Hey thanks so much glad you enjoyed the review! I've done quite a few videos on the 425/473; here is a link to the playlist if you want to check out any of the other videos: th-cam.com/play/PL_W0EMCT9oNapVXgSMoMoVV2QDzpClNEd.html And thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe.
@@duane2939 Are you referring to the CTX-5000 or CT-S500? If it's the CTX-5000 I've never seen one of those so I cannot say for sure (stores where I live have never carried the CTX line, just the CTS); but personally I would lean towards the Yamaha because it's much newer. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Thanks for a great in-depth review! I bought the 425 and have been using it to play band jobs for about a week, and it is working great for me. I still have a lot of work ahead to be able to take full advantage of the many sounds and features, but there’s no doubt in my mind that this keyboard sets a new standard of excellence in the under $1000.00 price range. Here are a few initial impressions, in no particular order… I’m finding that I’m using the #2 piano sound most of the time-it just seems to work better for both comping and solos when running the keyboard through the soundboard/PA system we use. -I use this #2 piano voice just as it is for comping and fills. It blends beautifully with the band, even while having the dynamic presence to stand out a bit when I play a fill. When I play a solo I turn up the resonance a bit to get the piano voice to punch through better and get on top of the band, and it works like a charm. I don’t have to adjust the output volume up and down much at all with this keyboard. -My organ playing skills are weak, but already I can tell that the organ sounds on this keyboard are a huge upgrade from my previous Roland keyboard. The two voices I’ve been using this first week are #41 and #43-jazz organ 1 and 2 with rotary fast. On jazz organ 2 (#43) it’s easy to dial the rotary speaker off and on using the programmable left hand knob. I think down the line I will probably buy a Neo Mini Vent ll, but even without doing that I can see there is still a lot of experimentation that can be done to get great organ sounds with this keyboard. -I’ve also settled on the “Hard” keyboard touch setting, as it seems to give me the best overall control. As far as the keys themselves are concerned, I can unequivocally say this-this is a fast keybed! If you can adapt to synth-weight keys or have played them before you will be fine with this keyboard feel. I agree completely with Tony’s impressions. I’ve already been using the octave up/down buttons, which is not something I’ve done before, but these are simple and quick to use. The combination of 76 keys coupled with the octave buttons makes it possible to easily play on any part of the keyboard you like. I am super impressed with this keyboard, and I look forward to unlocking more of its potential as time goes by.
Hey thanks so much for all that awesome info! I’ve been using the “Gospel Shout” and “whitebar” organs - haven’t messed with the dials at all yet (I actually don’t know much about organs / drawbars but want to learn!); I found the jazz ones to be really quiet - maybe I need to be using the live knobs for those? And I can see that 2nd piano voice being good for cutting through the mix - it’s brighter than the main one; I’ve been using the main one for ballads etc and “brite piano” for 50s rock (jerry Lee Lewis etc) and it sounds pretty good Ill have to try out the #2 voice with those as well. I also settled on the hard touch setting; found it was too easy to “graze” a key accidentally and have it sound otherwise - I might however start using some registrations to save the normal keytouch for e pianos - I’m finding with Cool! Suitcase EP I have to pound the keys pretty hard to get the brighter sample on the hard setting. Thanks again!
@@PianoTone Also helpful. Especially this sentence: "I also settled on the hard touch setting; found it was too easy to “graze” a key accidentally and have it sound otherwise ...". I'm wondering which setting I will settle on. 😃
@@TheMg49 If you're accustomed to acoustic pianos or weighted keys I'll bet on hard. I might start saving some registrations for electric pianos on medium though - the Cool! Suitcase EP seems to have a slightly different touch response to the pianos (how hard you have to press to trigger a different sample). The "grazing keys" thing won't be a problem if I practice more ;)
@@PianoTone Ok, thanks. Yeah, practice is essential. I'm pretty 'rusty' now. It always takes a while to adapt to a keyboard that you haven't played on before. I had an ew400, and it was good for playing very fast stuff and felt good (Edit: on medium setting, mostly). Easy to play, and also dynamically responsive to how hard you hit the keys. I expect that the ew425 will be at least that good, and probably better.
Wow! What a great review! Thank you so much - I already own the E473 and I still watched the whole thing. I feel so underqualified to own this keyboard and you have just really advanced my learning curve. If I had still been shopping this would have been even more amazing - really great job!
Thanks a bunch. Another keyboard you might want to check out (if you don't care about all the fancy arranger features, drums etc) is another keyboard I own, the Casiotone CT-S1. th-cam.com/video/GxABEEahz5Q/w-d-xo.html Thanks for subscribing, hope you find a keyboard that fits your needs!
I have the PSR-E473 and it's an absolute beast. It staggers the mind how much functionality is crammed into such a small, lightweight keyboard that is so affordable. It isn't perfect, by any means, but I could see actually playing gigs with this thing. Plus I know this guy who tells me how to do all the things with it that I can't figure out on my own.
Polyphony is 64 compared to GoKeys 5 - 256 Super excellent review!! For the EW 425, is it easy to run out of polyphony with the accompaniments playing while one is playing as well even if one is controlling the sustain to a minimum?
Thanks! I know I'm not a great player, but I have never run out of polyphony (or at least noticed running out of polyphony) on any keyboard, so I don't think it's a huge issue. I know it can be more likely with some heavy accompaniment (and I don't play arrangers as much as I just play keys with my band) so it could be an issue? But I've never noticed it. Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Exactly the opposite actually for piano sounds; the piano sounds on the PSR-E473/EW425 is far better than the NP32/NP12, the speakers are better, the connectivity is FAR better (the NP's have no audio interface, no line out ports, and no mic in). The build quality would be comparable; and to be fair the action on the NP series is a bit more "piano like" (it's not weighted, but it FEELS more like a piano than the PSR series does) Keep in mind there are new versions of the NP series now, the NP35 and 15 - I haven't seen those yet so I can't comment on those (they might have more comparable sounds to the PSR series). Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe.
@@jerryx2000 The 373 also has the same (better) piano sample than the NP12/32, the 473/425 have more polyphony and effects so I think the sound is slightly better on those ones but it is the same base sample
thank for review, after many years of using a toy keyboard, now i want buy a good keyboard and that 61 key version E473, but in many videos and websites i read and about after around 6 months to 1 year the display screen issue showed up and texts is fade! now what you say for this problem, if your keyboard no have this problem anyway you suggest for me this? or better back to older version like E463? but that E463 piano voice is not good as E473 anyway i dont know buy E473 or no...
I don’t have the E473 I have the EW425, and have had no problems with the screen (over a year old). I also haven’t heard of that issue for a while now, so maybe Yamaha has corrected it. The 473 is a much better keyboard than the 463, if it was me I would buy the 473. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone thanks for reply, and ok i think it's better to buy E473 than E463, anyway if my mind stay on E473 then i will buy it after that then i will say if it's have that screen problem or not, after using it at least 6 months :) thanks
@@hsgames9842it has been confirmed that Yamaha has corrected this issue. The challenge now is to know which version you get. Pre or Post fix. But assume that of you get a bad one. They’ll swap it out for you
@Piano Tone Very very helpful review, you cover it all !!! I am a novice self-learned user and wanted to get one keyboard for a lifetime, that would be great quality, enjoyable and full of features without breaking the bank. So i already bought E473 but i was very skeptical & almost regretting about my choice over the Korg EK-50 seeing it on various reviews ! Thank you for confirming that i made the right choice on the chapter !
Awesome, glad you liked the review! The E473 and EW425 really are amazing value (the EK-50 is a nice board too, but the new Yamahas have more going for them I think!) Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone Of course i subscribed from the first second i found your videos :) Your reviews are high quality, detailed and informative, you really deserve millions of subscribers :) The more time i spend with e473, the more easy it seems to me, although it will never be as easy as Korg's EK-50 amazing easy user interface. But it pays me back with its awesome sound quality that is on more expensive keyboards :) My only complain is that it doesn't have the ability to sustain the sound of left hand voices (such as violin, string e.t.c.) without keys pressed down. Also it would be nice if there was a button for fast switching style variation without fill-in !
Thanks so much glad you liked the review! It is a fantastic keyboard (either one 473 or 425). Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
When you use the LR line outs (as opposed to the headphone out) the speakers will be enabled. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Hi there! The 425 has better features (better sounds, speakers, connectivity, better rhythm options etc); but to be honest just for LEARNING? No difference. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
I've been thinking about purchasing a 425 as an upgrade to my current practice keyboard...a PSR-32 that I purchased new back in 1986. When looking at online reviews about the 473/425, I've noticed comments stating that the display has been problematic for some users, but it's hard to know what the percentage is. It seems that both Yamaha and at least one dealer do not have any 425s in stock. The keyboard's page on Yamaha's website has had it in backordered status for a while now. Guitar Center has also shown it to be out of stock. This has me wondering if Yamaha is working on a successor. 🤔 I suppose the new 320 might be a suitable substitute, but it doesn't have all of the features of the 425.
