Yamaha YDP-144 Review 

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Yamaha is a famous manufacturer of musical instruments and audio equipment, and therefore it's safe to say that everyone interested in any music has heard their name. They manufacture high-quality digital pianos, carefully produced with a real acoustic piano in mind. This ARIUS digital piano is a well-crafted instrument made possible by the culmination of over a century of advanced Yamaha technologies and expertise.

Yamaha YDP-143 was released three years ago in 2019, and it's an upgraded version of Yamaha-143, which was released in 2016. This model is an affordable digital piano ideal for hobbyists or students looking for an impressive instrument for their home. Even though it has not changed much from its predecessor, YDP-143, it is an excellent upgrade for anyone looking to upgrade from another model or trying out for the first time.

In this overview of Yamaha YDP-144, we have researched, reviewed and explained all features and details of this latest Yamaha digital piano. More importantly, we have compared the differences between this model and some models such as Yamaha YDP-143, its predecessor, Kawai KDP 110, Roland F-140r, Yamaha YDP184, and Casio PX-870.

Features

YDP-144 has the exact amounts of polyphony, the same number of speakers to choose from and the same choices for communication. Yamaha is making its Smart Pianist app on iOS devices a big selling point on the latest YDP-144, but there is no Bluetooth. Instead, you still need a USB cable and a dongle to attach to your smart device. In 2019, this was so old-fashioned!

Here's a list of features on the brand new Yamaha YDP-144:

a). Sound:

• Grand pianos × 3
• Electric pianos × 2
• Organs × 2
• Harpsichords
• Strings
• Vibraphone

b). Polyphony: 192 notes are enough to play all the pieces you may want as polyphony is how many notes can be played at once.

c). Key sensitivity:

• Fixed: turns off key sensitivity
• Soft
• Medium (default)
• Hard
• Key type: Piano Style
• Sounds: Number of sounds: 10

d). Reverb settings (each with ten levels):

• Recital Hall
• Concert Hall
• Chamber
• Club

e). Modes:

• Dual-mode: two instrument sound simultaneously
• Duo mode: split the keyboard into identical halves

f). Recording:

• One song with two tracks is helpful, especially for recording what you play to hear it later.
• 10 Demo songs and 50 piano songs
• Headphone jack × 2
• USB to Host port

g). Connectivity:

• USB to host connection
• Two headphone jacks to allow two people to play

h). Speaker system:

• 2 x 8W and this enough power for home rehearsals or with your friends
• Speaker on and off feature

i). Pedals:

• Three pedals
• Half-damper pedal control
• Soft, damper, sostenut

1. Design

The Look

The Yamaha YDP-144 is a console-style digital piano with a sleek and clean style with the same YDP-143 design and has imported some of its specifications. It's an electronic piano keyboard design with a smooth, elegant design good enough to handle home practice. The digital piano represents the traditional design of an acoustic piano while delivering the experience and technology of the modern digital piano.

In most house furnishings, it should fit comfortably with a classic piano look and with a first look, it looks the same as its predecessor with complete fully weighted 88-keys keyboard. You can see the impact of the fresh YDP-144 in various home scenarios on the Yamaha website.

The three finishes of Yamaha YDP-144

Depending on your space, you can choose between Rosewood, Black, and White finish. They all have on the ground a simulated wooden texture. Like the YDP-143, the key cover drops in and out of the cabinet.

Music Rest

The music is collapsible on the YDP-144. This is again the same as the YDP-143 music rest.

It is disappointing to see that there is no upgrade on the page holder beneath the music rest. It is still very small and does not hold pages effectively.

Foldable Music Rest of Yamaha YDP-163

Because it's identical to the YDP-143 music rest, I have the same complaint that it's neither broad enough nor high enough. This music rest is only efficient in supporting a book of scores. If you are using printed sheet music on A4 paper, the rest of the music would quite frequently collapse on itself.

2. Controls

Generally, digital pianos come with more control options, and various sound options can be modified according to your choices and needs. Unfortunately, the YDP-144 controls are the weakest point of this instrument as they come with restricted controls for the volume button and a few buttons on both sides of your piano.

Due to these limitations, one has to control and perform functions through the keys, and it might be challenging to operate controls as there isn't a screen or an indicator. This means that you will not be aware of which Sound it is unless you play the key.

