Yamaha P60

The P-60 is a very basic digital piano. The manual adequately explains things.

Very few features, which is why I bought it! 32 note polyphony may become a problem, since I intend to practice some classical pieces, but it's mostly adequate. It has only reverb, which can thankfully be turned off or adjusted (amount of reverb). The 88 key weighted keyboard is velocity sensitive only. You cannot adust the touch sensitivity, which is too bad, because sometimes I'd like to make it a little lighter. It takes tremendous force to hit 127 on the velocity scale, so if you're controlling another synthesizer, you may find the sounds not as loud or as bright as expected (as I found out when I tried playing some piano sounds on my Roland XP-30). Only one audio output; a stereo 1/4" jack. There is a sustain pedal input, MIDI In/Out, power adaptor jack, and that's it. It has built-in speakers. Okay, here's the deal. This keyboard has a very fine feeling keyboard, and a more than decent piano sound for this price range. Of course, I paid only $400 for it used, so that was another factor as well!

I bought this keyboard just as a piano only, so I could care less about the other sounds. There are two pianos, both of which sound very similar except that Piano2 is a little brighter. EP1 is an FM style sound, with two velocity switched samples. EP2 is a Rhodes (?) style sound, again with velocity switched layers. Harpsi 1 is decent and is not velocity sensitive, in keeping with the instrument. Harpsi 2 adds an octave. Vibes has a tremelo. C. Organ1 is a pipe organ (8+4+2 rather flutey sounding). C. Organ2 is a brilliant pipe organ sound which sounds truly awful. Strings also is pretty bad.
Ok, back to piano. The piano samples are very good for this price range (and even more expensive models). I find the release a little too long for my taste (even with the reverb turned off). The sustain pedal sometimes catches the release and thus muddies the sound. Now, that feature (sustain pedal catching the release and sustaining it) is considered an advanced feature and in some ways does mimick a real acoustic piano. But in this case (other synths are also at fault) it's too much. When my pedal catches the release, instead of a faint ambience, I hear a loud continuation of the sound, which is not right. You can also hear the loop part of the samples (not in an obvious and nasty way, but you know it's looping when the sound sort of "freezes" - some of you will know what I'm taking about) At this price range, and short of getting gigastudio, it's to be expected. Anyway, let me end by saying that this little keyboard really has a nice and expressive feel and sound.

Haven't the faintest clue. But Yamaha makes quality product, so I'm sure it's reliable enough. Don't know about using it on a gig without a backup, but I can definitely say I could haul this thing to a gig without breaking my back. At 36 lbs, 4 oz, it is light. Yeah!

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At $400, a great value. But even at higher prices, the action on this little thing is very good compared to other keyboards. Yamaha did not skimp out on that to save costs (they skimped on everything else :) That's the main reason I bought it. I'm actually replacing my S-80 with this, if you can believe it. I decided to downsize, since I already own a Roland XP-30 and Kurzweil K2500RS.

Since there are not a lot of options, it's pretty easy to use - altough some functions are accessed with the keys themselves. These functions are not apparent if you don't read the manual. (So the interface is not so intuitive, bit simple to use once got the know-how)

Actually, if I could afford, I would have bought at least a 64 polyphony model, but incredbily enough 32 voices are more than just fine for the piano sounds (not enough if you layer strings+piano, though) - in fact, I was unable to produce a note drop, no matter how hard I tried. At one point I even started to wonder if that's really just 32 voices. Either that, or yamaha uses a very intelligent software for dropping notes.
I am disappointed by two missing features: selecting different velocity curves and changing the transposition _while playing_. (transposition can only be changed by pressing some of the 88 keys, which produce sound or MIDI events at least) And an octave shift feature... that would be nice to have... I use this as a master keyboard most of the time, I would appreciate a second midi in port... But as a digital piano, I think it's perfect. And it looks great, too. You almost feel that you're playing on a _piano_. Personally, I very much dislike digital pianos with a lot of buttons and flashy LCD screens. It kinda ruins the overall feel.

