore more. Definitely agree that this Yamaha misses the mark in many ways.
I ve had Reface cp. Apart from built in speakers, its great. Also on reface cp there is a hidden acoustic piano patch. Please remember it while doing a review :)
I bought one of these on EBay at Sweetwater since B&H has everything Yamaha backordered right now. The first one they sent worked 3 days perfectly fine and then wouldn’t turn on with batteries or plugged in. They were good about the return and I bought with a warrant since it appeared mine wasn’t the first with this issue. They sent a replacement pronto. I bought to play with my toddler granddaughters who love to listen to me play on my acoustic piano. Since we were spending time away from NYC I thought this would be fun. I can actually play the original Les Miserables score on this with moderations. I can also play some Bach and other 17c pieces with modifications on the 01 piano and Clarke’s Trumpet pieces under brass. The arpeggio feature is worthless and my 1 1/2 yr old loves the creepy motion effects. I actually like the sustain built into this little keyboard - a pedal would be overkill. My 2 1/2 yr old gd banged on it 2 times for almost an hour each time and I played single notes in the treble while she banged and the third time she started to relax and pick out notes on the default piano. Most of the voices are worthless - would have loved a harpsichord. But each voice section has at least one fun voice. I think the girls will enjoy this little keyboard until they graduate to another with more keys in a year or two. No keyboard will ever replace my actual piano. You just can’t get the same resonance out of a keyboard or cheap piano. I can stick this in a suitcase when I travel. Would like something similar with 5 octaves and a more satisfying middle C. If you like to tinker around with something when you travel this is fun. It has no music desk but you can get a piano music app and play from your iPhone or Android. If you buy get the $8 2 ye warranty. If it’s a lemon I’m fairly certain you will find out way before 2 years. Read the manual to learn how to adjust the sound and other features. The pitch on the piano 01 is actually decent and better than many acoustic pianos. I hate when the pitch is off. I’ve already probably gotten my 100 worth from taking it on one trip to Vermont.
Amongst the cheapest instruments now that you've reviewed the upgrade over the F30 you could now do one for the casiotone st300 an upgrade over the st200 you did some time back and the best one in that series
I share your opinion. I just haven't been able to bring myself to pay the extra $50, especially after seeing reviews about the sustain and arpeggio shortcomings. Odd-ball functionality is just going to make it harder for beginners to make use of these features, and making things hard for beginners is never a good thing. Learning to play is hard enough. Of course, electronics hackers are thinking "hmm, if they have a sustain button on top and room for a quarter inch jack on the back, all I have to do is to connect the two...." Thanks for the video.
Great video. The one big point I'd make is, as not a keyboard player myself, I wouldn't notice most of those limitations. What I'd notice are the basics such as not enough sound options, and having to toggle through to get back to certain sounds. On the other hand, a bonus would be the portability of it.
Greetings, I think one of the main reasons that people were interested in buying this keyobard is the fact that is a relatively cheap mini Midi interface from a well known manufacturer such as Yamaha, after watching your review (which is really thorough, which is something that I like about your reviews on keyboards and organs), it seems that as a standalone instrument it is not quite good enough, which is sad considering that its "smaller cousing" the pss-f30 is half the price and it seems to function kinda like my PSR-F51, I was looking foward to buy this keyboard only because of its USB-Midi support for its MRSP, however it seems that Yamaha has discontinued this model in my region. Cheers
@@BrunodeSouzaLino Actually I was thinking the same. If you're buying this for the midi capabilities, then the Casiotone is a better choice. However, this PSS seems to be fun to play, but still some functions are not that relevant to me. I absolutely want a 37 mini keys for playing around, so I guess I will go for the PSS F30.
@@BrunodeSouzaLino Sorry for taking a while to repply, but yeah, I've seen that Casiotones are good and cheap Midi Controllers, however (and you can call me picky), I was more interested in a small Midi controller so I can confortably place it over my PSR-F51 or even place it over my desk. Also it would be kind of conflicting having 2 61-key keyboards in regards of space. So yeah, as I stated, I can be kinda picky on that. Cheers
@@carlosperezbucio6628 I alredy repplied to Bruno in regards of the Casiotone option, but, about what are you saying about buying a 37 mini keys keyboard, and if I recall James' review on the PSS-F30 correctly, I think that, internally, that is as good as any other entry-level Yamaha Keyboard that I've seen on my local music shops, and for that price tag is a deal, so I would not doubt on buying that if thats what are you after. Cheers
For me the touch sensitivity and midi alone make it worth the extra $50 over the F30. The other features are a bit quirky, as you pointed out, but I see those as just bonus little toys, although the record feature is handy, though basic. It does have a decent key bed, can be used as a very portable midi controller with GarageBand, and has a functional, not great, speaker. If it had a sustain jack, and a pitch bend wheel or slider it would be even more awesome...but that’s what version 2 is for in a year or two. Thanks for the review, and for sharing your awesome talent with us!
I am not sure if you will grant my request but can you please review the M-Audio Hammer 88. It's a midi controller but I am so very confused about its action. How precise is it and if it's worth the price. Thank you!
I love this keyboard, it sounds is very good plugged to an external device (Such as Behringer B207 Eurolive) . The output can be noisy on some headphone and very quiet on others... So many option to be creative (ARP Hold, motion effect, octave...) and to have fun with a good collection of interesting sounding instruments. Keyboard is narrow, which is a good thing to play with all fingers on one hand while the other is setting effects. A great buy at this rice prior to invest in a Reface model.
I like the PSS-F30 a lot better than this one for a lot less money. The basic features work a lot better than the additional features this keyboard has.