I never had any issues with the screen on mine, and I haven’t heard much about that after the first few months they were released, so I’m sure Yamaha probably corrected it. I recently bought a Roland GO:Keys 5, review will be coming soon - it’s amazing :) Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
I inquired about the display problem on a keyboard-centric forum and was told that Yamaha did, indeed have batches of 473's that developed display problems (displays dimmed out). Was also told that, for a while, the 473 was unavailable while the problem was being investigated and rectified...but that units produced more recently should be good. I did a recheck of Guitar Center & Sweetwater and both now show the 425 back in stock.
@@PianoTone I bit and purchased the 425. To say that it is a step-up from my old 32 is an understatement. Strings that actually sound like strings, horns that sound like horns and pianos that are leaps & bounds better than those on the 32. Unlike the PSR-32, I have my doubts that the 425 will last for 40 years (I probably won't be around to see it happen if it does). One note about the 425 & damper pedals. I purchased a Yamaha FC3A to use with the 425. Found out it didn't work. Checked the keyboard's settings and everything looked good. Checked the owner's manual and it suggested the FC4A. I pulled up a picture of the 4A and noticed that the plug on the 4A is 1/4" mono. The plug on the 3A is 1/4" stereo. Returned the 3A and purchased a 4A. Plugged it in and it works as expected. So, if any viewer purchases the 425 and opts to include a damper pedal, make sure that the pedal has a 1/4" mono plug. 🙂
Thank you very much for your review, very helpful. According to your knowledge it is possible to plug in a electric guitar in the E473? Maybe via mic input?
Thanks so much! I suppose it would be possible technically, but I wouldn't recommend it; the port is designed for a mic input so it is likely amplified higher than the level meant for a guitar. For example on my Yamaha CK88, you specify whether you have a mic or instrument connected - with the mic setting it is 10x louder than if you choose instrument. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Super review, thank you so much. One question, can I use the sustain input to assign the pedal to another source, like articulation for instance? Thank you once again
Thanks! Check out page 64 of the manual/the pedal function (function 54 I think); you can set the pedal as follows (yes you can use it with articulation): Determines the Function assigned to the footswitch connected to the [SUSTAIN] jack. • 1 (Sustain): While you press the footswitch you can still hear a note sustain even after you release the keyboard. • 2 (Arpeggio Hold): During Arpeggio playback, while you press the footswitch the Arpeggio continues to sound even if you release the keyboard. • 3 (Sus+ArpeggioH): Both Functions described in 1 and 2 above are applied at the same time. • 4 (Art.): While you press the footswitch, an Articulation effect is applied. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Awesome video with incredible details. I bought one, but the one I wish they would improve is the have lighted buttons. The buttons are very hard to see without an accompanying esternal light. Have you ever tested the Korg i3? This seems similar to the PSR E473 but has lighted buttons with different colors for various functions.
Thanks!! I’ve never played the I3 - not a lot of Korg or Kawaii where I live; would love to try one though! Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
I agree these are insane value for the money. However i think that Yamaha could have taken this to the next level. A portamento button, 128 registration slots, ability to play samples chromatically on the keyboard, a button to turn on DSP1, 8x2 pads that can trigger samples, phrases or drums and a simple sequencer. They could put all these in and charge 100 dollars extra and people will gladly purchase it
More features would definitely be cool, but I think they want to make sure they don’t add too much or everyone would buy the 473/425 instead of the SX series (700/900) Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
You want an entirely different keyboard, and that keyboard definitely exists. But it costs A LOT more money. Sure, I would be glad to pay an extra $100 for an extra $1000 of features too!
You could yank the bottom off, check for clearances and install a 1/4" Switchcraft headphone jack (wired in parallel) in the front lower panel... Could even make it a 1/8" (3.5mm) jack instead... What I do is use a Bluetooth out to "in ears"...
Hi, thanks for the reviews. Does the 425 have a decent synthesizer selection (Like 80s saw leads for Van Halen Jump or Synth Horns in other 80s pop?) TY
To be honest I'm not the right person to ask; it has those kinds of voices and they sound good to ME, but I am definitely not a synth player, nor would I know a "good" saw/synth voice from a bad one . . . Sorry I couldn't be more help! Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone Hey no worries, Thanks for the reply. I did find an online manual that shows all the voices so I have a better idea. I haven't had a keyboard for a while but I've owned the DGX/YPG models years ago so I'm familiar with some of those settings and names. I play mostly for hobby and just fun now. Initially I was looking for a great acoustic piano/grand sound and any synth is a plus... And welp, I actually just bought the 76-key PSR-EW425 online an hour ago so I'll give it a go and see for myself! Cheers.
For the Piano voices, do you prefer Voice #1 or Voice #2? There seems to be more fullness or richness in Piano Voice #2. Thoughts? (I'm debating between the 61 and the 76).
They’re both good #2 is a bit brighter and I’ve had someone mention they use it playing live and it cuts through the mix better which I can totally see. I’m still trying a lot of these out on different songs but I like having both 1 & 2 as choices (the #2 on the 61 key version isn’t as nice as the one on the 76, I’m hoping to be able to rent a 61 to actually do a side by side). I like the 76 also just for the extra keys, the bigger speakers and the upgraded organs.
I’ve never seen any of the Tyros keyboards so I can’t say for sure, sorry! That came out in 2002 though so it is pretty old. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Of the many vids that I've viewed on the ew425, this is probably my favorite one. I also commented on your Initial Reaction vid, which was a major influence in me buying an ew425. It's on the way. Maybe I'll try to do a short TH-cam vid with it, and link to it in a comment here. Your presentations are really good. You should have more subscribers. Not sure how to facilitate that though. If I'm able to create anything with the ew425 that I like well enough to put on TH-cam, then I'll put a link to it in a comment here, if that's ok. Thanks for your well done videos and best wishes for the future.
Thanks again! The subscriber growth was slow the first year but has really picked up though - very cool and super appreciated. Feel free to link as much as you like!
I have the 473, however, im not familiar with the features quite yet. You said I can connect my tablet, do I need an app? Android, if there's a difference. When I was a kid, in 1985 to be exact, I had a Casio guitar shaped keyboard. I had the easy play books, hitsfrm 60s 70s, n 80s, the Beatles, Elvis, and a few more. I wish those books were still available. :/
You can connect your tablet with USB and play songs, mp3/wav, listen to TH-cam etc and it will come out of the piano speakers. And if you have recording apps on your tablet, the keyboard will send both MIDI and audio to the app. For a new version of "easy play" books, you can google "song name lead sheet" and you will find alot of options. UltimateGuitar.com is a great option (free) and chordify is an inexpensive (but fantastic option); you search your song, it will show you the chords and play the TH-cam video for the song for you to play along with. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
There are online reports that some of 473 screens are defective with some partial and faded characters. Yamaha has refused to replace them under warranty. Seems to be a power supply issue. Apparently there's no problem with the 425 screens.
Thanks for that info! Why wouldn’t they replace them under warranty? Even the store purchased from should do that I would think … Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@dpwaldman3145 Sorry to hear that! Are you able to return it for a refund or exchange? I'm curious about a couple of things: - was it like that from the start or did the problem appear over time? - if you look at it from different angles does it look normal? - is it any different if you use batteries instead of the power supply? Good luck, I hope you can get a refund or exchange.
Great review, sir. Do the onboard speakers work as monitors when the keyboard is connected via line-out ports, or do they shut off like they do when we connect headphones?
thank you for the video! I have a question to everyone: I used to have a PSR-330 super ancient synth which had a function I cannot find on my PSR-E473. When I play accompaniment in multi-finger mode, and I use chord inversions, is there a way to tell it I want the bass to be at my lower note? Example: I'm in the key of C, I play E-G-C (from bottom to top), and I want the accompaniment to play with the bass at E, not at C. Is there such a thing in PSR-E473? Thanks!
No that’s a different chord detection mode (usually called “fingered on bass” or something like that) - Yamaha still only includes 2 chord detection modes (and that’s not one of them) while the competition usually has 5 or more. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Very pleased with my PSR E 473. Perhaps a little more memory and bluetooth on the next model. A better screen or capability to connect a tablet would help also. Amazing value.
