Binding: Electronics Brand: Yamaha Feature: Great keyboard for home and stage performers Label: Yamaha Manufacturer: Yamaha Publisher: Yamaha Studio: Yamaha
Features
Great keyboard for home and stage performers Graded hammer effect sounds just like a piano PC interface for computer connectivity Two-track sequencer for composing Ultra-slim and lightweight design
Editorial Reviews:
Whether you're practicing at home, playing with the band, or doing a live solo performance, the Yamaha P80 88-Key Graded Hammer Effect Digital Piano offers the features you need. The P80 boasts superb acoustic and electric piano voices, along with a number of other essential instruments such as organs, bass, and even strings. Thanks to the "graded hammer effects" on this keyboard, the action is as close to that real thing as you can get. Leave it to Yamaha, a world leader in acoustic pianos, to develop a keyboard with action that's virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. Just as on a traditional acoustic piano, the keys of the lower notes have a heavier touch, while the higher ones are more responsive to lighter playing. The keyboard's sensitivity can even be adjusted to match your playing style.
The P80 delivers heavyweight performance in a slim and lightweight design. Weighing in at a mere 37 pounds, this digital piano is ideal for gigging musicians or those with space constraints in their home. Although the P80 might be slim in size, it is not slim on features. The P80 is loaded with a 64-note polyphony and a substantial inventory of voices including classical, jazz, rock, strings and more. The P80's onboard sequencer lets you record an entire performance and play it back at the touch of a button. After you're satisfied with your first track, you can go back and record a solo or backup part using the two-track sequencer.
The P80 also features MIDI in/out connections, and a "to host" port, which allows for single-cable connections with computers and other supporting devices. These advanced interfacing capabilities make the P80 a great choice for use as both a MIDI controller/sound source and a live-performance instrument.
Other features include dual headphone outputs, allowing for easy instructional and collaborative use; a sustain pedal; a detachable music stand; and a built-in metronome. Conveniently positioned front panel controls are also provided for immediate access to tuning, transposition and brilliance settings.
What's in the Box Yamaha P80 88-Key Graded Hammer Effect Digital Piano, music stand, sustain pedal, PA-3B AC adaptor, and user's manual.
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: Best compromise Comment: When I needed something portable for silent practice of classical techniques and repertoire my choice was the Yamaha P80. It is the best compromise. The sound is near enough to a real piano, the action is close enough that skills transfer, it is easily portable, and the built in speakers mean that it is usable just as it is, as a self contained unit, with no extras. Compared to the offerings from other makers it was the long sustain of the Yamaha sound that made it stand out for me. Looking at the other features: 64 note polyphony makes the pedal usable even for things like long glissandos - in fact it is better than Yamaha's own Silent System Grand pianos which offer only 32. Then factor in the price and I could not see the point of paying more for any of the pianos "higher up" Yamaha's range which sounded at best marginally better, and felt exactly the same to play. The other extras - other instruments, built in metronome and recorder, MIDI output are just icing, though for some they will be key features.
However, the advertiser's claims that the sound and feel are identical to an acoustic piano are way over the top. The sound is always recognisably electronic, and becomes more so as you hear more of it during hours of practice. It is especially so when you play staccato, sforzando, or with pedal. And the action is quite unique, better than an organ or early electric piano, but still unlike an acoustic piano. Despite the weighted keys there is no sensation of a "bite-point" at which the hammers are launched, and there is always an unnatural, slightly springy feel to the return of the notes. So it is not quite what Yamaha claim, but it is is still a useful practice instrument for the traditional pianist and emulates enough of a real piano that what you learn on the P80 you can play on an acoustic.
I chose the P80 as a "silent practice" tool but if you are not a traditional pianist, and are buying this as an instrument in its own right, perhaps for gigging with a rock or jazz band, or for schmoozing at wedding receptions, then I don't think you'll be disappointed either. Customer Rating: Summary: Splendid Sounds, Solid Construction Comment: If you can still find one used, buy it quick! I bought my P-80 in 2000 and after countless gigs in all types of environments and weather the instrument remains a flawless performer to this day and has yet to see the inside of a repair shop. I think this model has been discontinued and the newer generation of Yamaha portable 88s don't have the soul or the features of the earlier models as, like me, you will discover on your trips to the music store. The sound engine of the P80 is a sampled Yamaha grand and is easily the best sounding portable digital piano for its price range on the market today. The "Jazz Organ" (no chorus or vibrato)patch leaves a lot to be desired --- maybe a bit too "electronic" sounding for my taste-- but it's quickly made up for by the rich sounding electric pianos (DX7 and Rhodes) and string orchestra patches. Weighing in at around 40 lbs. the 80 is no lightweight and I would absolutely recommend a cloth carrying case if you will be the one lugging this sweetheart from gig to gig. The P80 is perfect for the beginner with limited space or the uncomprimising club musician whose looking for that authentic acoustic piano sound. Customer Rating: Summary: terrific supplemental instrument Comment: great practice instrument esp if you live in an apartment or need off-hour practicing. Outstanding simulation of a weighted keyboard. A little heavy to be a true portable (probably around 40 lbs, maybe double that with a rolling hardcover case), but a terrific instrument for practice and most uses. IMHO as good as, or better, than many of the Roland or Korg units which are priced much higher. (I am not a Yamaha employee when I say this.) Customer Rating: Summary: Yamaha P-80 Digital Keyboard Comment: Great digital keyboard for beginners or teachers. Weighted keys add a realistic feel and provide finger strengthening. Full sized, with 88 keys, from low A to high C. Control Panel allows adjustment of volume, metronome, demos, record & playback, voice/variation, effects and reverb. Keyboard can connected directly to MAC or IBM/PC compatible computers via the MIDI IN/OUT connectors and a MIDI interface...