The control panel does not upgrade either, and the controls on the YDP-144 are divided into two components. There is a power button and a volume knob on the right side of the keyboard, and there is a single row of 7 buttons on the left side composed of the most frequently used features and configurations. This makes an excellent selection and is pretty convenient to use.

It needs a combination of buttons and piano keys to access more sophisticated characteristics and configurations. Alternatively, you can tweak and customize the Yamaha YDP-144 using the Smart Pianist app on your iOS device.

3. Keyboard

The Yamaha YDP-144 comprises an 88-key Graded Hammer Standard piano action keyboard that delivers an expressive and authentic piano touch. The GHS action builds a proper fingering technique to allow an easy transition to playing on acoustic pianos. The proper finger technique is beneficial when a pianist performs an instrument with strings and hammers. The keys are made of plastic, and the white keys have a brilliant finish, while the black ones have a matte finish and its compatible with contemporary acoustic pianos.

Playing on the YDP-144 keyboard will have a pianist thinking they are playing on a real grand piano. The digital piano can create an authentic acoustic piano touch thanks to the heavy feel in the lower register and the light touch in the upper octaves. Additionally, the keyboard includes matte black key tops that make their feel and touch more comfortable even after playing your instrument for hours.

The Keys on the Yamaha YDP-144

The keys seem to be well constructed and spaced uniformly. There is a single row of red velvet at the deep end of the keyboard, which gives a pleasant accent and a premium feel to the instrument.

4. Size & Weight

The Yamaha YDP-144 weighs around 38 kg (84 lbs) which is pretty heavy, and therefore it isn't easy to shift it from room to room. Also, you may not be able to get it out of your home to a stage without assistance and its best place in one location and practice there all the time. Without music rest, it has the dimensions of 136(W) x 42(D) x 81(H) cm (53″ x 17″ x 32″).

5. Key Action

I was expecting a more advanced key action on the YDP-144. After all, it's been three years since Yamaha introduced its YDP-143 predecessor.

The new YDP-144 has the same GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) intervention on the YDP-143, to my displeasure. Nevertheless, it is the most basic key action from Yamaha.

Each key is weighed and graded separately. In addition, it features a real hammer to generate a genuine feeling behind each key.

The keys in the bass area feel heavier like an acoustic piano and gradually become easier towards the treble part.

While the GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) is not bad, opposed to other business activities, it is fundamental, particularly in 2019. It is a dual-sensored action with no sophisticated characteristics like synthetic Ivory keytops, counterweights, triple detectors, etc.

The Yamaha YDP-144 keyboard is made up of 88 piano keys. The keys are made of plastic. The white keys have a brilliant finish, while the black ones have a matte finish that helps absorb moisture, so if you sweat, you will not have to worry bout your fingers slipping. This is compatible with contemporary pianos of acoustics.

6. Sound

The Yamaha YDP-144's significant upgrade is in the sound engine. Unlike its predecessor, this new model features the CFX sound engine from Yamaha that you'd discover on the more sophisticated YDP-184 and many Clavinova designs.

The Yamaha flagship CFX concert grand

It samples the flagship 9-foot grand piano CFX latest of Yamaha, and the outcome is a delightful ear experience. The piano also features Damper resonance, String resonance and key-off samples, the CFX sound engine on the YDP-144. These are significant nuances for creating an acoustic piano's genuine Sound.

The CFX is a superior engine compared to the Pure CF on the YDP-143. With much more detail, it sounds light and natural. However, on the other side, the sound scheme is another significant loss of the fresh YDP-144, and even though it's mildly stronger than the YDP-143, it's still not nearly nice enough.

Bonus Sounds

Yamaha YDP-144 is one of the digital pianos with extra sounds, and it has a classic DX7 synthesizer, a hero of the 80s. With the DX electric piano sound, DX7 Sound is captured well, along with a chorus recognized by all. The Harpsichord and vibraphone are identical, just like in the YDP-143, and there are pipe and jazz sounds where the jazz sound has a real rotary effect that resonates when played in the inbuilt speakers. The Pop Grand Piano sound delivering the jazzier sensibility is a sound that is usually associated with big artists such as Billy Joel or Elton John.