You can connect a tablet with the USB to host port; just need a normal printer cable and whatever adapter you need for your tablet (lightning adapter for iPad for example). And the best part is that not only transmits MIDI like all keyboards do, but it also transmits AUDIO in BOTH directions (so you can stream audio from your tablet to play along with or send audio to your tablet to a DAW recording app) Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
One of the annoying things is that if you save a song to usb, it does not play properly on your computer. It seems Yamaha has a library of non standard midi instruments. First I got around this by recording my compositions on my phone just using the voice recorder app, then I found I could connect the keyboard to an old phone using the printer cable and an adapter to change the usbA to micro usb. Strangely my 2020 galaxy ultra phone won't do this but my 2016 phone treats the keyboard as a microphone and I can record it with the voice recorder type app. This gives me digital sound which I then modify with Audacity pgm. I could connect to the computer but its very awkward to get at and my laptop if I put the keyboard on a table, the screen with fine print is hard to see.@@PianoTone
I got the e473 over the weekend and just got exasperated with all the menu after menu options…I own a decent acoustic piano and just wanted to get something to practice with when at my out of town office. So I took it back and will probably order the DGX670….but is it portable at all. Is there something that has all the benefits of the DGX-670 that weighs less?
Hi there! If you found the EW 425 menu to be overwhelming, you will probably find the DGX to be even more overwhelming- it has a massive amount of features. And it is not really portable; it is large, bulky and weighs 50 lbs (more than twice of the 425). If you want something portable to practice on the Yamaha P125 (not P125A) is a great choice - it has fully weighted keys and is very simple to use - great piano sounds and fully weighted action. Hope that helps Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Yamaha should give you some kind of award for helping them sell their keyboards Tony you do an excellent job you need to get some kind of incentive because you really make the Yamaha Keyboard come to life and make people want to buy it. Great job Tony great job
Hello and thank you for your very thorough informative review. I want to buy keybord for my son, so that he has the ease of portability when play in school events, or with his friends in the future. I thought that ew425 would be a good choice, specs\price. The only thing that troubles me is the 64 voice polyphony, considering the fact of playing with sustain pedal and the simultaneous use of accompaniments and/or other effects. Please enlighten me! Cheers.
Thanks so much! I've been playing since 2019, and I now play in a gigging blues band. I've owned, rented and tested sooo many keyboards and pianos, ranging from 32 polyphony to 256. If I have even once run out of polyphony I didn't notice :) In my opinion, you would have to be playing a lot of fast sustained notes, with multiple layers, and with accompaniment to have that happen (and even sustained notes willl/SHOULD stop being sustained every time you switch a chord anyways). So I know I'm not an advanced player, but polyphony has NEVER been an issue for me. Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone Respectfully thank you for your response. You really make it simpler for me to choose. If its fine by you, it should be fine for my son also. Thanks again!
I have 61 keys not yamaha but sound is great.I upgraded to Yamaha 88 keys and sound is super good .I am planning to buy 76 keys that I can carry outside to entertain some audience but I am thinking if it is ad good as the 88 keys.
I've often run out of space on 61 key keyboards (and have to octave shift them up or down depending on the song), 76 has always been fine for me. I don't play classical at all just modern music with chords etc. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe.
Any of Yamaha's websites worldwide have downloadable manuals; just find the product and then use the downloads link and you'll be taken to a page with all the options for whatever product: usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/keyboards/portable_keyboards/psr-ew425/downloads.html#product-tabs Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Check out my review on the Talentcell batteries - they are awesome: th-cam.com/video/hhrLDeLCaTg/w-d-xo.html Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Hi there! Check the function menu for “Release” setting - this can be modified to change the time a voice sustains naturally (without the pedal) Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
i just bought the 473 but was under the impression it came with some sort of Yamaha lesson program you could access directly from the keyboard? Am I wrong?
Hi there! No there is no built in lesson feature on the 473 (there is on the 373); the 473 does I think come with a free trial to the flowkey app. You could also check out one of my favourite online piano courses Piano Man Approach - did a review here: th-cam.com/video/Ey1g9hUnZec/w-d-xo.html Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Not sure what you mean? There are lots of demos through the review. If you're looking for a song demo check this out: th-cam.com/video/iLrY0XdSLRg/w-d-xo.html Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe.
The tones are exactly the same except the 425 has a better quality 2nd piano voice (main piano is the same) and the 425 has 10 enhanced organ voices. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Its to bad that you cant use the sampler mode for voices. That way i could have used a drum kit to make a drum patern and put it on loop. Realt a missed op to have a option to loop a voice
It's an awesome keyboard, but looping isn't one of it's things (and the sampling is the one thing that's kind of useless; I tried sampling a horn sound so I could use a button to trigger it in a song, which worked, but it was impossible to time - it has to be an audio file so if there is even a millisecond of time at the start of your recording you can't time when it will be heard after hitting the button; would have to edit the audio wav file to remove all leading time - totally not worth the effort lol)
Question , that USB is both midi and audio , does that mean i can lay down the keyboard sounds itself on the grid of my mpc , or in a daw ? Because im looking for that , and im new to music production and dont know that much
Since it sends both MIDI and audio, it means you can send audio to an audio track in a DAW (or even straight to a recording app like the camera app on your phone) and get high quality direct audio without needing an external audio interface like a focusrite Scarlett etc. Keyboards without audio built in to that port (like all Casios) can only send MIDI data (so use the sounds in the DAW instead of the actual audio from your piano); for those keyboards to send audio they need to go through the external interface first. Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone I ordered the psr e 473 , its ariving tommorow night. Its gonna be my first real keyboard. Last 5 months been playing a very small midi that i bought with a mpc. And i enjoy music production so much. I never even played a note up untill 5 months ago. Now i want to learn to play the keys. Im 41 soon and realy regret i didnt get in earlier , always wanted it though. Guess they say its never to late. Thank for the video
@@ipainthouses3084 That's great you won't regret it (I started playing keys in 2019 and it's been amazing). And the 473 is awesome, you'll love it - and with rhythms etc it's a great keyboard to learn on. If you want to checkout my reviews for online courses I recommend (that worked for me) here's a link: th-cam.com/play/PL_W0EMCT9oNb7OQ7TiB0WHZv7K4k1bScA.html
Not as far as I know (for all voices) it may even differ (default setting) voice by voice - you would have to save it for voices you want to use it for as a registration. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
I haven't had any trouble with the EW425, and I haven't heard/seen any recent complaints about the 473 so I'm sure Yamaha has addressed the issue that happened right when the 473 came out. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Thanks so much glad you enjoyed the review! And yeah go Sharks! Saw a playoff game there during a road trip years ago :) Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Awesome! I really like this keyboard, about to buy one - my biggest question is, I'd like to use the WAV file audio playback (of some prerecorded synths on a thumb drive) and play keys over that. Will this allow me to play the wav file at the 100% recorded/playback level on the thumb drive, and be able to adjust the keys level I'm playing over that between 0-100% level?
@@billnelson3732 I use backing tracks all the time (both streamed from iPad to Aux In or from the flash drive); both come in at a good volume (many keyboards don't) and you can also adjust the relative incoming volume within the menu for each. I can't say for sure if you are getting 100% of the original levels (I would think you probably are), but I've never had a problem with managing incoming volumes on the 425 (same as 473). It's actually one of the best keyboards I've had with regard to that issue. Hope that helps!
Please ! An advice to get thé nearest sound of vintage Fender Rhodes amp more or less saturated..the inbuilt one of elp is good but too sweet to my ears. Thanks
Hi there! I don't have alot of experience with effects (or a with Rhodes sounds even though I like them). The data list on Yamaha's website lists all of the DSP effects available, maybe one of those would be what you are looking for. europe.yamaha.com/files/download/other_assets/4/1544204/psre473_en_fr_es_de_ja_dl_a0.pdf Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Hi there! I have the PSRe 473 but I keep having issues with USB flash drives. One would say "Unformat" Now the manual says if you get a "Format?" message afterwards, you can format the USB. But I wouldn't get that message. I would just get "Unformat"? then the message goes off. Then I tried other drives and I get NoFile even though I do have files on the USB drive. I also tried buying different USB flash drives because the first few I tried might have been too big with 128 gb and I read somewhere that it won't take large drives. I called Yamaha tech support. He first told me maybe 32gb...but he also recommended 8gb or 16 gbs. I purchase a 16 gb drive and still getting NoFile message. I had been emailing the Yamaha tech support person...but he hasn't replied to my latest email yet. ..but I just don't know what else to do. I even reset my keyboard to factory settings. Anyone else having an USB issue?
I haven’t had any issues and I am away from my keyboard right for a couple weeks so I can’t test it. The “nofile” is if the keyboard either doesn’t recognize the file format, or if (I think) the files are nested too deeply in folders) Hope that helps thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone Thank you. Hmm 🤔 Yeah I always have the right format and put the files in the root folder too...so I am puzzled. Thanks again and just subscribed.
Yes it is; it has USB MIDI out (also sends audio over that connection in both directions, which is great because then your audio from your device/app will come back through the keyboard speakers with no lag) Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
You can play anything on this keyboard - if it is classical music you might want the 425 with 76 keys instead of 61. Hope that helps! Thanks for visiting the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone Thanks for replying. Can you post a video of a piano cover on this keyboard. I search many videos but they only play soft piano. I want to see how hard/fast piano covers sounds like on this keyboard.