Hi James, is there any chance you could review a Korg B2 and maybe compare it to similar ~$400 pianos from Yamaha or Roland? I bought the Korg myself earlier this year and i am reasonably happy with it, but I would love to hear how you think it compares to those other models!
I have a Reface CP. When I play with it, I play it local off, MIDI out to my iPad, remap the velocity control, then feed that back into it. I do this to not feel like I have to bang on it to get the 'barky' sounds out of the Rhodes and Clavinet voices.
If you are looking for the worst Yamaha keyboard, try out the PSS-130. It can only play two notes at a time and all sounds are made up with pulse waves. Compared to that, the PSS-A50 is heaven.
James something odd just happened. It’s Wednesday, November 25th, 8:00 A.M. My local classical radio station KUSC, played a brief piece (right at 8 AM) called Bloom and said a Japanese mans name as the composer. The melody is EXACTLY like the piece you use to test out pianos. It’s little quiet piece you play ALL the time. I think he stole your melody.
Hi James and thanks for yet another great video :) I have a question to ask - though you've probably been asked the exact same one hundreds of times already, sorry to make you repeat yourself: does it make sense for a (false) beginner who ultimately wants to play an acoustic grand piano to start out practicing using a smaller instrument, maybe even an electronic one? Which of the following choices would you consider to make most sense in such scenario: A) a baby grand, B) an upright C) a portable (sort of at least) electronic piano or midi controller? I don't suppose it is a good idea to start out with anything less than an 88-key weighted keyboard having an acoustic instrument prowess as a goal?
It depends on how serious you are. If you're truly dedicated, and want an instrument that can last a life time, an upright or a grand is definitely the way to go. While digital pianos do have their advantages (portability, no tuning, etc.), a simple but well-built piano will last many decades, and will always sound great if cared for properly. However, it's not a bad idea to buy a relatively simple digital piano, to learn the ropes and test the waters, before diving in with a (potentially) big purchase of an acoustic piano.
Thanks for answering my question :) I know I'm eventually after a grand piano, and definitely want to buy one for my new apartment (my choice at this point would probably be a Pearl River P9), though I'm not exactly sure when I'm going to move. Was more thinking along the lines of whether it makes sense to get a smaller instrument to practice on in my current apartment before I move (a grand won't fit in here, an upright might). Hence was considering something like a cheap used upright to discard later, or maybe an electronic instrument (Kawai VPC-1 for one) which I could probably find some use for in the future if I like it (not sure about the action in this particular one though - looked at comparable KAWAI pianos at a local dealer's and somehow did not like the feel of the keys as compared to say a YAMAHA N3X and probably all acoustic instruments I've tried so far). The thing is, I wouldn't want to get discouraged from practicing if I don't entirely like the feel and the sound of my instrument - had a portable CASIO keyboard when I was a kid and hated it - so was looking for something as close to a grand piano as possible - still bearing in mind that to an untrained ear and eye such as mine even a well-made electronic instrument might feel good enough. Plus I wasn't sure how the choice of instrument would affect my learning curve but at least you've cleared that one up for me :) Thanks again!
Thank you for your review. If I don't entend to move to piano after getting this, is the touch sensitive option still necessary? Because I could get the base model (pss 30) for much cheaper. I won't have midi capability but I don't mind. Any other mini keyboard you'd recommend? I can't play a full size keyboard because I travel a lot by plane. I need something that'd fit in my carryon and it's decent enough to learn to play (if it exists)
I was disappointed with the PSS-A50 too. I expected it to be easier to use and it is not. What I use it for is a highly portable basic piano (sound 001) for some practice and learning. Otherwise I use it as a touch sensitive MIDI controller for GarageBand. It does those two things we’ll.
I had this keyboard and I was planning on using it in my live looping setup, I’m mainly a guitar player but I like to have a nice pad sound behind my guitar sound for simple songs to make them more interesting, I had no luck with guitar synth pedals because of the glitches they tend to have. I thought the sounds of this were not too bad but the main reason I returned it was it was that running the audio out jack to an amp produced a bunch of hiss. It didn’t make a bad midi controller but I already have a small midi keyboard and besides I was trying to not use any kind of computer or tablet for a sound source. I returned it and after exploring a few midi controller options for the same price (there really isn’t anything in this price range that is self standing), I decided to spend a little more and get a Reface DX, it doesn’t get a real good acoustic piano sound but it can get close, otherwise I can get it to do what I want and even though it’s bigger than this keyboard it is still a small footprint in my setup and is clear as a bell through my sound system. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, the keys on the Reface are a little bigger for my sausage fingers and the feel of them is so much better than this. Agree about the motion effects, they’re mostly unusable in a real life situation.
As always, great review! So, between this one and the Casiotone CT-S200, the Casio would be the better choice for a beginner right? Talking price-wise of course. Spec-wise, I think the Yamaha compares better with the CT-S300 which I think is far superior (having no experience with it whatsoever) and is worth spending a bit more on.
Although it is strange for Yamaha not to do as good with this one as they did with their cheaper model, I guess I have a lower standard for keyboards at 100 dollars or less. The only keyboards that I take seriously would be ones at 150 dollars or more. Anything below that is for a young child as a toy. I wouldn't have a problem giving a little kid that thing.
Well, perhaps due to your original video 😉the PSS-F30 is now $100 on Amazon. I guess I can get it much cheaper at Guitar Center, but whatever. I think you're evaluating this as "This costs twice what the PSS-F30 does", rather than just evaluating it without thinking about the cost so much. Like dinging it for not including a pedal. That's just my impression anyway, you are infinitely more qualified to speak on this than I am.
