Truth be told, you sold me on the DGX-670. The subsequent trip to the music store only further confirmed that choice. Having loads of fun with this instrument now! Thanks!
This is another fine review by you and I thank you, I trust your reviews implicitly. I was blown away by the sound of the 670 piano compared to the 660. About two years ago I purchased a 660 which was intended to go to my granddaughter and I had it in my home for about three months before I could get it to her in Denver so I had some experience with the 660 and its sound. Soon I will be transitioning from my single family home to a retirement center and since I will not be able to take my Shimmel grand as it is too loud, I have been looking for a keyboard to purchase that has midi and will work with headphones and this seems to be the one I will purchase. The only problem is that the three pedals will not work with the X-stand and the lack of a true line out to an external amp. I think I can get around the headphone output problem by running the cable from the piano to a mixer and then get a headphone outlet and a line out. The pedals are another matter however but after looking at how the pedals attach to the wooden stand, I think I can make a bracket to accept the 3 pedals and then when I wish to move the piano to someplace else or venue I can keep the x stand and use the three pedals also. What are your thoughts? Thanks.
Thinking of treating myself to a new keyboard and this is right at the top of my list. Thanks for the quick look around and I am encouraged in my choice by your very positive comments.
Thank you James for doing this review. Thank you Encore Music for letting James use your piano. I hope that Yamaha knows that I have already bought one of their pianos on your advice and will probably buy this one as well because I trust your opinion. I do hope you do a deeper dive into this product and thanks again James for giving a clueless piano students father some much needed guidance.
I really appreciate your brief review. Will be waiting for your more extensive testing of the dgx-670 in the future. I purchased one but haven't been able to get it shipped due to a huge backlog of orders that Yamaha seems to have developed.
Some employees thinking: _"Who is this guy? Why is he talking to himself, or who is he talking to? Should we call the cops or the guys with the stretch jackets?"_ 🤣
@@ThePianoforever Sooo... no stretch jackets involved? 😁 Also keep the videos coming, just began learning myself, and the 670 is the rock I'll build my church on. 👍
VRM is virtual resonance modeling- which does a more accurate reproduction of the resonance between other strings and the (virtual) piano case. Subtle but detectable difference- especially with headphones.
It looks great! I liked very much the ES110/ES520 and the P125 comparison videos. it would be really usefull if you could compare the DGX-670 to other pianos like Yamaha P125, Kawai ES110 and ES520. How is the piano feel/touch and the sound quality lin comparison to them, although DGX has other features. Does it still a good option if the main objective is to play in piano mode?
Concerning the VRM selection and the natural on the instrument it just means one is selected with string and soundboard reverberation while the natual is just the plain sample of the CFX.
I originally got the 660 from Kraft music on Sep 2020, but when the 670 was released the guys at Kraft helped me return the 660, so I could pre-order the 670, and it finally arrived on June 3rd 2021, veeery long wait but very glad with the results. Now I gotta learn how to play it. 😁
Great quick review. I picked up this instrument and am in love with it so far. There are so many great features packed into an 800 dollar package, I'm honestly a little shocked that Yamaha would cannibalize some of its higher-priced keyboards with this.
Hey can you please tell whether it has any option (Like outputgain) where you can change the output level from the HEADPHONE JACK output for connecting to amplifier (making it more optimized)👍
Since it can be connected to Smart-phones, Tablets or Pads, does it support both 'Apple' and 'Android' operated devices, or merely the 1st category. If only Apple users can benefit that advantage, we'd hope Yamaha's DGX 670 upgraded version would consider satisfying both brand users.
It is a big instrument but with the generous arranger function features and good set of voices and dsp effects it makes for a great keyboard. The keybed gets a lot of complaints but compared to the PSR's and superlight keybeds the synthesizers seem to use it is probably good enough for light gigging and home studio use if not for formal classical piano practice; at least for the difficult concert music. We appreciate your honest and informative reviews of current keyboards.
I'm not in search of a new keyboard but your review is entertaining! What seems to be improved the most is the user interface. It all comes down to personal preference but I never liked how they had to label everything on the keyboard. A few hundred of pre-recorded plays, and almost an equal number of voices all written on top of the keyboard. Too many buttons for not-so much used functions making the instrument intimating(and confusing) to use. The DGX-670 finally solved this problem. The instrument doesn't look like a toy anymore. The surface space is not wasted for unnecessary letters and rather specific buttons. I'm glad they started packing better instrument sounds in DGX series as well. That's one thing Yamaha's pretty decent for. Especially when it comes to church organ, and harpsichord sound. I like Roland's electric piano sound a bit more, and I like Kawai's acoustic piano sound a lot more. Then every other sound Yamaha would win over the competitors. Since I play a quite of baroque pieces, I tend to be happier with a keyboard that has good pipe organ and good harpsichord tones. They sometimes mess up the EQ tho. My CP88 was not pleasure to listen to out of box. Anyway, return to the point, it looks like they are going right direction with the P series. I was amazed how good the P-515 was for its price(didn't really buy one, but it somehow had slightly better action than the CP88 even though they literally have the same action! I wonder what's going on with that. Am I imagining a thing?), and now look how much better DGX got! Lately, I've been thinking how convenience it would be to have a lighter keyboard. If they don't screw up with P-135 I might consider getting one.
Thanks! I agree with you completely. I noticed that the CP88 felt a lot different than the P515, I don't know if Yamaha has redesigned the action or if it is slightly different between the two. I haven't played a CP88 since I reviewed one over a year ago so I can't say.
I'm glad you reviewed the keyboard. Thank you for your clarity and honesty. I would add that there are some unexpected piano layering effects. When you played the organ around 19:22 there was no mention of the piano layer, which sounded jarring against the funny organ, leading me to assume you didn't hear it even though it was being sent to the recorded audio mix.