In addition to getting the Yamaha CFX Grand Piano sound, you also get a Mellow Grand Piano sound that will give any pianist a beautiful, nostalgic and saccharine tone. You will enjoy what the Mellow Grand Piano sound will deliver if you fancy classical music.

Apart from the three main acoustic piano sounds, Yamaha YDP-144 includes seven other sounds or voices, including Pipe Organ, String Organ, DX Electric Piano, Harpsichord, Jazz Organ, Electric Stage Piano and Vibraphone. In addition, there is a beautiful string ensemble sound, especially in layer mode with other sounds. Otherwise, it lacks a natural tint when it's played alone.

7. Speakers

The Yamaha YDP-144 has two speakers of 8 watts which are definitely better than the YDP-143 6-watt amplifiers as they give broad coverage. However, it's way too soft for a console-style electronic piano, and it's a more suitable speaker scheme for portable digital pianos. Still, with that, it would spoil the instrument's smooth, elegant design.

The speaker's face is in the downward direction. It has little spaces above the keys that enable sounds to be produced from several directions, which gives a listener a better experience and impression. However, there is some contortion at higher volumes, and the speakers are pretty loud, so keep in mind that this might disturb your neighbors beyond the usual limit.

8. Effects

Yamaha YDP 144 comes with three in-built effects, and all these can be modified to your necessity. The four distinct algorithms of the reverb effect include:

• Club reverb
• Chamber reverb
• Recital hall
• Concert hall

The majority of these sounds have hall reverbs, and it's their default and thus sound so real, and the club algorithm seizes the closeness gotten from a large end of any concert grand in small environments. Every reverb algorithm intensity can be controlled and may modify the reverb thickness to match the needs of any song. Another control technology is the intelligent acoustic control (IAC) that adjusts to the sound quality of the current instrument based on overall volume.

9. Polyphony

Polyphony is the number of notes any digital piano can produce simultaneously, and the polyphony note of Yamaha YDP-144 is 192 notes. This is enough for playing songs that don't need to cut out the notes. An ideal situation is having more than 64-note polyphony, which can help you play complicated pieces without many struggles.

10. Inbuilt Songs and Playback

Yamaha Arius YDP 144 digital piano comes with about ten demo songs and over 50 classical tunes, and also, a pianist can load up to ten songs for playback. It also comes with a two-track midi recorder that is handy for people who wish to record their songs. You can also change individual notes of the songs once you load them on your piano, and changes could be in terms of damper resonance, reverb, volume, tempo etc. This piano also allows a player to connect it with a smart device and save songs as MIDI files.

11. Modes

Yamaha YDP 144 plays in two different modes; the duo mode and the layer mode. In the layer mode, a pianist can choose to play two different sounds of two different instruments simultaneously. You can also create several combinations with the combination of a piano and string, which comes as a savior for the limited number of sounds in the piano. You can use the layer function for selecting piano voices or use the split function to play different voices using the left and right hands from the convenience of your device. All the tuning, pedal, transpose and acoustic settings can be navigated from your touchscreen, and you can practice the piano with one hand as the song recorder plays the other.

Duo mode works by splitting your keyboard into two small 44 keyed instruments that allow two people to play your instrument at a go simultaneously. This feature is beneficial for piano lessons when teachers want to train their students through a personal demonstration at their own pace. Notably, when in duo mode, the pedal functions are also altered, and you can also adjust the volume of every side on a one-to-one basis.

12. Connectivity

As stated above, there are minimal controls, and therefore, it's essential to memorize several control combinations. Some pianists may use their manual by their side to use the controls efficiently. Still, alternatively, one can use the Yamaha Smart Pianist app for iOS and Android to play their piano with the graphical user interface.

There are also two stereo jacks that connect with headphones, which can also be used as Line Outs, allowing players to plug their keyboards into speakers or external amplifiers. It also has a USB to host port that can connect the piano to other devices. You can use it to exchange MIDI via USB-MIDI using supported software such as Flowkey, Garageband and Simply Piano.

Also, there is a pedal jack that connects the three-pedal system at the piano cabinet hence why it's not the standard 1/4" jack found on most pianos. In addition, YDP 144 features a unique option of data transfer and playback where you can directly play audio files from the computer or hardware without needing any external audio interface.

