The Yamaha MM8 synthesizer features 418 Voices and 22 Drum Kits on board, all based on the dynamic, realistic sounds of the advanced MOTIF synthesizers. These exceptionally high-quality sounds range from authentic acoustic instruments to wild, unique and in-your-face synth Voices. An extra set of GM Voices is built into the instrument as well, giving you all you need to play back songs recorded in that popular format.

With so many Voices to choose from, you might think it’s difficult to select the ones you need. Not so. The convenient Category Search function lets you choose the type of instrument you want to play - organ, guitar, synth, lead, strings, whatever - then select the specific Voice. All your favorite sounds are right at your fingertips, ready to play when you are.

The new Yamaha MM8 synthesizer will available in June 2008. For more information on Yamaha keyboards and synthesizers, visit the music instrument music store at www.AndysMusicOnline.com.

Yamaha ’s best selling console digital pianos - the YDP series - now have a name customers can ask for instead of only a number. ARIUS is the newest name in digital pianos and is sure to stand for the quality and piano-realism Yamaha has come be known for.

A combination of “Aureus” (Latin for “golden”) and “Aria”, ARIUS can be taken literally to mean “golden song” and there are two new models that are sure to live up to their moniker.

The Yamaha ARIUS YDP140 and ARIUS YDP160 have improved upon the YDP213 and YDP323 in tone, touch, and cabinetry. New piano Voices featuring 3-layer Dynamic Stereo Samples deliver true acoustic piano tone, while their Half-Damper Effect sustain pedals fluidly measure foot position for varying levels of sustain just like an acoustic piano.

The new dark alder YDP140 and dark rosewood YDP160 top-to bottom cabinetry replaces the walnut finish and Plexiglas music rests of the previous models for a more traditional console appearance.

All Yamaha ARIUS Home Digital Pianos include:

• 3-layer Dynamic Stereo Piano Samples
• 64 note polyphony
• User song record
• Adjustable touch response
• 50 Greats for the Piano music book

The ARIUS YDP160 digital piano will be available in May 2008, and the ARIUS YDP140 will ship in April. For more information on Yamaha digital pianos and keyboards, visit the music instrument music store at www.AndysMusicOnline.com.

Yamaha has upgraded its popular YPG line with a new selection of piano-focused Yamaha Portable Grands, the YPG635, YPG535 and YPG235. The three models (which replace the YPG-625, YPG-525 and YPG-225) are targeted to all levels of players. The YPG-635 includes weighted Graded Hammer action; the YPG-535 and YPG-235 feature a new Graded Soft Touch action and piano-style keys, providing top-quality playing experiences. Yamaha’s renowned durability and portability make these models perfect for educational labs and houses of worship.

YPG-635
The 88-key Yamaha YPG635 is a weighted graded hammer action portable keyboard. Upgrades from the previous model include 64-note polyphony, a beautiful matching bench and an optional three-pedal unit, along with additional DSP (Digital Signal Processing) effects that enable realistic sounding Distortion Guitar and Rotary Organ. It also includes USB MIDI and USB to Device for removable storage, along with a high resolution Live! Grand stereo sample, song recorder, score and lyric display.

“The YPG-635 offers an affordable, feature-packed portable keyboard,” said Mark Anderson, marketing manager, Portable Keyboards. “It also boasts an authentic grand piano-like touch: heavy in the low end, feathery light in the highs, and amazingly responsive throughout.”

Yamaha YPG535
The 88-key YPG-535 offers Graded Soft Touch action, USB connectivity and a stand, adapter and sustain pedal. Performance Assistance Technology ensures error-free performances and a Music Database provides complete keyboard setups by song title. The song recorder is easy to use, and five types of Master EQ allow players to adjust the sound. The model’s design accents also add an attractive touch.

YPG-235
The 76-key YPG235 features USB MIDI computer connectivity for quick and easy transfer of songs, Graded Soft Touch action, piano-style keys and a six-track song recorder. “The portable grand button is simplicity in itself, since it allows players to call up the best piano sound in the keyboard and simply play,” said Anderson. “USB allows customers to add additional songs and play along.”

The YPG-635  will ship in June 2008. Models YPG-535  and YPG-235 are scheduled to ship in April 2008.  

Yamaha has recently announced the introduction of the P85 and P85S digital pianos. The new models will replace the existing P70 and P70S models. The P85 and P85S feature 88 weighted action keys, 62 note polyphony, 10 voices, metronome, sequencer, and much more.

 Also available are the matching keyboard stands L85 and L85S and the LP5 pedal set. We should receive these new digital pianos in the latter part of January.

Effective November 1, 2007, the Yamaha P140 and P140S digital pianos will have a new low price of $999.99.

The P140 digital piano has three separate layers of stereo samples each set at a different velocity, Dynamic Stereo Sampling changes not only the volume, but also the harmonic structure of the notes depending on how hard you play the keyboard – just like a real acoustic piano! An exclusive fourth sample layer recreates a piano’s unique sustain resonance whenever the damper pedal is pressed, while key-off samples add even the subtle sounds of felt dampers coming to rest on piano strings. Better still, the P140’s highly efficient built-in powered speaker system directs your music forward for unbeatable sound.