This is the first I've heard of the DGX-670 (although after seeing your review I did a search and found several others). I have a DGX-640 and although the DGX-670 looks and sounds very nice I don't think I will buy it. If I get another keyboard I would prefer to get a synthesizer (in particular I am considering the Roland Juno DS88) so I would have synthesizer capabilities along with piano sounds. After watching this review I looked up several reviews of other keyboards you have done and I am impressed with your knowledge and playing skills (I think you are among the best pianists I've seen reviewing keyboards on TH-cam). I am a relative beginner and I don't yet have your ability to pick out subtle differences in sound. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your reviews. It would be nice if you reviewed Roland's Juno DS88.
As always, well reviewed. Please(!!) include names of your wonderful choices of music. I loved the Scarlatti but missed the number of the first. And well played you!😊
I bought a DGX-660 a while back for my Grandkids. I have a CVP-405 which after many years is still doing great, but wonder what you think about the Clavinova CVP line of Digital Pianos.
Hey James! Does the "USB to Host" connection on the back mean I can use this as a Midi Controller? as in use it to to trigger virtual instruments? I love the sounds, but midi use is super important to me. Also is the GHS action a good one for a beginner-intermediate player? Like will I be able to comfortably switch to a real piano when the time comes? I ask because a lot of folks say that the GHS action is crap for learning and would give out and clank in a year or two. love this piano and would love to buy it, but that action issue makes me kinda nervous. Thanks for doing these videos! Big fan!
Now that’s a instrument to do a full review about! Amazing.I am surprised you didn’t said you bought it right away. Just kidding. I still want to go to a store nearby to check some out and I am curious to see if he got this one because I want to try this out myself. Thank you very much for reviewing, playing and sharing.
I am still playing on the DGX 670's ancestor, the DGX 202. The key action used back then was the graded soft touch (which I am no big fan of) and only has 32 notes of polyphony. I think that they have come along way since they started they DGX line.
About 13 or 15 years ago or so, I actually bought a 32-note polyphony keyboard (Casio PX-555 I think) at Guitar Center... and took it back after a few weeks. That 32 poly was way too limiting for me -- it was constantly dropping notes, especially when layering sounds or using the pedal, to the point that when I played complex chords, not all the notes would even *SOUND* :O as in ... I might only hear an octave or a fifth, instead of the full chord in some situations. (I think the manual mentioned 10 or less note polyphony in complex scenarios, like layering sounds or using certain sounds.) Also while the sound of that keyboard was kind-of "okay", it wasn't super great. I knew of the option of using the keyboard as a controller with a PC to get better sounds, but I'd prefer to have something all self-contained. Also I don't really care for the "clean" / "pure" / "sterile" sound that a lot of modern digital pianos have. It's like 3x more than my budget, but I think I like the Italian grand on the Nord stage pianos, though, and some of the Italian grand (Fazioli?) samples on some VST instruments. (As for acoustic pianos, some of my favorites are actually some mid 20th century Baldwin Hamilton uprights.) When the time comes for me to get a digital piano sometime, I'd actually like one that has mostly just piano sounds, but has probably several dozen different pianos sampled. And I mean actual different pianos, not just one set of samples with the EQ changed to get the other sounds, or however that's done. Examples include multiple sizes of uprights (from spinets to big uprights) and grands (from petite to concert grands) from Baldwin, Chickering, Steinway, Bechstein, Bluthner, Bosendorfer, Yamaha, Kawai, Steingraeber, Fazioli, the 12-foot Rubenstein, Klavins uprights, the 5.7 meter piano in New Zealand, Bush & Lane, Everett, Emerson (the older ones), and many others, not just recent pianos, but also ones from 100-140 years ago.
@@pianoplayer88key I definitely appreciate your formidable inventiveness. Wow, the hammond drawbars replaced with convincing upright/grand drawbars. Very exciting! thanks
Received mine two days ago from Sam Ash music after a 7 week wait. So far I am VERY happy with it. Having fun playing Midi files through a flash memory stick right now. Personally I am glad they omitted the stand as it only works with this keyboard. I bought a Z type metal stand instead. It was $40 less and I can add another keyboard above if I want to. And it will be useable later if I get a different keyboard. BTW, there is a LOT of hiss in the audio on your video.
Awesome! It's a fun instrument to play. Yeah, sorry about the background noise, its hot here in California and they had several huge evaporative coolers and fans running to keep the air circulating.
I love my DGX-650, which I got in late 2013...I suspect you had something earlier than that. As much as I love that keyboard, there are a few features I really wish it had, and Yamaha doesn't seem to have added these. 1) A looper. I think it would be really great to record a layer of one thing that repeats without having to play every measure. 2) More sophisticated synth sounds and the ability to customize them. I'm a fan of the sounds from vintage, analog synths, and I'd love to mimic those more precisely. 3) Patches. On a related note, the ability to load custom patches would be wonderful. I guess it sounds like I want a MOX or a Motif, doesn't it?
Hello James, as do many others, I enjoy your videos very much. I in fact purchased a digital piano based on one of your past reviews. In that particular review, where you played the one section from the third movement of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, sold me on you, and that particular digital piano. Unfortunately, I'm a rank beginner, and was wondering the piece that you begin playing at about 8:35, is that Bach? Do you believe that Bach's C Minor Prelude No.2, from the WTC, is within the scope of a beginner, or am I dreaming? Please keep up the entertaining work!
Hi, I have a Casio PX560 as well as two other digital keyboards, however I'm considering getting a Yamaha DGX670, because 1. I'm sort of a collector of various instruments, and 2. I've had some Yamaha keyboards and I like their stuff. Also, I'm just curious and have read a lot of positive reviews of the DGX670. I've also read where the DGX670 action is a tad lighter than the PX560, which is what I want. I would be using the DGX670 for practicing and composing, along with the PX560. Thanks for your review. Very nice playing. Enjoyed it a lot.
