The Bottom Line
A thin, lightweight surprise … I’m tempted to call this keyboard a digital piano. This would be great for someone in need of an easily portable (or storable) instrument with a large range.
The keys are not weighted, but since the keyboard is “graded,” this model remains a step up from other portables (see Keys & Action, below).
Pros
- Sustain pedal footswitch included
- Graded keyboard
- Pitch bend wheel
- Built-in recording capabilities
- Slim body & lightweight at just under 16 lbs.
Cons
- Keys are not weighted
- Power adaptor may not be included
- Keyboard stand must be purchased separately
Description
- Keys: 76
- Polyphony: 32-note
- Touch Sensitivity: Yes; 3 velocity settings, or off
- Reverb/Chorus: 9 reverb settings; 4 chorus
- Arpeggiator: 50 types
- Metronome: Yes; adjustable BPM and volume
- Available Colors: Black
Review - Yamaha Piaggero NP-V80
Price: $370-$400 for keyboard; $450-$490 for bundle (see Bundle Package, below)
Keys & “Action”:
The NP-V80 has unweighted keys (part of why this instrument remains lightweight and portable); however the keyboard is graded, meaning the bass keys feel heavier than the trebles. Personally, I quite like the feel of the keys … definitely a far cry from other portable keyboard models, and comparable to some heavier MIDI controller keyboards.
The keyboard’s touch-sensitivity (the ability to make a note loud or soft depending on how you press a key) can be adjusted or turned off. This model has three preset velocity settings to let you match the touch to the style of your playing.
Splitting is supported – meaning two different voices may be played on either end of the manual – and the exact point at which the split occurs may be adjusted. Additionally, the right side of the split point may be dual-layered (read below).
Transposition from -12 to +12.
Voices:
There are just over 125 built-in voices (plus more including drum kits and beat effects) as well as an additional 361 XGlite tones. The keyboard may be “dual-layered” so that two different voices can be played simultaneously; and the volume, reverb/chorus, speaker pan, and octave levels may be controlled individually for each layered voice (extra points for that!)
Available tones include:
- 17 Pianos; acoustic & electric
- 14 Organs; pipe (of varying dispositions), jazz & reed
- 18 Guitars; 10 treble & 8 bass
- Strings & orchestra
- Brass & woodwind
- Vibes, bells & other pitched percussion
… and more.
Keyboard Speakers & Quality:
The two integrated 6W speakers are on the more powerful side, at least for such a lightweight machine – I was admittedly surprised. They take bass tones in higher volumes pretty well compared to other portables, and there was no cracking in the high trebles. 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 loud noises.
Included Accessories:
Package includes:
- Sustain footswitch (model # FC5)
- 12V AC power supply*
- Music rest
- Lesson software CD-ROM
(* Power supply not always included, ask your retailer.)
Optional accessories which may be purchased separately include:
- Piano-style sustain pedal (models # FC4 or dual-zone FC3) – $25-$30; $30-$45, respectively
- Keyboard stand (model # L3C) – $30-$35
- 12V AC power supply adapter (models # PA-150 or PA-5D) – $15-$30
NP-V80 Bundle Package Accessories:
The bundle package for the NP-V80 includes the keyboard; x-style keyboard stand; cushioned piano bench; stereo headphones (model # HPE-150); protective dust cover in black; AC power supply; music rest.
Inputs:
○ 1/4" headphone/OUT jack○ USB (cable not included)
○ Sustain pedal input, 1/4"
See More Yamaha Instrument Reviews:
■ YPG-235 - 76-Key■ P95 - 88-Key
■ NP-30 - 76-Key
■ PSR-E423 - 61-Key
■ EZ-200 - 61-Key Lighted Keyboard
