If you are looking to buy a first keyboard at a reasonable price, try the Yamaha PSR260MS on for size. It's uncomplicated and fun to play, and it might just help you develop music skills. The PSR260MS has 100 voices ranging from pianos to trumpets to drums. One hundred accompaniments, from twist to fusion, can be mixed with the voices. As a MIDI-compatible keyboard, the PSR260MS can connect to a sequencer or computer via MIDI cables (sold separately), both of which can record musical performances from the keyboard and then play them back using the instrument voices on the PSR260MS. After a while, though, 100 voices will probably seem limiting to most users.
The PSR260MS is not a General MIDI keyboard, which means that if you connect it to a computer, General MIDI files (a standard of most MIDI files in educational software and of those available on the Internet) will not sound correct--the instrumentation will be wrong.
One feature on the PSR260MS that most people (especially children and teenagers) will enjoy is the DJ. Pressing the button shaped like a vinyl record resets the keyboard for playing special DJ songs and voices. There are orchestra hits, samples of real voices singing phrases such as "one more time" and "Get up!" and a variety of scratches. There is even a DJ game programmed into the keyboard that helps users develop rhythm skills. One hundred other songs of various styles are also included that are fun to play and are used in the three lessons offered by the PSR260MS.
The lessons can all be done with left hand alone, right hand alone, or both hands together. In the timing lesson, the song plays and the student presses any note in the proper time. During the waiting lesson, the PSR260MS holds the accompaniment until the student plays the correct notes. And in the minus one lesson, the student plays the proper notes in the correct time. An evaluation function gives a grade for each lesson. A staff display and keyboard display help the student identify the correct keys, while animated clapping hands help the student visualize the rhythm. A dictionary function shows the different chord types on the display staff. These educational activities are very entertaining, and by doing them, the student may pick up rudimentary skills that will help in the further study of music.
The PSR260MS is an easy keyboard to use, even for a small child. It is lightweight (11.7 lbs.) even though there are built-in speakers. The buttons are all colorful and clearly marked, and all of the accompaniments, voices, and song styles are printed right on the keyboard. Most of the functionality is so intuitive and simple, you may never need to take the manual out of the shrink-wrap!
The PSR260MS is a fun keyboard to play, but it is mostly a learning tool and creative toy. It will provide many hours of entertainment for younger users, and it may very well inspire them to study music. --Chris Fresolone Note: The Yamaha PSR260MS includes a keyboard stand. Pros:
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
- Built-in sequencer
- Lots of fun for younger users
- Clear, intuitive functionality
- Entertaining educational tools
Cons:
- Only 100 voices
- Not General MIDI compatible