Hi James, Does the 670 have the same key weight as the 660? It’s important for my playing that the weight of the keys is not heavier than the previous DGX models. Thanks! -K
Thank you so much for your review; you play beautifully! I am still a little confused about the headphone jack being used as a line out. Is the only difference that you can’t use ithe line out in stereo when you hook it up to an amp?
In the 660 there was an option (output gain) to change it from headphones to external amplifier...dunno about 670 (please inform if anyone has any information regarding that feature in 670 as well)👍
It is a lovely instrument. I own one. The action is too light to my taste. The Hamburg Grands at University of Sao Paulo are quite heavy and feels super solid. I wish I could find a good digital piano that would help me transition easier from digital to acoustic. And how did you record the audio from the dgx?
Hamburg Steinways in Sao Paulo, wow! Yes the GHS is pretty light, something like a P515 (NWX action) might be more preferable. Kawai's GrandFeel keybeds are the best but are very, very expensive.
@@ThePianoforever University of Sao Paulo have 7 Hamburg Steinways. Two full concert size... one at the orchestra rehearsal room and one at the Tulha's Concert Room. The other ones are same size of models A and B. Kawai's MP11 and CA models aren't available. The best thing are the Yamaha's and Casio Celviano's "hybrid". Have you ever played one of those casio? The dgx is a good for many things... especially teaching aural training with all the good samples and recording... but I'm looking for something that can withstand Chopin's etudes, nocturnes... Beethoven's sonatas... and actually have the sympathetic resonance. It's so frustrating playing Bach on the DGX... some of the long notes have a short decay and don't resonate sympathetically when other keys are played.
Dang, so the Kawais are out of the scenario. OK, I'd suggest trying the P515, it has a heavy, incredibly responsive action and nice sympathetic resonance. I have played the Casio "hybrids" (which aren't truly hybrid but that's a different story) and they are ok. It's been a few years, they're pretty rare, but I remember the action being good and the speakers being a little lackluster. They are the most affordable of all the hybrid pianos on the market and you may find their action more suitable than the GHS. As far as resonance is concerned I don't remember how good theirs was. I actually had a video of them uploaded but the store owner got upset and I decided to take down the videos.
@@ThePianoforever it seems that everything that involves Casio is a bit complicated. I get that defensive vibe each time someone points out something that could improve. I never got what was going on with that Casio drama. Owning up to its flaws would actually be a good thing. I tried one Celviano GP300 back in 2017... I thought the action was very soft and so did my piano professor. When our department took us to a piano shop so we could see closer what was going with the digital pianos I thought that was waste of time... but now that the store no longer rent acoustic pianos anymore I have to invest in some good board... so when I get back to University I won't suffer playing the Steinways... if the pandemic gets a little better in Brazil... a big if. Thank you, really. Helped me a lot.
Do you know the reason the chorus and reverb is showing as not available in the display and following page 6 of the manual nothing changes for the Yamaha dgx 670 please?
Hi James, Thank you for al your valuable input on keyboards. I was wondering if you could evaluate the Korg XE 2O, also an arranger keyboard. I don't want to use it as an arranger, just for its multiple voices, I am specifically interested in the different piano, organ & string voices. Also, build quality and action is important to me. A comparison between the DGX670 and Korg XE 20 would be an added bonus. :-)
Another very thorough review, thank you. I'm all set with my Kawai mp11se but I still enjoy you reviews. By the way, could you please tell me what the first piece of music was you played? Thanks again, keep up the good work....Dean (UK)
Awesome sound and it's a great arranger too! I wish Yamaha Genos would come out with 88 keys. I really like the DGX670! Im sure you had to resist the temptation not to do a full concert. Good Job!
I’m thinking of getting a piano to replace my Yamaha PSR-EW310 and I’m currently torn between the Yamaha DGX-670 and the P-515. What would you suggest, James?
Well, it depends on what you need from a piano. If you need a super professional, highly pianistic response from your instrument, with a core focus on high quality acoustic piano sounds, the P515 is the way to go. If you're looking for a more flexible, diverse instrument with hundreds of really nice non-piano sounds and fun arranger and recording technology built in, and its professional-use potential is less important for your use, the DGX-670 is probably for you. In short, the P515 is purely about the playing experience and use in professional settings, while the DGX-670 is about versatility, home use, and having lots of fun.
@@ThePianoforever thanks! In your experience, is there a noticeable difference between the two pianos’ action? I’ve heard the P-515 has escapement which would be nice as long as it’s not just a gimmick.
My opinion as of right now is that escapement in digital pianos is sometimes a gimmick, in the case of the P515 it is barely even noticable. This is not necessarily a bad thing, its action (NWX) plays absolutely amazing and although it is heavy (reminiscent of a real piano) it is incredibly responsive and can literally play anything you need it to. The action of the 670 (GHS) is acceptable for its price point for sure, and has very few limitations for most musical styles. If you're an intermediate pianist it would suit you just fine.
How can you see chords without backing tracks?" Can we just choose a piano sound and try to work out the chord on our own? For example, if we flat the 3rd in real time we would see it go to a minor chord and then if we sharpen it we would see it go back to a major chord. Is that possible on the 670?
would love to know what to consider in buying a beginners keyboard for an adult? i want to learn from beginners to advanced but don't really want to spend more than $300 (around $200 u.s) would love a vid if you have the time for it!? (currently looking at the medeli e17)
The speakers are the same 2 x 6 watt but apparently set in a deeper method. This one sounds very much as though it is hooked up to a much better speaker.
Which digital piano to go after, if I want to upgrade my Yamaha P-45 (hate the fact that it can't remember settings, so have to add reverb etc. every time I turn it on). I was looking at your review here, but I really don't need all the bells and whistles this one has. I could do with the "piano room" feature alone. I got a DAW and VSTs if I wan't to sound like a guitar or a trumpet :) I have no need for all the accompanions etc. Just looking for a keyboard with good grand piano samples and a decent keybed (still a beginner but like the weighted and graded keys on my p-45). Has to be digital piano with speakers - no stage piano that needs external speakers connected. Price range $1200 USD +/- What to look at?? Thanks :)
This would be excellent for home use, and one could certainly learn to play the piano on it, but the ES110 would have a more professional approach and has more versatility as it can truly be used as a gigging instrument if you so desire.
