Yamaha PSR E423 digital keyboard - hands on review & USP features

Yamaha PSR E423 digital keyboard.
(Please forgive all my mistakes!! - I am still learning for the past 6 weeks when I made this but am finding the keyboard an excellent instrument to do so.)

[@TomStrong]

Very much so. Yamaha are probably the most experienced in terms of introducing new people through the learning process. The in built tutorials(where you are stepped through first single notes while being accompanied & then through to chords) as well as features like adjustable metronome all add to that. Makes this an excellent and helpful & user friendly electric keyboard. This sounds great and FEELs great to! Recommended. Good luck!

[@BourgeoisPhotography]

+TomStrongReviews could this keyboard be used with software like Cubase 7 and some high end plug-ins ????

[@TomStrong]

+BourgeoisPhotography Sorry, i do not know what Cubase 7 is, nor how it communicates to devices so feel unable to respond.

[@TomStrong]

+BourgeoisPhotography hopefully someone else can help you out..

[@FlyingPancreas]

Excellent, very thorough review! Thank you. I've been looking for something like this for my wife - just something to noodle around on, learn, experiment. You've just helped me decide. I think she'll love it. Many thanks.

[@TomStrong]

Sorry - I am not a good enough player to make any 'how to play' videos. There are plenty of other better videos for that on KZbin etc. This one is more about the Yamaha keyboard itself. Letting you see & hear its features.

[@TomStrong]

Yes. Here is the section from the user manual: "EG: Envelope Generator effects determine how the level of the sound varies over time. You can make the attack faster for a more percussive sound or slower for a violin-like sound, for example. Or you can lengthen or shorten the sustain to most ideally match the music." It is a mode setting and then use of one of the knobs.

[@dutchvanderlinde8424]

Sup

[@williamtsol636]

that was a great video !! thank you ! do you have anymore videos on the rest of the controls and their functions on this unit ??

[@TomStrong]

+William Goble Thanks for your comment. Alas, this is one hobby that I dabbled in and found I just could not get over the hurdle of reading sheet music and have not used it for almost a year now. Its a great keyboard, sounds great. Did everything I wanted to do with it and more... But I never got to the level I could competently demonstrate this and be musically accurate in my videos... So... No and none are planned. Sorry.

[@williamtsol636]

+Tom Strong Reviews ok cool !!! well thanks for making this one !!! it helped !!

[@TomStrong]

Thanks for your feedback - Glad it helped. There is a analogue volume knob. In this video I have it on about 60% volume. You can see it on the left side of the unit. Near the left speaker.

[@TomStrong]

BTW - That video link is wonderful! Great player & Music. Has a full size keyboard. Really difficult to compare sound over a KZbin video recording. How much does that digital Keyboard cost ?

[@TomStrong]

Yes, plenty of 'voice sets' are percussion. From a standard 'Drum Kit' to more esoteric and exotic sounds. If you listen to near the end of the video you hear a few of them. The Cymbals etc all sound very good, crisp and defined.

[@TomStrong]

You are most welcome. I am glad you found my video useful. It is a great keyboard and I hope you really enjoy playing it! (+ Many thanks for the feedback)

[@TomStrong]

The speakers are - In My Honest Opinion - Very good!. They sound very clear and can play at a reasonable volume. I listened to many different makes and models in a store that ranged in price from £200.00 to £500.00 and this sounded as good as any up to £500.00.

[@TomStrong]

I find it great! I hope she enjoys it as well. Thank you for your feedback :)

[@TomStrong]

This is not particularly cheap - but it is very good value. The sounds are very warm & detailed. You might loose that with a cheaper model. But if you do not need all of the USP that this keyboard offers & price is the main sticking point.... Better to have an electronic keyboard than not. Go with whatever option gets you playing & learning! You can always sell & upgrade in a year or twos time. Good Luck! :D

[@TomStrong]

Yes. Yamaha support MIDI files (all formats) very comprehensively. Here is what Yamaha say >> "The built-in tone generator can handle virtually any MIDI song file--from commercially available music data to songs created on computer or other MIDI instruments. Naturally, it plays back conventional GM song data, but it also is compatible with the enhanced XGlite format, ensuring high sound quality."