Yamaha Smart Pianist

For the best playing experience, you will need to connect the YDP 144 to an iOS or Android device to use Yamaha's Smart Pianist, so with a tablet or a phone, and you will comfortably use it. The app allows an aspiring pianist to tweak parameters and control their keyboard using a well-designed graphical user interface, and this is way better than using the controls.

You are also able to adjust the metronome tempo using a numerical keypad input instead of pressing complex key combinations, and you can also view scores and turn pages using the soft pedal.

In addition, the app has a feature called Chord Chart, and it analyzes any of your favorite songs and displays chord symbols on your screen, allowing you to play alongside your favorite song. The app gives an intuitive operational experience. It allows a player to adjust their settings, scan audio songs loaded in the Music Library and analyze and display the chord symbols on the screen of the smart device you are using.

13. Accessories

The Yamaha YDP-144 comes with three piano pedals as a console-style digital piano. They are the same as the pedals on an acoustic piano. Other accessories this digital piano comes with include:

• An AC Power Adapter
• Owner's Manual
• Music Book with 50 preset Songs
• Quick Operation Guide
• Music Rest
• Bench (in some regions)
• Screws needed for assembly

Pedals on the Yamaha YDP-163

The pedals support half-pedaling, which for many classical works, is a significant characteristic. It may also come with a Yamaha branded seat depending on the package you choose. That's not a very lovely bench, though. It is not flexible in height and is not the most convenient seat I have ever used.

A lovely couple of headphones is always suggested, as with any digital piano. A lovely couple of headphones is always suggested, as with any digital piano.

You might want to consider a couple of internal screens because of the fragile speaker scheme on the YDP-144. It's not a must, but it would significantly improve the noise.

14. USB Audio Interface

Yamaha YDP-144 has data transfer functions and a playback feature, which you will hardly find in digital pianos. With this feature, you can play back your songs or notes you have created through a PC or any other hardware that supports this feature.

This function is a win as playing the piano's sounds can be used directly in DAW even without an alternate audio interface. This means you can access high-quality stereo CFX Concert Grand samples without risking audio degradation from connectors and the analog to digital conversion process on your interface.

15. Other Notable features

Like with most digital pianos, YDP-144 also allows a player to alter the keyboard's controls. However, many of these control cannot be modified through the smart app, so there is nothing to worry about since they are not frequently used because you don't need modification frequently.

The modifiable functions include:

• Damper resonance- This function allows one to choose if your damper response simulation for the keyboard sound is on or is off. The damper resonance recreates an acoustic piano depth when pedaling, while the IAC ensures a balanced tone suitable for an aspiring pianist at any volume.
• Transposing-This function allows a player to change the play key, and changes in the transpositions are usually made -6 to +6 semitones in one increment.
• Metronome- It activates the built-in tempo and helps a player to play chords at the right time, and once you press the metronome button, the sentence is not clear
• Master tuning- This function allows a pianist to change the central tuning of the digital pianos in 0.2 Hz steps with the default pitch as 440.0Hz for central A.
• Auto power off- This is a default setting that works with your keyboard to shut the power down on its own after 30 minutes of idle time.
• Speaker on/off- You can choose whether to enable the speaker or not regardless of whether the headphones are connected or not

Can this Yamaha YDP-144 digital piano sound like an Acoustic Piano?

Yes, there are three factors that help in enhancing the piano playing experience of this piano and make it sound like a real acoustic piano, and they include:

a). Intelligent Acoustic Control

When you turn the volume down on your digital piano, the low and high frequencies will not be heard well. The Intelligent Acoustic Controls help balance this frequency imbalance to make them sound even. The effectiveness of IAC is increased more when playing dynamic pieces while using wide octave ranges. With high intensity, IAC consistently performs, which makes your sound clearer, and it ensures you will listen to the minute details even at low volume levels.

b). Stereophonic Optimizer

The Stereophonic Optimizer is a unique feature that helps adjust the distance between you and the piano when playing with headphones. This gives you the feeling that Sound is coming from the piano, making the piano playing experience more authentic. In addition, this feature allows a pianist to make adjustments to the Sound coming into the headphones and adjusts the piano and Sound space within the headphones.