Hey there - I don’t know anything about the 630 but I looked it up and it was released in 1997; so no I would either buy the 473 or if it’s too $$$ I would buy a 373 before buying something 26 years old (the sounds won’t even be comparable) Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
A lot of the competition does have more variations for sure; but I also think Yamaha accompaniment is usually programmed better (smoother fills and changes etc). I just wish Yamaha would catch up with more chord detection modes, especially full keyboard. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@erjuanjojj There is a new Roland GO Keys (3 and 5) that I think have 4 variations: geni.us/eocArBt I will try to review one when they are available where I live.
They’re both awesome - if you feel the extra keys and bigger speakers are important to you the 425 is a great choice: if not the 473 is a great choice. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Sir few questions i am from India, i asked around to random musicians on twitch and most said to not buy anything except the ones with 88 weighted keys, now i have no basic knowledge, no idea how to read music sheet, melody, harmony notes etc. can someone like me self learn if i buy the e-473? ew425 is not available here for the time being, my plan is to make original background music, something similar to jingles, themes, instead of just playing songs, this is for both personal use and commercial use if i get good enough. Can you make something like ambience sound and sell it to music stores online? just some random tunes, long or short but nothing like full song or music, if i can give some example, the kinda of music you would hear in background in dramas or any kind of media to be precise, it that a thing? or you would need to be hired by studios for such kind of music creation job? 88 weighted key models costs over 50k here One of the reason i want to get into music is due to a korean actress singer who has inspired me to be something big in life, otherwise i am doing fine in my web work as a freelancer, i have a lot of free time to spare daily so thought to learn something instead of wasting time, besides my father used to play harmonium, mouth organ and eletronic piano so music is kinda in the blood
Hi there! You can absolutely learn to play on a 473! And since it has hundreds of sounds, rhythms and accompaniment, and recording features it would be a great choice for making the kind of music you’re talking about. The only reason you NEED weighted keys is for a similar feel to an acoustic piano (so that you can get familiar with that feel for when you buy an acoustic piano, or play one at your school or church etc). For classical piano pieces, weighted keys will allow for more expressiveness; but for the kind of music you are interested in, a keyboard with lots of sounds and features is more appropriate. For learning, I have reviews on some inexpensive online courses (you don’t need to read sheet music). Pianoforall and Birds Piano Academy would be the least expensive; here is a list of reviews: Online Piano Course Reviews th-cam.com/play/PL_W0EMCT9oNb7OQ7TiB0WHZv7K4k1bScA.html As far as selling your music, I don’t really know too much about that - sorry! Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone thanks for the reply, so if acoustic music is already available on this one, why would someone need to have weighted key model? maybe for the grand piano playing which would be for professionals or as you said schools etc. and the other expensive model is also available but only one in stock, 425, it costs 7k more but other than big speakers and a particular sound you mentioned being of better quality there is no other major differences right? although i would not mind getting more keys secondly the voices i assume are the instruments i assume so what are polyphony sounds? i checked you other video on samples and i was impressed by flute instrument sounding really well as well as violin, even if i buy this just for fun it seems well worth it and i will likely be using headphones most of the time if not all times to not disturb the neighbors or the family people so that loud speaker on that expensive model does not really factor in for me, 76 keys seems more attractive
@@GotuUmraniya The weighted keys are for feel only (more like a real piano). And yes "voices" = "instruments". "Polyphony" is not a voice or an instrument; polyphony is how many sounds can the keyboard make at the same time (the processsing chip); so this keyboard has 64 note polyphony, that means the processor can sound 64 "sounds" at one time. Sounds like a lot, but each voice/instrument may use up more than 1 polyphony for each note; the backing rhythms will use polyphony, etc. I have the 76 keys and it is nice, but the E473 has "octave shift" buttons right on the front panel so that makes a 61 key keyboard better - you can move all the notes up 12 or down 12 to make it like it has the extra keys.
@@PianoTone i see, thanks again for the info, will decide within a week or so and i will check out your other videos once i get the instrument, one more thing i have been twitch for musicians and a korean girl with cello literally played a song foreign for her instantly, i thought she might need to give it a listen first or atleast keep it 10 seconds in advance so she can maybe adjust the playing but she said that she can play anything instantly because she knows where the melodies are and that she uses her ears as a way of playing, and someone else told me that such a feature will take about 6 months of practice only, i hope by 6 months i get good enough to play the keyboard with consistency let alone playing any song/music instantly for the first time the moment i hear it, my main issue right now as i am checking virtual piano sites is that i lack the speed and flow, ofcourse this being played on a computer keyboard does not help, the real instrument will be rather easier but flow and consistent speed is where i am really weak right now
Been looking for a place for reviews that have the specifics I want. Good, no, great job. An "expert" at one sales organization strongly suggests avoiding any keyboard with organ-style keys. Even full sized. And yet, I see so many positive responses to the Yamaha PSR-E473 I am puzzled as to why. The lack of fully weighted response may be his bias. You think? I have bookmarked this web page so will look here for a reply. Again, really like what and how you present.
Hey thanks for the kind words! As far as the key action goes, it all depends on what your wants, needs and preferences are. To be honest, my preference for piano pieces is always fully weighted keys (but on the light side); but I also recently joined a band, and lighter keys for organ pieces are better so you have to take all that into account. With my band (50 piano/50 organ) I started with my P-125 fully weighted piano and then switched to my PSR-EW425 for more organ options and lighter action + rotary speaker (the piano pieces not quite as good but the organ pieces way better) - so it really depends on what you want to use it for. Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone Yes, helps. Now practicing on an 1974 Yamaha Studio (I think) and a raw beginner. But, my interest in a digital is the selection of features, voices, not available on a standard piano. Best guess is that any Digital in my sub-1,000 price range with less than 88 keys, for portability, is going to most often only have unweighted keys. For now, the acoustic and later switching between as determined by my interest at the moment. Thanks again.
I've had both weighted and spring action keys. It's a matter of taste. Spring is better for spring instruments like the woodwinds. Weighted is better for piano touch. Mostly it isn't that different except that weighted feels better. Spring is easier to play fast and hard at the same time. I had to sell them both when I moved overseas. I didn't rebuy weighted because it doesn't seem worth the expense.
This is the most thorough comparison hardware video on TH-cam for this equipment. You could even use it as a performance manual. Incredible !
Hey thanks so much glad you enjoyed the review! I've done quite a few videos on the 425/473; here is a link to the playlist if you want to check out any of the other videos:
th-cam.com/play/PL_W0EMCT9oNapVXgSMoMoVV2QDzpClNEd.html
And thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe.
@@PianoTone Hi, How would you rate the Casio CT5000 compared to the Yamaha EW425,
@@duane2939 Are you referring to the CTX-5000 or CT-S500? If it's the CTX-5000 I've never seen one of those so I cannot say for sure (stores where I live have never carried the CTX line, just the CTS); but personally I would lean towards the Yamaha because it's much newer.
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Thanks for a great in-depth review! I bought the 425 and have been using it to play band jobs for about a week, and it is working great for me. I still have a lot of work ahead to be able to take full advantage of the many sounds and features, but there’s no doubt in my mind that this keyboard sets a new standard of excellence in the under $1000.00 price range.
Here are a few initial impressions, in no particular order…
I’m finding that I’m using the #2 piano sound most of the time-it just seems to work better for both comping and solos when running the keyboard through the soundboard/PA system we use.
-I use this #2 piano voice just as it is for comping and fills. It blends beautifully with the band, even while having the dynamic presence to stand out a bit when I play a fill. When I play a solo I turn up the resonance a bit to get the piano voice to punch through better and get on top of the band, and it works like a charm. I don’t have to adjust the output volume up and down much at all with this keyboard.
-My organ playing skills are weak, but already I can tell that the organ sounds on this keyboard are a huge upgrade from my previous Roland keyboard. The two voices I’ve been using this first week are #41 and #43-jazz organ 1 and 2 with rotary fast. On jazz organ 2 (#43) it’s easy to dial the rotary speaker off and on using the programmable left hand knob. I think down the line I will probably buy a Neo Mini Vent ll, but even without doing that I can see there is still a lot of experimentation that can be done to get great organ sounds with this keyboard.
-I’ve also settled on the “Hard” keyboard touch setting, as it seems to give me the best overall control. As far as the keys themselves are concerned, I can unequivocally say this-this is a fast keybed! If you can adapt to synth-weight keys or have played them before you will be fine with this keyboard feel. I agree completely with Tony’s impressions. I’ve already been using the octave up/down buttons, which is not something I’ve done before, but these are simple and quick to use. The combination of 76 keys coupled with the octave buttons makes it possible to easily play on any part of the keyboard you like.
I am super impressed with this keyboard, and I look forward to unlocking more of its potential as time goes by.