Are there any option tho for midi input that can play stand alone at this size. Psr-e are to big (i have one) and most (if not all) midi controller can't play stand alone. Either that or i haven't found any. What a dilemma. 🤔
Apparently there are Casiotones with USB-MIDI Out too, but I'd be very surrpised if the keybed was anything like as good as this one. If you like mini keys, it's a decent choice for a small MIDI keyboard for a computer, or maybe for an iPad or iPhone with a USB adapter (like the camera kit). It also has some quite reasonable built in sounds, and velocity (touch sensitivity). I definitely didn't need one, but I bought one anyway, soon after I first heard of them. Yes, there are some quirks in the user interface, and the motion thing is a pointless feature, for me, but I'm not disappointed. For someone who wants a small MIDI keyboard controller, to play soft synths, I'd say this is a pretty good choice, apart from not having any knobs, but if you're using it with a computer, you can just plug in something like a Korg nanoKontrol, to add some. I can see how to a pianist, it's not good enough, but to a hobbyist with no great keyboard skills, it's not bad at all. I also own three of the Reface series, including the CP, which annoys the hell out of me. They decided to only have it make a sound if you press a key down hard enough, so as a non-pianist, I get a lot of silent notes, when I play softly. If I pound on it like Jerry Lee Lewis, all is well, but that's not what I want, most of the time.
It feels like Yamaha started to make something and then halfway wanted to cut the costs. I think I like the pss-f30 more. It had something cute. But to be honest your small Kawai upright was better and much more cute. Really.. thank you for sharing and playing.
While you're on this budget keyboard spree, mind reviewing the Yamaha F51? I got it as a means of learning the piano and while it was good for the first (maybe) year or so.. I regret getting it and wish I would've splashed out more for a better one. As I feel simply playing this keyboard as a piano instrument both makes me worse and is very limiting.
I say that's the best portable keyboard in terms of weight, size, sound and to travel around with. I can find this at $80, that's a more fair price. But the F30 is better with price.
Hi, I have been watching your channel for a while now. Your review of the Model L Steinway at Kim's piano in Tustin, CA is quite interesting. My Wife had a Piano when we were married, but we could not take it with is when we moved years ago. We now have a smaller home, and I was wondering which Digital piano you believe is the best one available? We do not have the physical space for an acoustic piano, but I know my wife would love to have one again. We both agree that the sound of a Steinway is the best for us, but we do not have the space or budget for one. Thank you.
The best keyboard with the quality build and sound of a real piano is Kawai's MP11se. It's not cheap, but is a very high end keyboard. It should also be noted that it does not come with speakers. We use Roland RC 350's here in the studio (replaced by KC400) , but you can also record direct as well.
@@ThePianoforever thanks! I had seen that they were in the ~$650 range and was considering it versus the Yamaha p125 as a gigging instrument and to have in my apartment when I don’t feel like going all the way to the practice rooms at my college. Also to clarify, I mean that the music store near me doesn’t have it in stock.
Well it's pretty nice keyboard for fun... im actually going to buy it for my child 😊... there's this keyboard called artesia pe88 semi weighted keys...so I'll like you to make a review of it weather it's good or not if thats possible because im pretty much interested in it😁
I would buy the sister keyboard in this series that I have already reviewed. It's only $59.00 (PSS-F30) and can be purchased online and has more sounds. The features that this one has over that one do not work well at all and I feel have no value.
Compré este teclado hace algunos días ,muy feliz por lo practico ,pero luego de esta información ,acabo de estrellarlo contra una pared varias veces y luego pasarle con un auto por arriba varias veces ,ja ja ja ,bueno muchas gracias ....
In 80s there was no cheap sample based keyboards with real acoustic piano tone. The closest at the end of 80s there were casiotone Mt 240 / 540 and other from this series.
Hey there, I've been watching a lot of your videos as somebody who is interested in self teaching piano. I saw your review on the Roland FP 30 and and the Yamaha P 125. Between these two, which one do you think is better? I want to say that I should get the Roland fp-30 because of its more realistic action, however the Yamaha p125 seems better overall. I'm afraid if I get used to learning on one with an unrealistic action, like the P 125, it'll be difficult for me to transition to an acoustic piano In a few years. Any thoughts? How important is it to have a realistic feeling action digital keyboard for a student who is completely new to piano?
The A50 is something that tried best to look cool within the extremely limiting boundaries of the "toy" range, including the exact same injection molding as F30 and huge compromise imposed by Yamaha's marketing direction. Its set of voices is not only too small and just sounding okay, but also too traditional for the image of coolness. Some people praises it as a MIDI controller with the good action, but I don't like the weak microUSB connection in that regard. Not a bad product of course, but all the hypes and excitement out there since its launch have been just too much. So I chose to get a Reface CP instead. Whether you like it or not, I can't wait to watch your review video!
James, thanks for the video! I am a guitar player looking for a small keyboard for performance. I'm looking for good modeling and ease of use so I can play the occasional strings or accordion bits in songs where there is little or no guitar. Any recommendations?
I want to start learning piano and I am interested in Yamaha digital pianos. I have seen many of your reviews regarding different Yamaha digital pianos but I still don’t know which one to start my journey into the piano world. It’s really hard to find a store around me that had many different Yamaha digital pianos so I wanted to ask a professional help on what digital piano is good to start. I was thinking of price range from 600-1000. I am not just trying to dip into piano world but actually want to start learning about piano. Thank you
@@ShoppingBored in terms of sound quality the f30 is as good as a50 right? I’d like to start learning but I can’t decide between those two, help me please
Is anyone aware of a digital keyboard that can switch between weighted piano style action and unweighted organ style action connected to an expression pedal. Ideally i could split the keyboard with one half weighted and one that is not.
A lot of church piano here use global or oem brands which are good enough. You can also check out casio ct-s200 , and ct-s300 which are also cheaper brands.