[@TomStrong]

Primarily The Control Knobs, Arpeggiator and Pitch Bend 'wheel'. You get real-time control for filtering the main melody tone, and changing the tempo of the arpeggio just like an analog synthesiser. (Something not seen in this price range) The Pitch Bend wheel brings Voices alive !! (Try with Sax or Trumpet - Wow) and.. The voices sound better and sweeter than almost any device in this price range. The Arpeggio feature automatically generates chord based phrases.

[@TomStrong]

Yes you can. Yamaha fully support this via a pc usb link up & the yamaha site & sound libraries.

[@TomStrong]

You are welcome. Thanks for the questions & comments. :)

[@TomStrong]

Maybe make some tests: 1) Listen through headphones. (to see if it is the sound generator or just a speaker) 2) Hold the case firmly down when hitting a key. (In case it is just case vibration) Hope that helps.

[@jemiasvu9155]

Video was posted 9 years ago so this is a long shot but I was wondering if you knew anything about a loop option for playing recordings? so one could play over the loop

[@TomStrong]

Yes it does have 5 dedicated choir voices: Choir, Vocal Ensemble, Air Choir, Grand Choir and Vox Humana

[@maribalam]

have you ever tried to use it as a midi controller? I mean you install the drivers in PC from the yamaha site, hook the keyboard up to PC via USB and then play any VST(software instruments) in programs like fl studio,ProTools,cubase or garageband if you use mac. I know it can record what you play on the keyboard via usb on the PC however the yamaha site does not clearly states if it works as midi. so I am counting on your response. thanx

[@TomStrong]

I have only had this for 7 months and am still only learning myself. Mostly playing with a single instrument voice and occasionally 'Split' the keyboard. The only 'percussion' I have is the metronome to help me with my timing! Sorry I am not of any help here!

[@TomStrong]

The Yamaha DGX-630 is in a higher price bracket. The reviews I have read say that it does sound very good as a Grand Piano... Not sure this unit can compare. To my ears - this sounds good as a piano. But you can still tell it is a Digital keyboard... Good luck on finding what you want and post a video once you mastered that song!

[@victoriax3497]

Can you turn the volume up and down? Really good review :) You helped me a lot!

[@namikshukurov4957]

Отличный инструмент,непотерявший актуальность за годы Он у меня с 2010 года

[@TomStrong]

You copy it on to use. The Yamaha then can 'store' the music you play in a memory. (But it does make a sound file as such. It records what keys you press and the voice you use, duration etc etc You can edit and replay this etc) Then you can copy the file off and with the right program/s listen to and edit etc. You really should look at the Yamaha site. They explain it all there really well.

[@TomStrong]

Yes it does. If you watch the video when I turn around and over the keyboard you will see the socket and I point out that you may also want an adaptor to accept the small sized headphone jack. I hope that helps and you can see what I mean :)

[@kathyunderdown5016]

Thank you so much. I already have my organ.

[@TomStrong]

The PSR E423 can be powered either by the supplied power adapter or by batteries. I use batteries myself out of choice. But you decide. :)

[@TomStrong]

I do not know enough to answer you. What is a DAW ? Maybe try the Yamaha web site ?

[@heroknaderi]

I got one as a gift 🎁 I eventually sold it and got a korg m50 I now miss the e423

[@TomStrong]

I haven’t any other keyboard to compare, but know I will keep this one forever. so good and easy to get on with.

[@EmanBrionesVilla]

Hey man I’ve been wanting that keyboard but I don’t know where I can buy it.

[@TomStrong]

This was bought for me +12 months ago now. I suggest you look on line. Price all depends on availability, your country / currency etc.

[@TomStrong]

I have not gotten onto moving music off this device and onto a keyboard. The Yamaha web site has all the necessary details and software etc to download for free.

[@maryburke7365]

I would have liked to know if there are any beats on it. What I saw is definitely not what I want. Lots of buttons that were not even touched.