Hey thanks so much for all that awesome info! I’ve been using the “Gospel Shout” and “whitebar” organs - haven’t messed with the dials at all yet (I actually don’t know much about organs / drawbars but want to learn!); I found the jazz ones to be really quiet - maybe I need to be using the live knobs for those?
And I can see that 2nd piano voice being good for cutting through the mix - it’s brighter than the main one; I’ve been using the main one for ballads etc and “brite piano” for 50s rock (jerry Lee Lewis etc) and it sounds pretty good Ill have to try out the #2 voice with those as well.
I also settled on the hard touch setting; found it was too easy to “graze” a key accidentally and have it sound otherwise - I might however start using some registrations to save the normal keytouch for e pianos - I’m finding with Cool! Suitcase EP I have to pound the keys pretty hard to get the brighter sample on the hard setting.
Thanks again!
@Jeff Currie Very helpful. Thanks.
@@PianoTone Also helpful. Especially this sentence: "I also settled on the hard touch setting; found it was too easy to “graze” a key accidentally and have it sound otherwise ...". I'm wondering which setting I will settle on. 😃
@@TheMg49 If you're accustomed to acoustic pianos or weighted keys I'll bet on hard. I might start saving some registrations for electric pianos on medium though - the Cool! Suitcase EP seems to have a slightly different touch response to the pianos (how hard you have to press to trigger a different sample). The "grazing keys" thing won't be a problem if I practice more ;)
@@PianoTone Ok, thanks. Yeah, practice is essential. I'm pretty 'rusty' now. It always takes a while to adapt to a keyboard that you haven't played on before. I had an ew400, and it was good for playing very fast stuff and felt good (Edit: on medium setting, mostly). Easy to play, and also dynamically responsive to how hard you hit the keys. I expect that the ew425 will be at least that good, and probably better.
Wow! What a great review! Thank you so much - I already own the E473 and I still watched the whole thing. I feel so underqualified to own this keyboard and you have just really advanced my learning curve. If I had still been shopping this would have been even more amazing - really great job!
Thanks so much I appreciate that! And thanks for visiting the channel, feel free to subscribe
Professional review as always. Thanks Tony 😊
Thanks so much!
Best review ever made on youtube - congrats man
Thanks so much that’s very appreciated! And thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
This is so helpful! Such a great video resource. Thank you!
Glad you found the review helpful! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Awesome review. I will definitely check out this keyboard in a store. Thank you
Thanks a bunch. Another keyboard you might want to check out (if you don't care about all the fancy arranger features, drums etc) is another keyboard I own, the Casiotone CT-S1.
th-cam.com/video/GxABEEahz5Q/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for subscribing, hope you find a keyboard that fits your needs!
@@PianoTone thank you. I will check it out. You’ve been very helpful. I thank you once again.
I have the PSR-E473 and it's an absolute beast. It staggers the mind how much functionality is crammed into such a small, lightweight keyboard that is so affordable. It isn't perfect, by any means, but I could see actually playing gigs with this thing. Plus I know this guy who tells me how to do all the things with it that I can't figure out on my own.
Hey Dan! Yeah these keyboards really pack in the value don’t they!
Polyphony is 64 compared to GoKeys 5 - 256
Super excellent review!!
For the EW 425, is it easy to run out of polyphony with the accompaniments playing while one is playing as well even if one is controlling the sustain to a minimum?
Thanks! I know I'm not a great player, but I have never run out of polyphony (or at least noticed running out of polyphony) on any keyboard, so I don't think it's a huge issue. I know it can be more likely with some heavy accompaniment (and I don't play arrangers as much as I just play keys with my band) so it could be an issue? But I've never noticed it.
Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone I subscribed earlier. Your video work is impeccable. Thank you very much for your very quick reply and answer.
Hi would you say the NP12 & NP32 have a higher build quality and better Piano sound? I am not interested in the extra functions.
Exactly the opposite actually for piano sounds; the piano sounds on the PSR-E473/EW425 is far better than the NP32/NP12, the speakers are better, the connectivity is FAR better (the NP's have no audio interface, no line out ports, and no mic in). The build quality would be comparable; and to be fair the action on the NP series is a bit more "piano like" (it's not weighted, but it FEELS more like a piano than the PSR series does)
Keep in mind there are new versions of the NP series now, the NP35 and 15 - I haven't seen those yet so I can't comment on those (they might have more comparable sounds to the PSR series).
Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe.
@@PianoTone that's some interesting info. Is it also the same for the E373?
@@jerryx2000 The 373 also has the same (better) piano sample than the NP12/32, the 473/425 have more polyphony and effects so I think the sound is slightly better on those ones but it is the same base sample
thank for review, after many years of using a toy keyboard, now i want buy a good keyboard and that 61 key version E473, but in many videos and websites i read and about after around 6 months to 1 year the display screen issue showed up and texts is fade!
now what you say for this problem, if your keyboard no have this problem anyway you suggest for me this? or better back to older version like E463?
but that E463 piano voice is not good as E473 anyway i dont know buy E473 or no...
I don’t have the E473 I have the EW425, and have had no problems with the screen (over a year old). I also haven’t heard of that issue for a while now, so maybe Yamaha has corrected it. The 473 is a much better keyboard than the 463, if it was me I would buy the 473.
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@@PianoTone thanks for reply, and ok i think it's better to buy E473 than E463,
anyway if my mind stay on E473 then i will buy it after that then i will say if it's have that screen problem or not, after using it at least 6 months :) thanks
@@hsgames9842it has been confirmed that Yamaha has corrected this issue. The challenge now is to know which version you get. Pre or Post fix. But assume that of you get a bad one. They’ll swap it out for you
@@ttattx finally bought e373 :) it's a good keyboard but the options is less than 400 series, anyway thanks
@Piano Tone Very very helpful review, you cover it all !!! I am a novice self-learned user and wanted to get one keyboard for a lifetime, that would be great quality, enjoyable and full of features without breaking the bank.
So i already bought E473 but i was very skeptical & almost regretting about my choice over the Korg EK-50 seeing it on various reviews !
Thank you for confirming that i made the right choice on the chapter !
Awesome, glad you liked the review! The E473 and EW425 really are amazing value (the EK-50 is a nice board too, but the new Yamahas have more going for them I think!)
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@@PianoTone Of course i subscribed from the first second i found your videos :) Your reviews are high quality, detailed and informative, you really deserve millions of subscribers :)
The more time i spend with e473, the more easy it seems to me, although it will never be as easy as Korg's EK-50 amazing easy user interface.
But it pays me back with its awesome sound quality that is on more expensive keyboards :)
My only complain is that it doesn't have the ability to sustain the sound of left hand voices (such as violin, string e.t.c.) without keys pressed down.
Also it would be nice if there was a button for fast switching style variation without fill-in !
@@jimgom3337 Thanks so much for subscribing and for all the kind words!
Thank you so much.That was an EXCELLENT review ! Helped me greatly for a peace of mind .
Thanks so much glad you liked the review! It is a fantastic keyboard (either one 473 or 425).
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Thanks for the review. Can you please say more details about how to enable speakers as monitors? I can not find more info about it.
When you use the LR line outs (as opposed to the headphone out) the speakers will be enabled.
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Great review - thanks!
Thanks so much! And thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Hey sir,
Which is better for learning piano yamaha psr ew310 or psr425...? Reason.
Hi there! The 425 has better features (better sounds, speakers, connectivity, better rhythm options etc); but to be honest just for LEARNING? No difference.
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I've been thinking about purchasing a 425 as an upgrade to my current practice keyboard...a PSR-32 that I purchased new back in 1986.
When looking at online reviews about the 473/425, I've noticed comments stating that the display has been problematic for some users, but it's hard to know what the percentage is.
It seems that both Yamaha and at least one dealer do not have any 425s in stock. The keyboard's page on Yamaha's website has had it in backordered status for a while now. Guitar Center has also shown it to be out of stock. This has me wondering if Yamaha is working on a successor. 🤔
I suppose the new 320 might be a suitable substitute, but it doesn't have all of the features of the 425.
I never had any issues with the screen on mine, and I haven’t heard much about that after the first few months they were released, so I’m sure Yamaha probably corrected it.
I recently bought a Roland GO:Keys 5, review will be coming soon - it’s amazing :)
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I inquired about the display problem on a keyboard-centric forum and was told that Yamaha did, indeed have batches of 473's that developed display problems (displays dimmed out).
Was also told that, for a while, the 473 was unavailable while the problem was being investigated and rectified...but that units produced more recently should be good.
I did a recheck of Guitar Center & Sweetwater and both now show the 425 back in stock.
@@PianoTone I bit and purchased the 425.
To say that it is a step-up from my old 32 is an understatement. Strings that actually sound like strings, horns that sound like horns and pianos that are leaps & bounds better than those on the 32.