This is a fantastic keyboard. As a travelling musician it has been a valuable practice tool since it came out. Slip it in your bag. It's not meant to replace your regular keyboard. Use it too practice on the go. It's not perfect for sure, but this is not a bad start. It should be seen for what it is.
Totally agree.
Can it be used as a controller?
@@Marcus538 yes it can. If you have an adaptor also with your mobile device.
@@mattjazzml can you plug it into a larger speaker
This is the only reason that makes me still think of buying it. Its a very neat little thing that you take it with you and practice whenever and wherever you are.
It lacks a lot of good synth sounds, its sounds are dated and it doesn't have a sustain input.
But it can work with MIDI, so its good for using with a smartphone or a tablet. It worths if you consider the whole package
I have the PSS-A50 and I love the thing. Although has its limitations, it has a niche that it is very good for. I purchased it for myself as an adult beginner. I have *access* to a full-size piano, but this is great for an extraordinarily portable practice keyboard, for having fun playing with very small groups, and if you want a MIDI controller that you can still use as an instrument when it is not plugged in a computer. To be fair, you are more likely to be frustrated by its short range if you want to play virtuosic classical pieces. I use it to play blues, folk, and country tunes, and for stripped-down arrangements of jazz standards. It's very limitations have helped to kickstart my knowledge of music theory, as I taught myself to transpose and make arrangements that work on this little keyboard. I also use this keyboard to essentially do music therapy with my elderly grandmother, as its easy to tuck under my arm and carry up to her room, and she's happy as long as I can manage to play old songs that she remembers. (I let her play on it as well- she has severe memory problems, poor vision, and arthritis, so she isn't capable of playing full pieces, but she can often manage to tap out some pleasing sounding rhythms, and things that sound like minimalist jazz.) Note: you will probably like this keyboard better if you happen to have small hands. The mini keys are similar to the keys on a melodica!
In the late 80's I bought a credit-card sized electronic 'piano' with push-button keys from a dollar store. That was enough to get me interested in playing the piano. This PSS-A50 will definitely set some kids to a great music journey.
I even had a pencil case like that in the 90s during my kindergarten days
Though flawed based on this review, perhaps this is a rare device that meets these needs all in one keyboard:
-Mini key / desk top sized
-Built in sounds
-Midi out
Are there any other keyboards out there that have all three of those features?
Ok, after a year of owning PSS-A50 i think it's great keyboard. It's unique combination: 3 octave mini keys with touch response and nice keybed, built in speaker and basic sounds, and also the looper and arpeggio. There is no direct competition for it except for maybe Akai MPK Mini Play, but it's more expensive and has much worse keybed, 2 octaves and quiet, bad quality loudspeaker.
this is the only channel where you can watch the same guy review concert grands worth more than a house, and the most basic of keyboards, i like it
This makes more sense if you think of it as a MIDI controller that can also work as a standalone keyboard than as a keyboard that also functions as a MIDI controller.
I've had mine for weeks. So much fun! Using the drums and the phrase recorder, you can def create a backing track to noodle over. The A50 fits into my carry-on also. Big plus. I feel the $50 jump in price is due to the higher quality voices it has. Another idea.....try the dirtier synth or guitar sounds and octave shift those as low as they can go. Amazing gritty industrial, if thats your thing. Good review anyway.
dude i am loving these more obscure videos with these keyboards and the toy pianos
More to come!
You completely forgot the fact that you can record phrases with the arpegiator for example and have the play on loop. I do agree though that its limitations can be frustrating, i would've really really liked the ablility to atleast have 2 layered recordings, on top of an arpegiator/drum beat. A PSS A80 would be awesome
How do you play it on loop?
I believe it does one thing that the A30 does not do- it has the midi port to hook up to a DAW. Please feel free to verify this.
You may wish to spend $50 more only to get this feature if you are into music production. If you are not into that -then stick with the A30.
If you think that light gray on black is hard to read, you need to experience the Roland JD-Xi, which has dark red on black. You can only read the text at certain angles with a light source hitting it. The Motion Effect is a sort of weird cost down implementation of the Super Knob you find on the Montage and MODX, which is knob that can be mapped to do several things.
Yeah ive got JD XI. Too bad they are not selling exchange mat front label no more.
I actually like the sustain button as opposed to a pedal because it’s meant to be portable
I just wish it had sustain hold button
I really wanted the PSS-F30, but chose the A50 over it because it doubles as a great little MIDI controller with 37 keys. But, otherwise, the $100 price tag would have been too high if it weren't for good quality mini keys and USB MIDI. The arpeggiator is serviceable, and it's easy to record from this keyboard into a sound card/audio interface. This may also be a good keyboard for someone learning multitrack recording with Audacity (a great open-source, free application) or recording some quick musical ideas while needing a highly portable instrument. But then again, I could have gotten a Casio CT-X700 for only $74 more and would have still had a very portable board with terrific AiX sounds and USB MIDI, too. And the CT-X700 would probably be a lot better for someone learning how to play piano because it has full size keys
The main differences, for me, between this and the F30 are velocity (touch sensitivity) and MIDI.
Even though it's only USB-MIDI, and I'd far rather have DIN MIDI Out, it's still MIDI, so it can be plugged into a computer to play soft synths, or to play a MIDI synth by using the computer to send it to a USB->MIDI converter - introducing a tiny bit of latency, but generally good enough to use.
Yes, the motion effects are pointless. Voice selection is less than ideal too, but I can live with it. The numbers shown on the LED display are MIDI Program Change values, which it sends over the USB MIDI, as you select a voice. You can use thta to change patches on another synth, but there are only about 50. Still useful though.
