Home > Consumer Reviews > Yamaha DGX-200AD 76-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard with AC Adapter

I just finished my graduate degree and started a temporary college teaching job. So since I didn't want to move a large piano to whatever job I end up getting, I decided on a good quality keyboard. I couldn't afford to buy a Disklavier or another of the high-end keyboards (and I eventually plan to get a real baby grand anyway). So I decided to get the highest end Yamaha/Casio/whatever I could afford. This was it!

I love my Yamaha. I could sit for hours and play with the beautiful digital sounds like the harp, pan flute, steel drum and many non-western instruments, but of course I bought it as a PIANO. It doesn't do a bad job at that, but they advertise this as a "Portable Grand"-- and that it is not. First, the piano sound seems to be a touch softer than any of the other voices, so you have to crank the volume to get a decent full sound from it. Second, I think I've heard better digitized piano. It's not bad by any means and I still give it 5 stars, but it's not quite as good as the hype.

Over all, my favorite features are the large keyboard (FINALLY!!! a keyboard on which I can play octaves in the bass without running out of room!!!!), the "wheel" interface for changing voices, the sleek grey styling and the strong sturdy music stand (it can even handle my heavy hardbound Reader's Digest songbooks). I haven't tried the computer interface yet, but I feel like this is a keyboard that will grow with me. I have been playing the piano for 25 years and I am very satisfied with this instrument. If you're not expecting a baby grand, it won't disappoint you.

The DGX series do not allow the piano voice to be played loud enough; it can only be heard at slightly less than an average volume when volume dial is turned to "max." The problem is that I found myself playing harder to get the touch sensitivity to compensate. I had to decide whether to get an amplifier or speakers, or to return it. The positive reviews about this keyboard are all true. I only gave it three stars because of the volume problem. Every DGX model (200, 300, and 500) have low volume output for the grand piano voice. If you have speakers or an amplifier, than this keyboard is worth every penny. Beware that many other buyers have had the same complaint.

There are better keyboards out there, but only for WAY more money. For under [$$$], you get 76 keys, 600 sounds, over 100 styles, and Yamaha name and quality and looks. I like the PSR2000 best because of 64-noty polyphony (vs 32 in the DGX200)and the vocalizer, but it is over 3X the cost! The DGX 200 packs most of the same sounds. I think it is truly the best value out there for the $$.

OK, I haven't tried the Casios that some rave about, but I do know this...the keyboard does offer an adequate volume level (particularly how I play). If you want more volume: 1-Try turning the touch response off. 2-Go into the function menu and turn the M.Volume control UP. I'm certain that the naysayers didn't read into the manual. I admit that there's not a ton of additional sound, but it's set at "104" from the factory and can go to "127" if you choose to. That's because Yamaha has given the unit some "play" so you can raise or lower the sound to match other built-in settings. Also when a "song" is playing there's extra sounds like bass, cymbal etc., so how much can you expect of 12watts, total? 3-Go to radio shack, get the right adapter and plug it in to you stereo (or I've read about some adding inexpensive PC speakers for $30-$60). One or all of the above will do the trick.

It's got a great range of voices. The piano sounds great as well as others like guitar, church organ, etc. There's 600 to choose from. I advise the 202 model which will include a sustain pedal, AC power adapter, some 'phones and an extended warranty.

I've had my Yamaha DGX200 Keyboard for a while now, and I must say that this is a sharp looking and brilliant sounding keyboard. The sound on this unit is very clear and amazing in all aspects of play. It is truly a "digital" experience in the fullest sense. The keyboard is loaded with all the great features you would come to expect from a Yamaha keyboard, and then some. Go ahead and get yourself the adjustable keyboard bench, and you have yourself one great unit. This unit is not particularly heavy, but it is big and rather bulky. With what you gain by the light weight of this keyboard, you lose by the fact that it is big. But, what can you expect from such a great unit! If you're in the market for a Yamaha digital keyboard, go ahead and get yourself this one. You won't be sorry!