@@ThePianoforever thanks for the reply. as I am not concerned at all about other voices and only really care about the piano playing experience it seems to be that the Kawais are the way to go. the may thing is that the ES110 is probably due for replacement while the KDP 120 is new. so am wondering if I should wait around for the ES120 to be launched if ever, or just get the KDP120 instead. here in my country, the ES 110 is around USD 730 (with bench and gig stand) and the KDP 120 is USD 1,180 (with bench) which is 60% more expensive. This DGX-670 has also come on my radar at USD 1,140 (with cabinet and 3 pedals) but seems like the action is a little lacking compared to the Kawai. It seems that we pay a premium for Yamaha here.
Thanks for the video. I can record my audio file with style to the USB. But, when I transfer the audio file to my cellphone or my computer, I cannot hear the file with quality sound. Even, I cannot hear the recorded style. Would you please lead me how I can record the audio files that can be transferred to other devices with high quality?
I enjoyed the video Yamaha wins now that thay added Megavoices and super articlation I like them alot. the 660 had no megavoices but the 670 is the go to. Also i like that music store you were at. maybe another video you can compare it with guitar center. I might Buy a DGX-670 one day.😇
Hi James! I’m wondering how this piano sound/feel is compared to Korg SV2? Twice the price,half the sound or is this Yamaha piano superior? And does it have options for a vibrato pedal? And I just LOVE a beautiful ,warm and mystical pads/strings/choirs bread&butter layer. Is it any good?
The feel of the SV2 is superior, and the analog-style user interface can't be beat. The SV2 has some stellar orchestral patches but the 660 has a greater variety of really nice guitar, woodwind, and brass tones that impressed me, personally. The SV2 can do things with sound that the DGX-670 could likely never dream of doing, and the DGX-670 has sounds the SV2 cannot produce on its it's own. The better built and more professional instrument is without a doubt the SV2, which is why I own one.
@@ThePianoforever of course there are differences and nothing can beat the coolness of a SV2. But still I'm looking for a more crisp and full Elton Johnified pianospill,which I cant find on my SV2. If you have one and have a good setting in the editor,feel free to share bro :)
If you use the Yamaha Smart Pianist App for the Yamaha P-515 and many others (I wonder if it works with the DGX670) you can easily access all the XG sounds along with all the piano, strings, etc. with ease and they are easy to navigate to find just the sound your looking for including fireworks lol 😎🎶👍
When the high resolution dial screen becomes larger. I will consider buying a new DGX model. I still own a DGX 660. So I dont want too many keyboards in my home.
Truth be told, you sold me on the DGX-670. The subsequent trip to the music store only further confirmed that choice. Having loads of fun with this instrument now! Thanks!
This is another fine review by you and I thank you, I trust your reviews implicitly.
I was blown away by the sound of the 670 piano compared to the 660. About two years ago I purchased a 660 which was intended to go to my granddaughter and I had it in my home for about three months before I could get it to her in Denver so I had some experience with the 660 and its sound. Soon I will be transitioning from my single family home to a retirement center and since I will not be able to take my Shimmel grand as it is too loud, I have been looking for a keyboard to purchase that has midi and will work with headphones and this seems to be the one I will purchase. The only problem is that the three pedals will not work with the X-stand and the lack of a true line out to an external amp. I think I can get around the headphone output problem by running the cable from the piano to a mixer and then get a headphone outlet and a line out. The pedals are another matter however but after
looking at how the pedals attach to the wooden stand, I think I can make a bracket to accept
the 3 pedals and then when I wish to move the piano to someplace else or venue I can keep the x stand and use the three pedals also. What are your thoughts? Thanks.
Thinking of treating myself to a new keyboard and this is right at the top of my list. Thanks for the quick look around and I am encouraged in my choice by your very positive comments.
It was a lot of fun to play!
Thank you James for doing this review. Thank you Encore Music for letting James use your piano. I hope that Yamaha knows that I have already bought one of their pianos on your advice and will probably buy this one as well because I trust your opinion. I do hope you do a deeper dive into this product and thanks again James for giving a clueless piano students father some much needed guidance.
I love Encore Music, glad I could be of help to you!
I really appreciate the level of detail you go into on all the features of the instruments you review. Thanks!
You're welcome, thank you for watching!
I really appreciate your brief review. Will be waiting for your more extensive testing of the dgx-670 in the future. I purchased one but haven't been able to get it shipped due to a huge backlog of orders that Yamaha seems to have developed.
Thanks for finally posting a review!
I tried it in guitar center, it was amazing
This was rad. I'm sure you weren't bothering anyone.
Some employees thinking: _"Who is this guy? Why is he talking to himself, or who is he talking to? Should we call the cops or the guys with the stretch jackets?"_ 🤣
The people who work there are cool and are my friends.
@@ThePianoforever Sooo... no stretch jackets involved? 😁
Also keep the videos coming, just began learning myself, and the 670 is the rock I'll build my church on. 👍
The sounds are soooo clear!
VRM is virtual resonance modeling- which does a more accurate reproduction of the resonance between other strings and the (virtual) piano case. Subtle but detectable difference- especially with headphones.
Thanks!
I don't even care about the instrument... the way you play is exceptional 👏
This was a blast and wow such a nice upgrade to the DGX 660, thank you for the amazing review. Also enjoy California 😎
For sure!
@@ThePianoforever are you on vacation?🎹🎶
Not really, but in between working we are taking some time to relax.
For such a big upgrade, they should have called it the DGX-700 series.
You're right! It's a total different beast now.
Nice review, thanks James!