[@TomStrong]

You have some local 'Save space' into which you can save your music as well as the ability to hook this up to a computer. The Yamaha web site has lots of support and details. Fully supported. :)

[@TomStrong]

No, but it does support and play MIDI files. "XGlite Tone Generator - Best sound, widest compatibility. The built-in tone generator handles virtually any MIDI song file--from commercially available music data to songs created on computer or other MIDI instruments. Naturally, it plays back conventional GM song data, but it also is compatible with the enhanced XGlite format, ensuring high sound quality"

[@TomStrong]

One way is that you can play one & store it into one of the memory banks - so that it can then be played back & accompany you.

[@TomStrong]

I do not have a PSR E333 with which to compare and so cannot say.

[@ArravTwitch]

How can you record without the drums in the background, and get it into the computer?

[@ParisAngel123]

How do you get sustain without a pedal on this model?

[@TomStrong]

ParisAngel123 It's not a full Prdal Sustain, but you can use Reverb Sustain that lengthens whatever you play for longer. Be that held down key or not depending on how you use the reverb.

[@fatima.c8111]

If you put your headphones in, you'll get a perfect sustain sound (you need an adapter if it's normal sized headphones)!! 😊😊

[@pianistanime9803]

+Tom Strong Reviews its not call reverb sustain" there both different user

[@pianistanime9803]

+ParisAngel123 Press function keys repeat until you see sustain then use arrow to change yes or no, Second use find reverb set it too hall 2 and 073.

[@TomStrong]

It creates a very good Piano sound. Does it sound like a real piano costing 10 times this cost ? No. But for this price range - you will be hard to find anything that comes close. Yes you can connect this to a PC to download music / sounds etc.

[@JimBailey]

Great review. Thanks. :)

[@TomStrong]

You are most welcome. Thanks for leaving your comment :D

[@TomStrong]

Thx. Glad you found it of some use. :)

[@Abdurraoof80]

Thanks anyway. Western music divides an octave into 12 equal steps but Middle Eastern music divides it into 24 steps so you have half flat and half sharp tones. I was wondering whether I can play Maqams on this instrument.

[@crumpetandmyrtle]

So where exactly are the unique selling points?

[@anazafra9200]

I've got a question! Does the keyboard have connection for headphones? I mean, could I be playing and listening to the sounds while nobody else notices? (not native English :P)

[@thomasvanpoppel6561]

Is it possible to set the keyboard in a way so that if I let a key go, the tune doesn't stop immediately, but it loses volume slowly?

[@officialrohinmusic]

You will need a sustain peddle :)

[@ignajara]

or change "release" with the knob

[@Molluscful]

Uncanny - I have just watched the review and was thinking the same thing... and then I read this in the comments :-D Decent review I thought - I want one.

[@amwin7]

how would u record your own music on this piano, is it possible to make instrumentals; use it like a midi??

[@ashu84090]

I have the same keyboard but my left speaker makes a slight cracking sound when i hit the base keys little harder and the cracking sound comes even more loud when i increase the release.Is my keyboard is having a defect ?? ii I did not notice this earlier may be i dint use to listen the sound with much concentration.. m a begginer and i got this keyboard 8 months ago... p

[@Abdurraoof80]

can you play quarter tones, half flat, half sharp tones? does it have microtonal support ?

[@ashrafmahmoud2017]

how i can operate the rhythms and switch between different rhythm styles, i mean rhythm not songs ?

[@joevsanchez7280]

Hi mate, I have the same keyboard as you,, I just need some help, do you have a link of the list of the voice or tone? I'm having a hard time looking for some of the tone that I need for a certain songs like the bell sound? response is highly appreciated. Thanks mate.

[@cobyspies3015]

look up at the top right of the keyboard where it says voice. Find the sound you want e.g percussion(bells). Type in the value using the number pad and use the scroll wheel to find the specific sound you want.

[@paytonlawhenore6060]

How much is this keyboard?

[@TomStrong]

When this was bought some years ago it cost circa £350. It is probably cheaper now.