Not being able to play a solo over an arpeggio at all, is a common problem with much more expensive synths than that, so yes, it's disappointing if you wanted to be able to do it, but it doesn't surprise me that it can't be done - I've never thought to try it.
Great playing though. I wish I could play as well as that.
Hi James, Thanks for all the many reviews you have done. It is so interesting to see and hear your comparisons. You seem quite honest in your assessments of each product's high and low points. I like that you play the same compositions on each; that gives a good continuity to the reviews.
One area I'd like to see you explore is dedicated MIDI controllers, especially the high end 88-note ones from Native Instruments, Kawai, and Arturia. How do those compare to the digital pianos from Kawai, Yamaha, Korg, Casio, and Roland? Of course there are some cheaper products out there as well, if this ends up being a category you explore more.
Definitely agree that this Yamaha misses the mark in many ways.
Hey James, I just started watching your videos and I have to say, I really enjoy these videos. Keep it up!
Welcome aboard!
I ve had Reface cp. Apart from built in speakers, its great. Also on reface cp there is a hidden acoustic piano patch. Please remember it while doing a review :)
Good for carrying around and to practice when out easier than taking your full sized keyboard out
I bought one of these on EBay at Sweetwater since B&H has everything Yamaha backordered right now. The first one they sent worked 3 days perfectly fine and then wouldn’t turn on with batteries or plugged in. They were good about the return and I bought with a warrant since it appeared mine wasn’t the first with this issue. They sent a replacement pronto. I bought to play with my toddler granddaughters who love to listen to me play on my acoustic piano. Since we were spending time away from NYC I thought this would be fun. I can actually play the original Les Miserables score on this with moderations. I can also play some Bach and other 17c pieces with modifications on the 01 piano and Clarke’s Trumpet pieces under brass. The arpeggio feature is worthless and my 1 1/2 yr old loves the creepy motion effects. I actually like the sustain built into this little keyboard - a pedal would be overkill. My 2 1/2 yr old gd banged on it 2 times for almost an hour each time and I played single notes in the treble while she banged and the third time she started to relax and pick out notes on the default piano. Most of the voices are worthless - would have loved a harpsichord. But each voice section has at least one fun voice. I think the girls will enjoy this little keyboard until they graduate to another with more keys in a year or two. No keyboard will ever replace my actual piano. You just can’t get the same resonance out of a keyboard or cheap piano. I can stick this in a suitcase when I travel. Would like something similar with 5 octaves and a more satisfying middle C.
If you like to tinker around with something when you travel this is fun. It has no music desk but you can get a piano music app and play from your iPhone or Android. If you buy get the $8 2 ye warranty. If it’s a lemon I’m fairly certain you will find out way before 2 years. Read the manual to learn how to adjust the sound and other features. The pitch on the piano 01 is actually decent and better than many acoustic pianos. I hate when the pitch is off. I’ve already probably gotten my 100 worth from taking it on one trip to Vermont.
I think the main thing with this one is that it’s a midi controller too. And it doesn’t need any power source other than through the usb.
Is there any other "portable" keyboard with touch sensitivity and a speaker?
Amongst the cheapest instruments now that you've reviewed the upgrade over the F30 you could now do one for the casiotone st300 an upgrade over the st200 you did some time back and the best one in that series
I share your opinion. I just haven't been able to bring myself to pay the extra $50, especially after seeing reviews about the sustain and arpeggio shortcomings. Odd-ball functionality is just going to make it harder for beginners to make use of these features, and making things hard for beginners is never a good thing. Learning to play is hard enough.
Of course, electronics hackers are thinking "hmm, if they have a sustain button on top and room for a quarter inch jack on the back, all I have to do is to connect the two...."
Thanks for the video.
PSS-A30 is for Kids
PSS-A50 is for Professionals
Semi-professionals anyway
There is no PSS-A30. There are 3 models in this line - the PSS-E30, the PSS-F30 and the PSS-A50.
Great video. The one big point I'd make is, as not a keyboard player myself, I wouldn't notice most of those limitations. What I'd notice are the basics such as not enough sound options, and having to toggle through to get back to certain sounds. On the other hand, a bonus would be the portability of it.
Greetings, I think one of the main reasons that people were interested in buying this keyobard is the fact that is a relatively cheap mini Midi interface from a well known manufacturer such as Yamaha, after watching your review (which is really thorough, which is something that I like about your reviews on keyboards and organs), it seems that as a standalone instrument it is not quite good enough, which is sad considering that its "smaller cousing" the pss-f30 is half the price and it seems to function kinda like my PSR-F51, I was looking foward to buy this keyboard only because of its USB-Midi support for its MRSP, however it seems that Yamaha has discontinued this model in my region. Cheers
You'd better off with a Casiotone. They all have USB MIDI.
@@BrunodeSouzaLino Actually I was thinking the same. If you're buying this for the midi capabilities, then the Casiotone is a better choice. However, this PSS seems to be fun to play, but still some functions are not that relevant to me. I absolutely want a 37 mini keys for playing around, so I guess I will go for the PSS F30.
@@BrunodeSouzaLino Sorry for taking a while to repply, but yeah, I've seen that Casiotones are good and cheap Midi Controllers, however (and you can call me picky), I was more interested in a small Midi controller so I can confortably place it over my PSR-F51 or even place it over my desk. Also it would be kind of conflicting having 2 61-key keyboards in regards of space. So yeah, as I stated, I can be kinda picky on that. Cheers
@@carlosperezbucio6628 I alredy repplied to Bruno in regards of the Casiotone option, but, about what are you saying about buying a 37 mini keys keyboard, and if I recall James' review on the PSS-F30 correctly, I think that, internally, that is as good as any other entry-level Yamaha Keyboard that I've seen on my local music shops, and for that price tag is a deal, so I would not doubt on buying that if thats what are you after. Cheers
as recco by others the casiotone 300 makes a lot of sense with 61 full sized keys with touch and a pitch bend wheel
For me the touch sensitivity and midi alone make it worth the extra $50 over the F30. The other features are a bit quirky, as you pointed out, but I see those as just bonus little toys, although the record feature is handy, though basic. It does have a decent key bed, can be used as a very portable midi controller with GarageBand, and has a functional, not great, speaker. If it had a sustain jack, and a pitch bend wheel or slider it would be even more awesome...but that’s what version 2 is for in a year or two. Thanks for the review, and for sharing your awesome talent with us!