At the new price, the Yamaha P140 is definitely a bargain!

Yamaha has designated October as Yamaha Music Month, and in each product category of music instruments - i.e. digital pianos, synths, guitars, etc. - they are providing Special Offers. For instance, if you buy a Yamaha YDP223 digital piano, you receive a free Home Companion Kit. If you purchase a Yamaha guitar - some models excluded - you get a free Yamaha Axe Pack.

The Yamaha YDP213 Digital Piano is designed for the serious hobbyist or aspiring musician. The YDP213 digital piano keyboard provides a realistic acoustic piano playing experience with the convenience of a digital instrument - it never needs tuning!

Besides outstanding sound, the YDP213 offers incredibly natural touch. Applying the know-how gleaned from over 100 years of crafting fine acoustic pianos, Yamaha has designed a remarkably expressive GHS (Graded Hammer Standard effect) keyboard. Unlike conventional digital piano keyboards that use springs or dampers to simulate piano feel, the GHS keyboard uses weights and mechanical linkages to provide a new level of realism. You’ll notice the difference it makes as soon as you start playing.

For a limited time starting October 1, 2007, when you purchase the Yamaha YDP213, you receive a free Yamaha Piano Home Companion Kit.

The Yamaha YDP323 digital piano uses Yamaha’s renowned AWM (Advanced Wave Memory) tone generation technology and Stereo Sampling. When you play a key on the YDP323, what you hear is a “sample”, or digital recording, of the same note on a high quality concert grand piano. This exceptionally realistic, natural acoustic sound makes the Yamaha YDP323 ideal for anyone wanting true piano tone.

Besides outstanding sound, the YDP-323 offers incredibly natural touch. Applying the know-how gleaned from over 100 years of crafting fine acoustic pianos, Yamaha created the highly acclaimed GH (Graded Hammer effect) keyboard. Unlike conventional digital piano keyboards that use springs or dampers to simulate piano feel, the GH keyboard uses weights and mechanical linkages to provide a new level of realism. You’ll notice the difference it makes as soon as you start playing.

For a limited time starting October 1, 2007, when you purchase the Yamaha YDP323, you receive a free Yamaha Piano Home Companion Kit.

The digital piano is a very popular musical instrument; it has its proponents and opponents. On the plus side, it’s very affordable, doesn’t weigh much - compared to an acoustic piano - and it has a good sound and weighted (on most models) keys; some models can connect to a computer. On the con side, the only real argument is that it doesn’t sound EXACTLY like a real piano, and that is true; it doesn’t have a soundboard to amplify the sound into a room, or a large resonant cabinet to aid in that amplification, or all the other parts of an acoustic piano that enhance its acoustic abilities. But overall, the good far out ways the (not so) bad.

The Clavinova digital pianos by Yamaha are some of the best sounding instruments available; they start in price below $2000 and go beyond $10,000! One of our popular models is the CLP230, which is similar to the Yamaha YDP223 digital piano. Both feature a very good weighted action and sound quality, attractive cabinet - would look good in a home, church or business - and can be purchased for under $2000.00. Other popular models include the Yamaha N100, YDP213, YDP323, and the recently introduced YDP-S30.

The digital pianos intended for professional use - on the road every night or in recording studios - are somewhat different. They have professional features, but not a fancy cabinet - it would not stand up to road use.  Popular models include both Yamaha and Roland keyboards -the Yamaha CP300 and CP33, and the Roland RD 700SX, FP7, and FP4 digital pianos.

On the very affordable side are the PX310 and PX110 Casio digital pianos. They also feature a weighted, 88-key action, good sound quality, and are priced at $599.99 and $499.99 respectively. They have been the price and performance leader in this category for a while now, and nothing should change until someone comes out with a “new and improved” version. We’ll just have to wait and see.

This article would not be complete without mention of the Yamaha P70 digital piano, which is available in black (P70) and silver (P70S), and priced at $599.99.  Both models feature an 88-key Graded Hammer Standard keyboard, AWM stereo sampling and 32 note polyphony. The Yamaha P70 series is very popular, and like the Casio mentioned above, is both affordable and practical.

For additional information on digital keyboards, visit the music instrument music store at www.AndysMusicOnline.com.

The Yamaha N100 Nocturne Grand combines modern and elegant design with traditional piano-styling. It is a new standard of style and sound. The Graded Hammer Effect (GH) keyboard on the N100 offers an authentic playing experience. The N100 is tastefully high-tech without being cold or uninviting, and the soft-blue glow of its control surface and its slow-close fallboard give the Nocturne a personality that’s elegantly modern.

The N100 digital piano wraps high-quality touch and tone into a package that features breakthrough design. The N100 boasts 88 Graded Hammer Effect, weighted-action keys; 64 notes of polyphony; 10 of Yamaha’s best keyboard voices (including Grand Piano, Electronic Piano, Pipe Organ, and Strings); and 50 built-in songs of standard piano repertoire that can play continuously. It also includes a spacious digital reverb that adds depth to its deceptively slim appearance and dual voice mode for the richer sound of two sounds playing together.

For complete information on the Yamaha N100, visit the music instrument music store at www.AndysMusicOnline.com.