Three New DGX-Series Portable Keyboards from Yamaha

DGX203

DGX305

DGX505

Yamaha announced for the Winter NAMM show the new DGX203, DGX305 and DGX505 portable keyboards. The new entries represent part of a complete overhaul of the Yamaha DGX line, and are targeted to the first-time buyer in the market for a piano-oriented product.

All three models will be available in June and feature 32 notes of polyphony; a 6-track sequencer for recording, built-in speaker systems, a large selection of onboard songs and some of the best voices available today, including Yamaha's XGlite/GM voices and Portable Grand function. The built-in, upgraded Yamaha Education Suite (YES III) includes exercises, interactive lessons and the "Your Tempo" learning mode, which allows the user to learn songs by progressing at a suitable rate and repeat any difficult sections. Also included is the Easy Song Arranger, the Performance Assistant feature and more.

The 76-key DGX203 (MSRP $479.99) is an updated version of the Yamaha DGX202 and features USB connectivity for quick and easy connection to a computer and the Internet. Users can add their own songs and content to the DGX203 via Flash ROM.

"Music teachers will often recommend a 76-key instrument for learning to play the piano because many entry-level piano pieces exceed the 5-octave/61-key limitation found on other keyboards," states Jim Presley, marketing manager, Yamaha Portable Keyboards. "The DGX203 works nicely for not only the beginner, but the advancing student as well. Simply connect the keyboard to your computer via USB and transfer any General MIDI song file into the keyboard and the song will work with the Interactive lessons."

The 76-key DGX305 (MSRP $599.95) is packed with features and functions that will let the user enjoy music to its fullest, including 76 piano-sized keys, a large LCD Lyric and Score display, SmartMedia storage, USB connectivity and an extra-high quality piano voice.

The DGX505 (MSRP $899.95) has all the features of the DGX305, with the addition of the look and sound of an acoustic piano: 88 piano-style keys, a wooden stand and side panels, sustain pedal and high-resolution piano sample.