I am not sure if you will grant my request but can you please review the M-Audio Hammer 88. It's a midi controller but I am so very confused about its action. How precise is it and if it's worth the price. Thank you!
I love this keyboard, it sounds is very good plugged to an external device (Such as Behringer B207 Eurolive) . The output can be noisy on some headphone and very quiet on others... So many option to be creative (ARP Hold, motion effect, octave...) and to have fun with a good collection of interesting sounding instruments. Keyboard is narrow, which is a good thing to play with all fingers on one hand while the other is setting effects. A great buy at this rice prior to invest in a Reface model.
the piano 1 Bb 4 has some sort of squeeking sound isn't it?
You can use arpeggios to record via phrase recorder....play over that...
Which would be better though? The Casiotone you reviewed a few videos back or this?
i just watched the video about the other keyboard yesterday... this is convenient timing.
I like the PSS-F30 a lot better than this one for a lot less money. The basic features work a lot better than the additional features this keyboard has.
Hi James, is there any chance you could review a Korg B2 and maybe compare it to similar ~$400 pianos from Yamaha or Roland? I bought the Korg myself earlier this year and i am reasonably happy with it, but I would love to hear how you think it compares to those other models!
I am also having the Korg, it is good
I have a Reface CP. When I play with it, I play it local off, MIDI out to my iPad, remap the velocity control, then feed that back into it. I do this to not feel like I have to bang on it to get the 'barky' sounds out of the Rhodes and Clavinet voices.
If you are looking for the worst Yamaha keyboard, try out the PSS-130. It can only play two notes at a time and all sounds are made up with pulse waves. Compared to that, the PSS-A50 is heaven.
I honestly don't think it fair to compare a 1980's keyboard to one made in 2020!
James something odd just happened. It’s Wednesday, November 25th, 8:00 A.M. My local classical radio station KUSC, played a brief piece (right at 8 AM) called Bloom and said a Japanese mans name as the composer. The melody is EXACTLY like the piece you use to test out pianos. It’s little quiet piece you play ALL the time. I think he stole your melody.
If you can find a copy online I would like to hear it.
I sent a request to the DJ asking for more information and will get back to you.
Hi James and thanks for yet another great video :) I have a question to ask - though you've probably been asked the exact same one hundreds of times already, sorry to make you repeat yourself: does it make sense for a (false) beginner who ultimately wants to play an acoustic grand piano to start out practicing using a smaller instrument, maybe even an electronic one? Which of the following choices would you consider to make most sense in such scenario: A) a baby grand, B) an upright C) a portable (sort of at least) electronic piano or midi controller? I don't suppose it is a good idea to start out with anything less than an 88-key weighted keyboard having an acoustic instrument prowess as a goal?
It depends on how serious you are. If you're truly dedicated, and want an instrument that can last a life time, an upright or a grand is definitely the way to go. While digital pianos do have their advantages (portability, no tuning, etc.), a simple but well-built piano will last many decades, and will always sound great if cared for properly. However, it's not a bad idea to buy a relatively simple digital piano, to learn the ropes and test the waters, before diving in with a (potentially) big purchase of an acoustic piano.
Thanks for answering my question :) I know I'm eventually after a grand piano, and definitely want to buy one for my new apartment (my choice at this point would probably be a Pearl River P9), though I'm not exactly sure when I'm going to move. Was more thinking along the lines of whether it makes sense to get a smaller instrument to practice on in my current apartment before I move (a grand won't fit in here, an upright might). Hence was considering something like a cheap used upright to discard later, or maybe an electronic instrument (Kawai VPC-1 for one) which I could probably find some use for in the future if I like it (not sure about the action in this particular one though - looked at comparable KAWAI pianos at a local dealer's and somehow did not like the feel of the keys as compared to say a YAMAHA N3X and probably all acoustic instruments I've tried so far). The thing is, I wouldn't want to get discouraged from practicing if I don't entirely like the feel and the sound of my instrument - had a portable CASIO keyboard when I was a kid and hated it - so was looking for something as close to a grand piano as possible - still bearing in mind that to an untrained ear and eye such as mine even a well-made electronic instrument might feel good enough. Plus I wasn't sure how the choice of instrument would affect my learning curve but at least you've cleared that one up for me :) Thanks again!
Great Vid’s, I can’t play piano but I want to buy everything you show 🤓
16:10 you can just hold shift and motion button longer to speed up transition between effect types 😉
Hey James, have you reviewed the Crumar Mojo XT by any chance?
Just the Crumar Seven and I liked it a lot.
Thank you for your review. If I don't entend to move to piano after getting this, is the touch sensitive option still necessary? Because I could get the base model (pss 30) for much cheaper. I won't have midi capability but I don't mind.
Any other mini keyboard you'd recommend? I can't play a full size keyboard because I travel a lot by plane. I need something that'd fit in my carryon and it's decent enough to learn to play (if it exists)
I was disappointed with the PSS-A50 too. I expected it to be easier to use and it is not. What I use it for is a highly portable basic piano (sound 001) for some practice and learning. Otherwise I use it as a touch sensitive MIDI controller for GarageBand. It does those two things we’ll.