Unlike the PSR-32, I have my doubts that the 425 will last for 40 years (I probably won't be around to see it happen if it does).
One note about the 425 & damper pedals.
I purchased a Yamaha FC3A to use with the 425. Found out it didn't work. Checked the keyboard's settings and everything looked good.
Checked the owner's manual and it suggested the FC4A. I pulled up a picture of the 4A and noticed that the plug on the 4A is 1/4" mono. The plug on the 3A is 1/4" stereo.
Returned the 3A and purchased a 4A. Plugged it in and it works as expected.
So, if any viewer purchases the 425 and opts to include a damper pedal, make sure that the pedal has a 1/4" mono plug. 🙂
Thank you very much for your review, very helpful. According to your knowledge it is possible to plug in a electric guitar in the E473? Maybe via mic input?
Thanks so much! I suppose it would be possible technically, but I wouldn't recommend it; the port is designed for a mic input so it is likely amplified higher than the level meant for a guitar. For example on my Yamaha CK88, you specify whether you have a mic or instrument connected - with the mic setting it is 10x louder than if you choose instrument.
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really beautiful ! thank you so much for this
Thanks so much! And thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Super review, thank you so much. One question, can I use the sustain input to assign the pedal to another source, like articulation for instance? Thank you once again
Thanks! Check out page 64 of the manual/the pedal function (function 54 I think); you can set the pedal as follows (yes you can use it with articulation):
Determines the Function assigned to the footswitch connected
to the [SUSTAIN] jack.
• 1 (Sustain): While you press the footswitch you can still
hear a note sustain even after you release the keyboard.
• 2 (Arpeggio Hold): During Arpeggio playback, while you
press the footswitch the Arpeggio continues to sound even
if you release the keyboard.
• 3 (Sus+ArpeggioH): Both Functions described in 1 and 2
above are applied at the same time.
• 4 (Art.): While you press the footswitch, an Articulation
effect is applied.
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Thanks, very helpful.
Awesome video with incredible details. I bought one, but the one I wish they would improve is the have lighted buttons. The buttons are very hard to see without an accompanying esternal light. Have you ever tested the Korg i3? This seems similar to the PSR E473 but has lighted buttons with different colors for various functions.
Thanks!! I’ve never played the I3 - not a lot of Korg or Kawaii where I live; would love to try one though!
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I agree these are insane value for the money. However i think that Yamaha could have taken this to the next level. A portamento button, 128 registration slots, ability to play samples chromatically on the keyboard, a button to turn on DSP1, 8x2 pads that can trigger samples, phrases or drums and a simple sequencer. They could put all these in and charge 100 dollars extra and people will gladly purchase it
More features would definitely be cool, but I think they want to make sure they don’t add too much or everyone would buy the 473/425 instead of the SX series (700/900)
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@@PianoTone thanks for your fantastic effort for such a comprehensive video. I have subscribed
You want an entirely different keyboard, and that keyboard definitely exists. But it costs A LOT more money. Sure, I would be glad to pay an extra $100 for an extra $1000 of features too!
You could yank the bottom off, check for clearances and install a 1/4" Switchcraft headphone jack (wired in parallel) in the front lower panel... Could even make it a 1/8" (3.5mm) jack instead... What I do is use a Bluetooth out to "in ears"...
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Hi, thanks for the reviews.
Does the 425 have a decent synthesizer selection (Like 80s saw leads for Van Halen Jump or Synth Horns in other 80s pop?) TY
To be honest I'm not the right person to ask; it has those kinds of voices and they sound good to ME, but I am definitely not a synth player, nor would I know a "good" saw/synth voice from a bad one . . .
Sorry I couldn't be more help! Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone
Hey no worries, Thanks for the reply.
I did find an online manual that shows all the voices so I have a better idea. I haven't had a keyboard for a while but I've owned the DGX/YPG models years ago so I'm familiar with some of those settings and names.
I play mostly for hobby and just fun now. Initially I was looking for a great acoustic piano/grand sound and any synth is a plus...
And welp,
I actually just bought the 76-key PSR-EW425 online an hour ago so I'll give it a go and see for myself! Cheers.
@@Splandrocity Nice congrats! Hope it arrives soon; I'm sure you'll like it, it's an amazing keyboard
For the Piano voices, do you prefer Voice #1 or Voice #2?
There seems to be more fullness or richness in Piano Voice #2. Thoughts? (I'm debating between the 61 and the 76).
They’re both good #2 is a bit brighter and I’ve had someone mention they use it playing live and it cuts through the mix better which I can totally see. I’m still trying a lot of these out on different songs but I like having both 1 & 2 as choices (the #2 on the 61 key version isn’t as nice as the one on the 76, I’m hoping to be able to rent a 61 to actually do a side by side).
I like the 76 also just for the extra keys, the bigger speakers and the upgraded organs.
Hi. Please advice me. I have a tyros 1 and I am thinking of buying a psr e473. Which one do you think its better between the two?
I’ve never seen any of the Tyros keyboards so I can’t say for sure, sorry! That came out in 2002 though so it is pretty old.
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Of the many vids that I've viewed on the ew425, this is probably my favorite one. I also commented on your Initial Reaction vid, which was a major influence in me buying an ew425. It's on the way. Maybe I'll try to do a short TH-cam vid with it, and link to it in a comment here. Your presentations are really good. You should have more subscribers. Not sure how to facilitate that though. If I'm able to create anything with the ew425 that I like well enough to put on TH-cam, then I'll put a link to it in a comment here, if that's ok. Thanks for your well done videos and best wishes for the future.
Thanks again! The subscriber growth was slow the first year but has really picked up though - very cool and super appreciated. Feel free to link as much as you like!
May I ask what might the price of this PSR-EW425 would be going for?
It sells in the USA for about $500USD at the moment.
Thanks!
I have the 473, however, im not familiar with the features quite yet. You said I can connect my tablet, do I need an app? Android, if there's a difference. When I was a kid, in 1985 to be exact, I had a Casio guitar shaped keyboard. I had the easy play books, hitsfrm 60s 70s, n 80s, the Beatles, Elvis, and a few more. I wish those books were still available. :/
You can connect your tablet with USB and play songs, mp3/wav, listen to TH-cam etc and it will come out of the piano speakers. And if you have recording apps on your tablet, the keyboard will send both MIDI and audio to the app. For a new version of "easy play" books, you can google "song name lead sheet" and you will find alot of options. UltimateGuitar.com is a great option (free) and chordify is an inexpensive (but fantastic option); you search your song, it will show you the chords and play the TH-cam video for the song for you to play along with.
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There are online reports that some of 473 screens are defective with some partial and faded characters. Yamaha has refused to replace them under warranty. Seems to be a power supply issue. Apparently there's no problem with the 425 screens.
Thanks for that info! Why wouldn’t they replace them under warranty? Even the store purchased from should do that I would think …
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@@PianoTone these were bought from Yamaha in Singapore....Jeremy See made a video devoted to this manuf. defect.
I bought my 473 in the U.S. It has a defective screen.
@@lbamusic I bought my 473 in the U.S. It has a defective screen.
@@dpwaldman3145 Sorry to hear that! Are you able to return it for a refund or exchange?
I'm curious about a couple of things:
- was it like that from the start or did the problem appear over time?
- if you look at it from different angles does it look normal?
- is it any different if you use batteries instead of the power supply?
Good luck, I hope you can get a refund or exchange.
Great review, sir. Do the onboard speakers work as monitors when the keyboard is connected via line-out ports, or do they shut off like they do when we connect headphones?
Yes the speakers do work as monitors when using line outs! And they’re great speakers.
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@@PianoTone Thank you for such a quick reply!🙂
thank you for the video! I have a question to everyone: I used to have a PSR-330 super ancient synth which had a function I cannot find on my PSR-E473. When I play accompaniment in multi-finger mode, and I use chord inversions, is there a way to tell it I want the bass to be at my lower note? Example: I'm in the key of C, I play E-G-C (from bottom to top), and I want the accompaniment to play with the bass at E, not at C. Is there such a thing in PSR-E473? Thanks!
No that’s a different chord detection mode (usually called “fingered on bass” or something like that) - Yamaha still only includes 2 chord detection modes (and that’s not one of them) while the competition usually has 5 or more.
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Not to complain. But why do you have that blue box in the corner that dose nothing. It's a major distraction.
It’s there to put up text to help people follow the videos
Very pleased with my PSR E 473. Perhaps a little more memory and bluetooth on the next model. A better screen or capability to connect a tablet would help also. Amazing value.
