Yamaha YPT400/YPT400AD/YPT400MS?

[kwjohns]

I am looking to learn to play the piano, so I've been looking around for a keyboard that would be good to start on. I am wanting something that will interact well with my computer (I'm a computer geek) and ended up finding and liking the look of the Yamaha YPT-400 model keyboard on Yamaha's site.

As I was searching around for different prices, I saw that shopping.com listed 3 different models:

YPT400
YPT400AD
YPT400MS

I didn't see any mention of these different models on Yamaha's website. Does anyone happen to know the difference between the three?

And what does everyone think about this being a piano to start out on?

[sirpazhan]

they're all the same..... its normal.  That's why you cannot find any information.  Yamaha just likes to throw people off like that,,  different vendors and distributors have a letter here and there different... however,, they are all the YPT-400 ,,,

similar story,, I purchased a plasma,, PD-5060,,, I went to best-buys,, exact same thing,, it was called PD-5061,, I even called the manufacturer, and they said its normal.

,, I just hope you know what you're buying,, cause if I were you,, I would not start on that model ... first it has 61 keys,, and second,, its touch sensitive.

[kwjohns]

Ok, thanks for the info! Would you mind explaining why those two things are not good for a beginner to start on and if it's increased difficulty, would it be hard to overcome (I'm a total newb)? The four models of "entry level" keyboards that Yamaha has on their site are 61 key and two of them are touch sensitive. What would you suggest?

I was just not wanting to have to spend a bit on a keyboard only to have to purchase a new and better one in a year because I've "outgrown" it per se and was going to go ahead and get a better one so it will last.

Thanks for your reponse!

[sirpazhan]

basically thats it,, you don't want to go and purchase another keyboard in a year or so.... from the four in the 'entry level' section,, you can only go with either the:

PSRE303
or
YPT-300

only because you need the 'touch response' -- do not get a keyboard without it.. you'll just be wasting you money..  I would also suggest looking into a keyboard with at least a 'semi-weighted' action or keys.   Its all about budget... honestly,, I think a 76 key would be the best... however,, its all money,, with a 150-200 dollar budget,, you really don't have much to choose from.

[kwjohns]

I'm sorry, it sounds like I'm getting a little confused.

I thought you meant I should get a keyboard with a different number of keys and without touch sensitivity. When I used the example of Yamaha's entry level keyboards, I was just pointing out that they have it on those, so why would it be something they say to start out, but bad in the case of the YPT-400, because you then mentioned that if I were going to get an entry level to get the two models you mentioned, because they have the touch sensitivity?

Are you saying that the YPT400 isn't a good enough model and that I will be wanting to upgrade from it soon?

[sirpazhan]

okay, let me explain this in layman's term.

 best choice: (never grow out of it)
-88 keys
-graded hammer action
-ie:model P70


recommended choice: (grow out of it in a long time)
-76 keys
-semi-weighted (lightened) action, or better (hammer)
-ie:DGX203 (yamaha doesn't have 76 keys semi-weighted)


no other choice:(you'll grow out of it) ie: YPT-300/400
-61 keys
-w/ touch response (harder you hit, louder the sound)
-ie: YPT-300/400 (not a bad choice, but you will grow out of it)


don't confuse yourself with terms like: after-touch, or pressure/sensitive velocity.. etc etc... it will not affect someone who just wants to learn piano.

It's also best to look into other makes like Roland(expensive), Korg(expensive), Casio(cheap), Maudio(cheap).  You can also consider a second hand unit,, some music stores will even sell used keyboards.

hope this clears it somewhat.

[kwjohns]

Ahh ok, thanks!.. I appreciate the information!