One word: perfection. Altough the 'strings' intrument is not quite state-of-the-art, I think in case of a digital piano I should focus on the piano sounds, which are EXCELLENT. And I mean the acoustic piano sound. The loop portion of the samples are pretty short though, this is only apparent in the lower ranges, where sounds do not evolve and resonate over a long period of time. But I think Yamaha sound engineers did their job well enough, a BIG THUMBS UP!
On the issue of "ringing" mentioned by others: I think my model has that too, but such a technicality does not have a negative impact on my listening/playing experience. It's the resonance of the metal encasing the microphone they used while recording I guess. For those who are scared by this: I still rate it as 'pristine sound quality'. It's almost impossible to notice - only when you're paying attention to that, not the music. I consider it part of my piano - as you could hear a singer breathing or you hear pages turning during a pianissimo passage.
The speakers: I am satisfied with them. I wouldn't call them a "joke".
Don't expect big basses coming out of them, but apart from that, they excell. And one more thing: when using speakers, those short-looped low notes start to become more lifelike. Maybe that little resonance the body of this digit piano can produce is enough to do some magic.
Expresivenes: perfect match between the action and the sound volume/harmonic content. That simply.

I have been owning it only for 2 month now, and we hade a 400 km bumpy ride from the store (and digital pianos don't especially like bumpy rides). I think I won't have any issues with it. Absolutely robust. Dependable. It's a Yamaha.
Definitely would gig without backup. Could be a bit lighter, though :)

Uhm, no experience yet. I think that depends on the country. But I suppose I will not be dealing with them any time soon :)

It is certainly worth its price. I was looking primarily for a hammer action keyboard, but what I got is something more, an _instrument_, which has a 'life of its own'. I can turn it on any time if I want to play. No 'turn-on-the-computer-and-load-some-softsynths' fooling around. I have a masterkeyboard/DAW pc/sound modules system, so this is my first 'standalone' unit. I can take it anywhere, anytime. The overall feel: the looks, the sounds, the action is incredibly inspiring. I recommend for everyone looking for a digital piano:
altough it does not have string and soundboard resonance, key-off samples, half-pedaling effects, I would still call it a _complete_, robust, perfect, beautiful digital piano.

It is very easy to use once you get the hang of it. Once you understand what all the buttons do, it's a really neat keyboard.

This keyboard could have a TINY bit more features. I'm a composer so it would be nice if it had a recording feature... but other than that it has some nice features, but it could use some more sounds (instruments).

This keyboard has amazing sound for a keyboard, it doesn't really have any soul though. But then, nothing can really replace the real acoustic piano. I think it said in the manual that it had digital recordings of a Yamaha Grand Piano? Whatever it has, it sounds good!

Yeah I play this keyboard alot out in Markets and It's never done anything wrong.

Don't know

I definatly wishit had recording

This stage piano's user interface consists of two buttons, called 'voice' and 'demo', and a volume slider. To some this may seem very limited or confusing, but for others (like me) this type of simplicity is the end of the world, it just doesnt get any better.

polyphony is 32 notes, wich is enough for me, since im not a very good pianist. There is a possibility to connect the sp to a computer of something by use of midi, but i havent tried it yet.

The piano sounds are very good, they sound realistic, and although theres only like ... 8watts per speaker in it, it can easily sound louder than my stereo.
it is very clear that this instrument is intended for piano use only.

i will depend on it for the rest of my life, and feel very confident about this.

havent needed it yet, probably never will.

its a great and cheap replacement for a acoustical piano. if you dont wanna disturb you neighbours with your not yet developed talent, than this is what you need.

I like that this piano doesn't have a lot of buttons. Uses the keyboard for switching voices and choosing demo songs.

I wanted a good piano for learning. This keyboard is tops in that respect. Feels like a piano, sounds like a piano, hooks up to my computer. The PSR-270 I was using before this, feels like a toy after using this keyboard.

Sounds great to me.