No external stereo outputs is a showstopper for me. Note: The Scarlatti sonata in E Major sounded great. 👍
Hope you're planning to get one for your studio and will be doing a more in depth review 🙏
It looks great! I liked very much the ES110/ES520 and the P125 comparison videos. it would be really usefull if you could compare the DGX-670 to other pianos like Yamaha P125, Kawai ES110 and ES520. How is the piano feel/touch and the sound quality lin comparison to them, although DGX has other features. Does it still a good option if the main objective is to play in piano mode?
Thank you for another great review :) I would love to own one of these, especially after you showcased some of the beautiful sounds.
Nice instrument! Great playing the Scarlatti as well!
Thank you!
Concerning the VRM selection and the natural on the instrument it just means one is selected with string and soundboard reverberation while the natual is just the plain sample of the CFX.
Awesome video! Dgx 670 vs Kawai Es110? Which is better for piano sound and key action?
The lady at 13:00 came in really enjoying your performance. 😄
Thought I saw a hook. :..)
that's the best part of the video! haha
Grew up in Auburn CA and used to frequent Encore. Glad to see that they are still open and doing well.
Thank you for your test
I originally got the 660 from Kraft music on Sep 2020, but when the 670 was released the guys at Kraft helped me return the 660, so I could pre-order the 670, and it finally arrived on June 3rd 2021, veeery long wait but very glad with the results.
Now I gotta learn how to play it. 😁
Your last line - well said! (from another beginner)
Looks like Zenith Music in Perth, WA to me!!
Great quick review. I picked up this instrument and am in love with it so far. There are so many great features packed into an 800 dollar package, I'm honestly a little shocked that Yamaha would cannibalize some of its higher-priced keyboards with this.
Hey can you please tell whether it has any option (Like outputgain) where you can change the output level from the HEADPHONE JACK output for connecting to amplifier (making it more optimized)👍
Since it can be connected to Smart-phones, Tablets or Pads, does it support both 'Apple' and 'Android' operated devices, or merely the 1st category.
If only Apple users can benefit that advantage, we'd hope Yamaha's DGX 670 upgraded version would consider satisfying both brand users.
The panning effect from 14:30 is kinda trippy.. Great review tho. and great performance :)
It is a big instrument but with the generous arranger function features and good set of voices and dsp effects it makes for a great keyboard. The keybed gets a lot of complaints but compared to the PSR's and superlight keybeds the synthesizers seem to use it is probably good enough for light gigging and home studio use if not for formal classical piano practice; at least for the difficult concert music. We appreciate your honest and informative reviews of current keyboards.
Thanks a lot!
I'm not in search of a new keyboard but your review is entertaining!
What seems to be improved the most is the user interface. It all comes down to personal preference but I never liked how they had to label everything on the keyboard. A few hundred of pre-recorded plays, and almost an equal number of voices all written on top of the keyboard. Too many buttons for not-so much used functions making the instrument intimating(and confusing) to use.
The DGX-670 finally solved this problem. The instrument doesn't look like a toy anymore. The surface space is not wasted for unnecessary letters and rather specific buttons.
I'm glad they started packing better instrument sounds in DGX series as well. That's one thing Yamaha's pretty decent for. Especially when it comes to church organ, and harpsichord sound. I like Roland's electric piano sound a bit more, and I like Kawai's acoustic piano sound a lot more. Then every other sound Yamaha would win over the competitors. Since I play a quite of baroque pieces, I tend to be happier with a keyboard that has good pipe organ and good harpsichord tones. They sometimes mess up the EQ tho. My CP88 was not pleasure to listen to out of box.
Anyway, return to the point, it looks like they are going right direction with the P series. I was amazed how good the P-515 was for its price(didn't really buy one, but it somehow had slightly better action than the CP88 even though they literally have the same action! I wonder what's going on with that. Am I imagining a thing?), and now look how much better DGX got!
Lately, I've been thinking how convenience it would be to have a lighter keyboard. If they don't screw up with P-135 I might consider getting one.
Thanks! I agree with you completely. I noticed that the CP88 felt a lot different than the P515, I don't know if Yamaha has redesigned the action or if it is slightly different between the two. I haven't played a CP88 since I reviewed one over a year ago so I can't say.
I'm glad you reviewed the keyboard. Thank you for your clarity and honesty. I would add that there are some unexpected piano layering effects. When you played the organ around 19:22 there was no mention of the piano layer, which sounded jarring against the funny organ, leading me to assume you didn't hear it even though it was being sent to the recorded audio mix.
No, I did hear the piano, it is intentionally goofy :) Just didn't make any mention of the piano track.
This is the first I've heard of the DGX-670 (although after seeing your review I did a search and found several others). I have a DGX-640 and although the DGX-670 looks and sounds very nice I don't think I will buy it. If I get another keyboard I would prefer to get a synthesizer (in particular I am considering the Roland Juno DS88) so I would have synthesizer capabilities along with piano sounds. After watching this review I looked up several reviews of other keyboards you have done and I am impressed with your knowledge and playing skills (I think you are among the best pianists I've seen reviewing keyboards on TH-cam). I am a relative beginner and I don't yet have your ability to pick out subtle differences in sound. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your reviews. It would be nice if you reviewed Roland's Juno DS88.
As always, well reviewed. Please(!!) include names of your wonderful choices of music. I loved the Scarlatti but missed the number of the first. And well played you!😊
The two Scarlatti pieces I'm playing at the moment are K.380 in E Major and K.1 in D minor.
Love your reviews, thank you.
They should have put line outputs on this?they really bungled that,what were they thinking?
This video convinced me to buy it. Now I have to learn how to play as well as James, lol.
I bought a DGX-660 a while back for my Grandkids. I have a CVP-405 which after many years is still doing great, but wonder what you think about the Clavinova CVP line of Digital Pianos.
Awesome review James! It surely is a huge improvement when Yamaha puts the CFX sample into it.