[@lewikj186]

Probably £160.00

[@mollies13]

199.99 amwrican money

[@anazafra9200]

thank you! oh gosh...this keyboard is fantastic:)

[@TomStrong]

It is online - Get into Google and type: "help owl psr e423 voice list" it will then be the top search. They have extracted just the pages that you need.

[@TomStrong]

Unfortunately I have not tried anything 'advanced' and am just a casual player and most certainly still very much a learner still. Sorry I could not be of more help.

[@TomStrong]

..and yes - When you plug in headphones. The volume of the keyboard goes silent. So no one can hear you playing. Only the headphone wearer can hear the music. :D

[@MoeRamirez91]

Does it have choir sounds? If not, can you download them?

[@aninditachattopadhyay7755]

I'm 16 and I want a keyboard to support my hobby. Do you think this is a good choice or should I buy something else cheaper.

[@terminus9168]

Did you buy this one?

[@mollies13]

Are you here to learn? Do you know how to use keybosrd or where to press the keys? Just doing it for fun?

[@shadowman852006]

Nice video thanks for the info if I can't find this one at any of my local stores I'm hoping to get a psr e413 or a psr e433

[@arminchaharlang4872]

Hello good time . Is it possible to connect this keyboard to an iPad?

[@TomStrong]

Not as far as I know. Just PC and MAC.| www.manualslib.com/manual/340286/Yamaha-Psr-E423.html?page=73

[@GuestOfGregoryHouse]

can you download new voices to it? It's just I really want a voice that sounds like a sort of beach boys/surf music type organ sound if you know what i mean :)

[@BlessShowmick]

Hey, can anyone tell me how to turn on sustain on this yamaha psr e423?

[@TomStrong]

FYI - I am a very large gentleman. At 6 foot 7 inches tall, things can sometimes appear smaller than they are.

[@priyanthameemeduma2326]

Though this keyboard is extremely good, some of its functions are not really needed by the majority of players. Its arpeggio feature, though advanced, have little place in my playing. I mostly use the synthesizer effects - usually analog - though a digital synthesizer also is on board. I cannot incorporate arpeggio function into my compositions.

[@TomStrong]

You have asked questions that I do not know the answer to or even understand! (My only advice can be that you look at the tech specs available on the Yamaha web site.)

[@TomStrong]

I have not used the USB socket at all as yet so can not speak from experience. You may be better off looking at the many Yamaha support forums. E.g - yamahaforums co uk

[@andytsen1490]

does this piano have the option to connect to your pc?

[@TomStrong]

Yes, as I mention in my video. Here is the page from the manual that covers this in detail: www.manualslib.com/manual/340286/Yamaha-Psr-E423.html?page=73#manual

[@andytsen1490]

Tom Strong Reviews Thanks dude!!

[@TomStrong]

You are most welcome. :)

[@AliBabas40Ninjas]

DAW = Digital Audio Workstation - software that allows you to mix and record audio, like ProTools, Cakewalk, Cubase, etc :)

[@MiLoTi85]

how can i add song on to this?

[@romnomnomnomnomnom]

do this keyboard can adjust the attack of the notes :)?

[@djfreebey]

the usb on back that for song makers like MakeMusic Finale and overs softwere also can it play thing like violin and overs instruments how they sound to a real ones

[@SuperCzar66]

Should I get yamaha ypt 210 or 230? If you know these two? And how much does each cost

[@mollies13]

They are beginnwe learning how to play piano. Are you a noob level? If not step up

[@GabrielSerranoPastor]

It's a Yamaha DGX-630, really spensive 800$ on amazon 88 keys. I just want to play that song and many others with that sound quality but i can't pay 800$. And thanks for answering.. HTT - Tenshi ni Fureta yo!

[@m3xic4n91]

Does this keyboard have a MIDI input?

[@GabrielSerranoPastor]

Can you use it on your Pc? a i just want to start playing my favorite songs.. does it sound same as a piano? can i play this song with the same sound in this keyboard? /watch?v=tGSkoEuggOI&list=LLyBZSKdTZTfdDN1RUJj4FFQ&feature=mh_lolz

[@ambarsariyarockstarfanpage]

can u plzz upload some lesson of this one i need to learn it i dont knoe hw to use left hand according to chords if u can plzz help :]

[@KAPONERS]

yes you can, just checked the user manual

[@NandanaGunamuni-kz9ky]

How to service this instrument.