Looks and feels solid. Only had it for a week

I was really tempted to buy a more expensive Yamaha P- series, like the P90 or p120. I am glad I did not. I hate to buy something that I feel has been downgraded. However, after using this keyboard, I feel that this is a solid product. While some might want additional features, if you are like me, and just want a good piano, you will be more than happy. If I ever wanted to upgrade to more feature filled piano (doubtful), I would be happy selling this piano second hand, knowing that I was providing someone with a quality musical instrument.

This doesn't use any software or os. The instrument switching is requires you to hold a button and strike a piano key and its the same for playing a preset song or setting a dual instrument etc... Just think what can you do with a acoustic piano you wouldn't need any keys in that just the pedals switch it on play and switch it off thats it ;-)

polyphony is 32 and I don't need anything more I am not a good pianist. It does have one builtin reverb effect. No expansion capabilities but it can be used for controlling other keyboards. After I bought this one I don't feel like that playing in thatplasticky touch s30. I use p60 to control s30. Midi capability is normal no need to get any instrument definition for cakewalk because you can't. Lack of sequencer is a major drawback I would admire that but still one can use sibelius or cakewalk it blends well with them.

Believe me the sounds are awesome when compared with a korg digital piano sp300 or sp500. I don't understand how can korg sell something at a higher price when it is inferior to a p60. The action IS THE BEST compared with all other digital pianos and it resembles a grand piano to 99% yamaha did their homework on this touch and feel. I tried a kawai digital piano the sounds are ok but the action is somewhat rubbery. p60 has the feel of playing a real piano. p60 is clear winner hands down in that. All of its cousins p90 p120 have the same sounds and action but on the price aspect p60 rox again. There are 50 good piano preset demos, all are quite good but you don't get a midi output if you play the presets. If you are a beginner and want to practise piano buy this one don't buy anything else it is all waste of money. My humble opinion is that all other brands sell inferior stuff for a higher price in the digital piano category.

If you play classical pieces alone this is highly useful. Its just an electronic replacement of a piano only difference is it doesn't need any tuning like a normal piano. The bottom is wooden cork based material that is funny. Still its ok you can live with it.

I haven't dealt with yamaha at all

Yes I would buy it again if it was stolen and if I am short of cash. I have set my eyes on motif es 8 so I would buy that next time. I have had a psr510 s30 this is my 3rd one. I love the action very much in this I hate that wooden cork bottom. This is too much for the price you pay. I compared this with korg and kawai digital pianos and found this to be extremely good. I wish it had a sequencer and a inbuilt metronome.

There's not very many ways to mess up on this thing, I mean unless you can't play worth crap. It's really pretty basic, you've only got a few sounds, but no one is buying this to be some whacked out synthesizer with hundreds of voices; you buy it for the awesome piano sound and the feel.

I'll have to give it an eight, because of the fact that you don't have the buttons directly on the top of it, thus you can't switch instruments mid-song. But, I'm buying another Yamaha keyboard later for different sounds. This is just an awesome basic piano.

UNBELIEVABLE!! This thing is awesome, I was hooked the moment I first played it. Feels so real, similar to a yamaha grand...wow...just AWESOME. The sound is awesome too, at least the piano sounds. I didn't really care for the strings too much, but like I said, I'll get a keyboard later for all the extra bells and whistles.

It's a yamaha, it should be awesome as far as durability and stuff. I'd gig it (and probably will) with no hesitation.

Wouldn't know

Freaking awesome. I wouldn't even touch the other digitals this is awesome!

The Yamaha P60 is very easy to use. Just plug in a play. Changing instruments is easy with the reference sheet. I does not have any buttons for changing instruments, you have to use the keys while holding the 'voice' button down. Dead simple.

The keyboard action is superb. It is inspirational to play. It comes with a sustain pedal. The midi output port is useful for connecting to the computer. It works without any hastle. Velocity is excellent

The piano sounds are excellent. Piano1 is for your classical stuff while piano 2 is a bit brighter. The strings sound quite poor. Dont use vibraphone,harpsichord,church organs. Its a stage piano and the piano sounds are excellent.

Havent had it too long. It feels solid.

Havent needed to deal with them yet.