It sounds great!
Hey James! Does the "USB to Host" connection on the back mean I can use this as a Midi Controller? as in use it to to trigger virtual instruments? I love the sounds, but midi use is super important to me. Also is the GHS action a good one for a beginner-intermediate player? Like will I be able to comfortably switch to a real piano when the time comes? I ask because a lot of folks say that the GHS action is crap for learning and would give out and clank in a year or two. love this piano and would love to buy it, but that action issue makes me kinda nervous. Thanks for doing these videos! Big fan!
Now that’s a instrument to do a full review about! Amazing.I am surprised you didn’t said you bought it right away. Just kidding. I still want to go to a store nearby to check some out and I am curious to see if he got this one because I want to try this out myself. Thank you very much for reviewing, playing and sharing.
I think you might like it, it sounds great.
@@ThePianoforever That’s is exactly what I expect but I will let you know.
8:36 what s the name of this song ? Please...
I am still playing on the DGX 670's ancestor, the DGX 202. The key action used back then was the graded soft touch (which I am no big fan of) and only has 32 notes of polyphony. I think that they have come along way since they started they DGX line.
About 13 or 15 years ago or so, I actually bought a 32-note polyphony keyboard (Casio PX-555 I think) at Guitar Center... and took it back after a few weeks. That 32 poly was way too limiting for me -- it was constantly dropping notes, especially when layering sounds or using the pedal, to the point that when I played complex chords, not all the notes would even *SOUND* :O as in ... I might only hear an octave or a fifth, instead of the full chord in some situations. (I think the manual mentioned 10 or less note polyphony in complex scenarios, like layering sounds or using certain sounds.)
Also while the sound of that keyboard was kind-of "okay", it wasn't super great. I knew of the option of using the keyboard as a controller with a PC to get better sounds, but I'd prefer to have something all self-contained. Also I don't really care for the "clean" / "pure" / "sterile" sound that a lot of modern digital pianos have. It's like 3x more than my budget, but I think I like the Italian grand on the Nord stage pianos, though, and some of the Italian grand (Fazioli?) samples on some VST instruments. (As for acoustic pianos, some of my favorites are actually some mid 20th century Baldwin Hamilton uprights.)
When the time comes for me to get a digital piano sometime, I'd actually like one that has mostly just piano sounds, but has probably several dozen different pianos sampled. And I mean actual different pianos, not just one set of samples with the EQ changed to get the other sounds, or however that's done. Examples include multiple sizes of uprights (from spinets to big uprights) and grands (from petite to concert grands) from Baldwin, Chickering, Steinway, Bechstein, Bluthner, Bosendorfer, Yamaha, Kawai, Steingraeber, Fazioli, the 12-foot Rubenstein, Klavins uprights, the 5.7 meter piano in New Zealand, Bush & Lane, Everett, Emerson (the older ones), and many others, not just recent pianos, but also ones from 100-140 years ago.
@@pianoplayer88key I definitely appreciate your formidable inventiveness. Wow, the hammond drawbars replaced with convincing upright/grand drawbars. Very exciting! thanks
Received mine two days ago from Sam Ash music after a 7 week wait. So far I am VERY happy with it. Having fun playing Midi files through a flash memory stick right now. Personally I am glad they omitted the stand as it only works with this keyboard. I bought a Z type metal stand instead. It was $40 less and I can add another keyboard above if I want to. And it will be useable later if I get a different keyboard. BTW, there is a LOT of hiss in the audio on your video.
Awesome! It's a fun instrument to play. Yeah, sorry about the background noise, its hot here in California and they had several huge evaporative coolers and fans running to keep the air circulating.
We also got one, play MIDI through USB cable on old laptop using Notation Player 4. much better than USB stick.
The DGX-670 is now works like PSR-SX / Genos. Basically.
James,
You've got to do a comprehensive rebiew and demo on that amazing instrument:)
Pretty please?
Rik Spector
What I like you is that you are 100% compromissed with your real impressions. I really trust into your opnion
Hi from Brazil ;)
I believe next p135 will come with cfx sample
Oooh that will be nice. I'm expecting the P135 to be good... it has some serious competition now haha
@@ThePianoforever Kawai ES120 LOL🎹🎶
I love my DGX-650, which I got in late 2013...I suspect you had something earlier than that.
As much as I love that keyboard, there are a few features I really wish it had, and Yamaha doesn't seem to have added these.
1) A looper. I think it would be really great to record a layer of one thing that repeats without having to play every measure.
2) More sophisticated synth sounds and the ability to customize them. I'm a fan of the sounds from vintage, analog synths, and I'd love to mimic those more precisely.
3) Patches. On a related note, the ability to load custom patches would be wonderful.
I guess it sounds like I want a MOX or a Motif, doesn't it?
The chord on my Yamaha psr sx900 is dream come true for me but how I would love this amazing feature on a arranger/ digital piano!
Hello James, as do many others, I enjoy your videos very much. I in fact purchased a digital piano based on one of your past reviews. In that particular review, where you played the one section from the third movement of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, sold me on you, and that particular digital piano. Unfortunately, I'm a rank beginner, and was wondering the piece that you begin playing at about 8:35, is that Bach? Do you believe that Bach's C Minor Prelude No.2, from the WTC, is within the scope of a beginner, or am I dreaming? Please keep up the entertaining work!
Hi, I have a Casio PX560 as well as two other digital keyboards, however I'm considering getting a Yamaha DGX670, because 1. I'm sort of a collector of various instruments, and 2. I've had some Yamaha keyboards and I like their stuff. Also, I'm just curious and have read a lot of positive reviews of the DGX670. I've also read where the DGX670 action is a tad lighter than the PX560, which is what I want. I would be using the DGX670 for practicing and composing, along with the PX560. Thanks for your review. Very nice playing. Enjoyed it a lot.
This or P515? I wish 670 had the smart pianist support...
