Yamaha PSR-E273 61-key keyboard: Review

Yamaha PSR-E273 is a beginner 61-key keyboard with 401 instrument voices, include drum and special effects kits. The keys are not touch-sensitive, but you get 61 keys (5 octaves) and the low price of the keyboard should encourage many users to give it a try.

Introduction

Yamaha PSR-E273 is an entry-level arranger keyboard in the PSR series (contains 61-key portable keyboards).

This one is an affordably priced keyboard with 61 full-size keys and hundreds of sounds.

It is a good entry-level keyboard for those who want to learn to play the keyboard and to test the waters, before moving onto something more expensive.

Though this is a basic keyboard for the absolute beginner, it still comes with 61 keys and several voices and styles that make it a joy to play. The best thing is that Yamaha has been upgrading this model over the years, with psr-e273 being the latest one.

Available for just over 100 bucks (just the keyboard), this is ideal fit for any child who is showing good potential (instead of buying him/her a mini keyboard) or even for the adult who just wants a keyboard for fun.

Yamaha PSR e273 Keyboard is a nice, affordable 61-key instrument for the beginner player looking for his/her first keyboard; it comes with several tones and you can learn to play along with the several built-in accompaniments.

Yamaha PSR-E273 Review

If you are looking for a good 61-key keyboard for your growing child who is showing keen interest in music, this can be a good keyboard. However, these do not come with touch sensitive keys, which is essential for serious keyboard and piano playing.

Nevertheless, for the price, it comes with several learning as well as playing features which makes it a joy to play.

Great sounds and useful features
The Yamaha PSR-E273 Portable Keyboard comes with great sounds and several useful features, and is ideal for aspiring musicians who are just starting out. Its an entry-level keyboard and has been priced very reasonably to attract the first timers.

Learning tools
Use the on-board lesson feature, Yamaha Education Suite (Y.E.S.) to learn the preset songs, or take advantage of instrument Voices and styles to experiment with music.

The Quiz mode is a useful aid. It prompts players to repeat notes, simple melodies, chords, gives feedback and turns ear training into a game-like experience. As part of the Yamaha Education Suite (YES), you can see the notes on display for the 112 built-in songs.

A songbook containing all the songs is available as a free download.

Aux Line Input
The keyboard also features an Aux Line Input that allows you to use the the PSR-E273 as a speaker system for your MP3 player, so that you can play along or just listen to your favorite tracks.

Good polyphony
The polyphony is good, at 32-note polyphony, which is common in most beginner keyboards

Duo mode (Keyboard Split)
There’s a feature to split the keyboard into 2 halves (with the same octave range), which is a great feature for partner practice (especially with your teacher).

Keys are not Touch-sensitive
The keyboard features 61 full sized keys (but they are not touch sensitive).

Recording Features

The PSR-E273 comes with a Song Recorder and Phrase recorder.

1. The Song Recorder allows you to record and playback your keyboard performance, perfect for practice and evaluation.
2. Phrase Recorder acts like a looper pedal, you record short phrases of music or rhythm (nice sounding riffs and grooves) and you can repeat them while playing. It’s With the Phrase Recorder.

Yamaha PSR-E273 Digital Keyboard Overview

 

Here’s another video

 

Here are the Technical specs and key features of this PSR keyboard:

– 61 full-sized keys are great for learning and developing keyboard playing technique.
– 32-note polyphony allows for the performance of beginner to advanced level pieces, allowing for sustained notes to ring through without being cut off.
– Duo mode splits the keyboard into two halves, each with their own “middle C” for practicing with a partner.
– Yamaha Education Suite (Y.E.S.) allows you to practice using the preset songs (or MIDI files on compatible instruments) at your own pace, one hand at a time, or both together.
– Auto power off saves energy by shutting down after a period of inactivity
– The Aux Line Input allows you to connect any music device with a headphone output, such as an MP3 player, a computer, a mixer or even another instrument, and hear it through the internal speakers.
– The Portable Grand button and instantly resets the keyboard to the grand piano Voice.
– The Master EQ allows you to tailor the overall output for optimal sound in different listening situations.

 

• Touch sensitivity: No
• USB connectivity: No

Yamaha PSR-E273: Pros & Cons

• Pros: Affordable, comes with 61 keys, connect to iOS devices (like iPhone, iPad), plenty of features
• Cons: No touch sensitive keys, no sequencer, no USB

 

Buying Links

The Yamaha PSR-e273 is an entry-level 61-key, portable keyboard featuring a wide range of sounds and functions, and is the ideal first keyboard for someone who wants to learn to play the keyboards, but is on a minimum budget. It is a good, entry-level keyboard for the serious child student and for adults who want to have some fun. It comes with several features for learning as well as practicing.

• Buy on zZounds

 

You may also choose the bundled package, where, along with the keyboard, you get accessories such as power adapter, Stand, Headphones.

Yamaha SKB-2 Survival Kit

The Yamaha SKB2 contains all the useful accessories you need to better enjoy your Yamaha portable keyboard. Every box contains a power adaptor, a foot switch, headphones, and digital owner’s manuals. You also receive a two-year extended warranty and over $100 of rebate coupons on great Yamaha instruments and accessories.

The Kit Includes: Yamaha Power Adapter, Foot switch/pedal, Stereo Headphones, 2-Year Extended Warranty and Hundreds of dollars of Rebate Coupons.

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