You can connect a tablet with the USB to host port; just need a normal printer cable and whatever adapter you need for your tablet (lightning adapter for iPad for example). And the best part is that not only transmits MIDI like all keyboards do, but it also transmits AUDIO in BOTH directions (so you can stream audio from your tablet to play along with or send audio to your tablet to a DAW recording app)
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One of the annoying things is that if you save a song to usb, it does not play properly on your computer. It seems Yamaha has a library of non standard midi instruments. First I got around this by recording my compositions on my phone just using the voice recorder app, then I found I could connect the keyboard to an old phone using the printer cable and an adapter to change the usbA to micro usb. Strangely my 2020 galaxy ultra phone won't do this but my 2016 phone treats the keyboard as a microphone and I can record it with the voice recorder type app. This gives me digital sound which I then modify with Audacity pgm. I could connect to the computer but its very awkward to get at and my laptop if I put the keyboard on a table, the screen with fine print is hard to see.@@PianoTone
I got the e473 over the weekend and just got exasperated with all the menu after menu options…I own a decent acoustic piano and just wanted to get something to practice with when at my out of town office. So I took it back and will probably order the DGX670….but is it portable at all. Is there something that has all the benefits of the DGX-670 that weighs less?
Hi there! If you found the EW 425 menu to be overwhelming, you will probably find the DGX to be even more overwhelming- it has a massive amount of features. And it is not really portable; it is large, bulky and weighs 50 lbs (more than twice of the 425).
If you want something portable to practice on the Yamaha P125 (not P125A) is a great choice - it has fully weighted keys and is very simple to use - great piano sounds and fully weighted action. Hope that helps
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What did you get instead?
great production.....super helpful info
Thanks so much! And thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Wow that’s really an in depth review!!! You should work for Yamaha Tony 😉
Lol - hey I wouldn’t be opposed (just please not in the accounting department ;)
Yamaha should give you some kind of award for helping them sell their keyboards Tony you do an excellent job you need to get some kind of incentive because you really make the Yamaha Keyboard come to life and make people want to buy it. Great job Tony great job
Hello and thank you for your very thorough informative review. I want to buy keybord for my son, so that he has the ease of portability when play in school events, or with his friends in the future. I thought that ew425 would be a good choice, specs\price. The only thing that troubles me is the 64 voice polyphony, considering the fact of playing with sustain pedal and the simultaneous use of accompaniments and/or other effects. Please enlighten me! Cheers.
Thanks so much! I've been playing since 2019, and I now play in a gigging blues band. I've owned, rented and tested sooo many keyboards and pianos, ranging from 32 polyphony to 256. If I have even once run out of polyphony I didn't notice :) In my opinion, you would have to be playing a lot of fast sustained notes, with multiple layers, and with accompaniment to have that happen (and even sustained notes willl/SHOULD stop being sustained every time you switch a chord anyways). So I know I'm not an advanced player, but polyphony has NEVER been an issue for me.
Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone Respectfully thank you for your response. You really make it simpler for me to choose. If its fine by you, it should be fine for my son also. Thanks again!
I have 61 keys not yamaha but sound is great.I upgraded to Yamaha 88 keys and sound is super good .I am planning to buy 76 keys that I can carry outside to entertain some audience but I am thinking if it is ad good as the 88 keys.
I've often run out of space on 61 key keyboards (and have to octave shift them up or down depending on the song), 76 has always been fine for me. I don't play classical at all just modern music with chords etc.
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My keyboard didn't come with a manual. Is there one online?
Any of Yamaha's websites worldwide have downloadable manuals; just find the product and then use the downloads link and you'll be taken to a page with all the options for whatever product: usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/keyboards/portable_keyboards/psr-ew425/downloads.html#product-tabs
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Thanks so much for the tutorials
Another question? Can you turn the volume down on the sampling? I see S voice. Is thst the sampling voice?
By far the best overview/review of the Yamaha's as a short comparisson with the Korg I have on the radar.
Very helpfull, thanks!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
👍👍Hopefully, there is going to be rechargeable battery feature soon,
Check out my review on the Talentcell batteries - they are awesome: th-cam.com/video/hhrLDeLCaTg/w-d-xo.html
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On a moment, I heard that my PSR425 was playing, that there was een sustain noise , without using the sustain pedal; how is that possible?
Hi there! Check the function menu for “Release” setting - this can be modified to change the time a voice sustains naturally (without the pedal)
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Many thanks for this advice! It works !!
I am very happy this Day and later.
Mary Christmas and a healthe new year.
Gijs
i just bought the 473 but was under the impression it came with some sort of Yamaha lesson program you could access directly from the keyboard? Am I wrong?
Hi there! No there is no built in lesson feature on the 473 (there is on the 373); the 473 does I think come with a free trial to the flowkey app. You could also check out one of my favourite online piano courses Piano Man Approach - did a review here: th-cam.com/video/Ey1g9hUnZec/w-d-xo.html
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Very interesting , could you give a demonstration.
Not sure what you mean? There are lots of demos through the review. If you're looking for a song demo check this out: th-cam.com/video/iLrY0XdSLRg/w-d-xo.html
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Does it support micro tuning for playing oriental music?
Is psr ew 425 and psr e473 are same ?
Does it have same tones?
The tones are exactly the same except the 425 has a better quality 2nd piano voice (main piano is the same) and the 425 has 10 enhanced organ voices.
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Its to bad that you cant use the sampler mode for voices. That way i could have used a drum kit to make a drum patern and put it on loop. Realt a missed op to have a option to loop a voice
It's an awesome keyboard, but looping isn't one of it's things (and the sampling is the one thing that's kind of useless; I tried sampling a horn sound so I could use a button to trigger it in a song, which worked, but it was impossible to time - it has to be an audio file so if there is even a millisecond of time at the start of your recording you can't time when it will be heard after hitting the button; would have to edit the audio wav file to remove all leading time - totally not worth the effort lol)
Question , that USB is both midi and audio , does that mean i can lay down the keyboard sounds itself on the grid of my mpc , or in a daw ? Because im looking for that , and im new to music production and dont know that much
Since it sends both MIDI and audio, it means you can send audio to an audio track in a DAW (or even straight to a recording app like the camera app on your phone) and get high quality direct audio without needing an external audio interface like a focusrite Scarlett etc. Keyboards without audio built in to that port (like all Casios) can only send MIDI data (so use the sounds in the DAW instead of the actual audio from your piano); for those keyboards to send audio they need to go through the external interface first.
Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone that answered my question , thanks , im gonna order it. And im subbing
@@ipainthouses3084 That's awesome hope it arrives soon, and thanks for the sub!
@@PianoTone I ordered the psr e 473 , its ariving tommorow night. Its gonna be my first real keyboard. Last 5 months been playing a very small midi that i bought with a mpc. And i enjoy music production so much. I never even played a note up untill 5 months ago. Now i want to learn to play the keys. Im 41 soon and realy regret i didnt get in earlier , always wanted it though. Guess they say its never to late. Thank for the video
@@ipainthouses3084 That's great you won't regret it (I started playing keys in 2019 and it's been amazing). And the 473 is awesome, you'll love it - and with rhythms etc it's a great keyboard to learn on. If you want to checkout my reviews for online courses I recommend (that worked for me) here's a link:
th-cam.com/play/PL_W0EMCT9oNb7OQ7TiB0WHZv7K4k1bScA.html
Is there any way to maintain the M Release function across all the voices. I mean it changes back to default wen we change the voice.. pls reply
Not as far as I know (for all voices) it may even differ (default setting) voice by voice - you would have to save it for voices you want to use it for as a registration.
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@@PianoTone right sir.. but it's a big drawback that we can't maintain release function across voices
Do the e473 keyboards still have display issues? Can anyone confirm it?
I haven't had any trouble with the EW425, and I haven't heard/seen any recent complaints about the 473 so I'm sure Yamaha has addressed the issue that happened right when the 473 came out.
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Outstanding review, thanks! Go Sharks!
Thanks so much glad you enjoyed the review! And yeah go Sharks! Saw a playoff game there during a road trip years ago :)
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Awesome! I really like this keyboard, about to buy one - my biggest question is, I'd like to use the WAV file audio playback (of some prerecorded synths on a thumb drive) and play keys over that. Will this allow me to play the wav file at the 100% recorded/playback level on the thumb drive, and be able to adjust the keys level I'm playing over that between 0-100% level?
@@billnelson3732 I use backing tracks all the time (both streamed from iPad to Aux In or from the flash drive); both come in at a good volume (many keyboards don't) and you can also adjust the relative incoming volume within the menu for each. I can't say for sure if you are getting 100% of the original levels (I would think you probably are), but I've never had a problem with managing incoming volumes on the 425 (same as 473). It's actually one of the best keyboards I've had with regard to that issue.
Hope that helps!
It does help, thanks! I'll be ordering one today - thanks so much!!