Hi James,
Does the 670 have the same key weight as the 660? It’s important for my playing that the weight of the keys is not heavier than the previous DGX models. Thanks! -K
Stretch sampling?
Thank you so much for your review; you play beautifully! I am still a little confused about the headphone jack being used as a line out. Is the only difference that you can’t use ithe line out in stereo when you hook it up to an amp?
In the 660 there was an option (output gain) to change it from headphones to external amplifier...dunno about 670 (please inform if anyone has any information regarding that feature in 670 as well)👍
Anyone have thoughts on using this as a gigging keyboard? Is it too big and bulky???
It is a lovely instrument. I own one. The action is too light to my taste. The Hamburg Grands at University of Sao Paulo are quite heavy and feels super solid. I wish I could find a good digital piano that would help me transition easier from digital to acoustic.
And how did you record the audio from the dgx?
Hamburg Steinways in Sao Paulo, wow! Yes the GHS is pretty light, something like a P515 (NWX action) might be more preferable. Kawai's GrandFeel keybeds are the best but are very, very expensive.
@@ThePianoforever University of Sao Paulo have 7 Hamburg Steinways. Two full concert size... one at the orchestra rehearsal room and one at the Tulha's Concert Room. The other ones are same size of models A and B.
Kawai's MP11 and CA models aren't available. The best thing are the Yamaha's and Casio Celviano's "hybrid". Have you ever played one of those casio? The dgx is a good for many things... especially teaching aural training with all the good samples and recording... but I'm looking for something that can withstand Chopin's etudes, nocturnes... Beethoven's sonatas... and actually have the sympathetic resonance. It's so frustrating playing Bach on the DGX... some of the long notes have a short decay and don't resonate sympathetically when other keys are played.
Dang, so the Kawais are out of the scenario. OK, I'd suggest trying the P515, it has a heavy, incredibly responsive action and nice sympathetic resonance. I have played the Casio "hybrids" (which aren't truly hybrid but that's a different story) and they are ok. It's been a few years, they're pretty rare, but I remember the action being good and the speakers being a little lackluster. They are the most affordable of all the hybrid pianos on the market and you may find their action more suitable than the GHS. As far as resonance is concerned I don't remember how good theirs was. I actually had a video of them uploaded but the store owner got upset and I decided to take down the videos.
@@ThePianoforever it seems that everything that involves Casio is a bit complicated. I get that defensive vibe each time someone points out something that could improve. I never got what was going on with that Casio drama. Owning up to its flaws would actually be a good thing. I tried one Celviano GP300 back in 2017... I thought the action was very soft and so did my piano professor. When our department took us to a piano shop so we could see closer what was going with the digital pianos I thought that was waste of time... but now that the store no longer rent acoustic pianos anymore I have to invest in some good board... so when I get back to University I won't suffer playing the Steinways... if the pandemic gets a little better in Brazil... a big if. Thank you, really. Helped me a lot.
You're welcome! Good luck in finding a digital piano!
Anyone know what piece he played on the default sound for the first time?
Another great video, it would be interesting if someone could lend you the new Yamaha YC88 👍
Yes. Yes it would. I heard them at the NAMM show and they sounded good.
James, this sounds like a very good instrument! Have you tried the Yamaha MX88? How does this DGX 670 compare to it?
Do you know the reason the chorus and reverb is showing as not available in the display and following page 6 of the manual nothing changes for the Yamaha dgx 670 please?
Hi James,
Thank you for al your valuable input on keyboards. I was wondering if you could evaluate the Korg XE 2O, also an arranger keyboard. I don't want to use it as an arranger, just for its multiple voices, I am specifically interested in the different piano, organ & string voices. Also, build quality and action is important to me. A comparison between the DGX670 and Korg XE 20 would be an added bonus. :-)
Another very thorough review, thank you. I'm all set with my Kawai mp11se but I still enjoy you reviews. By the way, could you please tell me what the first piece of music was you played? Thanks again, keep up the good work....Dean (UK)
Ooh nice an MP11SE! Thanks for watching my videos! The first piece I played was Scarlatti's sonata in D minor, K.1
Awesome sound and it's a great arranger too! I wish Yamaha Genos would come out with 88 keys. I really like the DGX670!
Im sure you had to resist the temptation not to do a full concert. Good Job!
Please compare Yamaha Ydp 164 vs Dgx 670
Please review the Kurzweil SP1, Thanks
I heard you say something in one of your videos a while back about Taylor music is that the Taylor music in West Chester pa
No, it's Taylor Music in Aberdeen, South Dakota! 😁
I’m thinking of getting a piano to replace my Yamaha PSR-EW310 and I’m currently torn between the Yamaha DGX-670 and the P-515. What would you suggest, James?
Well, it depends on what you need from a piano. If you need a super professional, highly pianistic response from your instrument, with a core focus on high quality acoustic piano sounds, the P515 is the way to go. If you're looking for a more flexible, diverse instrument with hundreds of really nice non-piano sounds and fun arranger and recording technology built in, and its professional-use potential is less important for your use, the DGX-670 is probably for you. In short, the P515 is purely about the playing experience and use in professional settings, while the DGX-670 is about versatility, home use, and having lots of fun.
@@ThePianoforever thanks! In your experience, is there a noticeable difference between the two pianos’ action? I’ve heard the P-515 has escapement which would be nice as long as it’s not just a gimmick.
My opinion as of right now is that escapement in digital pianos is sometimes a gimmick, in the case of the P515 it is barely even noticable. This is not necessarily a bad thing, its action (NWX) plays absolutely amazing and although it is heavy (reminiscent of a real piano) it is incredibly responsive and can literally play anything you need it to. The action of the 670 (GHS) is acceptable for its price point for sure, and has very few limitations for most musical styles. If you're an intermediate pianist it would suit you just fine.