Stereophonic Optimizer can be thought to work as soundbars for televisions where soundbars play Sound while others try to recreate the surround sound experience. The goal of this feature is to make a pianist feel as if the sound is coming from the piano instead of coming directly to your ears from your headphones.

c). Acoustic Optimizer

This control helps detect speaker connections and measures the distances from a listening position. In addition, it automatically optimizes the speaker settings, such as acoustic parameters and volume balance, to suit the room.

Who Is the Yamaha YDP-144 meant for?

Because of its fundamental GHS(Graded Hammer Standard) main intervention, the Yamaha YDP-144 is best suited for beginners. It can also be used as an informal or secondary piano practice tool. The Yamaha Arius YDP 144 digital piano is suitable for players who want to study piano or anyone with a small budget. It works excellent as these pianos don't go out of tune even though they sometimes need replacements.

How does Yamaha YDP-144 digital piano compare to other digital pianos?

1. Yamaha YDP-144 vs. Yamaha YDP-143

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These two digital pianos are almost similar in all aspects, and the only significant difference is YDP-144 has a more advanced sound engine. The CFX is also slightly better than the Pure CF on the YDP-143, and the speakers are also more powerful even though they are still weak. However, most users claim that if you own the YDP-143, there is no need to upgrade to the YDP-144 because they are pretty similar.

YDP-144 is pretty impressive when it comes to sound since it has been upgraded, and it includes the Yamaha CFX Grand Piano sound that is not available in the YDP-143. The predecessor comes with a 6-watt speaker system that gives a total of 12 watts thanks to the two 12cm speakers, while YDP-144 comes with an 8-watt speaker system which is 16 watts for both speakers. Even though YDP-144 isn't a significant upgrade, it is worth noting as it has some additional features.

2. Yamaha YDP-144 vs. Kawai KDP 110

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Kawai is famous for its authentic key actions on its digital pianos, with the RHCII action on the Kawai KDP 110 as one of the best key actions in this price range. It has a triple sensored key action, while the GHS on the Yamaha YDP-144 is dual-sensored. As a result, the RHCII has excellent timing, expressiveness and controls that come up with a natural playing experience. Still, the sounds of the two digital pianos are also very different.

Yamaha is bright, and Kawai sounds a bit mellow, but Kawai still wins on the sounds thanks to the fact that Kawai KDP 110 is sampled individually. In addition, Kawai KDP 110 packs more powerful speakers than Yamaha YDP-144, and the two 20-watt speakers on Kawai sounds give a detailed sound than speakers on the Yamaha.

To top it all, Kawi has Bluetooth connectivity for n easy connection with smart devices, making it a better choice than the Yamaha YDP-144.

3. Yamaha YDP-144 vs. Roland F-140r

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Roland F-140r is priced similarly to the Yamaha YDP-144, even though it offers you more value for your money thanks to its advanced features. It features an advanced key action, the PHA-4 and has synthetic ivory keytops that give a simulated let-off effect and give an inspiring new playing experience. The playing experience is more natural, authentic and expressive than what you get with the GHS on the Yamaha.

Roland F-140r comes with two 12-watt speakers, unlike the 8-watt speakers on the YDP-144. For the same price, the Roland F-140r is a better and more capable digital piano than this Yamaha digital piano.

4. Yamaha YDP-144 vs. Casio PX-870

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Casio PX-870 is a cheaper digital piano than the YDP-144, and it's about $100 cheaper, which is a huge price difference. It features Casio's Tri-Sensor II Scaled Hammer Action and another triple sensored action that definitely beats the Yamaha dual-sensored GHS. Casio PX-870 plays in a more expressive way giving expressive recordings way thanks to the control it gives, which is more than of the Yamaha.

When it comes to sound quality, YDP-144 is better and gives more details and sounds a whole better even with headphones. However, the weak speaker system is again a con compared to Casio as Casio packs two 20 watt amplifiers firing four speakers in two directions. Even though the speaker system is better, the base notes of the Casio PX-870 sound somehow muddy through its speaker system, but it's still a better experience than the YDP-144 at high volumes.

These two digital pianos are also similar as they don't have Bluetooth, but the Casio PX-870 features 256 polyphony notes which are more than the 192 polyphony notes on the Yamaha. In addition, Casio PX-870 includes a USB to device port that supports exporting recordings in a WAV format. So when it comes to making a choice of the best console-style digital piano under $1000, it's better to opt for Casio PX-870 because even when against Yamaha YDP-144, it still wins thanks to the better key actions and advanced features.

