Yamaha PSR E373 is a 61-key beginner keyboard with touch-sensitive keys, and features Yamaha’s latest tone generator due to which all the instrument sounds and rhythms sound noticeably better than the earlier model. The PSR-E373 also comes with several useful features, including built-in piano lessons; it’s reasonably priced and perfect for beginner students who want to learn and practice. See price here.
Highlights
- Ideal First Arranger Keyboard as it comes with Touch Sensitive Keys
- High-quality voices and styles (rhythms) and a variety of effects
- Built-in Lessons, you can also download the song book
- Easy to record your performance and share on a smart device.
The Yamaha PSR-E series of music keyboards include portable keyboards that are designed for the beginner-intermediate level players, both kids as well as adults.
This series include three keyboard models with the Yamaha PSR E373 perched in the middle of the series, it is one level higher than the entry level keyboard in this category.
If you’re a beginner keen to learn to play the piano, then it is very likely that you will pick up this model.
You can also pick up the entry level keyboard in this series, but the Yamaha PSR E373 is a better keyboard and slightly expensive too.
This keyboard comes with touch (velocity) sensitive keys, has more polyphony and features Yamaha’s latest sound engine which makes it sound a lot better. The keyboard also comes with built-in songs that you can learn by using the smart features of the keyboard (you can download the songbook from Yamaha).
Who Is It For?
If you are serious about learning, a keyboard with touch sensitive keys is recommended, and this keyboard comes with touch-sensitive keys. This is why the PSR-e373 is a good buy, considering the price, its several features, and the overall sound quality – which is actually excellent for a beginner keyboard.
Review
The PSR-E373 keyboard comes with 600+ instrument voices, hundreds of accompaniment styles, and some excellent built-in songs for you to learn. You can even hook it up to a computer (via USB) in case you wish to make use of computer-aided learning using software/apps. It can be used as a one-man band orchestra wherein the keyboard plays all the accompanying sounds for you, and you can just focus on playing the melody with the right hand.
The PSR-e373 is the cheapest, entry-level keyboard from Yamaha that comes with Velocity (touch) sensitive keys. The lower model PSR-e273 does not come with touch sensitive keys; touch sensitive keys lets you add dynamics to your playing. Play lightly and the sound is soft; strike the key hard and sound is louder.
Another great feature of this keyboard is the addition of “Aux Line Input and Melody Suppressor”. Now you can connect any device with a line output (mobile device, computer, mixer) to the AUX-in port and hear yourself play along with your favorite artists. The best part is that you can suppress the melody line in your favorite songs so that you can play along with the song. I think its a cool feature, something that will really help you learn to play your favorite songs much faster. It makes your practice session more effective when playing songs from external sources
The recording feature (sequencer) is great for practice as well as composing. With the Easy Recording feature you can record up to five original songs and save them to the onboard memory.
The keyboard comes with a nice set of sounds and styles. With one touch of the Portable Grand Button, the entire keyboard plays as a piano.
With the Y.E.S. (Yamaha Education Suite), you can practice preset songs using more advanced lesson functions. Although this is not a replacement to a good music teacher (or software), its definitely useful for revising important musical concepts.
The Auto Power-Off Mode feature conserves power when operating using batteries. The keyboard automatically turns off if it hasn’t been played for a set amount of time.
For best experience, you may want to check out the bundled package kit, which costs a bit more but the package includes useful accessories such as power adapter, stereo headphones, and a keyboard stand.
Watch: PSR-E363 Digital Keyboard Demo
Overall, the PSR-e373 is a nice beginner keyboard that you can use for a long time to come, after which, you may consider upgrading to a better keyboard (or a digital piano with weighted keys) . You can even check the corresponding model from the PSR-EW series, which includes keyboards with 76-keys.
Specs & Features
Here are more features of the Yamaha PSR e373:
- 61 touch-sensitive keys. 600+ voices, 200+ styles, range of effects. Polyphony: 48
- Weight: 4.6 kg (10 lb, 2 oz) (not including batteries)
- Built-in piano keyboard lessons, Yamaha Education suite, Touch Tutor lesson mode teaches dynamics.
- Duo mode splits the keyboard into two identical halves, for practicing with a partner/teacher.
- Easy Recording
- USB to HOST connectivity with MIDI and audio transfer.
- Backlit LCD makes it easy to read screen information under any lighting conditions.
- The Aux Line Input allows you to connect music devices such as MP3 player, computer, mixer or even another instrument, and hear it through the internal speakers.
- Melody Suppressor removes melody of audio songs (connected via Aux Line Input jack) and reduces the volume allowing you to sing along or play the lead.
- Arpeggio function intelligently creates melodic and rhythmic patterns based on the notes you play.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Lots of features, Touch Sensitive Keys, excellent sound engine, lets you connect the keyboard to iPhone/iPad, Melody suppressor.
Cons: The speakers don’t sound very big. No pitch-bend controls
Overall Ratings & Buying Links
If you’re thinking of buying a good entry level keyboard, with touch sensitive keyboards, then this is worth checking out. For such a low-priced keyboard, the overall sound quality is pretty good. You may even consider keyboards from Casio at this price range, but Yamaha is a trusted brand and this keyboard offers good features and sounds. It has all the features for learning as well as practicing. You can opt for a package/bundle that comes with accessories like stand, headphones, and power supply.
Buying Options
Overall, a great beginner keyboard with touch sensitive keys.
You can check out more Yamaha PSR keyboards here.
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
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