I had this keyboard and I was planning on using it in my live looping setup, I’m mainly a guitar player but I like to have a nice pad sound behind my guitar sound for simple songs to make them more interesting, I had no luck with guitar synth pedals because of the glitches they tend to have. I thought the sounds of this were not too bad but the main reason I returned it was it was that running the audio out jack to an amp produced a bunch of hiss. It didn’t make a bad midi controller but I already have a small midi keyboard and besides I was trying to not use any kind of computer or tablet for a sound source. I returned it and after exploring a few midi controller options for the same price (there really isn’t anything in this price range that is self standing), I decided to spend a little more and get a Reface DX, it doesn’t get a real good acoustic piano sound but it can get close, otherwise I can get it to do what I want and even though it’s bigger than this keyboard it is still a small footprint in my setup and is clear as a bell through my sound system. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, the keys on the Reface are a little bigger for my sausage fingers and the feel of them is so much better than this. Agree about the motion effects, they’re mostly unusable in a real life situation.
As always, great review! So, between this one and the Casiotone CT-S200, the Casio would be the better choice for a beginner right? Talking price-wise of course. Spec-wise, I think the Yamaha compares better with the CT-S300 which I think is far superior (having no experience with it whatsoever) and is worth spending a bit more on.
He didn't play the drum rhythms. There are quite alot of them but they are all in 4/4 time.
Although it is strange for Yamaha not to do as good with this one as they did with their cheaper model, I guess I have a lower standard for keyboards at 100 dollars or less. The only keyboards that I take seriously would be ones at 150 dollars or more. Anything below that is for a young child as a toy. I wouldn't have a problem giving a little kid that thing.
The reface synths are awesome tbh
Not the DX and CS, though
@@Jason75913 Why not?
Well, perhaps due to your original video 😉the PSS-F30 is now $100 on Amazon. I guess I can get it much cheaper at Guitar Center, but whatever. I think you're evaluating this as "This costs twice what the PSS-F30 does", rather than just evaluating it without thinking about the cost so much. Like dinging it for not including a pedal. That's just my impression anyway, you are infinitely more qualified to speak on this than I am.
I got a pedal for my PSR-140 just to find out it doesn’t support pedals. Guess I cant show my family all the cool songs i learn at school
I play it every night as I get ready to sleep, just noodling around. Battery powered, and speaker. Simple.
Are there any option tho for midi input that can play stand alone at this size. Psr-e are to big (i have one) and most (if not all) midi controller can't play stand alone. Either that or i haven't found any.
What a dilemma. 🤔
Apparently there are Casiotones with USB-MIDI Out too, but I'd be very surrpised if the keybed was anything like as good as this one.
If you like mini keys, it's a decent choice for a small MIDI keyboard for a computer, or maybe for an iPad or iPhone with a USB adapter (like the camera kit). It also has some quite reasonable built in sounds, and velocity (touch sensitivity).
I definitely didn't need one, but I bought one anyway, soon after I first heard of them. Yes, there are some quirks in the user interface, and the motion thing is a pointless feature, for me, but I'm not disappointed.
For someone who wants a small MIDI keyboard controller, to play soft synths, I'd say this is a pretty good choice, apart from not having any knobs, but if you're using it with a computer, you can just plug in something like a Korg nanoKontrol, to add some.
I can see how to a pianist, it's not good enough, but to a hobbyist with no great keyboard skills, it's not bad at all.
I also own three of the Reface series, including the CP, which annoys the hell out of me. They decided to only have it make a sound if you press a key down hard enough, so as a non-pianist, I get a lot of silent notes, when I play softly. If I pound on it like Jerry Lee Lewis, all is well, but that's not what I want, most of the time.
It feels like Yamaha started to make something and then halfway wanted to cut the costs. I think I like the pss-f30 more. It had something cute. But to be honest your small Kawai upright was better and much more cute. Really.. thank you for sharing and playing.
I agree. The Kawai has such a great character. Although it has its limitations for sure, I prefer playing it to the PSS-A50! :D
You Have Great Product Reviews!
While you're on this budget keyboard spree, mind reviewing the Yamaha F51? I got it as a means of learning the piano and while it was good for the first (maybe) year or so.. I regret getting it and wish I would've splashed out more for a better one. As I feel simply playing this keyboard as a piano instrument both makes me worse and is very limiting.
i bought one yesterday.. and i am dissaponted with drums volume compare to other sounds( they sound to quiet). is there way to fix that?
You should review the Yamaha PSR-550 I own one but haven’t seen any video reviews on it
I say that's the best portable keyboard in terms of weight, size, sound and to travel around with. I can find this at $80, that's a more fair price. But the F30 is better with price.
i wonder if this is the least expensive arpeggiating keyboard?
Can I use it with flowkey and plug in midi to practice on the road?
Hi, I have been watching your channel for a while now. Your review of the Model L Steinway at Kim's piano in Tustin, CA is quite interesting. My Wife had a Piano when we were married, but we could not take it with is when we moved years ago. We now have a smaller home, and I was wondering which Digital piano you believe is the best one available? We do not have the physical space for an acoustic piano, but I know my wife would love to have one again. We both agree that the sound of a Steinway is the best for us, but we do not have the space or budget for one. Thank you.
The best keyboard with the quality build and sound of a real piano is Kawai's MP11se. It's not cheap, but is a very high end keyboard. It should also be noted that it does not come with speakers. We use Roland RC 350's here in the studio (replaced by KC400) , but you can also record direct as well.
@@ThePianoforever I am so glad you answered this post! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!
