Must to Know
Yamaha YPG-235 Review
The Yamaha YPG-235 76-key portable grand keyboard is an attractive, powerful keyboard that is ideal for musicians of all ages.
This lightweight piano replacement, featuring Yamaha’s Graded Soft Touch keys and weighing just over 18 pounds, is a perfect replacement for any piano.
With Yamaha’s Education Suite, various lesson modes, and lesson grading system, you can start playing and performing in front of friends right away.
The 6-track/5-slot recording system is perfect for musicians who want to outline and create music.
Technical Specifications
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 46.375 x 5.375 x 16.25 inches
- Weight: 18.5 pounds
- Keys: 76
- Type: Graded Soft Touch Keyboard
- Touch Response: Yes
- Polyphony: 32
- Pitch Bend: Yes
- Voices: 116 + 361 Xglite + 12 Drums/Sfx Kits
- Amplifiers: 6W + 6W
- Speakers: 12cm x 2 + 3cm x 2
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Effects
- 9 Reverb types
- 4 Chorus types
- 5 Mastery EQ Types
Functions
- Dual Mode
- Split Mode
- Yamaha Education Suite
- Metronome
- Transpose
- Pitch Bend
Songs
- 30 Preset Songs
- 5 Song Recording Slots
- 6 (5 Melody + 1 Chord) Recording Tracks
Inputs/Outputs
- USB to Host
- Sustain Pedal
- Headphone Jack
Features of the Yamaha YPG-235
Graded Soft Touch
Any serious student will be able to easily transition from this electronic keyboard to an acoustic piano with the Yamaha YPG-235’s Graded Soft Touch system.
Yamaha Education Suite V6
There are three distinct modes of learning with the Yamaha Education Suite:
- Waiting Mode – The song will pause until the correct note is played.
- Your Tempo Mode – The song speed will adjust to match the speed at which you play.
- Minus One Mode – The song will play at a normal tempo until it reaches the area that you choose to play.
It also includes lesson grading, repeat and learn, and a chord dictionary.
Song and Track Record
With this powerful 6 track/5 slot recording system, you can capture and preserve musical ideas.
Connectivity
USB to Host connectivity provides an easy method to transfer and back up any recordings.
Performance Assistant Technology
You can play right notes by simply enabling the Performance Assistance feature and playing a song. It doesn’t matter whether you are playing a melody or chords, the keyboard will automatically adjust the pitch to fit the song.
Master EQ
Using the keyboard’s internal speakers, headphones, or external speakers, five different equalizer sounds can be played back.
The Pros and Cons of the YPG-235
Yamaha’s YPG-235 has Graded Soft Touch keys while remaining lightweight and portable. It’s not quite up to the task of replacing a full weighted-hammer system, despite offering enough depth to enable beginners to become familiar with the touch of a piano.
For a more realistic feel, you should choose one of the best weighted keyboards.
Despite its large keyboard, the 76-key model may not be enough for those who wish to pursue more traditional, acoustic piano playing.
With 6 track recording and 5 song slots, this keyboard is decent for recording ideas and outlines.
In spite of its great features, however, the lack of MIDI connectivity limits the musician’s ability to advance their ideas and refine their work.
Yamaha’s YPG-235 keyboard piano is a good budget model. Online, it can be purchased bundled with a stand and headphones for about $300. For musicians on a budget, this keyboard is a dream come true.
It is also possible to upgrade to the Yamaha YPG-535, which comes equipped with a full 88-key keyboard, stand, as well as lyric and chord displays that scroll along as you play.
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Graded Soft Touch great for new learners
- Includes Yamaha Education Suite
- Great for recording ideas and outlines
- USB to Host Connectivity
- High Quality Speakers
- An absolute wonderful tool for new musicians
- 76 keys may not be enough for those pursuing classical training
- Graded Soft Touch is not as comprehensive as a fully weighted hammer system
- Does not include MIDI Connectivity
Conclusion
Yamaha’s YPG-235 portable grand piano is a great digital piano for beginners, especially catering to people who are just starting out in music. It can be used for any type of performance because it has a wide variety of sounds.
For anyone new to music wishing to replace their piano with a portable instrument, it is a marvel. However, for those who wish to perform using the traditional technique of acoustic instruments, it may not suffice.
Additionally, for those seeking a comprehensive music workstation, the lack of MIDI IN/OUT connectivity can be a dealbreaker.
The Yamaha YPG-235 is an excellent keyboard as long as you are aware of its few shortcomings.