The Bottom Line
A great supplemental synth. You’ll get some really smooth, genuine voices from this model straight out of the box – extra stars for that considering its size. USB connectivity and flash storage are extra bonuses not typically found on inexpensive portables.
There are only 61 keys, which is sufficient for learning but won’t be enough past the beginner-intermediate level. As you progress, you’ll begin to notice the missing notes, and keyboards with 76 notes can still be found in this price range (although perhaps without the same quality of tones). If the authenticity of built-in voices takes precedence over keyboard range at this point in your musical pursuit, I would absolutely recommend this model.
Pros
- Quality voices
- Pitch bend wheel
- Built-in chord library & lessons
- Recording on 6 tracks & flash storage
- Lightweight at just under 16 lbs.
Cons
- No Sustain pedal included
- Power adaptor not included (see Accessories, below)
- Software only compatible with Windows
Description
- Keys: 61
- Polyphony: 32-note
- Touch Sensitivity: Yes; 3 velocity settings, or off
- Reverb/Chorus: 9 reverb settings; 4 chorus
- Arpeggiator: 150 types
- Metronome: Yes; 11-280 BPM
- Available Colors: Black
Review of Yamaha PSR-E423
Price: $230 for keyboard; $265 for bundle (see Bundle Package, below)
Keys & “Action”:
The keys are lighter than those of a digital piano, but held their weight comparably well; they feel somewhat plastic-y, but lack that hollow, overly-artificial quality found on many portable keyboards.
There are three preset levels of touch-sensitivity, or the feature can be turned off completely. Some voices – such as the harpsichords and organs – are not touch-sensitive at all, mimicking the real instruments.
Splitting is supported, meaning two different voices can be played on either end. The split-point is adjustable, but only the right side of this point is layerable (more below).
Transposition from -12 to +12.
Voices:
Keyboard includes 183 voices, 462 XGlite tones, and 15 drum and effects kits. Voices may be “dual-layered” so that two different voices can be played simultaneously.
Available tones include:
- 18 Pianos; acoustic, electric, harpsi- & clavichords
- 15 Organs; pipe (of varying dispositions), jazz & reed
- 5 Accordions
- 22 Guitars; 13 treble & 9 bass
- 35 Strings & orchestra ensembles
- 46 Brass & woodwind
- Vibes, bells & other pitched percussion
… and more.
Keyboard Speakers & Quality:
The two integrated 2.5W speakers are good, but I’ve heard better on less expensive Yamaha models … although I would not call them poor, just weak. For voices with demanding timbres like strings and reed organs, there was light cracking in the mid-to-high treble octaves at louder volumes. Bass instruments sounded great.
Speakers automatically turn off when the headphones input jack is in use – whether by earphones or an external amp – which prevents feedback, interference, or startling noises.
Included Accessories:
Package includes:
- Music rest
- Lesson software CD-ROM
Optional accessories which may be purchased separately include:
- 12V AC power supply adapter (models # PA-130 or PA-3C) – $15-$25
- Sustain footswitch (model # FC5)
- Piano-style sustain pedal (models # FC4 or dual-zone FC3) – $25-$30; $30-$45, respectively
- Keyboard stand (model # L3C) – $30-$35
PSR-E423 Bundle Package Accessories:
The bundle package for the PSR-E423 includes the keyboard; stereo headphones; AC power supply, and sustain footswitch.
Inputs:
○ 1/4" headphone/OUT jack○ USB (cable not included)
○ Sustain pedal input, 1/4"
See More Yamaha Instrument Reviews:
■ P95 - 88-Key■ Piaggero NP-V80 - 76-Key
■ NP-30 - 76-Key
■ YPG-235 - 76-Key
■ EZ-200 - 61-Key Lighted Keyboard
