Yamaha PSR-E273 61-Note Keyboard

General

The Yamaha PSR-E273 is a simple and effective keyboard aimed at real beginners. While the 61 keys aren't touch-responsive, the keyboard does come jam-packed with sounds and styles to discover, as well as various coach functions including a new and helpful solfege training mode that covers aural skills, note recognition, intervals and chords. In this what Yamaha calls Quiz Mode, the keyboard will play single notes, simple melodies or easy chords which you must then emulate. Hit the wrong key, and the PSR-E273 is sure to let you know. What's more, Yamaha has loaded 112 play-along songs, the sheet music of which can be downloaded for free.

The Yamaha PSR-E273 61-Note Keyboard

Since the PSR-E273 is packed with no less than 401 different sounds, it's likely going to take you a while to get to know each and every one. Next to pianos and organs, you're getting brass wind instruments, wood-wind instruments, strings, complete orchestras, EDM-style sounds, non-Western music and more. There are 143 accompaniment styles to drop in and, as a student model befits, the keyboard offers the option to play chords with just one finger. This way, you only have to play the root note and the backing will catch on. Using the Song Recorder and Phrase Recorder, you have the ability to record yourself so you can check on your progress or save beautiful bits of inspiration for later. Finally, there's Duo Mode, which can be used to split the keyboard into two section so two people, one possibly a piano teacher, can play in the same octave at the same time. All in all, the PSR-E273 is a great introduction to the world of keys and, while you can't see it in the images, comes including a little sheet music stand.