5. Yamaha YDP144 vs. YDP184 Console Digital Piano

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Both Yamaha YDP 144 and YDP 184 are called the CFX concert grand piano of Yamaha. YDP-144 gets it because of the 88-key e-piano, which produces a rich and powerful sound quality that gives an authentic acoustic piano touch thanks to the keyboard with three pedals. On the other hand, YDP-184 CFX grand piano recreates the power and tone of Yamaha's flagship grand concert piano.

On the differences, Yamaha YDP-184 comes with a GH3 keyboard action which is a graded hammer action three featuring synthetic keytops made of ivory. The ivory adds a tactile surface to the piano keys that help to absorb moisture and helps to prevent slipping. In addition, the digital piano allows fast repetition while a pianist is playing and this, in turn, gives a playing experience almost like an acoustic piano. On the other hand, YDP-144 comes with a GHS weighted action which is basic keyboard action from the company.

Another difference is that Yamaha YDP-184 includes an LCD for the smoothest use of features and functions of your instrument, while YDP-144 comes with IAC that gives pianists a balanced sound no matter the volume.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Yamaha YDP-144 is an excellent digital piano with the disadvantage of unimpressive key action and inadequate controls. However, if you have read the complete Yamaha YDP-144 review, then you are well sorted to make a good purchase decision. All in all, Yamaha YDP-144 digital piano will give you value for your money for intermediates and beginners.

However, keep in mind that most users have claimed that the sound engine is the only significant distinction from its predecessor. It still displayed ancient GHS main intervention many years ago, and 2019's absence of Bluetooth in a brand new system is just embarrassing. In the industry, there are many other designs far inferior to the YDP-144. If you are not on a budget or a beginner, it would be best to look at other alternatives unless you've already decided on the CFX sound.

Frequently Asked Questions on Yamaha YDP-144

1. Is Ydp-144 suitable for beginners?

Since Yamaha YDP-144 is pretty basic when it comes to connectivity options, it may attract a lot of beginners for their home practice and also it comes at an affordable price. In addition, it packs all essentials and compares well to some of the best digital pianos in the market.

2. Is Yamaha YDP Portable?

No, the YDP-144 is a digital console piano meant for home purposes or to be used in a fixed place. In contrast, the Yamaha P125 is a portable digital piano that is lightweight enough to be transported from one location to another. Therefore, the YDP series is not portable, and it's heavy hence meant to be used in one place.

3. How Do you get smooth and continuous pedaling for the Yamaha YDP-144 digital pianos?

The continuos or half-damper pedal control offers the same detailed nuance, sound quality and precision you will experience when pedaling on a grand piano. It is done by allowing continuous increase amounts of note sustain from slightly to fully as you as depressing the sustain pedal deeper.

Damper resonance will digitally reproduce interaction between acoustic pianos and strings. When a pianist uses a damper pedal in performance, the harmonics of other strings may wash over the notes you will be playing until you release the pedal.

4. What instrument sounds can be found in Yamaha Arius Digital pianos?

Each model in the Yamaha Arius Digital series has ten instrumental sounds, which include the main stereo CFX grand piano, Pop grand piano sound and a mellow piano. The other sounds include two electric pianos, one Harpsichord, two organs: jazz organ and pipe organ, one string symphony sound, Electric Stage Piano, DX Electric Piano and one Vibraphone. However, the most used Sound is the CFX piano sound since it's more realistic than the other three piano sounds.

Notably, the other sounds are good, where some are more realistic than others but remember that natural sustaining tones will never react to a pedal sustain hold. This means that when holding your sustain pedal, you will continually sustain instrument sounds that could sustain, such as strings and organ sounds. Yamaha lacks the capability with their naturally decaying sounds, such as of an electric piano or a harpsichord, and that function type is not needed. These instrument sounds can also be layered with any two sounds, and they should be mixed together to be played simultaneously, which will give an incredible sound.

You can also use a feature called DUO that allows the 88-note keyboard to split electronically into two 44-note keyboards to allow people to play the same song and hear it in the same octave. However, the feature is not that useful unless you have two people who want to practice at the same time, like a teacher and a student or two people in the same home.