I love this piano. It sounds great and feels great. I would definately recommend to beginner or pro. Its very reasonably priced as well. It would have been nice to have some more sounds, hammond organ, clavinova.

Software versions do not apply with most (if not all) digital pianos.
The presets: stunning. Seriously.
Cannot edit patches.
Manual does the job.

32-note polyphony. The keyboard action is exactly like an expensive piano. Baby grand, upright, whatever. The keys feel so real. Close your eyes and you're playing the real thing. Yamaha's "hammer action" gives an accurate pressure.. more on low keys, less on the higher ones, just like a real piano. Amazing.

Built-in effects-- only reverb. But it sounds awesome. No expansion capabilities, but that's not why you bought this, anyway.

No on-board sequencer (MIDI though... no problem connecting it up to a sequencer).

The pianos on this P60 are absolutely fantastic. Seriously. I've played many, many digital pianos and nothing comes close to the warmth and realism of the Yamaha P-series pianos (P-80, P-60). It feels perfect. My bandmate has a Yamaha Clavinova CLP-560 (original price about $3000-- she got a great deal on it)... let me put it this way: I played the P60 side by side with her Clavinova and it's EXACTLY THE SAME. To say it sounds great would be an absolute understatement. That's why I bought it. For the piano. Plus, the other sounds are really good, too... harpsicord is excellent. Vibes KICK ASS and if you're looking for that Thomas Newman "American Beauty" score-style sound.... that's what he uses on most of the tracks. Velocity is awesome. Play light, it sounds gorgeous. Play heavy, it sounds like it should- ballsy, like a real grand.

Excellent. Seriously. For the price? You can't get a better digital piano.

It weighs in at about 40 lbs, and that's not bad. It's definitely portable, though kind of awkward to carry due to the length. Seems pretty reliable. I wouldn't pound on it, making noise, though. If you want to do that, you shouldn't be playing a digital piano... you should be playing a piece of crap Casio consumer keyboard.

Never contacted Yamaha, but I know they're awesome and supportive. All their products are awesome, and stand by them faithfully. I also use a CS1x control synth, which I love.

If this thing were stolen, I'd cry. I would then seek out the thief and proceed to beat them senseless. Then I'd take the piano back.

I hate nothing about this piano. It's everything I ever wanted. You want real piano sound (which is hard to come by) and real piano feel, this is the way to go. Without even thinking twice.

I've compared this piano to digital pianos (new ones) by Roland and Korg, and I laugh at the sound of both of those brands (and I love and use Roland synths, like the Juno-60). The Yamaha takes the cake in every category. Plus, it looks sweet. Simple, black, with a nice red strip running along the top of the keys. Looks great, plays even better.

The only thing that is kind of annoying (but not that much) is you have to change patches by holding the patch button and then pressing a corresponding key. Oh well, you can't do fast patch changes. So what. I use it in the studio mainly, so it's not like I have to frantically press buttons. That's about it. Some of the other features (MIDI channel setup, reverb depth, reverb style) are a pain to edit, because again, you have to press a key to get the desired setting. Oh well, I like the default verb. I'm easy to please, especially when a piano sounds this good.

yamaha have skimped on the buttons meaning you have to use the keyboard itself as buttons to select different voices and features - this is fine most of the time but you can't do quick patch changes while playing - it's not the best piano for gigging.

it's not bristling with features but that's not why you'd buy it. You buy this for the piano action which is very good, and the piano sounds which are good for the money. Annoying lack of a line out socket - have to use the headphones socket and this switches off the speakers so can't use them for monitoring.

I love the two acoustic piano sounds though they are very similar. I also like the Rhodes piano . Disappointed there's no Hammond organ sounds.

Very expressive keyboards, well matched to the voices.

it's not got the most robust case - you can't throw it about. No key cover. But I doubt it's going to go wrong unless you are very silly with it.

there is nothing on the market for the money that comes close. A musician's piano. Very enjoyable to play with headphones.
I have a Yamah upright and the key touch is similar (although the sound is quite different.)