👋🏼 hey could you review YDP144 Digital piano? Please : )
Quel est le meilleur pour toi ? PSSF30 ouPSSA50 ou Korg Triton taktile 49 B-Stock ? Merci d'avance !!
Can you please make a video of the best digital pianos under 1000 dollars?
Could you review the Korg D1? I don’t have access to it at any music stores near me 😥
Many are broken on arrival. Where I have to purchase these with my own money I don't like to purchase keyboards that I know I could not recommend.
@@ThePianoforever thanks! I had seen that they were in the ~$650 range and was considering it versus the Yamaha p125 as a gigging instrument and to have in my apartment when I don’t feel like going all the way to the practice rooms at my college. Also to clarify, I mean that the music store near me doesn’t have it in stock.
Well it's pretty nice keyboard for fun... im actually going to buy it for my child 😊... there's this keyboard called artesia pe88 semi weighted keys...so I'll like you to make a review of it weather it's good or not if thats possible because im pretty much interested in it😁
I would buy the sister keyboard in this series that I have already reviewed. It's only $59.00 (PSS-F30) and can be purchased online and has more sounds. The features that this one has over that one do not work well at all and I feel have no value.
So what do you think about artesia Pe88 portable keyboard?
Compré este teclado hace algunos días ,muy feliz por lo practico ,pero luego de esta información ,acabo de estrellarlo contra una pared varias veces y luego pasarle con un auto por arriba varias veces ,ja ja ja ,bueno muchas gracias ....
Sounds very retro: very like the cheap organ I had as a teenager in the 80s. Not for me.
It's your bog standard General MIDI 1 ROMPler.
In 80s there was no cheap sample based keyboards with real acoustic piano tone. The closest at the end of 80s there were casiotone Mt 240 / 540 and other from this series.
I bought one its not worth $100.
Haha, this thing is adorable
This keyboard is too old school. It’s like a keyboard from the 90’s. Pull yourself together Yamaha. You can do better than that.
Hey there, I've been watching a lot of your videos as somebody who is interested in self teaching piano. I saw your review on the Roland FP 30 and and the Yamaha P 125. Between these two, which one do you think is better? I want to say that I should get the Roland fp-30 because of its more realistic action, however the Yamaha p125 seems better overall. I'm afraid if I get used to learning on one with an unrealistic action, like the P 125, it'll be difficult for me to transition to an acoustic piano In a few years. Any thoughts? How important is it to have a realistic feeling action digital keyboard for a student who is completely new to piano?
The P125 is the better choice as I have found I can play more challenging pieces on the P125 than I can on the FP-30
The A50 is something that tried best to look cool within the extremely limiting boundaries of the "toy" range, including the exact same injection molding as F30 and huge compromise imposed by Yamaha's marketing direction. Its set of voices is not only too small and just sounding okay, but also too traditional for the image of coolness. Some people praises it as a MIDI controller with the good action, but I don't like the weak microUSB connection in that regard. Not a bad product of course, but all the hypes and excitement out there since its launch have been just too much. So I chose to get a Reface CP instead. Whether you like it or not, I can't wait to watch your review video!
James, thanks for the video! I am a guitar player looking for a small keyboard for performance. I'm looking for good modeling and ease of use so I can play the occasional strings or accordion bits in songs where there is little or no guitar. Any recommendations?
it does remind me of video game sound effects for 70's-80's. That was fun.But not enough I want the keyboard.
That piano sound then was better than one of mine
Bonjour. Je cherche un piano mini pour voyager ....que penses tu de celui la ...Korg Triton taktile 49 B-Stock ??
Hi. Can you please review Startone MK-300? Thanks
If only it came built in pitch shifter and modulator
You should do a review of the Yamaha YPT260
I want to start learning piano and I am interested in Yamaha digital pianos.
I have seen many of your reviews regarding different Yamaha digital pianos but I still don’t know which one to start my journey into the piano world.
It’s really hard to find a store around me that had many different Yamaha digital pianos so I wanted to ask a professional help on what digital piano is good to start. I was thinking of price range from 600-1000. I am not just trying to dip into piano world but actually want to start learning about piano.
Thank you
Sounds are really impressive
So, Novation 25 or this?
Purchased it today and play a while but then 30 min later unable to turn ON
8:23
James "Father?"
PSS-A50 "Son"
Go for Yamaha Psr-e series... it will totally blow you away for the price
Superb.
Good keyboard but a cheap Usb which quickly broke .waste of money
Mine broke after 2 months :(
For 100 dollars, I would still take the upright piano any day of the week
But there is no 100 dolar standalone keyboard this size with touch response. No used or new. Only MIDI controllers.
You can't put the upright piano on your backpack or use it to make music while on an airplane.
let's go cheaper!
I need to review the best free piano I can find.
Yamaha Pss-f30 is a cheaper option. Lacks midi and touch sensitivity though
@@ShoppingBored in terms of sound quality the f30 is as good as a50 right? I’d like to start learning but I can’t decide between those two, help me please
Is anyone aware of a digital keyboard that can switch between weighted piano style action and unweighted organ style action connected to an expression pedal. Ideally i could split the keyboard with one half weighted and one that is not.
why would you even want that?
it is great because it's usb
I just bought it 🎹😁
A mobile phone of 99$ offers much more tech than this keyboard with old 1990ies technology. Yamaha could and should do way better.
sounds like a pipe organ running out of wind
It's there a "Made in India" engraving on the back or printed on the box
Which is a good thing not seeing it made in china
Can you give me a good piano please i need it to play at my church
A lot of church piano here use global or oem brands which are good enough. You can also check out casio ct-s200 , and ct-s300 which are also cheaper brands.
A-50 seems better option than pss 30.
Do they seriously refer to this as a didgital piano?!