[@TomStrong]

Contact your local Yamaha dealer?

[@TomStrong]

I only own and have experience of this model PSR E423 so am unable to help you.

[@Synthematix]

no 5pin din midi ports though thats a huge letdown

[@TomStrong]

+ watch at 05:53 to see the batteries.

[@bideberripejuancruz7240]

Yamaha e423 or E363?

[@TomStrong]

I only have this E423 so cant comment. However here is some other comments: Benjamin Tolentino Jr., Guitarist..bassist...and drummer Answered Dec 20 2017 · Author has 247 answers and 414.4k answer views Although PSR E453 is marketed as beginner keyboard, (top model), the reality is it isnt. Beginner keyboards should let the player focus on playing, so the keyboard shpuld be straight forward. By contrast to the PSR E363 the latter is more focused on learning to play and nothing else. It also has 64 note polyphony like the E453, but like I said beginner cannot exceed even 32 poly keyboard. As a beginner, the PSR E363 is practical. But if you wish to have fancy keyboard with lots of functions and also live and pitch controls, go for E453. But at that pace most likely youre not focused on learning anymore.

[@mollies13]

Any

[@thanujsingaravelan9891]

its a pitch bend dude........

[@TomStrong]

thanuj singaravelan Thanks for the correction. I will add a note to my video.

[@mrbeanie8523]

Does it work with pc?

[@mollies13]

Yes

[@nguyenieeontwitch5886]

How do you set it up

[@TomStrong]

It works as shown out of the box. just insert batteries or power supply.

[@donmarkbersabal6968]

If the key did not play..other key is play

[@MoeRamirez91]

Thanks!

[@zebraqueeef]

I was wondering if this or the Yamaha YPG-235 is a better keyboard can anyone help?

[@mollies13]

Ypg235 is mainly focus on piano learning with that 76 notes keys it has better sound quality piano doesnt mean psr e423 is bad. Psr e423 focus on for those already know how to play piano know where to hit the keys, made for create your own music or play piano for fun or learn knew music which you know the keys alrewdy. Why is 61 keys cause is not made for learning piano but you can learn new song experience.

[@veikovalge3973]

does it have headphone jack

[@TomStrong]

Yes. As shown later in the video.

[@veikovalge3973]

Thanks

[@pianistanime9803]

I guess your still learning about setting, I can help you to learn to use em but nah it wont be that easy!

[@TomStrong]

+Pianist Anime Yes. Very much still learning!

[@pianistanime9803]

Yes, I do know how to use a keyboard any but for some feature I well only give you one since i dont have your same keyboard. You need to learn about lesson how to become a master make your room sound better. Touch soft hard medium this mean it act like a true piano but since you 3 selection its about costimize your taste. Reverb is also is to let you have a feeling being in a concert Reverb is at your taste not mine. set it too your taste, I set mine to room 1 cause I use in my small room. and this is why I choose yamaha" Yes I do Casio keyboard but not much opton to do here!

[@mollies13]

Not to worrie

[@bcnhsgrade8-3vlogs15]

Am i hearing chris hemsworth ??

[@TomStrong]

Ha! My pre-hollywood era has been uncovered.

[@qhuantxawghamchannel1663]

Yes here

[@mollies13]

Yog mas

[@ArravTwitch]

Hmm. Alright, thanks for the information though!

[@TomStrong]

*blush* No.. That's a new one. Thanks :) (I wish I had the wit and wisdom of David Mitchell..)

[@GuestOfGregoryHouse]

ok thanks for replying to me mate

[@user-hs7ms2qz8q]

Can u show us a psr E453

[@TomStrong]

Sorry, I just have this one Yamaha.

[@mollies13]

Yes i can

[@lewikj186]

I use these at school

[@rxdofficiel]

we have this keyboard! Now, you can watch us song in us channel