Please ! An advice to get thé nearest sound of vintage Fender Rhodes amp more or less saturated..the inbuilt one of elp is good but too sweet to my ears. Thanks
Hi there! I don't have alot of experience with effects (or a with Rhodes sounds even though I like them). The data list on Yamaha's website lists all of the DSP effects available, maybe one of those would be what you are looking for.
europe.yamaha.com/files/download/other_assets/4/1544204/psre473_en_fr_es_de_ja_dl_a0.pdf
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Hi there! I have the PSRe 473 but I keep having issues with USB flash drives. One would say "Unformat" Now the manual says if you get a "Format?" message afterwards, you can format the USB. But I wouldn't get that message. I would just get "Unformat"? then the message goes off. Then I tried other drives and I get NoFile even though I do have files on the USB drive. I also tried buying different USB flash drives because the first few I tried might have been too big with 128 gb and I read somewhere that it won't take large drives. I called Yamaha tech support. He first told me maybe 32gb...but he also recommended 8gb or 16 gbs. I purchase a 16 gb drive and still getting NoFile message. I had been emailing the Yamaha tech support person...but he hasn't replied to my latest email yet. ..but I just don't know what else to do. I even reset my keyboard to factory settings. Anyone else having an USB issue?
I haven’t had any issues and I am away from my keyboard right for a couple weeks so I can’t test it. The “nofile” is if the keyboard either doesn’t recognize the file format, or if (I think) the files are nested too deeply in folders)
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@@PianoTone Thank you. Hmm 🤔 Yeah I always have the right format and put the files in the root folder too...so I am puzzled.
Thanks again and just subscribed.
I have for just pay yamaha ew425 today, after I was see you videos
Awesome, congrats! Hope you enjoy your 425 it is an awesome keyboard. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
It is a MIDI controller too?
Yes it is; it has USB MIDI out (also sends audio over that connection in both directions, which is great because then your audio from your device/app will come back through the keyboard speakers with no lag)
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Thank you
:)
Well done.
Can this play USB rhythms
You can load up to 10 custom rhythms if you want (I've never done that though).
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Sir can you play hard piano covers on this keyboard?
You can play anything on this keyboard - if it is classical music you might want the 425 with 76 keys instead of 61. Hope that helps! Thanks for visiting the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone Thanks for replying. Can you post a video of a piano cover on this keyboard. I search many videos but they only play soft piano. I want to see how hard/fast piano covers sounds like on this keyboard.
Hey guys...if you could buy a psr 630 for half the price that of the e473 what would be your choice?
Hey there - I don’t know anything about the 630 but I looked it up and it was released in 1997; so no I would either buy the 473 or if it’s too $$$ I would buy a 373 before buying something 26 years old (the sounds won’t even be comparable)
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the worst thing is it only has 2 variations of each rythm.... this type of keyboard need 4 :(
A lot of the competition does have more variations for sure; but I also think Yamaha accompaniment is usually programmed better (smoother fills and changes etc). I just wish Yamaha would catch up with more chord detection modes, especially full keyboard.
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@@PianoTone yes, I like a lot this yamaha, but wish it had more variations. Do you know some of the competition similar? Thank you.
@@erjuanjojj There is a new Roland GO Keys (3 and 5) that I think have 4 variations: geni.us/eocArBt I will try to review one when they are available where I live.
Whish one shoul I getbuy
They’re both awesome - if you feel the extra keys and bigger speakers are important to you the 425 is a great choice: if not the 473 is a great choice.
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Sorry im 70 years old, I shold wrigt bay😅
:)
Sir few questions i am from India, i asked around to random musicians on twitch and most said to not buy anything except the ones with 88 weighted keys, now i have no basic knowledge, no idea how to read music sheet, melody, harmony notes etc. can someone like me self learn if i buy the e-473? ew425 is not available here for the time being, my plan is to make original background music, something similar to jingles, themes, instead of just playing songs, this is for both personal use and commercial use if i get good enough.
Can you make something like ambience sound and sell it to music stores online? just some random tunes, long or short but nothing like full song or music, if i can give some example, the kinda of music you would hear in background in dramas or any kind of media to be precise, it that a thing? or you would need to be hired by studios for such kind of music creation job? 88 weighted key models costs over 50k here
One of the reason i want to get into music is due to a korean actress singer who has inspired me to be something big in life, otherwise i am doing fine in my web work as a freelancer, i have a lot of free time to spare daily so thought to learn something instead of wasting time, besides my father used to play harmonium, mouth organ and eletronic piano so music is kinda in the blood
Hi there! You can absolutely learn to play on a 473! And since it has hundreds of sounds, rhythms and accompaniment, and recording features it would be a great choice for making the kind of music you’re talking about.
The only reason you NEED weighted keys is for a similar feel to an acoustic piano (so that you can get familiar with that feel for when you buy an acoustic piano, or play one at your school or church etc). For classical piano pieces, weighted keys will allow for more expressiveness; but for the kind of music you are interested in, a keyboard with lots of sounds and features is more appropriate.
For learning, I have reviews on some inexpensive online courses (you don’t need to read sheet music). Pianoforall and Birds Piano Academy would be the least expensive; here is a list of reviews: Online Piano Course Reviews
th-cam.com/play/PL_W0EMCT9oNb7OQ7TiB0WHZv7K4k1bScA.html
As far as selling your music, I don’t really know too much about that - sorry!
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@@PianoTone thanks for the reply, so if acoustic music is already available on this one, why would someone need to have weighted key model? maybe for the grand piano playing which would be for professionals or as you said schools etc. and the other expensive model is also available but only one in stock, 425, it costs 7k more but other than big speakers and a particular sound you mentioned being of better quality there is no other major differences right? although i would not mind getting more keys
secondly the voices i assume are the instruments i assume so what are polyphony sounds? i checked you other video on samples and i was impressed by flute instrument sounding really well as well as violin, even if i buy this just for fun it seems well worth it and i will likely be using headphones most of the time if not all times to not disturb the neighbors or the family people so that loud speaker on that expensive model does not really factor in for me, 76 keys seems more attractive
@@GotuUmraniya The weighted keys are for feel only (more like a real piano). And yes "voices" = "instruments". "Polyphony" is not a voice or an instrument; polyphony is how many sounds can the keyboard make at the same time (the processsing chip); so this keyboard has 64 note polyphony, that means the processor can sound 64 "sounds" at one time. Sounds like a lot, but each voice/instrument may use up more than 1 polyphony for each note; the backing rhythms will use polyphony, etc.
I have the 76 keys and it is nice, but the E473 has "octave shift" buttons right on the front panel so that makes a 61 key keyboard better - you can move all the notes up 12 or down 12 to make it like it has the extra keys.
@@PianoTone i see, thanks again for the info, will decide within a week or so and i will check out your other videos once i get the instrument, one more thing
i have been twitch for musicians and a korean girl with cello literally played a song foreign for her instantly, i thought she might need to give it a listen first or atleast keep it 10 seconds in advance so she can maybe adjust the playing but she said that she can play anything instantly because she knows where the melodies are and that she uses her ears as a way of playing, and someone else told me that such a feature will take about 6 months of practice only, i hope by 6 months i get good enough to play the keyboard with consistency let alone playing any song/music instantly for the first time the moment i hear it, my main issue right now as i am checking virtual piano sites is that i lack the speed and flow, ofcourse this being played on a computer keyboard does not help, the real instrument will be rather easier but flow and consistent speed is where i am really weak right now
Been looking for a place for reviews that have the specifics I want. Good, no, great job. An "expert" at one sales organization strongly suggests avoiding any keyboard with organ-style keys. Even full sized. And yet, I see so many positive responses to the Yamaha PSR-E473 I am puzzled as to why. The lack of fully weighted response may be his bias. You think? I have bookmarked this web page so will look here for a reply. Again, really like what and how you present.
Hey thanks for the kind words! As far as the key action goes, it all depends on what your wants, needs and preferences are. To be honest, my preference for piano pieces is always fully weighted keys (but on the light side); but I also recently joined a band, and lighter keys for organ pieces are better so you have to take all that into account.
With my band (50 piano/50 organ) I started with my P-125 fully weighted piano and then switched to my PSR-EW425 for more organ options and lighter action + rotary speaker (the piano pieces not quite as good but the organ pieces way better) - so it really depends on what you want to use it for.
Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone Yes, helps. Now practicing on an 1974 Yamaha Studio (I think) and a raw beginner. But, my interest in a digital is the selection of features, voices, not available on a standard piano. Best guess is that any Digital in my sub-1,000 price range with less than 88 keys, for portability, is going to most often only have unweighted keys. For now, the acoustic and later switching between as determined by my interest at the moment. Thanks again.
I've had both weighted and spring action keys. It's a matter of taste. Spring is better for spring instruments like the woodwinds. Weighted is better for piano touch. Mostly it isn't that different except that weighted feels better. Spring is easier to play fast and hard at the same time. I had to sell them both when I moved overseas. I didn't rebuy weighted because it doesn't seem worth the expense.