Best beginner keyboard

Yamaha EZ310 61 Key Lighting Keyboard

The Yamaha EZ310 is a beginner-friendly keyboard designed to make learning intuitive and engaging.

It boasts a key lighting system that guides you through songs by illuminating the correct notes, helping you play along without needing to read sheet music. This interactive approach makes learning more accessible, especially for younger players who benefit from visual cues.

Plus, there are 650 instrument voices, so the EZ310 really allows you to explore a variety of musical styles.

From classical piano tones to contemporary synth sounds, you can experiment creatively and discover your genre. Each voice is designed to replicate the characteristics of real instruments, enhancing the overall playing experience.

The “Keys to Success” is another great feature, offering structured lessons tailored to your learning speed. It breaks down songs into smaller sections, providing real-time feedback to help you improve efficiently. This step-by-step approach builds confidence and reinforces good playing habits.

In essence, this is the perfect starting point for beginner pianists!

Shop now | Yamaha EZ310 61 Key Lighting Keyboard

Best for gigging keys players

Yamaha PSR E473 Portable Keyboard

The Yamaha PSR E473 is a great portable keyboard for gigging musicians. Featuring more sounds, effects, and styles, this instrument is designed to be a complete performer’s instrument.

A pitch bend knob allows you to add expression to your playing, which can further be enhanced by the two Live Control knobs. You can also map these knobs to parameters such as filter cutoff and many more.

Fancy more than just the 820 inbuilt sounds? Capture sounds from outside the instrument using the aux input, mic input, or even by importing sound files from a USB. These sounds can then be played and looped using the four pads, expanding your sonic palette.

This Yamaha piano keyboard is not only useful for gigging but also for home use. You can plug your PSR E473 into your computer via a USB cable and use your keyboard as a MIDI keyboard for your DAW and audio interface.

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Best for band leaders

Yamaha PSR SX600 Digital Arranger Keyboard

The Yamaha PSR SX600 is the smallest member of the PSR SX series of arranger keyboards.

An arranger keyboard is a keyboard that aids live performances and provides backing to bands. The SX600 does exactly this.

Many features are shared with the PSR E473, such as the live sampling feature, Live Control knobs, and ability to import sound files.

The pads can also be mapped to MIDI loops, giving you more flexibility. And you can even save playlists and styles for instant recall during a performance, perfect for presetting your setlist for your gig.

If you want to know more about arranger keyboards check out our article here.

Shop now | Yamaha PSR SX600 Digital Arranger Keyboard

Best for travelling

Yamaha PSS F30 Portable Keyboard

If you’re going on holiday, you might want to relax and jam on your instrument.

Usually, this is difficult or impossible for keys players, but thanks to Yamaha’s large range of small portable keyboards, this is now possible.

If you’re just starting out, the PSS F30 is a good option for you.

This instrument is very small – it can easily fit into a backpack or suitcase. It’s also lightweight, so you won’t get into any issues if you’re flying!

With a simple design and a multitude of sounds and styles built in, you can jam to whatever you like, wherever you go!

Shop now | Yamaha PSS F30 Portable Keyboard

Yamaha Reface

For more experienced players, you may find the Reface series of keyboards enticing.

Reface keyboards are based on classic instruments.

The Reface DX is based on the DX-7 synthesizer used a lot in ’80s hits such as “Take On Me” by A-ha, whilst the Reface CS is based on the CS-80, used by Vangelis.

Yamaha’s Reface CP is inspired by classic electric pianos from the ’70s and includes many familiar tones, and the Reface YC stems from classic electric organs for a real vintage sound, it even has drawbars for an authentic experience.

All Reface keyboards are small enough to fit in a suitcase or large backpack, making them ideal for travelling with.

Shop now | Yamaha Reface series

Best for composers/producers

Yamaha MX49 II Music Production Synthesizer

The MX range of synthesisers features sounds from the Yamaha MOTIF series of workstations.

With 49 or 61 keys and a very low weight of under 5kg, the MX series is perfect for on-the-go music making. These keyboards aren’t just great for synthesis though, they’re designed to bridge the gap between hardware and software.

Extensive audio and MIDI USB connectivity provide a seamless interface for DAW and keyboard. You can control MIDI tracks in a DAW straight from your keyboard, send the audio from your keyboard into an audio track, and even listen to all audio from your DAW through the headphone jack on your keyboard.

If you have an iPhone or iPad, you can connect to them via USB and use your MX series keyboard in the same manner as you would on a computer.

Shop now | Yamaha MX49 II Music Production Synthesizer

Shop now | Yamaha MX series

Final thoughts

Hopefully, this brief overview of Yamaha keyboards has shown you an instrument that interests you.

Yamaha offer many more keyboards, so if you haven’t seen one that quite works for you then check out our complete range of Yamaha keyboards on our website. You’ll almost certainly find your perfect keyboard there!