How can you see chords without backing tracks?" Can we just choose a piano sound and try to work out the chord on our own? For example, if we flat the 3rd in real time we would see it go to a minor chord and then if we sharpen it we would see it go back to a major chord. Is that possible on the 670?
a thing im rly curious for is a comparison between ydp 144 arius and the p125 .
Will it fit the same stand as the 660 ?
Which wud be better
670 vs P 515.
In specific, which one has a better PIANO Sound ?
p515
would love to know what to consider in buying a beginners keyboard for an adult? i want to learn from beginners to advanced but don't really want to spend more than $300 (around $200 u.s) would love a vid if you have the time for it!? (currently looking at the medeli e17)
What was the first scarlatti sonata before 380?
K.1 in D minor 🙂
What is the piece at 14:25?
1st one. Much love James❤️
Hello, what do you think about Yamaha arius 164?
What is advantage of l+r output..?
The speakers are the same 2 x 6 watt but apparently set in a deeper method. This one sounds very much as though it is hooked up to a much better speaker.
Yamaha dgx 670 and Yamaha arius ydp 144 which better good?
Which digital piano to go after, if I want to upgrade my Yamaha P-45 (hate the fact that it can't remember settings, so have to add reverb etc. every time I turn it on).
I was looking at your review here, but I really don't need all the bells and whistles this one has. I could do with the "piano room" feature alone. I got a DAW and VSTs if I wan't to sound like a guitar or a trumpet :) I have no need for all the accompanions etc. Just looking for a keyboard with good grand piano samples and a decent keybed (still a beginner but like the weighted and graded keys on my p-45). Has to be digital piano with speakers - no stage piano that needs external speakers connected. Price range $1200 USD +/-
What to look at??
Thanks :)
Sounds very much like you'd be happy with either a P125 (which I have and love!) or a P515.
thanks for the review, if i am solely getting a piano for home piano learning practice, how does this compare against KDP110/ KDP120 or the ES110?
This would be excellent for home use, and one could certainly learn to play the piano on it, but the ES110 would have a more professional approach and has more versatility as it can truly be used as a gigging instrument if you so desire.
@@ThePianoforever thanks for the reply. as I am not concerned at all about other voices and only really care about the piano playing experience it seems to be that the Kawais are the way to go. the may thing is that the ES110 is probably due for replacement while the KDP 120 is new. so am wondering if I should wait around for the ES120 to be launched if ever, or just get the KDP120 instead.
here in my country, the ES 110 is around USD 730 (with bench and gig stand) and the KDP 120 is USD 1,180 (with bench) which is 60% more expensive. This DGX-670 has also come on my radar at USD 1,140 (with cabinet and 3 pedals) but seems like the action is a little lacking compared to the Kawai. It seems that we pay a premium for Yamaha here.
Are you able to record vocals on the 670?
sounds really nice
Thanks for the video.
I can record my audio file with style to the USB.
But, when I transfer the audio file to my cellphone or my computer, I cannot hear the file with quality sound. Even, I cannot hear the recorded style.
Would you please lead me how I can record the audio files that can be transferred to other devices with high quality?
Are the keys semi weighted or fully weighted?
I enjoyed the video Yamaha wins now that thay added Megavoices and super articlation I like them alot. the 660 had no megavoices but the 670 is the go to. Also i like that music store you were at. maybe another video you can compare it with guitar center. I might Buy a DGX-670 one day.😇
Hey James, how are you enjoying your Viscount? Are you going to get the synth module?
You never seem to review kawai digital pianos? I’d be interested in your review of the ca99
O.K. I will upload a review of the Kawai CA 99 on Saturday.
@@ThePianoforever cheers man ledge
Hi James! I’m wondering how this piano sound/feel is compared to Korg SV2? Twice the price,half the sound or is this Yamaha piano superior? And does it have options for a vibrato pedal? And I just LOVE a beautiful ,warm and mystical pads/strings/choirs bread&butter layer. Is it any good?
The feel of the SV2 is superior, and the analog-style user interface can't be beat. The SV2 has some stellar orchestral patches but the 660 has a greater variety of really nice guitar, woodwind, and brass tones that impressed me, personally. The SV2 can do things with sound that the DGX-670 could likely never dream of doing, and the DGX-670 has sounds the SV2 cannot produce on its it's own. The better built and more professional instrument is without a doubt the SV2, which is why I own one.
@@ThePianoforever of course there are differences and nothing can beat the coolness of a SV2. But still I'm looking for a more crisp and full Elton Johnified pianospill,which I cant find on my SV2. If you have one and have a good setting in the editor,feel free to share bro :)
That auto pan is like the bed spins after one drink too many.
Great review, you should do a more thorough one too.
This is a very strange design callback to the old DGX-500/505 style Yamahas. Now i want one to "replace" my old one.
At the risk of asking too much: does it have the Boesendorfer patch from the P515?
Sadly, no. That was the first thing I looked for after realizing they ported sounds over from the P515!
@@ThePianoforever Is the cfx sound the same as in p 515? Greetings :)
If you use the Yamaha Smart Pianist App for the Yamaha P-515 and many others (I wonder if it works with the DGX670) you can easily access all the XG sounds along with all the piano, strings, etc. with ease and they are easy to navigate to find just the sound your looking for including fireworks lol 😎🎶👍
I remember the fireworks well 😄
Great Review James.........Has any one ever mentioned you look like a young Dexter?
Why have you not reviewed " The ONE Smart Piano keyboard pro " yet ?
Is it because it is bad ?
When the high resolution dial screen becomes larger. I will consider buying a new DGX model. I still own a DGX 660. So I dont want too many keyboards in my home.
I also own dgx 660, i think I will buy next dgx model if it has separated L/R output audio
Thank you for not playing cringe music.
This is a great sample of example.
Hi overall less than 700$ what keyboard do you recommend ? ☺️
This one or the Kawai es 110, Yamaha P125.
this or an P125 ?
Review Casio CT S-1
I will have to get around to that, it seems. 😁👍